I have been looking for the parents of my third-great-grandmother, Susan Miller Davis, for twenty years. Today, I finally found a document that lists their names, on the U.S., Cherokee Baker Roll and Records, 1924-1929 application for Susan’s son and my great-great uncle, Lorenzo Dow Davis, Jr.
Susan Miller’s father was Arch Miller and her mother was Hannah Mc_______ (still deciphering her maiden name!)
The Duh! part of this discovery is that Susan’s grandson (my great-grandfather) was named Arch Miller Corn. He named his son (my great-uncle) Arch Miller Corn, Jr. It never occurred to me that his name could have been Susan’s father’s name, even though I knew her maiden name was Miller. But now, in hindsight, it seems like a perfectly obvious clue. Duh!
This case also serves as a great reminder that it is vital to research every family member, not just direct line ancestors. The needed clue could be in the least expected place.
Karen
May 21, 2016 — 8:41 pm
Hindsight is always 20/20! 🙂 Sometimes it’s hardest to see things hidden in plain sight.
Good luck with Hannah’s surname… looks like a challenge! Have you tried looking for similar names in censuses where she lived?
Melissa Finlay
May 21, 2016 — 9:01 pm
Great idea! I have not worked much on Hannah’s surname yet. However, finding Archibald Miller’s name led to a quick find of his will listing all of his children, their spouses and a little more about his wife (not her maiden name 🙁 ) I will definitely do an area wide search in the censuses for similar surnames. Thanks for the tip!
Linda Stufflebean
May 21, 2016 — 11:28 pm
As Karen noted, hindsight is always perfect vision. You are lucky to have found them on the Cherokee rolls. I believe my mother-in-law’s family had a Cherokee woman who married into the family in the early 1800s. Problem is that her husband’s (younger) half brother is enrolled on the Dawes rolls, but his Henry died before then. All evidence is circumstantial and I don’t think documents exist to prove the Native American relationship. I have to agree that you had a great clue waiting to be noticed in Arch Miller Corn’s name!
Melissa Finlay
May 22, 2016 — 1:22 am
Early Cherokee heritage is often so hard to prove. I wish you the best genealogy serendipity in the future, and hope you find your proof!
Marian Wood
May 22, 2016 — 12:03 am
Your duh isn’t so different from my duh. Like you, I didn’t do all the research on a close relative (an uncle). Then when I did, wow! What I found was a breakthrough, like you! Enjoyed your duh/aha story.
Melissa Finlay
May 22, 2016 — 1:16 am
I just read and enjoyed your story as well. I guess the lesson we have both learned is that is always a good idea to go back and fill in the research gaps on each member of the family, as the clues to open up the next branch of the family could be lurking on any of their documents! Congrats on your find. 🙂
John
May 24, 2016 — 6:04 pm
Good luck on deciphering your ancestor’s maiden name!
I recall the joy discovering the testimony my ancestor and family members provided trying to prove their Choctaw ancestry to the Dawes Commission. They were unable to prove it, but the testimony was filled with great information.
Schalene Dagutis
May 24, 2016 — 7:22 pm
You DOH moment sounds so much like mine. The answer to the brick wall question was in my tree and staring me in the face for years!
Donna
May 30, 2016 — 10:36 pm
I agree – everyone needs to research their collateral relatives! Thanks for reminding us.
Nancy H Vest
June 1, 2016 — 12:04 am
I’ve had the same experience with finding answers in the side relatives. Your story re-affirms that doing side research is rarely a waste of time. Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
Robert Cowden
December 26, 2016 — 8:30 pm
This is interesting! I’m not sure if this is the same family but, My great grandmothers first husband was Lorenzo Dow Davis Sr. and they had a son, Lorenzo Dow Davis Jr. (i had found a Lorenzo Dow Davis Jr. listed on the Dawes Roll). Her maiden name was Hattie Pearl Stuart.
Melissa Finlay
December 27, 2016 — 1:39 pm
That is interesting! I wonder if there were two Lorenzo Dow Davis Cherokee families in the nation or if Lorenzo married twice? I will have to go back and consult my records to see what information I have regarding this.