​The story of the Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York is one of resilience, migration, and identity. These families, many of whom have Indigenous and African ancestry, lived in Northern New York as early as the late 17th century. Their contributions to the region’s cultural and economic development remain significant, yet their stories have often been overlooked in traditional history books.

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The Tan American Historical Association (TANAMHA) is dedicated to preserving this heritage by documenting genealogical records, oral histories, and archival materials. Through published works, such as “Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York” by Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez, descendants and researchers now have resources to connect with this unique part of American history.

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This page provides an overview of who the Tan Americans were, the families that formed the backbone of their community, and how their legacy continues to inspire genealogical and historical research today.

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Who Were the Tan Americans?

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The term “Tan Americans” refers to families of color—those of mixed African, Indigenous, and European ancestry—who settled in Clinton County, New York. By the late 1600s and into the 1700s, these families established homes in the Champlain Valley and surrounding areas.

They appear in census records, land deeds, and marriage registers, and many are buried in local cemeteries. Their presence reflects broader patterns of early colonial migration, trade networks, and the blending of cultures in Northern New York.

For genealogists, the Tan Americans represent a unique community where family lines often intertwined with both Indigenous Nations, including the Mohawk of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and Algonquin-speaking peoples, as well as settlers of European descent.

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Research and Discovery

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The rediscovery of Tan American history began in the late 1990s, when Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez felt compelled to investigate what had happened to the families of color in Clinton County.

Her research included:

• Census Records – Federal and state enumerations identifying individuals of color.

• Deeds and Land Records – Property transactions showing ownership and inheritance.

• Marriage and Death Records – Vital records connecting families across generations.

• Cemeteries – Gravestones and burial registers that preserved surnames and dates.

• Newspaper Archives – Articles, obituaries, and community announcements.

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Supported by local historians like Tom Perrin and Sandra Sunderland, Dr. Rodriguez compiled her findings into a genealogical work that gave voice to the Tan American community.

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The 2009 Publication

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In 2009, the book “Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York” was published. It documented the genealogies of several core families, including:

• Clark Family

• Crabtree Family

• Elliott Family

• Soper Family

• Tankard Family

• Wheeler Family

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These families, traced through multiple generations, highlight how Tan Americans lived, worked, and raised families in Clinton County. The book also includes family photographs and stories contributed by descendants who continue to reside in the region.

This publication has become a cornerstone resource for anyone researching Northern New York genealogy and remains an inspiration for descendants eager to learn more about their roots.

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National Recognition

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In 2017, the television program “Who Do You Think You Are” featured Dr. Rodriguez’s genealogical research during an episode exploring the ancestry of Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith. Tyler’s lineage connected with families Dr. Rodriguez had documented in her book.

This recognition not only validated the importance of the research but also drew national attention to Clinton County’s Tan American history, encouraging more families to explore their own genealogy.

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Why the Tan Americans Matter

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Historical Significance

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The Tan Americans reflect the multicultural fabric of early America. Their presence in Clinton County connects to broader histories of Indigenous resilience, African American migration, and colonial settlement.

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Genealogical Importance

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For descendants, tracing Tan American ancestry provides a pathway to understanding family identity, cultural roots, and generational survival.

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Community Legacy

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Many Tan American descendants still live in Clinton County and Northern New York, continuing traditions and sharing their family stories.

Challenges in Genealogical Research

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Researching Tan American ancestry is not without obstacles:

• Name Variants: Surnames often appear with different spellings in census and church records.

• Racial Classification: Early records frequently used inconsistent or vague racial categories.

• Fragmented Documentation: Many records were lost or incomplete, making oral history essential.

This is why ethical research practices are emphasized at TANAMHA—ensuring that families are represented with dignity and accuracy.

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Educational and Community Role

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The Tan American Historical Association goes beyond preserving documents. It provides:

• Workshops and Webinars – Teaching genealogy methods, surname research, and record interpretation.

• Community Events – Bringing descendants together to share stories and preserve oral traditions.

• Publications – Offering well-researched books through Book Serenity to expand access to family histories.

• Indigenous Genealogy Guides – Helping researchers explore Mohawk and Algonquin connections with care.

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Through education, TANAMHA empowers both descendants and historians to deepen their knowledge of Tan American contributions.

Preserving the Legacy.

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The Tan Americans of Clinton County remind us that history is not one-dimensional. Their stories reveal the blending of cultures, the endurance of families through hardship, and the contributions of people of color to Northern New York’s development.

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By documenting these families, TANAMHA ensures that their names, stories, and legacies are not forgotten. For descendants, this is more than history—it is personal identity and cultural survival.

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Conclusion

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The Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York represent a vital chapter in American history. Through the research of Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez and the ongoing work of the Tan American Historical Association, their stories are preserved for future generations.

If you are researching your ancestors in Clinton County, NY, or exploring connections to Indigenous or Tan American families, this association provides the resources, expertise, and community support you need.

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 Explore our archives, publications, and educational programs to begin uncovering your family’s story today.