Tennessee Historical Commission
Tennessee Human Rights Commission
Advisory Council on Tennessee Indian Affairs

Name: Brent Alan Cox
1. Birthdate: 1962
Birthplace: Milan Tennessee

2. Residential Address: 444 Cades Atwood Road, Milan TN 38358
3. Educational Background:
High School: Milan High School
Did you graduate? 1980
College: University of TN at Martin 1990-1994
Did you graduate? B.S. History University of TN 1994
Other: University of Memphis 1994-1996
MA History Master's Degree 1996

4. Work (employment) History:
University of TN at Martin 2003-2007 Faculty- Full Time
U.S. History-Tennessee History- Native American History
University of TN at Martin 2000-2002 Adjunct
University of Tennessee at Martin-Selmer 1999 Adjunct
Subcontracted- Thomason & Associates through TDOT- Historical Surveyor 2001
Jackson State Community College- Adjunct Instructor U.S. History 1996-2002
Confederate Leather Works- produced historical Military leather gear
1987-1996
Lashlee Rich- Carpenter 1996
Meadow Gold Ice Cream Route Supervisor 1987-1990
Dean Foods- Route 1984-1987
Shady Lane Eggs- Route 1978-1984

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Cherokee Catawba Mixed Heritage
[ ] member, Federally-Recognized Tribe:
[x] Member, State-Recognized Tribe: CTNEAL
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[ ] Other:

[x] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Qualified.)

6. Description of suitability as Commissioner:
Sent in application for Historical Commission, I have been a trained
Historian since I began writing in 1980, with my publications- Sons of the
South in which I published historical articles on Tennessee History and the
Civil War.
Published:
"Only Confederate Reinforcements at Shiloh" 1983
"Born to Fight: Colonel Jacob Barnett Bittle" 1992
"Mexican American War- Tennesseans are Foot Soldiers" 1983
"Heart of the Eagle: Dragging Canoe" 1999 Alexander Street Press
"Chapter Seven of Cherokee Proud" 1998, 1999, 2001
"Zeitgeist" 1992
"Wayne County 1830 Census" 1992
"History of Wayne County" 1992
Multiple articles on Civil War, Tennessee, and Native American History
"Oconstota: The Great Warrior of the Cherokee" 1995

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/12/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family: Wife Susan
2 Sons- Robert and Nathan
1 daughter- Elizabeth

2. Military Experience: None

3. Criminal History: None

4. Indian Community Involvement:
Organizer of Native American Day, Civil Rights Conference 2004-2008
Writer of Native American History
Activist in Little Cedar Mountain and Moccasin Bend Movements thru CITA
Learned Field Surveys for Archaeology under Robert?
TNNAC West Tennessee Caucus Chair and Secretary/Treasurer
Delegate to 2003 and the 2005 TNNAC Convention
Acting Chair of West Tennessee Caucus 2007
Former member of TNTOTA
Education Committee of TCIA
Tennessee Migrations
Have taught Native American History from 2001-2007
Spoke to various Organizations on Native American Spirituality, Chickasaw
Treaty of 1819, Indians in the Civil War, and Cherokee Spirituality

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed 04/12/2007

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Advisory Council on Tennessee Indian Affairs, West Tennessee

Name: Connie A. Berry
1. Birthdate: 1949
Birthplace: Ft. Worth, Texas

2. Residential Address: 7340 Buena Vista Rd., Buena Vista TN 38318

3. Educational Background:
High School: Prescott High
Did you graduate? Yes (1968)
College: Modeling School
Did you graduate? Yes 1969
Other: Frontier School of the Bible, LaGrange, WY. 3 years of school

4. Work (employment) History:
Training Horses for myself and others for more than 40 years
Worked in Office for Import Korner 7 years
Worked in Restaurant- Sambo's as Assistant Manager 4 years
Worked Sales for a Western Store in Texas for 5 years
Native American Store- sales and Assistant manager
Worked as a Model for an Artist in Texas wearing Indian clothes
Missionary on Rose Bud with the Lakota in village called Spring Creek
Worked as an Artist for myself for 50 years
Roofing Offices in Oregon and Florida

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Cherokee
[ ] Member, Federally-Recognized Tribe:
[ ] Member,
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[x] Other: Cherokee

[ ] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Proof of Native American Indian Tribal membership or descent will
need to be submitted to TNNAC for review.)

