Genealogy / Indian? Gypsy? Turk? [41]

My Polish grandmother had 12 living children-half of whom were blonde/green or blue eyed and the other half were olive skinned with dark hair and eyes. My grandmother was olive skinned and often mistaken for a Native American (Indian) or an Italian. Her husband often accused her of infidelity due to the looks of the kids. I want to clear her once and for all.

Busia told my mother that her grandmother was attacked by an "Indian" (not the India kind-the Native American kind). This was in Poland in perhaps the early-1700's. I think she meant either a Turk or a Gypsy. They were peasant/farmers and the impression I get is that an invading army attacked the villages. So that's how some Poles are swarthy.

Or were there tribes of indigeous people like our Native Americans? Were there "Indians" in Poland?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.