The Pontius Family DNA Project
In an effort to isolate the various
Pontius-Punches and similar-surnamed lines, the DNA Project was
formed by Jim Punches and has been collecting basic ancestry DNA
data. There is now enough data to get some real comparisons of
the origins of the various Pontius families in the US and around the
world. If you are part of one of the un-connected Pontius
families (you haven't proven kinship to Nicholas or Johannes, the
most famous immigrants), you might glean new information from
becoming part of the project. See the section below, "Getting
Involved in the Pontius DNA Project," for more information on the
project and how to participate.
Below are the project results to date.
Please note that, in some cases, the names of the
individuals tested are fictitious to protect the identity of those
members. Additionally, we would like to point out that each of
the three members in the William Henry Punches group descends from a
different son of William Henry.
Getting involved in the Pontius DNA Project
Would you like to add a scientific layer
of evidence to your genealogical research? The Pontius DNA
Project does just that. A simple swab enables Family Tree DNA
to determine your genetic markers and haplotype and compare it with
other contributing family members who descend from males with Pontius,
Pontzius, Pontious, Punches, Poncey, and other similar surnames.
Your identity is protected and your name will not be revealed at
any time unless
you give your specific permission.
In the testing for the DNA project,
no medical information is collected. Furthermore, the
DNA sequences used in this testing cannot reveal medical
information. They tell nothing about the participant's
genetic heritage except paternal ancestry.
By comparing DNA information, you can
add a valuable and accurate layer of scientific evidence to confirm
genealogical connections. The more participation, the more meaningful
the results will become. Be a part of it!
For more
information on how DNA testing is done, costs, how to join the
project and how to read the data, go to
Pontius Family DNA Project.