# 53 -- LARRY & BEVERLY JACKSON'S POST TO KPLC-TV THIS WEEKEND

By Gary J. Gabehart

There were interesting posts to Jim Serra's Blog on KPLC-TV this weekend by Dr. Larry Keels (aka Lester) and Beverly Jackson. True to form, they showed their a-- and embarrassed Redbones everywhere with their silly comments. (I said interesting, not of interest).

Don Marler has posted his reply to Larry Keels and ignored Beverly Jackson; Of course, what would you reply to about Beverly's post anyway?

See for yourself @ http://www.kplctv.com/

I have posted my reply to the two pals (Larry and Beverly -- Beverly and Larry -- well, neither one is very catchy), here is the reply.

Amazing, two back-to-back previous posts [on KPLC-TV] do not appear to be interested in furthering Redbone Research at all (re: 9/28/2007 Keels, Jackson), but more like beating their own drums – after all, this is about Redbone People of Louisiana, is it not? I am disappointed. However, everyone should have fifteen minutes of fame at least once in his or her lives -- perhaps they were confused?

I've quoted this before, but certainly, Albert Rigmaiden who wrote the letter in 1893 as Treasurer of Calcasieu Parish and a 1890’s resident of Lake Charles “did not appear” to use the word "Redbone" in a derogatory manner in his correspondence to McDonald Furman (http://jgoins.com/rigmaiden_calcasieu_parish.htm).

Rigmaiden was the man on the ground 114 years before Mr. Keels made his comment in the KPLC Blog (Keels also claims Ashworth relations, by blood). Rigmaiden would have been far more knowledgeable as to who the "Redbones" of his day were. Of course, Rigmaiden did not mention the surname Keels, but he might have meant to include it.

Two other words that Keels claims, as racial slurs are the words “Turk” and “Mulatto.” I think the word Turk is nothing more than shorthand for Turkish and the other term, Mulatto -- originating from Hispanic languages meaning “mixed.” Of course, we could go further and include the term Negro -- Spanish and Portuguese for “Black.”

Of course any word can be made to be derogatory or an “appellation” (*archaic term). Just depends on who uses it and in what context. How about “East Texas Redneck?” What about “Racist,” or “Cajun,” or “Injun?” Guess those words could be used as slurs or “appellations” as well – don’t ya think?

In 1705, the Virginia legislature defined the word Mulatto as meaning one of two things, “Be it enacted and declared, and it is hereby enacted and declared, That the "child of an Indian" and "the child, grand child, or great grand child, of a negro" shall be deemed, accounted, held and taken to be a "mulatto" (http://www.vagenweb.org/hening/vol03-16.htm).” Racial slur? Perhaps it has been considered so, but here it was used as a legal definition.

There must be some reason for Mr. Keels referencing Dr. DeMarce’s name and that of Dr. Lipsey; however, neither have done research specific to Redbones or Redbone families of Louisiana and neither has “Dr. Keels” that I am aware of. If I happened to miss it and DeMarce or Lipsey have accomplished research on Redbone families, I would greatly appreciate the citations (Mishiho@aol.com).

BTW, Beverly Jackson has never had any ownership of the Blog http://redbone-red-bone.blogspot.com/ , I own it -- she must be confused; I have not encountered any vicious slurs or anything out of hand in the many fine professional posts on the KPLC Blog – perhaps she is confused here as well?

As far as the Starks VFW Barbecue on the 27 Th, I have heard nothing about this function being cancelled, and if my schedule allows, I will attend; I might even drop by Beverly’s Gumbo party if -- I get an invitation. I think Don Marler is/was a speaker at the Starks Conference on the 27 Th; Perhaps Beverly is confused and has failed to contact the author Don Marler.

*appellation, archaic: the act of calling by a name: appellation, commonly a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine (Concannon Vineyards, http://www.concannonvineyard.com/wineryVideo2.html ); also: the area designated by such a name.

