"Tracing Our Roots" Newsletter Archive (A monthly genealogy newsletter written by the late Brenda Kellow, dec'd, for the Plano Star Courier newspaper. We've included all the ones we could recover.)
How many times have I heard the novice speak of their American Indian ancestry or the Indian Princess in their families? These stories passed down through white, black and Hispanic families are only sometimes true, but only a few are traceable to those families living in the Southeast. The tribes most likely mentioned in this area are the Five Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and the Seminoles.
To determine whether or not our search is in vain, we must rely on accurate instruction and essential reference books. Many fine books on this subject are in the local library genealogy section. These mainly focus on the records maintained after the American Indians reached Indian Territory. However, to determine Indian ancestry through written records, the ancestor had to admit to their heritage at some point. Instruction defining the proper method for uncovering the hidden ancestor among the records is essential.
The most difficult research involves the years prior to the removal from the Southeast to Indian Territory. If this era is causing you trouble, you are in luck. Rachal Mills Lennon has just published a book designed to address this subject. It is published by Genealogical Publishing Company (GPC) and titled, Tracing Ancestors Among the Five Civilized Tribes, Southeastern Indians Prior to Removal. Lennon instructs the reader toward finding the records necessary to uncover Native American heritage. Order by phone from GPC, 800-296-6687, or over the Internet at www.genealogical.com. The cost $24.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling.
GENEALOGY NEWSLETTER: Genealogical Publishing Company (GPC) just put online a free newsletter. Those signing up for this will learn of tactics for scaling brick walls and census research information, and get the latest on special offers, new books and CDs, closeouts, and time-honored genealogy tips. To receive Genealogy Pointers, send an email with the word subscribe in the subject line to jstromberg@genealogical.com.
PROFESSIONAL Sleuthing SITE: ProGenealogists is a tidy little site offering quick links to often used sites on the Internet. If you need research help, this group of professional genealogists specializing in genealogy and family history research can help. Several are lecturers, instructors and well-known authors. Visit Genealogy Sleuth at http://progenealogists.com/genealogysleuthb.htm.
SCOTTISH SYMPOSIUM: The Scottish Family History Symposium presents "Scottish and Scots Irish Family History Research by renowned lecturer Dean Hunter on June 7 in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games sponsor the symposium held at the LaQuinta Conference Center.
The theme of this year's Symposium is "Scottish and Scots-Irish Family History Research" presented by Dean Hunter. Mr. Hunter will concentrate on available records and techniques useful for searching evasive Scottish and Scots-Irish forebears. Each lecture period will include time for questions. A syllabus will be distributed to attendees.
The lecture topics are: The Scottish Collection at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City; The Church of Scotland Parish Registers - How to Successfully Use Them; Doing Scottish Research in a Computer World; Locating Scots-Irish Families in the Records of Scotland and Ireland.
Dean Hunter, AG, CGRS - England, Scotland, and Ireland, is development specialist for the British Collection at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. He has made 15 genealogical trips to the British Isles including five to Ireland and eight to Scotland. Mr. Hunter is the current president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies.
The Symposium begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on Friday June 7, 2002. The registration fee is $40 and includes all seminar costs, buffet lunch, and drinks and refreshments at breaks. For further information call (817) 654-2293 or visit the web site at www.TexasScottishFestival.com.
Brenda Kellow, dec'd, Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Instructor, had a Bachelor s Degree in history and taught genealogy courses at the local Community College and computer genealogy at the University.
