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RootsWeb's Guide to Tracing Family Trees

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A common tradition found in many American families is the one pertaining to an unknown Native American ancestor. Sometimes the legend can be documented, but not always.. Before you tackle tracing a Native American line, become... See more » A common tradition found in many American families is the one pertaining to an unknown Native American ancestor. Sometimes the legend can be documented, but not always.. Before you tackle tracing a Native American line, become familiar with genealogical research by doing some research on one of your other branches. This will prepare you for the somewhat complex records you will encounter in the search to ascertain whether you have any Indian blood. Talk to all your relatives, and learn as much as possible about your Indian ancestors. If the name of the tribe is known, you will be able to take a shortcut and go directly to the tribal records. In most cases, the tribal affiliation will not be known, and it will be necessary to study the localities, especially the place of birth, where your Indian relatives have lived. Next research the Indian tribes that historically are known to have resided in those geographical areas and those tribes who now have reservations or live in those areas. This helps to narrow down the tribal possibilities. For example, if the family story simply claims that your great- great-great-grandmother was part Cherokee (the most famous tribe), you must trace, generation by generation, the family line connected to her. Names are a frequent problem encountered in Native American research. In the 1880s, when the annual federal Indian census lists began, you may find your ancestor listed under two different names one being his Indian name, the other an English one. Word of caution: Indian census lists do not prove tribal affiliation you must find the enrollment lists. One of the most recurring stories in American families is that one of your ancestors is an Indian maiden usually a princess. Beware of accepting at face value any Anglo terms given to Native Americans. The second part of the tradition may be that the family was not necessarily proud of their mixed blood, and would not talk about it. There may or may not be any truth to such stories. Examine carefully traditions that claim your Indian blood came through a female. While it is true that many of our mixed pedigrees are the result of a union of a white male and an Indian female, Indian men cohabitated with white females also. There is an enormous amount of material available pertaining to our Indian ancestors. Determine what tribe they were from and/or learn where and when they lived. Next determine what records, usually federal government ones, were generated that might pertain to them. If your Indian ancestors ever received monies or land from the government, there is a good chance you will be able to prove your Indian blood. See less »

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RootsWeb's Guide to Tracing Family Trees

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