Mayo Family

[Hipata]

Hi
My family common name is Mayo (pronounced Mayhoe). I am looking for information that will lead me to my native american heritage. Joseph Mayo was my great grandfather. He married a Kate Dunston. Joseph Mayo was of native american descent and settled in Franklin county, N.C. after he married. Joseph and Kate had about eight children and they lived in Franklin county and in Mecklenburg county, Virginia area. I am told by two native american people that the name Mayo is connected with the Occaneechi tribe. Can you tell me if you know of any Mayo's in Virginia or N.C. that are members of the tribe? It is important that I find a connection to my native american roots. I am proud of my hertitage. I also have Cherokee blood in me for one of Joseph's daughter (my grandmother's father, is married a native american of Cherokee descent.

[Linda]

Mayo is on the list I have of SE Indian families as Saponi. Franklin Co, NC and Mecklenburg Co, VA are definitely old Saponi territory. Occaneechi island was in Mecklenburg County. My husband's father's family has always lived there. By Occaneechi tribe I assume you mean the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi. They're located in Hillsborough. There's a link to their site from our main page. There are also history articles that will help fill you in.

The OBSN have just about won their battle for state recognition. As I understand it, their tribe consists of the Indian community of Hillsborough, NC. Showing related bloodlines that lived elsewhere won't qualify for membership. Don't feel snubbed though, it's been hard enough for them to jump through all the recognition hoops, and if they have a membership list scattered all over they wouldn't stand a chance. That's my understanding of it, anyway.

There's a big retinue of people with similar bloodlines to yours who are running up and down the state at pow wows. I think you'll be able to find the connection you're looking for. Stay tuned.

[Hipata]

Hi Linda,
I thank you for your response to my message. It makes me feel better knowing that there are Mayo's listed as SE indian families in the mentioned areas. I would love to come to the workshop on Sunday, but because it is the holiday season, I have commited myself to activities at my church on Sunday afternoon. The workshop is just what I need to get in touch with others who share
saponi ancestry. I also need to learn about the Saponi peoples and culture. I don't believe my life would be complete without knowing my native american culture. I'm sorry I can't make it on Sunday but I hope you will have more workshops in the future that I can attend. I will continue to read the forum messages and learn whatever I can. Please keep me in mind, I anticipate meeting some of the people who are involved with Saponitown.
Hipata

[Linda]

I'm sure it will work out sooner than later.

[M Mal]

Hi
My family common name is Mayo (pronounced Mayhoe). I am looking for information that will lead me to my native american heritage. Joseph Mayo was my great grandfather. He married a Kate Dunston. Joseph Mayo was of native american descent and settled in Franklin county, N.C. after he married. Joseph and Kate had about eight children and they lived in Franklin county and in Mecklenburg county, Virginia area. I am told by two native american people that the name Mayo is connected with the Occaneechi tribe. Can you tell me if you know of any Mayo's in Virginia or N.C. that are members of the tribe? It is important that I find a connection to my native american roots. I am proud of my hertitage. I also have Cherokee blood in me for one of Joseph's daughter (my grandmother's father, is married a native american of Cherokee descent.
My family in Mecklenburg cty, Va has the Mayo last name. MY uncle is 90 years old. He had a cousin whose nickname was "Kate." I don't think it is the same Joseph, but may be related.