Unlocking the past and tracing your ancestry can be a fascinating journey, particularly when exploring Cherokee heritage. The quest for Cherokee genealogical information often leads to a variety of historical records, with census rolls holding a prominent place among them. These documents, meticulously compiled over decades, offer invaluable insights into the lives, families, and communities of the Cherokee people. This article delves into the various census rolls and other historical records that serve as vital resources for anyone seeking to uncover their Cherokee roots.
The National Archives plays a crucial role in preserving and making these records accessible. Each census roll is assigned a control number, such as M-1234, to facilitate ordering and retrieval. It is essential to identify the specific year of the roll that pertains to the individual you are researching.
Key Census Rolls for Cherokee Genealogy
Several census rolls stand out as particularly significant for Cherokee genealogical research. These rolls, created for different purposes and at different times, offer unique perspectives on the Cherokee people and their history.
The Guion Miller Roll (Eastern Cherokee Claims)
Often considered an excellent starting point, the Guion Miller Roll, formally known as the Eastern Cherokee Claims, stems from a complex legal and historical context. Following the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the Southeast during the 1830s (the Trail of Tears), many Cherokee people and their descendants sought compensation for the losses they suffered.
The U.S. government established a process for these individuals to file claims, with a deadline of August 31, 1907. Guion Miller was appointed to oversee the process of evaluating these claims. In 1909, Miller reported that 45,847 separate applications had been filed, representing approximately 90,000 individuals. Of these, 3,436 resided east of the Mississippi River, while 27,384 lived west of the Mississippi.
The Miller Roll, available on microfilm as M-65, lists the names of applicants and indicates whether their claim was accepted or rejected. It also provides their place of residence at the time of application. Roll 1 serves as the index to the entire collection, which spans 340 rolls of microfilm. A unique strength of the Miller Roll lies in the genealogical information it contains. Applicants were required to provide details about their ancestors, often tracing their lineage back four to six generations, or to before 1835. This makes the Miller Roll a valuable resource for connecting to earlier generations of Cherokee ancestors. It is important to note that these claims were taken in 1906 when Cherokees lived throughout the United States.
A central requirement for a successful claim was proving that the applicant or their ancestors resided in the Cherokee Nation East in 1835. At that time, the Cherokee Nation encompassed all or part of the following counties in these states:
- Georgia: Bartow, Catoosa, Chatooga, Cherokee, Clinton, Cobb, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Harrison, Lumpkin, Milton, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Town, Walker, and Whitfield County.
- Alabama: Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Dekalb, Etowah, Jackson, and Marshall County.
- Tennessee: Blount, Bradley, Hamilton, James, Marion, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk County.
- North Carolina: Cherokee, Swain, Clay, Graham, Macon, and Swain County.
The 1924 Baker Roll (East)
The Baker Roll, created in 1924, provides a snapshot of the Eastern Cherokee population during that period. It lists names, addresses, ages, and relationships to the head of household. Notably, some individuals were added to the roll by the Indian Office in 1931, supplementing the original data.
The 1896 Census (West)
This census, focused on the Cherokee Nation in the West (present-day Oklahoma), reflects the efforts to accurately enumerate citizens. Census takers were instructed to exercise caution and verify information before enrolling anyone. They were to indicate whether individuals were considered "Citizen," "Shawnee," "Delaware," or "Freedmen." In cases of doubt, they were authorized to consult the 1880 Census for verification of age and name.
The 1896 Census Roll provides the name, age, sex, distance from the precinct, degree of Cherokee blood, and any relevant remarks. Individuals identified as white were asked to provide their state of birth.
The 1896 Payment Roll (West)
This roll documents payments made to individuals whose names appeared on the 1851 Old Settlers List. These were Cherokee people who had migrated west before the Treaty of 1835. The roll lists the name, place of residence, age, and amount of money received. In cases where the individual was deceased, the roll identifies the heirs who received the payment.
The Cherokee Census of 1880 (West)
The 1880 Census offers a comprehensive view of the Cherokee Nation in the West. It comprises six schedules for each of the nine Cherokee Districts: Canadian, Cooweescoowee, Delaware, Flint, Going Snake, Illinoise, Saline, Sequoyah, and Tahlequah. It should be noted that Schedule 3 for the Cooweescoowee District is incomplete.
