Comments on: Contact

By: Rick Harding

Rick Harding — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:35:33 +0000

I’m taking a shot in the dark. So please bear with me. My Dad’s mothers family were long time Susquehanna valley residents. Dad said his Grandfather told him stories of being of Native American ancestry. This background is from GG Jake’s mother, Elizabeth Ely. Her parents were William Ely and Martha Hover. Martha’s parents were Jacob and Margaret. Both born in the 1790’s. The Hover’s were of Dutch ancestry from the Hudson valley. They came to Pa. prior to the Revolution. Margarets maiden name is unknown to me. She was by family history, a full blood indian. Again by family stories the Native background was said to be Iroquois or Mingo. I know that such descriptions are very general and vague. I should have asked more when my Grandmother was still with us, but I did not. It seems that GG Jake was the last one in the family to know, or care about such things. GG Jake and GGG Elizabeth were born in the Nanticoke/Plymouth area. GGGG Martha was from the Dauphin co./Lebanon co. area, but not sure where she was born. I know that the Susquahannock are refered to as Minqua in some writings, that’s why I thought I’d post this question on this site. Any of these family names ring a bell with anyone? I’ve had a lot of dead ends and non verifiable info. The heritage trail seems to have gone cold, but I find it hard to give up without a better answer. I don’t doubt the old family stories, as there would be no benefit to having Indian ancestry being known in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s. My Dad heard these stories in the 30’s and 40’s. Jake passed away in 1946, and I’m afraid a lot of family history with him. Thanks for any info or leads.
Rick
northwoods3030@yahoo.com

By: BrokenClaw

BrokenClaw — Mon, 10 May 2010 02:57:24 +0000

Liz,
Ancestries back to 1850 are generally trackable through the US census, if you know where they lived and their approximate birthdates. For native American ancestry, the tribal censuses around the turn of the 20th century may be helpful, for people who remained associated with an organized tribe. Unfortunately, that was rarely the case in the eastern states.

By: Liz D.

Liz D. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:15:33 +0000

Hello,

I have been told by my grandparents that we are decendants of a Susquehannock woman who was the daughter of a chief or leader of some sort. I didn’t know this until I was 18 as my parents divorced and I never saw my grandparents after that. I also have been told that there is a connection on the same side of the family to the Cherokees. How can I find out more about this if no one seems to remember the names of the Susquehannock and Cherokee people in our family history? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

By: Hank Smeltzer

Hank Smeltzer — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:13:12 +0000

Hi there,
I’m a recreational cyclist, riding primarily in the eastern York county and western Lancaster County area of South Central Pa. While out riding earlier this week, I came upon a historical marker regarding the slaughter of the last members of the Conestoga tribe in western Lancaster County. It is located at the intersection of Safe Harbor Rd. and Indian Marker Rd.

Aside from the tragic description of the slaughter, the word used to describe the crime on the marker is “extermination”. As if those people were some sort of vermin to be trapped or poisoned. I found that characterization very offensive and wondered what the best way might be to get the plaque changed. I thought the word of some formal historical Indian organization might carry more weight.
What are your thoughts?
Sincerely,
Hank Smeltzer,
Craley, PA