DNA Project for
Orrick, Orick, Orrock, Arrick, Arick Surnames


And variations including Aric, Horrocks, O'Rourke, Orrouck, Rock, Rook, etc...
Last updated Aug 6, 2009

15 Members!!

Be part of this adventure and help solve the Orrick mystery - Email Roger to join or help

Join the conversation at these forums:     Orrick     Orick     Orrock     Arrick     Arick    

On this page:     Activty Log       Current Status NEWS!       Branches      

 

For Arrick, Roger searched high and low
Found Orrick, and gave it a go
Sent cells to the lab
While onlookers gab
We're connected now, all in a row

 

How DNA Testing Works
Every male has a chunk of DNA in their cells called the Y Chromosome which is passed from Fathers to their Sons. This allows us to track paternal lines and see who is related. There are DNA tests that track the female line, but that's not the focus of this particular project.

What We Could Learn
There continues to be questions about the origins of families with the name Orrick, Orick, Arrick, and Arick. There are many branches around the US - Maryland, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, etc. As of now, we don't know how or if we are connected. DNA testing can change all this and break through the brick wall that many of us researchers have hit.

This is very exciting for those of us who have exhausted census records and read the forums a hundred times. Without DNA research, we might never know these answers because there is limited source information, and our older family members are passing quickly.

The Test Itself
Don't worry, you can not FAIL a DNA test, and it does NOT go on your permanant record!
The test is simple - just a toothbrush-like tool you stick in your mouth and rub inside your cheek. The sample is then stuck in a tube and sent back to the lab. There are 3 of these to do - 3 hours apart. You will not need hospitalization, therapy, or the number for 911. Everything is included in the kit, even the return package. The lab takes 6 weeks and the results are a series of numbers. These numbers go into a database and we can see who might be related.
---- Watch me do this very scary test!

Cost
STOP! Don't let this affect your ability to join. If you can't pay the $191 fee, I will find a way to pay for it - either myself, or from donations from others who are interested in the results.

What About Females?
About 70% of genealogy researchers are female and they will benefit from these DNA results too. The way for a female to participate in this study is to donate funds to help pay for the tests. See the Funding section below.

Worries?
These DNA tests do not check for medical issues and do not expose anything personal about you - except who you might be related to. Your identity can remain secret if you wish. You will not grow a 3rd leg or be listed in the newspaper as an axe murderer. But you might get an offer to play a victim on CSI:Scotland! :)

Who are You?
My name is Roger Arrick (46) and I'm an Engineer who does genealogy as a hobby. I live in Tyler Texas with my wife and 2 sons. I'm a frequent poster on Orrick and Arrick forums, creator of this website, and administrator of this DNA project. My Arrick family connects back to the Warren TN Orricks, and the Maryland Orricks before that. You are welcome to call or Email me.

 

 