Best,

Gary J. Gabehart, Inter-Tribal Council of American Indians (ITCAI)
Posted by: Gary J. Gabehart October 01, 2007 at 10:58 AM

According to the Ray Bridges Blog: Monday, June 25, 2007 "This next October 27, 2007, the people known as Redbones in Southwest Louisiana are having a townhall discussion about their understanding of things Redbone. We're going to meet at the VFW Hall in Starks, Louisiana and talk. Anyone who wants to say something gets to. Everybody's invited."

I think we can hang our hat on what Ray Bridges is saying here about his Barbecue and "everyone is invited." It doesn't say, but I wouldn't think that any of the guys at the VFW would be required to wear black dresses with red pumps.

As far as replying to anything that LV Hayes has to write, it's just dribble from a guy who really lives in the Carolina's and makes believe he lives in Louisiana, so why would anyone be interested in that babble? LV was offered a forum on this site and Jim Serra offered him the same thing on the KPLC Blog provided he act normal (I essentially offered to allow LV and Larry to act their nutty selves on this site).

LV apparently has sunk to pretty low times to write on the Ray Bridges site (Ray writes for the Gay Agenda), perhaps LV has now purchased a black dress and Red shoes for Halloween -- Gosh, that would be enough to scare anyone.

BTW LV, your knowledge of genealogy is not very great afterall. Isaac Ryan is my 1st cousin "6" generations back or 6 times removed and Rueben Calvin Goins is my Great Uncle, twice removed -- little confused LV?

Best,

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com

TSK TSK LV Hayes

By Stacy Webb, Staff writer

My goodness can you believe it, LV is ranting and raving about RHF, once again? Shame on LV. I have to give it to him though, he hangs himself every time he viciously attacks the effort of others. Not to mention his ill behavior, foul language and limited contribution to further study and research of the people known as Redbones. Database of names, yes he has that but knowledge of those people..NO! Heck, I can boast about my database also, over 10,000 names. This does not make me an expert of anything.

Every time I see that "Redbone elder" handle he goes by, and requires his members to call him, I am reminded of Jim Jones settlement in Guiana. Members should be weary of his paranoid postings and vicious attacks on "non- elder Hayes followers."

I am sorry to say, the reason LV was never mentioned or consulted for the article Jim Serra wrote was obvious. Mr. Hayes has a very limited knowledge of the people known as Redbone and has contributed nothing towards research, study or preservation of the history of these people. Sadly it would appear he is so desperate, he is willing to lie to his group about a major article he was invited to write. The invitation Jim put out to LV was likely for comments. Silly old fool attempted to deceive the members of his email group into thinking he was writing a major article for KPLC, well, it could happen. However, the thread is open to LV at Jim Serra's blog, and anyone else who would like to post comments on the article Mystery in our midst. But keep in mind, Jim Serra speaks to many people in his blog, and keep it clean will ya?

By the way Terry Jackson, you owe John Bridges of KPLC an apology, he has lived in SWLA all his life -- it is you who does not know the score.

I would advise anyone who would like to attend the Redbone Heritage Foundation 2007 Conference we will be holding in Lake Charles on Oct 18, 19 & 20, that you can find out more about the agenda and details at our website, here.

The Redbones may be lots of things, but boring....we are not! And, presenters are being added daily.

By the way LV, my surname is Webb not Wells, and this blog does not belong to RHF and never did. RHF does not have a blog of their own, but we are considering building one for officers, BM and members. We do have a great discussion board, and everyone is free to post to that forum, The Trading Post.

# 52 -- FPC, SO WHERE DID ALL THE INDIANS GO?

By Gary J. Gabehart

So, after reading the last blog, tell me, where did all the Indians go? Were they indeed wiped off the face of the earth by the White guy? Did the White guy kick ass and ride on?

You really have to take a hard look at the color line within the entire United States, not just Louisiana. Louisiana, Mississippi and in general the entire South was just the fall guy in all this Black and White crap.

It broke down this way, if you were educated, had money, power and were light skinned, you could be White even if you were not White. But the latter was a given in most societies. If you were dark skinned and did not have African features, sans money, power etc. you were likely placed in the "Free People of Color" category -- "the I don't really know category, but we're being politically correct category." Most civilized and assimilated Indians were placed in this category, but -- there were others!

Ever notice how the "Other" is used even today when you just can't make a decision and need to move on?

