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Subject: [NC-Cemeteries] Need Help w/ Native Americans and Cemeteries in Alexander Co.
Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 00:21:39 EDT
Hi I'm trying to locate the cemetery where my 5xGreat Grandmother is buried.
She was a Shawnee. When she married my 5xGreat Grandfather Henry Lail
(spellings of last name vary widely i.e. Lael, Lagle, Lale, Layle etc.) she
converted to Chritianity and took the name Elizabeth.
We originally thought she might have been buried with her daughter (Elizabeth
Lail White) in the White Family Cemetery near Taylorsville.
However, I recently was given additional information as follows:
Elizabeth Lail's given name in Shawnee was Me-Shekin Ta- Withe
(Ma- Sha- Kin Tawith- e) "Painted Dove" in Shawnee.
She is supposedly buried in a private cemetery in Alexander Co., NC. The
person who relayed this information to me was not sure of the name or
location of the cemetery, only that it is not the White Family Cemetery.
They believe the cemetery is however, on a list of cemeteries protected under
NC state law. According to my source, Elizabeth's grave has one of the
largest markers in this cemetery.
Evidently the story of her marriage to Henry Lail and their live together are
supposed to be well known information to members of the Shawnee tribe in
Alexander County. I'd appreciate any help from members of the tribe if they
could pass along any information or oral history. I'd like to learn more
about my Shawnee ancestry.
My general questions for the list are:
1. Is anyone aware of this specific individual and her gravesite or other
history?
2. Is anyone aware of any private "protected" cemeteries in Alexander County,
especially in the Taylorsville area and also especially containing native
americans.
3. Would anyone who is aware of such a cemetery be willing to check for
Elizabeth Me Shekin Ta Withe Lail's tombstone and photograph it for me.
Thanks to anyone who can be of any help.
Ken Weber
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