Joseph Parks, b. 1727 County Antrim, Ireland

Hi Carey:

We DNA tested my Parks line only to learn that they carry Irwin DNA, a 67/67 perfect match to William Irwin, born 1725, d. 1775, in Carrickfergus, Antrim.  Edward Parks was the immigrant ancestor, b, between 1856-1863.  He claims to have been the son of Samuel Parks and Elizabeth McAvoy, but I've never found any documentation of that marriage. Edward married anoter Irish immigrant in 1886 in New York; they had ten children, one of whom he named Joseph. Also a very close match (66 out of 67) to several Armstrongs (who also carry the Irwin DNA) from Dungannon, County Tyrone.

Perhaps we should compare research.

Julie Parks

Hello Julie,

Appologies for the slow response.

Interesting report. my Parks I am aware of in America do not include any Josephs, but I am just begining to look to Ireland for relatives. I can trace myself to James Parks b c 1796 in Ireland (I've seen Tyrone or Derry mentioned, but who really knows?) and emmigreated c 1820 to Pennsylvania.

I only know of Joseph because of the 36/37 marker match. 

There are many Parks in Ulster, so it's hard to know which might be relatives. Are you in the US? Are you a membe of the Park/e/s Society? They have been quite helpful in my research. 

I have just requested an upgrade from 37 to 67 markers. None of the 36 or 37 matches are to Irwin. All are Parks with one Hudson thrown in to keep it interesting. 

All that said, it is helpful to know as much as possible about the other Parks lines.

Best,

Carey