This Summary Report only includes the data and highlights of the project. If you would like to read  a report which includes the details about "how" the project was conducted, then you should click on one of the 67 Marker "Report" buttons above.

CONTENTS

• Background and History
• Objectives and Conclusins
• Project Results
• 1-37 Marker Data
• 38-67 Marker Data
• Cladograms
• Project Highlights
  • Specific Markers Identify Immigrants
  • Christian Mumma Attached To Wrong Immigrant
  • Adopted Man Discovers His Genetic Roots
  • A "Mumma" is really a "Mummey"
  • An Illegitimate Birth Suspected, Tested & Confirmed
• Haplogroups
• Project Historical Timeline

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

There were many Mumma surname branches in the United States that could not be connected together through civil or church records. For example, we did not know whether or not the immigrants, Jacob, Leonard and Peter Mumma were brothers, cousins or not related at all. We were not sure from which immigrant various "unconnected" branches descended. They arrived in Philadelphia in 1731, 1732 & 1748 respectively. There were questions as to whether individuals with the Mummey, Moomey surname or the Canadian Mumas descend from a common Mumma ancestor. In addition, the Mumma surname does not exist outside the United States, except for a small isolated group in Estonia. Family traditions and legends suggest a variety of the family origins. Some suggest the progenitors were Swiss Mennonites or from the Alsace-Lorraine region of France and were Huguenots. Other stories suggest that the Mumma family descends from Lucium Mummius, the Roman General who destroyed Corinth in 146 BC. Yet another family tradition suggests the surname originated from one of the ancient kingdoms of Ireland called "Muma". The most likely tradition suggests that the MUMMA spelling is a variation of the surname, MOMMA, which can still be found in Germany today. The Wilhelm Momma family has been documented as living in the Aachen-Stolberg area of Germany (then the Holy Roman Empire) near the intersection of the current German-Belgium-Dutch boarder. This family was first identified in that area around the 1500's and descendants of the Momma family reside there to this day. Unfortunately, there has been little proof or evidence to support these family traditions, all of which probably have some truth in them, but selecting the correct pieces is always difficult. The chart to the right shows the five major branches of the Momma and Mumma families. The question marks at the top of the Mumma lines indicate the uncertainty of the correct connection to the Momma family.

OBJECTIVES and CONCLUSIONS

The data obtained from the 37 and 67 marker analysis has proved to be excellent. While a few issues and concerns have been identified, an "ancestral" haplotype (DNA signature) has been determined for the Mumma family. The initial project objectives have been met and in several cases, exceeded.

• Are the American MUMMA and German MOMMA families closely related? - The answer to this question is YES. There are exact 37/37 matches between these two surname groups, suggesting they share a recent common ancestor. The 67 marker data shows several men were within one mutation of the ancestral haplotype, 66/67 matches, further confirming the families are closely related.
• Were the original 1731, 1732 & 1748 Mumma immigrants closely closely related? YES, the data clearly shows that the original immigrants were closely related. Because of mutational differences at specific loci, I conclude it is doubtful they were brothers.
• Are variant surname spellings related - Muma, Mummau, Mummah, Mumaugh, Moomaw, Moomau, Moomey, Mumme, Mummey & Reenstjerna? In some cases the surname groups are closely related, but other surnames such as Mumme, Mummey and Moomey do not descend from the same genetic tree. In addition, cases of surname spelling errors between the Mumma & Mummey families were uncovered.
• Can DNA “fingerprints” be determined to uniquely identify specific family branches or trees? YES, specific DNA signatures have been determined which are unique to specific immigrants and even particular branches. This is probably the most significant result form the Mumma surname project. Two unique mutations were observed at DYS570 and CDYa which determine from which immigrant a man descends.
• Can an individual’s DNA “fingerprint” be used to connect them to a specific family tree? YES, specific DNA signatures have allowed us to correctly identify a man with the Bell surname to a specific branch of the Mumma family which was later confirmed with documentation. In another case, it was determined that a man with the Mumma surname genetically descends from the Mummey surname family.

From the results I conclude that 37 markers are sufficient to identify whether men are Mumma/Momma descendants and in some cases, even  which immigrant. There are two key markers which define from which immigrant a person descends. They are DYS 570 and CDYa which are only analyzed by Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), the company that has been used to analyze the DNA for this project,. Other surname projects may identify "key" mutations at other marker locations. The 67 marker analysis has not demonstrated any particular usefulness for this project, but the results might be different for different surname projects.

Following the tables, several interesting results will be discussed.

