After my interest in family history was sparked by a fantastical tale my paternal grandfather told my children about his mother, Minnie Staggs, I began dabbling in family history. Minnie’s story was first on my list of family legends to explore. Although my grandfather was a notorious liar and the stories he told were suspect, I was still curious about my family’s proclaimed “Cherokee grandmother.” This post summarizes my discoveries about Minnie’s life story - all subject to update or change as more accurate information comes to light.
The Dilemma
Although an intriguing story told to my children by my paternal grandfather sparked my interest in family history, I found myself unwilling to fully research this part of my family. My grandfather was a repulsive man - liar, thief, convicted criminal, child molester, and adulterer. I remember clearly the first time I heard the term, sociopathy, in college. I sat up straighter and hung on every word, for it was the first time I had insight into the cruel, destructive manipulations of the sociopath who terrorized our family and chipped away at trust and self-esteem.
And yet, the intrigue around my paternal great grandmother finally drew me in.