6. Description of suitability as Commissioner: Advisory Council Member:
I believe I can work on the Advisory Council as I have lived a life that has
taught me many things. My Family has roots here in Tennessee and I believe I
have made a circle in my Life and it has brought me here to help our people.
I believe our Culture and Heritage is sacred and is most important in
Tennessee today. I have lived in many places and talked with many people. I
like to talk with our people and share my art and stories that have made my
life what it is today. I hope that I can help others and leave something of
our Indian heritage.

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/23/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family:

2. Military Experience: None

3. Criminal History: None

4. Indian Community Involvement:
Artist Donating Art work most of the time to help our people. Donated to the
TCIA. Representing American Indians in my Community, helping others with
their heritage, well known in my community. Helping with the Tennessee
migrations project
Teaching Cherokee and American Indian History in Tennessee

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed: Connie Berry (Blue Horse) 04/23/2007

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Commission of Indian Affairs, West Tennessee

Name: Jimmie E. Thigpen
1. Birthdate: 1953
Birthplace: Saint Louis Missouri

2. Residential Address: 3416 Scenic Terrace, Memphis TN 38128

3. Educational Background:
High School: Nicholas Blackwell High School Bartlett Tennessee
Did you graduate? Yes
College: No
Did you graduate? NA
Other: Memphis Area Vo-Tech: computer aid drafting in structural detailing
Classes with current employer (MLGW) Computer Classes; quarto pro, excel,
utility card drafting &fundamentals of gas. A twelve month Private
Investigation course at International Correspondence School

4. Work (employment) History:
Present: Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) Gas Engineering Department:
Drafter II over Gas records and gas mapping of Shelby county and Memphis
City nineteen years as of August.
Private Investigator licensed by the State of Tennessee for 6 years. License
now not active.
Sheet Metal, iron worker and welder for various shops in Memphis: Memphis
Blow Pipe now Air Con.
Southern Blow Pipe where I was Foreman, Allstate Fabrication, Industrial Air
Corp. and Tennessee Blow Pipe.

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Cherokee
[ ] Member, Federally-Recognized Tribe:
[ ] Member, State-Recognized Tribe:
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[x] Other: Only proof I have is word of mouth grandmother, great aunts
and distant relatives. Being told this at a young age I have never thought
any differently.

[ ] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Proof of Native American Indian Tribal membership or descent
will need to be submitted to TNNAC for review.)

6. Description of suitability as Commissioner:
As one of the founding members of the original Far Away Cherokee Association
I served as a board member and co-founded the Human services department. We
helped Indians and Indian descent people and Families with appliances,
housing, bus tickets to get back home across country, money for automobile
repairs etc. We created a repository for clothing and a food pantry in a
garage apartment of my home. I helped to form the first dance team and drum
at that time where we went to schools and even preformed for Saint Jude over
closed circuit TV. My Family had been invited to dance and share Indian
customs at many different places. Being raised by my Grandmother until I was
fourteen I was told by her we were Cherokee and I have always believed and
stood by that. I have taught my family the same, and my children are
teaching their children.
In my current job in the gas engineering department of Memphis Light Gas
and Water we must abide by regulations set by the Federal Government. I have
to make sure all gas information is correct and relay that to computer aided
drafting (CAD) gas maps.
Memphis Light Gas and Water are part of the Memphis City Government.

7. I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/26/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family: My immediate family is my wife for 35 years Chris my oldest son
Jason and my daughter Jennifer and my youngest son Jeremy.
Jason and his wife Gena have two children a son Jacob and a daughter Jade he
also has two step sons Patric and Paul.
Jennifer and her husband Tim have two daughters Julieanna and Hannah
Jeremy has not married as of yet

2. Military Experience: None

3. Criminal History: N/A

4. Indian Community Involvement:
As one of the founding members of the original Far Away Cherokee
Association I served as a board member and co-founded the Human services
department. We helped Indians and Indian descent people with various
problems I helped promote and put on powwows. Indian craft, drum and dance
classes. I travel to and partake in powwows. This last Thanksgiving powwow
south of Gainesville Florida we were honored as being three generations of
male traditional dancers in the arena, my Grandson Jacob, my son Jason, and
myself. I am a member of the Big River Tia Piah Gourd Clan where I was
inducted in at about 1984 at a Memphis Powwow.

