Debunking the Choctaw Connection: The Truth About John and Patsy Cooper

The Truth About John and Patsy Cooper

Separating fact from fiction in genealogical research

If you've been researching the Lawson family line, you've likely encountered claims that Martha "Patsy" Cooper, wife of Daniel Franklin Lawson, was of Choctaw heritage through her father, John Cooper. This narrative appears across numerous family trees and genealogy websites, but here's the truth: it's not accurate.

After extensive research and consultation with Choctaw historians, the evidence clearly indicates that John Cooper and his daughter, Martha "Patsy" Cooper, were not of Choctaw descent—in fact, there is no evidence of any Native American ancestry at all.

Setting the Record Straight

The confusion stems from mixing up two entirely different John Cooper families. Let me break down what the research actually shows:

The White John Cooper (Patsy's Father):

• Born in South Carolina

• Later moved to Tennessee

• Married to Nancy Ann Piles (also white)

• Listed as white in all census records

• In the 1880 census, Patsy herself lists her father's birthplace as South Carolina

  
  

The Choctaw Captain John Cooper:

• A completely different person

• Resided in Mississippi

• Documented in Choctaw Nation East records between 1830-1832

• Relinquished his lands and joined Thomas Leflore's removal party to Indian Territory

These are two distinct individuals who happened to share the same name—a common occurrence in 19th-century America. There may also be some other John Coopers intermingled on the ancestry sites.

Daniel and Patsy's Children: The Real Family Tree

Based on "Lawson Legends" by Richard Roman and various Ancestry.com records, Daniel Franklin Lawson and Martha "Patsy" Cooper had the following children (dates vary depending on the source):

1. Mary A "Martha" Lawson (1832-1920)

2. Elizabeth "Betsy" Lawson (1834-1907)

3. Oliver Goldsmith Lawson (1835-1864)

4. John Benjamin Lawson (1838-1899)

5. Martha Cooper (1839-1873/1879)

6. Daniel Lawson (1839-1868/1888)

7. Susan Lawson (1842-1880/1900)

8. Sarah "Sallie" Lawson (1843-?)

9. Irene "Renee" Lawson (1845-1880+)

10. Nephi Lawson (1847-1921)

11. Emma Lawson (1849-1900)

12. Thomas Jefferson Lawson (1852-1934)

How Did This Confusion Begin?

According to Choctaw historians, three main factors contributed to this genealogical mix-up:

1. Land and Money Incentives

When white John Cooper's descendants moved into Indian Territory and border states, some intermarried with mixed-blood tribal members and gained access to Indian Welfare enrollment processes. Word spread among family members that claiming Native American heritage might result in land grants or monetary compensation. This led to either genuine family lore confusion or outright fraudulent claims.

2. Legal Manipulation of the Dawes Roll

The case of "Nancy J. Cooper Et Al., Choctaws. Dawes Commission, No. 1418" illustrates a common practice of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Attorneys would represent groups of people seeking placement on the Dawes Roll by:

• Accessing the Armstrong Roll (which documented Choctaw families remaining in Mississippi after the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek)

• Finding Anglo names that matched or resembled their clients' ancestors

• Claiming these individuals as Native American forebears

Between 1896 and 1899, when federal courts handled roll enumerations without tribal input, some of these fraudulent claims initially succeeded. However, the Choctaw Culture Center later clarified that these individuals were never recognized as Choctaws and had no valid claims to citizenship.

3. Modern DNA Testing Misinformation

Certain genetic testing and consulting companies have perpetuated false narratives, twisting real stories to tell customers what they want to hear. These fabricated accounts continue to dominate ancestry websites and frequently appear on Choctaw-focused social media groups, making it difficult to establish accurate information.

Most likely, the information claiming Chckeno was John Cooper's wife comes from this source. It's unlikely that "Chickeno" is a traditional Choctaw name. Information about Choctaw naming conventions describes names often derived from nature, animals, or significant events, and they were typically two or three syllables long. 

The Science Behind Native American Ancestry

Native American groups, including the Choctaw people, possess specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups—primarily A, B, C, D, and X—that reflect their ancestral origins. While blood tests can detect Native American ancestry, they cannot identify specific tribal affiliations. Legitimate DNA testing companies currently don't test for these specific haplogroups that would definitively prove Choctaw heritage.

Why This Matters

Genealogical accuracy isn't just about getting the facts right—it's about respecting the histories and identities of both the families we're researching and the Native American communities whose heritage is sometimes falsely claimed. The Choctaw Nation, like other tribal communities, has the right to determine its own membership and protect its cultural identity from unfounded claims.

Moving Forward with Your Choctaw Heritage Research

If you're researching the Lawson-Cooper family line, focus on the documented white ancestry rather than pursuing the Choctaw connection. The real family history is rich and interesting without the need for embellishment.

For those interested in learning more about this research, I've compiled extensive documentation on Daniel F. Lawson's lineage and have access to "Lawson Legends" by Richard Roman. Although the book isn't entirely accurate, it offers valuable starting points for further investigation.

Have you encountered similar genealogical myths in your family research? Share your experiences in the comments below. Remember: good genealogy is about following the evidence, not the stories we wish were true.

About the Author: Deirdre Gamill-Hock is a genealogical researcher who specializes in debunking family myths through careful documentation and consultation with cultural historians and tribal experts.