DNA and the Bolling/Bowling/Bowlin/Bollin/Bolding Surname

yDNA results from the Tapscott DNA Project show a very close paternal genetic relationship between at least some individuals with the surname Bolling/Bowling/Bowlin/Bollin/Bolding and the Tapscotts tested. Despite extensive research using classical means (i.e., paper) I have been unable to find a connection. The relationship is so strong that it appears that a major Tapscott progenitor had a father named "Bowling" (or variant thereof), or the converse. This could have happened either here (both families are from Virginia) or before arrival in America (both families are British). As you all know, the earliest Tapscotts arrived from England in New Jersey around 1690 and in Virginia in 1700. Of course it is possible that the connection between the two families occurred prior to the common use of surnames (i.e., prior to 1400). I am searching for a connection.

Probate of Will of William Tapscott of Daviess County

William was apparently alive in July 1826 when a letter was written him by James Madison ("James Madison to William Tapscott, 29 Jul 1826," James Madison Collection, Founders Early Access, University of Virginia Press.), but had died by 11 Dec 1826, when his will was probated (Probate, will of William Tapscott, Daviess County, Kentucky, Will Book A, 1815-1842, p. 58, Microfilm Roll 702067, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.). A transcription of the probate court record has been posted in the Tapscott surname message board.

Will of William Tapscott of Daviess County

During my recent research trip, I found a microfilm of the will of William Tapscott of Daviess County. William was a son of Capt. Henry Tapscott and Margaret Stott. I have put an exact transcription of the will on the Tapscott Board at Ancestry.com. Will of William Tapscott, Daviess County, Kentucky, Will Book A, 1815-1842, p. 57, Microfilm Roll 702067, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky. The will was probated at a 11 Dec 1826 Daviess County court. Probate, will of William Tapscott, Daviess County, Kentucky, Will Book A, 1815-1842, p. 58, Microfilm Roll 702067, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Monica R. Sanowar

While on the road during my recent Tapscott research trip, I received a telephone call from Selby Tapscott, a descendant of Harriet Tapscott, the originator of many of the Fauquier County (Virginia) Tapscotts. He called to tell me of the death of his first cousin (once removed) Monica Sanowar. (Monica passed away 4 Oct 2013, her obituary appeared in the Washington Post today, 13 Oct). Monica, whom you may know by her moniker "yelothndr," was a very early contributor to Tapscott family history discussions. In particular she passed on a lot of first-hand information (or at least family tales) about the Fauquier County Tapscotts. She and I did not always see eye to eye (I believe her GGG Grandmother Harriet Tapscott to be a daughter of James and Elizabeth Percifull Tapscott, she did not), but I always found my discussions with her infinitely interesting and informative. In recent years, Monica had gotten increasingly involved with DNA Genealogy, American Indian culture, and the manufacturing of her hot sauces, Yellow Thunder being one. I am truly sorry to hear of Monica's death. She was a universal person with involvements in and opinions on everything. Monica, you will be missed.