We had a similar oral history on my dad's side about being descended from a Cherokee woman. I started doing genealogy just after high school, and soon found there was no actual evidence of this in the paper trail. We, too, did the 23andme test, and it showed no Native American, which was just as I suspected.
But, it DID show a fairly significant percentage of Ashkenazi Jewish DNA on my dad's side, which was a surprise. Further research into the records revealed to me that the Cherokee woman who supposedly married one of my dad's male ancestors in the 1700's was actually a half-Jewish woman, with a full Jewish father. I don't know how the family story changed her from Jewish to Cherokee, but that's how it went.
It's important in genealogy to investigate those oral histories. There's often at least a grain of truth in them, but getting the whole, real story requires research, and you may be surprised at what really happened among your ancestors.
That's what we found out we were as well, Ashkenazi. From what I've discovered it was fairly common for immigrant families after a few generations to claim Native American heritage to try to escape the severe persecution they experienced in their homeland. I'm no less proud of our true heritage. It's great to know our true roots.
I agree! I'd much rather know the truth of my family heritage, than believe in a legend that isn't real. Honoring my ancestors is important to me, and I want to know who to honor.
Definitely, @stephmckenzie. I'm so glad I know the truth now.