Activity Log

11/25/2007 - Set up this web page
11/26/2007 - Added family branches
11/29/2007 - Set up Orrick/Arrick DNA Project at FTDNA Lab
11/29/2007 - Frank volunteered for E-TN Orick branch
11/30/2007 - Ordered 37-marker test kit for me -Warren TN Orrick branch
11/30/2007 - Posted to several forums
12/5/2007  - Received first donation of funds to help pay for tests
12/5/2007  - Ordered test kit for Frank - E-TN Orick branch
12/6/2007  - Received my test kit, it's a small package, will take pictures
12/7/2007  - Charles Orrick joined - possibly connected to MD Orricks through IL
1/14/2008  - Jack from the Maryland Orricks joined
1/19/2008  - Donald from the Arkansas Aricks joined
1/19/2008  - Arthur from the Iron Co Missouri Orricks joined
1/24/2008  - BREAKTHROUGH!  Frank and Roger match on the first 12 markers!!
             This likely means that Lewis Orrick (b 1770 in SC) and Benjamin Orick 
	     (b 1760 in NC) are brothers or 1st cousins!
	     Lewis is progenitor of the Warren Co TN Orricks (some became Arrick) 
	     and probably the Ironton MO Orricks.
             Benjamin Orick is progenitor of the East TN Oricks.
             These results connect these 2 branches like traditional research has 
	     never been able to.
	     Still awaiting the remaining 25 markers to know with more confidence.
1/25/2008  - Received donation from Arick family
2/7/2008   - Ken Orrick Joined
2/10/2008  - Located 2 people from the Pike Co Arkansas Orricks willing to test
2/13/2008  - John Orrick from the Maryland branch sent in his sample
2/15/2008  - 12 more markers for Frank Orick in, perfect match still!, 13 more to go.
2/19/2008  - Talked with another from Pike Co AR Orrick branch willing to test
2/20/2008  - Jim Arrick joined (N. Indiana Arrick branch)
2/25/2008  - Frank Orick final results - 36 out of 37 match with Roger Arrick.
             This means there is a 56% chance that the E-TN Oricks and the Mid-TN Orricks
	     are related within 8 generations.  This is a great breakthrough!
3/3/2008   - Jim from Lawrence Co Arkansas Orricks joined.
3/6/2008   - Partial results came in for Maryland Orricks (11 out of 12)
             Missouri Orricks and Arkansas Aricks (pefect 25 out of 25), 
	     and Charles Orrick (10 out of 12).  This indicates all these branches are
	     related but we should wait for the rest of the results for more confidence.
3/15/2008  - All 37 markers are in for the Maryland Orricks and they match 35/37 with the
             Warren TN Orrick/Arricks, and 34/37 with the E-TN Oricks.  This proves that
             E-TN Orick and Warren TN Orrick/Arricks are both descended from the Maryland
	     Orricks - probably around 12 generations or so.
             Fantastic news for Orrick researchers!	
             Major update to branches section below.	     
	     There are DNA matches with ROOK and ROCK familes - still investigating this.
3/17/2008    Illinois Orricks are not a match.  Suspected non-paternal event confirmed.  
	     See below.
3/30/2008    Added GA Orricks branch.
4/7/2008     Member of GA/AL Orricks joined.
4/17/2008    Ken Orrick, descendant of Nancy Orrick, Warren TN, does NOT match with Orricks
             but does match with many Rains and Raines.
             This confirms family stories of a non-paternal event between Nancy and Jack Rains.
4/23/2008    Jeff Orrick, Lawrence Co. AR Orricks is NOT a match.  
             This possibly confirms lineage from Ireland.
5/1/2008     The Ohio Arricks (William Travis Arrick) are not a match to the Maryland Orricks.	
             They are a completely separate family group.   
5/20/2008    First 12 makers are in for the AL/GA Orricks and they are a match to the
             Maryland Orricks, and connected Arrick/Arick families.
8/21/2008    Member of Pike Co Arkansas Orricks joined.       
10/3/2008    Descendant of Wm Arrick/Hannah Benson Moon joined.     
11/25/2008   Pike Co Arkansas Orricks match the Maryland Orricks!
12/6/2008    Wm Arrick/Hannah Benson Moon does not match Orricks, but who????
7/20/2009    Orrock from AU joined study.  Father's research connects back to Fife Scotland.
7/23/2009    Arick from PA Aricks joined study.  Says some used 2 r's ARRICK.
7/31/2009    Orrock from MN said would join study, but I'm going to his tree first.
8/06/2009    Orrock from AU (Sydney area) joined study.             

 

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Current Status

* We're now on to Orrocks.  I went through a bunch of Orrocks on facebook and got
  very good response - 3 Ken Orrocks from separate branches but probably connected
  back to Fife Scotland.  One is part of the MN Orrocks which I've never traced,
  and 2 are in Australia but not connected recently.  Some of their families 
  in the past have done research and I'm now collecting that.  All 3 have said they
  will do the test.  This is going to be very interesting.

* This study has proven a connection between the Maryland Orricks,
  Warren Co. TN Arricks/Orricks, Iron Co. MO Orricks, East TN Oricks, AL/GA Orricks, 
  and the AR Aricks.  DNA testing along with traditional research tells us that
  a branch of the Orricks who immigrated to Maryland around 1660 from Scotland
  went to the Carolinas, possibly through Virginia around 1730-1760, and from there,
  branched out to TN, KY, GA, AL and so on, becoming the Orricks, Oricks, Arricks,
  and Aricks of today.  This is very exciting news.
  
* This study has helped confirm 2 suspected non-paternal events and resolved a
  couple of mysteries and uncertainies for these families in the process.
  The first is Nancy Orrick of Warren Co TN who had children by neighbor John Rains.
  Nancy's son A.J. used the Orrick surname and is the ancestor of many modern-day Orricks.
  The second is Charles Orrick, son of Anna Ricketts whos husband T.E. Orrick was 
  killed at the battle of Shiloh.  Anna's children used the Orrick name but they have 
  a non-Orrick, and as of yet, unidentified father.

* See the Family Branch Status section below for individual lab results.

* Latest test results prove the Pike Co Arkansas Orricks are descended from
  the Maryland Orricks.
  
* Descendant of William Arrick and Hannah Benson Moon from Indiana were tested
  and they do not match Orricks of Maryland.  Trying to find out who they connect to or
  find another person to test to make sure there is not a non-paternal event somewhere.

 

Funding
Don't be part of the mystery, be part of the answer!
This project is funded by participants, interested family members, and by Roger's massive pocket book :).
Each YDNA-37 test costs $191.

This test is for male Y-DNA only, but female researchers and other family members will benefit too,
so consider particpating by donating. Any amount is acceptable.

We need to keep a positive fund balance so new particpants can join quickly and easily.

Current funds balance:   -$1,426.00         Email Roger to donate

 

 

Family Branch Status and Results

We're looking for the origins of the following families.
This is just a start, so if you're an Orrick/Orick/Arrick/Arick/Orrock, Email me.
We need at least one interested male descendant from each branch - more would be great.

 


The Maryland Orricks
Progenitor: James Orrick
Born: 1630 in Scotland
Died: 1690 in Maryland
Wife: Mary Slade
Parents: James Orrock/Orrouck/Orrick (immigrant) and Elizabeth Powell
Sons: William, John, James
The Maryland Orricks are a well-researched family who migrated from ORROCK Scotland to Maryland around 1625.
Many in this family became lawyers, Doctors, and Politicians.
Other branches exchanged those qualities for adventure and migrated to SC/NC/GA, etc.
Research connecting this branch of Orricks with others in this list was once not very solid but this study has proven that many branches of Orricks around the US come from them.

STATUS: Results in - John R. Orrick Jr. - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
This test proves that a branch of Maryland Orricks split off and went to the Carolinas then into KY, TN, MO, AR, etc. This split was likely through William Orrick, the oldest son of James Orrick. William's wife was Hannah Griniffe.

    Relationship to Warren TN Orrick/Arrick:
      Match 35 out of 37.
      34% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      59% at 10 gen, 76% at 12, 87% at 14.
    Relationship to East TN Orick:
      Match 34 out of 37.
      22% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      44% at 10 gen, 62% at 12, 75% at 14.
    Relationship to Arkansas TN Arick:
      Match 34 out of 37.
      21% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      43% at 10 gen, 61% at 12, 74% at 14.
    Relationship to Iron Co Missouri Orricks:
      Match 33 out of 37.
      10% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      24% at 10 gen, 40% at 12, 54% at 14.

 


The East Tennessee Oricks
Progenitor: Robison Orick
Born: 1800 in NC
Died: 1875 in Campbell Co. TN
Father: Benjamin Orick b 1780
Sons: Benjamin Franklin, John B., James Madison Researchers have wondered for decades if these Oricks are connected to any other Orricks and now this study has shown they are. This is the first result of the DNA study.

STATUS: Results In - Sherman Frank Orick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
This test proves that the E-TN Orick familes are descended from the Maryland Orricks, and that they are cousins with the Warren TN Orricks/Arricks and others.

    Relationship to Maryland Orrick:
      Match 34 out of 37.
      22% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      44% at 10 gen, 62% at 12, 75% at 14.
    Relationship to Warren TN Orrick/Arrick:
      Match 36 out of 37.
      48% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      74% at 10 gen, 88% at 12, 94% at 14.
    Relationship to Arkansas TN Arick:
      Match 35 out of 37.
      35% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      60% at 10 gen, 77% at 12, 87% at 14.
    Relationship to Iron Co Missouri Orricks:
      Match 34 out of 37.
      21% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      42% at 10 gen, 60% at 12, 74% at 14.

 


The Illinois Orricks
Progenitor: Charles George Orrick
Born: 1874 in IL
Died: 1929 in IL
Wife: Katherine Helton
Parents: Possibly T.E. Orrick and Anna Ricketts
Sons: Charles Harry, John Thomas, Seldon Robert, Ray Lafayette, and Ferndell William
Family stories say he is connected to William Orrick who named Orrick Missouri. If so, these Orricks would connect back to the Maryland Orricks.

STATUS: Results in - Charles H. Orrick IV - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
Charles is not a match to Orricks of Warren TN or the Maryland Orricks.
The likely explaination is that Anna Ricketts was married to T.E. Orrick in 1860 per the Warren Co TN marriage records. T.E. was killed at Shiloh. Later, Anna had children and gave them the Orrick name. This is speculation, but it is important to remember how devastating the civil war was to these families. A similar event happened to a sister of T.E. Orrick - Her children took the Orrick surname - confirmed by this DNA study. Now that these results are in the database, we are looking for who might be the father of Anna's children.

 


The Utah Orrocks
Progenitor: William Cummings Blyth Orrock
Born: 1849 in Scotland
Died: 1928 in UT
Sons: John William (1863-1892), William Thomas (1873-1954), Joseph Henry (1879-1880).
This group came to the US after 1850 and settled in UT.
Possibly connected back in Scotland to Orricks in the US.

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


The Pennsylvania Aricks
Progenitor: Jacob Arick
Born: 1784 Probably in PA
Died: 1843 Probably in OH
Wife: Margaret Chesnut (1789-1843)
Sons: John (1809-1881)
Wives of some of them come from MD, and an elder Edward (b 1761) was born in MD.
I admit to being confused about these Aricks and the Ohio and Indiana Arricks. Some researchers say they are really Ihrig, others say they are part of the Ohio Arricks. The DNA study will help sort this out.

STATUS: Participant found - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

 


The Northern Indiana Arricks
Progenitor: John Henry Arrick Sr
Born: 1773 in Loudoun Co. VA
Died: 1865 in White Co. IN
Wife: Susannah
Son: George William. Arrick, Miami Co IN, married Hannah Benson Moon in Berkeley Co VA.
I think there's a chance these are really Orricks out of MD because they come from an area where other Orricks lived (VA) and Arrick is a common spelling variation. And the name John Henry is used by other Orricks. This is a LONG SHOT for sure since there are other origin stories for this family, but it is worth including since other Arrick branches came from Orricks. We could be surprised on this one. There also a possiblity that these Arricks are connected to the Ohio Arricks and William Travis Arrick.

STATUS: Results in - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

Not a match to Orricks of Maryland. But to know who they are related to will have to await testing from others.

 


The Ohio Arricks
Progenitor: William Travis Arrick
Born: 1831 in Noble Co OH
Died: 1911 in Bates Co. MO
Wife: Naomi E. Sidener

STATUS: Results in - James (Jim) M. Arrick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
Not a match to other Orricks of Maryland and elsewhere.
Apparently a completely different family group.

 


The Copenhagen Orricks
Progenitor: Andrew Orrick
Born: 1759 in Copenhagen Denmark??
Died: 1859 in IN?
Wife: Molly Hambleton
History of this family states Andrew is from Copenhagen.
Connected with Duzan, Clouser, and other families in Indiania and KY.
Still unsure if the male Orricks from this line lived on.

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


The Pike Co. Arkansas Orricks
Progenitor: William Orrick
Born: 1783 in NC
Died: 1859 in Pike Co. AR
Wife: Celia Ola Strickland
This is a prolific batch of Orricks and much research has been done on them. Some researchers have already connected William Orrick back to the Maryland Orricks but there is a lack of paper documents to back this up.

STATUS: Results in - Nick Orrick - Email Roger if you wish to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
A match to Maryland Orricks.

 


The Lawrence Co. Arkansas Orricks
Progenitor: John A Orrick
Born: 1853 in TN (Father from Ireland per 1900 census)
Died: 1907? in AR?
Sons: William A (1885-?), John Harrison (1888-?), Charles Willis (1891-1980),
Richard Elmo (1893-?), George S (1895-1975), Mert (1898-?).
This group has unknown origins in TN, and possibly Ireland before that.

STATUS: Results in - Jeff Orrick - Email Roger if you wish to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
Not a match to Maryland Orricks. Possible confirmation of Ireland lineage stories.

 


The Arkansas Aricks
Progenitor: William Frank Arick
Born: 1852 in NC
Died: ?
Wife: Susan C or Catherine Kittie Page
These Aricks are possibly a branch off the Ironton MO Orricks, connected to the Pike Co AR Orricks, or possibly descended from William Orrick/Arrick of Warren Co TN (Parents John and Margaret Orrick).

STATUS: Results in - Donald Arick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
Suspicions were correct and this family of Aricks in Arkansas is connected to many other Orrick families and some Arricks. Exactly who, will require more traditional research.

    Relationship to Maryland Orrick:
      Match 34 out of 37.
      21% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      42% at 10 gen, 51% at 12, 74% at 14.
    Relationship to East TN Orick:
      Match 35 out of 37.
      35% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      60% at 10 gen, 77% at 12, 87% at 14.
    Relationship to Warren Co TN Orrick/Arrick:
      Match 36 out of 37.
      47% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      73% at 10 gen, 87% at 12, 94% at 14.
    Relationship to Iron Co Missouri Orricks:
      Match 36 out of 37.
      47% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      73% at 10 gen, 87% at 12, 94% at 14.

 


G.W. Arrington Branch
Progenitor: John Cromwell Orrick Jr
Born: 1844: in AL
Died: 1923: in TX
Wife: Sallie
Sons: John, French
John changed his name to G. W. Arrington (his Mom's maiden name) after a murder, then became a famous Texas Ranger. Most certainly traces back to the MD Orricks because of the Cromwell name, but exactly where is still a mystery.
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/AA/far20.html

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


Georgia/Alabama Orricks
Progenitor: William Orrick
Born: 1844: in GA
Died: >1876: in AL
Wife: Amanda Crozier
Sons: John Lee, Eugene Benjamin
This branch of Orricks might have come to GA from the Maryland Orricks in the mid-to-late 1700s. One branch then went on to Alabama.

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


The Iron Co. Missouri Orricks
Progenitor: Lewis Orrick
Born: 1815 in KY
Died: around 1900 in Iron Co MO
Wife: Amelia Wilson
Sons: Marion Jasper, George W., Henry L., Lewis
This group is possibly connected to the Warren Co TN Orricks and others, and definitely separate from the Orricks in St. Charles which come from MD.

STATUS: Results In - Arthur H. Orrick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
These Orricks are a match and are descended from the Maryland Orricks, and related to Warren Co TN Orricks and others, likely through Lewis Orrick who came through NC/SC then KY.

 


Warren Tennessee Orricks - Allen Orrick Branch
Progenitor: Allen Orrick
Born: 1795: in NC
Died: 1845: in TN
Wife: Martha Patsy Hardin
Sons: Jeremiah, John, William C, Elisha, James Allen
I believe these Orricks came down to Warren TN through KY around 1825, before that NC/SC.

