Canadians trace descendants via DNA

Release date: 06.08.07
Ref: BBC/PR/R&D/23/07

In 1837 a group of 150 people, mainly from the Glendale area, set sail on the “Cornelius”, a ship charted by the Stanley Land Company and headed for a new life in New Brunswick in Canada.

At the end of August, 2007 a group of over 100 people who are descendants of the original settlers are holding a reunion at Ford Castle in North Northumberland to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the sailing of the Cornelius. Some of the descendants are coming from as far afield as Australia.

Whilst they are here, the group are very keen to meet people who may be related to them - the descendents of other family members who stayed behind.

Berwick Borough Archivist Linda Bankier said:
“Some of the descendents have been located already but the group are very keen to get in contact and meet other people who may be related to them. They would also like to carry out some DNA testing to establish possible links in the area.

“The DNA testing is being carried out in conjunction with the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (www.smgf.org) which is building up a database of genetic and genealogical data to help family historians searching for their ancestors and finding common connections.

“Anyone over the age of seven can take part, providing they submit a copy of their pedigree chart to the Foundation and sign a consent form,” she said.

A list of the names and pedigrees of those who went out on the Cornelius can be found on http://history.earthsci.carleton.ca/harvey/geneaology/corneliusettlers.htm

The surnames of the families included Bell, Brown, Carmichael, Cesford, Cockburn, Cowe, Craigs, Embleton, Gregg, Grieve, Hay, Herbert, Hume, Kay, Messer, Montgomery, Mowet, Nesbit, Piercy, Robson, Scott, Taite, Thompson, Thomson, Wightman and Wilson.

If you think you are related to any of the families and would like to get in contact with the group or find out more about the DNA testing or the reunion, please contact Linda Bankier, Berwick Borough Archivist on 01289 301865 or e-mail lb@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk