After my interest in family history was sparked by a fantastical tale my paternal grandfather told my children about his mother, Minnie Staggs, I began dabbling in family history. Minnie’s story was first on my list of family legends to explore. Although my grandfather was a notorious liar and the stories he told were suspect, I was still curious about my family’s proclaimed “Cherokee grandmother.” This post summarizes my discoveries about Minnie’s life story - all subject to update or change as more accurate information comes to light.