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed: 04/26/2007

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Commission of Indian Affairs, West Tennessee

Name: Evangeline 'Van' Lynch
1. Birthdate: 1935
Birthplace: Haskell Co. Oklahoma

2. Residential Address: 73 Baseline Road, Dyer TN 38330
3. Educational Background:
Cass Elementary School Haskell County OK (dissolved)
Stigler High School Stigler OK
Did you graduate? Yes 1954
College: BS English Bible and Religion Bethel College McKenzie, TN
Did you graduate? 1958
Other: Certification in Special Education, Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL
Certification in Elementary Education, University of TN at Martin

4. Work (employment) History:
30 plus years teaching
Retired-2000
Teacher, Resource English classes at Obion county Central High
School-1979-2000
Grades 9-12, American History, Grade 11- 21 years
Obion County Board of Education Union City, TN 38261
Teacher Resources classes, Grades 7&8, Junior High School, Burnet, TX-
1978-1979
Teacher Resource classes, Grades 7&8, White County IL- 1970-1978
Teacher, English classes, Grades 7, 8&9, Junior High School, Arkoma OK-
1967-1969

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Choctaw
[x] Member, Federally-Recognized Tribe: Choctaw Nation of OK.
[ ] Member,
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[ ] Other:

[x] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Qualified.)

6. Description of suitability as Commissioner:
*Appointed to a 4 year term to the State Commission of Indian Affairs,
presently serving as Chairperson;
*Have knowledge of American History and studied Governing principles of
various Tribes
* I am a full-blood Choctaw Indian and a member of a Federally Recognized
Tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a tribe also indigenous to West TN.
*Have written standing Rules, policy Statements, and working on By-laws for
the Commission
* Except during recent Illness, attended most ACTIA and TNNAC meetings, and
served as Commission Liaison to ACTIA's committee on Recognition Criteria
*Collecting Data on Educational resources having held various workshops for
Teachers on Native American History
Health care access for Indians in Tennessee is a priority
*Willingness and commitment to continue working on issues ie. Health care,
Education resources, and recognition criteria
*Have lobbied extensively to have a Commission and on other Legislative
Bills

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/23/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family: 3 Children Tracy, Michael, Shane
Wonderful grown children who all serve as my caregivers when needed
5 Grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren
2 Grand Sons serving in Iraq presently, one has earned a Purple Heart.

2. Military Experience: None

3. Criminal History: None

4. Indian Community Involvement:
1975-1996 Church Women United, Inc., New York NY - served on National
Board 3 different times. 2000-2004 state Vice President
supporting member, Native American Indian Association, Nashville TN-
Lifetime member, Indigenous Women's Network,
TN Indian Affairs Advisory Council- Commission Liaison
Chairperson Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs
Voting member of the Choctaw Nation
Member WTN Caucus
Member of the ALLIANCE- Lifetime
Have lobbied in the Legislature for/against Indian Issues
Not doing much presently

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed 04/29/2007

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Commission of Indian Affairs, West Tennessee

Name: Sandra K. Ellis
1. Birthdate: 1966
Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico

2. Residential Address: 2750 Ashport Rd., Jackson TN 38305

3. Educational Background:
High School: Lexington, Lexington, TN. 38351
Did you graduate? Yes
College: Jackson State Community College, union University, UT Martin
Did you graduate? No
Other:

4. Work (employment) History:
1995- Present Separate Winds, Inc. Jackson TN.
1997-1999 Lowe's Jackson TN.
1994-1995 Fireline Jackson TN.
1991-1994 Madison County General Sessions Court Jackson TN.
1990-1991 US Post Office Jackson TN.
1990-1990 Proctor Gamble/Quaker Oats/Bruce Hardwood Jackson TN.
1989-1880 Auto Zone Decatur AL.
1985-1989 Outboard Marine Corporation Lexington TN.

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Muscogee (Creek) Nation
[x] Member, Federally-Recognized Tribe:
[ ] Member, State-Recognized Tribe:
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[ ] Other:

[x] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Qualified.)

6.Description of suitability as Commissioner:
I am a federally recognized member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and I am a
direct link from the original peoples of Tennessee and the Creek Nation of
Oklahoma. I have been active in Indian Affairs for
For over two years in Tennessee. I have lived the Culture and can help
Tennesseans connect to their original peoples in Oklahoma. I am familiar
with the election process and council meetings associated with Tribal
Business. My Dad is Principle Chief of the (Creek) Nation enabling a first
hand look at the process of Governing a Nation. I am connected to (Indian
Country) through business associations. I attend Native American Trade shows
and conventions on a regular basis. As a child I attended a Native American
Recreation Center after school and participated in the Albuquerque
"Gathering of Nations" powwow. I embrace my Elders and join them in Their
Friday Luncheons and Sunday breakfasts at the VFW.

7. I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/27/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family: I have two sons, my oldest (22) Wesley and my youngest (16
months) Andrew named after his Granddad. I have my first Grandchild due to
arrive in May 2007. My Mother Patricia lives in Tennessee and my Dad, A.D.
Ellis is Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) nation in Oklahoma.

2. Military Experience: N/A

3. Criminal History: N/A

4. Indian Community Involvement:
I have attended various council meetings for Muscogee (Creek) nation of
Oklahoma. I have attended meetings of the Five Civilized Tribes in Durant
Oklahoma. I have attended meetings in Macon Georgia concerning Indian Lands.
I was invited and attended the Native American Business Leader Awards
Luncheon in Atlanta Georgia. I attended the 1007 Civil Rights Conference in
Martin TN. concerning Native Americans.

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed: 04/27/2007

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Commission of Indian Affairs, West Tennessee
Advisory Council on Tennessee Indian Affairs, West Tennessee

Name: Donna Bivens
1. Birthdate: 1947
Birthplace: Humboldt, Tennessee

2. Residential Address: 26 Farmwood Drive, Humboldt TN 38343
3. Educational Background:
High School: Milan High School
Did you graduate? Yes
College: Jackson State College, Jackson Tennessee
Did you graduate? 1982 Associate Degree, Magna cum laude, Allied Health
Sciences/Medical Laboratory Technician
Other:

4. Work (employment) History:
2005-Present Independent Contractor/Website Manager/Medical Transcriptionist
1999-2005- Self Employed
1982-1992- Medical Laboratory Technician, Jackson Madison County General
Hospital

Information Required by TCA 4-34-104 (b)
5. Tribal Heritage: Cherokee
[ ] member, Federally-Recognized Tribe:
[x] Member, State-Recognized Tribe: CTNEAL
[ ] Tennessee State Roll:
[ ] Other:

[x] I am requesting Indian Preference in the nomination process.
(Qualified.)

6. Description of suitability as Commissioner:
I have been involved with TNNAC and ACTIA for more than 4 years now. I
first served on the TNNAC Board, then ran and was elected to ACTIA. During
my 4 years with that organization, I have assisted in developing proposals
concerning issues of interest to the Native American Community. As the
Chairperson of the Education Committee, I have organized and successfully
held Native American Genealogy classes in Jackson and Memphis Tennessee.
Another of these classes is planned for the Nashville area this fall. I have
worked closely with knowledgeable Native American genealogists and
genealogical societies to provide the people with information that has been
requested. I have also participated in bringing factual information
concerning our Native community to the general public by setting up displays
and distributing literature concerning recognized Native American
organizations at such events as Kid's Fest in Jackson, Tennessee, the Civil
Rights Conference at UTM, and the Knoxville Fair. I believe in being
actively involved in working to attain the goals that have been set by the
people. I look on the office of Commissioner as that of a servant, which is
what public office was originally designed to be. I have no private agenda
except to serve. I would deem it an honor to serve you.

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true, accurate and complete.
Signature & Date: Signed 04/17/2007

Optional information for your public resume

1. Family: I am lucky to have a supportive Husband. He stands beside me, not
in front and not behind. I have to grown children, a daughter in Georgia and
a son in Wyoming. I have 2 stepdaughters, 1 in college at UTM and 1 in
Ripley Tennessee. Between the 4 of them I have been blessed with 13
Grandchildren.

2. Military Experience: None

3. Criminal History: None

4. Indian Community Involvement: As I stated previously, I have been
actively involved with TNNAC and then ACTIA for over 4 years. I served for 2
years as the Secretary of ACTIA. At the present time, I am the webmaster for
ACTIA's website. I have organized genealogy classes in Jackson and Memphis
and am planning another one in Nashville. I was one of the groups of people
who made numerous trips to Legislative Plaza to petition for the
reinstatement of the TCIA. I was also very actively involved in soliciting
money, food, and materials for the first TNNAC Convention at Pinson Mounds.
I was honored with an Eagle Award in 2004 for my services to the Native
American Community.

I swear/affirm that this information about me is true and accurate.
Signature and Date: Signed 04/12/2007