With the exception of computers which have made the work of genealogy available to virtually anyone, anywhere, the advent of genetic testing to establish lineal descent has been the biggest boon to researchers.
The y-DNA tests the direct male line while the mtDNA tests the female line.
We now have four men, descended from Deacon Daniel Markham, who have had their tests done. Their common ancestor is William Markham b. 28 Jan 1705/6, son of James, son of Deacon Daniel. Two are descended from William’s son, William Jr. and two from his son James. Continue reading