Clara StClair Leonard of Bedford Co., Va
My maternal grandmother was named Clara StClair Leonard (Born: 9/8/1918; Died: 5/6/1976. She married Mose Edward Leonard, Born; 12/31/1910; Died: 12/1/1975.Their marriage produced 11 children.
My interest lies in researching Clara StClair's maternal lineage, as all biological relatives confirm that she bore the physical traits of Native American descent and professed to have been of same (Eastern Cherokee??). Indeed, I have been told that I possess several of the physical traits of such heritage (huge earlobes, lactose intolerance, "firewater intolerance," but most importantly--a dental trait having to do with some cusp or another on my teeth (or the lack therof--I forget) which is only found in North American Indian Tribes and some Asian people).
I am also told that marriages between Cherokees and other European immigrants--most notably Irish--was very common in SW Va and Western NC; and, that geneology research comfirming Native Americans in this region is also very difficult, as many of the Indians often hid their lineage or otherwise refused to enter on the tribal rolls (e.g. Baker Roll of the Eastern Cherokee).
I would be eternally grateful for any assistance that you might provide in helping me with my research.