Melungeon: Appalachia's Lost Tribe

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

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[@N2Mtns2]

I subbed & the book bounced lol - so I’ll buy it on the 23rd. Whups.

[@kimberlytittle5154]

I think they are a mix of the Portuguese sailors, free blacks and centuries old Appalachian white mix races of unknown or unremembered races.

[@N2Mtns2]

And Native “Savages”. And Scottish Highlanders who ran from the horrible Eastern Seaboard. We’re mutts. And racism was rampant.

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

I am devoted to this channel and the amazing work JD does and the videos he produces!! Subscriber now!! And don’t forget to purchase his book!! ✝️❤️

[@zacharywright9860]

You know what I'm talking about with the history of the Aztecs ,What do you think Mr JD it could be the Aztecas or the Mayans write all the way from South America

[@PennyTeem]

When I lived in WA State back in the late 1990's, I met a lady who raised Icelandic sheep. As we talked, the ancestry of sheep (and people) crept into our conversation. She was a striking woman. She was dark-skinned with dark curly hair & light eyes. She told me she was Melungeon from Tennessee. She said their ancestors were Phoenician.

[@NOOBhashashin]

thank you for sharing

[@Medichio]

Hit the nail on the head

[@Hesgotthis]

@PennyTeem do you remember the name of that woman you met??? My father is from eastern Washington. My grandfather would not talk about his heritage. His grandmother was dark, almost black but European features. I have a silhouette of her in a family portrait. Her husband and their 13!!! Children!!! They raised their children between Iowa and WA state. One of their sons was an engineer on the grand Coulee Dam.

[@3_3645]

@dannettescheiderer6406 While my story isn't quite similar, somewhat the same, my dad had an interesting heritage some not filled with happiness, he didn't like talking about his families European history, which is kind of sad we he descendants can't carry on his story like yours

[@roys8870]

I always what happened to the Phoenicians. They were a very enterprising people. Their bloodlines may have scattered around countries in the Mediterranean, and from there into the new world.

[@debracollins6107]

I learned of the Melungeons in my sixth grade history class. I was hooked on their history. Never did I think many years later I would marry a man of melungeon heritage from his father’s side. He’s the perfect picture of a beautiful melungeon man. His father’s sister did a family history research & found they came from the Yancey County, N.C. area where many of them had settled on farms & over the years became honorable members of society.

[@haplog9680]

Just love your stories from the Appallach mountains 😊 good evening from the UK 🇬🇧

[@AlysiaWilkins-t9v]

Much Gratitude for Telling the Stories of the MisTreated !

[@TinnaN2TheAfterlife]

I heard stories and tales of these people through my Grandma. She was so smart and had many stories to tell. 🥰 The elderly have a lot to share if we just sit and listen for a while.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Well, said my friend, each one of them are living libraries

[@N2Mtns2]

@@TinnaN2TheAfterlife I grew up at their knees intently listening. Real stories cuz they always stayed the same. I’m blessed to have my 85 yr young Mom who’s Sharp Minded w/a great memory. ❤️

[@lawrenceofnc]

Well Said. Living library. Listening to our elders will always be deeply enlightening.

[@robkocol5664]

@@TinnaN2TheAfterlife Yet, young people are being told that they are smarter and should not to listen to parents or grandparents, as if they have nothing to offer in wisdom. Smh.

[@erikkibler3466]

Yeah young people are being indoctrinated.i don’t hold it against them personally.they don’t realize its happening.all by design.

[@kimberlyholt2241]

My grandmother is melungeon from Hancock County. So my Mother is half, that makes me a quarter. I have dark curly hair, green eyes and I tan very easily. I love my heritage 💜🌻🍁🍂 Grandmaw was born in 1933 and grew up to marry my white Grandpaw.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Have a blessed weekend.

[@lexheath8276]

Timeline is probably incorrect, or the French account was fiction. The truth may be a mix of Minorcan quadroon/mulatto & Native.

[@carolcamp7188]

So where did you're grandmother's people originally come from?

[@N2Mtns2]

@@lexheath8276 I agree.

[@judithtaylormayo]

Please consider sending us photos of you and any other relative. How very exciting!

[@m_0863]

These things make KZbin and give me a lot of deep peace and hope in people, particularly those in the South. Lot of misunderstood people there-particularly Southerners of European heritage.

[@EthanCole15]

My ancestors were Melungeon, they never voted until after the civil war, owned land, and our DNA is European, African, and Middle Eastern.

[@beatglauser9444]

That is exactly what I thought seeing vintage photos of your people. Nowadays DNA testing can solve many mysteries. Fact is, the people on those pictures are beautiful and quite mystic looking. I am quite a mix myself, so is my wife. It is interesting what ancestry is or is not found. Many of my ancestors were very dark while others were not. I was sure to have some Gypsy and Jewish genes. (Three generations in a row we had not so flattering nicknames calling us Gypsies). We did not find any genes confirming that. But beside Celtic of the British isles we have a lot of other Mediterranian ancestry and the few percent of Southern Indian genes were a surprise. My wife is from South East Asia and there were also some Oceanic genes in her DNA. (Those people are called Negritoes in the Philippines).

[@FloridamadeJay81]

@@beatglauser9444my family tree is all I need to solidify my ancestry. And my living relatives

[@beatglauser9444]

@@FloridamadeJay81 Well, as long as there are not plenty of holes in the family tree. If fathers are unknown and the origin of some of your ancesters who came from abroad and died very young half of the family tree disapears. I got plenty of requests from people in the USA who must be genetically related to me. They could go back farther than I could, but were seeking their backgrounds from centuries past. If you want to find the origin of a family you will have to go back several hundred years. Living relatives cannot help you with that.

