Bunch

Hello. I am new and I have been researching my Bunch Family history for some time. My grandfather was a Bunch. The paper trail in our particular line is difficult for me, but I am most interested in confirming the stories that my grandfather passed on to his children and grandchildren about have Indian blood, which he said was “Blackfoot,” and there were stories of an Indian Princess.

I need and want help. My grandfather’s grandfather was named Jesse Hamilton Bunch. His death certificate says that he was born in Rutledge, TN 1819. It doesn’t say the name of his father and mother, but it says that his father was born in Tennessee. Since Jesse had some 6 wives and 25 children there are others doing research, but I have not hooked up with anyone doing research on this line who is interested in Indian blood. Supposedly Jesse’s father was David W. Bunch, who claimed land in Franklin, Arkansas in 1839 along with Philemon Williams–both at 10N, 27W. Supposed David W. Bunch was married to Heister Midkiff whose father was Isiah Midkiff.

To me, things are murky, and I am most focused on finding Blackfoot Indian blood. In jumping ahead out of frustration, I have found the Melungeon information on the internet. I can find many names which “fit” surrounding my Bunch family, even as they move down into Texas. On the land records and marriage records some of the surnames are Crow, Williams, Graves, Cox and most recently I saw that a William Goins claimed property in Clark, Arkansas in 1882 in the same section that my Bunch’s lived.

Since I know in my heart that I have Indian heritage, and I feel it is one of the most important things about me, I am taking a trip to Tennessee this summer for my 50th birthday!! I am staying on Clinch Mountain overlooking Cherokee Lake, near Bean’s Station so that I can take it all in as I am not getting any younger. So much the better if I travel clear across the country and have more definitive information, or know someone I might talk to in person about my Bunch family.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Looks like there is a lot of reading to do. . .

Annie Cameron