My father-in-law is a Patterson (William Patterson c. 1859 GA -> Etheldred Patterson c. 1815 SC -> Roland Patterson c. 1790 SC) and he recently had his DNA tested (37 markers), but he has NO matches of any degree to ANY Pattersons. Also recently a Patterson cousin (another supposed descendant of Roland Patterson, but by way of his son Hix Patterson), also has no matches of any degree to any Pattersons, not even to my father-in-law to whom he should be some kind of third cousin.

Up until now Hix' descendants were fairly certain of their history back to Hix, and Etheldred's descendants were fairly certain of their history back to Etheldred; and the relationship between Hix and Etheldred and Roland seemed very probable. But this new information now begs (at least) two questions: (1) how can Hix and Etheldred be brothers? (2) are either Hix or Etheldred actually sons of Roland Patterson?

Now, here's the kicker. My father-in-law's DNA test (12 markers) = 100% match with that attributed to William Robbins (c. 1745-1816, Rutherford, NC), Jacob G. Robbins (Jennings Co., IN) and Daniel Robens (c. 1795, Kentucky).

His 25 marker test = 100% match to that attributed to William Robbins (c. 1745-1816, Rutherford, NC), William Robbins (Randolph Co., IL), Jonathan Robins (c. 1790-1796, Hunterdon, NJ) and George W. Robbins (c. 1833-1881, Sunflower Co., MS).

My father-in-law's 37 marker test is one off from William Robbins (c. 1745-1816, Rutherford, NC) and William Robbins (Randolph Co., IL), BUT = 100% match to that attributed Jonathan Robins (c. 1790-1796, Hunterdon, NJ) and George W. Robbins (c. 1833-1881, Sunflower Co., MS).

Is this just coincidence? Or did something (adoption? out of wedlock birth? name change? ...?) happen along the way?

Roland Patterson (Pendleton District, SC c.1810. GA 1830- in Rabun, Pickens, and Chatooga counties) has always been such a huge mystery -- as if he dropped out of thin air -- might not he be at the heart of the Robbins/Patterson connnection?

Have any other descendants of Roland (Rolean) Patterson had their DNA tested?

Thanks!