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


Warren Tennessee Arricks - James Arrick Branch
Progenitor: James Arrick
Born: 1850 in TN
Died: 1907 in TN
Wife: Mary Frances Beckham
Sons: William, Benjamin, Warren, Robert
I'm confident James is grandson of Allen Orrick through his father John Orrick who was killed at Shiloh but confirmation would be nice.
http://www.arrick.com/family/jamescarrick.html

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


Warren Tennessee Arricks - John Riley Arrick Branch
Progenitor: John Riley Arrick
Born: 1864 in TN
Died: 1906 in TX
Wife: Minerva Viola Harrison
Sons: Leonard L, Claude Harrison
I think John Riley is grandson of Allen Orrick through his father John Orrick who was killed at Shiloh, but there is a small question because his birthday conflicts with his father's death. Confirmation would be nice.
http://www.arrick.com/family/johnrileyarrick.html

STATUS: Results In - Roger Ray Arrick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
This test proves that John Riley Orrick is really the son of John Orrick who died from wounds at Shiloh and that his birthday is probably 1861,62. This test also proves this batch of Warren TN Orricks are descendants of the Maryland Orricks.

    Relationship to Maryland Orrick:
      Match 35 out of 37.
      34% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      59% at 10 gen, 76% at 12, 87% at 14.
    Relationship to East TN Orick:
      Match 36 out of 37.
      48% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      74% at 10 gen, 88% at 12, 94% at 14.
    Relationship to Arkansas TN Arick:
      Match 36 out of 37.
      47% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      73% at 10 gen, 87% at 12, 94% at 14.
    Relationship to Iron Co Missouri Orricks:
      Match 35 out of 37.
      33% chance of a common ancestor at 6-8 generations.
      58% at 10 gen, 75% at 12, 86% at 14.

 


Warren Tennessee Orricks - Nancy Orrick Branch
Progenitor: Nancy Orrick
Born: 1826 in KY?
Died: 1888 in TN
Sons: Andrew Jackson Orrick
You might be wondering why a female would be listed here, well, there's a story.
Nancy Orrick is thought to be daughter of Allen Orrick from Warren Co TN. Family stories say that Nancy never married but had children by a neighbor, Mr Rains. The children kept their Mom's name Orrick and many Orricks are descended from her. There is a question about which Mr Rains too. Of course another possibility is that Nancy married an Orrick who died and she kept the name. There still is debate about all of this, but the DNA test will tell us if Nancy's Orricks descendants carry the male Orrick Y DNA, or the Rains.

STATUS: Results in - Kenneth L. Orrick - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

RESULTS:
Not a match to other Orricks of Warren Co. TN, but is a match to several Rains/Raines families.
This confirms family stories of a non-paternal event between Nancy and Jack Rains.
But WHICH Jack Rains remains in dispute.

 


Queensland Australia Orrocks
Progenitor:
Born:
Died:
Wife:
Sons:
Don't get confused, there are several KEN ORROCK 's now in the study. Meet Ken Orrock on facebook. Says his father Walter did a lot of research and connected them back to Fife Scotland. Sending me info. Awaiting test results. There are possibly more than one branch of Fife Orrocks in Australia.

STATUS: Participant found - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

 


Sydney Australia Orrocks
Progenitor:
Born:
Died:
Wife:
Sons:
Don't get confused, there are several KEN ORROCK 's now in the study. Meet Ken J Orrock on facebook. Awaiting test results. There are possibly more than one branch of Fife Orrocks in Australia.

STATUS: Participant found - Email Roger to participate and confirm.

 


Minnesota Orrocks
Progenitor:
Born:
Died:
Wife:
Sons:
Don't get confused, there are several KEN ORROCK 's now in the study. I've seen this family mentioned in Minnesota history books but no details. Probably living males from this branch. There is an Orrock MN township named after this family.

STATUS: Need a participant - Email Roger to join and solve this puzzle.

 


Do you have another branch?
If you have someone that you think should be on this list, Let me know.

 

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