[@francesbernard2445]

In Canada indigenous people were not being allowed to vote until the year 1960. Often people who were living on reservations in desperation while they were starving to death and being poisoned by pollution being dumped into waterways nearby would give up their indigenous identity when marrying someone outside of their community who was white and/or rich enough to rescue them. Something which didn't always work out well that was a nightmarish horror to have to survive through or not at all instead.

[@FloridamadeJay81]

@@francesbernard2445 that’s horrible. 😢

[@suzannehaigh4281]

It would make sense to me being totally independent, that they are a total mixture of people. People lost from their tribes, boat mates etc. that joined together and established their own colony, supporting each other without any prejudices for common good and survival.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

There’s a lot of researchers who believe exactly what you just said. Thanks for chiming in. Have a great weekend.

[@pamelabennett1492]

Yes. Because we must remember that, to the British, anyone less than Caucasian has traditionally been considered a lesser race, to avoid marrying or mixing with! True in Africa, Australia, India and America.

[@Deltadawn-up2qi]

That what we need to do

[@barcelonachair6487]

In British Caribbean Islands after slavery was abolished, it still wasn't socially permissible for races to marry or procreate. In the late 1800's my grandparents like many others had to move to the mountains to marry and start their families. In the mountains, it was the beginning of the mixed races which are the norm in modern day Caribbean countries. What you are saying is very true about history and survival.

[@ginadepalma2695]

This is so interesting. We can learn so much from Appalacian people. I am from Massachusetts and never heard of the Melungeons before. Thank you for sharing your research.

[@Yathome00]

This is fascinating!! These are the historical facts they should teach in school!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yup, they should.. but they dont... one of the many reasons I quit teaching after 20 years.

[@thesun-N-moon8885]

Teaching children that some people are able to live in peace and harmony no matter their DNA isn’t as exciting as teaching children they were victims of the world.

[@josephstanoski7134]

Critical race theory too.huh

[@mollyrose295]

Woke up to coffee, hash browns and the Appalachian Story Teller. The history of the Melungeon people is fascinating. Thank you for including the information about the different DNA companies as well. The information was eye opening.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you, Molly. Hope you enjoyed your breakfast and I hope you have a fabulous Saturday.

[@janicecarter2836]

The telling of this story,to me,is a melting pot of different races,coming together,as one! Their heritage speaks very loud; very clear..even today!!😊

[@renekiser2552]

Will Collins (pictured at the end of the video amd within) was my great, great uncle. He was my great grandmother's brother. ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

amazing! I love this!

[@kimberlydeeney5652]

Wow, very cool. 😊

[@blueblood-g9y]

Keep tellling the stories people need to hear.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you

[@julielafontaine4500]

Yes please ..I am an Australian and love to learn about the history of America

[@marthamullinax8247]

I am a decendent of the Collins melungeons. They were African American, native American, and European. I have dark skin, black curly hair, and my eyes are blue with a circle of yellow in them that make them look gray. My dad looked the same way, but his skin was darker, and his grandmother was a Collins.

[@55chevyguy1]

my grandmother was a Collins

[@juggmaneyatta4426]

@@55chevyguy1y’all cousins 🫂

[@sandysmith8567]

Can you say what general area the Collins grandmother was from?

[@marthamullinax8247]

@@sandysmith8567 she had lived in Knox county Kentucky for a little time. Her Grandfather and father were listed as mulatto for race. Her Grandfather was a Collins and he lived in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Manchester Kentucky. His name was Solomon Collins.

[@sandysmith8567]

@marthamullinax8247 Thanks so much for your quick response. So wonderful to have that history. My mom made a comment years ago that I didn't follow up on or question, although we have none of these distinct characteristics. So interesting. This gives me a place to start. Thanks again.

[@TruthinShadowss]

Wow, this left me wanting to learn even more about the Melungeons. The blend of history and mystery is just perfect!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, my friend. Hope you’re having a great day.

[@gladdersdon]

I worked in Morristown TN for a few years. I remember hearing about and seeing the Melungeons. They’d come out of Sneedville to come down and shop. Very distinctive.

[@robertjohnsen5864]

Those who are truly from the blood line of the melungeon I hope they don't let the future forget the past from which they came. Thank you for your time and and story so we don't forget.

[@EddyBonner-l8z]

Loved hearing about the melunjins. It is good to hear about how these folks stuck to their family roots as long as they could.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

That’s a great way to put it. Thanks so much.

[@cherylreadman2271]

16:29 This story of the Melungeons is beautifully done, thank you so much!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@randallwilliams8930]

I knew some girls with bright copper skin, black hair and gray eyes back in the 70's that were supposed to be melungeon descent from webster springs,wva. Great story though​@TheAppalachianStoryteller

[@cherylreadman2271]

​@@TheAppalachianStoryteller❤

[@leebailey7194]

My grandparents on my father’s side lived in Eastern Kentucky. Previously western Tennessee. From what I understand of our family history they were Melungeons. My father said they were Indians, Scottish, and possibly some black. My father was born in 1904. He had dark hair and dark brown eyes. He had the high cheek bones and facial features of the American Indian. He passed at 89 and still had mostly dark hair. I enjoyed listening to your Utube post. Thank you.

[@gailhart]

😢

[@dsaylor36]

scotch irish, cherokee and possibly black or mediterranean is the mix on my fraternal side dark hair, blue eyes from near cumberland , clay ,knox

[@wtk6069]

@@dsaylor36 You won't find many people in Eastern Ky without some Cherokee or Shawnee blood.

