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DNA Connections
It may be possible to confirm family relationships with Rachel by comparing test results with other carriers of her mitochondrial DNA.
However, there are no known mtDNA test-takers in her direct maternal line.
It is likely that these autosomal DNA test-takers will share some percentage of DNA with Rachel:
Most of what we believe we know about Rachel comes from an 1893 letter. Unfortunately, her supposed gravestone is nowhere to be found (at least on the internet).
Rachel's husband, James Blair erected a stone in Aghadowey churchyard to the memory of his wife, Rachel Boyd, who died March 10, 1700 aged fifty-six years. The gravestone erected to the memory of Mrs. Rachel (Boyd) Blair by her husband, James Blair, is still standing. It is said that King Malcolm of Scotland granted a crest to the Blairs of County Antrim, Ireland and is found on the grave of Rachel Boyd Blair in Aghadowey, Ireland.
During the siege of Londonderry in 1688-89, Rachel (Boyd) Blair evaded the King James army with her children when the King burned their home. All Scots-Irish families, such as James and Rachel, went to Londonderry where they were besieged for over 3 months. As the siege went on, thousands of people died of starvation, illness, and from the bombardment of cannons. Death met them at every corner, and even water could not be obtained without hazard of life. Great numbers were swept away daily by bad food and ill-lodging, and famine. In some instances entire families were wiped out. They were reduced to eating vermin or worse, yet their refusal to surrender during siege is a testament to their strength and spirit.
During the siege of Londonderry in 1688-89, Rachel (Boyd) Blair evaded the King James army with her children when the King burned their home. All Scots-Irish families, such as James and Rachel, went to Londonderry where they were besieged for over 3 months. As the siege went on, thousands of people died of starvation, illness, and from the bombardment of cannons. Death met them at every corner, and even water could not be obtained without hazard of life. Great numbers were swept away daily by bad food and ill-lodging, and famine. In some instances entire families were wiped out. They were reduced to eating vermin or worse, yet their refusal to surrender during siege is a testament to their strength and spirit.