The Whitetop Tribe A Brief History

By Len Rineholt

Whitetop Tribal Historian

We are the Whitetop People! Our heritage comes directly from male ancestors. This is not usually

the case when folks are claiming to be “part” Indian. We are separated from the average claim of

Indian descent from a Cherokee princess or an Indian grandmother although there were certainly

some indigenous females in the mix . Our people have a rich documented history of being known

as Indian by outsiders as well as continually referring to ourselves

as Indian.

The Sizemore Indians got their start from the old tribes of Virginia.

Researchers seem to disagree and are unable, at this time, to con-

clusively point to a specific tribe of origin. What appears to us as

being clear is that sometime during the mid-eighteenth century the

Sizemore Indians were their own entity. During this time, we find

the core living in south eastern Virginia. While we do see some re-

cords of land ownership, it becomes apparent that the Sizemore In-

dians were somewhat semi nomadic at this time. Along with the

Saponi Tribe, the Sizemore's traveled between these areas of Vir-

ginia and Catawba Indian land. Some Sizemore Indians traveled

south into South Carolina, Georgia, and possibly Cherokee land be-

fore some returned back north. There were also Sizemore's who settled among the Creek Indians

(Although more research needs to be done about this particular group). The Sizemore's were known for trad-

ing, entering into marital unions and living among the Saponi, Catawba and Cherokee.

The years leading up to and during The Revolutionary War are troublesome times for our people

and all who lived in the America's. During this time, we see Sizemore's and associated families

singled out as Tories and Indian allies. This persecution and discrimination continues and stays ap-

parent on through the War of 1812. Some Sizemore's are mustered in Royalist militias and then de-

Volume 1, Issue 1

February 2016

The Tribe of the Whitetop Band of Native Indians

Tribal News

Whitetop Tribe to Become Federally Recognized As our tribe grows our need to become federally recognized is mov-

ing forward our Fed Acts Committee headed by Len Rineholt con-tinues to gather important documents to submit to the federal govern-

ment to prove that the Tribe of the Whitetop band of Native Indians

formally known as “The Whitetop Laurel Band of Cherokee”

founded by William H Blevins a grand son of James and Lydia

(Sizemore) Blevins has been in existence since 1896 a resent

change in BIA regulations requires that any tribe need only show that

they have been a tribe since 1900. There is still much to do and lots

of documents need to be collected but we are confident that we will

achieve our goal.

Whitetop Drift Whitetop Drift is progressing

again thanks to the hard work of

Len Rineholt we have all had the opportunity to learn some Chero-

kee phrases you are encouraged to

join us on facebook Whitetop

Drift , where Len posts regular

classes with written and video

presentations of word usage and

pronunciations. These are osda

classes and all the members of our

anilasdalv should learn gado is be-

ing taught. Wado.

As reported in local Manchester News

serted.

In the mid to late eighteenth century, our Sizemore Indians are on the move. While some continued to stay in

the areas previously discussed the many are migrating. Small groups migrate to South Carolina and Georgia.

Along with other known Indian families, one area in-particular becomes a strong choice to call home. The

North West corner of North Carolina and south west corner of Virginia. This area becomes important to our

history as it is home to the prestigious Whitetop Mountain. This area will remain home to many of our people.

From this time on until more recent years, our people will continue to stay in the Appalachian Mountains away

from the hustle and bustle of the ever modernizing world.

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, a migration to the west into Tennessee and continuing into

the eastern Kentucky Mountains is taking place. Along this journey into Tennessee, many settle here while

some only stay a short time before moving on into Kentucky. The mountains of Kentucky are still home to

many of our people.

From the Whitetop mountain area, we see other migrations. One is north into Virginia during the mid-

nineteenth century which will eventually becomes the mountain region of south eastern West Virginia. Many

of our Sizemore Indians still reside in this area today. In the later part of this century, small groups moved

south, some as far as Texas. There was also some migrations north

into Maryland which is thought to be mainly for economic reasons.

In this short version of our history, it would be difficult to include

every possible direction the people traveled and settled. Included

here are a few of the major migrations.

During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, over

two thousand applications were made by our people to become East-

ern Cherokee. These applications included over five thousand indi-

viduals when one factors in children and spouses. Chief William Blevins corresponds with the Indian agents.

