I Surrender

[Rick]

I suppose others have come to this point too. I just plain surrender. I've been visiting this site for only a short time, but I have been tracing family history for about 15 years. Unfortunately I didn't start when many of my older relatives still lived, so much of what I have is what I remember from the stories as a kid. When I was only half paying attention! In talking with other relatives it seems we all didn't listen well enough. I have hit so many dead ends and directions that dwindle into vague and incomplete findings that I give up. I don't doubt the old stories I heard, but I don't think I'll ever "prove them out". I found many name and place connections on this site, and thought I might be on to something solid at last. I can make no documented connections though. I was not even aware of the Saponi and Tutelo until recently. The only somewhat specific tribal info I had was," probably some kind of Iroquois". I drew a lot of blanks. Then I learned of the connection the Tutelo had with the Cayuga in Pennsylvania. So many places and time frames fit as well as some names. I really thought I had a break through. None of it has connected, or just more inconclusive avenues.
So this little venting is for all the frustrated researchers out there too. I will check in once in awhile. Who knows what might come along? As for active searching and researching I'm hanging it up. I'll have to be content with probably Iroquois, maybe Tutelo, for an answer. Good luck to all and thank you for the input folks have given me.

[Derek]

Hey, you should go to the libary, or some place where they keep old records... maybe you'll have some luck if you didn't already explore this avenue yet. Anyway Good luck rick!

[Three Crows]

Rick don't be too discouraged, if you remember what your Mom or Grandma told you that is the truth. Even if it's only a kernel. To me a little nugget of truth is everything, so much has been lost over the generations.

[spilleddi]

Rick, I feel your pain. I've got brick walls that are more aptly described as steel and reinforced concrete. Nonetheless, I suggest that instead of saying "I surrender", you say "I'm taking a vacation"! You never know what you'll find down the road. I little rest and relaxation from the drudgery of research can open you up to fresh ideas in the future.

One thing I suggest is to post what you're looking for on as many relevant websites as possible, and make sure you keep your contact email working. I've had cousins I didn't even know exist contact me about long forgotten posts years later, and then send me old family letters talking about my ancestors. And I've found the most unlikely things about my family from just chance encounters with other researchers.

So don't surrender, just take a break!

[Linda]

I agree. Take a break. My search started in PA too. I spent a year thinking we might be Tuscarora. Got all swept up in a Tuscarora forum, to the point that it was my social life, such as it was. Then I found out about current event Indian politics as I was pointed out as the local wannabe. I've seen more than a few folks hit with those traumas. I gave up and started up this website, thinking at the time, 'who'd want to post over here? We don't even know who we are.' Well, it's 20,000 posts later, and we know a whole lot about who we are. Just give it a rest and wait for something to fall in your lap. It will come, in it's own sweet time. These may not be the most numerous of your Ancestors, but they are the noisiest. If you want to know the story, they'll find a way to tell you.

[Rick]

Thanks for the replies. Frustration and resignation on this search is where I'm at. This is from my Dad's side of the family on his mother's side. On my grandfather's side I'm a step closer and just as frustrated. I have found a relation that is on the roster of the Indian Regiment from the Revolutionary War from 1778. Mostly Mahicans from Stockbridge but also Wappinger, Nipmuc, Wampanoag and Mohegans from Mass. and Conn. So I know who and where, but so far not which people he was from. That isn't listed. Checking this out has yielded nothing so far either. But that's a different story. Thank you all for the suggestions, take care and good luck.