So, if we look at the record (what, thought I was going to do all your research?) we can easily see Black and White, and if you look further, you'll see "Free People of Color," now there where three, but where are all the Indians? Not to change the subject, but back in the late 1900's, the King and Queen of Spain visited San Antonio and were a guest of then Mayor Henry Cisneros. They asked the same question, "where are all the Indians?" With a sweep of his hand, Henry responded, "why they are all around us." Were Indians included in "Free People of Color." What do you do with an Indian in bib coverall's, put a watermelon under his arm and call him Black? Outlaw bib overalls for "Free People of Color?" Strange that the words Slaves, Blacks and Negro is often used, but the African word in these old records seldom was.

So this Indian problem has been going on in some peoples minds right into the 20 Th century and beyond. Where......did all ....... the Indians go?

But wait, what about the others? Were Creoles and Cajuns Black.....or White,.......or just not mentioned, or -- "Free People of Color?" You see, there were not too many choices.

I can hear the curses from the past wafering on the breeze from the dank dark swamps; "Dammit, I told you I was from Turkey!" So where did the Turks, near East -- far East Indians, Moors, Portuguese, Brazilian Indians, Chinese and Afghan's go? "Dammit, I said Moor, not more!" And, the list goes on; it would be silly to list them all here, and besides, we don't have the space.

But, aside from LV Hayes, in his racist posts, he lives in Disney Land with his jar of Metamucil, the world has never just been Black and White and Moors lived other places besides Delaware.

At this point, I will speak to the so called clannish Redbone People? Clannish? Well, who wouldn't be clannish when they wouldn't call it like it was. Granted, as I said before, Redbones, when it came to national origin, and I bet there were some Aggies in there, were as diverse as they come -- like the strips on a Zebra -- they were "Free People of Color."

"So why wouldn't people of like color seek their own?" That was a question which Jim Serra of KPLC-TV posed even though he knew the answer, and it is a good question. Why did the Italians of St. Louis claim "the hill" (known Italian area of St Louis). They obviously wanted to be among like people and people of their social economic status (SES).

More Later

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@Aol.com

# 51 -- IT WASN'T JUST BLACK AND WHITE!

By Gary J. Gabehart

If you think that Louisiana was without a doubt Black and White, you're missing everything in between and may be taking a racist attitude without realizing it. What I mean is this, if Black and White is all you see, then you are likely jumping to a final conclusion of African and White without accounting for the many other nationalities in Louisiana or anywhere else.

It's just as bad to skip off down the Turkish hallway as it would be to focus on an African relation when it comes to genealogy. So you can't jump to conclusions.

If you are basing your African conclusion on the fact that your relative was a slave, guess again, slaves came in all nationalities and the fact was, many Indian slaves were used in place of Africans -- so much so, that at one point, Indian slaves out numbered Africans.

Now we haven't even scratched the surface if you are including indentured servants in your Black assumptions, as -- indentured servants came from all over. It was only a media presentation that these folks were all Black. Anyone could sign on for something in return -- it was a contract. Some signed on for the trip to the Americas and a place to live and new cloths, some even received a parcel of land or maybe a horse and freeman papers when their service expired.

Perhaps this quote from Steven Pony Hill's "Patriot Chiefs and Loyal Braves" will add to what I am saying.

"As has been discussed by many scholars, the ‘Indian’ stereotype was already prevalent among eastern whites as early as the 1850’s. The typical understanding among southern whites was that all Indians had long hair, did not speak English, and, most importantly, all lived out west. Eastern Indian descendants were known to have varying hair colors and textures, varying eye colors, and a wide range of skin complexions, even as early as the 1700’s, most probably due to intermarriage with early Spanish, French, and English traders. Most officials were at a loss when trying to categorize these people into a social structure that allowed for only two races, black and white."

So how do we account for Eastern Indians? What about the so called Five Civilized Tribes?" What about the hundreds of lesser known "Civilized Tribes?" What about the Saponi, Nasamond, Powhatan Confederacy Tribes, and the list goes on.

