I thought I would post and share my understanding of these groups…Melungeons, Brass ankles, Red Bones, Carmelites, were a specific group of people, in a specific time, in a specific area. One may have an ancestor who was among these groups, but this does not make this individual Melungeon or any of the others?? This is my take on what I have read. As for the diseases, etc that is genetics, environment and other influences. These groups have mixed with many cultures down through the years so to say that you have a specific disease from an ancestor who was Melungeon, for example, would be unlikely. And just because you have an ancestor who was a Gibson, Adkins, Collins etc, does not mean you had these ancestors. You have to tie your family line to these specific families, but that still does not leave one with concrete answers, as I have found. Your best bet is your own family history…what has been passed down…if your grandmother said there is native roots…well, enough said. Blessings, Shirley