[@dsaylor36]

@@wtk6069 I can believe that, the many many children they had and with different spouses could populate a small town . 😊

[@jd-hj5ed]

My people. I am Melungeon. My great great grandfather and his brother were arrested as free men of color who voted. They got off by stating they were Portguese.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Very interesting thank you for sharing that

[@kingmiller1982]

I highly bet that you aren't And I'm willing to bet that your skin is pale white and your ancestors as well.

[@KmK4924]

Clever resilent people

[@0r0r0]

I've heard multiple Melungeon stories stating the same, at least about being Portuguese. I can't imagine why so many unrelated people would say it if it weren't true.

[@markglover2611]

Shortly after I moved to TN this story was in the news. By that time DNA was well understood. They had their DNA tested. It was a mix of white European and black from Africa. Mystery solved.

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

The bump on the back of the head is caked an occipital bun. How very fascinating they possessed this rare trait!

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

That part is a false myth.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l had a good friend who was a Melungeon he had dark skin and curly hair.....l met him on a fishing trip back in 1959 or 1960...ln Claiborne county Tennessee.....Thank you JD for this interesting video. Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@ElizabethDenney-c2t]

Claiborne Co 🎉❤

[@travistooley6627]

For 20 years my father has told me I'm melungeon and thankfully to you sir and your crew I've uncovered more truth. I've always said my uncle and dad look like black-white men.. I appreciate your tenacity and time to have researched into these things sir.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much Travis! Have a blessed day brother

[@travistooley6627]

@TheAppalachianStoryteller it's my pleasure to have finally stumbled upon this after so many years 🙌 thankyou my friend

[@travistooley6627]

Is there a particular community you might recommend I take my fishin pole to and possibly run into my own heritage sir? I currently reside up in Montana.

[@Nobody-f6v]

That's funny because I always thought my grandmother looked like a white black lady. I have the Melungeon bump and also a direct Lumbee ancestor. The two often intersect.

[@sherrythacker3107]

My daddy and his family were from all around the Appalachian mountains, and I'm proud to say I'm from melungeons heritage .

[@sherrythacker3107]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHKqZ2V9m9CFmrMsi=LeVzxJnCicl2Sf8C

[@DorothySpang]

I love these stories ❤ So much American History slips through the Cracks. Thank You so Much for Sharing this with all of us! ♡

[@aleqrobinson2876]

My parents told me, we had Native American on both sides. I'm African American, and family is from the South. After taking an ancestry DNA test, I learned that I have an ancestor, probably 2 that are Melungeon. I have alot of Melungeon cousins through the test. Never heard of Melungeon until I took the test and started reaching out to my DNA matches. I think this is pretty cool, I hope that more people in our country and beyond can know/learn more about Melungeons.

[@eilenekellogg-ki2br]

In reality the scriptures tell us that the first parents were Adam and Eve. We all have come from their seed. We're all related to each other . Whether we like it or not.

[@OddWoz]

@@eilenekellogg-ki2br I think I can confidently say such unsubstantiated claims are not welcome in this scholarly discussion.

[@janicebollman1039]

@@eilenekellogg-ki2br the Bible tells us? these ppls dna tells the true story

[@janicebollman1039]

@@eilenekellogg-ki2br& yes of course we are all related BUT not cos we come from Adam & eve - humans have been here much longer than the Bible!!

[@Kath1813]

Fascinating! I never heard of them before!

[@kimberlydeeney5652]

I'm interested about the unique bone in the back of their heads. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing such important history. Beautiful people. In the one photo each of the children are holding something in their hands. One appears to be a ceramic vessel. Very cool.

[@susievarnerfineart5928]

I would also love to hear more about that.

[@kdrh1210]

My great grandparents on my mother's side may have been Melungeon. I have the occidental bone in my skull. My grandmother said that her mother, (my great grandmother) who was the surname Bondurant married my great grandfather (surname Maiden or Mayden). She said they were from the "Black Dutch"

[@DStewart2022]

Love hearing the stories of Appalachia. Thank you for your work at keeping these stories alive.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, my friend. Have a blessed day.

[@JBBooks-qv2kp]

My Great Grandmother was always said to have been part Indian. She looked it for sure, even her father used to tell stories to his grandchildren that he was the son of an Indian chief. Fast forward to 2018 when I decided to take the AncestryDNA test and it revealed zero Native American? My Aunt and several cousins have since taken the test with no Native American bloodline revealed. Ironically we all had traces of Iberian Peninsula heritage? It was then that I stumbled upon the Melungeons and feel this could explain the mistaken Native American ancestry. I firmly believe my family has the Melungeon ancestry. I really enjoyed this video!

[@travistooley6627]

JB it sure opens up a can of worms when ya find out the truth huh!? I look forward to tracing out our heritage

[@sgm8265]

Interesting. Now you have another mystery to solve. 🙂We often forget, or it is overlooked, the Spanish and French arrived here, in America, before other Europeans. Especially in the south and southwest. We, in the US, really are a little bit of everything.

[@lauragill6019]

For some reason and you can research this yourself, Native American dna doesn’t always show up in people who do have it in their ancestry . It had to do with it being passed on the male side . Maybe have a male relative tested . Research this . I read this recently,

[@JBBooks-qv2kp]

@@lauragill6019 thanks for the info, I will definitely look into that.

[@an-tm3250]

I heard that native American DNA does not show up in tests for some reason. Disappointing, as we supposedly have some.

[@williambarr3119]

Loved it, my first time visiting your site. Native of WV, traveled the United States. Served in the Military. Spent much time in Monterey Bay California, Pheonix AZ. Great story telling, great voice for it. I've always had a fascination for the peoples of the Appalachian Mountains. My mothers people Cherokee and what they called Tuckehoe.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Welcome so glad to have you hear my friend. Make yourself at home.

