This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: BOWLING, BOLLING, PHELPS, GIBSON, GIPSON, WHEELER, WILLIS, SAVAGE BLAIR, BLAND Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/xUB.2ACE/67.973.1070.1075.1090.1.2.1 Message Board Post: Si-yo (Hello in Cherokee), I enjoyed your story about Benjamin since I had never heard it before. We do know Benjamin was a Melungeon who were known for their multiracial backgrounds including Portugese, Irish, Native American, Turkish, African American et al. A recent DNA study indicates they were at least 10% Native American on average. I do not recall any other specific statistic as to their racial mix but if you check the Melungeon Association's web page you'll probably find more information. Mary's mother was allegedly a Gibson (aka Gipson) who were also Melungeon. The Phelps line, itself, is Melungeon. Benjamin's family and other Bowlings relatives, etc. are often listed in one of the Hancock Census as FPC (free persons of color). All of this certainly does not bother me so I am not offended to be from any race since all races come from one source if you could go back in time far enough. Personally, I believe Benjamin was either a legal an illegitimate son of Major John Bolling, whether ! his mother was Elizabeth Blair Bland Bolling or not. I have at least three lines which are of Melungeon origins such as the Wheeler, Willis, Savage et al. lines which includes several Native American origins mostly Cherokee, Delaware, Choctaw and Algonuian. Hope some of this information helps you and others in their research... Wa-do! (Thanks in Cherokee)