My grandparents, Charles and Fannie Bates York, used to tell me stories about our family and  ancestors when I was kid.  As a result, I've always been fascinated with our family's history!  My  first family tree was created when I was in the 4th grade and I've been hooked ever since.  When  Ancestry.com hit the internet, I signed up and I've been happily searching for information on my  ancestors ever since.

My Grandpa York told us that his family was related to King Henry III.  I've yet to find evidence  of that, but there may well be a connection to Jane Seymour, one of Henry's wives - so perhaps,  that's where that particular family legend originated.  Grandpa told us that his grandfather (Joseph  York) was shot in the leg by Yankees during the Civil War. I was so excited the first time I found  an official record to back that up!

Grandpa also used to tell us that his mother's family, the Seay's, were Dutch. There is some  history to suggest that they were French Huguenots who fled France in the 17th century to The  Netherlands, so that's probably where that story came from.

My Granny, Fannie Bates York, said she'd been told that one of her female ancestors had a  relationship with a Cherokee man.  That has yet to be proven as has the legend that my Grandfather,  Albert White was 1/4 Menominee.  Judging by their cheekbones, both could be correct! I'll keep  digging!