New here, possibly Blackfoot from Va

[Junglegeorge]

Hello,

My name is David Portch. My grandfather, a veteran of WW2 on the USS New Orleans for the entirety of the war, was 75% Blackfoot according to him. An odd thing is that when I was younger my father bragged to me about him being chosen for the position of firecontrolman onboard (aiming the large guns from a perch), due to his eyesight and judgment due to hid indian heritage, but now my father denies all indian blood in our family and claims we are only Basque (french). This sort of angers me at him, because of my grandfather's stories and as well the pictures and my memory of him are very clear, and he has very red skin and that nose. His face looked much like the pictures of Blackfoots and cheifs I have seen. He has that nose vdry distinctively. He married my grandmother, from the Walker family from Pennsylvania dutch areas.

My grandfther side (according to the oral stories in the family compiled) we were part french settlers/traders, who were farmers bringing potatoes to this region, and Blackfoot warrior descendants. He farmed, which I also do and love. I am building a fish (koi) farm now for work and business. I have married a woman who is from Puerto Rico, and part African, part Spaniard, and part Taino Indian.
We grew up in rural Virginia outside of Washington DC(fairfax county). We spent alot of time in the mountains in Shenandoah and fishing on the Dan, Rappodan, and Rappahanock rivers as kids. I have keen observation skills, eyesight, hearing, and marksmanship. I know I inherited those abilities from my grandfather. I also seem to have an innate love for farming and growing things, as did he.
I am here to try to learn more, and connect with others trying to learn more. I have always felt somewhat disenfranchised that other tribes got land grants to farm, and other aids, while I am treated as white only. I am proud of my indian blood and want to research it, not hide it. Why have Blackfoots never gotten our own reservation in Va or W Va where we created and traveled and kept the paths and trade routes? I do not have any proof in terms of documents or things to show my descent. As far as I know noone has or does. I will ask my still living grandmother what she knows, and my father as well.
I can get pictures of my grandfather which shows his similar looks to the relatives you posted pictures of here.
I would like my nic name to be Junglegeorge, as a tribute to our heritage as forest and warrior Indians.

[Linda]

Glad you found your way here, David. Did you see my article at www.saponitown.com/Blackfoot.htm? I think that will probably answer your question about why there's no rez and no recognition. I would like to see that picture.

What surnames were in that side of the family?

[Junglegeorge]

Hi Linda,

Yes, I have read the web site. It explained alot of my questions. It still does not justify the taking of our land and disenfranchinsing us all though.

I found another site at ww.mexica.com, that I don't totally agree with their viewpoints, but they do go into detail on a subject I have seen raised here repeatedly, which is the issue of the dilution and mixing of our blood. They raise the awareness issue of one way the europeans got rid of indians and dissolved our tribal strength, heritage, and legal foundation to fight back one day, was to purposely see to it that our heritages got mixed.

That way, even though a person might have mixed blood, they could deny them any rights or legal claims to the lands and rights of their ancestors, effectively removing legal threats of them taking major portions of their land back thru international court appeals at later dates. That may also be one reason the record keeping was very poor. Erase the trail of evidence to prevent legal cases and lawsuits. Which all of us with any indian blood at all should have the right and ability to do in a just and truly equal society. Odd to me how the constitution and US law only applies to certain groups in certain ways, while leaving others destitute. Enraging, actually. I guess one reason I came here is to look for others willing to stand up and fight for our rights, and to help me deal with my emotions and feelings over it all.

The only last names I have so far from that side of the family are Portch and Walker. I am planning to make some calls this weekend to inquire more to older living relatives. It seems to be a very sensitive issue to some of them, so I am not sure what info will come back. The story I have gathered so far is basically that Bask farmers and traders immigrated here, and mixed with the local indians which I was told were Blackfoot farmers, warriors, and traders in the region. Which matches the information logistically on your site. It also matches the multi generational business relationships and positioning my family has held.