PROJECT RESULTS

These DNA results have been obtained since the year 2000 and are presented below in ten different groupings as an aid in data interpretation. Some of these groups have only recently been created based on the results. In general, the results are grouped according to each person's known progenitor or probable progenitor. Group 1 contains the results of the European participants, namely 2 men with the Momma surname who still live in Germany. The other man in this grouping has the name of Reenstjerna and his ancestors lived in Sweden before migrating to America about 1875. The unusual spelling of his name occurs because several Momma men migrated to Sweden in the late 1500's. They became so important to the economy of Sweden due to their contributions to shipping and mining that the King of Sweden "ennobled" them and gave them the name of "Reenstierna". This branch has used that surname ever since. The connection of these two families is well documented in Swedish and English court records due to lawsuits. Fortunately for genealogists, lawyers can create large mountains of paperwork. Group 2 contains men who are known to have descended from immigrant Jacob Mumma who arrived in America in 1731. Group 3 was created after the 37 marker data was received. Because of a unique result at one marker, their results strongly suggest they too are Jacob descendants, but for whom documentation is lacking. Group 4 are men who descended from immigrant Peter Mumma who arrived in 1748 and they also have a unique "signature". Group 5, the largest grouping, are known descendants of immigrant Leonard Mumma who arrived in 1732. Group 6 is another grouping that was created after the 37 marker data became available. From family traditions and the identification of a unique marker, we believe that these men are also descendants of Leonard Mumma, but definite proof is lacking. The remaining groupings are not Mumma descendants, but were included in the project to evaluate similar surname spellings or because of unusual DNA results. Group 7 are primarily men who were unlikely Mumma descendants, were adopted and not expected to match the Mumma family or they are cases of probable infidelity, rape or unknown adoptions. Group 8 contains men with the Mummey surname spelling or shared a similar DNA signature. Group 9 contains the results of 2 men with the Moomey surname who were tested to determine whether or not men with this surname were related to the Mumma family. The final group, Group 10, has two men with the Webb surname and one Moomaw who also matched their DNA signature exactly.

Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) has analyzed a large amount of data and have posted "relatedness" charts on their web site, based upon the number of mutations observed. The number of mutations, also called "genetic distance", are used to determine the likelihood whether or not two people are related. I have combined their information with my own observations of the Mumma data and developed the following "relatedness chart". The table lists the likelihood of relatedness based on a man's genetic distance from the Momma ancestral haplotype.

37 Marker Data

[NOTE: People often have difficulty properly printing wide tables presented in HTML format. For convenience, you may download all of the project data in PDF format. This file includes additional results from Dr. Jobling of the University of Leicester and from the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF). Downloading and printing this file will maintain proper formatting including cell colors. If you wish to print these pages directly, it is recommended that you print in "landscape" and turn on "print background colors" in your Internet browser "advanced" settings]

(Note: A special modified Henry numbering system is used to identify each individual in the chart. The top individual in a particular genealogical tree is given an identifying number. At each new generation an additional digit is added to each descendant and the numeric value added is typically the child's order of birth. 1st child = #1, 2nd child = #2, 9th child = #9, 10th child = #0, 11th child = #a, 12th child = #b, etc. Therefore, a seven digit number means that the person is the sixth generation down from the top individual. If a group of individuals cannot be linked to one of the known Mumma immigrant trees, then that group is assigned a unique "U" number at the beginning of their Henry number. Individuals not listed in the Mumma database have only their surname listed.)
Henry Ref# beginning with 1 = Descendants of Jacob Mumma - arrived America in 1731 & were primarily Mennonite.
Henry Ref# beginning with 2 = Descendants of Leonard Mumma - arrived America in 1732 & were Mennonite & Lutheran/Reformed.
Henry Ref# beginning with 4 = Descendants of Peter Mumma - arrived America in 1748 & were primarily Reformed.
Henry Ref# beginning with E = Descendants of Wilhelm Momma - b. ~1543 in Germany where the family remains today.
Henry Ref# beginning with U07 = Descendants of David Muma - b. 1760 in PA, appears in Page Co., VA ~1810.
Henry Ref# beginning with U21 = Descendants of Jacob Muma - b. ~1750 migrated to Canada ~1800. Known as the Canadian Mumas.
Henry Ref# beginning with U30 = Descendants of John Mumma - b. bef 1750 migrated to Cumberland County, PA about 1803
Henry Ref# beginning with U45 = Descendants of Christian Mummer - b. 1768 surnames of Moomau, Moomaugh, Moma
Henry Ref# beginning with U46 = Descendants of David Mumma - b. ~1790 appears Franklin Co., PA ~1810.
Henry Ref# beginning with U51 = Descendants of George Mummaugh - b. ~1809 appears in Carroll Co., MD in the 1840 census.
Henry Ref# beginning with U57 = Descendants of Samuel Mumma - b. ~1822. Appears in Lykens/Wiconisco townships of Dauphin Co.in 1860
Henry Ref# beginning with U62 = Descendants of John Mumma - b. ~1750 in Lancaster Co. PA, migrated to York Co., ~1780.
Henry Ref# beginning with U74 = Descendants of Jesse N. Mumma - b. 1833 - resided in Rocky Ridge, MD
Henry Ref# beginning with U76 = Descendants of Elias Bertram Mumah - b. ~1830 in Lancaster County. His grandmother was a Mumma.