When it comes to the word Mulatto, bear in mind that the Spanish influence in this country considered it a mix of anything including French and Indian. The French felt the same way and the Virginia Government defined, in 1705, that the definition of Mulatto would include the offspring of an Indian and included the offspring of a Negro as Mulatto.

Down through the years, after the 1900's, the word mulatto began to socially mean the offspring of a White and a Black, a Black and an Indian or any other color combination. Still, it was never a legal thing in that sense, it was more how you were perceived in the local society and what culture you practiced.

If you were a person of color and hung out with Africans, you likely picked up those cultural traits, but -- if you hung out with other groups, you likely picked up those cultural traits as well. So Mulatto, as well as, Free People of Color, Melungeon and Redbone could also be an association thing by hanging out together or by marriage.

So being called a Mulatto depended on the place, time and language. Even then, Mulatto might not have meant what you thought it was. After all, the word did not mean you were automatically colored Green with a wart on the end of your nose.

DNA testing can give up some answers, but if the question is in your mothers family line, you won't answer the question by following your Father's line.

More later.

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com

# 50 -- LATEST STUPID STUFF FROM LARRY KEELS AND MINIONS!!

By GARY J. GABEHART

Thanks Joyce for the heads up!

I am often amazed at the commentary of the self appointed Redbone, Lester "Larry" Keels, who repeats over and over -- mostly quotes from over-the-hill "old saws" who never had a handle on Redbones much less Melungeons.

But wait, ask yourself why any member of his group would delight in publishing falsehoods about Redbones if it is not for the fact that they are not likely Redbones to start with. Besides not having a Redbone relation, are they really that dense that they know so little historically?

Has anyone ever seen Larry's pedigree? You won't because he has never had one, he's just a wannabe -- wannabe Redbone, wannabe Melungeon, wannabe Indian and it goes on and on. He talks about granny removing her kids from Redbone society, but what granny? He talks about being adopted at times and other times not -- Is he writing a fiction story? Ask him for his pedigree some time, you won't get an answer, just a convoluted story full of verbiage about nothing.

In the missive below, he talks about being booted from RHF, but the fact is he removed himself through non-participation and inability just like the other personage did, and I don't mean Bridges -- how the story changes. As far as Larry being a great researcher, he isn't -- I say this as he questioned what Don Marler has written while ignoring "Albert Rigmaiden's" letter of 1893, which speaks of the Redbones not as an epithet but as a people, and further lists the surnames of those he knew of. Seems Rigmaidens letter predated the birth of Don Marler (wish he would learn how to spell, Larry that is, as he spells Family with "two M's"). Don Marler did not invent Redbones

Now you tell me, see any research here? Lester "Larry" States:

"Linda,

From my perspective, I don't think you or I have made any more waves than anyone else. Considering that the group focus stems primarily from the history of what seems to be nothing other than a colloquial racist epithet, should any of us have ever expected anything other than controversy?

I now see my own naivette as the result of my grandmother' s complete success at removing her children from the affects of the prevalent racism while many of her cousins stayed in place and faced off their tormentors, possibily snatching opportunity only at the constant risk of social peril.

I still would be interested to know who knew what about the terms "redbone" and "melungeon" before Don Marler started researching his childhood memories of his "white" fammily's usage of the slur "redbone".

For some reason, aversion to disagreement seems to cause only incendiary retaliation from the individuals who hijacked RHF for whatever is their exclusionary agenda. I really think it boils down simply to a personality conflict thing which avails no solution.

Seemingly, the last gathering focused on ousting Sandra and myself. This year, we will likely take second billing to the ouster of Ray Bridges and the Bearhead Creek insurgency.

I'll be content depending on Joyce and Glinda to provide reports on what they experience. BTW, I'm glad you are here and hope you will share more. I'd like Ray and others to feel free to discuss as well. I don't think it will take that much effort to maintain a civil tone even when we will obviously sometimes disagree. None of us is more an authority than anyone else.

Larry"


Larry, of course, has always had the opportunity to reply to these Blogs right on the Blog itself, but he has always elected to ignore it. Of course when you preach heresy like he does, it's hard to defend yourself in any rational or historic manner.

