This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: bjllr Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lawson/6860.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: When I read your reply, I'm reminded of the abuse and government red tape our ancestors suffered. As former Vice-Chairman of the American Indian Coalition, I can tell you that more Indian families names don't appear on the rolls than do. Why, for several reasons but mostly because the government tried to limit the retribution they had to pay for all the lies and broken treaties over the years. Any student of history can tell you that many early settlers had common-law Indian wives. The fact that they were not married in ceremony you approve doesn't make them less a part of your family. All along the Trail of Tears, white men married attractive Indian girls. The fact that they never made it to a reservation doesn't make them less of an Indian. There a lot of Lawson families with Indian blood. Having a name on a roll doesn't give you Indian blood. DNA testing is the only true indicator of Indian blood. Please don't spread false or incorrect information. Don't perpetuate the lies that have been told down through the years. Thanks, Bill Lawson Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.