Carpenter Family
Carpenter Family Summary
The Carpenter family history traces back to Jeremiah Carpenter, a soldier who served during the American Revolutionary War.
Born in 1760, Jeremiah Carpenter lived in New York, where he established a family whose descendants would later move westward across the United States, settling in Illinois and eventually in the Dakota Territory.
For many years, the family history was based on incomplete and sometimes incorrect records. Recent research—combining historical documents, census records, and DNA analysis—has made it possible to correct these errors and build a more accurate representation of the Carpenter lineage.
This website presents both confirmed facts and ongoing research, offering a clearer understanding of the family’s origins and evolution.
Documents
A collection of vital records, census data, land deeds, and other official documents
Stories
A Revolutionary Beginning
The Carpenter family story begins with Jeremiah Carpenter, who served during one of the most defining conflicts in American history. After the war, he returned to civilian life in New York and began building the foundation of a growing family.
A Journey West
Like many American families of the time, the Carpenters followed the westward expansion of the country. From New York, future generations moved into Illinois and later into the Dakota Territory, establishing farms and communities along the way.
A History Rewritten
For decades, a widely accepted genealogy published in 1976 shaped the understanding of the Carpenter family. However, it contained major inaccuracies—particularly regarding the children of Jeremiah Carpenter.
Through years of dedicated research, descendants have worked to correct these mistakes and uncover the true structure of the family.
DNA and Discovery
Modern DNA testing has opened new doors in understanding the Carpenter lineage. Researchers have used genetic matches alongside historical records to confirm connections and explore new possibilities.
One example includes ongoing research into individuals such as Sarah Carpenter, whose place in the family is supported by DNA evidence but still under investigation.
The Mystery of Jane Shears
One of the most fascinating stories is that of Jeremiah’s wife, Jane Shears. Evidence suggests she may have been Jannetje Shearer, a woman of Dutch and German ancestry living in New York in the 18th century.
While this conclusion is strongly supported by DNA and historical context, it remains a working theory—illustrating the complexity of early genealogical research.