[@susannpatton2893]

I am of this decent. Traced back to Lee Co Virginia. Indian creek Solomon, and the Osborne family are in my family. Very proud of it. Explains why there are so many skin tones in my family and why my both brown eyed parents had a blue eyed baby. I'm the darkest tone of my siblings too. I thank you for this video

[@susannpatton2893]

I thought everyone had a bump/ridge on the base of their skull.

[@timwarcloud]

​@@susannpatton2893 I'm a Sizemore/Osborne descendant. Major Virginia and North Carolina roots.

[@dsaylor36]

@@timwarcloud ive seen those two last names all over the place when researching my ancestors especially pertaining to one particular cherokee chief.

[@sneakypeachaugustine]

Fascinating stuff, I find it incredible how attached to ethnic identity we can be when, scientifically, we are likely to be more diverse than we could ever truly know.

[@stephaniehowell1109]

I often tell people, (when the subject of race comes up) that "In a thousand years, if humanity survives itself, (and that's a BIG IF,) we will all be one color." Maybe Grey, like the "aliens." LOL.

[@interstellarsurfer]

​@@stephaniehowell1109How boring that will be. 😪

[@stephaniehowell1109]

@interstellarsurfer Well, neither you or I will be here to see it. And by then, maybe humanity will have evolved to see beyond skin color, and be interested in each other not based on skin color, or beauty, or looks....but on personalities. So, not boring at all.

[@jamierupert7563]

They say you learn something every day. Thank you for educating me. I'm 61 years old. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I've never heard of them. Very interesting.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You are most welcome!

[@lindabaron4584]

That song is now stuck in my head.😂 Seriously, this is very interesting, and I can't believe in my 65 years I've never heard of these people. Thank you for enlightening me, much appreciated.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

thanks so much Linda!

[@OhioEddieBlack]

If you enjoy reading, you might like The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Melungeons play a small part in the plot, plus it's a lovely story. Great historical fiction.

[@djspatriqt2290]

My grandfather's grandmother was Mahalia Mullins from Newmans Ridge. We have the Melungeon bump on our heads.

[@N2Mtns2]

I’m related to a Mahalia Moonshiner Darkish woman. NW NC. Her house was in the border of TN & when the Pinkertons came her Sons just pushed her Still on the Other state line. Truth

[@kencoleman3861]

I remember where the old cabin originally was before they moved it

[@djspatriqt2290]

@kencoleman3861 I've never been there. I would love to visit, though. It's my Ancestry.

[@kencoleman3861]

@@djspatriqt2290 you should do just that

[@lisalane5808]

Just curious , have you find any of the DNA tests?

[@ohwellithappens6905]

This is fascinating. I have never heard of this group of people. Thank you for sharing this.

[@1bryanestes]

Another great historical lesson and narration....thanks JD

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks so much! Ive had this story on my radar for a few years now, just had to find a way to tell it in a new fresh way

[@margaretr5701]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Well done! I came upon your channel unexpectedly, YT does get it right sometimes.😊 I look forward to seeing more of your content, thank you! I'm British, living in Eastern Canada. My Father researched our family tree on one side, he got back to the 15th century. In case you're interested, Mormons keep great records, this is what my Father used in England, as his search was done before the internet was available.

[@StMiBll]

These People have fascinated me since I was young. I had heard of them referenced by family members and actually talked to a professor in college who was studying them specifically. We talked for a long time. One of my favorite stories of their origins was their being Turkish slaves taken by Sir Francis Drake from a Spanish (or Portuguese) ship he plundered. Having to wish to take them on, he dropped them off the coast of the Carolina’s where they lived among the “5 civilized tribes” influencing their traditional dress (the turban, sashes, and long coats) but remaining to themselves, calling themselves “Melun Jin “ or “cursed souls” in reference to there banishment from their homeland. They truly are a fascinating part of the Appalachian lore. Thanks for another great video on another great topic!

[@basicallyno1722]

Jin is not used for the word soul in Turkish or Arabic. Likewise I have no seen any dna evidence for the Melungeons having any significant middle eastern history.

[@sherryblanton2029]

Another possible piece of the puzzle? Maybe!

[@PAUL-em4tj]

That makes a lot of sense right there. Turkish slaves and why some Cherokee dressed that way. Interesting. 🤔

[@tmofis]

@@basicallyno1722 Hello; The pronunciation of the word Jin means CAN in Turkish. It means spirit and life. It is a frequently used word in our language. We even add the word CAN to our country and city names.

[@oakandwool]

I never heard of these people. I’ve been binge watching your channel all week since I stumbled across it. I can’t stop listening to this fascinating history of part of my country. Thank you from Wisconsin.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Welcome aboard!

[@CarolLee-mq8er]

My ancestors blood line runs as such. German,Scott-Irish ,Melungeon , Cherokee. Tennessee Ernie Ford was a melungeon decent.

[@janetc3930]

Interesting, Ernie did have very dark hair. He had such a beautiful voice.

[@cb9284]

I always thought he looked Spanish.

[@stevenleslie8557]

He looked kind of dark

[@pameladehart3174]

I think Elvis was as well.

[@brianew]

@@pameladehart3174 Thank you! I came on here to see if anyone else heard that Elvis was Melungeon

[@donnaspencer7436]

I enjoy all the story's because I love history. Thank you for sharing the story's

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

Oooh, more history! I love it! DNA is interesting, as far as parentage, but I'm more interested, in how groups of people lived. I guess, more social aspects. Like, did they believe in God? What kinds of foods they ate, what kinds of work, did they do? Some things, like hair color, eye shape, foot shape, are inherited. We did nothing to acquire them, or keep them. That's the reason, I think they are only mildly interesting, but things like art, dress styles, how we make a living, what we impart to our young, are what really define us. God Bless you, JD

[@lynnmcmahan1811]

Phas their DNA been studied?

