Abenaki Genealogy
Tip 3 - Family Bonds
Last updated 11-AUG-1997 |
Native people often married other Native people, sharing a common bond. Sometimes only one partner in a Native marriage revealed their ancestry to their children. Grandma may have been the only one to discuss her Native heritage, but don't write grandpa off too quickly.
One error many new researchers make is to ignore other members of an ancestor's family. When we can no longer go forward in a search, then we must turn around and go backwards for awhile. Find all the children, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins of your ancestor and trace them forward. One member of the family may have handed down family tradition. You may discover a distant cousin alive today that has oral or written family history. Don't be shy!
Another reason to check out these relatives is that families took care of each other. Grandma may have lived out her remaining years with a child, niece, or son-in-law. People (especially Native People) where on the move a lot. Grandma could have moved to Ohio or Canada with other family members and died there. Her death record, when you can find it, may give you answers or at least a new clue.
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