I spoke with my aunt last night about our Indian relatives. For those
of you who did not read my earlier post, my relatives came from the
Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes, but all our family history was in a
strong box and was stolen when my grandmother's house was burglarized
after my great-grandmother died.
Anyhow, my aunt told me that my great-grandfather, Russell Burnett,
went to University of Michigan's veterinary school, and while he was in
school he supported himself by wrestling under the name "The Indian."
This would be around approximately 1903-1908. While at Michigan he met
and married Jessie Mason, who was also part Indian. Jessie was orphaned
as a young child and was raised by Quakers, so we have no idea of her
background. Neither Russell nor Jessie were on tribal rolls, because (as
my aunt told me) there was a stigma attached to being a "half-breed,"
and they never talked about it to anyone outside of the family.
Russell and Jessie Burnett moved back to New England, where he worked
as a veterinarian. He was also well-known for his hunting ability and
for his oxen team. They had three children: Eleanor (my grandmother),
Russell and Margaret.
I have included this information because I'm hoping that someone
might know something of the Burnett family that would be able to help me
find the information I need to trace my ancestry. As it is now, I'm
unable to trace anything past my maternal great-grandparents. Any
information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Sylvia Rowe