Federally Commissioned Reports
In this week's column. "Looking Back While Walking Forward." we will
continue our rev iew of federally commissioned reports on the Lumbee tribe.
We will explore the reasoning behind John Reed Swanton's conclusion, in his
1933 report commissioned by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, that the
origin of the Lumbee tribe is mainly from the aboriginal Cheraw. I would also
like to take this opportunity to look at other documentation to substantiate
our descent from the Cheraw tribe. These documents were used in the
Lumbee tribe's petition for federal acknowledgment to meet criterion 83.7e
which requires a petitioner to demonstrate descent from an aboriginal tribe or
tribes who combined to function as one group.
Swanton's report gives a historical overview of the Cheraw Indian tribe
beginning in 1540 with explorers traveling through the territory of Siouan
speaking tribes located in the westernmost areas. These explorers
encountered the Cheraw in the middle of the seventeenth century upon the
frontiers of Virginia. There was extensive movement by the Cheraw tribe
toward the south due to attacks from lroquoian tribes. According to
Swanton's report, tribes, particularly the Cheraw. would reach the northern
part of North Carolina. Continued movement w ould place the Cheraw and
another tribe located in the area, the Keyauwee. in the Pee Dee River area of
South Carolina. Documentation demonstrates that part of the Cheraw joined
the Catawba tribe in South Carolina. They would remain a separate and
distinct tribe while living with the Catawba. However, it is important to note,
there is no indication that all of the Cheraw joined the Catawba. The
Keyauwee would continue to live in the Pee Dee River area by themselves,
and according to Swanton, no documentation exists to show their removal
from the area. Thus, Swanton concluded the following:
"The evidence available thus seems to indicate that the Indians of
Robeson County who have been called Croatan and Cherokee are descended
mainly from certain Siouan tribes of which the most prominent were the
Cheraw and Keyauwee, but they probably included as well remnants of the
Eno and Shakori, and very likely some of the coastal groups such as the
Waccamaw and Cape Fears. It is not improbable that a few families or small
groups of Algonquian or lroquoian connection may have cast their lot with
this body of people, but contributions from such sources must have been
relatively insignificant. Although there is some reason to think that the
Keyauwee Tribe actually contributed more blood to the Robeson County
Indians than any other, their name is not widely known, whereas that of the
Cheraw has been familiar to historians, geographers, and ethnologists in one
form or another since the time of De Soto, and has a firm position in the
cartography of the region. The Cheraw, too, seem to have taken a leading part
in opposing the colonists during and immediately after the Yamasee uprising.
Therefore, if the name of any tribe is to be used in connection with this body
of 6 or 8 thousand people, that of the Cheraw would, in my opinion, be most
appropriate."
In his efforts to demonstrate Cheraw origin of the tribe, Swanton would
discuss theories of origin of the Lumbee tribe which relate to the survivors of
the Lost Colony, as well as the Cherokee Indian tribe. He discussed the fact
that the Lumbee had relayed how their ancestors had come from Roanoke
River in Virginia. A statement, he felt, added to the confusion pf tribal origins.
According to Swanton, when this statement is taken in the context of Cheraw
history, it makes sense. We find, "Previous to 1700 they (Cheraw) had settled
on the Dan River near the southern line of Virginia, and it is to be remembered
that the Dan River and Staunton unite to form the Roanoke. They moved
south ... and established themselves on the upper Pee Dee near the present
settlements of the 'Croatans'. Later we know that some Cheraw moved to
Catawba country." Therefore, confusion arose, when tribal members told of
their ancestors coming from the Roanoke River area in Virginia. It appears
individuals would mistake the island of Roanoke with the river. Therefore, the
story of the Lost Colony theory of the Lumbee, a theory that was highly
promoted by Hamilton McMillan, local politician and friend to the tribe, is a
paradigm and not a myth. In other words, there is a germ of truth in the story
that was misunderstood. McMillan had moved to Robeson County in 1875
and tribal members had advised him that they came from Roanoke. He
misunderstood that to mean Roanoke Island as opposed to the Roanoke River
area, where we first find the Locklears appearing in the records at Quankey
Pocasin in Roanoke River in the 1730s.
In reference to descent from the Cherokee tribe, Swanton would contend
that movement by the Cheraw to Catawba county was the reason for the
"traditional belief' among the Lumbee that some of their tribal ancestors went
to the mountains with the Cherokee. He would further state, "Confusion of
these Indians [Lumbee] with the Cherokee was probably due in part to the fact
that the Cherokee have been their nearest neighbors of consequence for a
long period and in part because of the resemblance between the names
Cheraw and Cherokee."