In 1896, our Sizemore Indians organized. This is where we first see the use of the name Whitetop Tribe. The

name used at that time was The Whitetop Laurel Band of Cherokees. The use of the name Cherokees seems

fitting enough as these were applications to be legally Cherokee. These applications and the testimonies be-

come treasures of information but the researcher has to read between the lines. These applications can be quite

confusing and not everyone claimed Cherokee descent. There are references to the Catawba, old Virginia

Tribes as well as Creek. The references to Old Ned Sizemore get very confusing. There were, as we know,

more than one Edward and many George's. This surely created confusion to the agents and records must have

been tough to come by in those days. One thing that is certain was the denial. Not Cherokee was the final de-

cision. The government agents never denied that we were Indian. This was a crushing blow to our people

who will now forever be known as Whitetop Indians.

Tired of fighting with government Whitetop Indians commenced with normal life and activities. Raising fami-

lies and making a living would become priority. Many of our men fought in the wars of the twentieth century.

Community ties remained strong among the Whitetop people. Large numbers remain in key areas of the coun-

try as some move all over the United States. Opportunities for education and economics played its role in the

spider web of our people across America. Throughout the twentieth century Whitetop people have remained

true to our indigenous roots as American Indians. We have held onto this value and the ties with our extended

family.

In recent years, the internet came into existence. The internet is a wonderful tool for the researcher as well as

an evil entity all its own. The internet has helped historians and genealogists with creating accurate family

trees and historical information. This same internet has also brought about a wealth of misinformation. With

just a few clicks of the mouse anyone can find false information about the Whitetop Indians including incor-

The Whitetop Laurel Band of Cherokees. The use of the name Cherokees seems fitting enough as these were applica-tions to be legally Cherokee.

rect genealogical information, pictures that are unreasonable, the Cherokee princess stories, and the list goes on.

The internet has brought good to our people. It has closed the distances between us and helps to maintain a con-

stant connection among many of our family. There has been chatter among many over the course of these inter-

net years to reorganize our people as one. In 2012, James Sizemore and a few others took on this task. Thanks

to the hard work of many, we are currently supported and recognized by over twenty counties in Kentucky. The

Council Members along with our Chief are working toward the betterment of our tribe. The process of Federal

Acknowledgment has begun and in its infancy, records and information are being stockpiled and organized with

the help of our members.

Also in recent years DNA testing has confirmed that particular Sizemore lines carry Indigenous DNA. At this

time is seems likely, according to DNA studies, that sometime before the mid 1700's some Sizemore men carried

native DNA and some others did not. This would certainly explain why some Sizemore's today claim native de-

scent and some do not make this claim. DNA is constantly being studied, analyzed, and learned about. The ex-

tensive studies conducted in this field of science will hopefully yield some more answers about our past in the

near future. Tohidu Whitetop Anilasdalv Usahi Kohiiga a le Sunle (Good peace, Whitetop Tribe, Yesterday, To-

day and Tomorrow) Len Rineholt, Whitetop Tribal Historian

The Tribe of the Whitetop Band of Native Indians is growing almost

daily we now have over 520 members and are recognized as a Native In-

dian Tribe by 21 Kentucky Counties and two Kentucky Cities to view the

letters please visit our website.

www.thetribeofthewhitetopbandofnativeindiansinc.org

At the 2nd annual Whitetop gathering the Full members of Whitetop Tribe held its first elections and installed its new council each council member will serve a term of 2 years.

Chief– James "Quietwolf" Sizemore

Chief James Quietwolf Sizemore was born in 1952 in Oneida, KY. Joan Bennett Sizemore is his wife of 43 years.

They have four children and eight grandchildren. It is noticeable that he is a devoted and loving husband, father

and grandfather. He left high school early to serve in the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. He's now a retired

disabled veteran. Working many years in the auto body repair field, he acquired one of his favorite hobbies - res-

toration of antique cars. Chief served over twenty years as the Commander and President and Service Officer of

the Disabled American Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America. For many years, he has been a loyal vol-

unteer in his home city of Manchester, and county of Clay, KY. Some of his other hobbies include music, singing,

playing instruments and writing songs. He is experienced in crafting unique and one of a kind items and hunting. Our Chief was a

driving force to resurrect our Tribe in 2012…with just a hand full of members. Our enrollment has now grown to over 500 and many

of those are a direct result of how well regarded our Chief has become. Thanks to his reverent passion for our ancestors, history, cul-

ture and current members, he is an excellent ambassador for our Whitetop Tribe. Because of his efforts, we've been acknowledged by

over twenty counties in KY and a few cities. We are on our way to submitting an application for Federal Acknowledgement, with his

assistance. He stays very involved in our day to day activities, always willing to help, always going above and beyond what is neces-

sary to keep our Tribe in good spirits and hopeful. The Tribe runs through his veins, literally, and he is humbled and proud of that

fact.

