RLP 302: Examining Family Lore - Was Eliza Isenhour a Cherokee?

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about the story of Eliza Ann Isenhour (1850-1898) and the family lore that claims she was a full-blooded Cherokee. The conversation starts with the 1884 incident that left Eliza a widow with four young children and another on the way after her husband, William Henderson Shults, died following an accident. Faced with the challenges of widowhood, Eliza remarries Jacob Meek, and they eventually move to Indian Territory, where she dies in 1898. Despite family stories, evidence suggests Eliza was not Cherokee.

Diana and Nicole talk about Eliza's early life, born in Arkansas, her family's relocation following her father's death, and her eventual move to Texas. They highlight the family's migration to Coryell County, Texas, by 1870, setting the stage for later moves that would define Eliza's journey. Central to their conversation is the family's relocation to Indian Territory in the late 19th century, driven by legislative changes and opportunities for land. They examine whether Eliza and Jacob's move was part of the 1889 land grab or if they qualified for tribal membership based on family stories of Eliza's Cherokee ancestry.

Through research, Diana and Nicole find that Eliza did not have Native American bloodlines, with her husband Jacob being ¼ Choctaw. This discovery leads them to reconsider the family narrative, suggesting the lore of Eliza's Cherokee heritage may be rooted in her step-children's Choctaw background rather than factual history. They conclude by emphasizing the role of research in affirming or refuting family stories. The tale of Eliza Ann Isenhour exemplifies how family lore can morph over time and underscores the significance of a thorough and open-minded approach to uncovering historical truths.

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Links

Examining Family Lore: Was Eliza Ann Isenhour (1850-1898) Full-Blooded Cherokee? - https://familylocket.com/examining-family-lore-was-eliza-ann-isenhour-1850-1898-full-blooded-cherokee/

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