This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: sllemkuil Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lawson/2722.1.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Susannah Williams was from a family of Williams who have Welsh roots. Her mother Mary Ann (possibly Souder/Souers/Sowder) had German roots. So Susannah is white Northern European. I have no idea about Joseph Lawson, but his parents are Joel Lawson and Mary (Waregan?) Lawson. The Joel's and Mary's may be confused on the wedding record. Both Mary Ann Williams and Mary Lawson are alive in 1850 and 1860. Joel Williams died about 1847. I do not know about Joel Lawson. If Mariah Lydia Williams is part Cherokee, it is unlikely that it is half. At most it would be a quarter through Mary Lawson. Censuses list them all as white. I have seen Joseph and Susannah's children listed as "full-blooded Cherokee" which is not true. The Williams' siblings had blue eyes and light brown or reddish-blonde hair. We still have this coloring in some of our Williams' relatives. Only descendants of Susannah have this story of being Indian, so I must assume if it is true that it was from the Lawson side. It is most definitely not from the Williams' side. 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.