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Searching for origin of name of Neoska Letta Neoska Lou and Native American use of the word "swanneken"

From: Daryl Denning
Date: 6/27/2002
Time: 11:09:11 AM
Remote Name: 208.28.190.29

Comments

Aho. At age 52, I learned last December that I am of mixed race lineage. I am trying to learn my tribal links. There is rumor of Cherokee and Cayuga but I do not think geographically that Cherokee ties in with my ancestors. My great grandfather ws born in Scio, NY. He named one of his daughters after twin Indian girls. Her name was Minnie Neoska Letta Neoska Lou. We have not been able to determine the tribe from which such a name derives. I suspect it is from a NY tribe, but have nothing to confirm it is from the Cayuga and feel our geographical ancestry might be closer to the Seneca people. My gr grandfather was reported to have used the word "swanneken" when annoyed with people, that was supposed to be derogatory. This seems to be a Dutch word used by Native Americans. Our older ancestry goes back to CT or RI with Wampanoag and Narragansett connections, but none that I have verified for my line. My gr gr grandfather lived in Odessa, NY, near Watkins Glen. Any help would be greatly appreciated on my quest. Aquenne.

Last changed: November 23, 2004