My 3rd grandfather was Samuel Shipler who was born in 1787 in PA and died on May 30th 1861 in Jefferson County, Iowa. I'd spent years trying to figure out who his family was without any luck.
So I recently had my uncle Shipler take the Y-DNA test. He has one very close match... a Richard Joseph Shepler Jr is a match with a most recent common ancestor within 6 generations. There was no tree associated with Richard Joseph Shepler Jr but as you might guess, the Junior/Senior thing made his line very easy to follow.
It goes back to John D Shepler who was born in Sep 1833 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. There are a few people who seem to go back further, but there seems to be a real lack of proof. Then I've read many many messages here and in other places on exactly this subject, some of which are 10 years old (or older).
I guess I'm lazy... ;-) and just decided to ask what the current belief is around here on the subject? Does anyone have evidence of a Samuel Shepler from around 1787 who then disappears? (If so, he went to Iowa!! ;-) )
Anyway, I'd love to compare notes or speak with anyone here on this subject. I'd love to bring you up to speed on the Shipler branch of the family if you would be willing to share info on the Sheplers.
And I'm a true believer in Y DNA testing!
stevemoore99@q.comStephen Moore
Scottsdale AZ