Swanton published other reports on southeastern Indians, including
additional publications on the Lumbee tribe. These reports would continue to
reaffirm his opinion that the original members of the Lumbee descended from
Siouan tribes in the southeast, particularly the Cheraw. However, as Swanton
is careful to point out in his 1938 publication, this does not preclude the
possibility that other tribes and other Indian individuals may have joined the
tribe at different points in time
. Additional information exist that was not available to John Reed Swanton at
the time, to further substantiate Cheraw origin of the Lumbee tribe. As stated,
Swanton would continue to publish works reaffirming his belief of the Cheraw
origin. It is also interesting to note, the report written by Special Indian Agent,
O.M. McPherson, in 1915 discussed Cheraw origin of the Lumbee tribe. He
too would acknowledge that the tribe was probably an amalgamation of tribes,
with the principal tribe of origin being the Cheraw
Wesley D. Taukchiray. an independent researcher who has researched the
Lumbee tribe since 1969. would uncover numerous documents to substantiate
the tribe's descent from the aboriginal Cheraw A discussion of this
documentation is relevant to this installment.
The area occupied by the present day Lumbee Indians was home to a
number of autonomous groups during the sixteenth through the eighteenth
centuries. Other than the Cheraw. as we have discussed, thes included the
Cape Fear. Winyaw, Pee Dee and Waccamaw. However, our focus will
continue on the Cheraw tribe. In a 1952 publication by Swanton. he placed the
Cheraw population at 510 in 1715 and living with the Catawba. However, as
stated earlier, there is no evidence to suggest that all of the Cheraw joined the
Catawba. Further documentation in 1739 discusses the activity of the Cheraw
Indians in the same general vicinity of the Pee Dee River. Documents from the
1700s document an Indian community living on Drowning Creek, located on
the head of the Little Pee Dee. In 1754 there is a documented community of 300
or more individuals living on Drowning Creek. Further documentation would
conclude this was an Indian community. A 1771 South Carolina Gazette
newspaper article goes even further regarding this community During one of
the many incidents that occurred in the area, a convicted felon. Winsler
Driggers, sentenced to be hanged, was captured "... near Drowning Creek, in
the Charraw Settlement." The reference is clear as to the location of the
community; that it was a Cheraw settlement denotes its tribal composition.
This is most certainly the same community identified in 1754.
The next reference to this community occurred two years later. In 1773. a
list was compiled and became referred to as the "The Rogues List." It is
entitled, "A List of the Mob Railously Assembled ..." The list identifies
twenty-one individuals and contains surnames associated with the present
day Lumbee tribe. Those would include Sweat, Locklear. Chavours and Dees.
No other document has been found to shed light on the list; nonetheless, it is
fair to assume that it refers to some confrontation between the inhabitants and
the colonial government, probably over land. The term "railously" appears to
indicate a strong protest against some condition or action of government,
rather than disorderly conduct. Three individuals were accused of harboring
the others - Major Locklear, Recher Groom, and Ester Carsey. They seem to
represent heads of households and were evidently community leaders. It is
fair to assume that this is the same community as that identified in 1754
because Major Locklear, who with his brother John are ancestors of
substantially all of the present day Locklears in the Lumbee tribe, was living
on Drowning Creek as evidenced by a January 17, 1754 deed, from the NC
State Archives, that contains the following legal description; "...on the north
side of Drowning Creek and on White Oak Swamp being the place were Major
Locklear now lives." Another individual on the list is identified as Thomas
Groom who was at one time the holder of one of the old fields, located in the
Pee Dee River area, that the Cheraw tribe had reserved in 1737.
In addition to these documents, oral tradition by tribal members, including
the prominent tribal spiritual leader, Rev. Zimmie R. Chavis, discusses how his
ancestors came from Roanoke River area in Virginia. It would appear Rev.
Chavis was also talking about Indian descent from the Cheraw.
Lastly. it is important to note that we have always known where we came
from. It would appear that non tribal members, particularly non-Indians, were
always the ones questioning our origin. Because our answers did not
conform to what they felt our answers should be. those non-Indians would
impose their beliefs and theories upon us. Sometimes, however, this would
benefit the tribe. A good example of this is the Lost Colony theory. Hamilton
McMillan, who we have described as a local politician and good friend to the
Lumbee tribe, would use the theory that we were descendants of the survivors
of the Lost Colony. to gain political support among the tribe. In the mid-1800s
questions arose as to the origin of the tribe upon our requesting both state
and federal services. There was no question that we were Indian, however, it
would appear to some, that w e had intermarried with other races. Many felt we
had intermarried with the black race, therefore making it difficult to gain any
support ffom those in authority to provide any services to the tribe.
