Were marriages common between whites and Native Americans?

Question

Hi, I'm hoping someone has information that can help me. I have been working on my tree for years, and have been stuck on my fourth and fifth great grandfathers for most of that time.

My third great grandfather was born in 1837 in Monroe, Tennessee. I have continuous records of their time in Tennessee until 1850. Then, in 1854, I have a record of them being in Missouri. My fourth great grandfather and his siblings have pretty unique names, so I am pretty certain that the records I have found are correct (James Knox Polk Cook, Christopher Columbus Cook, Missouri Alice Cook, George Washington Cook). The census records list their father as being George Cook, and their mother as being some variation of Christina or Christiana, but I have never been able to find any information on who she may have been, what her maiden name was, or who her parents were (death records say "unknown"). I have not been able to find much of anything on their father, either. I only know that his father's name was John Cook, his mother was potentially Rebecca (or Arabecca, have seen both) and that he was potentially from the Pennsylvania area.

My grandfather always said that he was told that we were part Native American, I believe Cherokee. I have looked through Native American records, but without a surname for "Christina", it is fruitless. How common were marriages between whites and Native Americans during this period? Is there any resource or record compilation that is recommended? Thank you in advance for your help. I just found this website, and am hoping someone can help me find answers to this.

Rebecca Collier · Answer

Dear Ms. Cook, &#160; Thank you for posting your request on History Hub! &#160; There is a great deal of academic literature on the intermarraige of whites and Native Americans but unfortunately a fee may be charged and often as they are academic essays. While traditionally looked at as white men and native women, recent studies have looked more in-depth into the marriages of native men and white women. &#160; The intermarraige aspect was notable enough that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) would note the percentage tribal members were and to this day still issue the Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood that using historic records shows what percentage a tribal member one is, though that alone does not guarantee one enrollment into a tribal nation. &#160; If you are having difficulties finding records for white ancestors prior to circa 1850, there is going to be even less for American Indians. We suggest that you begin your Native American search by reviewing NARA&#8217;s Researching an Individual or Family web pages. &#160; You also may wish to use the FamilySearch wiki for American Indians . &#160; We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your family research. &#160; [Most information provided by Cody White, Subject Matter Expert] &#160;

Were marriages common between whites and Native Americans?

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