How are all U.S. Presidents Related to King John of England?

From a surprising discovery made by a 12-year-old girl to a vast and intricate genealogical connection, the story of how all U.S. presidents (except one) trace their roots back to King John of England is nothing short of fascinating.

The Remarkable Discovery

In 2016, BridgeAnne d'Avignon, a young girl from Salinas, California, made an extraordinary discovery. She linked 42 out of 43 U.S. presidents to King John of England, a medieval monarch who reigned from 1199 to 1216. This discovery was made through an extensive genealogical research project that took BridgeAnne two years to complete. Enlisting the help of her grandfather, who has been tracing roots for over 60 years, she was able to uncover the connection between the U.S. presidents and King John.

King John of England

King John, also known as John Lackland (reigned from 1199 to 1216), is a figure whose legacy extends far beyond his reign. He is most famous for signing the Magna Carta in 1215, an event that significantly curtailed royal power and shaped the foundation of the British Parliament. King John also appears as a villain in the Robin Hood tales, adding to his historical interest.

The Genealogical Connection

The connection between U.S. presidents and King John is not merely a direct descent. It involves a complex web of blood relations and branching family lines over centuries. BridgeAnne traced both the male and female family lines of the U.S. presidents to establish these connections. This means that the U.S. presidents share a common ancestor with King John, although the lineage may have diverged in various ways over time.

There is One Exception

The only U.S. president who does not share this ancestry with King John is Martin Van Buren, the eighth president of the United States. Van Buren's roots can be traced back to Dutch ancestry, which is why he is the sole exception to this genealogical connection. This unique fact adds an interesting layer to the historical narrative of the U.S. presidency.

Further Research and Validation

For those interested in delving deeper into this fascinating connection, there are several resources available. Websites and family trees dedicated to tracing this genealogical relationship provide valuable data and insights. Here are some links to further explore:

All the Presidents’ Cousins - NBC Bay Area All presidents bar one are directly descended from a medieval English king - Daily Mail Online In the genes: Seventh grader says bloodlines of 42 of 43 U.S. presidents link back to King John of England - New York Daily News

Through careful genealogical research, a young girl uncovered a surprising and detailed connection, revealing the historical and generational links that tie together the leaders of one of the world's most powerful nations with a medieval English monarch. This discovery serves as a reminder of the rich history and shared ancestry that underpins our world leaders.