The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
Meek Group A Introduction
In the 1770's a significant number of families named Meek(s) lived in S. W. Pennsylvania and
they can be identified in the records of Westmoreland, Allegheny and Washington Counties. Not
all of these families were related1. However, five of them were related to each other and not
related to other Meek families in the area. This is known because Y-DNA testing on the
descendants proves that they shared a common ancestor. They came from Maryland based on
pension records and may have lived in Virginia before going to Pennsylvania2.
There was a single progenitor for this group of people that remains unknown. While it appears
that Jeremiah Meeks who died in 1783 was the oldest member of the group the earliest date we
have is Joshua Meek’s date of birth of 1731 which is based on the age inscribed on his
tombstone. Basil Meek was born in 1740 Maryland based on his pension application. John
Meek was born about 1754 and Jacob Meek was born in 1755 Maryland based on his pension
application.
Joshua and John settled in what is now Moon TWP, Allegheny Co., PA in 1774 and 1773
respectively. Jacob Meek settled in the same immediate vicinity in 1773 but in Findley TWP.
The exact relationship between Joshua and the other two is not known and DNA is not available
from his descendants. However, he is presumed to be a brother.
Jeremiah Meeks died in 1783 in nearby Westmoreland Co., PA. He is thought to be the same
person who sold land located immediately south of Jacob in Findley TWP in 1779. Basil Meek
served in the Virginia Army between 1777 and 1779 at Ft. Pitt. He came from and returned to
York Co., SC. Thus we have all five men living in the same area in the 1770’s.
John and Jacob are identified as brothers by the writings of two descendants. Basil Meeks,
grandson of John Meek born in 1754, wrote a typewritten letter dated August 20, 1920 about his
family. He said of his grandfather, John Meek:
"He had a brother Jacob Meek, who was named in the will of John Meek as executer, the
will dated 1801, copy of which I have. I have often heard my father speak of this Jacob as
"old uncle Jacob Meek"."
Jeremiah L. Meek, a son of Jacob Meek born 1755 wrote in an 1837 newspaper article in the
Richmond Palladium in which he describes his family’s migration from Pennsylvania to Henry
Co., KY.
“We here left the Ohio and went up the Licking River as far as Cynthiana where father had
a brother-in-law residing. We spent the winter there and in the month of March 1793 he
moved out to the extreme frontier where his brother, John Meek, had built a station.”
In addition, Basil Meek can be identified as a brother of John and Jacob. The obituary of Jacob
Meek born 1755 was published in the Richman, Indiana Palladium on May 23, 1840. In the last
paragraph it states:
“DIED - In the county Henry in the State of Kentucky about six weeks since, Basil Meek, a
brother of the above aged one hundred and nine years. He was also a patriot of the
revolution.”
1
2
The Meek/Meeks Y-DNA Project http://meekdna.com
Joshua son of Jeremiah is found in the records of Berkeley Co., VA and Basil born 1740 joined the army in Winchester, VA.
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The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
Y-DNA testing supports the genealogical evidence that they were brothers. The relationship of
Jeremiah to the others is not known although it is believed that he was not the father as it is
thought that he had sons named Joshua, John and Jeremiah3 who lived in Westmoreland Co., PA
at the same time that Joshua and John lived in Allegheny Co., PA.
John and Jacob move to Henry Co., KY. John dies in 1803. Basil joins the family in Henry
County about 1806. Joshua remained in Allegheny Co., PA and Jeremiah’s son Joshua moved to
Fairfield Co., OH.
This group of men represented at least two separate families. One family was led by Jeremiah
and one was presumably led by the father of Basil, John and Jacob. Whether or not they were
brothers is an open question. However, it appears the common ancestor was born before 1680.
There were very few American Meek ancestors born before this date who have not been
eliminated by Y-DNA testing.
Common Ancestor
Joshua b: 1731
Unknown Father
Jeremiah d: 1783
Basil b: 1740
Joshua b: <1745
John b: 1754
John
Jacob b: 1755
Jeremiah
Daughter*
Ann=Ralph Cherry
*Jacob stopped in “Cynthiana” to visit his brother-in-law.
Joshua’s position relative to the others is unknown although it seems probable that he was a
brother of Basil, John and Jacob. He could have been an uncle or first cousin. His father was born
before 1713 and probably earlier assuming he was at least 18 when Joshua was conceived.
The common ancestor does not have to be the father of Jeremiah. He could have lived several
generations earlier. However, this was a small compact group with little evidence that there were
other relatives in America in the mid 1700’s. Two or more brothers (or cousins) came to
Maryland and by 1773 lived in S. W. Pennsylvania. (See The Meek/Meeks Family of Maryland,
Pennsylvania and Kentucky, 2nd Ed, 4 Jul 2007, by Christopher A. Meek.)
