Signs along trail telltale of forgotten village in Barkhamsted

Published on: Sept 11, 2011

By: Alec Johnson / Republican-American (Waterbury Ct)

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Coni Allen Dubois of Louisiana, a descendant of the Lighthouse Tribe that formerly called the People’s Sate Forest in Barkhamsted their home on Saturday unveils one of six new signs installed along a trail telling her ancestor’s history.  Alec Johnson / Republican-American

BARKHAMSTED — A little village deep in the woods of People’s State Forest that was abandoned in 1860 is back in the minds of local residents and descendants of the Native Americans who once called the land off East River Road home.
On Saturday, more than 50 people huddled around a trail as a sign telling the story of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village was unveiled from beneath a green tarp by Lighthouse Tribe descendant Coni Allen Dubois.
Dubois, who traveled from Louisiana, and six other descendants of James Chaughum came from across the country for the day.
Chaughum, a member of the Narragansett tribe, and his wife, Molly, an Irish immigrant, settled there around 1740 after being cast away from society because of their relationship.
Six signs tell the story of the village. There is a burial ground, a foundation of a former cabin, stone quarry, grind stone and charcoal kilns (mounds where charcoal that fueled foundries in Litchfield County was made) along a trail that winds up Ragged Mountain.
Kenneth L. Feder, an archaeologist and professor at Central Connecticut State University, since 1985 has studied artifacts and history of the village lived in by Chaughum and his eight children.
Feder said that over his years of studying the area he found it troubling that so few people knew the history of the village. People had no idea there had been a thriving village here with 100 or 150 people, he said. “People have lost the connection to this.”
The signs, sponsored by the Barkhamsted Historical Society were installed over the summer to teach hikers about the forgotten village.
“This story will never be forgotten and it will never die,” Feder said. “The work has resulted in a permanent memorial to the folks who lived here.”
Dubois began studying her family history 19 years ago at the request of her father. The family knew they were descendants of Native Americans, but over the years the history became muddled. Dubois’ studies led her to Barkhamsted years ago and she has returned several times since. Having the signs and accurate history to inform the public of her ancestors, she said was “amazing.”
During earlier visits she found evidence of campfires in the burial ground. “Now people will have more respect for the area and more love for the people that were here,” she said.
Dubois’ sister, Tonia Allen Gould of California, said that at one time historians believed the families that lived in the village had died out, when there are actually thousands of descendants alive.
“It is an amazing tribute to the Lighthouse Indian village ancestors, words can’t express how we feel about that.”

From: http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2011/09/11/news/local/584081.txt

Note from Coni: I have to make one correction: My sister had stated there are thousands of living descendants which is incorrect – I believe she was referring to the 19,000 people that I’ve researched and have on my genealogy file that are on both sided of my family (Mother & Fathers)

I would give a ruff estimate of a few hundred living (everyday finding more and more thou).

Just wanted to give an update – been super busy researching – I’ve updated the Chagum Native American Genealogy Research book along with the Sowheag one – I’ve also added 2 new research books – Tashtussuck & Ninegret Native American Genealogy Research book’s in my link above under Research books – I’ve made the connection to the Narragansett’s and Charlestown Rhode Island Indians.

I will be attending the Unveiling the Barkhamsted Trail on Sept 10th and have been asked to speak at this event! (reason for updated versions)

OK Everyone – Need some help……. I’m gonna have to be tackling Charlestown Rhode Island Records to get as much info as I can on the Chagums and their lives with the Narragansett – I have tons and tons of books coming in – I’m needing help on Ninegret’s lineage – I’m not at this moment believing Janey Chagam/Chagum was a daughter to “George Ninegret” or any of the Ninegrets (there is a 1% belief that there might be “some” connection but at this time unsure/no proof) I do believe I’ve uncovered the connection to the Hazard/Name thru the Narraganset which would be thru James and Janey Chagum’s daughter Janey Chagum – whom married a Hazard man (unsure at this time to whom) and they had James Hazard – He is the one spoken of in the Will of Janey Chagum the 1st – I’m in need of “any” land deeds in Charlestown Rhode Island and those on New Shoreham (Block Island) Rhode Island – I am working on the connection from Long Island (How “Great” James Chagum married Janey (unsure of lineages at moment) and had my James Chagum of Barkhamsted Lighthouse Tribe in Barkhamsted CT.

