To all Jackson Researchers: A wonderful Christmas present was delivered to day via email - a DNA match. The only evidence I had on my Jackson" (1826-1904) was that his probable father had an "unknown male" born within same time period of my Jackson with both ending up in the same county in 1850, migrating from Middle Tn to the Western Dist. Another researcher of this "probable father" and I felt we both had this common ancestor - she had proof of her line, but I had only that "unknown census male" probability, and I sure didn't want my Jackson being a "plug" - but I was confident to the point I gathered and had full firm documentation of this probable father's family history in Middle TN. She wanted to make sure of the match and I wanted more than a "plug", so she a had DNA sample taken from her father - a direct Jackson male (which had already been completed on my Jackson) - but no matches until today when we received word that it was a perfect match. This DNA match now proves my research via Bible Records, Chancery Court Records as well as a Will I found dated 1 Oct 1792 - thus three generations back from my "unknown census male", now a confirmed child of the once known probable, now confirmed father. Bottom line - DNA testing does not take the place of research, and it will take you a long time for a match if that's what you want, but you may have a long wait - matches don't come every day - Research, digging deep, and DNA testing go hand in hand - The DNA also substantiated the long told stories of our Native American ancestry (which is solely by marriage) and with the percentage of 25% Native American, which is high, and Chancery Court Records, not only was my "unknown census male's grandmother Native American by marriage, but also his g. grandmother. The DNA results of our Jackson line ended up being 75% Indo European, 25% Native American, 0% Asian, 0% African. "Indo European" indicates going back to Scandinavian countries prior to surnames! Our Jackson line was shown 0-0 within early TN 1830 & 1840 printed census books - all known brothers in Middle TN were shown as such with exception of one in 1840 - - when census images were read for 1820, 1830 and 1840, it gave enumerations of Free Persons of Color for all - the one exception was then shown in 1840 as Free White Male (ours were listed as "FPC" due to the Native American darker skin tone)- - if you ever come across this - read images. If in doubt - do DNA testing to solve the first stepping stone as to why listed as such - shucks we all have red blood - that in itself will guide you with your research. When you find a researcher and you both would like confirmation of a "match" of the potential common ancestor, DNA will also solve verify same. If no match, you keep looking and researching. There's not always a firm "paper trail", but there's proof elsewhere, and my proof been found in a DNA lab on my Jackson line! With all the images and research I have been reading and doing these past months has paid off with the DNA results and the results of a match. When you really want to "tie the knot good and tight" the DNA testing can help you - It's well worth the effort. Your "Jackson mom" can guide you on place(s) to contact. - - you'll never regret it. Evyonne --------------------------------------------------------------------------------