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Cherokee GenealogyCherokee Genealogy

A Primer for GenealogistsA Primer for Genealogists

Today we will learnToday we will learn

Some basic steps for doing Indian genealogySome basic steps for doing Indian genealogyWho are the Cherokee?Who are the Cherokee?The removal The removal –– Trail of TearsTrail of TearsRecords existing as a result of the removalRecords existing as a result of the removalThe Dawes RollsThe Dawes RollsOther Cherokee recordsOther Cherokee records

Start at the beginning!Start at the beginning!

Begin the search process starting with yourself Begin the search process starting with yourself and work backwards. Write down all names, and work backwards. Write down all names, birth dates, and death dates of all possible birth dates, and death dates of all possible Native American ancestors.Native American ancestors.Keep going until you find the Native American Keep going until you find the Native American ancestors.ancestors.You You mustmust know the name of your ancestor know the name of your ancestor before you can explore his or her Indian before you can explore his or her Indian affiliation!affiliation!

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Where did your ancestors live?Where did your ancestors live?

Use maps to determine where the tribal lands were Use maps to determine where the tribal lands were when you ancestor lived there.when you ancestor lived there.

Census records can identify someone Census records can identify someone as Indianas Indian

Race column on 1870+ federal census.Race column on 1870+ federal census.1900 federal census 1900 federal census –– states with reservations had states with reservations had additional Indian schedules. Asked for Indian name, additional Indian schedules. Asked for Indian name, nativity, blood, marital status, citizenship, and dwelling.nativity, blood, marital status, citizenship, and dwelling.y p gy p g1930 census 1930 census –– place of birth of father and mother place of birth of father and mother columns given tribe and degree of blood.columns given tribe and degree of blood.Indian Census Records Indian Census Records –– 18851885--1940 (M595) [Also on 1940 (M595) [Also on Ancestry.com and Ancestry Library Edition]Ancestry.com and Ancestry Library Edition]

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Moravian Church RecordsMoravian Church Records

They gave ministry to the Cherokee. They gave ministry to the Cherokee. Located in the Archives of the Moravian Church Located in the Archives of the Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Th d h b i fil dTh d h b i fil dThe records have been microfilmed.The records have been microfilmed.Available on loan from the Family History Available on loan from the Family History LibraryLibrary

Moravian Church RecordsMoravian Church Records

The microfilm is available from MidThe microfilm is available from Mid--Continent Library Continent Library or the Family History Library.or the Family History Library.An index exists: An index exists: Index to the Records of the Moravian Index to the Records of the Moravian Mission Among the Indians of North AmericaMission Among the Indians of North America, compiled by , compiled by g fg f p yp yRev. Carl John Fliegel.Rev. Carl John Fliegel.

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The index categories of the Moravian The index categories of the Moravian Church records are:Church records are:

Indian IndividualsIndian IndividualsWhite PersonsWhite PersonsGeographic NamesGeographic NamesNonNon--Indian NationsIndian NationsThe LandThe LandEveryday LifeEveryday LifeThe MissionThe MissionMission PlacesMission PlacesThe Indians.The Indians.

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Government DocumentsGovernment Documents

TreatiesTreatiesEnrollmentsEnrollmentsAnnuity payments Annuity payments –– results of treatiesresults of treatiesCitizenship rollsCitizenship rollsLand allotment records Land allotment records –– Dawes ActDawes ActIndian School recordsIndian School records

Some historySome history

During Colonial times, the British regarded Native During Colonial times, the British regarded Native tribes as foreign governments.tribes as foreign governments.After the French and Indian War, two After the French and Indian War, two superintendencies were created: One in the northern superintendencies were created: One in the northern ppcolonies and one in the southern colonies. colonies and one in the southern colonies. Superintendents were ambassadors to the tribes.Superintendents were ambassadors to the tribes.The Continental Congress created three geographic The Continental Congress created three geographic departments with several commissioners each.departments with several commissioners each.

