An investigation of human remains from the 17th century British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, has unearthed a long-hidden scandal in the family of the colony’s first governor. Thomas West became Jamestown’s leader in 1610, joined by three of his brothers and several other male relatives. Recent DNA analysis of two skeletons from unmarked graves in a Jamestown church revealed that both individuals were related to West and linked by shared maternal lineage. Captain William West, one of the men, was discovered to be illegitimate, born to Thomas West’s spinster aunt, Elizabeth. Details of his scandalous birth were removed from the family genealogical records, potentially driving him to seek his fortune in the American colony. The research, published in the journal Antiquity, demonstrates how genetic data alongside historical evidence can illuminate hidden narratives from the past, providing a better understanding of how individuals circumvented societal rules.
Four unmarked graves were discovered at Jamestown in 2014, within an Anglican church that was used by colonists from about 1608 to 1616. The superior craftsmanship of two coffins suggested the burial of important members of the colony, with one individual even buried with a spangled military sash fringed in silver. These individuals were identified as Captain West and Sir Ferdinando Wenman, relatives of the governor but with their exact relationship unknown. The next step for the researchers was to sample and analyze ancient DNA from the skeletons, with results revealing that West and Wenman shared a matrilineal haplogroup, indicating a close relationship on the maternal side of their lineage. This unexpected finding guided researchers towards documents mentioning Captain West’s female relatives, ultimately revealing a court case from 1616 that confirmed his illegitimate birth.
Even though the ancient DNA was incomplete, it provided enough evidence to show the surprising relationship between Captain West and Wenman on their female lines. This discovery led to an in-depth investigation into other members of the family and the revelation of the illegitimacy of Captain West’s birth. The research confirmed that Captain West, Governor Thomas West, and Ferdinando Wenman were all cousins. The uncovering of this family secret adds another layer to the story of Jamestown, shedding light on the complex interpersonal drama and family secrets that existed within the oldest English settlement in North America. The ability to reveal these secrets more than 400 years later is seen as a remarkable achievement of the historical and scientific community.
The findings from the investigation highlight how genetic data, in conjunction with other historical evidence, can bring to light narratives that were once forbidden or considered shameful. Dr. Christine Lee, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Mississippi, noted that understanding how individuals navigated societal rules in the past can provide valuable insights for modern society. The combination of genetic data and historical documents allowed researchers to piece together the story of Captain West’s illegitimate birth and his journey to Jamestown. The discovery of previously unknown court records from 1616, regarding the beneficiary of West’s will, provided concrete evidence of his illegitimate status and the role of his aunt, Mary Blount, in raising him.
The study coauthors, Kari Bruwelheid and Dr. Éadaoin Harney, emphasized the surprising turn the investigation took due to the ancient DNA results, which pointed towards a matrilineal relationship between Captain West and Wenman. The analysis of genetic data and historical records revealed the coded language and absence of formal recognition of Captain West’s parentage, supporting the illegitimate nature of his birth. The study authors described how the ancient DNA served as a starting point for the investigation into the family’s history, ultimately leading to the uncovering of a long-hidden scandal. This research sheds new light on the personal lives and family dynamics of the early settlers at Jamestown, showing that they too had secrets and interpersonal drama, much like people today. The ability to piece together this historical puzzle showcases the collaborative efforts of the scientific and historical communities in revealing previously unknown aspects of the past.
