Geneology of Elvis

[MissyM]

I've been researching our family geneology for a year. I used some of Elvis's to locate family members. But what I came across is lots and lots of people listing their family tree as being part of Elvis's. Some of them it's so bizarre too. And also in my research I found articles relating the Cherokee Tribe to the Hebrew nation. Supposedly many of the Cherokee artifacts are the same as Hebrew ones as well as ancient wall carvings. Well, it is all very interesting and I'm going to look into it some more. I just thought it was funny that so many people want to be decendants of Elvis's family.

[presley31]

This is something l came accoss
Elvis Presley Genealogy
On January 8, 1935 Elvis Aron Presley was born very early in the morning. He was son to Vernon Presley and Gladys Love Smith, a truck driver and sewing machinist. His mother gave birth in their two-room house in East Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis was actually a twin, but his brother Jesse was stillborn. The family’s last name was changed to Presley during the Civil War from its German original, “Pressler.” The Elvis Presley Genealogy puts him at the third generation born in the United States. Johann Valentin Pressler immigrated back in 1710 to the United States.

Elvis’ family tree history had its roots in the deep south of Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. All four of his grandparents were born and lived in Mississippi. Vernon’s parents, Jessie D.M. Presley and Minnie Mae Hood, both died in different states. Jessie spent his last years in Kentucky, and Minnie in Tennessee. Gladys’ parents, Robert Lee Smith and Octavia L. Mansell, both lived and died in Mississippi. The Elvis Presley Genealogy also reveals that Elvis was mostly Scottish and English. His background also included Irish, Native American, and German

source: http://www.encyclomedia.com/elvis_presley.html

[cameron]

I thought Elvis' geneology was interesting too.
Even have a grand daughter that'd married to a Smith that was born and raised around Memphis. We laugh about trying to find out if he's related to Elvis. But, I would never even try. I don't even care to look my own up .
Good luck, Missy. :)

[Miss Clawdy]

What I've found is 10 years old, but I think nothing important has changed in the
meantime, except naming a street in Hochstadt 'Elvis-Presley-Strasse' in 2006. ;)

From the German Information Center Newsletters February 28 1997:
THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL A GERMAN?
Germany was gripped by "Elvis fever" as early as the Fifties, when the "King" went to Bad Nauheim (Hessen) to fulfill his military obligations. Little did his German fans know that they had another reason to love him he was, it turns out, a German.
According to Donald W. Presley and Edward C. Dunn, both distant relatives of the King, a direct link can be made from Elvis back to a certain Johann Valentin Pressler, a winegrower who emigrated to America in 1710. Pressler came from a village in southern Palatinate called Niederhochstadt. Niederhochstadt became Hochstadt sometime during the 250 years after Johann Pressler left it, but there are still many Presslers there, among them a winegrower like Johann Valentin.
Johann Valentin first settled in New York and later moved his family to the South. The name was Anglicized during the Civil War by a Pressler serving in the Confederate Army, Presley and Dunn report in a forthcoming book on the Presley family. There was no word, however, on whether Hochstadt was planning any Elvis shrines along the lines of Graceland in Memphis, the last residence of the "King of Rock'n Roll."

[rocknroll]

He's related to Oprah you know?

Hahahahahahahahahaha:D

[utmom2008]

I've been researching our family geneology for a year. I used some of Elvis's to locate family members. But what I came across is lots and lots of people listing their family tree as being part of Elvis's. Some of them it's so bizarre too. And also in my research I found articles relating the Cherokee Tribe to the Hebrew nation. Supposedly many of the Cherokee artifacts are the same as Hebrew ones as well as ancient wall carvings. Well, it is all very interesting and I'm going to look into it some more. I just thought it was funny that so many people want to be decendants of Elvis's family.
Thanks for the interesting post Missy...and, may I say??? Welcome back!!!

[MissyM]

Oh thank ma lady! I find history and geneology soo interesting.

[graceland girl]

if you read elvis and gladys, by elaine dundy, there is quite a good section in there all aboutthe family history etc, going way back and even tracing elvis' scottish roots- is a good read

[utmom2008]

Oh thank ma lady! I find history and geneology soo interesting.
Me too Missy. :lol: I think it's a sign of getting "older". :D The older I get, the more interesting it seems to become...:hmm:

[LianaKaralivanou]

He's related to Oprah you know?

Hahahahahahahahahaha:D


Yeah, right! :lmfao:

[presley31]

Oh thank ma lady! I find history and geneology soo interesting.

looks like lisa has something in common with you, she been tracing her fathers history and getting a kilt made for the presleys.

[utmom2008]

looks like lisa has something in common with you, she been tracing her fathers history and getting a kilt made for the presleys.
Who will she present the kilt to??

[presley31]

Who will she present the kilt to??

Thats up to her, l just read the news.

[utmom2008]

Thats up to her, l just read the news.
Can you post the link??

[presley31]

Can you post the link??

oops its not a kilt but a tartan.
Its been posted for almost a month on the non topic


Tartan tribute for the King.

LISA Marie Presley has reportedly commissioned an Edinburgh kiltmaker to create an official Elvis tartan.

The daughter of the King of rock and roll came to the Capital last week. The 39-year-old songwriter has been looking into ways of strengthening Elvis's Scottish heritage, after it emerged his ancestors hailed from Aberdeenshire. She visited 21st Century Kilts on the Royal mile.

After speaking to designer Howie Nicholsby, Lisa Marie learned she could claim the maiden name of Elvis's mother, Gladys Smith, for her tartan.


2007/12/23 http://news.scotsman.com / www.epgold.com

[utmom2008]

oops its not a kilt but a tartan.
Its been posted for almost a month on the non topic


Tartan tribute for the King.

LISA Marie Presley has reportedly commissioned an Edinburgh kiltmaker to create an official Elvis tartan.

The daughter of the King of rock and roll came to the Capital last week. The 39-year-old songwriter has been looking into ways of strengthening Elvis's Scottish heritage, after it emerged his ancestors hailed from Aberdeenshire. She visited 21st Century Kilts on the Royal mile.

After speaking to designer Howie Nicholsby, Lisa Marie learned she could claim the maiden name of Elvis's mother, Gladys Smith, for her tartan.


2007/12/23 http://news.scotsman.com / www.epgold.com
Thanks.......

[MissyM]

And Elvis Tartan! Ok, am I the only one who finds this tacky?
Maybe she should embrace some of her southern roots before she embraces the Scottish. Oh, please someone tell me to shut up!

[utmom2008]

And Elvis Tartan! Ok, am I the only one who finds this tacky?
Maybe she should embrace some of her southern roots before she embraces the Scottish. Oh, please someone tell me to shut up!

No...you are not the only one that thinks that sounds ridiculous. And, yes, learn a little about the south before venturing off to other countries...:lmfao::lmfao:

[Getlo]

And Elvis Tartan! Ok, am I the only one who finds this tacky? Maybe she should embrace some of her southern roots before she embraces the Scottish. Oh, please someone tell me to shut up!

It's not an Elvis tartan, it is a Smith tartan. It's nothing to do with the Presley/Pressley side of the family.

[MissyM]

Got it, on the Smith side. I still think it's tacky and she seems to have skipped a few generations when getting in touch with her roots. Lisa annoys me at times. (I don't dislike her per say) But think about it, how much time has she spent talking about or researching what her southern people did and endured??

[john carpenter]

Yes,Elvis' Family Tree is very interesting.I found out though that Elvis'Grandparents(Robert(Bob)and Doll Smith were 1st cousins.My Mothers maden name was Smith,and i have cousins named Billy and Gene like Elvis but its a coincidence.I guess every fan would like to be in his family.If only to brag about.:lmfao:

[utmom2008]

Got it, on the Smith side. I still think it's tacky and she seems to have skipped a few generations when getting in touch with her roots. Lisa annoys me at times. (I don't dislike her per say) But think about it, how much time has she spent talking about or researching what her southern people did and endured??

You are right Missy. It doesn't matter if it's Smith or Presley, there is still lots and lots to get in touch with before venturing off to other countries.;);)

[utmom2008]

I found out though that Elvis'Grandparents(Robert(Bob)and Doll Smith were 1st cousins.

Are you saying that Bob and Doll were each other's 1st cousin?? :supriced::supriced: That's against the law, and has been for a long time....:hmm:

[MissyM]

Years ago it wasn't against the law. People normally married people who lived close by. They didn't realize the genetic ramifications. When doing research you will find it is not done often but acceptable.

[cameron]

Years ago it wasn't against the law. People normally married people who lived close by. They didn't realize the genetic ramifications. When doing research you will find it is not done often but acceptable.

True, Missy. I was quite surprised when my grandmother pointed that out to me. People stayed pretty much within the family, close friends etc.

Of course, they didn't haven't the different ways to get around that we do today. Even I can remember a horse pulling an "ice wagon" to deliver blocks of ice to people. Barely, and it was a very small town....but, it was neat.

