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13 Eugene Branham I’m Eugene Branham, but most people call me “Gene.” I’m Lucian Branham’s son.Lucian holds the title of being the oldest living Monacan in Amherst County now at eighty-seven years old in 1997. Dad and I batch it and we have a good time. He does the gardening and I do the cooking and take care of the flower gardens.We share the household chores and we watch sports on television together. Dad’s a big tease. He loves to pull tricks on me. I can discern his tricks, but sometimes I pretend he’s got me fooled and does he enjoy thinking he’s pulled one over on me.I don’t mind.That’s what keeps him so young at heart and his mind active with plots and puzzles. I’m glad we own our own home now.Dad can sit on his front porch and watch his neighbors come and go when he’s tired and needs to take a load off those big work boots he still likes to wear. I remember how hard it was for my parents to eke out a scant living when my people were treated more like slaves. Life’s lessons haven’t always been as easy as ABC for us in Amherst County. At one time it was more like XYZ.Sometimes we were called everything under the sun but Indian or child of God. As a child and early youth, there were times when I struck back with fists. It took some growing up to learn fighting wasn’t the answer. I had to first learn to live my life and to be proud of who I am. I recall the day I stopped at a local service station in the year 1989 and a man I knew walked up to me and said,“Hey,Gene,have you read this morning’s newspaper ?” I answered, “Nope, there’s no need to rush to read it that I know of. It’s probably the same old bad news as written everyday. News reporters never seem to know any good news to print.” He answered, “True, but this morning it’s a different story, especially for you. Eugene Branham / 85 It’s an article about your people.The Virginia Legislature has finally recognized your people as Monacan Indians.” I said, “Gosh, are you kidding? My people have been around these parts since the 1700s and in Virginia before it was a state. Now the state legislature has finally recognized who we are.Thank God.” The man said, “Gene, I hope from here on life in this area will improve for your people.” “Thank you, sir. It means a lot that you’ve been there for me.” ...

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