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Lee County – Ancestry

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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

21.53

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

American

 
Ancestry Report Part I
DescriptionTotal Population American Native American Hawaiian Carribean Mexican Central American South American Other Hispanic British Dutch French German Italian

Lee County84,2299,25685221582,127201361906,4112705002,704614
Mississippi (in 000's)3,0153221311658125121939429735
National (in 000's)340,98116,5892,16560710,91237,9175,6004,1394,87718,3212,0964,23427,00610,025
Pontotoc County32,1525,3275661051,4853101002211,8701202101,069340
Monroe County34,3863,664444203161191354,255622001,162297
Union County28,6334,06029081,218892341,8909813167864
Itawamba County24,4643,795500937400231,44938130535183
Prentiss County25,4934,304869681832715931,815102262592102
Chickasaw County17,4743,419110506260099517684329152
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Lee County21.5310.990.100.030.192.530.240.040.237.610.320.593.210.73
Mississippi22.7610.680.450.030.521.910.410.150.416.420.301.393.211.15
National10.644.870.640.183.2011.121.641.211.435.370.611.247.922.94
Pontotoc County19.6716.570.170.020.334.620.960.310.695.820.370.653.321.06
Monroe County22.8710.660.130.010.060.920.350.000.1012.370.180.583.380.86
Union County22.8614.180.100.000.034.250.310.010.126.600.340.462.370.22
Itawamba County29.5015.510.200.000.041.530.000.000.095.920.160.532.190.75
Prentiss County21.5116.880.340.040.270.720.110.060.367.120.401.032.320.40
Chickasaw County28.5219.570.060.000.293.580.000.000.572.960.390.251.670.30
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Lee County 102.8722.6579.5335.87131.9357.5528.0255.70118.64108.4142.85100.1163.42
Mississippi 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 45.54142.53541.63611.96580.93396.08795.65353.1583.75207.8889.65246.99255.77
Pontotoc County 155.0939.1056.8262.45241.29232.54203.87169.7290.66126.2247.15103.6991.99
Monroe County 99.7428.7235.4211.1248.0183.471.9125.13192.8860.9841.99105.3875.14
Union County 132.7322.730.005.34222.2374.974.5829.32102.89115.7533.0373.8419.44
Itawamba County 145.2145.880.007.0479.870.000.0023.2192.3252.5338.3668.2065.08
Prentiss County 158.0475.72107.5051.0137.5025.5438.5790.07110.97135.3174.1972.4234.81
Chickasaw County 183.1614.130.0054.72187.160.000.00139.8946.12131.6017.7751.9325.89
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Lee County 225.8815.8914.685.8622.7114.533.5215.77141.6652.1547.8040.5324.79
Mississippi 219.5870.1618.4616.3417.2125.2512.5728.32119.4148.11111.5440.4939.10
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Pontotoc County 340.5527.4310.4910.2041.5358.7125.6248.06108.2560.7252.6041.9835.97
Monroe County 219.0220.156.541.828.2621.070.247.12230.3129.3346.8442.6729.38
Union County 291.4515.950.000.8738.2518.930.588.30122.8555.6836.8429.907.60
Itawamba County 318.8532.190.001.1513.750.000.006.57110.2425.2742.7927.6125.44
Prentiss County 347.0253.1319.858.346.466.454.8525.51132.5165.0982.7629.3213.61
Chickasaw County 402.179.910.008.9432.220.000.0039.6155.0763.3119.8221.0310.12
 
Ancestry Report Part II
DescriptionTotal Population Polish Scandi­navian Scotish Irish Other European Chinese Japanese Korean South Central Asian South East Asian Other Asian Middle Eastern Other Ancestry Unknown

Lee County84,2291293077,4591,1314618926637721311025,77125,819
Mississippi (in 000's)3,01581521245412812471,156726
National (in 000's)340,9815,2116,56222,89210,8864,3408331,7585,3296,0541,4412,14472,84556,198
Pontotoc County32,152361303,036225004012307,04910,429
Monroe County34,38695832,285287400461020212,0139,362
Union County28,633241132,97429920305322055,69011,138
Itawamba County24,46434531,8372150002952083,76011,917
Prentiss County25,49353402,693290250502961375,4508,963
Chickasaw County17,4741423576711133061407,6943,883
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Lee County21.530.150.368.861.340.050.020.010.320.450.250.1330.6030.65
Mississippi22.760.260.507.031.490.140.030.070.250.410.140.2338.3524.07
National10.641.531.926.713.191.270.240.521.561.780.420.6321.3616.48
Pontotoc County19.670.110.409.440.700.000.000.010.000.000.070.0021.9232.44
Monroe County22.870.280.246.650.830.010.000.000.130.030.060.0134.9427.23
Union County22.860.080.3910.391.040.010.000.100.020.110.070.0219.8738.90
Itawamba County29.500.140.227.510.880.000.000.000.120.020.080.0315.3748.71
Prentiss County21.510.210.1610.561.140.100.000.020.001.160.050.0321.3835.16
Chickasaw County28.520.080.133.300.410.010.070.020.000.030.080.0044.0322.22
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Lee County 59.3772.29125.9590.1438.7864.0415.17123.88109.06183.5657.0679.78127.36
Mississippi 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 592.37381.6795.49214.32903.85732.36731.66612.99432.63306.85274.7755.7168.48
Pontotoc County 43.4080.19134.3046.980.000.0017.660.000.7651.930.0057.17134.77
Monroe County 107.0947.8794.5156.038.260.000.0052.487.0942.222.5491.10113.12
Union County 32.4978.27147.7270.104.960.00148.706.8527.2350.707.6351.82161.63
Itawamba County 53.8742.97106.8059.000.000.000.0046.504.9859.3414.2940.08202.40
Prentiss County 80.5931.12150.2476.3669.640.0027.840.00282.9137.0212.0055.75146.08
Chickasaw County 31.0626.1146.8827.284.06222.9324.370.008.3758.160.00114.8192.33
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Lee County 10.0218.94131.9042.064.298.742.0720.2125.2159.8220.77143.22185.99
Mississippi 16.8826.20104.7346.6611.0613.6513.6716.3123.1132.5936.39179.51146.03
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Pontotoc County 7.3321.01140.6521.920.000.002.410.000.1816.920.00102.62196.81
Monroe County 18.0812.5498.9826.140.910.000.008.561.6413.760.92163.53165.20
Union County 5.4820.51154.7132.710.550.0020.321.126.2916.522.7893.02236.02
Itawamba County 9.0911.26111.8527.530.000.000.007.591.1519.345.2071.94295.56
Prentiss County 13.608.15157.3435.637.700.003.800.0065.3912.064.37100.07213.33
Chickasaw County 5.246.8449.1012.730.4530.443.330.001.9318.950.00206.11134.83


Sources: STI: PopStats