[@opie2.0henry_chancesR]

Well I'm glad this popped up this morning.. I haven't heard anyone talk about melungeons in a good while.. I was born and raised in east TN and growing up you heard old timers talking about em every now and then.. thanks for the video J.D...

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DebbieJohnson-n2m]

FASCINATING. IF WE RELIED ON WORLD OF MOUTH TODAY,THERE WOULD BE NO STORY OF INCREDIBLE SURVIVAL. GRADITUDE TO YOU

[@Tncowboy22]

Love the stories you tell and history you teach. I’ve heard about this lost tribe my entire life but you my friend have actually put work in to learn more and to help folks like me learn more. Thank you for that my friend. Keep up the good work.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for that. That’s one thing that always bothered me about this story on KZbin. There was never an actual complete investigation of it until now.

[@briangallagher3705]

I love the story it a true testament to what it means to be a american we are a mix of everything on the planet. Keep up the great work love your story telling

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Well said!

[@ehayes5217]

We've always believed that my Mother & her side of the family were/are of Melungeon descent, as both she & her brothers all had similar characteristics, not just the typical sibling similarities, but more from possessing true, darker skin color & especially, the beautiful &/or handsome blue eyes; she was always told that she was "part Melungeon," but after watching ur excellent video, I believe it was much more than that! Thank u for the great vid & the outstanding research, to make understanding this particular heritage much more easier to understand & to be shared with others👍😃🇺🇸

[@thislittlelightofmine8776]

I just have to say JD, you picked one of my favorite mysteries to delve into here! Melungeons have always fascinated me, i had hoped dna ancestry's popularity held the key but that brilliant interview at the end gave me some unfortunate answers, wow! Great episode!!

[@bettyir4302]

Most unfortunate. I was hoping DNA would be the answer but that's not to be. Guess it will always be a mystery.

[@bettyir4302]

Surely, forensic anthropologists could figure out the mystery going back through skeletons to see where the bump, the squat, teeth, etc. physical attribute came from.

[@margaretr5701]

@@bettyir4302 Yes, if omeone invested enough to find out, after all, far more ancient remains have been analyzed, and scientists learned where the ancient bones originated from.

[@olskool3967]

my wife and i look forward to your stories every sat. morning! thank you JD for your work,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank yall so much!

[@becky1789]

This is fasanating!!! Tipper and mat sent me here ...ive alot of catching up thank you so much for your work on this.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you , and welcome!

[@thomasjones4932]

I throw out a howdy to Scott Collins in Sneedville. He is a historian for Melungeons and he is one himself.

[@timeforchange3786]

Also, Jack Goins of Hawkins County, Rogersville, TN. 😊

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

I had never heard of the Melungeon people until I did my DNA test to confirm my Native American Ancestry, I was surprised to see the probability of several tribes as well as Sub-Saharan African , Jewish alleles and Portuguese and a bunch of other things. My number one Ancestry probabilty was Melungeon my Grandfather was from TN then moved to OK. It great to find out more about this history... I can't wait to find out more. I am 6th of 8 children(same parents) some of my sibs have black hair (real black) and olive skin/brown eyes, I have brown hair and darker white skin , gray eyes(tans easily rarely burn)...we are all over the gambit and many folks don't believe my sibs are my sibs..kind of fun.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

That’s so fascinating thank you for showing

[@Jesusiskinggloria]

Connections with the Cape Verde islands

[@SQW78]

I either read or saw a story some years ago where I first heard about this group of people. In that same story it was mentioned that Abe Lincoln was believed to have been a descendant of the Melungeons.

[@JeanVige-g8q]

From what I understand, in another video I've seen, melungeons have a bump on the back of their skull. It also said that Jane Russell, Elvis Presley and Abraham Lincoln were melungeon. I watched that years ago and never forgot it. Thanks for this video.

[@ednapimentel9659]

One of my favorite Appalachian Stories so far. Excellent. Your fan from Puerto Rico .

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much. Hope everything is going well for you in Puerto Rico.

[@Darth_Fader9888]

Im really happy to see this getting so much traffic. My grandmother really drove our melungeon roots into my family, but that was the only source of information weve had for most of our lives. Geres hoping that interest continues to grow!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks so much my friend, have a blessed day!

[@eathealthier4u]

Yes, you know if you are one, there are traditions that are passed down, ways of the families, and strong family connections

[@DOH-2-Randos-Revenge]

One thing people have to realize is that in this dome, the inhabitants of all land were a range of brown dark to light and even pale. The history we were all taught was a lie. Which leads us to the misunderstanding groups of people as mysterious. The mulegeons bring the people of india (hindustan) to mind. Great presentation!

[@pamartin]

Your research is amazing. A kaleidoscope of connectable possibilities. Thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Pam!

[@TheCowboylogic]

My wife's family is from deep southeast Kentucky (Pike county). Her family settled there before KY was a State. They came through the Cumberland Gap. Her mother's family name is Hall. They are Melungeons. They are referred to as 'Black Halls'.

[@margaretr5701]

Hall is a very common name in the UK, but like many names there, it could originate from Northern European roots.

[@naturalmagic4128]

Fascinating video, and quite a beautiful song. Thank you!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Many thanks!

[@1bryanestes]

Thanks!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Bryan, you just made my day! Thank you so much brother!

