The allure of ancestry, the whisper of a connection to historical figures, often piques the curiosity of individuals seeking to understand their place within the vast tapestry of human history. For Kaela, a 26-year-old woman, this fascination is rooted in a family story: her father, Eddie Brafford, told her she had Apache heritage, specifically, that the legendary Geronimo was her great-great uncle. Unfamiliar with reservation life and unsure of her specific Apache lineage, Kaela seeks guidance on how to trace her heritage, identify her tribe, and potentially connect with her people. This article explores the complexities of Apache kinship, the historical context of Geronimo’s life, and the steps one can take to investigate potential familial ties to this iconic figure. The title keyword, "Could Geronimo be my great-great uncle?" is central to this exploration.
Delving into Geronimo’s Lineage
Geronimo, a name synonymous with Apache resistance, was a Bedonkohe Apache, a band belonging to the larger Chiricahua Apache group. Born to Tablishim Goyaale (The Gray One) and Juana, Geronimo had several siblings: three brothers and four sisters. One of his sisters, Ishton (also known as Ish-key), married Juh, and they had a son named Asa Daklugie. Asa, in turn, had at least three children, whose names are not widely known, though a photograph of them exists in historical records. This initial outline of Geronimo’s direct family provides a starting point, but the intricacies of Apache kinship systems add layers of complexity to the search for familial connections.
The Labyrinth of Apache Kinship
Apache kinship terminology presents a unique challenge to genealogical research. Unlike Western systems that clearly delineate relationships, Apache systems often use the same terms for cousins and siblings, mothers and maternal aunts, grandparents and grandchildren, and so on. This can lead to significant confusion when attempting to trace ancestral lines.
Adding to the complexity, the Apache tribes employ two distinct kinship systems: the Chiricahua type and the Jicarilla type. The Chiricahua system is used by the Chiricahua, Mescalero, and Western Apache, with slight variations among them. The Jicarilla type is prevalent among the Jicarilla, Navajo, Lipan Apache, and Plains Apache, with the Lipan and Plains Apache systems bearing close resemblance.
To illustrate the potential for ambiguity, consider the Chiricahua terms for grandparents. There are four different words: -chú for "maternal grandmother," -tsúyé for "maternal grandfather," -chʼiné for "paternal grandmother," and -nálé for "paternal grandfather." Furthermore, these terms extend to the grandparent’s siblings, meaning that one’s maternal grandmother, her sisters, and her brothers are all referred to as -chú. These terms are also reciprocal, meaning a grandparent uses the same term to address their grandchild.
Similarly, the Chiricahua system does not distinguish between siblings and cousins. A male speaker would refer to his brother or male cousin as -kʼis and his sister or female cousin as -´-ląh. A female speaker would reverse these terms. This lack of differentiation can make it difficult to determine the precise relationship between individuals in historical records.
The Jicarilla system, while different, presents similar challenges. For example, they use only two terms for grandparents: -chóó for "grandmother" and -tsóyéé for "grandfather," regardless of whether they are maternal or paternal. These terms also apply to a grandparent’s siblings. The complexities of these systems highlight the need for careful contextual analysis when interpreting historical accounts and genealogical data.
Geronimo’s Life and Legacy: A Shifting Landscape
Understanding the historical context of Geronimo’s life is crucial for anyone attempting to trace their lineage to him. From 1850 to 1886, Geronimo led his Bedonkohe band, often joined by members of other Chiricahua Apache bands, in resisting the encroachment of American and Mexican settlers. During this period, he "surrendered" multiple times, returning to live on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona and the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico. However, dissatisfaction with the conditions and perceived injustices often led him to "break out" and resume his nomadic lifestyle, frequently basing himself in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in Mexico.
In 1886, after an 11-year pursuit, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon. His band had dwindled to a mere 27 people. Despite promises of a return to his homeland after a brief exile in Florida, Geronimo never saw Arizona again.
Instead, he and his fellow warriors, along with Apache scouts who had aided the army in tracking him down, were imprisoned at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. They were subsequently transported by rail to Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida, while their families were sent to Fort Marion, also in Florida. During his time at Fort Pickens, Geronimo married She-gha, who died the following year.
