In my opinion, based on research, Masters is an English surname. This is based on records dating back to the 1400's of the surname Master/Masters. However, this does not mean that everyone in this country with the surname originated from England. Some immigrants from other countries with similiar names, eventually anglized their names to Masters. Some of the so-called "indian" features could have been derived from Minorcan ancestry. This does not preclude someone with our surname from having Indian ancestry. For instance, I am part Cherokee, thru my paternal grandmother. From my research I have found that my g-g-g-g-grandmother was Cherokee. A picture I have of my great grandfather could easily be transformed to that of a Cherokee, with computer magic dressing him in typical indian dress. Even my Dad [a direct descendent of English colonists thru Tennessee] had some Indian features derived from his Malone ancestors. I researched this several years ago to trace a rumor that had been in the Malone family for years. It is suggested that if one suspects Indian ancestry should see if an ancestor married a Native American. If someone is on the Dawes list, that is an indication that should be a help in chasing down ancestry....find the European that married the Native American. Dave Masters

For those that believe they have an Indian ancestor, as mentioned, the Dawes Rolls is almost certain confirmation. The Dawes Rolls are not the only source for exploring their Indian roots. In 1906, Guion Miller was taking applications from individuals who filed an application for funds provided from a court judgement. These applications provide valuable genealogical information if you had an ancestor who submitted a claim. Some help on researching your Cherokee heritage can be found at Jerry Wright Jordan's "Cherokee By Blood" http://www.tngenweb.org/cherokee_by_blood/index.htm Dave Masters