More historyMore history

The Confederation Congress (1786) established The Confederation Congress (1786) established northern and southern Indian departments northern and southern Indian departments divided by the Ohio River.divided by the Ohio River.Look in papers of the Continental and Look in papers of the Continental and p pp pConfederation Congresses and the Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention. Most have been Constitutional Convention. Most have been filmed by the National Archives.filmed by the National Archives.See See Guide to Records in the National Archives of the Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians.United States Relating to American Indians.

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A Fight for LandA Fight for Land

Nashville, Tennessee, was settled while still Indian Nashville, Tennessee, was settled while still Indian land in 1779. A man plowing his field always land in 1779. A man plowing his field always had his gun at his side in case of Indian attack. had his gun at his side in case of Indian attack. One person was killed about every ten daysOne person was killed about every ten daysOne person was killed about every ten days. One person was killed about every ten days. [[Andrew Jackson, His Life and TimesAndrew Jackson, His Life and Times]]

Andrew Jackson’s First Message to Andrew Jackson’s First Message to Congress, 1829Congress, 1829

Regarding Native Tribes in the east: “It has Regarding Native Tribes in the east: “It has long been the policy of Government to long been the policy of Government to introduce among them the arts of civilization in introduce among them the arts of civilization in the hope of gradually reclaiming them from a the hope of gradually reclaiming them from a wandering life.”wandering life.”He mentions those tribes attempting to “erect He mentions those tribes attempting to “erect an independent government” within the states an independent government” within the states of Alabama and Georgia, which would not be of Alabama and Georgia, which would not be tolerated.tolerated.

Jackson further states:Jackson further states:

“I informed the Indians inhabiting parts of Georgia and “I informed the Indians inhabiting parts of Georgia and Alabama that their attempt to establish an independent Alabama that their attempt to establish an independent government would not be countenanced by the government would not be countenanced by the Executive of the United States, and advised them to Executive of the United States, and advised them to emigrate beyond the Mississippi, or submit to the laws emigrate beyond the Mississippi, or submit to the laws of those states. . .”of those states. . .”“This emigration should be voluntary, for it would as “This emigration should be voluntary, for it would as cruel as unjust to compel the aborigines to abandon the cruel as unjust to compel the aborigines to abandon the graves of their fathers and seek a home in a distant graves of their fathers and seek a home in a distant land.”land.”

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Jackson’s second message to Jackson’s second message to Congress, 1830Congress, 1830

“It gives me great pleasure to announce to “It gives me great pleasure to announce to Congress that the benevolent policy of the Congress that the benevolent policy of the Government, steadily pursued for nearly thirty Government, steadily pursued for nearly thirty years in relation to the removal of the Indiansyears in relation to the removal of the Indiansyears, in relation to the removal of the Indians years, in relation to the removal of the Indians beyond white settlements is approaching a beyond white settlements is approaching a happy consummation.”happy consummation.”On 28 May 1830, President Jackson signed the On 28 May 1830, President Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act.Indian Removal Act.

Indian Removal Act of 1830Indian Removal Act of 1830

Authorized the president to grant unsettled Authorized the president to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within the existing state borders.Indian lands within the existing state borders.Each tribe was asked to sign the removal treatyEach tribe was asked to sign the removal treatyEach tribe was asked to sign the removal treaty.Each tribe was asked to sign the removal treaty.

Tribes involved:Tribes involved:

Chickasaw: Agreed to remove in 1832 but delayed their Chickasaw: Agreed to remove in 1832 but delayed their move until 1837. They settled in Oklahoma on land move until 1837. They settled in Oklahoma on land leased from the Choctaw.leased from the Choctaw.Choctaw: First to sign a removal treaty which was the Choctaw: First to sign a removal treaty which was the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek.Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek.y gy gCreek: The refused to emigrate but were forcibly Creek: The refused to emigrate but were forcibly removed in 1836. They never signed a removal treaty.removed in 1836. They never signed a removal treaty.Seminole: They signed the Treaty of Payne’s Landing Seminole: They signed the Treaty of Payne’s Landing but later called it “illegitimate.” They fled to the Florida but later called it “illegitimate.” They fled to the Florida Everglades. After two subsequent Seminole Wars, they Everglades. After two subsequent Seminole Wars, they were forcibly removed in 1842.were forcibly removed in 1842.

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CherokeeCherokee

Originally called AniOriginally called Ani--YunYun--wiya wiya –– The Principal The Principal People.People.Largest southeastern tribe in 1540 with 29,000 Largest southeastern tribe in 1540 with 29,000 membersmembersmembers.members.They owned 135,000 square miles of land.They owned 135,000 square miles of land.Skilled hunters and fearsome warriors.Skilled hunters and fearsome warriors.

Cherokee (cont.)Cherokee (cont.)

1794 1794 –– a small group moved to Arkansas. They a small group moved to Arkansas. They became known as the Western Cherokee.became known as the Western Cherokee.The Eastern Cherokee became highly advanced.The Eastern Cherokee became highly advanced.Th i l ll i dTh i l ll i dThey were agriculturally oriented.They were agriculturally oriented.They established schools and newspapersThey established schools and newspapersThey had a government with a constitution.They had a government with a constitution.They had a written language.They had a written language.

Cherokee (cont.)Cherokee (cont.)

The Eastern Cherokee also adopted American The Eastern Cherokee also adopted American names.names.They built houses and plantations.They built houses and plantations.Th d lTh d lThey owned slaves.They owned slaves.They adopted Christianity as their religion They adopted Christianity as their religion ––largely through the work of the Moravians.largely through the work of the Moravians.

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Cherokee RemovalCherokee Removal

The majority refused to leave their homes in The majority refused to leave their homes in Georgia. They sued the state of Georgia in the Georgia. They sued the state of Georgia in the Supreme Court.Supreme Court.The Supreme Court decided in favor of the The Supreme Court decided in favor of the ppCherokee, allowing them title to their land.Cherokee, allowing them title to their land.In 1835 some of the Cherokee felt the cause for In 1835 some of the Cherokee felt the cause for their land was hopeless, in spite of the Court’s their land was hopeless, in spite of the Court’s decision. They signed the Treaty of New decision. They signed the Treaty of New Echota.Echota.

The Treaty of New EchotaThe Treaty of New Echota

Signed by Major Ridge, his son John Ridge, and his Signed by Major Ridge, his son John Ridge, and his nephews Elias Boudinot and Stand Watie.nephews Elias Boudinot and Stand Watie.In return they were to receive $5 million, land in In return they were to receive $5 million, land in Oklahoma, tools, livestock, and general supplies.Oklahoma, tools, livestock, and general supplies.g ppg ppIt was not signed by the principal chief, John Ross, nor It was not signed by the principal chief, John Ross, nor by the majority of the tribe.by the majority of the tribe.The Cherokee National Council protested the treaty, The Cherokee National Council protested the treaty, but it was ratified by Congress in 1836.but it was ratified by Congress in 1836.

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What happened next?What happened next?

Major Ridge and his group left for Oklahoma.Major Ridge and his group left for Oklahoma.Chief Ross and the remaining Cherokee Chief Ross and the remaining Cherokee continued to resist the move.continued to resist the move.I M 1838 h W D G lI M 1838 h W D G lIn May 1838, the War Department sent General In May 1838, the War Department sent General Winfield Scott to George to round up and Winfield Scott to George to round up and remove the remaining Cherokee.remove the remaining Cherokee.This migration was known as the Trail of Tears. This migration was known as the Trail of Tears. ¼ of the Cherokee died enroute to Oklahoma.¼ of the Cherokee died enroute to Oklahoma.

RetaliationRetaliation

In June the following year, John Ridge, Elias In June the following year, John Ridge, Elias Boudinot, and Major Ridge were killed by Boudinot, and Major Ridge were killed by Cherokee assailants.Cherokee assailants.

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Later Cherokee EventsLater Cherokee Events

In 1870, Congress allowed railroads to extend In 1870, Congress allowed railroads to extend their lines into Indian Territory. their lines into Indian Territory. Already experiencing “intruders,” this further Already experiencing “intruders,” this further enhanced white settlement into Indian land.enhanced white settlement into Indian land.White settlers complained to Congress because White settlers complained to Congress because they had no schools for their children, no they had no schools for their children, no courts, and no voice in government. courts, and no voice in government. –– But they But they were living on Indian lands.were living on Indian lands.

