Author Archives: Roberta Estes

About Roberta Estes

Scientist, author, genetic genealogist. Documenting Native Heritage through contemporaneous records and DNA.

Mary Richardson, Born Free of Indian Parents

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Roberta Estes

From Lisa Henderson’s blog, we find the following record about Mary Richardson. Headquarters Bureau Refugee Freedmen and Abandoned Lands SC Charleston SC Aug. 11th 1866 Major General O. O. Howard Commissioner General: I have the honor to present the case … Continue reading →

Posted in Captive, North Carolina, South Carolina | 3 Comments

Mob Raitously Assembled in Bladen County, 1773

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Roberta Estes

On December 18, 1773 the Governor sent a message to the Assembly enclosing a letter from Archibald McKissack, a justice of Bladen County, “relative to a number of free negroes and mulattoes who infest that county and annoy its inhabitants.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Lumbee, North Carolina, Tuscarora | 11 Comments

John Barnwell 1712 Letter Regarding Tuscarora War

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Roberta Estes

As historians of early North Carolina know, John Barnwell, from South Carolina, along with the Indians loyal to South Carolina, laid waste to the Tuscarora in North Carolina during the Tuscarora War which began in 1711, continued through 1712 and 1713 … Continue reading →

Posted in Tuscarora | 1 Comment

The Tuscarora Surnames 1695 to 1892

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Roberta Estes

While in the process of setting up the Tuscarora DNA project, I needed to find the names of the Tuscarora Indians who are documented in North Carolina before their removal to New York and in New York. The first part … Continue reading →

Posted in Tuscarora | 91 Comments

Part 8 of the Series, The Autosomal Me, Published

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Roberta Estes

For those of you who have been following along as I extract my Native American segments from my DNA in order to find out which of my genetic and genealogical lines carried Native ancestory – Part 8 in the series was … Continue reading →

Posted in DNA | 2 Comments

Wanted – Henry Berry Lowery – $300 Reward

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Roberta Estes

Henry Berry Lowery is a well-known villain or hero, depending on your perspective. He is clearly a legendary ancestor of the tribe now called the Lumbee. Lots has been written about Henry. One point of contention is whether or not he survived … Continue reading →

Posted in Lumbee | 7 Comments

Card Carrying Indians vs Those Who Don’t

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Roberta Estes

In the Indian world, those who have BIA “cards” are considered “real Indians” and those who don’t, aren’t. It’s a sad commentary, really, because it draws a line in the sand and actively, systematically encourages both discrimination and the eventual elimination of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bureau of Indian Affairs, CDIB Card | 8 Comments

Shuffer Tonies, They Was Free Issues and Part Indian

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Roberta Estes

MEMORIES OF UNCLE JACKSON, John H. Jackson, 309 S. Sixth St., Wilmington, N.C. From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves (1841). My mother was the laund’ess for the white folks. … Continue reading →

Posted in Guinea, Shuffer Tonies | Leave a comment

1888 Indian Census of New York

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Roberta Estes

In the US federal census before 1900, Indians living on reservations were not enumerated on the regular census schedules. I’m not positive when they began to be included, but I know they were not in 1880 and they were by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Kinchen Tucker, of Indian Descent, Lives at Gholson’s Bridge

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Roberta Estes

The lovely blog, Fourth Generation Inclusive ran this extremely interesting tidbit. Fifty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 10th inst. without a fault, a Negro Man named DAVE, about 32 years of age, is about 5 feet 7 or … Continue reading →