Hi Eva, The explanation I heard was that the Black Dutch came from the Black Forest area in Germany. Don't know if you had heard that one or not. Ann ----- Original Message ----- From: Eva Marie Rogers <evamarie@htcomp.net> To: <PENNA-DUTCH-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 7:11 AM Subject: Re: [PADutch] Black Dutch > I want to thank everyone for their explanation of Black Dutch. We have had > many rumors in our family and stories which we have proven to be true. This > term used in my family to describe one line has always been a mystery to me. > > The persistent story that has traveled through the family referred to as > Black Dutch is that we are of Jewish descent. I have yet to prove this. > It is the only story handed down that I haven't been able to prove. My > father says that the Rogers family which originally came to England with > William the Conquerer were William's spearsmen. The whole line consisted of > small men with swarthy complextion and small feet. Curly hair that > becomes curly during puperty. Some men bald. > > I suspect that we became a tri-racial family back during the time we were in > Norman country, which were parts of France, Holland and Germany. I know > that my family line was primarily caucasian during the time in England and > early America. Today however, the family has married into many diverse > cultures. > > I tend to agree that the term became derogatory similar to calling a person > white trash. A term used in Texas to refer to a less desirable group of > people. > > Every Jewish person I have ever spoken to says that Black Dutch is a term > that travels with there culture, but they were not authoritives on the > subject. > > Again, thank y'all for your input. > > Eva Marie Rogers > > RESEARCHING ROGERS, MELTON, LEATHERMAN, STEPHENS, ROBERSON, AND GRIFFITH > > > > > ==== PENNA-DUTCH Mailing List ==== > New lists and web sites that are about the PA DUTCH > are gladly advertised here. > > > ============================== > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB >