August 2, 2006

There were two very pleasant ladies who stopped by for a visit this past week. They are deeply involved with family research. The term Black Dutch has intrigued them. I have made comments in the past that several people had been told that their ancestors were Black Dutch, and when they said something about having Cherokee heritage a family brawl would take place. Some were slapped across the mouth for making the inquiry about Cherokee heritage.

The two McClesky sisters that came to visit said they were just getting started on researching their Cherokee lineage.

I rely on DWayne Carroll for researching Cherokee heritage. I have referred many people to Dwayne. He does the family genealogy research for the local Onega Cherokee group after they complete their applications for membership in the Texas Cherokee Nation membership. After an applicant completes the form, DWayne Carroll handily researches the different names. Upon acceptance for membership, the Chief, Buddy Garland, approves and signs the membership cards. The last count I heard, was that there are more than 621 members in the Onega Cherokee group.

I referred the McClesky sisters to DWayne Carroll, so they could apply for their membership cards. The McClesky sisters found their grandparents at the Pilot Point Cemetery with DWayne’s help.

One of the sisters lives in Austin and the other in Amarillo. We had a long enjoyable visit, and I look forward to seeing them on their next visit to Aubrey. Their grandparents came to this area from Cherokee County, Alabama.

Another interesting visitor came to see me. His name is Mr. Rutland. He lives in Aubrey and is a newcomer to the area. His grandparents came from Kentucky. He strongly suspects he is Cherokee. His ancestors lived in Georgia when the great removal was initiated. His ancestors moved from Georgia to Kentucky, and then to Texas. Mr. Rutland said that his children were gradually becoming interested in the genealogy of their ancestors.

As these people call on me, I think about how marvelously exciting it is to be able to read and study the Belew Cemetery records. I also have original records from the Aubrey Methodist Church family from 1882, which are also fascinating to study.

Dr. Dennis Stallings, DVM, has been sharing photos and family dates with me, as he is tracing his family’s Black Dutch ancestry. His family is a large and historically important family in this part of the county.

Dr. Stallings mother was Neta Stallings – who was vice-president of the old First State Bank. Neta’s mother was Naomi Turner. The Turner family was a large pioneering group in this area.

Dr. Dennis Stallings received his Veterinary Doctor’s Degree from Texas A&M University. His brother Ron is also a native of Aubrey. Ron Stallings is a Paint Horse Rancher. I will share more about this family.

If you are interested in the old historical Cherokees or in joining the local Onega Cherokee village, join them for their regular meetings that are held on the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Aubrey. The meetings are generally one hour in length and are very informative. It is very rewarding to be with all of the good friends in the village.

The Chief of Texas is Buddy Garland. He is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Pilot Point. The First Baptist Church was established in 1856 and is one of the oldest churches in the county.

The photo shows how small grain was harvested back during the 1890's. The steam engine was a new and vital machine during its day. I recall this method was the system for harvesting with I was about ten years old. I have a funny story to share from when I was nine years old while I was helping thrash grain. My brother, Buddy, who is just older than I am was involved in this incident.

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