Naming patterns can be both boon and bane to family research. In the early Terry lines there is a strong tendency to repeat the same names over and over. So William Jasper, John, and Miles appear widely hinting at relationship but seldom clarifying them.
The several JASPER TERRY men mentioned in early Augusta-Botetourt-Montgomery Co., Virginia records are an example. One, where, apparently DNA will provide some long needed guidance in untangling the lines. One group has been clearly identified as having a DNA haplogroup very different from the lines revealed from other Terry groups.
In addition, several papers exploring the DNA of another Terry group from its immigrant founders into Pennsylvania and beyond - provide significant guidance.
The presence of two "I" groups suggests relation - perhaps from a common early set of Terry's? - but not a close or recent relationship. The "I-2" groups show closer relationship and match a group - very large - that came down out of New York in Pennsylvania and then further south and west.
What is being made very clear is that there are gaps in records and many questions. Just who was the family of Jasper Terry who married the alleged Mary Morrison? Where did they come from and when? Just how do the Terry's of Botetourt-Montgomery counties connect with the members of the same DNA in Pennsylvania?
All the records say is that the first mention found to date for a Jasper Terry was in 1744 when he - and many others - stopped at an estate sale at Monohan's and purchased small items (silver buttons, etc.). With him was a William Terry. The records in Kegley's and Chalkley's suggest Jasper (sometimes referred to as Jesper and Gasper) might have been older.
A Jasper and William Terry are assigned to a road building crew in 1753. They both do surveying. Men of both those names - same or their children?- appear on militia lists, serving as witnesses, jurors, etc.
In 1793-1804 - A Jasper Terry and wife Ruth are mentioned in legal records:
1804- They sell lands to John Persinger on Black Run Waters of the Roanoke River in Botetourt Co., Va. Land had been part of a desc'd William Terry's original land grant. All this researcher has found was a transcribed copy of the event. Any witnesses, further clarifications could be helpful.
1804 - Jasper Terry and Ruth his wife, of Montgomery Co., VA sold to Elijah Terry, for cause and consideration 150 acres on Little River. This bargain and sale from Jasper to Josiah was acknowledged in May 1805, ordered to be rendered.
--Montgomery County, VA Index Deed Book 2, 1773-1833.
In 1819, Montgomery Co., VA Will Book 3, pg 121, the will of Jasper Terry, probated July 9, 1819. In this document he names his widow (Margaret Snidow), daughters Keziah Terry Graham, Jeminia Terry Deweese, Karon-Happuck Terry Rose, step-daughter, Susannah Snidow and sons Jonathan, William, Silas, Elijah.
It is clear, then that, unless there was a late life marriage to a Ruth____ and a death unrecorded (Margaret), the two Jasper Terry's are not the same. Until evidence of any of the marriages for a Jasper Terry to anyone are located in Virginia it is an unsolved mystery.
What is needed is DNA from the descendants of these Jasper's of Virginia to clarify the connections.
In brief:
Terry's of the line of Jasper Morrison Terry> Aaron Bur Terry, sons of Josiah Terry (Mary Lloyd) share a Haplogroup of G-02.
Terry's in the James, Benjamin, and Nathaniel Terry line of eastern Virginia, NC,SC share a Haplogroup of I-01
Terry's from the line of William Terry (relationship proven by court documents) through his son John Terry (Esther Brown) share the same Haplogroup as found in Terry's in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. Haplogroup I-02.
