ANCESTRY BY THE NUMBERS

4 ancestors (grandparents) we can simply use the equation 2^x and substitute the number of generations for x. 2^15 is 32,768

pretty close to the estimate of 36,000 ancestors in the generation existing in 1640.

Now half of those ancestors were married to each other (hopefully) but in any case the average of 5 offspring (presuming

all live to reproduce) would come from half of 32,768 (16,384 marriages) times five which is 81920 circa 1665. We then have

to assume each of those offspring found husbands or wives who were not among that number and each subsequent generation

continued to marry (or reproduce with) people who had absolutely no relation to them for many generations back.