[@1bryanestes]

@TheAppalachianStoryteller you make many many people's day, the least I could do, keep up the hard work my friend..bless you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

@@1bryanestes Thank you again, its little things like this that mean so much to helping me put these videos out. Have a great Friday, looks like its gonna be a great weekend

[@55chevyguy1]

The perspective which you have expressed in the video is one of the best of which I have viewed. I descend from the core families who are considered Melungeon , you can't discuss Melungeon without seeing the surnames Gibson, Collins, and Mullins which are in my lines. 3 of my four grandparents were born on or near Newman's Ridge. Yes I have the Melungeon bump , shovel teeth , hair color , and eye colors associated with Melungeon ancestry . I have participated in two DNA tests which as stated by Dr. Thomas only provide a glimpse into our history. My Ancestry test revealed just as you stated that the Melungeon's are a melting pot of ancestorial origins, after taking a complex test provided from Family Tree DNA which uncovered a migration map. I discovered that my DNA origins which were traced to eastern Africa in the regions near Tanzania and migrated into the Caucus region of the world. After traversing the Mediterranean region into the European region it becomes unclear as how they crossed the Atlantic. I would like to thank you for providing such an insightful look into our history. How the Melungeon's came to the Appalachian region may never be know. Thank you again.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you for this comment. I purposely tried to tell this story in a way that’s never been shared before especially in regards to actually researching each theory and researching the DNA testing not just the results.

[@55chevyguy1]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Being from that area I can assure you that many others will appreciate the work you have put into this . Too many people read articles and don't do the homework then produce videos which offend the descendants of these proud hardworking people known as the Melungeon

[@jannitanolen-bevers5672]

Hey @55chevyguy1, I'm a mustang gal myself but I still have to say thank you for sharing. The personal tidbits flesh out a story and make it living history, and let's it penetrate hearts as well as minds. I humbly thank you!

[@GneasYTC]

@55chevyguy1 Disclaimer: I never even heard of the Melungeons until this video, so take what I say with a huge grain of salt. This is pure speculation, but hopefully it's *reasonable* speculation: I find it fascinating that you mention Gibson, Collins and Mullins as being very typical Melungeon surnames. Gibson is Scottish; Collins and Mullins are Irish. I was aware previously that a lot of Scots and Irish ended up in the Appalachians, and among other things contributed a lot to the musical tradition there. (For more on that, dig out an Irish TV series called 'Bringing it all back home' by Philip King - I'm sure it's here on KZbin somewhere). So it would appear that at least some part of the Melungeon origin/development story involves intermarrying with the Scots/Irish. That would tend to support the 'highly mixed' genetic origins mentioned. Thanks for the video - you've just shown me a whole new rabbit hole to dive down! 😄

[@CaitlinMink]

Hi there! I am Melungeon, and yes, this is spot on - follow this thread! Wait til you get deep enough where you learn that the Appalachian mountains…are.. the Scottish Highlands (splitting from Pangea 2/2 continental separation) My people are FROM these hills & it blows my mind to think about!

[@Jdub6580]

Hearing the difference between genetic history and family ancestry was quite enlightening!

[@dennishaygood559]

The history of this is very interesting. I continue to be amazed at these great stories.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad you like them!

[@swansongbutterfly6658]

Fascinating ! I love hearing these historical stories .. thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

thank you so much!

[@ElizabethWyndale]

I enjoyed this very much. I became aware of the Melungeon people while reading the novel Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, a story that wrung my heart. Turning to KZbin, this was the most clear and informative video of the ones offered. Definitely subscribed and looking forward to learning more of the Appalachian peoples I've previously read about through the efforts of authors Sharon McCrumb, Ron Rash and others. Thank you!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you !

[@nita409]

What an interesting story. Now I’ll have to do more research on this. I often do research on your videos, but I’m going down a far deeper rabbit hole with this.

[@wildflower1335]

I'd so love to live free and in peace in the back hills of the Appalachia's! I so admire these people staying true to their heritage for as long as they were able.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

amen

[@jeneham5406]

I know some of these people and I am convinced that they are of Mediterranean heritage. They are very intelligent and mostly stay to themselves.

[@Nonniemaye]

What an amazing mystery, all tribes and peoples are important to God. Currently, only he knows the details but maybe one day we will. One side of my husband's people came from Tennessee, so who knows. Many thanks. God bless.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Nonnie, hope you have a blessed Saturday

[@debbiedotodue]

I reckon they are very dedicated people to the Lord Jesus Christian people that live like it

[@connieweaver8385]

Just watched your story on Malungeons. It was awesome. I've been called a Malungeon my entire life. My whole family has. Lol. I didn't realize the Malungeon bump on the back of my head on the back of my head was an actual thing. That's super interesting. Thanks for the story! Have a good one!😮😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@Koolick]

Hello. I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU so much for sharing this absolutely fascinating history of such a beautiful and mysterious people known as the Melungeons . I just love this type of research about lost tribes and indigenous peoples , etc. This reminds of the saying that lots of times, truth can be stranger than fiction. . How wonderful! Appalachia is more unique than I imagined . God bless you and i'll keep watching!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much!

[@albertorr740]

It's crazy when you really look into native American tribal stories you find evidence that a lot of different groups of people came to America thousands of years ago.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

it really is!

[@victoriatracey5919]

Thanks JD, being Australian I’ve never heard of these people so your story was fascinating and intriguing. All I can say is no matter where they originated from, they are very handsome people with quite distinct features. They must have been hard workers to build a community in such harsh conditions. Sad to think they died out, I’d rather believe they are still around somewhere. Bless you JD for your hard work bringing us all these fabulous stories, I love them 😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, Victoria. Hope everything is going well and Australia. It’s a beautiful day here in East Tennessee USA.

[@victoriatracey5919]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Hi JD, we are still in winter here and it will be very cold here for months to come as Tasmania is close to the South Pole we don’t get a lot of hot weather here, sad to say because I love the heat 🤣🤣 Speaking of weather I don’t know how yours is there but ours has been very odd … things aren’t growing like they used to and our temperatures are all over the place. What’s it been like for you there? 😊

[@Saer-s9u]

We are around 😊 😉

[@margaretr5701]

@@victoriatracey5919 If you love the heat, come to Canada- at least for summer, it's often close to 40°C and humid.