If anyone knows more or can refer me to something that might help my research, I would really appreciate it. I may run into a stone wall with my family on this issue. Some have responded angrily to the subject even being raised at all. From what I have gathered my family was connected during the history time period just prior to the tribes leaving from defending the trade routes and trying to secure a living that way rather than just farming, and that not long after the treks south then north again towards canada took place.

I also recently met a woman living in Missouri who claims to be Blackfoot from this region mixed with black. She says she looks white but still is classified as black.

I have always felt deeply connected to the land in Viriginia, and am hacing a hard time dealing with the current reality that I have no rights to any of it right now. I feel as though I am one with the soil and nature there. I do not know how to disconnect from it, and do not want to anymore. I feel as though I am part of the nature and needed things there to watch over the nature, that has been removed forcefully by interlopers of many races. I have had may dreams of traveling the paths in the mountains for that purpose, and being pursued and fighting at the same time to prottect it all. Then making our way to the farm lands in the valleys once again. It is as though there is an innate part of me pushing me to do that. Does anyone else struggle with those things? If so please let me know.

[Linda]

Our focus here has pretty much been on researching our family stories, trying to piece together this submerged heritage, as you mentioned. I don't think the old time government had to do much to conceal family histories, since most of our families, by the time of Removal, were very keen to conceal their histories themselves, since admitting it would get them Removed. Same net result, though the mechanism was pretty effortless for those who benefitted most by it.

Another focus is on restoring cultural elements like material culture and language restoration. Some of us are interested in examining the spiritual impetus behind this quest, though that gets controversial with others. There hasn't been a lot of political activism like you're describing. Keep in mind, there's many of us coming together from all walks of life, all political persuasians, all racial admixtures, etc., etc. What works best is a benign tolerance. You know, it's like family. You don't get to choose it. But the strength in it is that you stick together nonetheless.

I like to think that a major focus here is on the 7th generation back. We're here to try and provide some closure to those old souls who were left in such dire straights, wars lost, children stolen, homelands and cultures lost and abandoned, identities forsaken, untold humiliation . . . perhaps some of the turmoil in your own soul is a reflection of that. And perhaps the answer is inward rather than outward.

[Dreaminghawk]

Welcome George. We study the past to learn the truth so we can let the hurt and anger go and build a better future. I do not support restitution in any form to any race or group of people for wrongs committed in the past. If we start then where do we end? Life is not fair and it is surely not fair to take from someone now to right a wrong in the past. That can only create a new wrong to be righted in the future. It's a vicious circle and your anger will blind you to the true and beautiful circle. Look for the truth and look to the future.

[Junglegeorge]

Linda,

Yes, I feel a sense of shame or failure in those dreams. As though I have somehow failed to do what my assignment was for our people and that the effects were catastrophic in a past tense sense. However, there is also a futuristic and present sense that it is not over yet as we may tend to think given the current situation, that it has really only begun,(remember that we dwelled in this land for 5000 years or more prior to european invasion which has only been a few hundred years, so their occupation is truly relatively short), and that one day we will return as a people to our farmlands and rightful place in society. The dreams do reflect both my sense of unrest and also a sense of uncompleted work and duty that I must fulfill somehow. And even more so is a sense or calling that all indians and Blackfoot work together towards, with various roles being equally important. That is the keeping of our society as a whole. The person who weaves the basket being as important to that as the lawyer or warrior. What else does a warrior have to fight for or return to?

In the dreams I felt like a warrior amongst warriors traveling swiftly in small packs through the forests and mountain trails, on the ridges and mountain peeks along Skyline Ridge and throughout the more interior mountain ranges with pockets of us hidden in the mountains waiting. Often able to look down and see our people in the low lands farming, cooking, making homes and making our people what we are. It was as though everything in me hungered to just return there and be part of our people again. To see our people smiling and happy, living peacably and together, and to apologize for my failures and mistakes in trading that led to so many problems. Pangs of sorrow, grief, and guilt wash over me at times.