Y-DNA testing has also proven that this group of men was not related to several other early
ancestors4. They were not related to the men who lived in nearby Washington Co., PA including
Samuel Meek born 1732, Isaac Meek born 1746, Nathaniel Meek and Basil Meek born 1763.
Also in this group were Jacob Meek who died in Henry Co., TN in 1824 and Jeremiah Meek
born about 1788 and Jacob Meek born about 1765 who moved from Blount Co., TN to Carroll
Co., AR. These ancestors are in DNA Group B. Group A was also not related to any other group
or individual identified by the DNA project.
This Meek family falls in a sub-clade of Haplogroup R defined by the SNP marker R-U198. No
other Meek family outside of the Meek project Group A is classified by this marker.
3
4
Westmoreland Co., PA deed records
No person in one DNA group can be related to a person in another group.
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The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
Group A Ancestral Signature
Group A member kit#6576 has been SNP tested with the Big Y test at Family Tree DNA and
results to date indicate a haplogroup of BY16497. The path on the polygenetic tree is
R-P311>U106>Z381>Z301>S1688>U198>S15627>Y14069>Y14201>BY16497
The member has five “novel variants” which may or may not represent additional levels.
All members of Group A are presumed to be positive for BY16497. Two surnames are known to
be associated with this SNP. They are Meek and Gibson. In fact the same is true for next higher
level, Y14201. This is a fairly exclusive group.
The defining STR markers in the Group A ancestral signature are a fairly unique set of marker
values. Normally one determines this by simply noting the deviations from the R1b modal values.
However, thanks to the U198 Haplogroup Project certain STR markers in the Group A ancestral
signature can be associated with certain U198 subgroups, some of which can be identified by
certain SNP markers.
The R-U198 is a branch of the Western European haplogroup R-U106. U106 can be partially
identified by the STR markers DYS390=23 and DYS492=13. U198 can be predicted with a high
degree of confidence by the STR markers DYS390=23, YCAII=19-22, DYS607=14 and
DYS492=13. This is not true of all haplogroups.
S15627 is a major branch of U198. Descendant carry the STR marker DYS464=x-x-x-18 usually
15-15-17-18.
Y14069 is a branch of S15627. The first man to carry the Y14069 SNP mutation probably had a
STR marker pattern which was the same as the other S15627 men. However his descendants
developed a series mutations, DYS393=14, DYS464=14-x-x-x (or 14-15-17-18), and
DYS576=16. The Descendants are known as the 14-14 subgroup which is not identifiable by a
SNP marker.
Then a branch developed with additional mutation at the STR markers DYS439=13
&DYS534=16. As time passed a descendant acquired the SNP mutation Y14201. STR markers
continued to mutate. At some point before the use of surnames an ancestor had acquired
DYS458=16, DYS449=30, DYS464=x-14-x-x (or DYS464=14-14-17-18) AND CDYa=36-38.
A man took the surname “Meek” and the haplotype remains relatively unchanged up to the
present. The first three markers are what will distinguish the Meek surname from the Gibson
surname.
It is not necessary for an individual to match all defining markers. Mutations can occur in any
marker in any generations. What is important is when a mutation occurred.
In most cases a person with a Y-DNA test does not need to know how the ancestral signature
developed over time. However, Group A members have a lot of “matches” and understanding
this information helps explain these matches. Each mutation, whether SNPs or STRs, in the
development represents time. While a Group A member is “related” to most of his matches the
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The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
connection, in most cases, dates to before the use of surnames (about 1300) or as far back as
2000 years.
Definitions:
Haplogroup: A group of similar haplotypes that share a common ancestor with a SNP mutation.
(ISOGG glossary)
SNP= Single nucleotide polymorphism
Novel variants is a SNP that has not been named and its position on the tree is undefined.
