Chastain DNA Project

The Pierre Chastain Family Association (PCFA) proudly sponsors the Chastain DNA Project to assist in overcoming historical documentation gaps and confirm shared ancestry using genetic science. Hosted on Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) and connected to the GEDmatch Chastain Ancestor Project, we hope to leverage this modern technology to solidify the descendants of Pierre Chastain and the overall Chastain family tree.

The project centers on yDNA testing, which is exclusive to male participants and traces the direct paternal line. This is the most effective tool for exploring deep ancestry and identifying the original male Chastain ancestors.  Specific male ancestors can be identified if enough men up and down a lineage test.

Both male and female testers can contribute autosomal DNA, which provides valuable insights for tracing connections within the last 1 to 5 generations. We also maintain active support groups on Facebook for participants in both the FTDNA and GEDmatch projects. 

Links to both FTDNA and GEDmatch and their support groups on Facebook are in the right column.  To join the Facebook groups you will need to have a yDNA test, or if a female, have sponsored a male relative with FTDNA for the Chastain Y-DNA group.  For the GEDmatch group, you will need to have a Chastain ancestor and upload your autosomal kit (Ancestry, FamilyFinder, 23&Me) to GEDmatch.  Contact Sidney or Jimmy for detailed information, how to download and upload kits, like Ancestry, to GEDmatch.

The Challenge of Circumstantial and Undocumented Lineages

Our most significant genealogical challenge involves persons of the Chastain/Chasteen surname (and other common spelling variations) where documentation is sparse; those family groups being assigned based on elimination from established lineages, association by chronology and/or geography, making the lineage circumstantial and often speculative.

We have a tremendous loss of records in certain areas, families moving frequently, families not owning property or were illiterate, etc., all contribute to a lack of documentation.  Y-DNA work is critically important here. By testing descendants from all lines, we are building a genetic tree that can confirm, make additions to, or correct these relationships, providing certainty that often times paper records, "legal" instruments, lack. 

Genetic Progress: SNP/Haplogroup R-FTB2512

Through testing across the various documented and undocumented lineages, descendants of all three of Pierre's sons and of all of his grandsons known to produce progeny, the Chastain DNA Project results indicate the occurrence of a specific genetic marker common to all.  All tested descendants of Pierre Chastain possess the unique male genetic marker (SNP), or Haplogroup, R-FTB2512.  This SNP, genetic change, could have occurred in Pierre or an ancestor of his like his father Estienne or even his grandfather Jacques...SNP's generally occur on average every 2 to 3 generations.

This marker is now confirmed as the genetic signature of the Pierre Chastain Clade. If a male descendant tests positive for the R-FTB2512 Haplogroup (SNP), they are genetically proven to be a descendant of Pierre Chastain, regardless of missing paperwork, surname variations, or other genealogical documentation hurdles.

Continued Success

While the determination of Haplogroup R-FTB2512 is certainly significant, other discoveries have been made.  Confirmation of unique SNP's carried by descendants of Rene Chastain, Sr., The Rev. John Chastain, and William Chastain. 

Descendants of both the Revolutionary War Soldier James Chasteen (born circa 1760) and his assumed brother, Jesse Chasteen/Shasteen, were assigned as sons to differing third generation Chastain's, varying with the "guess" of the compiler.  Often assigned as sons of Isaac Chastain (2-Rene, 3-Pierre) or Rev. James Chastain but without any real supporting evidence.

Genetic testing of present-day descendants of both James and Jesse indicated that they indeed possessed the Chastain Clade Haplogroup of R-FTB2512 but also another, post Pierre Haplogroup.  Descendants carry the same unique SNP that descendants of William Chastain test positive for, R-FTB45915.  Indicating that James and Jesse descend from the same man as George Chastain (1766) and Robert Chastain (1770)...William Chastain.

A rightful lineage placement via genetics that had not been possible via record documentation.

Obstacles

We believe these projects offer valuable opportunities for individuals interested in exploring their ancestry and connecting with distant relatives who may share a common Chastain (etc.) heritage. But there are issues to overcome, with yDNA some lines have "daughtered out", SNP's don't occur every generation, privacy concerns, and costs at the Big Y testing level.  

Privacy is certainly a concern for some potential testers, will their DNA be unknowlingly shared, stolen, etc.?  Submitting samples with an alias through the project admin is easily accomplished and one method to protect individual identification among others. 

In lineages with only female Chastain descendants, we certainly encourage the autosomal tests available, FamilyFinder, Ancestry, etc., and suggest testing someone generationally as close to their Chastain ancestor as possible.  Also, don't forget that females can (and do) participate by recruiting a male relative, their fathers, uncles, brothers, and male cousins in their direct paternal lines.

The high cost of testing is a huge deterrent for many.  FTDNA's Big Y test, that results the SNP's and haplogroups unique to male lineages, costs approximately $400.00.   Sale prices and seasonal discounts are monitored and reported by the project admins.  PCFA also offers discounts to support the genealogical efforts of the association.  Often several members of a family pool finances to purchase a Big Y kit for a representative member of their lineage.  And, we have individual donors contributing funds to enable persons to test.

The Future of Genetic Genealogy

Our success with the R-FTB2512 Haplogroup, and it's sub-haplogroup's, positions us to advocate for a major change in lineage construction.  Lineage confirmations, placements and corrections that include genetic testing results.  Our ultimate hope is that we can determine a common male ancestor for our undocumented lines and that genetic testing will reveal greater ancestry for our lineage in France.

Also, we look forward to all organizations—including military, hereditary, and patriotic societies— embracing this new genetic technology and grant permission for membership based on scientifically proven genetic descent, supplementing or replacing traditional documentation when necessary.

If you have participated in DNA testing or are interested in contributing to or learning more about these projects, please reach out to the project administrators.  The admins offer assistance regarding the test process, current discounts and sponsorships available to reduce costs, and banking DNA for future testing. Please consider donating to the project general fund, link in right column, to help the project continue to grow our genetic tree.