Grandfather’s Native American marriage

AnneWhite1

Researching family lore of Native American marriage with a grandfather; identity of possible biracial parent/child adopted by extended family In New York 1860’s. Most family members in two generations seem ruled out. No DNA or other evidence reported.

X24 MOM

@AnneWhite1 we will be able to better assist you if you would kindly provide details of exactly who/what/where/when you’re searching. Please include as much info as possible. :) thank you!

AnneWhite1

X24 MOM thanks greatly for your response-a boon for us over 10 years search, much time spent and continued hope! My husband's uncle wrote in his memoir his mother cetainly told him one of his Lyon grandfathers married an Indian lady-photo lost. No documentation found. The claim is from our uncle's mother Helen Josephine Ward Osborne 1896 1973, daughteer of Flora Maria Lyon Ward 1863-4 1946 of Walton Delaware New York. This Lyon family appear quite prominent and traditional. Most of Flora's grandfathers from father Wlliam Stoddard Lyon 1838 1909 and his 6 live brothers through William's father Burr Lyon 1795 1867 and Burr's 4 brothers Bradley, Levi, Zalmon and Wakeman seem ruled out by dates. The Lyon marriages seem well documented. An exception is Wakeman Lyon 1799 1883 whose mariages to Louisa Adams, Lucinda MIlliken (from Lyon Memorial), and Mary are unclear and lack history. Wakeman was employed in Illinois but spent time in Walton and shows only one child listed - Burrell Wakeman Lyon 1834 1928 Wakeman's 4 brothers could have had marriages prior to those listed. A biracial marriage through Flora Lyon suggests parents other than William Stoddard Lyon and his wife Mary Elizabeth Davis Lyon 1836 1920. A first or second generation Lyon grandfather could have produced a biracial child whose parents were absent or unavailable. Extended family members such as William and Mary Lyon who had no children of their own at that time could have provided care. Flora's birth (by census) and death dates are unknown. She grew up and married Joseph E Ward 1896 1937 in Walton. She was widowed and spent time with inlaws in New York, New Jersey and North Carolina and was buried with family in New York. Flora had 3 sisters Minnie Lyon Miller, Lillian Lyon Walton and Ethel Lyon Hand. Flora's 3 children were Madge Ward Derby, Edythe Ward Pechin Royall and Helen Ward Osborne. No DNA shows in Helen's son and grandson tested. Possibly the Native American grandmother was biracial and lived in the community. We believe there is history of this evidence somewhere. Our skills are basic but we have much time and motivation. This Lyon family also claims Mayflower descent throgh Burr's father Walter Lyon 1769 1829 and Walter's wife Priscilla Redfield 1763 1836. Any resource, comments much appreciated. Please contact Anne White annecwhite2003@yahoo.com Tree still under completion with sources from ancestry.com annecwhite2003 Thanks for your interest! Anne