Read Wing

[tatterdemalion]

Hello,
I am new to this site and have to say I am very impressed with it so far. I am trying to research my GG Grandfather and beyond, and my search so far has led me here.
I have to confess to being really confused and a little ignorant, so please forgive me.

My GG Grandfather was Robert Wing. He arrived in Liverpool, UK by 1881 and married a local lady. In the 1891 and 1901 censuses he lists his birth year as either 1853 or 1856. On his marriage certificate of 1881 his age is listed as 26.

More interestingly his father is listed as "Read Wing (deceased)" (Robert Wing does not sign the certificate, as he appears to be illiterate) with occupation listed as "Indian Chief". I have got nowhere with Read Wing, so wondered if it should read Red Wing, given Robert Wing appears illiterate (the Curate might have spelled it wrong). Robert Wing's profession is listed as "Marine".

This is really confusing me. My Grandmother always told me that my original surname "Wing" was native American in origin, but that it was Blackfoot. I don't know of any Blackfoot chiefs by the name Red Wing, and my research has led me to believe that Chief Red Wing was of the Mdewakanton Sioux, not Blackfoot Sioux.

I also know that Chief Red Wing was quite an important person, so I certainly don't want to claim I am related to him when it isn't the case!

I also have got really confused by the various incarnations of Red Wing, and name changes in the 1860s where it appears some might have adopted the name surname Redwing.

I know it is rude to ask, without having yet contributed anything, but can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I might clarify some of these things?

Thank You

[hermin1]

It certainly is confusing. You might start by posting a a copy of his birth certificate. to my knowledge, noneof the Redwings/Wakutes ever visited England. Or you cansend a copy by Email to either me at [e-mail] or peacekeeper at [e-mail]
We can then go from there and see what we can find to help you.

[hermin1]

type the following in your search browser box "chief Red Wing ". You should find some websites that will helpyou with the history of the chiefs Redwing.

[tatterdemalion]

Thanks very much. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of his birth certificate - I can't locate his exact birth date and place, so I guess I've hit a dead end. He has listed his birth place as Brooklands - USA, and oddly enough in the english census there are notes that he is a British subject !! I believe Brookland might be an old name for Minneapolis, or equally it could be Brooklyn, NY, but that certainly wouldn't make sense.

I've had a look at the chiefs Red Wing history already, briefly, and related or not it's been a worthwhile educational exercise.

Thanks for your help.

[santee1961]

The Blackfoot Sioux, also known as Sihasapa band, were a small band of the Teton Sioux. They are not to be confused with the Blackfeet Indians, an Algonquion confederacy. The Blackfoot Sioux were closely associated with the Hunkpapa and Sans Arc bands and whom they made war against the whites. In the mid 19th century they numbered 1,300.
Here is another source of info. you might like to try:
www.aaanativehearts.com/article 654.html