High-Level Overview
This is a comprehensive genealogical and historical record of the Catawba Indian Nation, spanning from the 18th century to the early 21st century. It includes:
- Tribal membership rolls
- Family genealogies (especially Whitesides, Harris, Canty, Brown, Blue)
- Land leases and treaties
- Census data (1849, 1880, 1900, 1910)
- Military service records (Revolutionary & Civil War)
- Petitions to state and federal governments
- Cultural and anthropological insights
- Scholarly references and bibliographies
Genealogical Highlights
Whitesides Family
- Major Thomas Patrick Whitesides (1825–1904) served as Catawba Indian Agent (1865–1870).
- Alleged children with Catawba woman Eliza A. Scott include Mary Jane Whitesides, John Alonzo Canty, and others.
- Family deeply involved in tribal affairs and land leases.
Harris Family
- Chief Allen Harris married Rhoda George Harris; their son Austin Harris was murdered in 1881.
- Descendants include Rosie Harris, Doris Wheelock, and Edna Thatcher.
- Multiple Harris lines documented, including David, Allen, Absalom (“Epp”), and Lucinda Harris.
- Extensive Civil War service and tribal leadership roles.
Canty Family
- Eliza Scott Canty was a teacher and mother to several prominent Catawbas.
- John Alonzo Canty operated the Catawba Indian Ferry and took his mother’s surname.
Blue Family
- Chief Samuel Taylor Blue (1872/73–1959), last native speaker of the Catawba language.
- Married twice; had 23 children, including Fred Nelson Blue, Herbert, Andrew, and Guy Larson Blue.
Brown Family
- One of the oldest recorded Catawba surnames.
- John Brown (d. 1867) married Margaret George; descendants include Sallie Brown Gordon and John William Brown.
The Whitesides family had multiple significant associations with the Catawba Indian Nation, spanning from land dealings and intermarriage to official roles in tribal affairs. Here’s a breakdown of their connections:
1. Government Role: Thomas Whitesides as Indian Agent (1865–1870)
- Thomas Whitesides served as the official Catawba Indian Agent during the Reconstruction era.
- He played a critical role in relief efforts when the Catawbas were destitute:
- Purchased corn in Charlotte.
- Had it delivered by train to the Catawba River bridge.
- Ground it at White’s Gristmill at Nation Ford and distributed it to the tribe.
2. Intermarriage and Lineage
- John Alonzo Canty, a prominent Catawba figure who helped run the Catawba Indian Ferry, was the son of Thomas Whitesides and Eliza Scott Canty, a Catawba woman.
- He took his mother’s surname, a common practice among the Catawbas.
- He claimed to be the half-brother of Mary Jane Watts and Fannie Harris, both Catawba women.
Fannie Whitesides, born 1858, was a twin sister to John Alonzo Canty and married James Harris Jr., another Catawba.
3. Land Leases and Holdings
- Hugh Whitesides and James Whitesides were involved in long-term land leases with the Catawbas:
- In 1818, Hugh leased 233 acres on the west side of the Catawba River for 99 years at $5/year.
- In 1832, James and Robert Whiteside leased 189 acres in York District.
4. Mixed Heritage and Identity
- The Whitesides family had both white and Catawba ancestry in some branches.
- For example, Margaret “Peggy” Marsh, a Catawba woman, married William Whiteside, and their children (e.g., Nancy, Benja, John Calvin, Charles R.) were identified as Catawba in census records.