[utmom2008]

Years ago it wasn't against the law. People normally married people who lived close by. They didn't realize the genetic ramifications. When doing research you will find it is not done often but acceptable.
Yeh, I guess that's true. Remember what hell Jerry Lee Lewis went through when he married his 13 year old cousin?? :wacko: :wacko:

[Shelby71]

What makes y’all think Lisa does not know about and embrace her southern roots? I am not trying to stir up anything. I really am just curious. I read somewhere else one of her ancestors fought in the 26th North Carolina during the War Between the States. My GGG Grandfather fought in that unit. If she doesn’t know about it she should learn. One hell of a story. I hope she isn’t one of those southerners that turns her back on her southern roots. True some of our history is embarrassing but there is also much to be proud of! The south does not have a lock on racism or any of the other problems we often get blamed for.

[MissyM]

To answer your question: I guess because she doesn't talk about it and she does talk about the roots in Scotland. She even spent time in a Castle and rumor has it she may buy one. The deep south has such a rich history. So much to learn and yet I've not heard her say a word. If someone else has, I'm all ears.

[cameron]

I guess I am one that chooses not to even think much about Lisa or what she does or doesn't do.
It's always captured my attention....{.for just a short while, I admit}when I was told about many long ago generations of mine.
After the initial shock or dismay ;) I just let it go, because I don't relate to it.

I CAN relate to what I know, growing up as a child. And, you're right.
I remember the racism quite well and I was raised in the northern part of the US. To me, I ignored it and chose my friends ; not for the color of their skin or any religious affiliation, but how well we "connected" as people.
Needless to say ,my grandmother from the south didn't appreciate that at all.

Oh well.....we humans can make progress if we choose .
IMO, it's just something that's captured Lisa's attention for a minute.
I don't think she'll be buying a castle anytime soon. :P

[Shelby71]

To answer your question: I guess because she doesn't talk about it and she does talk about the roots in Scotland. She even spent time in a Castle and rumor has it she may buy one. The deep south has such a rich history. So much to learn and yet I've not heard her say a word. If someone else has, I'm all ears.

I was not aware of that. That is interesting. Btw, do you consider NC part of the deep south?

[MissyM]

I consider it the south. That's were husbands other side comes from. I did all the way back to the 1800's with his family. It was so interesting. The original idea was to document his grandmother's Cherokee line. Did get that but found out about a whole lot more.What the Indians went through. How they hid in the mountains Of TN and NC. About the Civil war and how it pitted brother against brother. How the progress of cities happens. There is so much if you just look. Tupelo itself has an interesting history in itself.

[Shelby71]

Needless to say ,my grandmother from the south didn't appreciate that at all.

Oh well.....we humans can make progress if we choose . :P

Why is that needless to say? Not everyone that lives in a racist society is a racist. I never heard either one of my southern grandmothers say a bad word about anyone. Totally agree on this other point. I live in a part of North Carolina that a lot people have chosen to move to. I have heard more than one of them say they have experienced/seen less racism here than they did when they lived in other areas of the country. I think it is because you can not work on your problems until you admit that you have them. IMO, a lot of Americans still consider racism a southern issue.

[utmom2008]

IMO, a lot of Americans still consider racism a southern issue.

They certainly do....and that's been an unfair assumption for many many years. The North and the South still have alot of differences, they always will. But...there are jerks on both sides.(n) I consider North Carolina to be part of the south. Have you seen the movie "Cold Mountain"? If not......see it. It shows just how bad some of the south had it during the Civil War...

[MissyM]

Utmom- I loved Cold Mountain. It was such a great visual of what some of my husbands people went through. And then I have stories that his grandma told me about Tupelo. She died at 96 and had lived there most of her life. (till they all went to Memphis) So when I read stories told about Elvis, I can make a picture in my mind from all the stories Grandma told.

[cameron]

Why is that needless to say? Not everyone that lives in a racist society is a racist. I never heard either one of my southern grandmothers say a bad word about anyone. Totally agree on this other point. I live in a part of North Carolina that a lot people have chosen to move to. I have heard more than one of them say they have experienced/seen less racism here than they did when they lived in other areas of the country. I think it is because you can not work on your problems until you admit that you have them. IMO, a lot of Americans still consider racism a southern issue.

:doh: I think you'd have to have known my grandmother, is what I meant.
Her words " Where I come from, they have to walk on the other side of the street ."
I just never understood nor accepted that concept. {My grandparents raised me BTW. } I raised my kids completely the opposite.
Today we have quite a mixture of race, religion ,etc. in our family.

