How Do You Suggest I Get Started

[alvarose]

I have heard many times, from many relatives that we have "indian blood" in our family. I only know the area where generally my ancestors are from and that is in the Piedmont area of Virginia. So now what do I do. I mean where do you start when you have nothing concrete. Suggestions please. :) Alva

[Linda]

What surnames are in that side? Do you know any locations more specifically?

[alvarose]

Surnames: Farmer, Mayhew, Talbott, Irby

Where they lived: Jeremiah Talbott my GGG Grandfather was the founder and first citizen of Gretna, Virginia. That is in Pittsylvania County. It has also been called Elba and Franklin Junction. I know his family came from Halifax County. Before that I don't know.

Mayhews were on the 1776 census in Maryland before they show up in Pittsylvania Co.

Irbys I have starting out in 1650 in Charles City County. Then they spead on out through VA. My direct line being in Pittsylvania and Campbell County.

Farmers were in Pittsylvania and Cambell as well.

:) Alva

[vance hawkins]

for me 3 variables are important -- 1. names, both sur and given 2. dates of birth marriage and death associated with those names 3. locations associated with birth, marriages, and deaths. Your ancestors need to have lived in areas where known members of your tribe once were, when your ancestors were there. Also your surnames are probably the same as known Indian populations living today, altho I might be wrong.

beyond that 4. relations ships of the names (sons and daughters and grandkids, parents and grandparents, cousins, uncles aunts et cetera) For Indian ancestors, you need 5. historical documents, rolls, tribal affiliation.

the internet is full of sources, but just trust those that are documented -- there's a lot of weird sights where people claim history yet they do not document it with known historic sources -- be wary of them.

VERY IMPORTANT -- keep searchin' until you are satisfied -- don't accept "answers" to your questions that look so so good -- there are many blind allies and there are people belonging to some non-recognized tribal organizations that will try to make you believe you are one of them. Make them show you proof. When you go down one of these blind allies (and you'll probably go down several) accept that you have put months of work into something and it turned out to be somebody elses ancestors or bogus, well -- learn from it and move on. This is the hardest part but you gotta do it. Maybe you'll be rewarded in the long run but finding out things you never suspected. Many groups are respectable but some are not.

Folks here are very helpful and have helped me a lot. If you say anything that rings a bell with my ancestors I'll be sure & chime in.

I have "Irby" ancestors -- they are on Mom's side & I am pretty sure they are "White". E-mail me privately about the "Irby" surname if you want at vhawkins@excite.com.