Is the Tann Family Connected to the Kikotan Nation?
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez D.Ac, L.Ac
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Asking the Question That Connects Tann Family to Their Roots
Family history has a way of tugging at our curiosity. Sometimes, it starts with a simple story shared at a reunion or a name that keeps appearing in old records. For members of the Tann family, one question has persisted through the years: Is the Tann family connected to the Kikotan Nation?
This is more than just a question of names and dates. It’s about uncovering heritage, understanding our ancestors’ journeys, and preserving a story that was almost erased from history. Whether you’ve been researching the Tann family for years or you’re just beginning to trace your roots, this connection is a thread worth following.
Who Were the Kikotan Nation?
To understand any connection, we need to know who the Kikotan Nation was. Also spelled Kecoughtan, the Kikotan people were an Indigenous nation who lived in what is now southeastern Virginia, along the Hampton River and Chesapeake Bay.
Before English settlers arrived in the early 1600s, the Kikotan had a thriving community built on fishing, agriculture, and trade. They were skilled farmers, growing corn, beans, and squash, and they fished the rich waters that surrounded their lands. Their communities were closely tied to nature, with deep spiritual traditions connected to the earth and the seasons.
The Kikotan were part of a larger network of tribes in the region, often linked through trade and marriage. But their world changed dramatically with English colonization. By the early 1600s, settlers had taken their lands, forcing the Kikotan people to either relocate, join neighboring tribes, or blend into other communities to survive.
The Earliest Record – John Kikotan, Born 1636
One of the most compelling historical references to the Kikotan people comes from an early colonial document mentioning John Kikotan, born in 1636. His name itself is remarkable — “Kikotan” being a direct link to the nation’s name.
The fact that John Kikotan appears in 17th-century records tells us two important things:
The Kikotan people were still present in Virginia decades after English colonization began.
At least some members of the Kikotan Nation adapted to a changing world by working within colonial systems, which often meant adopting European first names while keeping a form of their original identity in their surname.
This record is a crucial starting point for anyone trying to trace a direct line from the Kikotan Nation to later families, including the Tann family. While we can’t yet prove an unbroken line from John Kikotan to the Tann name, it’s entirely possible that through intermarriage,
migration, and assimilation over the next two centuries, these bloodlines intertwined.
How the Tann Family Fits Into This History
When we look at the Tann family’s documented history, we find clues that make the connection to the Kikotan Nation not only possible but likely.
1. Oral History
Generations of Tann family members have passed down stories of Indigenous ancestry. These aren’t vague legends — they’re specific recollections of Native heritage tied to Virginia, often accompanied by traditions, foodways, or even place names that align with Kikotan history.
2. Geographic Overlap
Early Tann family records place them in regions historically inhabited by the Kikotan people and their descendants. These include parts of Virginia where displaced Kikotan communities merged with other Indigenous and African American populations.
3. Intermarriage & Blended Communities
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Indigenous families in Virginia often intermarried with European settlers of English ancestry such as Sweat, Jefferies, and Cawzy, . The Tann surname appears alongside other names believed to have Indigenous roots, suggesting the families were part of the same blended communities.
4. The Problem of Historical Erasure
In Virginia, particularly after the enactment of racial classification laws in the early 20th century, Indigenous people were often reclassified as “colored” or “mulatto” in official records, effectively erasing their Native identity on paper. This makes proving the connection challenging — but it also means that Indigenous ancestry may have been hidden in plain sight for generations.
Evidence We Have
While we can’t yet connect every dot, several types of evidence point toward a Tann–Kikotan link:
Census Records: Early 19th-century documents place Tann family members in areas with known Kikotan descendant communities.
Community Links: The Tann family’s close associations with other families of documented Indigenous heritage strengthen the case.
DNA Testing: Some modern Tann descendants have DNA results showing Native American ancestry, though linking it specifically to the Kikotan requires additional records.
Oral Accounts: Multiple branches of the Tann family recall the same type of Indigenous connection, suggesting a shared origin.
Preserving and Proving the Connection
If we want to keep this history alive — and potentially prove it beyond a doubt — there are steps we can take as a family and as researchers.
Gather Oral Histories Now Talk to elders while you can. Record their stories, even if they seem small. A single remembered name, location, or custom can lead to major breakthroughs.
Search Historical Records Focus on Virginia colonial and early state records, especially in regions linked to both Kikotan history and early Tann family presence. Don’t overlook church registers, land deeds, and court documents.
Build a Collaborative Family Tree Use tools like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org to create a shared Tann family tree. Invite relatives to contribute photos, documents, and memories.
Analyze DNA Matches If you’ve taken a DNA test, review your matches for possible Indigenous connections, especially with others who trace roots to Virginia.
Document & Share Findings Keep an organized record of everything you find — and share it with family members. The more people involved, the more pieces of the puzzle we can find.
Why This Story Matters
Understanding whether the Tann family is connected to the Kikotan Nation isn’t just about satisfying curiosity. It’s about reclaiming a heritage that was nearly lost to history. It’s about giving future generations the gift of knowing where they come from and honoring the resilience of those who came before us.
The mention of John Kikotan, born in 1636, reminds us that even in a time of great upheaval, the Kikotan people endured. If the Tann family is indeed part of this lineage, then our history is one of adaptation, survival, and cultural continuity — a story worth telling and preserving.
Sacred Path: The evidence so far — from oral traditions and geographic clues to historical records — makes the connection between the Tann family and the Kikotan Nation a strong possibility. While more research is needed to prove it beyond doubt, the journey of discovery is just as important as the answer. Every document uncovered, every story recorded, brings us closer to understanding our place in history.
To learn more visit: www.tannfamilyhistory.com
About the Author:
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez has over 40 years of genealogy research experience and enthusiastically shares her wisdom with others who want to uncover their family history. As a direct descendant of the Tann family, she is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the family’s rich heritage and its connection to the Kikotan Nation.
Her dedication and expertise in genealogy earned her a feature on the acclaimed television program “Who Do You Think You Are?”, where her exceptional research skills helped trace intricate family histories.
Dr. Rodriguez is also the author of several family history books, including:
The Vanderhorst Family of South Carolina
The Revey Family of Monmouth County, New Jersey
Clinton County, New York Family History
The Platt Family History
With a passion for storytelling and historical accuracy, Dr. Rodriguez inspires others to begin their own ancestral journeys. Whether guiding beginners or collaborating with experienced researchers, she offers practical tips, historical insight, and heartfelt encouragement.
Contact: tannfamilyhistory@gmail.com
Comments