Pursuing an Ulster Connection

There is longstanding speculation as to whether or not the Chesapeake Hendersons came directly to Virginia from Scotland, or whether the family may have been in Ulster for one or two generations prior to emigrating to America. A recent DNA match with a line of Hendersons first identified in Baltimore in 1833 fuels the speculation further. 1880 census information from two Baltimore Hendersons believed to be brothers gives conflicting "place of birth" information for their father. One says "Scotland," the other "Ireland." Unfortunately, later census information says the father of the men was born in "Maryland," so no firm conclusions can be drawn.

In an effort to explore a possible connection to Ulster, I am seeking to correspond with Hendersons who can document their ancestry back to that area of Ireland. I was recently contacted by Bill Henderson, a resident of the Isle of Man, who can trace his family back to County Londonderry in the early 1700's. Bill is interested in DNA testing, and while it's definitely a long shot, I find myself hoping he is a match to us. If any readers of this blog are Hendersons who can document their ancestry back to the Ulster Plantations, please leave me a comment with your contact information.

Creation of a Collaborative Workspace for the G1 Group

I am currently creating a private workspace for DNA testers (and their relatives) whose Y-chromosome results indicate that they belong to the G1 group of Hendersons as designated on the official Clan Henderson DNA project page. This collaborative workspace will allow us to share photos, files, new discoveries and discussions which are specifically relevant to those of us who have a proven relationship, and will help us avoid red herrings and correct the misinformation that has proliferated across the internet since its inception. If you believe you may belong to the G1 group of Hendersons (whose progenitors include James Henderson of the Delmarva peninsula ca. 1661, James [Isaac] Henderson of Onslow County NC ca. 1732, or Henry/Harry C. Henderson of Baltimore MD ca. 1833), please contact me (send email to genealogy [at] laurahenderson.com) with your research details for admission to the private workspace.