67 Marker Data - To evaluate the usefulness of analyzing 67 markers, 10 DNA samples were selected from each of the known descendant groups so that the results would be representative of the Mumma population. Only the results from the last 30 markers are shown. The first column after the participant's surname labeled "Prior Mutate" is the total number of mutations (or Genetic Distance) observed in the 37 marker data. The last column marked "Total Mutate" are the number of mutations observed for all 67 markers. In general, few mutations were observed. Of the 8 mutations, one man, Kit# 1862, had 4 mutations himself which seems rather unusual and unexpected. His allele values are currently being re-scored to verify his results. These results show that little marker volatility was observed and these additional markers will not prove to be of great value to the Mumma Surname Project. Only 4 men matched the Momma Ancestral haplotype for 37 markers. After the 67 marker results were received, none of the 10 men matched the Momma 67 marker ancestral haplotype, shown in the yellow colored row.

CLADOGRAMS

An alternate way of viewing the same information shown in the tables above is to create a Cladogram. These charts determine an interconnection of all the DNA signatures using the minimal number of mutations (rule of parsimony). It may or may not accurately depict ancestor-descendant relationships that a genuine phylogenetic tree would show, but It is useful, however, for evaluating potential relationships.

The first chart was created for Leonard's descendants using a free phylogenetic network software program offered by Fluxus Engineering http://www.fluxus-engineering.com/sharenet.htm. This program determines the simplest configuration which has the least number of interconnections or mutations. In the chart shown below, the yellow circle in the center represents 8 descendants of immigrant Leonard who share his DNA signature. Radiating out from the central circle are spokes which connect to smaller circles. These circles are men whose haplotype is different from Leonard's haplotype by one or more mutations. The DYS number, shown in red, represents a specific marker or locus which mutated. The black number beside each circle represents a Mumma project number assigned to each man. The Mumma project numbers are shown because they take up less space than their corresponding FTDNA kit#. This style of charting nicely identifies the "modal" (meaning most common)  haplotype and the mutations which radiate away from that haplotype.

Another chart was created in which all 56 Mumma men listed in the data table, groups 1 to 6, are included. These are men who are all closely related. Again the yellow circles represent identical haplotypes and the interconnections between them represent mutations. In this chart we can now see the separation of of the data into several branches developing of immigrants Leonard, Peter and Jacob. These results show that immigrant Jacob closely matches the haplotypes of Wilhelm Momma who is the likely generator of all these men.

For clarity, only the DYS numbers for two of the mutations are shown in red. The size of the circles are proportional to the number of haplotypes they represent. The black numbers are one of kit numbers the circle represents. This chart nicely shows immigrant Jacob and the European Momma/Reenstierna families are separated by single mutations at DYS570 or CDYa. It is these specific mutations which have proved to be the most valuable for this project in separating men into specific immigrant branches.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

A number of interesting genealogical facts and discoveries were uncovered from the results just presented. Some of the more important ones are highlighted and discussed below.

Specific Markers Identify Immigrant Groups

One of the unique and fortuitous results of this project was the discovery of specific markers which identify from which Immigrant groups men descend. As observed in the data table and the cladogram charts, all descendants of immigrant Leonard Mumma had allele 16 at marker DYS570.  All descendants of immigrant Peter Mumma and allele 35 at marker location CDYa. The remainder of the men are either descendants of immigrant Jacob Mumma or the European Momma/Reenstierna families.

Christian Mumma Attached to Wrong Immigrant

When this project was first begun, a Christian Mumma was attached as the grandson of immigrant Jacob Mumma  and two of his descendants were listed in Group #2. Upon receiving the 37 marker results, the allele values of these descendants stood out as being very questionable. The father-son results, #19 and #4 both had allele 16 at DYS570 and not the expected allele 17 for other descendants of immigrant Jacob. This raised a number of questions as to the validity of their results or their lineage. A request was made for the laboratory to re-verify their results and insure there was not a laboratory induced error. The laboratory confirmed their original scoring. I personally re-examined the genealogies for these men and the documentation revealed there was possible doubt in their pedigrees. It turns out both immigrants Jacob & Leonard had grandsons named Christian, both about the same age and both living in the same township of Lancaster County, PA. No verifiable documentation could be found to support the attachment of these Christian descendants to immigrant Jacob or Leonard. A search of the Lancaster County Mennonite Society library revealed a Mumma descendant chart created by one of their respected researchers. In this chart he commented that he was uncertain as to which immigrant this Christian Mumma descended. He thought it could be either Jacob or Leonard and there was no compelling evidence either way. The DNA evidence now supports the reattachment of this Christian Mumma as a descendant of immigrant Leonard. This "reattachment" appears as the first two entries in Group 5 with the surname of Mummau. Their haplotypes are consistent with the other men in this grouping. Thus DNA data provided guidance for connecting men to specific branches and another project goal was achieved. While the proof is not 100% that the reattachment is correct, at least there is a rational basis for making the change.

