Mollie Holmes Adams facts for kids

Mollie Wade Holmes Adams (born October 8, 1881 – died December 14, 1973) was an important elder and leader of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in Virginia. She worked hard to keep her tribe's culture and traditions alive. Mollie also fought for her tribe to be officially recognized. Because of her important work, she was honored by the Library of Virginia as one of the Virginia Women in History.

Her Life and Family

Mollie Wade Holmes was born in 1881. She was a member of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, also known as the Adamstown Band of Mattaponi. She grew up in Adamstown, Virginia, during a time when many people faced great hardship.

In 1900, Mollie married Jasper Lewis Adams. He became the chief of their tribe in 1923 and served for 50 years until 1973. Mollie worked alongside him as a tribal leader. Together, they helped buy and build the Sharon Indian School in 1919. They also helped build the Indian View Baptist Church in 1942. Mollie and Jasper had twelve children.

Protecting Her Tribe's Identity

Mollie Adams had a mixed background, including some European ancestors. In the 1920s, a new law in Virginia, called the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, caused problems for Native Americans. This law tried to classify everyone as either "white" or "colored" (meaning Black).

A man named Walter Plecker, who worked for the state, believed that some families who said they were Native American were trying to hide African ancestry. He insisted that if a person had any African ancestry, they should be called "colored," no matter how they identified culturally.

To fight against being classified as "colored," Mollie Adams had to get a special paper. This paper was signed by eight white men who confirmed her Native American heritage. This document still exists today. Many people during this time lost their official Native American classification. This made it harder later for tribes to prove their history and gain recognition.

Keeping Traditions Alive

As a tribal elder, Mollie Adams played a very important role in saving old traditions. She helped bring back the art of feather weaving, which was almost forgotten. She taught this skill to others so it would not be lost.

Mollie also helped scientists and researchers. She shared her knowledge about herbal remedies and traditional plant uses. Her strong efforts helped support and strengthen tribal life for her community.

Mollie's family continued to lead the tribe. Her son, Andrew Washington Adams, became chief from 1974 to 1985. Her grandson, Kenneth Adams, also served as chief. Mollie's husband, Jasper, passed away in 1971.

Recognition

In 2010, Mollie Wade Holmes Adams was honored as one of the Virginia Women in History. This award recognized her important contributions to her tribe and her efforts to preserve Native American culture.