Introduction
Growing up with a Melungeon heritage means inheriting a history filled with mystery, struggle, and perseverance. My roots stretch deep into the Appalachian Mountains, where my ancestors lived, fought, and thrived despite facing intense discrimination and societal rejection. My great-grandmother Lena Mullins, a proud Melungeon woman from Wise, Virginia, carried within her the traditions, resilience, and silent strength that defined our people. All four of my father’s grandparents were Melungeon, and their blood runs strong in my veins, connecting me to a past that is both enigmatic and deeply personal.
This article is a tribute to my ancestors and kin: Acker, Blackburn, Bolin, Bolling, Bowlin, Bowling, Braswell, Brown, Bryant, Burns, Cantrell, Chavis, Collins, Cox, Fields, Fugate, Gibson, Goins, Hall, Hammond, Hart, Hendrix, Johnson, Jones, Lambert, Martin, Mays, Moore, Mullins, Osborne, Perry, Phelps, Ramey, Robinson, Shepherd, Sizemore, Stallard, Watts, Wright, and Wynn. These names, woven into the fabric of Appalachian history, tell a story of endurance and identity.
Who Are the Melungeons?
The Melungeons are a people of mixed ancestry who primarily lived in the Appalachian region, particularly in Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with theories suggesting they descend from a blend of Portuguese, Turkish, African, Native American, and European settlers. Because of their ambiguous racial identity, they were often ostracized, labeled as “free people of color,” and denied the same rights as their white neighbors.
Historians and genealogists have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth about Melungeon origins, but much of their past remains elusive. Some scholars believe they were descendants of early Spanish or Portuguese explorers who intermarried with local tribes and later mixed with European settlers. Others suggest they may have been part of the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke or early African and Middle Eastern travelers. Regardless of their exact origins, Melungeons have left a profound mark on Appalachian culture and history.
The Struggles of My Ancestors
My Melungeon ancestors faced hardships that tested their strength and resilience. Because they did not fit neatly into the rigid racial categories of early America, they were often denied land rights, voting privileges, and basic recognition in society. Many were forced to identify as “white” or “mulatto” on census records to avoid discrimination, while others lived in isolated communities to escape persecution.
Despite these struggles, they survived. They built homes in the rugged mountains, developed their own customs, and maintained a distinct identity despite outside pressures to assimilate or disappear entirely. Some took common Appalachian surnames like Mullins, Sizemore, Gibson, and Bowling, attempting to blend in while still preserving their heritage in family stories, recipes, and traditions passed down through generations.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the word “Melungeon” comes from a legal accusation against my fifth great-grandmother, Susan Stallard. She was accused by Susan Kitchen of “harboring Melungeons.” This moment in history underscores the level of scrutiny and discrimination faced by my ancestors—Melungeon identity was something that could bring suspicion, fear, and yes…even legal trouble.
Cultural Contributions and Traditions
The Melungeon have contributed immensely to Appalachian culture. Their influence can be seen in regional dialects, folk music, traditional medicine, and even culinary practices. Some of the unique aspects of Melungeon culture include:
- Language and Dialect: The speech patterns of Melungeons reflect a mix of Old English, Scots-Irish, and influences from other ancestral languages. Certain words and phrases found in Appalachian English have roots in these diverse backgrounds.
- Traditional Medicine: Melungeons relied on herbal remedies and natural medicine, much of which was passed down from Native American and European healing traditions.
- Music and Folklore: Appalachian folk music, with its haunting ballads and fiddle tunes, carries traces of the Melungeon experience. Many of their stories were passed down orally, preserving a history that was often left out of written records.
- Cuisine: The foods of Melungeon families often reflected their diverse heritage, combining elements of Native American, African, and European cooking. Dishes like cornbread, wild game, and foraged greens were staples of their diet.
The Modern Rediscovery of Melungeon Heritage
For many years, Melungeon identity was something whispered about rather than openly discussed. Families either denied their Melungeon roots or were unaware of them due to the deliberate erasure of their ancestry from historical records. However, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in Melungeon history, fueled by genealogical research, DNA studies, and cultural preservation efforts.
Organizations like the Melungeon Heritage Association and researchers dedicated to uncovering Appalachian history have shed new light on who the Melungeons were and how they survived generations of discrimination. Books, documentaries, and online resources have made it easier for descendants like myself to trace our lineage and embrace our heritage with pride.
Embracing My Identity
As I delve deeper into my family’s past, I feel an overwhelming sense of connection to those who came before me. My great-grandmother, Lena Mullins, was a woman of quiet strength. She taught me about hair straighteners and skin bleaching, about staying out of the sun and applying plenty of sunscreen. She thought these were important lessons to pass down—something I might need one day. Looking back, I see how deeply ingrained the struggles of our people were in her mind, how she wanted to prepare me for a world that might not always accept who I truly am. She was a quiet, somber, sweet woman who always had butter-mints on hand, a small but cherished memory that stays with me.
Then there was my grandmother Polly. She had a fiery spirit, and while everyone knew she had Indian ancestors, no one dared tell her to her face. If someone even hinted that she looked like an Indian, she’d become furious—outspoken, defensive, and unyielding. She was afraid, maybe even ashamed, of what that meant in a world that often looked down on non-white ancestry. But her reaction tells me everything I need to know about the weight she carried, the identity she felt she had to protect, and the world that made her feel that way.
It is important to honor the struggles of my Melungeon ancestors while celebrating their perseverance. Their story is one of adaptation, defiance, and survival. They refused to be erased, and their legacy lives on in the descendants who carry their blood, their names, and their spirit.
Conclusion
My journey into understanding my Melungeon heritage has been an emotional and enlightening experience. The people they called Melungeons were not merely a historical anomaly; they were real, vibrant, and complex individuals who shaped the culture of Appalachia in profound ways.
By sharing their story, I hope to encourage others with Melungeon ancestry to embrace their roots, uncover the truth about their past, and carry forward the strength and resilience that has defined us for centuries. My ancestors’ struggles and triumphs are part of me, and through my writing, I honor them.
For those who wish to learn more about Melungeon history, the following resources provide valuable insights:
- Melungeon Heritage Association
- Before We Were White
- Appalachian Memory Keepers
- J. Gray Discovery – Common Melungeon Surnames
- Family Tree Magazine
- Black By God
- NPR: For Some People of Appalachia, Complicated Roots
- Ancestry Freepages Malangu
Our past may have been hidden, but our future is one of rediscovery and pride. The Melungeon story is still being written, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Author: R. Mead
