Author Archives: Roberta Estes

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About Roberta Estes

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

“Others with Mormons in the West”

While reading James Mooney’s paper, Powhatan Confederacy, Past and Present, I was transcribing the list of Pamunkey tribal members from 1899, and I noticed “the small print.”  At the end of the list was a note that said “Others with … Continue reading

Posted in Pamunkey, Powhatan | Leave a comment

Portuguese Men and the Revolutionary War

In years following the Revolutionary War, primarily in the 1800s, many families who were admixed began to claim they were Portuguese.  This became quite prevalent and there is quite a difference of opinion as to why.  Some people feel there … Continue reading

Posted in Military, Portuguese | 1 Comment

Eastern Cherokee Place Names

This list of Eastern Cherokee place names is very interesting.  There are no names of people.  Most of these locations were abandoned with the tribes’ forced removal in the 1830s to the western lands, the event we know today as the … Continue reading

Posted in Catawba, Cherokee, Creek | 1 Comment

1836 Census of Ottawa and Chippewa Halfbreeds (Michigan)

The 1836 Census of Ottawa and Chippewa Halfbreeds is quite an interesting document.  The purpose was to determine who was to be paid and how much as a result of an 1836 Treaty with the Ottawa and Chippewa wherein they expressed … Continue reading

Posted in Chippewa, Ottawa | 5 Comments

Hindu Sam

Some things catch your attention and are just such good examples they can’t be passed by.  I found this gentleman named Hindu Sam classified as an Indian living in Manhattan, NYC, NY in the World War I draft registrations.  There were … Continue reading

Posted in Military | 1 Comment

Will the Real Meherrin, Please Stand Up

The Colonial Records of North Carolina contains several gems, one of which is a mystery that involves the Meherrin Indians. In the “Colonial Records of North Carolina, Second Series – Volume VII – Records of the Executive Council – 1674-1734″ … Continue reading

Posted in Meherrin, Susquehanna | Leave a comment

Chicohominy Living on Mr. Ben Arnold’s Land

Abstracts: Acts of Assembly for James City County: April 24, 1691 court session:  The Chicohominy Indians’ petition to continue living on the land “of Mr. Ben. Arnold” is read in court and also given to the Committee of Propositions. This … Continue reading

Posted in Chickahominy, Virginia | Leave a comment

Atha Sorrells, the Woman who had the Audacity to Challenge Walter Plecker, and Won

The article “Native Americans Lived along Pedlar Creek at the Top of the Blue Ridge” was originally credit to Wikked Lester via the Virginia Historical Association, who has since denied authorship.  He further states that Ruth Knight Bailey, JD, who teaches adjunct law at … Continue reading

Posted in Virginia | 32 Comments

White Pigeon

Sampson White Pigeon – how do I record his name?  Is his surname White Pigeon, or Pigeon.  In his case, he lists his wife in the WWI draft registration as Eliza Pigeon, so I’m going to index him by the … Continue reading

Posted in Michigan, Potawatomi | Leave a comment

1774 Census of the Inhabitants of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

The 1774 census of Rhode Island included several categories, most importantly, “Indians.”  You can see the transcribed census at this link. http://www.newhorizonsgenealogicalservices.com/1774-ri-colonial-census.htm When Indians are included in a household with others, we don’t have their names, only that of the … Continue reading

Posted in Rhode Island | 1 Comment