Native American?

Question

I've recently discovered I have Native American roots on my paternal side. We are from West Virginia, but all the research I've done so far (online) suggests it's almost impossible to trace what particular tribe I may belong to. Along with that difficulty I have very little information to go on past the information on my paternal grandfather. Does anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

The major tribes surrounding virginia during the 17th century in North America were the creek, alabama, catawba, cherokee, tuscarora, powhatan, shawnee and chickasaw. Although these were the surrounding tribes, the white man dispersed the true indian during the late 1800's and early 1900's up to around the 1940's and basically combined many tribes even if they weren't from a specific area. For example, my family blood line is Cree and Sioux but the entire family is registered as Metice Chippewa which is basically the Northern Cajun. Being a half breed myself, I can tell you that it is difficult but not impossible. I might be able to give you a hand if you have a little bit of information. You can email me at [e-mail].

Answer 2

I am lucky in a way, because I have three names from the time of "Indian Removal" from my bloodline.

It may be difficult, but there are some tings you can do. The first is to determine when and where the Native American thread originates. The more exact you can get to a location, the better an educated guess you can make. Knowing when could help determine which nations might have been in a particular place at that time, as there was some migration.

If you have any artifacts to use, they could be traced to a particular nation, or group of nations. Another relative may have something and may not even know it -- send anyone you can on a search.

Answer 3

First you need to determine which ancestor on your paternal side was Native American. It is not uncommon for people to say that they have Native American lineage, but no proof to back it up. Check family records, like birth certificates, bibles (during that time it wasn't uncommon for the family tree to be written there) and ask some of the elders in your family. You may also want to check the local court house for public records, i.e. marriage licenses, birth/death certificates, and property deeds. My family's ancestry is Creek and Mattaponi.Good luck on your search. F.Y.I. a DNA print test will only identify genetic markers particular to the four races (Indo-European, East Asian, Native American, and Sub Saharan African), it will not tell you from which tribe you may or may not have descended. Typically, with these test if you have Native ancestry it may show up as East Asian.

Answer 4

If you have tried absolutely everything and still turned up with slim info, you can try a business that supposedly offers DNA testing which can identify your lineage by way of a DNA sample from you. Although the maternal link is easier, the paternal isn't impossible and apparently these tests can obtain information that may assist you: Be prepared however to hand over $270 US for the test you require.

http://www.rootsforreal.com/service_en.php

Good luck

Answer 5

Go to Google.com and type in: "MELUNGEON". There are a massive number of essays and research and writings on this subject which might explain why tracing a Native American heritage is so difficult. I only recently discovered this word myself, and now I am fascinated with all the possibilities. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I believe that most indian roots are traced thru maternal side not paternal side. I have had the same problems. We also have very little information on these things. You can try finding out where he was born and then trace his parentage thru that. Good luck

Answer 7

The poeple in the area where your grandfather are from may hold the best clues. Go to the town and ask about annual pow-wow's and gatherings. I know we ahve an indian center in Baltimore.

Answer 8

ok U gotta find out where ur Native rootz lived and if U find out where they lived then U gotta look up what Nativez lived in that area and U will probly find out what tribe ur from. cuz im from 2 tribez and both of them live close 2 each other and both lived here 4 hundredz of yearz and we still live on tha same 3 reservationz.

Answer 9

interior of reach individuals are greater interior of reach then the White settlers that may to united states of america of america interior the 1500's. no longer many countries are interior of reach to their very own land. Africans and midsection Easterns could desire to be the only ones that stayed interior the land they have been born in. The others immigrated and went to different international locations.

Answer 10

Well if you can get names that is a good start, you can find out a lot about a person by the origin of the name.