Veteran's Day Remembrance - Aaron Carey, My Grandpa

WWII Veteran - Aaron Carey 1922-2002

Aaron Carey enlisted with the U.S Army on December 11, 1942. He was attached to the 612th Tank Destroyer battalion and was part of the European campaign. On Dec. 17, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured by the Germans at Honsfeld. After having his coat, gloves and boots taken away, he was marched toward the Prisoner of War camp. It was bitter cold and he had nothing to eat during the entire trip. He endured several months as a POW until he was liberated.

After the war, he returned to civilian life and raised a family like many other veterans. Carey never realized he had honors coming to him. Fifty-five years after WWII, he was presented 7 medals from United States Congressman Tom Coburn. Carey was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the POW medal, an European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal (with service stars representing the 8 major battles he participated in), a U.S. Victory medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Combat and Infantryman badge, and a Rifleman Qualification Combat Infantry Army Award medal. He was also awarded a Cross of Valor by the State of Oklahoma.

Later when interviewed about his wartime experience, Carey said he felt it was important that the young people of today learn about the wars America has fought and the sacrifices made to keep the country free. He said he had told his children about it when they were young like many other veterans did, but he didn't know if the stories had been passed on to the younger generation. He said if given the opportunity to tell young people about WWII, he would advise them, "Let's not go through another thing like this again."

*****

A news article about my grandpa receiving his medals - 

(The Wagoner Tribune; Wagoner, Oklahoma; December 2, 1999; p. 5A, 13A.)

*****

You can read more about 612th TD, Company B by clicking HERE or HERE. 

You can read more about 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion by clicking HERE or HERE. 

Thank you to all the veterans who have served to keep our country free. You service and sacrifices are not forgotten.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2015, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Tiger Tadpole Dies

I heard so many stories about Tiger Tadpole during my childhood, I actually thought he was still alive, even though he died 30 years before I was born. He was my grandpa's grand uncle and very influential in my grandpa's life.

From the Joplin Globe; Joplin, Missouri; July 1, 1939; p2.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2014, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Remembering Corp. Hiawatha F. "Hi" Tuggle

Corporal Hiawatha F. Tuggle was born May 27, 1921, the son of Hugh Tuggle, a non-Indian, and Elizabeth Fisher, a Cherokee by blood who was listed on the Final Dawes Roll.

Hiawatha attended Chilocco Indian School for 4 years and studied auto mechanics. He graduated with the Class of 1940 and participated in Trades Club and the National Guard. He was on the Honor Roll two years.

A quote about him from his yearbook, "Tuggle takes things slow and easy. He says that's how the tortoise won the race with the hare."

Hiawatha was killed in action July 12, 1943 during the invasion of North Africa. He was in the 45th Division. If he had lived, today would have been his 92nd birthday.

Thank you for your service, Hi. You are not forgotten.

****

Tribute from the 1946 Chilocco Indian School Yearbook listing those former students who had died in service during WWII.

* Hiawatha Tuggle was my grandpa's first cousin. Their mothers were sisters.

copyright 2013, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Tracing back to Sally Hughes

Now that I have shown the Mhoons have no documentation or evidence to support their claim that they descend from the Cherokee Sally Hughes, I will show the documentation and evidence I have that says I do descend from Sally.

Working backwards, which is the standard way genealogy is done, means I start with myself. Because both my mother and I are living, and because we have proved our ancestry linked back to Dawes in accordance with Cherokee law, I will start with my grandpa, who has passed away, and his parents who were both original Dawes enrollees.

My maternal grandpa was Aaron Carey.

He was the son of Dick Carey and Nancy Fisher. Nancy descended through Sally Hughes so her ancestry is the one I will show.

Per the birth affidavit in Dawes application #5126, Nancy was the daughter of Johnson Fisher and Darkie Tadpole. (Notice the midwife who attended Darkie was Polly Tadpole, her mother.)

In that same application, Darkie's parents are listed as Dave and Polly Tadpole. (Also notice Darkie's  number from the 1880 Census of the Cherokee Nation.)

Darkie died prior to the date of the final roll, therefore was not enrolled, but her husband and daughters were.