If Larry is expecting "a show" this year at the "research conference," he is in for a major letdown for it is not an annual meeting, it is a "research conference." Get that?
R E S E A R C H C O N F E R E N C E -- Read my lips. And, anyone out of hand at the research conference will have to deal with local authority's, not RHF.

As for some sort of cloak and dagger scenario concocted by Larry, better send some Nodoz with one of them to stay awake or maybe suggest they not spend their time shopping or hanging out at the room. If, as they claim, they feel like having a little side meeting to gossip, who cares -- get with it little girls. They write about plagues -- pretty stupid stuff.

By the way, seating is extremely limited and once the seats are gone, there will be NO ENTRY enforced by the City, so you better pay your conference fee early.

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com

# 49 -- KPLC-TV BLOG WITH DON MARLER

By Gary J. Gabehart

Check out KPLC-TV (Lake Charles, Louisiana) blog page by Jim Serra, Vice President and General Manager, on Don Marler and The Redbones of Louisiana. Yep, we run with the Big Dogs -- rest of you get back on the porch.


Jim Serra is the Vice President and General Manager for KPLC-TV, the NBC affiliate serving Lake Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana. Jim Serra, even if I am accused of being somewhat biased, is far from an ordinary blog writer. I think you will agree when you read his very fine commentary. It flows gently from the fragrance of a small glass of Syrah into a torrent of cascading white water twisting and turning over the jagged rocks as it tumbles through the canyons leaving the reader breathless and gasping for more, or -- was it hurry up and get to the point! "Kick your ass huh? Paybacks are hell!"

But we have seemed to become close friends at a speed of at least warp factor five and with so much in common, I hesitate to enumerate them all, you just would not believe it.

Did you know Jim is an Aviator -- my kind of bud.

Jim tells a compelling story of his journey into the world of the Redbone, sprinkled with great graphics, photographs of local Redbone folk, and a very fine presentation of the author Don Marler and his book Redbones of Louisiana.

http://www.kplctv.com/

This is the beginning of conference coverage by Jim Serra, John Bridges and the team at Television Station KPLC-TV.

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com

# 48 -- SOME PEOPLE'S KIDS!!

By Gary J. Gabehart

Some People's Kids?

Latest discussion on the RanD site concerns something I said on the Redbone site (Blog #47), about the Drakes concerning a 1705 Virginia law or ruling on the definition of the term Mulatto (according to a 1705 Virginia Law). Remember to dot all "i" and cross every "T," or she will attempt to spin something.

Now it seems pretty clear to me, and others, what the law states. But to "one" individual it just can't be so, even -- when supplied with overwhelming data, laws and references, and -- don't forget the important time of the RanD group. Of course, you can be charitable and write it off to good will or some such. Some People's kids, jeez.

But, let's do this, go to Blog #47 and read it over -- make notes and then tippy toe back over to Blog #48 and we will continue. Seen enough?

Let me first explain that the thrust of the article was two-fold in concept, but I guess you could read more into it. First, I thought it might be helpful to get some stuff on the record about the John Aaron Drake, Sr. family, as well as, the John Aaron Drake, Jr. family and some of their children. Note, that in Blog # 47 I even stated that all this stuff was under construction, and if you didn't like it, "let's talk."

Secondly, I was attempting to explain my concept of the color line and how really complex it was with "People of Color," in this country in the 1700's and 1800's, and perhaps even today. It was not a Black, White issue -- it never was! Even Indians were monkeyed around with when it came to the terms FPC and Mulatto.

What was offensive to this person was the term "Mulatto," and perhaps as it was applied to John Aaron Drake, Jr. -- the latter was never clear to me. But, his marriage bond was clear, it stated he was a Mulatto. What could be clearer than that?

Now John Aaron Drake, Sr., and his wife Elizabeth Charity Smith Chrieves (Chavis or Chevis)(better get it all on here so I don't get jumped on again) were born about 1750 -- both in Elizabeth, Virginia.

John Aaron Drake, Jr. was born about 1776 in the Carolina's. It was here, that he was known as a Mulatto, the offspring of an Indian. The family was Catholic or they could have been converted Anglicans, hard to know. We do know that the family attended St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in Louisiana and their children were baptised there.

