The Objectives of the Association:  "To collect, analyze, organize, disseminate and preserve genealogical, historical, geographic, literary and biographical information pertaining to the ancestors and descendants of George Musick, Sr., historically known as "The Pioneer," who is believed to be the common ancestor of all of the Musick family in America, and is believed to have been born in Virginia, and died about 1754 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, including the surnames Music and Musick. Further, to enhance and develop the appreciation of the history of the said Musick family and its genealogy and accomplishments, and friendship among the family." From the 1999 Articles of Incorporation of the Association.

 Origins:  Who are we and where do we come from? Pursuit of the answer to this question has been a goal of the Association from its founding. As we follow the early Musicks across America, the following should be of interest: 

Tradition has passed on to us “The Legend of the Waif,” and the long held belief that the Musicks and Musics are of Welsh origin. Here is that  romantic story:

 The Legend of the Waif and Our Heritage: This Legend tells us that the first Musick was discovered as an orphan lad, wandering on the shores of Wales. He knew only that his name was “George,” and because he was fond of music (as the noun was then spelled in archaic English,)  he became known as George Musick, later given the widely used title “The Pioneer.”   Extensive research has failed to find a source for this tale, nor anything to support its conclusions. Webster defines “apocryphal” as something of dubious origin, and it appears more likely each day that this tale is indeed apocryphal.

 Early Researchers:  Grover Cleveland Musick, our first published family historian, contended we are of German origin, but he gave little authority for that claim. Others say there is a Huguenot line, and it was widely written and passed along that we are "Scotch-Irish." There is not apparent certainty. Again, a long term objective of the Association is to research and resolve this question.

 Current Research:  Doyle Music, President and co-founder of the Association, has sponsored and continued some extensive research and genealogical study in England.  His work, with the efforts of others, strongly indicates that our earliest Virginia ancestors had roots in the area of Soham, and Cambridgeshire, England.  The result appears to indicate our early roots, but further research continues. Continuing study indicates that the early Musicks in Virginia, were Cavalier, from England. 

 Genetic Testing: The Association has sponsored genetic DNA studies, intended to establish connections between descendants of George Sr., and to determine our geographic roots.  The first studies were of the Y chromosomes, and that science was limited to males only. Recent developments using the X chromosomes, common to both sexes and known as mitochondrial chromosomes, may permit inclusion of both sexes.  A long term objective of the Association is to research and resolve this question, as well as to determine “haplotypes,” for identification of geographic migration.  Members are urged to participate in these studies,  as described at …………… elsewhere on this web site. 

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