I have just started researching and am not sure where to go or what to do. I know that my grandfather was Indian, his name was Henry Stevenson. He was born in Kirbyville, TX. His mothers name was Munch Barbo and she was from LA.......I'm not sure what part. I am waiting for my grandfathers' birth certificate and I will know more. I know his father was called "Indian George". He was born in France. I was always told we were Cherokee but would like to know for sure and would like to know more about my heritage. I would appreciate any help with this. Thanks a Bunch, Angela

The surnames you have listed are not associated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas so we can probably eliminate that offhand. The Caddo were present in the Kirbyville area in prehistory and possibly the Comanche. Check "North American Indian Tribes" website (www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indianlocation.htm) for other Tribes common to the area historically. Also, the message board entitled Tribes of East Texas on this site might yield results.

Good Luck

Thanks so much for your help!

Angela,

You are starting out correctly by obtaining a copy of a birth certificate. You need to continue using those basic genealogical methods to trace your family. Birth, death, and marriage certificates often have information that may help with tribal research.

I suggest that as you trace your family genealogy, keep good notes on where people were born and died, and where they lived along the way. Migration pattterns are very helpful. If you have an ancestor born in France, called Indian George, it is possible he was a fur trader or voyaguer. The fur travders often traveled the length of the Mississippi , and could have wound up in Louisiana from as far away as Canada.

Good luck in your search,
Carolyne