Kellar/Garrison/Lloyd - Native Connections
I have in my possession a photo of a native couple and the woman in the picture is alleged to be Harriet Garrison, wife of George Harvey Kellar.
George, son of John Kellar and Mary Lloyd was born Feb. 2, 1834 in Fredericksburgh Twp, L&A Co, ON.The date of birth for his wife Harriet, has been seen as April 12, 1836, also for Fredericksburgh Township (birth date not sourced/confirmed).It has also been suggested that Harriet was born on the Tyendinaga Reserve and changed her name upon leaving.The names of her parents have never been confirmed.Between August 1857 and 1863, George, Harriet and their first-born child Mary Rosetta Kellar moved from Fredericksburgh Twp. to Kennebec Township where their second child ‘Almeda’ was born on April 2nd. Although the names of Harriet’s parents have never been confirmed, Harriet witnessed the death certificate of Alexander Garrison who was born about 1835 in Camden Township and died April 11, 1894 at the age of 59.Has anyone ever confirmed any connection between these Garrison individuals?
Recent research has confirmed that the man in the picture is not George Kellar, but no other than Chauncey Yellow Robe.In fact, this picture was taken while the movie ‘Silent Enemy’ was being filmed.The fact that this photo has surfaced with other photos of relatives, has raised suspicions, that there may be a genealogical connection to Harriet.Her descendants have definitely inherited the predominant native facial features.
During other family discussions, the name ‘Mother Nelson’ has also surfaced and she is known to have connections to Chauncey. Also Molly Spotted Elk was a friend of Mother Nelson. She played Chauncey’s daughter. .
One of Harriet’s Grand daughters told family members how Harriet had to leave her reserve because she married a white man and could not stay, so she changed her name to start her new life with her husband. Her daughter Phobee Ann always placed a spirit plate on the table at meal time, to honor the ancestors and that custom is still practiced today by her grandchildren.
It is very possible the woman known as Harriet was from the U.S or Quebec. Harriet Garrison does not exist in any records for birth, baptism or marriage in Frederickburg or Camden.Her death certificate claims she was born in Camden.No one knows where she came from and for anyone doing research she is a brick wall. No one has ever found/confirmed a connection to the Garrison family.
If anyone has heard similar stories, have seen this picture before or can elaborate on details to confirm my suspicions, would you please contact me directly at my email address as provided. Her surviving relatives would like to place their grandmother where she belongs in the family tree.