Thomas and John: sons or nephews of John Mad Jack Oldam?

Question

Hello, can anyone help me with a minor but important detail in regards to John Mad Jack Oldham? I have traced my lineage back to Thomas Oldham. In multiple accounts, Thomas and John are listed as nephews and NOT sons. A subtle difference that will affect my tree. They were listed as captives in addition to two other native youth when his ship was attacked in 1636. With so many differing documents online I can not ascertain the truth. Thoughts? Thank you.

Answer 1

I am in the same situation--traced back to Tom.  I have never found a definitive answer to this question.  I believe Mad Jack had a brother named Thomas who did not come to the US.  We don't know if he sent his two sons to the US and if they were the ones who were with Mad Jack at the time of the Indian attack or if the two boys were his own sons.

Comments

It’s very frustrating with the names!  It makes sense that Thomas would be a junior of Jack’s brother. Did the parents ever come over? So we must be cousins as well. We also did DNA testing and it came back Native American. There was not an overwhelming amount of English or European even though the Oldham’s were clearly from England. So I’m starting to have lots of questions! From what I have read they stayed with various tribes and were close, so could my DNA be from this line from an affair? It’s maddening trying to find answers!

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My DNA came back 100% European, no native american at all, even though I believe my great grandfather had a Cherokee mother.  I am on GEDMATCH if you want to do a DNA comparison.  email is sovenning@yahoo.com