Adopted man discovers his "Genetic Surname"

An interesting result was obtained from a man with the surname of Bell. After receiving his 12 marker results, he contacted me, saying he had an exact 12 marker match with participant M-26, a Muma. Initially I was not particularly excited since there are a number of men with different surnames who match the MUMMA haplotype for the first 12 markers. Then he related the story that his great grandfather was a traveling salesman in Ohio who was “robbed & murdered” before he could marry his great grandmother. She was pregnant with his grandfather at that time. His great grandmother eventually married a man named Bell, who adopted the “illegitimate” boy, thus the Bell surname. Soon after the marriage, the family moved to New York from Ohio. Their family oral tradition claimed his "murdered" great grandfather’s name was “Elmer Maumau”, but there was uncertainty of the exact spelling because no written records have been found for his birth or the "murder". For many years he has been curious as to his true "genetic" surname and he decided to submit a DNA sample to FTDNA for analysis. After hearing his story and the surname of "Maumau", I became more interested. The Mumma surname is often spelled incorrectly. I found an Elmer Mumma from the same region of Ohio, but this Elmer had not been "murdered" and he married and raised a family. It didn't appear as if he was a candidate. Then the results were received for the remaining 37 markers. His haplotype matched the results of three immigrant Peter Mumma participants exactly, 37 out of 37 markers. Thus I concluded with confidence that the true “genetic” surname of Kit# 20816 is MUMMA, but uncertain of the connection. The facts and results were presented to one of the great grandchildren of Elmer Mumma and they revealed that he was a "traveling salesman", was living in the same area of Ohio and was not married at the time Mr. Bell's grandfather was conceived. After comparing all of the facts and even family photographs, we concluded that Elmer Mumma was the genetic father of Mr. Bell's illegitimate grandfather. We suspect that the family "wanted to murder" Elmer Mumma for not marrying the daughter. The descendants of both the natural and illegitimate families have now met via the Internet and have exchanged pictures and stories. I consider the likelihood of anyone blindly finding their "genetic" surname in a DNA surname database is like finding a needle in a haystack. Previously I have been asked by people whether a person should submit their DNA sample as a way to find their genetic ancestors and I would always say they were throwing their money away. Now I have to rethink and rephrase my answer.

A "Mumma" is really a "Mummey":

When the project was first begun, several men with the Mummey surname were included. I had a strong feeling that the Mummey surname and the Mumma surname were probably closely related with the similar surname spellings. The results, however, proved this to be an incorrect assumption. Not only did their results not match the Mumma surname haplotype, but they did not match each other. The origins of both men were from the Schuylkill County area of Pennsylvania. Since they did not match the Mumma haplotype, they were originally assigned to group 7, the "Non-Mumma" grouping.

Recently a fellow from an "unattached" branch with the Mumma spelling submitted his DNA sample (Kit #25944) for analysis. Much to my surprise, he did not match the Mumma haplotype, but he did match the haplotype of one of the Mummey men. A review of his genealogy shows he descends from Samuel Mumma who first appeared in Lykens/Wiconisco townships of Dauphin County in the 1860s. He and his family were enumerated in the 1860 census under the surname of "MUMY", but after the 1860 census, the surname spelling of MUMMA was always used. He used this surname when he served in the Civil war and all of his descendants have used it since that time.

Additional men with the Mummey surname were solicited to participate and their results are shown in the Group 8 results shown below. One participant is known to have descended from Samuel Mummy, the eldest known Mummey originating in Northampton county, PA around 1710. This Samuel is recorded as having purchased land in Bucks County in 1738. While there is no documented connection between all of these men, the results clearly show they share the same "genetic" surname and a close relationship. Their origins are from nearby Schuylkill, Columbia, Northampton and Northumberland counties, Pennsylvania.

In this table, a Mummey surname modal haplotype was determined and these values are shown in the yellow boxes. The values in the red boxes represent the genetic distances compared to the Mummey modal haplotype, hence mutations. I believe all of these men descend from a common ancestor as they are exactly a genetic distance of 1 from the Mummey modal haplotype.