This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ABC.2ACE/3764.1.1.2.1 Message Board Post: I have been researching "Tuckahoe" and you are very correct in your message. Apparently early settlers in Eastern VA, mostly English, were starving. The Indians saved them by teaching them to gather roots. Apparently Tuckahoe referred collectively to edible wild roots which included things like yams, indian turnips, jack-in-the-pulpits, ramps and other bulbs. It seems that people who were poor hunters had to gather roots for food and were called Tuckahoes. When the migrants moved west they were called Tuckahoes and sometimes "tuckers". It is interesting that in Australia where I go frequently on business they call food that can be scavaged in the outback "Tucker". Don't know if it is in any way related to "Tuckahoe". On the more relevant topic of indian genealogy, there are blood tests which can be done. There are 5 genes which only come from Native Americans. If you have those genes you are cetain to have some sort of Indian ancestor. I got tired of the rumors and took the test and found that yes I had indian blood. Then I spent years researching trying to prove which of my ancestors were Indian and what tribes. My evidence would not stand up in court but it has convinced me that my Great Grandmother was as she claimed, full Cherokee, and her husband was half Irish and half Delaware. It can be done. You have to enjoy solving the puzzle because once you prove it, so what? People are people are people. Genealogy has to be fun to be worthwhile.