Former resident searches for her roots at father’s request

http://thepilotnews.com/content/former-resident-searches-her-roots-fathers-request

August 8, 2011

Coni Dubois poses with two archaeologists who have assisted her in her genealogy search, Kevin McBride and Ken Feder.

PLYMOUTH — What began with a simple request from her father has grown into a lifetime search for Coni Dubois.
Dubois, who grew up in Marshall County with her parents Rex and Nancy Allen, first began searching for her ancestors 18 years ago.
“(My father) said, Coni, find our Native American roots,” said Dubois, who added that her father was raised Native American but had no idea where he had come from.
“(Their family) just didn’t talk about it, being Native American was considered bad,” said Dubois.
Dubois, who now lives in Louisiana, decided to do exactly what her father asked, embarking on several trips to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts—places where her research led her to believe her ancestors might have lived. She discovered that she is a descendant of the Mohegan, Pequot and Narragansett tribes—sub-tribes of what are known as the Long Island Indians.
In her travels, Dubois met and worked with many archeologists and Native American tribes who she said appreciated her pure intentions in finding her family.
“Tribes do not want to give genealogy out because of tribal rights,” said Dubois, “(but) I’m not in this for my tribal rights, I want to find my ancestors.”
Since beginning her search, Dubois has uncovered reams of valuable information, including that she is a descendant of Chegonoe, the Native American who interpreted John Eliot’s Bible.
While searching for her ancestors, Dubois has used www.ancestry.com and said that the website has been the backbone of her work. She is planning another trip in October to Long Island to do hands-on research.
Dubois’s father, Rex Allen, passed away in 2010, an event that Dubois said spurred on her search.
“When my dad died, he knew I was close,” said Dubois, continuing, “but when he passed away, I guess it was the grief—I just dug in.”
With her father in mind, Dubois continued on her mission. She said she doesn’t believe her search to discover her ancestors will ever end.
“It will never be done,” said Dubois.
Dubois dedicates six hours every day to her research. Rather than being tedious, Dubois said that what she finds is so exciting that it keeps her coming back for more.
“It’s a quest,” said Dubois. “I want to know my roots. I want to honor my ancestors. Their story is too beautiful not to be told.”
Because of her through search, Dubois said she has been invited to speak on genealogy in various forums. Although she has more than enough information to write and publish a book, Dubois said that she has no plans to do so at this time.
“I’m not an author, I’m a researcher,” Dubois stated simply, although adding that members of her family who are in the book business may develop a book later.
Dubois carefully documents all her findings on her blog, conidubois.wordpress.com, and so far has more than more than 70 research books filled with information. She also maintains a Facebook group where fans can view updates and photos called Barkhamsted Lighthouse.

Hi Everyone!!

I just wanted to update everyone on my research, I had another interview with my hometown newspaper in Plymouth Indiana and will be in the Pilot News the local paper there sometime soon. I was very excited to know that my story and this journey will be told where I was raised and lived most of my life and were my Mother still resides – such a wonderful tribute to my father~ In a lil over a month will be the 1 year anv. of the passing of my father – as the time draws near it is a constant reminder of how much I miss him~

I have uncovered some wonderful information and documentation on the Chagum lineage and what I believe will bring this story together finally and what has also filled in a lot of blanks and questions for me~ I am waiting on 1 more document and will be able then to share it with all of you~

I am at this moment having to do research on Ninegret and the Nyantic lineage – a will was uncovered by Jeff Howe (THANK YOU JEFF) that has tied this all together for me and has linked my lineage now also to Ninegret – it also names several key players of this line along with James Chagum!!! The Archaeologist I’m working with are very excited with this wonderful find! I have over 100 books to read and document into my files and will be putting a Ninegret book together for everyone – Will take me sometime to do thou – got a lot of research to put together!

I also have my local TV channel that is wanting to do an interview with me (arranged thru a mutual friend) and could be as soon as next week! I do have to admit thou I’m a lil scared will be my 1st TV interview!!!

Will keep you updated!!

Coni