STR=Short tandem repeat
Haplotype: The term for the set of numbers that consists of your Y-chromosome or
mitochondrial DNA results. Haplotypes are also known as genetic signatures. (ISOGG glossary)
A modal haplotype is the most commonly occurring haplotype (a set of STR marker values)
derived from the DNA test results of a specific group of people. The modal haplotype does not
necessarily correspond with the ancestral haplotype… (ISOGG glossary)Most recent common ancestor (MRCA): The most recent ancestor from whom a group of
individuals share descent. (ISOGG glossary)
Ancestral haplotype: The haplotype of a MRCA deduced by comparing descendants' haplotypes
and eliminating mutations. (ISOGG glossary)
Defining STR markers are those markers that make one haplotype different from another
By Christopher A. Meek 24 May 2011/Rev Jan 2012/Rev Jan 2013/Rev Mar 2017
Meek(s) Family Y-DNA Results
DYS name -->
Project
Group
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Geographic
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R1b1 Modal
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13 24 14 11 11 14 12 12 12 13 13 29 17 9 10 11 11 25 15 19 29 15
1-37
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Group A - R-U198>S15627>Y14069>Y14201>BY16497
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17 11 11 19 23 16 15 18 17 37 38 12 12
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Project
Group
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18
S15627
Y14069
14-14 sub-group
14
13
14
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Y14201
Meek family
SW PA 1783
13
16
30
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
14
17
18
36 38
Gp A
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 SG1
6576 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
353842 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 10 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14c 14c 17g 19c 10 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Chris
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 17 18 11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Jerry
49733 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 10 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
153431 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
209028 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
AN011 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
31283 John Meek b: 1754
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 12 13 13 29 16
68563 Jacob Meek b: 1755
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14c 14c 17g 18c 11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 31283
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 17 18 11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Jeff
134309 Jacob Meek b: 1755
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
74145 Basil Meek b: 1740
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
166299 Baker Meek b: 1813
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Jay
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Guy
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Ronnie
11 12 19 22 16
12 12 Farrell
11 11 19 22 16 14 15 17 35 38 12 12 Steve
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Earnest
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 28 16
14 17 18 11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Ronald
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14c 14c 17g 18c 11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Dan
308533 Thomas G. Brown
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
440602 Thomas G. Brown
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 16
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 39 13 12 Charles
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 39 13 12 Pete
289525 Thomas Watts
14 23 14 11 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 17
9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14
14
17
18
11 11 19 22 16 14 16 17 36 38 12 12 Kirk
31588 Jeremiah Meeks
Other surnames
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The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
38-67 markers
5
3
1
DYS name -->
Project
Group
-----Kit#
(Click)
Geographic
Area
-----Ancestors
(Click)
R1b1 Modal
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Group
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8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 12 12
Group A - R-U198>S15627>Y14069>Y14201
Gp A
13
Y14069
14-14 sub-group
16
Y14201
Meek family
S-G 1 - SW PA 1783
11
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 13 S-G 1a
6576 John Meek b: 1754
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 14 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Chris
353842 John Meek b: 1754
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Jerry
49733 John Meek b: 1754
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Jay
153431 John Meek b: 1754
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Guy
209028 John Meek b: 1754
AN011
Ronnie
John Meek b: 1754
12
13
Farrell
31283 John Meek b: 1754
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 31283
68563 Jacob Meek b: 1755
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Jeff
74145 Basil Meek b: 1740
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Earnest
166299 Baker Meek b: 1813
11
12
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Ronald G.
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Dan
11
9 15 16
8 10 10
8 10 10 12 23 23 16 10 12 12 16
8 12 22 20 13 12 11 13 11 11 13 12 Charles
134309 Jacob Meek b: 1755
Steve
31588 Jeremiah Meeks
Other surnames
308533 Thomas G. Brown
440602 Thomas G. Brown
Pete
289525 Thomas Watts
Kirk
68-111 markers
DYS name -->
Project
Group
-----Kit#
(Click)
Geographic
Area
-----Ancestors
(Click)
R1b1 Modal
7
1
0
4
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5
15
6
3
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16
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26 26 19
Group A - R-U198>S15627>Y14069>Y14201
S-G 1 - SW PA 1783
36 15 9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
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11 30 12 13
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A 5
T 2
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0
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24 13 10
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12 23
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9 12 11
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
6576 John Meek b: 1754
36 15
9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
353842 John Meek b: 1754
36 15
36 15
9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
36 15
9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
49733 John Meek b: 1754
484373 John Meek b: 1754
153431 John Meek b: 1754
209028 John Meek b: 1754
AN011
John Meek b: 1754
11 30 11 14 24 14 10
25
31283 John Meek b: 1754
11 30 12 12 24 13 10
26
68563 Jacob Meek b: 1755
11 30 12 12 24 14 10
25
11 30 12 12 24 13 10
25
11 30 12 12 24 13 10
25
11
11
10
11
134309 Jacob Meek b: 1755
74145 Basil Meek b: 1740
11
166299 Baker Meek b: 1813
31588 Jeremiah Meeks
26 26 19
12
10
9 11 11
Other surnames
308533 Thomas G. Brown
36 15
9 16 12 26 26 19 12 11 13 12 10
9 12 12 10 11 11 30 12 12 24 13 10 10 20 15 19 13 24 16 11 15 24 12 25 18 10 14 17 9 11 11
440602 Thomas G. Brown
289525 Thomas Watts
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The Meek Family of Allegheny Co., PA
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