Beshears/Brashears of NC

[Reba]

I looking for information on Temperance Beshears/Brashears born about 1797 in North Carolina. She married William T Simpson also born in North Carolina. They had a son name Albert L Simpson who married Nancy Stogsdill in Kentucky. I have a photo copy of a picture of Temperance's granddaughter. She is obviously not pure white. I have been told she is of Native descent. Any info would be so greatly appreciated. Reba

[Linda]

We have Boorshears in our family, though they are supposed to have landed on the Hudson ca. 1713, French Hugeonots. I'd be interested in seeing that photo of yours.

[Reba]

When my aunt gave me this copy she said that she was told Mary Martha Simpson was Native. I don't think it came from her mother's side of the family. The census shows Albert and Mary as white but as we all know that doesn't mean a lot. I would love your imput on the photo. Thanks, Reba

[Bill Childs]

Is your Albert Simpson the same as Albert Lenox Simpson, b. 23 Apr 1833 Rockingham Co., NC; d. 21 Mar 1923 Pulaski Co., Ky?
This family is listed on the 1850 Hawkins Co., Tenn Census as:

William Simpson, 54, male, white, b. Tenn.
Tempey, 53, female, white, b. Tenn.
Elizabeth, 19, female, white, b. Tenn.
Albert, 17, male, white, b. NC.

On the 1860 Pulaski Co., Ky census, both William and Temperance Simpson were listed as b. NC.

At the time Temperance was born and assuming she was born in Rockingham Co., NC, Zara/Zaza (might actually have been Laza, for 'Lazarus' ) Brashears, b. 1756 (now Guilford Co) NC; d. 1817 Rockingham Co., NC, was in Rockingham Co., NC per census records. His line purportedly goes back to Benois Brasseuir, b. 1610 France, d. after 1645 Calvert Co., Md.
Bill

[Reba]

This would be the same family. I am trying every lead I can with my family lines. I don't have info on her parent's. I sometimes wonder if Mary Martha Simpson had African American somewhere down the line. I know that it would be hard to track simply because of the taboo at the time. I guess you could say I am shooting in the dark for answers. I so appreciate any leads anyone can give. Reba

[Bill Childs]

My 2-cents 'take' on the photo is that she's european but if she had an Indian ancestor/ess more than 3 generations back, and her direct line had always 'married out' to europeans, then she would be more likely to appear european than not.

[Reba]

Bill, I appreciate your input on her. I have been working so many lines trying to figure out why my family has many dark skinned, black hair and dark eyes. All I have is what people "think" we are. For me it is more less trying to find my identity. For example, I have three children my oldest son has corse black hair, brown eyes and mediem to dark complexion, my youngest boy couldn't get any more white (like his dad), my daughter has brown hair, dark brown eyes and an olive complexion. My oldest son has always identified himself as Native. The reason being is he got tied of people asking him if he was Hispanic. I want to be able to give them answers. I thought I figured it out on my grandmother's side but there is so much conflicting information about the Troxell family. Thanks again for your help. Reba

[letha]

Choctaw. Removed to Missouri with Mushalatubbe. Later removed to rez in Oklahoma. To learn more about your American Indian heritage, research Turner Brashear. Its a start, anyway. For more about the French side, Charles Brashears/Barshears/Boshears wrote an 8(?) volume book on your family. (Interesting account, but certainly not complete.)

By the way, you'll be back with questions, so...don't worry (guilt) about the treaties. Different times, hard times, don't be angry with your ancestors.

[letha]

Linda, greetings. I'm sure you already have the info, but just in case, see my response to Reba about Brashears. Hope it helps.