The Dawes CommissionThe Dawes Commission

Congress appointed the Dawes Commission to evaluate Congress appointed the Dawes Commission to evaluate the situation.the situation.Congress was told that the wealthy members of the Congress was told that the wealthy members of the tribe were exploiting the common members of the tribe were exploiting the common members of the p gp gtribe.tribe.The Dawes Commission said that crime was rampant in The Dawes Commission said that crime was rampant in Indian Territory.Indian Territory.The Commission suggested that land holdings be taken The Commission suggested that land holdings be taken away from the tribes and given to the tribal members.away from the tribes and given to the tribal members.

A “Better” LifeA “Better” Life

The Dawes Commission felt that education was The Dawes Commission felt that education was imperative for the Indians and their new way of imperative for the Indians and their new way of life.life.The needed:The needed:

Training in farmingTraining in farmingChristianizingChristianizingTo be taught EnglishTo be taught EnglishTraining in moralsTraining in moralsTraining in citizenshipTraining in citizenship

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“Indian Emancipation Day”“Indian Emancipation Day”

The Dawes Act was passed in 1887. It was called The Dawes Act was passed in 1887. It was called “Indian Emancipation Day” by members of “Indian Emancipation Day” by members of Congress.Congress.It applied to all Indian tribesIt applied to all Indian tribesIt applied to all Indian tribes.It applied to all Indian tribes.It provided an allotment of lands “on the It provided an allotment of lands “on the various reservations and to extend protection of various reservations and to extend protection of the laws of the United States and the Territories the laws of the United States and the Territories over the Indians . . .”over the Indians . . .”

The AllotmentThe Allotment

Heads of families Heads of families –– 160 acres160 acresSingle persons over 18 Single persons over 18 –– 80 acres80 acresOrphans under 18 Orphans under 18 –– 80 acres80 acresOther single persons Other single persons –– 40 acres40 acresHeads of families to select land for themselves Heads of families to select land for themselves and minor childrenand minor childrenIndian agents to select land for orphansIndian agents to select land for orphans

More on the allotment:More on the allotment:

Land was to be held in trust by the U.S. for 25 Land was to be held in trust by the U.S. for 25 years. At that time it would be conveyed to the years. At that time it would be conveyed to the allottee or his heirs for a simple fee.allottee or his heirs for a simple fee.If deemed necessary by the President the tr stIf deemed necessary by the President the tr stIf deemed necessary by the President, the trust If deemed necessary by the President, the trust might be extended another 25 years.might be extended another 25 years.Citizenship would be granted to all allottees and Citizenship would be granted to all allottees and Indians adopting civilized ways of life.Indians adopting civilized ways of life.Indians would renounce allegiance to their tribe.Indians would renounce allegiance to their tribe.

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The Records: Cherokee Census of The Records: Cherokee Census of 18901890

Includes native Cherokee, adopted Delaware, Includes native Cherokee, adopted Delaware, Shawnee, White, colored, orphans under 16, Shawnee, White, colored, orphans under 16, rejected claimants, persons whose citizenship rejected claimants, persons whose citizenship claims were pending intruders persons living inclaims were pending intruders persons living inclaims were pending, intruders, persons living in claims were pending, intruders, persons living in the Cherokee Nation under permit. the Cherokee Nation under permit.

Cherokee Freedmen Roll (Wallace Cherokee Freedmen Roll (Wallace Roll) 1890Roll) 1890--18931893

Census of Cherokee Freedmen eligible to Census of Cherokee Freedmen eligible to receive a per capita payment as authorized by receive a per capita payment as authorized by Congress in 1888. It includes authenticated Congress in 1888. It includes authenticated freedmen who appear on the 1883 roll, freedmen who appear on the 1883 roll, individuals who died between 1883 and 1890, individuals who died between 1883 and 1890, individuals admitted by Wallace, and “free individuals admitted by Wallace, and “free Negroes.” This roll was set aside as Negroes.” This roll was set aside as “fraudulent” by a decree of May 8, 1895 of the “fraudulent” by a decree of May 8, 1895 of the U.S. Court of Claims. It was never recognized U.S. Court of Claims. It was never recognized by the Cherokee Nation.by the Cherokee Nation.