Chairman Brad Groom Siyo! My wife and I recently bought a home in the mountains in Western North Carolina. We

are less than a mile from a historical Cherokee settlement on the banks of the Pigeon River. I was very happy to finally

get to meet Chief James on a recent trip home this past September. One of my favorite stops is a Wildcat Harley David-

son – just down the road from Manchester. Chief James and his wife were gracious enough to make the drive from

Manchester down to London to meet my wife and I at this location. As your Chairman, I have a couple of priorities

which are at the top of my list: [1] transparency. I want every member of the tribe to openly see how the tribe is gov-

erned and decisions are made. While not every member may end up agreeing with a decision I want you to know ex-

actly how the decision was made, when it was made and who made it. Second on my list is being even-handed and let-

ting everyone have their say. I believe that no voice should go unheard. We are all part of the same family and every family member’s

voice is important and I welcome hearing from all of you. Last, I strive for continued stability. Members should know that steady

hands and heads are working for all of us.

Vice Chairman William Hicks (Strong Deer ) joined the Tribe March of 2015 as a Full Member with DNA., I have

been involved almost every Day with the Tribe and its Members. We are a Great Family. I also Attended the 2015

Gathering and loved helping with it. I also ran for Council and was voted in as Vice Council. Since then I have con-

tinued to be of Service to my Tribe and its Members. I have never missed a meeting since I joined . Council/ Mem-

bers Meeting. I am also Chairing the 2016 Gathering for the Tribe and doing my best to see we have a great one in

2016. My Family Line to the Sizemore's is Old Ned and his Son George and The Blevins Family. I along with my

wife Florence strive everyday to build our Tribe as much as possible. I am involved with Council on a regular bases and Members only

group page to make sure I know how everything is going and help where I am need. signed William Hicks

Secetary Deb Foster Osiyo Anilasdalv (Hello Tribe). Just a bit about your secretary. In 1986, I earned my degree in

Secretarial Science. I have been doing secretarial type of work, ever since. Some while employed and some on my

own (learning along the way).

In 2012, we decided to look into our family lore of Indian ancestry. We began with a DNA test, for my

daughter. BAM - This is the moment that we found our Indian blood and matches to the surname Sizemore. What

an amazing result which lead me to The Whitetop Tribe. We both have been members since early 2013. In late

2014, our tribe went through a reorganization. I was elected as interim secretary and had no thoughts to continue af-

ter that term. However, this job has been very rewarding. I've been honored to share in the growth of our Tribe. I

am truly thankful you voted me back in as your secretary. I hope that you all know I will always have your needs and concerns, first

and foremost, as a member of your Tribal Council. If I can't accomplish something, I will learn how or find someone who will get the

job done. I'm extremely proud of our Tribe's accomplishments - this couldn't happen without you! Wado and Blessings - Secretary,

Deb Foster.

Jessee Sizemore Communications/Business Coordinator Well I've lived in clay co all my life I work as a CNA

and do direct support for the mentally challenged. I spend most my spare time outdoors. I help to read over letters

and help write them when they go out to newspapers or local flyers. I also help with managing the tribe account if

anyone needs it.

Dennie Sizemore Treasurer I am Leslie Dennie "Black Fox" Sizemore, Treasurer of the Whitetop

Tribe of Native Indians. I was born and raised in Manchester, KY. I am a father of two and a grandfa-

ther of one and soon two. I have been happily married for over 25 years to my wonderful wife Char-

lotte. I attended Cumberland College where I studied History and Political Science. Presently I am an

over-the- road truck driver dedicated to the automotive industry. I became interim treasurer during the

reorganization of our Tribe and was officially elected at the 2015 Gathering. One of my proudest mo-

ments was receiving my DNA results proving my heritage. Through the Whitetop Nation, I have met

and became close with many cousins. My goal is to see our Tribe become federally recognized. With

everyone's hard work it will happen. One of my personal favorite things is our annual Gathering.

Doug Keefauver (Three Feathers) Member Coordinator/Advocate/Chaplain. I am a Vietnam vet-

eran and served in Vietnam 1967-1969 as an infantry soldier. I am an ordained minister through a non

denominational church, and have been actively engaged in the ministry of my Lord and savior Jesus

Christ since 1985. I have had the privilege of traveling to many countries around the world as a Mission-

ary Evangelist to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I joined the tribe in 2013 when I discovered that my

Sizemore family was a part of the Whitetop ancestry. Our family story always said we were part Chero-

kee so I set out to prove or disprove this story through DNA and genealogical records. Like many of my

Sizemore cousins the stories were confirmed and I soon discovered that The Tribe of The Whitetop Lau-

rel Band of Cherokee that had its beginning in 1896 founded by Chief William Blevins was reorganizing under the direction

of Chief James Quietwolf Sizemore. I am proud of my Native Indian heritage and will continue to assist our people in any-

way I can. My job as your Chaplain is to see to your spiritual need and pray for each of you to come into the saving grace

and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you will let Him bless every aspect of your life. I am available for you

24/7 message me on facebook or email dougkeefauver@yahoo.com my phone 530-647-2797

Christopher Keefauver (Doc Longbow) Medicine Man: Doc Longbow served as a combat medic in

Vietnam (1971-72) with the 3rd brigade 1st Cavalry Division (airmobile) Gary Owens Task Force. Con-

ferred both the Master of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine degrees by the University of Dar Es Salaam

(2005) and offered the certificate as Professor of Medicine and a position on the faculty. Note; Doctor of

Medicine degrees from this University are usually attached to Oxford University England. Received the

AMREF forth category Noble Prize for best research in the AIDS epidemic in Africa (2005)

Authored two books (for private distribution) one entitled "Physician" and the other "Street Medicine"

and has written over 20 papers (for clients) on various medical subjects outlining both orthodox and natu-

ral/herbal treatments. Has begun an in depth study of Native American medicine with emphasis on the

medical practices of the Cherokee.

Len Rineholt, Tribal Historian/Genealogist I will start by telling you a little about myself since I have

not had interactions with the majority of our members. I was born in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1970. I

spent much of my childhood in the Tuscarora Mountains of Pennsylvania and now reside in south central

region of Pennsylvania. I own my own tattoo shop which keeps me busy. I have always been fascinated

with history, especially when it comes to trying to figure out mysteries. So here I am. I have been a

proud member of The Whitetop Tribe since June of 2014 and was appointed by Council as our Historian

in June of 2015. Since this time one of my main focal areas has been the collection and organization of

documents and information. I published to our members a report on William and Martha Sisemore of

Jamestown. There are many projects I am involved in including a language study group referred to as Whitetop Drift, Creat-

ing art work including our Tribal Seal, heading up our Federal Acknowledgment Committee and a Tribal Pictures group,

setting up our tribal store along with the help of Secretary Deb Foster, and working on intermediate reports as well as an

eventual full presentation of our tribal history. I am available to anyone who needs help with genealogy, has anything they

would like to discuss, or just wants to shoot the breeze. I can be reached by email (whitetophistorian@gmail.com) or private

message on Facebook.

Your Humble Servant, Len Rineholt

The Chief Judge of the Supreme Court:

The City of Manchester to install a road sign for the tribe at the freeway exit stat-ing: Welcome to Manchester

Home of the:

“The Tribe of the Whitetop Band of Native Indians.”

The Tribe now has its own flag the flags are for sale for $30.00 each. Send a check or money order to:

The Tribe of the Whitetop Band of Native Indians P.O. Box 474 Manchester, KY 40962

The Tribal Seal The Tribal Seal displayed on the front

page of our news letter was approved by the

council, and is now copyrighted; documents

were filed with the Federal Copyright Office

last June 2015. The seal was designed by Len

Rineholt. Its green and blue background repre-

sents the Whitetop Mountain where the White-

top Tribe had its initial beginning under the

leadership of Chief William H Blevins. The

sticks represent the nickname given by the Na-

tive Indians who were protected by our tribe

during the 1830s Indian removal “The Trail of

Tears” as our ancestors hid those who would

Visit the Whitetop Store Just log on to: www.thetribeofthewhitetopbandofnativeindiansinc.org

Click on the Whitetop Store tab and your in.