[utmom2008]

Utmom- I loved Cold Mountain. It was such a great visual of what some of my husbands people went through. And then I have stories that his grandma told me about Tupelo. She died at 96 and had lived there most of her life. (till they all went to Memphis) So when I read stories told about Elvis, I can make a picture in my mind from all the stories Grandma told.
It's a great movie Missy...good enough that I bought it on DVD. It was a true depiction of the South during the war....not everyone lived like Scarlett O'Hara. ;) I would love to hear some of your hubby's Grandmother.....I bet they are fascinating....

[MissyM]

They are and how I wish I had recorded them! I just never knew they would be that important! Missy slaps herself upside the head.

[utmom2008]

They are and how I wish I had recorded them! I just never knew they would be that important! Missy slaps herself upside the head.
At some point I would love to visit about that. My hubby is a History major...and we both love to sit and talk about the Civil War and the South....

[Diane]

I feel it's really unfair to generalize and put all blame on the south for prejudicism as I was brought up in eastern Canada and saw some of it there as well...it's everywhere but tg not as prevalent anywhere as it used to be. My husband's family are all from Texas, some are still prejudiced and some never were.

Diane

[utmom2008]

I feel it's really unfair to generalize and put all blame on the south for prejudicism as I was brought up in eastern Canada and saw some of it there as well...it's everywhere but tg not as prevalent anywhere as it used to be. My husband's family are all from Texas, some are still prejudiced and some never were.

Diane
Which part of Texas???

[Diane]

Rosanne, my husband's family were from west Texas around Lamesa and Big Springs. He was the only one born in California. Lots of Ogalala-Sioux (I never can spell that right sorry), Cherokee and Choctaw running through his family. The rest is English, Irish, Scots and Swedish...quite the mixture lol. I provide the only almost pure strain of French in the family. My dad was an eighth Micmac. Our kids are definitely heinz-variety.:)

Diane

[utmom2008]

Rosanne, my husband's family were from west Texas around Lamesa and Big Springs. He was the only one born in California. Lots of Ogalala-Sioux (I never can spell that right sorry), Cherokee and Choctaw running through his family. The rest is English, Irish, Scots and Swedish...quite the mixture lol. I provide the only almost pure strain of French in the family. My dad was an eighth Micmac. Our kids are definitely heinz-variety.:)

Diane
Yeh, that part of Texas is a lllooonnnggg way from where I am, which is NE Texas. We are 1 hour from Arkansas, 1 hour from Oklahoma and 2 hours from Lousiana....Your kids have lots of great bloodlines, I think that's interesting! (y)

[Diane]

Yup, they are. Hopefully that will make them healthier and stronger.:)

I can't quite figure out what Vernon has in him. I see Irish, my husband sees Scots and with those high cheekbones too, no doubt some american indian as well....most of us north americans have some in our blood line somewhere.


Diane

[utmom2008]

I can't quite figure out what Vernon has in him. I see Irish, my husband sees Scots and with those high cheekbones too, no doubt some american indian as well....most of us north americans have some in our blood line somewhere.

I have wondered about Vernon as well..:hmm::hmm: Vernon had high cheekbones, and Elvis had really high cheekbones. Wasn't it Gladys's grandmother that was Indian? You're right most of do have some American Indian in our bloodlines...I think that's pretty neat!!(y)(y)

[Diane]

I do too...it gives us a valid reason for being here since our ancestors took the country away from them in the first place.:)

Diane

[utmom2008]

I do too...it gives us a valid reason for being here since our ancestors took the country away from them in the first place.:)

Diane
You are SO right!! It fascinates me that some people still won't acknowledge that fact...:hmm:

[MissyM]

I know it has been said that the spelling of the Presley name changed but how does anyone really know why. I say this because in my research there are plenty of inaccuracies in census records. The census takers where human and often just spelled the names they way they thought it was spelled. Then if someone wasn't home the oldest person who was there gave out the information. In looking into the Presley census records I found inaccuracies in the dates that Elvis's great-grandfather was born. And sometimes people GASP! even lied to the census taker.
Also, how important is your geneology once you go back like 7 generations? I only went back 4-5 with my family. My great-grandfather came from Germany, and I find that interesting but I don't care to go back further.

[presley31]

Yup, they are. Hopefully that will make them healthier and stronger.:)

I can't quite figure out what Vernon has in him. I see Irish, my husband sees Scots and with those high cheekbones too, no doubt some american indian as well....most of us north americans have some in our blood line somewhere.


Diane

l agree cheekbones and semi dark skin is what is passed down to me and l only got half indian, but l'am Ojibway and there alot lighter than the other native tribes.