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Starr Roll, 1894Starr Roll, 1894

An authorization, approved by the Cherokee An authorization, approved by the Cherokee National Council in 1893, for purchase of National Council in 1893, for purchase of 6,574,487 acres in the Cherokee Outlet (aka The 6,574,487 acres in the Cherokee Outlet (aka The Cherokee Strip) by the U S for a price ofCherokee Strip) by the U S for a price ofCherokee Strip) by the U.S. for a price of Cherokee Strip) by the U.S. for a price of $8,595,736.12. Each tribal member would $8,595,736.12. Each tribal member would receive a per capita payment of $265.70.receive a per capita payment of $265.70.

Old Settler Payment Roll, 1896Old Settler Payment Roll, 1896

Payment resulted from a decision of the U.S. Payment resulted from a decision of the U.S. Court of Claims, June 6, 1893. This is a receipt Court of Claims, June 6, 1893. This is a receipt roll for per capita payment of $159.10.roll for per capita payment of $159.10.

The “Old Settlers” were those Cherokee that The “Old Settlers” were those Cherokee that removed voluntarily.removed voluntarily.

Dawes RollDawes Roll

This is the enrollment of the Five Civilized This is the enrollment of the Five Civilized Tribes [Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek, Tribes [Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole] for land allotment. The records and Seminole] for land allotment. The records contain:contain:contain: contain: Enrollment cards, 1899Enrollment cards, 1899--19071907Enrollment packets, 1899Enrollment packets, 1899--19071907Index to the Final Rolls, 1902Index to the Final Rolls, 1902--19061906Applications for allotment, 1899Applications for allotment, 1899--19071907

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Other Documents in the File:Other Documents in the File:

Power of Attorney [Will Rogers was in Port Elizabeth, Power of Attorney [Will Rogers was in Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope]Cape of Good Hope]Statement from the Clerk in charge of the Cherokee Statement from the Clerk in charge of the Cherokee Land Office that he had received the above power of Land Office that he had received the above power of attorneyattorneyattorney.attorney.Family Group Sheet Family Group Sheet –– Clement V. Rogers, names of Clement V. Rogers, names of children children –– only William P. Rogers shown.only William P. Rogers shown.Testimony of Clement Rogers regarding his application.Testimony of Clement Rogers regarding his application.Entry in the tract book.Entry in the tract book.

Guion Miller RollGuion Miller Roll

This was the result of a lawsuit by the Cherokee This was the result of a lawsuit by the Cherokee for a monetary settlement relating to the for a monetary settlement relating to the unlawful removal of the Cherokee. Cherokee unlawful removal of the Cherokee. Cherokee from any location could apply for thefrom any location could apply for thefrom any location could apply for the from any location could apply for the settlement. Those Cherokee who removed settlement. Those Cherokee who removed voluntarily with the Treaty of New Echota were voluntarily with the Treaty of New Echota were ineligible. ineligible.

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Other RecordsOther Records

Register of Cherokee Who Wished to Remain in Register of Cherokee Who Wished to Remain in the East, 1817the East, 1817--1819. M208 This was an early 1819. M208 This was an early removal option allowing emigration to Arkansas. removal option allowing emigration to Arkansas. Another option was filing for a land allotmentAnother option was filing for a land allotmentAnother option was filing for a land allotment Another option was filing for a land allotment of 640 acres, reverting to the state upon death or of 640 acres, reverting to the state upon death or abandonment of the land.abandonment of the land.

Other records (cont.)Other records (cont.)