McMillan, being the shrewd politician he was. felt he could promote the Lost
Colony theory of origin and gain the support he needed. This was an
ingenious political maneuver by McMillan. With folks thinking we were
descendants of the survivors of the Lost Colony, therefore being mixed with
white blood as opposed to black blood, he could gain the political support he
needed to assist the tribe in receiving state benefits. In turn, the tribe, who at
that time constituted a large block of votes for anyone seeking political office,
would support McMillan's political campaigns. It is not my intention to say
that McMillan was out to be deceitful. He was merely confused, as we have
stated earlier. Nevertheless, whatever the reason, his efforts were crucial to
the tribe's success in obtaining its own school system in 1885, as well as state
recognition as an Indian tribe.
The tribal petition for acknowledgment contains this information as
evidence to demonstrate tribal origin. This information would also be the
reason, when recognition legislation was introduced in the US Congress in
the 1980s, if successful, the legislation would have changed the name of the
tribe to "The Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians." It was the feeling of tribal
leaders, at that time, that the tribe's name needed to reflect the tribe's
aboriginal origin. This was also the reasoning for using tKe name with the
Constitutional Assembly. It is not, as some would have tribal members to
believe, an attempt to erect a political splinter group among the tribe. Lastly,
the evidence demonstrates that the Lumbee tribe is an amalgamation of tribes
who combined to function as one tribal entity. However, evidence clearly
places a community of Cheraw Indians in the present day area of the Lumbee
tribe, therefore, demonstrating that the principal tribe of origin forthe Lumbee
is the aboriginal Cheraw.
Next week we will conclude our review of federally commissioned reports on
the Lumbee tribe.
This article was written by Cynthia L. Hunt, paralegal of the Indian Law
Unit at Lumbee River Legal Services. It is taken from The Lumbee Petition
for Federal Acknowledgment."
7^ C^o^e
/iwtivovtevuf
Faith Baptist Church
V Hwy. 710 South of Hwy. 74 (between Pembroke and Rowland)
Saturday, May 20th, 2000 - 7 p.m.
i mmmmmt Minif 41
featuring Th* Gospelettes
3 Pembroke, N.C.
I JM. I I
The Johnsons
Stedmsn, N.C.
The Singing Scotts
Lumberton, N.C.
and Willing Vessels
(picture not available at press time)
Ml. Airy, N.C.
Plate Sale
Friday, May 19<h, from 11 a.m. Until
and Saturday, May 20th, from 4 p.m. Until
Date: May 18, 2000
LRDA/Lumbec Housing Department
PO Box 68
Pembroke, N.C. 28372
Telephone* (910) 522-1101
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be
undertaken by the LRDA/Lumbec Housing Dejiartmcnt.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about June 1, 2000 tire LRDA/lAimbec Housing Department will submit a request to the
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Eastern/Woodlands Oflicc of Native
American Programs for the release of Indian Community Development Block Grant Program
funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to
undertake a project known as NAHASDA, for the purpose of Construction of new homes on
scattered sites for an estimated cost of S1,395,000.00.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The I.RDA/I aunbcc Housing Department has determined that the project will liave no significant
impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not required. Additional project
information is contained in die Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the
I JDA/Lumbce Housing Department, 719 Old Main Road, Pembroke, NC 28372, Telephone
(910) 522-1101, and may be examined of copied weekdays 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing widi diis determination or wisliing to comment on die
project may submit written comments to die LRDA/Iaimljcc Housing Department. All comments
received by June 16, 2000 will be considered by die I JIDA/Iannbce Housing Department prior to
submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify wliich Notice they are
addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The I-RDA/Iaimbec Housing Department certifies to U. S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Eastcm/W<xxllands Office of Native American Programs diat Adolph Blue capacity
as Chairman consents to accept die jurisdicdon of die Federal Courts if an action is brought to
enforce resjxinsibilities in relation to llie environmental review process and dial these
resjxinsibilities have been satisfied. U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Eastern/Woodlands Office of Native American Programs acceptance of die certification satisfies its
responsibilities under NEPA and allows the IJfDA/Uimbce Housing Department to use Program
funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Eastcrn/Wixxllands Office of Native
American Programs (HUD) will accept objections to its release of funds and the LRDA/Iximbcc
Housing Department certification for a jierkxl of fifteen days following die anticipated submission
date or its actual receipt of the request (wliichever is later) only if it is on one of the following bases:
(a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the I.RDA/Imnhcc Housing
Department; (b) the LRDA/Inmlx:c Housing Department lias omitted a step or failed to make a
decision or finding required by III ID regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has
incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HI ID; or
(d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding
that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be
repaired and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and sliall be
addressed to I J. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Eastern/WocxUaiids Office
of Native American Programs, Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 West Jackson Boulevard,
Suite 2400, Chicago, IE 60604-3507, Telephone (800) 735-3239. Potential objectors should
contact HI JD to verify the actual last day of the objection |x:rkxl.
I fldldbsl; /^&-g I
Limbec Regional Development Association, Cliainnan
Post Office Box 68
Pembroke, NC 28372
Telephone (910)522-1101