The Rowland Xref Project is the current focal point of our Rowland DNA research. Its ambitious goal is to cross-reference all Rowland Y-DNA test takers to their associated family trees. More specifically, the intent is to link and cross-reference (Xref) the members (Y-DNA test-takers) of the Rowland Project at FamilyTreeDNA to the various Rowland ancestral lines and profiles of the Rowland Project at WikiTree.
We are using the genetic genealogy techniques of combining the science of Y-DNA testing with traditional document-based family relationship research. This allows us to identify and categorize the various lines of the Rowland surname throughout the world.
A note about Patriarchs: The so-called patriarchs of each group are labeled as “Earliest Known Ancestors” since there is always a prior generation. This person is only a “best estimate” with the data available. In many cases, the Earliest Known Ancestor and the FamilyTreeDNA stated earliest known paternal ancestor conflict with each other, and more importantly, in conflict with the DNA evidence. These Earliest Known Ancestors will change as conflicts are resolved and/or earlier generations are discovered and documented. Over time, the Rowland Xref Project hopes to get all of the Earliest Known Ancestors aligned with the DNA evidence, which will improve everyone’s confidence in the descendant trees.
Links to the Puzzle Pieces
- Rowland Xref Project Status — just scroll down to the next section
- Rowland Project at WikiTree — status and additional information
- Rowland Project at FamilyTreeDNA — status and additional information
- How to Participate in the Xref Project — we need your help
Xref Project Trees Status
Each Rowland Y-DNA group has (or will have) an identified patriarch with a descendant tree. This table contains information on the Earliest Known Ancestor(s), descendant tree size, and status of the tree.
Notes
- Conflict: The WikiTree profile for Robert Rowland (1716-1782) has both DNA Group F and DNA Group J descendants. DNA Group J is assumed to be correct, and the error resides in the branch containing Richardson Rowland (1791-1872).
- Conflict: The WikiTree profile for Gasper Roland (1721-1809) has both DNA Group D and DNA Group I descendants. At this time, DNA Group I is assumed to be correct.
Descendant Trees of Group Z – Groups of 1
These are the trees for a defined “group of 1” which are Rowland DNA test-takers without any matches.
| Group | Description | Earliest Known Ancestor(s) | # Descendants | # Kits |
| Group Z | France (to Nebraska & Idaho) | Louis Bonaparte Rolland (1851-1924) | 10 | 1 |
| Group Z | Henrico County, Virginia | Zachariah Rowland (1739-1802) | 79 | 1 |
| Group Z | Manchester to Yonkers | John Rowland Sr (1827-1891) | 42 | 1 |
| Group Z | Macon County, Missouri | Younger W Rowland (c1770-bf1850) John Younger Rowland (1776-1839) | 140 234 | 1 |
| Group Z | McMinn County, Tennessee | Andrew Roland (c1770-a1850) | 690 | 1 |
| Group Z | McNairy County, Tennessee | William Rowland (1797-c1840) | 198 | 1 |
| Group Z | – – unknown – – | Ancestral lines not identified | ?? | 30+ |
Descendant Trees without Test Takers – Untested Rowland Lines
The number of untested lines is quite large. Go to the Untested Rowland Lines page to see the complete list.
If you are a Rowland or have a Rowland in your family tree, then you need to subscribe to the Rowland Genealogy Newsletter.