Geronimo’s imprisonment became a spectacle, drawing thousands of tourists to Fort Pickens. The influx of visitors prompted his relocation to the Mt. Vernon Barracks near Mobile, Alabama, in 1888, where he was reunited with his family after an eight-year separation. In 1894, he was moved again, this time to the Fort Sill Apache Reservation in Oklahoma, where he lived until his death from pneumonia in 1909. He is buried at the Fort Sill Apache Indian Prisoner of War Cemetery, alongside his daughter Eva and one of his wives, Zi-Yeh.
Geronimo had numerous wives, estimated to be between 10 and 11, though never all at once. He had at least eight children, but many died young. The Apache kinship system further complicates the task of identifying his descendants, as the same terms are used for multiple relationships. One of Geronimo’s wives was a niece of Cochise, another renowned Apache warrior. His close associates included Naiche, Victorio, Loco, and Chihauhau, all prominent war chiefs.
Tracing the Threads: Verifying a Connection
Many individuals claim a connection to Geronimo, but verifiable proof is often elusive. One confirmed direct descendant is Harlyn Geronimo, a great-grandson residing in Mescalero, New Mexico. Ihtedda, a Mescalero woman and one of Geronimo’s wives, bore him a daughter named Lenna. Ihtedda was held captive with Geronimo in Florida but was later allowed to divorce him due to the white man’s restrictions on polygamy. She returned to Mescalero with Lenna in 1889 and married Old Scout (Cross Eyes), taking the name Kate or Katie Crosseyes. A son, Robert Cross Eyes (later Geronimo), was born soon after her return, and while Geronimo is presumed to be his biological father, he was given his stepfather’s name. Lenna married Juan Via, a Lipan Apache, and had three children: Annie Via, Jaunito Via, and Percy Via. Harlyn Geronimo is Jaunito Via’s son. The keyword "Could Geronimo be my great-great uncle?" is relevant here.
The book "In Geronimo’s Footsteps: A Journey Beyond Legend" chronicles Harlyn Geronimo’s journey with Corine Sombrun to retrace Geronimo’s life, following the Gila River to his birthplace and recounting stories steeped in family history and Apache lore.
The Stolen Skull: A Legacy of Disrespect
Adding a somber note to Geronimo’s legacy is the alleged theft of his skull and leg bones from his tomb at Fort Sill in 1918 by Prescott Bush, father of President George H.W. Bush, and other members of the Skull and Bones Society at Yale University. The society purportedly used the remains as a memento. While the Skull and Bones Society denies these claims, a letter from Winter Mead, a society member, suggests otherwise. Harlyn Geronimo has been campaigning for years to have his great-grandfather’s remains returned for proper burial.
Navigating the Path to Discovery
For Kaela, and anyone else wondering, "Could Geronimo be my great-great uncle?" the path to verifying a familial connection to Geronimo begins with meticulous genealogical research. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Start with the Known: Begin by compiling a detailed family tree, starting with the relatives closest to you and working backward. Gather as much information as possible about each ancestor, including birth dates, death dates, marriage records, and any other relevant details.
- Document Everything: Collect legal documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, as well as church records of baptisms, if available. These documents provide crucial evidence for verifying ancestral connections.
- Explore Tribal Rolls: Search for your Apache ancestors on various tribal rolls. These rolls can provide valuable information about tribal affiliations and lineage.
- Understand Blood Quantum: Be aware that Apache tribes may have blood quantum requirements for enrollment. These requirements specify the minimum amount of Apache blood required for tribal membership. The exact requirement varies from tribe to tribe.
- Contact Tribal Authorities: Once you have gathered sufficient evidence, contact the relevant Apache tribal authorities for guidance on verifying your lineage and potentially pursuing tribal membership.
It is important to note that no special permission is required to visit Apache reservations. However, to meet relatives who are actually related to Geronimo, you would need to track them down and contact them personally to see if they would like to meet with you.
Ultimately, determining if Geronimo is indeed Kaela’s great-great uncle requires diligent research and a deep understanding of Apache kinship systems. The journey may be challenging, but the potential reward of connecting with her heritage and understanding her place within the rich history of the Apache people makes it a worthwhile endeavor.