Latest Research

Descendants of John Burnett the Ist and Lucretia

John Burnett was born abt. 1629

Updated 11 June 2025

The objective of this project is to utilize YDNA testing to identify the descendants and ancestors of John and Lucretia Burnett of Essex County, Virginia. Published research on this couple and their descendants has been available for decades; however, it is largely inaccurate. These inaccuracies in the previously published research were discovered through the use of readily available documents at the time those studies were published.

Upon revisiting that research, we have ascertained that John Burnett was an industrious young Englishman determined to improve his circumstances. He agreed to serve as an indentured servant for three years to facilitate his relocation to the colonies, where he aspired to build a new life. Landownership in England was typically reserved for the titled; hence, John resolved to forge his own path. After completing his three-year term of indenture, he acquired land, married Lucretia (maiden name unknown), and started a family. This family retained ownership of the land for the subsequent 90 years. John Burnett exemplifies the principles upon which this country was established: self-reliance, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams.

Researchers investigating this family have often pursued an erroneous connection to the Scottish Burnett House of Leys, believing such royal lineage would instill pride. We assert that we are significantly prouder of John Burnett, whose courage and initiative reflect the foundational attributes of this country.

A credible lead concerning John's origins is currently under investigation. There is a very ancient Y12 DNA match with a Weekes tester whose primary source documentation indicates that his ancestor died in Devon, England.

The comprehensive research paper delineating that John and Lucretia Burnett are not connected to the House of Leys in Scotland is accessible Wikitree at this link. https://www.wikitree.com/photo.php/b/b2/Johnston-2331.pdf .This fully documented research paper is also available at the Essex County Historical Society and has been submitted to the LDS Library in Utah and the Library of Virginia.

If your lineage traces back to Jeremiah Burnett I, born 1718, it is imperative to have a male relative with the last name Burnett take a Y37 DNA test to determine if and how you connect to John and Lucretia Burnett. Primary source documentation proves that Jeremiah was not the son of John Burnett and Amy Gatewood. The descendants attributed to Jeremiah belong to two different YDNA lines and are sons of other Burnetts.

A research paper containing primary source documentation on Jeremiah is available on Wikitree at this link. https://www.wikitree.com/photo.php/e/eb/Burnett-343.pdf