Genetic analysis has recently uncovered new information about the descendants of President George Washington’s younger brother, Samuel. Through advanced DNA techniques, researchers were able to identify two descendants and their mother from skeletal remains dating back to the 1880s. This investigation also provided the first patrilineal DNA map for George Washington, who did not have any biological children.
The study utilized various DNA analysis methods, including a new technique that examined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze genomic data. By comparing DNA from a living descendant of Samuel Washington with degraded DNA from bone fragments, researchers were able to establish connections within the Washington family.
The research not only shed light on the identities of previously unidentified remains but also highlighted the potential of these techniques in identifying unknown military personnel dating back to World War II.
Samuel Washington, who died in 1781, was buried in an unmarked grave at his Harewood estate in West Virginia. While George Washington rests in a grand tomb in Mount Vernon, Samuel's burial site remained unmarked to deter grave robbers.
In 1999, researchers excavated unmarked graves at the Harewood cemetery, recovering bones and teeth from three burials. However, DNA testing at the time was inconclusive due to degradation and contamination.
Advancements in DNA analysis since then allowed researchers to extract genetic material from the remains. By examining mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosomes, as well as analyzing SNPs, the study identified the remains of Lucy Payne and her sons, George Steptoe Washington Jr. and Dr. Samuel Walter Washington.
The living descendant, Samuel Walter Washington, was found to have a closer genetic match to Dr. Samuel Walter Washington, establishing a direct lineage. The study also clarified the identities of the remains disinterred in 1882 and moved to Zion Episcopal Church.
While the research provided valuable insights into the Washington family tree, the whereabouts of Samuel Washington's grave remain unknown. It is speculated that his grave may have been exhumed long ago, leaving his final resting place a mystery.
