We are related to the Estes of Estes Model Rockets

Nearly every week, a mystery is solved or some interesting twig (or nut) appears somewhere on the family tree. Here is a little news of recent findings.

Growing up, I was only vaguely aware of Estes Model Rockets. But, I married into a family of boys who had quite a collection. My only contribution to discussions of model rockets was something like, “My mom’s maiden name was Estes.” I’m sure no one was impressed.

Maybe they would have been more impressed if I was able to tell them how we are related?

The Estes Trails newsletter, that arrived in my inbox this week, included an article titled, “Vernon Estes – Rocket Man.”  So, that inspired me to do a little research to find out if we connect to the guy. We do. But, don’t get too excited. The connection is very distant. He is a 7th cousin of my mom. He and Mom have the same 6th great-grandpa, Abraham Estes. Abraham was our immigrant ancestor who came from England to Virginia in the 1670s.

Even though we only share a little bit of DNA, Vernon Estes‘ story is interesting. He was the one to come up with a way to mass produce the small rocket engines that were needed to launch the model rockets into the air. Then he founded Estes Industries.

You can find a lot of information at Vernon Estes’ website that might make some of you nostalgic for playing with model rockets.