1. This is a study for the surname Heesom. Although I have only shown basic information for each individual I have many sources which I can share with those connected to the Heesoms in this tree. In turn, I would welcome contributions. 2. Heesom DNA study
Another purpose of this study is to use Y-DNA tests (men only)to find connections with the Heesom lines outside East Yorkshire - particularly Cheshire, Lancashire and the rest of Yorkshire.
Y-chromosome markers are handed down from father to son like a surname which means that men with the same uncommon surnames usually have the same Y-chromosome markers - for example, a recent study on men with the surname Attenborough, revealed that 80% of them shared the same markers and therefore a common ancestor in the last few hundred years.
Recently a member of the Heesom family of East Yorkshire had a Y-DNA match with a Hissem in USA, thought to be a descendant of a John Heesom who emigrated, probably from Hull, in 1670s or 1680s. All the male Heesoms in this tree should have this same Y-DNA, but I am hoping to find other Heesoms and variants, including Heysham, who do not have an ancestor in this tree, who would be interested in a Y-DNA test. Hopefully we will be able to find out whether the Heesoms in different parts of the country are related, the origin of the surname (possibly the port of Heysham in Lancashire?) and also how the American line connects.
The Heesom Y-DNA is of a haplogroup (G2a) that is rare in England.