[@PAUL-em4tj]

Didn't die out. They were bred out. They now live everywhere.

[@doveroadsanctuary]

I live in Rockvale, TN for quite a few years and cannot believe I have never heard about the Melungeons. This is one of the most interesting and well-done stories about these peoples and genealogy. Netflix should make a movie about them too. This is a story that needs to be told.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you

[@mullins7030]

Interesting! I’m married to a Mullins, which we always heard was a surname of Melungeon. Turns out he has about 35% Portuguese in his DNA!

[@therealdannymullen]

I was about to comment about people's changing their last names.

[@kathyk479]

Mullins is an Irish name!

[@therealdannymullen]

@kathyk479 you'd think. But there's also "Mullen is an Irish name!" only to find out we were Jews that Anglecized our name. So, in America, last names may not be what they were even 100 years ago. ESPECIALLY when a people were facing racism. So taking "Mullins" or "Mullen" could be a phonetic homage to their heritage, while also allowing their children to "blend in".

[@kathyk479]

@@mullins7030 agreed. There are 136 different ways to spell my Irish sir name! Living I n American I guess you never know!

[@mullins7030]

@@kathyk479unless you can back it up with documentation. But even then, you don’t know who lied and bent the truth simply to survive.

[@sherriekirby1585]

I was born in Southwest VA and Melungeons lived there, I remember seeing them & asking questions about them

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for sharing this

[@allen4758]

Can you say which counties, I live in sw virginia and I can't recall ever seeing people like this

[@sherriekirby1585]

@allen4758 Buchanan, Tazewell areas. First time I saw them was in Richland's, Tazewell Co. My grandmother told me who/what they were because they looked so different, told me not to share but the kids were staring at me 😁. I was curious but they stayed close together & looked seriously at us, like they were scared of us

[@allen4758]

@sherriekirby1585 I grew up in wyth county and carroll county , iv never heard of them until this video, thanks for responding

[@sherriekirby1585]

@allen4758 you're welcome. They mainly stayed away from folks, up in the mountains by themselves unless looking for work etc.

[@christyyoung1005]

I have Mulengeon blood in me, from my Father’s side. Appalachian. I enjoy reading their stories. Fascinating!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you

[@momabthatsme7888]

Wow! Amazing how a race of people can just vanish. No trace. They looked very similar to some of my family from Louisiana...creole...except the creole nose is wider. But as always fantastic story once again.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much! A really fascinating story !

[@marnieevans6539]

They ain't gone...

[@basicallyno1722]

They’re not gone….and they’re not a race either. They’re mixed people just like creole people.

[@rustylynch2]

That is an interesting bit of history. A race of people we may never know where they come from, much like the moon eye people. These mountains truly hold a wealth of history. Thanks JD. First day of school tomorrow for my kids. I'm WAY more excited than they are. 😂 I'll have two in the band!! Let the fund raisers begin. Have a great night my friend.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

There’s actually a possible connection to the Moon eyed people in the story some believe that the melungeons were the moon eyed people at one point. You know, my boy also plays in the orchestra, but he’s gonna be playing in the jazz band later on this year after marching season, he’s playing the electric bass eighth grade

[@rustylynch2]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller that's awesome! I love hearing about the younger generation getting involved in music

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

me too brother

[@shannonsurratt7125]

We know exactly where we came from. It's in the birth records.

[@joebx1111]

The were the left over Tartarians

[@shannoncrews5562]

My great-grandmother is half Lumbee indian. My family did Ancestory DNA testing and wondered why it didn't show this. Thanks for the video!

[@rawvibe8815]

My son's Ancestry DNA also did not show the Lumbee dna, but we dumped his results into the My True Ancestry which goes back to ancient times and it shows a connection to the Lumbee people.

[@artistinmotioncreations3887]

I'm a appalachian melungeon from southwestern west virginia. My lines are davis,Smith,moore,gowens,Campbell, and fields. We are very much still here and ALOT are reconnecting.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

thank you for sharing this!

[@Saer-s9u]

Ditto 🤗

[@susieatkins3150]

I know some Goins in Grainger County where I grew up. I live near some now in Bulls Gap, Tn.

[@enwalker]

My family are Goins

[@enwalker]

@@susieatkins3150through DNA our family has discovered that we are kin with those Goins family members.

[@michaela9678]

Thank you for that awesome piece of history I've honestly never heard of. I dont know how you feel about ghost stories but back in 95 i was in high school and read ghost stories of the Appalachian mountains book and it was very good. 1 story was basically about and old lady that sold her soul to see everything through a sugar sifter and it reminds me of cell phones today.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Wow 😮

[@marybowling2747]

I am a descendent of Valentine Collins who was Varda Collins’s brother. My family has always said we were Cherokee and Irish.

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

That is not what the DNA revealed. There was also a cover story and even the Melengeons lost track of the truth of their origins...and it was not even acceptable to be mixed at the time.

[@cooked5439]

At 2:11 you've displayed an image of the Cook family. the boy second from the left is my great Grandfather Ottigney Pontiac cook. his father George Major Cook. the boy on the far right is Peach he will become Chief of the Pamunkey tribe. of the Powhatan Nation. we never called our selves Melungeon. the reservation is in king William county Virginia. along the Pamunkey river.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for sharing this

[@Bootisticspazm333]

Thanks for sharing. Can I ask what you called yourselves then? I’m not being facetious. I’m genuinely curious. I’ve heard all sorts of stories about my ancestry and how my great great grandmother was brought from France to Canada to be “kings wives” the fille de joie but I learned later in life that just meant she was basically a prostitute 😂 I want to get Ancestry DNA testing to see what exactly my heritage is because I constantly get told I look Asian and white. But if you ask my family I’m Irish, French, Native American and Italian. And I NEEED to know.