Darkie was found on both the 1880 and 1890 Cherokee Nation censuses with her parents.

1880 Cooweescoowee Dist
#2973 David Tadpole, Native Cherokee, 41
#2974 Mollie Tadpole, NCher, 43 (The name difference is settled below.)
#2975 Tiger Tadpole, NCher, 14
#2976 Darkie Tadpole, NCher, 10 (Matches the 1880 number in the above document.)
#2977 Rosie Tadpole, NCher, 8

1890 Cooweescoowee Dist
David Tadpole, NCher, 52
Polly Tadpole, NCher, 54
Darkey Tadpole, NCher, 20
Rose Tadpole, NCher, 18

Polly Tadpole, mother of Darkie, was still living at the time of the Dawes Roll and the Guion Miller Roll. Per Dawes application #2461, where the information was translated from her to the commission by an interpreter since she didn't speak English, her parents were Ave and Betsy Vann. She was also asked if her name was Mollie or Polly. She said Polly. (Also notice her number from the 1880 Census of the Cherokee Nation. It matches the number above.)

Per Eastern Cherokee Application #8972, Polly Tadpole said her parents were Ave Vann and Betsy Vann nee Scott. She did not know the names of her paternal grandparents.

Per the card at the front of the Eastern Cherokee application for Polly, a notation was made that she was admitted and that she was enrolled in 1851, Tahl #569 as Oo-te-ee Vann.

That means we can look at the 1851 Drennen Roll and find her listed with her family. (Notice the name David Vann on the second page has the number 2183 beside it!)

The number 2183 references an Eastern Cherokee application for Polly Tadpole's brother, David Vann, so I checked his application to see if he listed his paternal grandparents. He said his paternal grandfather was Claw-see Vann.

Also, this page from David Vann's Eastern Cherokee application makes reference to his being listed on the Drennen Roll, Tahl #569, and claiming through Ave Vann on both the 1851 Drennen Roll and the 1835 Roll.

George Pumpkin/Pumpkinpile was still alive at the time of the Guion Miller Roll and filed an Eastern Cherokee application. Because he married into another line of my family, I had already done extensive research on him, and knew he listed his maternal grandfather's Cherokee name as "Claw-sene" and English name as James Vann. I checked his application #2804 to to see if he connected with Polly Tadpole and David Vann who filed the applications above. Notice on the second page, George listed Ave Vann as one of the children of his grandparents, thus, his uncle. He was a first cousin to Polly and David.

Now that I have verified the names of Polly Vann Tadpole's, father, Ave Vann, and his father, James "Claw-see" or "Claw-sene" Vann, I can look for them in 1835.

From the Cherokee Census of 1835, transcribed by James W. Tyner, better known as "Those Who Cried, the 16,000", I find Ave Vann listed as Dave Vann living on the Oostenolee River. (Make note of "No farm. One farmer.")

Dave Vann Two fullbloods and one quarterblood. No farm. One farmer. One weaver and one spinner.

He is living next to his father-in-law, Dick Scott, and near Alexander Brown, John Ridge, Watie, Major Ridge and Charley Moore. (It is important to know these men lived near this Ave Vann later.)

From the Cherokee Census of 1835, transcribed by the Trail of Tears Association, Ave Vann is living at Floyd County, Amuchy Creek, Oostenalla River. (Make note of "No farms or acreage in cultivation." and "1 farmer over 18 years.")

Ave Vann - 1 male under 18 years, 1 male over 18 years, 0 females under 16 years, 1 female over 16 years, total Cherokee 3. No slaves. No whites connected by marriage. No farms or acreage in cultivation, 3 houses. 1 farmer over 18 years. 0 Halfbloods, 1 Quadroon, 2 Full bloods. 1 weaver and 1 spinner.

He is living next to his father-in-law, Dick Scott, and near the same men listed above.

My James or Claw-sene Vann is not found in 1835 so it would make one wonder if he died before then.

