36 – Editorial

06:44PM UTC – Monday, 22 October 2007
Contributed by: Jerry Green

In this issue we attempt to drag the Bunting Society, though not necessarily screaming and kicking, into the 21st Century with an introduction to DNA testing as a means of tracing one’s ancestors – or at least those on the legitimate (literally) paternal line. David Bunton’s article spells out the genetic genealogy techniques used to establish present and therefore past relationships.
Under the aegis of an organisation called Family Tree DNA, formed in 2000, over 4000 surnames are now subjects of genetic genealogy projects. Most have been initiated in the United States, where FTDNA has its headquarters. But because so many US citizens, including the many Buntings, Buntons, Buntens etc across the water, boast – albeit, until now, hazily -European ancestry, it is only natural for those participating in DNA projects to want to involve their namesakes on this side of the Atlantic. – – —
It follows that FTDNA is eager to expand its database through the addition of DNA records from as wide a geographical spectrum as possible. In its modest way, the Bunting Society has, since its creation in 1990, sought to establish family-to-family connections, which appear from time to time in GoneA-Hunting under the ‘LINKS’ heading.
Using DNA techniques it should be possible to verify far more of those vital links, not just between BS members living on opposite sides of the Atlantic, but also those within the UK where, at present, circumstantial evidence suggests that there is a blood relationship, but which cannot be confirmed by traditional genealogical research.
Needless to say, Family Tree DNA is a commercial organisation, and testing of a DNA sample – from a simple ‘cheek scrape’ – might appear costly to those just idly curious about their genetic family links. Pricing is in US dollars which means that, at today’s exchange rate with the pound sterling, the figures look slightly less daunting.
Nevertheless, the simplest 21 ‘marker* test costs US$149.00 to process. David Bunton recommends, for more meaningful results, a minimum 37 ‘marker’ test, at US$259.00, while real enthusiasts can go for the premium 67 ‘marker’ test, costing US$349.00. You can learn more about the procedures, and about the background to DNA testing as a genealogical tool on the website familytreedna.com

DNA Surname Project

10:44PM UTC – Monday, 22 October 2007
Contributed by: Mr David T Bunton

The Bunting-Bunton DNA Project was begun in 2006 by Bunting Society member, David Travillion Bunton, who volunteered as administrator for the project conducted through http://www.familytreedna.com. The Bunting surname is now represented among over 4,000 other surnames with projects hosted through the genetic genealogy company known as Family Tree DNA. Participants from the UK, US, and around the world have participated in DNA testing through the Houston, Texas based company. Since its inception, in April of 2000, Family Tree DNA has been associated with the Arizona Research Labs, led by Dr. Michael Hammer, one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of Genetics.

Having other renowned scientists on its advisory board, Family Tree DNA is the world leader and only organization in the field of Genetic Genealogy that has been constantly developing the science that enables many genealogists around the world to advance their families research. The Family Tree DNA database is currently the largest in the world. Studies are currently on-going concerning DNA for the Mongol leader, Genghis Khan, the fifth century Irish chieftain known as “Niall of the Nine Hostages”, as well as connections to US Presidents, such as Thomas Jefferson.
The objective of the Bunting-Bunton DNA project is to identify relationships and lineages for the Bunting surname, including variants such as Bunton, Buntin, Bunten, etc. Traditional documentation and research has focused on the Bunting family in Derbyshire, England as well as several regions of the USA and other countries, where variant surnames such as Bunton can be shown to be related to the Bunting surname. The project welcomes participants worldwide, in addition to stated focus areas of the UK and USA. DNA tests for the various marker tests are offered, but tests for 37 markers or greater are highly recommended. At the time of application to the study, each testee should send for the attention of die group administrator a basic paternal lineage from himself to his earliest proven Bunting ancestor. A Surname Project traces members of a family that share a common surname. Since surnames are passed down from father to son like the Y-chromosome, the testing is for males taking a Y-DNA test. Females do not carry their father’s Y-DNA and acquire a new surname by way of marriage, so the tested individual must be a male who wants to check his direct paternal line (father’s father’s father’s…) with a Y-DNA37, or Y-DNA67 marker test. Females who would like to check their direct paternal line can have a male relative with this surname order a Y-DNA test.
Females can also order an mtDNA test for themselves such as the mtDNA or the mtDNAPlus test and participate in an mtDNA project.
The actual testing process is simple. The Family Tree DNA test kit consists of two cheek scrapers and two collection tubes -designed for a single person’s use. Each tube contains a fluid designed to arrest bacteria growth, so you can scrape your cheek and return your kit in any type of weather (hot or cold), and the sample remains intact for several months. DNA testing should be used as a genealogical tool which may complement traditional research and documentation methods. Analysis and interpretation of DNA results requires multiple testees for comparison of results. A review of traditional documentation representing lineages is also encouraged to complement accurate
reporting of “earliest known Bunting ancestor”. Currently four Bunting/Bunton males have tested for the project, with more testees for the project being sought to represent both proven lineages as well as those Bunting lines which require additional documentation. The project is currently seeking male Buntings with Derbyshire Bunting ancestry, but all geographical areas and lineages are encouraged to participate. Bunting Society members may make inquiries direct to the project administrator, David Travillion Bunton or may investigate DNA and the process in detail at http://www.familytreedna.com. The Bunting-Bunton Surname Project may be located by following the “Surname Projects” links on the site, where DNA kit orders (37 marker or higher recommended) may be completed.

Buntings of Asthall, Oxon

09:14AM UTC – Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Contributed by: Ron Ellis

It has happened at last! I have never had a squeak about my BUNTINGs – Richard b 1828 in Asthall being my first relative.

Last week I had a contact via Genes Reunited about FRANK BUNTING b 1895 in Golborne, Lancs, my Fourth Cousin once removed.

Margaret Simpson confirms his marriage to Lily Simpson, and details of two children born in Ulverston, Cumbria

So – it pays to be patient

Regards to all

Ron Ellis in a very wet Yorkshire

Sheffield built treadle lathe

01:17PM UTC – Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Contributed by: Anonymous

Hello,

I have an old treadle lathe with a makers plate which reads ” J H Bunting Makers Sheffield”

Does anyone have any informaton on lathe makers in Sheffield of that name?

It may be John Henry Bunting b. abt. 1893, Father Geo. Bunting b. abt 1866, shown as lathe maker in 1901 census.

Regards, brian@rjbkbloom.f9.co.uk

Obtaining Post 1837 English & Welsh Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates

11:56PM UTC – Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Contributed by: Jerry Green

The cheapest and easiest way to obtain copies of Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates now that the Family Records Centre in London is closed.

Obtain them online from the General Register Office. Obtaining copies from elsewhere will almost certainly incur additional costs.

For Birth Certificates

For Marriage Certificates

For Death Certificates

Distribution of the Surname Bunting

04:31PM UTC – Saturday, 15 December 2007
Contributed by: Jerry Green

The National Trust has a web site which gives the distribution of surnames in 1881 and 1998. The map below shows distribution of the Bunting surname for 1998. To find out more go to The National Trust Website. It is especially interesting to look at the distribution of all the variants of the Bunting name.

All entries from 2007…

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