Arps Family Origins Home Page

Who are the ancestors of Steve Arps? Some say they are German. Other say they are American Indian. Maybe both. Those grandchildren who remember him from childhood say he was a Negro man with Caucasion features, light skin, straight hair, etc. Some say he came to East Texas from the Carolinas, possibly South Carolina.All that's really known, however, is that lived in Winona, Texas, was one of the founders of the New Zion Baptist Church established in 1870, and fathered nine children, all deceased. His wife was named Emma. Their descendants are black, and many of them still live in the East Texas area, primarily Winona and Tyler. Some live elsewhere, but Winona is home base.Who was Steve Arps? Where and who did he come from? These are the questions for which I am trying to find answers. I am one of Steve's great grandsons. If you have any information that you think might help, please let me know. Thank you.