Updated 14 September 2024 The Big Y 700 is our test of choice for males. To help find family connections for the MARSTONs of all spelling and variations. By joining the group you agree to provide the project with 3 things. 1) The surname of the person being tested. 2) The name, date and place of birth of the oldest researched male ancestor of your male patrilineal line and the oldest researched female ancestor of your matrilineal line. 3) Permission to publish the DNA results and the names, dates and places of birth of the oldest known patrilineal or matrilineal ancestor. MARSTEN, MARSTIN, MARSTON, MASTEN, MASTIN, or MASTON. This project is mainly for males whose surname is either of the above. The New England colonial MARSTONs have 3 known progenitors: John of Salem; John, "The Mariner", and William of Hampton. The Virginia MARSTONs may descend from as many or more progenitors. I personally have always suspected that both John, "The Mariner", and one or more of the Virginia MARSTONs came from Norfolk county, England, as did John of Salem and William. It would now seem, however, that the evidence contradicts this "pet" notion of mine. Like most families, we are a multi-racial group, and at least one of us, whose earliest known ancestor lived in Jamaica, has proven to be of Haplogroup A, the original of all the haplogroups. None of us can assume that the compilers of of our family genealogies got it right. Science will either confirm or refute their findings. Science may also prove or disprove a connection among the several MARSTON, MASTEN, etc., families who have survived to this day. Our preliminary focus is upon our North American cousins, but cousins from the world wide are welcome. Proof of an American colonial connection is NOT required. It is anticipated that most of us will find our common ancestor[s] lived in England before colonies were established. This will provide an opportunity to explore possible connections among the several British lines. It will allow Canadians, Australians, etc., to explore whether they have cousins at home, in the USA, in England, or elsewhere. Descendants of the New York colonial MASTENs are participating and have already found that they connect with a MARSTON branch. Some Canadian MARSTONs, etc., may match with those from colonial New England lines, while others will match to other lines that will undoubtedly develop eventually. I'm excited about this project and what modern science can add to our knowledge of our roots and our relationships to one another. Come join us to help find the answers for these lines and for your own paternal line.