This is is the first installment in which I investigate the enrollment history of individuals self-identified as Freedmen among the Oklahoma Slave Narratives. I utilized the narratives at http://www.gutenberg.org pages 266-269. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20785/20785-h/20785-h.htm#Page_266 Cherokee Freedwoman: Betty Robertson (age 93) was interviewed by the Work Progress Association (WPA) in 1937. Betty Robertson describes slavery among Cherokee Joseph “Rich Joe”…

Dr. Deorsey Earl McGruder, Jr. (1937-2019): First African Cherokee American To Graduate From Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1964   “I was told upon my arrival, they [his parents] were very happy and filled with joy, because not only was I the 4th child, but the 1st boy.  I was born May 1, 1937, to…

As I was researching my relatives’ names on the Dawes Roll, I found a Chickasaw Freedmen Family who have one of the surnames in my family: Shepard. I decided to learn about this family. Dicy (Nail?) Shepherd, a Chickasaw Freedmen, was married to George Shepard, a non-citizen. According to census card 982, Dicy [4411] applied…

In recognition of African American Heritage Month, I am sharing a document that I received at The Evans Family Reunion, “The Journey With Albert Rush Evans.”  It is based on oral histories recorded on cassette tapes by Mrs. Vera E. Evans McGruder, Dr. Claude D. Evans and Mrs. Elayne Owens Evans during the 1980’s. The…

This Pioneer paper describes the history of the Carselowery cemetery and includes a listing of epitaphs and names of people who were buried here.  I have selected the epitaph of  the first wife of Chief T M Buffington.  His mother is also buried in this cemetery. S. Johnson Born Got.28,1882 Died Nov. 5, 1882 S-U-S…

This brief narrative features members of the Alberty family  It examines building of the Baptist Mission by Rev. Jesse Bushyhead, as well as mission objectives Click to access 3665.pdf

I’ve been researching my Native American roots for almost 20 years. It has been an incredible journey of enlightenment. Now that I have several pieces, I will start putting the puzzle together.  When possible, I will refer to the primary source documents.  There may be variations in the spelling of names as well as the…

Black Slaves Red Masters If you want a brief history of African slavery amongst the 5 Civilized Tribes, I recommend this video.

Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton