I can go reliably back, with records, to Joseph Clarkson 1738-1815. this man was first a carpenter and then a Dockman in Hull. using apprentice records, I have found his children, one of whom is Samuel Clarkson, (1783–1852) my 4 x great grandfather. I have verified others, by DNA, as belonging to my family tree,
Thomas Clarkson and Catherine (kitty) McCoy married and were pioneer LDS. they had two daughters who went to Utah with them: Ann, ( 1823 - 1887) married John Leetham and Betsy (always called Elizabeth) (1836-1902) married Leonard John Nuttall.
Thomas Clarkson appears to have a father Joseph Clarkson (1761 - 1819) married Elizabeth Paxton.
Myself, my brother, and other male Clarkson cousins are DNA matches to the Leethams through the Black and Duffin families.
However Joseph Clarkson, died 1819 (terrible death, quite unique, decapitated in a work accident) is not the father of Samuel - although some with family trees believe this. He was a Clerk of Works, and probably higher status. My Samuel was born before his marriage in 1783. although this is not uncommon, he is not noted as illigitamate.
My Clarksons, the family of my Joseph Clarkson, died 1815 are probably connected to the family of Thomas, but I don't know where.
what is the best way I can use Wikitree to further my research? would it mean adopting Leondard John Nuttall and working from there?
