Bach to Back DNA Project update
Two participants of the Bach to Back DNA Project have upgraded their tests to 67 markers and are still a very close match, and have no other matches of any surname.
Kit # 68731 is a proven descendant of James Back and Nancy Back who married in Fayette County Kentucky on March 9, 1812. Estate documents prove that Nancy was the daughter of Joseph Back who died in 1834 in Garrard County Kentucky. Their marriage bond was signed by Harmon Back, leading to a very strong theory that Harmon Back Jr. was James’ father. This subject’s great grandfather was William Berriman Back who was prominent in the history of Montezuma Well in Arizona which is now a National Parks Monument.
Kit # 195252 is a proven descendant of John Back and Catherine Robinson Back both of whom died in Breathitt County Kentucky. The test subject’s father was born 1908 at Stevenson near Quicksand Creek in Breathitt County Kentucky, the son of Joseph Lee Back and Mary Jane McIntosh.
Both of these DNA participants have tested 67 markers and have also had the Deep Clade testing. The advanced Deep Clade test was necessary because the first 12 markers of the standard test did not yield enough information to place them in a haplogroup. We now know that both subjects are E1b1b1a3, V-22. This is a very rare haplogroup for folks north of the Alps in Europe but it does occur. We hope that this rarity will make it easier to confirm the earlier origins of our line.
We need more test subjects to advance the project. We are particularly interested in recruiting men who descend from the following:
Harmon Back, died 1798 Garrard Co., Kentucky
Henry Back and Susannah Maggard of Letcher Co., Kentucky
John Back, Revolutionary War Soldier died 1840 Monroe Co., Indiana
Joseph Back died 1834 Garrard Co., Kentucky
John Back died 1834 Wayne Co., Kentucky
Anyone else with an all-male Back or Bach line from Eastern Kentucky or Virginia
For the purposes of this study, we especially would like to hear from descendants who have gathered the actual documentation proving their descent. Although published books may contain a lot of good information, they are not considered to be proof. The published books can be an excellent road map for locating such documentation as wills, marriage records, and deeds. Census records are also good forms of proof.
We want to hear from you even if you have not yet gathered the proofs. It’s possible that someone else already has them and will share. You can also go ahead and order a test and gather more proofs while you’re waiting for results.
The cost of DNA testing is less when the kits are ordered through a Family Tree DNA Project so be sure you join our project first, then order your kit through the project. The test is very easy and completely painless. You just swab the inside of your check four times and mail it back in the envelope provided. It takes a few weeks for the lab to test your sample and send you the results. Female researchers can recruit and pay for tests for brothers, fathers, or male cousins. Several family members can also share the cost of a test.
Looking forward to hearing from folks interested in this project.
Karen Back Simmons
Project Administrator
Bach to Back DNA Project
[email protected]