Hi Kathy, My ancestors also claimed Cherokee blood through Old Ned Sizemore and Dr. Johnny Gourd. From what I figure, the Sizemores were of the Cataba, a rouge tribe of the Cherokees. Should they have claimed tthrough the "Heart or Hart" lineage they may have been accepted. We call him "Old Ned" as there were lots of Neds down through the family. It was said thet Old Ned was the tory who was hung on the Tory Oak. I have depositions by my Hash ancestry from which valuable information was given about my family. Precious data there. There is a description of Johnny Gourd also. Thanks Lee