We have a new DNA sample at the lab processing as we speak. This time we looking to solve the question of whether there is a link between the Babb families of Eastern Virginia and those of North Carolina. This topic was recently featured in Volume 7 of the Babb Unabridged Series entitled “The Puzzling History of the Babb Families of North Carolina & Eastern Virginia” where I put forward the theory that these two families are related. The paper trail couldn’t be thinner, so DNA is needed to answer this age old question. There is a single document that tips us off about this connection, which I call the Babb Rosetta Stone. You can read more about the Babb Rosetta Stone at the link above.
A match for the North Carolina Babb family would mean that they are potentially able to trace their lineage back another couple of generations and a new narrative about their arrival in the US, prior to the American Revolution, could be formed. A match for the Eastern Virginia Babbs would show that this lineage didn’t die out, but thrived in a nearby community. Our current testee is from the never before tested branch of the Eastern Virginia Babbs. We have a couple of candidates from different sections of the North Carolina Babbs.
Of course, as we recently have seen with the testing in England, unpredictable things happen. I had put forth a theory that two families, living just 50 miles apart almost 400 years ago, were related. The DNA had a different story to tell as it may here.
So, a new waiting game begins. The results are due with the New Year, so keep your fingers crossed that I got this one right.
Dan
9 responses to “Solving the puzzle of the Babb Rosetta Stone”
I have been looking for ancestry of John Babb, my ancestor, for a few months. I descend from him through Anna Babb Walters, John Babb’s daughter. John Babb fought in the Battle of Cowpens in the North Carolina Line on the front lines. Because of his service, John Babb was awarded land near Paris, Tennessee, and a DAR chapter is named after him. Please keep me informed regarding this DNA test. I am very proud of his service.
Lila, You likely already realize this, but for other readers I just thought I’d put your note into context. Your John Babb is a member of the Babb Families of North Carolina. His number in the tree is 5-8-1 and your lineage will be affected by these results, no matter which way they turn out. I’m excited to be able to finally have the opportunity to solve this puzzle.
I am thrilled to have the information you sent me about John Babb’s being a part of the North Carolina families. I didn’t know this!!!! Thank you! Thank you!
I’m not sure how to find him on the family tree. Do you have time to instruct me?
Lila Walters Moorer
I’m sorry, I forget that not everyone knows where the master tree is located. You will find it on Ancestry.com at this URL: http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/67152098/family?cfpid=46164928986.
Not much more is known about John’s heritage, but he fits into several clusters of Babb’s that we call the “North Carolina Babbs”. They are a distinctly not related to Phillip of the Isles of Shoals. Their tree bears the number 5. John’s father is unknown, but his brother William is (1759-bef 1827). Records in early North Carolina are sparse, but DNA testing has confirmed relations with at least two of the 8 clusters. More candidates from the various branches can confirm this connection for you, if you can locate a male family member who still bears the surname Babb.
Look up the person “North Carolina Babbs” and you can see the whole tree together. John descends from the one named “Babb” with no first name known at this time.
Daniel, you are too kind. Thank you for taking time to give these instructions.
Lila Walters Moorer
I have had my DNA tested through Ancestry.com I show 60% Great Britain 36% Ireland 2% Europe west + 1% Iberian Peninsula 1% Finland-northwestern Russia. I am not sure about your link request but Abner Babb b in Winchester VA we migrated to GA tied with Keller Babb of Ga
Interesting information. I’ll be interested to know results. Thanks.
[…] may recall my post from November 13, 2015 entitled Solving the puzzle of the Babb Rosetta Stone, in which we were testing the theory that the Eastern Virginia Babb (4) family was related to the […]
My 4th Great Grandpap was John Babb,(1768-1829), married to Rebecca Castor. They lived in East Liverpool, Ohio and owned Babb’s Island on the Ohio River. Do you have any info on his ancestral line?