[@mohawkduda8554]

​@Bootisticspazm333 good luck with your search.

[@Appalachian1984]

@@Bootisticspazm333the Asian look can also be from Nordic genes. Especially the eye shape.

[@AlaskaJiuJitsu]

3 AM here in Alaska, Can't sleep, perfect time for Appalachian Storyteller to drop a new episode!!! Thank you sir!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad to help out 😊

[@mollyrose295]

Good morning from Boston 🙂 Have a good day ☀️

[@joemamma416]

Keep an eye out for those grizzlies up there. Their jiu-jitsu skills are top notch.

[@summersolstice884]

@@joemamma416 Not to mention their salmon catching skills - -

[@dustinharbison8536]

I have lived in East Tennessee all my life and never heard of this. Thank you for the video. I enjoy listening to the stories of these beautiful mountains.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BigDaddysScreamStream]

I love this video! My heritage!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

thank you!

[@edwardallen1740]

This was a very interesting piece of Application history. I personally feel that they are even older than anyone thinks. The bump on the back of their head is the key to their ancestry

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for your insight Edward. Hope you have a great weekend, my friend.

[@maxineheadroom]

Thanks for making this video! I'm 40 and as a kid my mother brought home a copy of a young adult novel called "Sang Spell" which started my interest in the mystery of Melungeon people.

[@Mynx5050]

Wow JD, that was quite a bit to chew on. I'll have to listen again and look at the photos more closely before commenting on this mystery. This sho' is a goodun. Much love❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Diane, I’ve been meaning to tell this story for a few years now

[@StevenMoney]

There’s been a distinct representation of unknown peoples here in Southern WV. for a long time probably peaking in the early seventies. When I was a kid and early teens I used to ask my mother were these people with regular white names Italian or Mexican and she would reply that she had no idea. She would also say that she had wondered many years herself because she had attended church, we had ate at their home and considered them of high moral character. They conducted themselves as we did and other that their skin and body shape (short and a little pudgy) you could have traded names. “Buddy” was a preacher and a wonderful man and his wife equally god fearing and I thought the world of them. I wished asking them wasn’t frowned upon because I thought and wondered many, many times about this.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Very interesting story!!! Thank you for your wonderful story tellin' I laughed out loud when they started singing, i wasn't expecting "They were Melungeon!" 😂 I just found that humorous 😂

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks so much for that feedback my friend

[@ronniewatkins]

Very mysterious origins which we will probably never know. So kind was the state with their classification! Thanks for reminding me of this one, JD! A true rabbit hole! God bless!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@tabithas1656]

Thanks for this. You are a terrific storyteller and historian.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@johnledingham852]

Wow! One of the most interesting KZbin videos I've watched in a long time. So many different people groups that form nations all around this intriguing planet known as Earth. I'm an Australian with a Scots father and married to an Italian girl. We did a trip to Scotland and Italy and got to meet grassroots people in both countries. These humble people were kind and welcoming. I think these qualities go right back to the very origins of humankind. Sadly, self gratifying leaders of men carved the world up and spread hatred and distrust of others outside their specific clan and tribal groupings. I'm convinced we will see a unified Earth one day. All enjoying the variety of peoples peacefully.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for sharing your story and thoughts John

[@andrewfletcher8461]

Thanks again for all the work you do. 🇦🇺

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Andrew

[@olandwoodworks1693]

My papaw grew up in Snake Holler, Tennessee! Born sometime in the late 40's, he was dark skinned with brownish-green eyes and a full head of thick dark hair til the day he died! He didn't care about ancestry but my mother (his daughter) did a lot of research into it and claimed we had Melungeon & Cherokee ancestry show up from his side! Thanks for compiling and sharing all this info about Melungeons! It bugs me that we may never know the origins of my papaws ancestors but these theories at least get us close!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for sharing this

[@margaretr5701]

This might not be relevant, but Greek people have thick dark hair, and rarely lose their hair with age. Your description of your papaw, sounds very familiar to the many Greek families I know.

[@eyeswideopen7777]

Is that true their hair don't gray

[@olandwoodworks1693]

@@margaretr5701 I don’t remember hearing about any Greek in our family line but it’s been years we talked about it!

[@olandwoodworks1693]

@@eyeswideopen7777 well, I can’t say for certain. He may’ve had a few silvers hiding beneath the hat he always wore but the hair that stuck out from under that cap was always dark brown! Same for his brother!

[@danaellis3812]

Just found you! We are using your page for homeschool. My daughter is learning to fiddle and I thought this would add a rich history of the roots to her upcoming songs.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I love this, there are many people who use my videos for homeschooling. And heres a couple of unknown things about me. I was a public school teacher for 22 years. Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in Music Education. I taught elementary, middle and high school orchestra, violin, viola, cello and bass. I perform most of the music in these videos. if you ever need any fiddle advice, feel free to reach out [e-mail]

[@carmichael2359]

I am very interested in this story! Thank you so much for publishing it on KZbin. My mother's people were from Appalachia and so we're my stepdad's. I remember my mother telling me about a group of people who lived in the hills and were mixed with native black and white. They kept to themselves, she said. Our family is also mixed race, but we can trace our mixture. I don't know much about my stepdad's family, except that they sure do look like these pictures of the Melungeons! I rather believe the stories told by the people themselves, that they were descended at least in part, from the Portuguese. People's own stories usually hold the greatest kernel of Truth.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks for sharing your story !