There is a dramatic sense of closure at the end of those dreams as we(the little band of warriors I was with) come down the mountains to join our people in the farming communities. There is a definite sense that there in Va, at the northern end of the Shenandoah is how it feels, will again be a land for our people to thrive in. There is also a sense that it is a culture within a culture with many other cultures in the nation thriving as well. After that, there was this sense that there was no more need for war. As though centuries of fear, unrest, wandering, struggling, suffering, being cut off from one another, and war had ended. A new era of peace and prosperity for our people had been ushered in and was permanent.

I know that my work and duties have not been completely fulfilled, but have this sense they will be when it is all said and done. I feel as though my family was left here with a mission to accomplish for our people in secret that is not finished yet. What exactly that means I do not know. What exactly I am to do or be I do not know. I know the sense of unrest you described won't go away until I do.

I know that I feel as though I found this forum right in time, and that I need you all. And that we all need each other maybe more than we realize. I personally feel as though so many parts of me are suddenly making sense. Parts that were too painful, overwhelming, or too confusing for me to deal with.

On another note-
The records and lawsuit issues were not new ones to them btw. Spain had been thru all that in many other regions of the world many times prior to coming here, as had both the english and french. The catholic church had a set format for how to accomplish that and politically jusitfy it. African history went through much of that. So in other words, they kinda knew exactly what they were doing Linda. It was not all just hapless, convenient messiness on their part. It was intentional strategy.

[janette]

Trent,

I feel for you and the overwhelming drive to make up for the failures, and injustice of the past and present. However you have some very experianced directions from Linda and Dreaminghawk.

For me peace has begun inside myself thereby tempering the forceful push from my ancesters behind me. This came as a result of participating in this forum. By locating just a few of the Saponi in my linage with the help of those with similar quests has not put things to rest completely but has helped me persue my history and future with a different and calmer direction. Recognizing our relatives stories and holding them in our heart carries a lot of strength. You walk knowing who you are without anyone approving. That Knowing can carry you far in whatever the defininition of your unfinished "job" is here this time around. Dont be surprised if your definition of "mission" becomes more focused,tolerent, and effective the more you know about yourself and your family. Thanks for being part of us and we will be there to assist within the context of this forum. May you revel in your journey.

Janette

[Junglegeorge]

What I have found so far about my history via oral history from my g mother the other night and internet research.

Paternal-
my father
Maxine Walker then Portch married David Portch
Maxine Walker born on a reservation in Oklaholma listed as Arapaho Tribe, then immediately follwiing still listed as less than a yr old on a NC reservation as an Arapaho.
to Norman Walker (listed on a census from the Waliapai in Arizona yrs before) and Hazel Myers who is listed on a reservation in Wyoming at 16 and as Arapaho, they all dropped off of census lists then and moved to Shangango, PA together with Hazel's parrents, and later to Anandale, Va.(N.VA) outside of DC.
Norman's parents were Charles(Rice) Walker and Elizabeth(Lily Bell) Schaffer
-multiple Charles Walkers and Rice Walkers and Charles Rices listed on the same and other reservations in the midwest. A Rice Walker search also pulls up a Cloud co Kansas Maggie Walker on a reservation listed only as 'Native American'. Perhaps his wife or child.
There is an Oujibe tribe related to Cheyenne and Souix of the algonquian linguistic family, whose Cheif Iron Walker led them thru the transitions. They went to the reservations in Wyoming and Kansas for a while, did not like it, then went to Oklaholma like everyone other tribe seemed to almost. Right after his appearance in history, suddenly the Walker population exploded in native tribal names history. Perhaps he had a prolific sex life.

Elizabeth was born on a reservation in MO Listed as Dakota Tribe.

Hazel Myer's parents were
Mary Hunter then Myers and Wilbert or William Ross Myers

Mary Myers and Mary Hunter listed on census on the Oklaholma res as Arapaho, listed as Hunter at 16 as a tract holder, with a James Walker renting a tract just a few houses down in the list from a Mrs. Whitebread & family. Listed later as Mary Myers on her last record there owning the same tract. Also not far away is both Ross and William Myers tract holders.

The birth years my gma gave me check out with these peoples bd.s as well. They all (even those on different reservations) seem to drop off at the same time of the annual listings. The following year they all show up in Shenango, PA. together.