Since John Aaron Drake, Jr. was known as a Mulatto, he could not be married in the Catholic Church, to Rosalie Abshire, without the Church investigating his background -- it was Louisiana Law -- Negro's, Blacks could not marry a White. But, the offspring of an Indian or Indian Mulatto could.

So, the way it would break down would be White only were married in the Church. Indian/Black could not be, Black/White could not. White/Indian or Indian Mulatto could be. I expect that other cases were FPC and White "but a Church investigation had to be performed," and I expect there were many. As I said in Blog # 47, it's a complicated situation, but the one thing that "did not happen," by law, any where in Louisiana, was to officially allow a White/Black marriage.

Now, either Barbara Ellison is blind or she sees what she wants to see.

http://www.vagenweb.org/hening/vol03.htm

Here is the actual statue and citation from Virginia law:
ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- OCT. 1705 (Acts IV-XI) page 252

"And for clearing all manner of doubts which hereafter may happen to arise upon the construction of this act, or any other act, who shall be accounted a mulatto,

Be it enacted and declared, and it is hereby enacted and declared, That the child of >an Indian< and the child, grand child, or great grand child, >of a negro< shall be deemed, accounted, held and taken to be a mulatto."

Now you read the actual language -- child of >an Indian< ("and" the connector) and the child, grand child, or great grand child, >of a Negro<. Can you see the word White in that? Can you see the words "Offspring of an Indian and a Negro" in there? The law is written so the "Indian" could be Male or Female. Certainly another twist.

The problem with Barbara Ellison is she includes or excludes the term White -- hard to tell what she is doing, and -- she connects Negro with Indian.

Now this is what Barbara Ellison wrote:

The *new* law was to ***include*** offspring of an Indian and a Negro, an Indian and the child of a Negro, an Indian and the grandchild of a Negro, and an Indian and the great grandchild of a Negro. Is she rewritting the law? If she keeps putting it in print, some folks will begin to believe it.

Now is that what the law stated or is this what Barbara Ellison is trying to palm off on you? She does not even understand what she is writing. She is the corrupter of fact!

Pony hill writes: I could refer you to about 50 census pages from 1850 of Indian reservation areas here in the southeast where it lists the Indian people there as "Mulatto"...even the ones who had very famous Indian-White ancestors (absolutely no African ancestors at all)!!!

Or how about in the historic compilation "Woodward's Reminences" written in the 1830's by a military officer who took part in the Creek and Seminole Wars....Woodward made reference to Jack McGee (if I remember the name right)..as "McGee that old Mulatto" and then goes on to talk about McGee's Indian mother and white Polish trader father.

Another private email gave me this link.

http://web.archive.org/web/20070416123630/http://www.heite.org/Indians/invisibleindians.html

Barbara Ellison admitted in one of her emails:

In a message dated 9/7/2007 9:39:18 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Falaya200@XXXXXX.XXXX.com writes:

As for our particular family, I can only go on circumstantial evidence and intuition that our Goins and Drakes do have African ancestry..everything I have seen thus far points heavily to that...(Not to mention my obviously African heritaged living Goins relatives) I DO care about the racial make-up of the family partly BECAUSE other people seem to want to negate part of the family...They want to double-talk any African ancestry into oblivion, and I SEE that...and it does bug me as well....

So now you can see what kind of researcher she is, "circumstantial?"
"Intuition?" "Shall we play let's suppose or make believe?"

The problem with this kind of research is that it leads the unwary down false genealogy paths. It takes time to research the phony stuff and separate it from the real deal.

Hopefully we have opened some eyes to the other people, the ones who did not exist, the "Free People of Color," the "Hombre Mulatto Libre de Carolinas," my fourth Great Grandfather.

http://www.tarver-genealogy.net/aids/spanish/sp_racial_terms.html

I told her I was offended by her personal attacks. If you think I'm too hard on her, wake up and ask yourself if you want someone misrepresenting your family?

Ask her to put her pedigree in print.

Jeez, some people's kid's! There is more to come to clear the air!

Gary J. Gabehart, Mishiho (Mish-eh-ho)
Mishiho@aol.com