Monthly Archives: March 2012

Waccamaw Legacy – “We was always Indians.”

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Roberta Estes

There are a few books I consider foundation book for the library of anyone who is researching mixed families of color in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  The book “Waccamaw Legacy, Contemporary Indians Fight for Survival” by Patricial Barker Lerch is … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundamental Research List, North Carolina, Waccamaw | 28 Comments

Names That Make Me Smile

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Some of these Native names just make me smile. How about Grand John, a St. John’s Indian. Or Many Greets. How do you think that Pierre Joe Stutterer got his name? Or maybe, better yet, Sam Bananas.  Now you know … Continue reading →

Posted in Names | 1 Comment

Fundamental Research List

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Roberta Estes

For new and seasoned researchers both, I have put together what I consider to be a fundamental core list of books and resources absolutely essential to understanding the free people of color in colonial and post-colonial America.  The books are shown below and have … Continue reading →

Posted in North Carolina, Resources, South Carolina, Virginia | 1 Comment

Drammacho Mongy – Chickahominy Chief

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Roberta Estes

In James City County, Va., in the Acts of Assembly, we find what may be the first instance of an Indian chief with a surname in the colonial records. Drammacho Mongy, chief Ruler of the Chickahominy, petitioned that lands in … Continue reading →

Posted in Chickahominy, Virginia | Leave a comment

Michigan Native Resources

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Roberta Estes

I think I’ve hit the proverbial goldmine.  This site has several very important rolls, including one as far back as 1836 showing the amount of admixture.  Here’s the link to the primary site. http://www.mainlymichigan.com/nativedata/ If you take a look at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Chippewa, Michigan, Ottawa | Leave a comment

When a Mohawk is not a Mohawk

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Some things seem elementary.  If you found an ancestor with the surname of Mohawk, you’d immediately think Native, or at least seriously ponder the possibility.  If you knew you were dealing with a Native family named Mohawk, you’d know you … Continue reading →

Posted in Mohawk, Penobscot, St. John's Indians | 2 Comments

Atteanis and Attean – Revolutionary War to WWI

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Sometimes decisions about how to use one word Indian names is difficult.  When the names are hyphenated, such as the Seneca name, Dah-gis-wus-heh, I don’t use the name.  Chances of someone finding this name as an English name are pretty small. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Military, Penobscot | 4 Comments

Indians in the Revolutionary War – Choosing Sides

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Who fought in the Revolutionary War?  Which side did the Indians choose, and why? For many Indians, in particular, the Shawnee, Creeks and the very large and powerful Cherokee and Iroquois, the British seemed like a better bet.  The British … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine, Military, St. John's Indians | Tagged | 4 Comments

The Legend of the Petoskey Stone

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Roberta Estes

In the WWI draft registration records, I came across several men in Michigan who have the surname Petoskey from three different counties.  Living in Michigan, I know that our state stone is the very unusual Petoskey stone (fossilized coral, shown … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan, Ottawa | 1 Comment

Forgotten Patriots – The DAR Publications

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Roberta Estes

One of our blog followers sent me a wonderful link.  It’s not even hidden, but I have never found it before.  There is much power is collaboration.  Hat tip to Elaine for this wonderful link! The DAR has really modernized … Continue reading →

Posted in Military | Leave a comment