Looking for claims filed by Ave Vann led me to:

Record Group 75 - Records of the BIA
Entry 236 - Miscellaneous Claims Papers of the 1st Board of Cherokee Commissioners
Folder of Ave Van

Ave Vann filed a claim, February 1, 1837, for two small fields that were included in Sally Hughes' valuation; one field about 6 acres and the other 4 acres.

The claim included testimony by Charles Moore where he said Ave Vann was the son of James Vann, who was the son of Sally Hughes.

The statement of Cherokee Charles Moore in reference to the above - Says that the father of Ave Vann owned a small field of about six acres which he cultivated three years - and when his mother, Sally Hughes, she occupied it, and it is said has been valued to her. The father of Ave Vann's name was James Vann, son of Sally Hughes. [emphasis mine] Moore further says that Ave had a-bout four acres of land that he cleaned himself and cultivated - He frequently saw him at work - that also he understands has been valued to Sally Hughes as part of her improvements.
Sworn to  & subscribed                         Charles (his mark) Moore
before me 1 Feb. 1837
Jno Ridge (illegible)

There is additional testimony from Elijah Moore that said Ave Vann was the grandson of Sally Hughes and the son of James Vann.

I hereby certify that the Ave Vann claimed two small fields that were considered as part of the improv-ments of Sally Hughes. Ave Vann is the grandson of Sally Hughes, [emphasis mine] I was residing with her when he cleaned one of the fields - The other belonged to his father James Vann. [emphasis mine]                             
Sworn to & subscribed          
before me this 1st Feb. 1837.      Elijah Moore
Jno Ridge (illegible)

Do you see it coming together? It was that easy to connect myself, with supporting documentation, to my great great great great great great Cherokee grandmother, Sally Hughes. Did you get that? She is my 6th great grandmother. She is Cherokee. There are records.

My line is as follows:

Me 
My mom, daughter of 
Aaron Carey, son of 
Nancy Fisher, daughter of 
Darkie Tadpole, daughter of 
Polly Vann, daughter of 
Ave Vann, son of 
James Vann, son of 
Sally Hughes

And people say it is hard to prove Cherokee ancestry. Ha! Not true. Despite the fact most of these people didn't speak English; despite the fact these people were Indians; despite the fact Darkie Tadpole died young; despite the fact Polly Tadpole did not know the names of her paternal grandparents; despite the fact James "Claw-sene" Vann was not found in 1835; and despite the fact Sally Hughes was born about 1777-1780, over 57 years before the Trail of Tears, we can still trace this line WITH supporting documentation. And guess what? There's more!

Stay tuned for the next installment in this series about Sally Hughes!

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

**Unless otherwise stated, all documents were obtained from Fold3.com.

copyright 2013, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Honoring Grandpa's Request - May We Never Forget

October 13th was my grandpa's birthday. This is my way of honoring his request that we never forget about the horrors of war or the sacrifices our soldiers have made for us.



Aaron Carey was the third child of Dick and Nancy (Fisher) Carey, Cherokee Nation citizens who were both listed on the Final Dawes Roll. While a young teenager, Aaron's father was killed by a hit and run driver and he had to take over the role of helping his mother support the family of 9 children. He fetched water and kept the fire going for her as she did laundry for a living. He also helped a local widow on her farm and he would be paid in vegetables which he took home to his mother and siblings.

When he was 20 years old, he enlisted with the U.S Army on December 11, 1942. He was attached to the 612th Tank Destroyer battalion and was part of the European campaign. On Dec. 18, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured by the Germans at Honsfeld. After having his coat, gloves and boots taken away, he was marched toward the Prisoner of War camp. It was bitter cold and he had nothing to eat during the entire 10 day trip. He endured six months as a POW until he was liberated by American soldiers.

After the war, he returned to civilian life and raised a family like many other veterans. Carey never realized he had honors coming to him. Fifty-five years after WWII, he was presented 7 medals from United States Congressman Tom Coburn. Carey was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the POW medal, an European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal (with service stars representing the 8 major battles he participated in), a U.S. Victory medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Combat and Infantryman badge, and a Rifleman Qualification Combat Infantry Army Award medal. He was also awarded a Cross of Valor by the State of Oklahoma.

Later when interviewed about his wartime experience, Carey said he felt it was important that the young people of today learn about the wars America has fought and the sacrifices made to keep the country free. He said he had told his children about it when they were young like many other veterans did, but he didn't know if the stories had been passed on to the younger generation. He said if given the opportunity to tell young people about WWII, he would advise them, "Let's not go through another thing like this again."

Two years and four months after he received his WWII medals, Aaron Carey was sick and near death. As he struggled to hold onto life, his oldest daughter laid her face beside his and told him she loved him and one day he would have four little Indian girls in Heaven with him. A few hours later, he died.

He was survived by 4 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife, and six brothers.

Let us never forget.......

Originally posted: Oct. 19, 2010
Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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A Woman of Color

In the early 1990s, a woman went from San Diego with a group of friends for a day trip to Mexico. Everything was fine until they got to the border to cross back into the United States.

The border patrol pulled the woman aside and started questioning her. This went on for about an hour. In a rough, accusing tone, the guard asked fast questions and expected fast answers. He would often repeat the questions, as if trying to catch her in a lie.

While her friends stood at the side watching, the woman became, for the first time in her life, intimately aware of racial profiling. She was afraid she was not going to be allowed to return to her home, the United States. She realized the guard questioned her citizenship based on her appearance. As she answered his questions that came like rapid fire bullets, her mind was racing, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! What am I going to do if they don't let me go home? What am I going to do? What am I going to do?" Still, the questions kept coming and wouldn't let up.

"Where do you live? Where do you work? Where were you born? What is the name of your boss? Why are you here? Where do you live? What are your parents' names? were just a few questions that were asked over and over and over. She had already shown him her driver's license, college ID, military ID, and social security card but it didn't matter. She was in a state of panic and feared showing that fear might make him think she really was an illegal trying to sneak into the United States. She tried to remain calm, but inside she was shaking.

After nearly an hour of questioning, he let her go across the border. When she finally made it back into the United States, she honestly wanted to bend down and kiss the ground.

If you think racism and racial profiling doesn't exist, then you are kidding yourself. This is a true story and happened to one of the "women of color" below. See if you can guess which one.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Remembering Cherokees Who Have Served - 2012a

  Corporal Hiawatha Tuggle

 1921 - 1943

Son of Hugh and Elizabeth Fisher Tuggle. 

Chilocco Indian School Class of 1940

180 Infantry Oklahoma

Killed in Action - WWII

Aaron Carey, my grandpa

1922 - 2002

Son of Dick and Nancy Fisher Carey.

Pvt - US Army - WWII

612th Tank Battalion 

Prisoner of War 

Bronze Star Medal

Mike Carey

1921 - 1971

Son of Dick and Nancy Fisher Carey.

Pvt - US Army - WWII

John Fisher Carey

1934 - 1978

Son of Dick and Nancy Fisher Carey.

US Marine Corps - Korea

Johnson Fisher Sr.

1844 - 1885

Son of Fisher Hatchet/Chopper and unknown wife.

3rd Regiment - Indian Home Guard

US Civil War - Union

David Tadpole, Jr.

1839 - 1900

Son of David Tadpole, Sr. and Elizabeth Downing.

3rd Regiment - Indian Home Guard

US Civil War - Union

  

Johnnie Martin Blanket

1941 - 2007

Son of Bill and Carrie Pumpkin Blanket.

Graduate Chilocco Indian School

Sgt - US Marine Corps - Vietnam

Purple Heart

George Pumpkin

1839 - Unknown

Son of Pumpkinpile.

3rd Regiment - Indian Home Guard

US Civil War - Union

Rev. Charley Carey

1919 - 2008
Son of Silas and Annie Cochran Carey.
WWII

Swimmer Rabbit

1921 - 1990

Son of William and Ella Swimmer Rabbit (Sullateskee)

PFC - US Army - WWII

PFC Mose Carey

1922 - 1945
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dude Carey
DOW - US Army - WWII
Enlisted into service November 14, 1942.
Wounded by artillery fire on April 14, 1945, on Hill 903,
in the battle against the Germans at Torre Iussi, Italy.