Emigration Rolls, 1817Emigration Rolls, 1817--1838 1838 –– “Old Settlers” [M208] “Old Settlers” [M208] Lists of Cherokee who voluntarily enrolled as emigrants Lists of Cherokee who voluntarily enrolled as emigrants to Arkansas and relinquished all rights, titles, and claims to Arkansas and relinquished all rights, titles, and claims to land east of the Mississippi.to land east of the Mississippi.Henderson Roll, 1835 [T496 Henderson Roll, 1835 [T496 –– Also found in Also found in Those Who Those Who CriedCried by James W. Tyner] An enumeration of Cherokee by James W. Tyner] An enumeration of Cherokee to be removed to the west. It includes some who did to be removed to the west. It includes some who did not arrive in Oklahoma and omits many who did.not arrive in Oklahoma and omits many who did.

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Other Records (cont.)Other Records (cont.)

Mullay Roll, 1848 Mullay Roll, 1848 –– Lists Cherokees remaining Lists Cherokees remaining in North Carolina after the removal.in North Carolina after the removal.Siler Roll, 1851 Siler Roll, 1851 –– [7RA[7RA--06, index M685] Census 06, index M685] Census made by William Siler of those Cherokee eligiblemade by William Siler of those Cherokee eligiblemade by William Siler of those Cherokee eligible made by William Siler of those Cherokee eligible for a per capita payment authorized by Acts of for a per capita payment authorized by Acts of Congress of September 1850 and February 1851.Congress of September 1850 and February 1851.

Old Settlers Roll, 1851Old Settlers Roll, 1851

Cherokees who emigrated to northwestern Arkansas in Cherokees who emigrated to northwestern Arkansas in the early 1800s were required to exchange that land for the early 1800s were required to exchange that land for lands in northeastern Oklahoma. [M685]lands in northeastern Oklahoma. [M685]This was a result of an economic settlement by those This was a result of an economic settlement by those yywho removed voluntarily and those who were forcefully who removed voluntarily and those who were forcefully removed.removed.Treaty of 1846 concluded that the Old Settlers Treaty of 1846 concluded that the Old Settlers comprised 1/3 of the tribe in 1835 and were entitled to comprised 1/3 of the tribe in 1835 and were entitled to 1/3 of the 1835 removal payment.1/3 of the 1835 removal payment.

Drennon Roll, 1852Drennon Roll, 1852

The first roll take of Cherokees who came west as a The first roll take of Cherokees who came west as a result of the removal. This is a receipt roll for per result of the removal. This is a receipt roll for per capita payment of $92.83. [M685]capita payment of $92.83. [M685]Chapman Roll, 1852 [M685] Receipt roll for a payment Chapman Roll, 1852 [M685] Receipt roll for a payment p p p yp p p ymade to the Eastern Cherokee based on the census made to the Eastern Cherokee based on the census taken by Siler.taken by Siler.Tompkins Roll, 1867 [7RATompkins Roll, 1867 [7RA--04] Article 12 of the Treaty 04] Article 12 of the Treaty of July 19, 1866 provided that a census roll of the of July 19, 1866 provided that a census roll of the Cherokee in the Cherokee Nation be made.Cherokee in the Cherokee Nation be made.

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Enrollment Information by TribeEnrollment Information by Tribe

http://www.nativeculturelinks.com/nations.htmlhttp://www.nativeculturelinks.com/nations.html

Contains enrollment information for Native Contains enrollment information for Native American TribesAmerican TribesAmerican Tribes.American Tribes.

http://native.brokenclaw.nethttp://native.brokenclaw.netContains shared information and experience.Contains shared information and experience.

What’s on the Web?What’s on the Web?

www.cyndislist.comwww.cyndislist.com

Ancestry.comAncestry.com

Footnote.comFootnote.com

What have we learned?What have we learned?

Some basics for finding Native American Some basics for finding Native American ancestorsancestorsThe Trail of TearsThe Trail of TearsTh d h iTh d h iThe numerous government documents that exist The numerous government documents that exist for the Cherokee tribefor the Cherokee tribe

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Questions?Questions?

Janice SchultzJanice SchultzMidMid--Continent Public LibraryContinent Public Library

jschultz@mcpl.lib.mo.usjschultz@mcpl.lib.mo.us816816--252252--72287228