There are dozens of close variations of the BLAKESLEY surname.  Some of the families are closely related, and some are not.  This has confused genealogists for a hundred years or so. To sort out some of this confusion Gary Blakely and I have inititated the Blakely/Blakeslee DNA Surname DNA Project in which we will compare the DNA "fingerprints" of participants and classify them into related groups. The more participants we can attract, and thus the bigger our database, the better chance we will have to supplement conventional genealogy in the identification of ancestors. An additional long-range benefit for Blakesley participants is the hope of settling the question of who really was the English parent of  Samuel Blakesley, the progenitor of our line.  Some of you are aware that I have spent considerable time and money in disputing the claim that this person was Thomas Blackley, Jr. of  Great Chishall, Essex, who sired a  Samuell in 1599. The claim, although possibly correct, was based on the incorrect assumption that our Samuel was a brother to the Thomas Blackley (now Blatchley) who came to Boston  on  the Hopewell in 1635.  There is no documentation that this Samuell ever emigrated to America, and it has been shown by several reputable genealogists that these men were not brothers, or even of the same family.   More on this by e-mail if you wish.    Our website, which explains what the project can and cannot do and how you may participate is at: http://users2.ev1.net/~blakely52/Dna/DNA%20project.htm In addition we have obtained a reduced price for group participation. Please e-mail me at GBlakes442@aol.com for more information or with any questions. Gene Blakeslee