Tag: brick wall

Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

My Favorite Resource for New England Native American Research

My favorite record group for tracking Native people in New England is housed in the National Archives down in Washington, DC. It’s part of Record Group 75 also known as the records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The pages known as 75.12.2 are the Records relating to Kansas claims of New York Indians. Below is the front page of one of the many records found … Continue reading My Favorite Resource for New England Native American Research

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Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

Who is Molly Pegan? (Part 2)

Molly Pegan is my sixth great grandmother and a source of much controversy in my small Nipmuc community.  Some of us believe her to be Nipmuc, especially since her maiden name is Pegan – a known Nipmuc name. Others (including nameless BIA researchers) don’t think she is Nipmuc and that the name is simply coincidence. Now her last name is not the only reason folks … Continue reading Who is Molly Pegan? (Part 2)

Cheryll Toney Holley2 Comments
Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

Introducing My Brick Wall – Molly Pegan

I am an enrolled member of a state-recognized tribe, the Nipmuc Nation, also known as the Hassanamisco Band of Nipmuc Indians. We have a reservation in Grafton, MA that has been occupied by our people since long before recorded time. (See http://nipmucmuseum.org/blog/2011/11/10/hassanamisco-reservation-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places/). Many members of my community have tried to unravel the mystery of Molly Pegan/Piggen Pollock Woodland (abt. 1753 to after 1841) but none have succeeded, … Continue reading Introducing My Brick Wall – Molly Pegan

Cheryll Toney Holley4 Comments