In a message dated 9/28/2008 12:29:21 P.M. Central Daylight Time, restes@comcast.net writes: If one of these girls had him illegitimately, and either died or for another reason allowed him to be raised by his eldest brother Thomas who was married the first time about 1740, that would explain Marcus's constant contact with Thomas and family. This would also explain the different DNA. It is also possible that Thomas's first wife, whoever she was, had a child from a previous marriage or otherwise before she married Thomas. This would also explain the different DNA and the connection to the Thomas Younger family. If Marcus was the son of a sister of Thomas, then Alexander would clearly have been his grandfather, so that part of the oral history shared by John's descendant would be correct, just a generation offset and "losing" the illegitimacy generation. Families sometimes did this or made up stories about the woman having married a mystery cousin. The above makes the most sense of all. **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)