On the Portch side, a Sigmond Portch shows up in DC around the same time, as a trained methodist preacher for a DC church. He has true indian red skin and looks native, and explains it away by telling folks he is from Basque country in southern France and that they have a similar comlexion(a lie). It also cannot be true, there were no Methodists in Basque country then, and as well Basque country is in northern Spain and has been for thousands of years, no english speakers there. He has a son named George who marries an Olive Rae Troup. They have six or seven children, one of them my grandfather David Portch.

Sigmond turns up on census reports in Cloud Co Kansas next to the Kickapoo reservation and a strong and infamous methodist mission that trains native missionairies and takes them around to various reservations at that time. The family lore is that noone particularly appreciated him becoming a methodist preacher, my grandfather talked alot about God and was a fine man, but would not set foot in a white man's church. He had a particular dislike for the church denominations the settlers brought. A long list of Portch's is there in Cloud Co on census reports long before any settlers had arrived there in 1858. Sigmond's father's name is George Portch also. I learned that Cheyenne and Arapaho were staying in that area at that time as well. A George Porch without the T shows up in Choctaw census reports prior to that on the Oklaholma res. as well. Do not know if he is the same or related. He is the only Porch on a census. However by appearance, they look more like natives by far than the Walkers and Myers who were born on them (I have seen these people). Red leathery skin, head shape of the natives, etc.

The Walker men look very much like the picture of the man on the bottom on the site page. They were always smiling, very humorous, and kind people in general. I have very fond memories of them.

It appears to me there is alot of confusion at the reservations, because the people doing the census had no idea what tribe various people were from or how those tribes may be interconnected, married, or related. Also not everyone was going to get land so folsk were jockeying for position and power within the tribes and groups wanting land and influence. Having multiple tribes that were not always on frinedly terms probably did not help.
Or the people were lying to the census makers for various reasons, or to create confusion so they could not be tracked. They seem to just pop up at other reservations with the same names after dropping off the list of another and being listed as totally another tribe regularly.

The Troup family also shows up in some creek, cherokee, and choctaw census reports, who also wound up in the Oklaholma res.

On my maternal side I do not have much info yet-
My mom's mother appears irish/english.
Her father, John Henry Chamberlain was raised by his much older sister Mary Louise Chamberlain. She was born on a reservation in S. Dakota and was a Dakota according to census reports.
I strongly suspect that they knew each other before removal, and searched the reservations until they found one another, then their children married and returned to their original lands. I suspect that these people we have been taught to see as different saw themselves as brothers and family.

[Junglegeorge]

Also, and this is not the first occurence of this in relation to my grandmother. When I approached the subject of asking whether certain territories the historians list as very dangerous due to the natives nearby and their 'savage way's etc were scary or dangerous for her, she became very flustered and somewhat angered, and replied, "HOGWASH! native people never hurt anyone unless they had goooooood reason to and weren't given a choice. It wasn't any more dangerous than going to the grocery store or the mailbox."

[melungeon]

What is the saying, If the whiteman won it was called a battle, if the NDN's won it was a massacre.:D

[Junglegeorge]

That is how their history books read anyway. Funny how they have tribes now relying only on THEIR history books which are full of propaganda games, lies, errors, ommissions of major portions, gross misunderstandings of and falsefhooods about our culture, distortions of the whole story, etc, for tribal membership 'rights', and then tribal leaders agree to it????? When did we become european businessmen???? May the Great Spirit have mercy on us all.

[Linda]

If your family only came east in the past few generations, you're probably not our brand of Blackfoot, I'm afraid. Ours is coming out of Virginia in the early 1700's, we believe associated with the VA/NC Soiuan. If your family is originating out west, then it's more likely your roots would be with the Montana Blackfoot. We've got Walker and Rice names going on, but they're from families living here from centuries back.

Another thing, check again regarding rez's in MO or NC. I don't believe there's a single one in MO, nor any tribes the state recognizes, and NC only has the Cherokee reservation. They're the only federally recognized tribe in NC, and I don't believe any of the other state recognized tribes have a reservation of any kind, communities maybe, but no land set aside to the tribe per se.