Robert L. Carroll

1926 - 2003
Son of Robert E. and Flossie Pitts Carroll
Pvt - US Army - WWII

Richard S. Snell

Son of Rachel and Alexander Snell.
US Army - WWII

 Bert Johnson Jr.

US Army

Levi Gritts Sr.

1923 - 2001
Son of Charles and Ollie Terrapin Gritts
US Navy - WWII - Korea

Jesse Swimmer

US Army - WWII

Thomas Snell

Son of Richard Sherman Snell and Alline Snell Bushyhead
US Navy - Korea

Charles W. Flint Jr.

Son of Pauline G. Kelly
US Army - WWII
65th Infantry Field Artillery

Donald Ray Carey

1930 - 1993
Son of Dick and Nancy Fisher Carey.
US Army - Korea

Bert Homer Johnson

Cpl - US Marine Corps
 

PFC Joe Tuggle

1922 - 1942
Son of Hugh and Elizabeth Fisher Tuggle.
PFC - US Army - WWII
120 Medical Regt Co B

Buddy Dean Vance

1938 - 1984
US Marine Corps - Korea

Dull Ho Downing

Unknown - 1863
Died in Service

3rd Regiment - Indian Home Guard

US Civil War - Union

Lewis Hawkins

Son of Tuwodi and Waleh
1st Cherokee Mounted Rifle Company I
US Civil War

Mike Carey 

Abt 1841 - 1901
Son of Dick and Kate Carey.
 3rd Regiment - Indian Home Guard

US Civil War - Union

Lewis Tabb

1st Cherokee Mounted Rifle Company K
US Civil War

Fisher Hatchet/Chopper

Died in Service
Indian Home Guard
US Civil War - Union

Askwater Ummerteskee

Son of Yonahquah and Polly
Indian Home Guard
US Civil War - Union

Eli Tadpole

Son of David Tadpole Sr. and Elizabeth Downing.
Died in Service
2nd Indian Home Guard
US Civil War - Union

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Tuesday's Tip - Getting Your Family More Interested in Genealogy

If you are like me, sometimes it is difficult to get the rest of your family as interested in your family history and genealogy as you are. After racking my brain to find ways to make it more fun and exciting for them, I decided to put together some videos. I used the site, OneTrueMedia. It is very easy to use and gives you a lot of different options for adding photos, video clips, themes, etc...

Though impossible to get them to sit down and go through old documents and papers with me, my family would sit for a few minutes and watch a video. And, the videos worked. After watching them, they were full of questions, like, "Who was that?" or "How am I related to them?" The videos also made things seem more real and sentimental to my family.

So, if you are looking for ways to get your family more interested, I would recommend making a video and showing it at a family dinner, reunion or holiday. It worked for me. An example of the videos I have made is below. It features the descendants of my third great grandma, Polly Tadpole.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Tombstone Tuesday - John Moore

John Moore was the son of Matthew Reader Moore and Sarah Woodward (sister to my ancestor, Redbird Woodward.) He was a sergeant in Company C, Cherokee Mounted Volunteers, CSA. He was the husband of Susan Dennis (sister to my ancestor, Peggy Dennis) and they were the parents of William Moore and Sadie (Moore) Rowe.

A few weeks ago, I featured a news article about the shooting of my great, great, great grandfather, Dave Tadpole. John Moore was with him and was also shot. John died from those wounds.

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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Matrilineal Monday - Polly's Granddaughters (Part 1)

Some of Polly's (other) granddaughters from the Tadpole, Pumpkin and Tuggle families.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2012, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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News Article about My Grandpa, Aaron Carey, and His Service

In honor of Veteran's Day, I am sharing a news article about my grandpa, Aaron Carey, and his service to our country. The one thing that was important to him was that people never forget the sacrifice our soldiers make so that we can be free.

(Click on the article to enlarge.)

(Source - The Wagoner Tribune; Wagoner, Oklahoma; December 2, 1999; p. 5A, 13A.)

Thank you to all the Veterans who have served to keep our country free. Your sacrifices are not forgotten.

Those are my thoughts for today.
Thanks for reading.

copyright 2011, Polly's Granddaughter - TCB

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