My niece turned 18 today. She’s the only one of my grandmother Margaret Colvert Allen‘s great-grandchildren to carry her mtDNA haplotype — L2d1a. I’m feeling some kind of way about that, and I shared my wistfulness with a group of researchers with whom I’m fortunate to co-administer a Facebook genealogy group. J. immediately replied that I should consider taking an mtDNA Full Sequence test at FTDNA. Though in the immediate sense the test is of limited genealogical use, as she wisely pointed out, the mtDNA database will never grow if none of us contributes to it.
Arising approximately 90,000 years ago, L2 is one of the oldest of the matrilineal haplogroups and is the most common African lineage. L2d1a, however, is a relatively rare subclade. Google it, and three of the top five references are to this blog. I have no children and will not pass along Martha M. McNeely‘s matrilineage in that way. However, I can contribute to the understanding of its history and keep Martha’s legacy alive otherwise. Stay tuned, and Happy Birthday, S.D.J.!
Martha Margaret Miller McNeely’s L2d1a progeny — my grandmother, my sister, my niece, my mother, 1998.
Beautiful smiles, beautiful women, beautiful legacy. 🙂
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Happy Birthday to your Niece and continuing on the Legacy of L2! Strong Line of Women!
I know we spoke about a year ago (I’m L2d1a also). I also have an 18 year old niece who is my sister’s child, so if she ever has children she’ll carry the line on as well.
Hi, Toni. Yes, I meant in my own particular family. L2d1a is not common, but thankfully there are more of us out there!
I know we’re rare! I haven’t found anyone else, either. I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. I only had sons, so my part of the line falls on my niece!
I’ll let you know if I find another!!!
I am L2Dia maternally
There aren’t many of us. A pleasure to meet you.
I’m L2d1a per my genetic testing. I know nothing about my grandparent’s parents so we know little about our ancestry.
Hi, Victoria. It’s an unusual haplotype. Other than my immediate family, I’ve only “met” one other L2d1a. Though all L2d1a share a common ancestor, that ancestor lived many thousands of years ago.