Have you checked for connections with the recognized Montana Blackfoot?

[Junglegeorge]

I'm sorry, the Mo is Montana, my mistake on the abbreviation. Where they are listed as Dakota. Most of the listings for my family members are in Oklaholma or Montana, one in Cloud Co kansas on rez.

The NC is what it is. Maxine Walker, on ancestry.com as an infant, she comes up as Arapaho. I don't understand that any more than you do. Just reporting what has come up in the online census reports. Looks to me like a very temporary stay on their journey east possibly, or some family tie of intermarraige we cannot see now.

Cherokees taking in Arapahos and others with an infant in hard times doesn't seem so far fetched to me. That was the ways of our ancestors. I know in many places that has changed, unfortunately.

Assimilation is not something I think my grandfather Portch would have gone along with, just from knowing him, which is probably why they are not listed on any roles. He was a warrior from head to toe and surrrender was not in his vocabulary. He narrowly missed being blown to bits when the USS New Orleans was split in two by a Japanese sub torpedo striking it's powder cache. http://www.ussneworleans.com/

He had to jump off the bird's nest to avoid the fireball from the explosion and went 50' to the steel deck breaking his legs and landing on another shipmate and killing him, for which he never forgave himself. They offered to let him go home then as a decorated hero. He chose to stay and let his legs recover in sick bay while his family was told the ship was sunk at sea with all hands lost, so the Navy would have a destroyer in the water that was not accounted for by the japanese until the war was over. Hence it's nic name as 'The No Boat' or the 'Miracle Ship', due to the engineers officially declaring it a miracle and defiance of physics that it stayed afloat with it's front third blown completely off. They sailed for weeks with no radios or radar, thru the Japanes fleet and in enemy waters at under 5 knots all the way to Australia to get it fixed.

They were in EVERY major battle in the Pacific and had 18 battle stars. He had shrapnel in his stomach and could have left the ship any time he wanted. His family thought he was dead until four years later when he came walking up the driveway, unnannounced. Not really the type to cowtow and give in imo. Probably inherited strength as well.

Oddly enough, these men seem to keep winding up in wars together, as my ggrandfather Walker and his brother (who came home deaf from the explosions and rarely spoke), served on the same ship in WW2 but for shorter stints. Some native fate at work? The hand of the Creator? Kindred spirits? Call it what you will, it would not surprise me in the least to find more evidence that their history as natives was similar to their history together in WW2.

Those men rarely talked about the war or anything prior to it. They were carpenters who woke up every morining and went to work and worked hard. Talking was not their thing. I learned that from my mom. Talking is how you find stuff out.

I think they (the Portch's) chose to remain free and lived off the res as Blackfeet clan of Cheyenne in Cloud Co Kansas. Which in terms of historical value would make them a red herring, possibly impossible to trace definitively, leaving me with no home in our heritage, and a bad way to found an idea about others. I know that some tribes from back east were absorbed by the Dakotas, the Cheyenne, and others prior to that time period. Some then later reformed, others didn't.

I am just hoping to hit on some info previous to that period to understand more. I do know for sure that Mary Chamberlain was in Blackfoot Town Md. I do not know if the John Walker there was from my line or not.

I also found a record where an indian claimed that all the tribes in Va/Md/PA areas were at one time under one 'great cheif'. I will try to relocate the link.

[Linda]

When did Mary Chamberlain live?

[Junglegeorge]

Hi Linda,

I am trying to connect with family to find out more about that. There were several Mary's in that line and I am trying match the data I get from family in a sensible way with census records.

One of them was definitely born on a rez in SD and is listed as Dakota as a very young child. Her parents don't seem to be there and she soon disappeears off the roles, I suppose to reconnect with family and move east as soon after she showed in DC. Parents not being there suggests to me she was already orphaned, or that she was removed from another rez for 'reeducation'.

That was all in the early 1900s, she died in the late 1900's. I have to check on the exact date.