The schedules provide information on names, age, sex, nativity, marital status, and occupation. Family relationships are often noted in the remarks column. The 1880 Census also served as the basis for a payment of $16.55 for breadstuff.
The 1884 Hester Roll (East)
Initiated in 1882 by Joseph G. Hester, this roll represents a census of the Eastern Cherokee. It was completed and submitted to the Secretary of the Interior in 1884. The Hester Roll lists 2,956 individuals and includes their name, place of residence (city or county, state), previous ancestors who may have been on earlier rolls, their Hester Roll number, and their Chapman, Siler, Swetland, and Mullay Roll numbers, if applicable. The Hester Roll is indexed, which makes it easier to navigate.
The 1851 Drennen Roll (West)
This roll contains the names of individuals who migrated to Oklahoma after 1835. It was compiled by John Drennen, and the people listed on this roll were sometimes referred to as Immigrant Cherokees. They primarily resided along the boundaries of Oklahoma.
The 1851 Siler Roll (East)
David W. Siler compiled this roll in accordance with instructions from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Its purpose was to establish a basis for distributing money to members of the tribe under the Treaty of 1835. The roll is organized by county and state and provides information on the roll number, name, age, sex, and race. An Act of Congress added 88 names to the Siler Roll in 1854. The roll includes information on 370 families.
The 1852 Chapman Roll of Eastern Cherokees
This roll serves as a receipt roll for per capita payments made to the Eastern Cherokees listed on the Siler Roll. Alfred Chapman disbursed the money, and the numbers on the Chapman Roll correspond exactly to the Siler Roll through number 883. The roll contains the names of individuals paid, their age, and their relationship to the head of household. It also includes the total amount paid to the head of household or their authorized representative, the date of payment, and the witness to the payment.
The 1848 Mullay Roll (East)
Special Agent J. C. Mullay, authorized by an Act of Congress, compiled the Mullay Roll in 1848. He was tasked with listing the names of Cherokee Indians who remained east of the Mississippi River after the majority of the tribes had moved west under the controversial Treaty of 1835. The Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to set aside $53.00 for each individual wishing to migrate to Indian Territory. The enrollment number lists the names numerically, and the remarks column provides information on age and relationship to others on the roll. The Mullay Roll contains approximately 1,532 names and is not indexed.
The 1835 Henderson Roll
Daniel Henderson conducted this census in 1835, providing an accounting of Cherokee Indians and mixed-bloods living in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. The roll includes various categories of information, with the most significant being:
- Residence by county and state.
- Males’ ages listed as either under or over 18.
- Females’ ages listed as either under or over 16.
- Number of whites in each household by marriage.
The Henderson Roll has a complete alphabetical index, facilitating research.
The 1817-1819 Reservations
The Treaty of 1817 stipulated that every head of an Indian family residing on the east side of the Mississippi would receive 640 acres of land that had been surrendered to the United States by treaty. If any of the heads of families for whom the reservation was made removed from the land, their right would revert to the United States. The treaty stipulated that a census of those desiring reservations and consequently citizenship was to be taken and filed in the office of the Cherokee agency. Some reservations were given for life, and some were given Fee Simple. Twenty-three reservations were given in Georgia.
The Final Roll (Dawes Roll) (T-529)
Created following an Act of Congress in 1898, a commission was established to negotiate agreements with the Five Civilized Tribes: the Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks, and Seminoles. This commission was tasked with dissolving tribal governments and allotting land to each tribal member. The Commission received applications for membership from more than 250,000 people, of which more than 101,000 were enrolled. The tribal membership rolls were closed in 1907. A Congressional Act enrolled an additional 312 persons in 1914.
The card census number refers to a Census Card. The information given for each applicant includes name, roll number, age, sex, degree of Indian blood, and their relationship to the head of the household. There are approved, rejected, and doubtful cards.
Check the index, (Roll 1), for the person your are looking for. The card census is a most valuable source of information. It lists the person, their wife and children, their mother and father, as well as what page number they can be found on the 1880 and 1896 census rolls. Each relatives Dawes Roll number is given, along with the Tribal Enrollment year, district, and district number.
Other Valuable Resources
In addition to census rolls, several other resources can significantly aid Cherokee genealogical research:
- Emmett Starr’s "History of the Cherokee Indians": This book is a cornerstone of Cherokee genealogy, providing a historical overview and genealogical information on many prominent Cherokee families. It’s considered invaluable for tracing lineages beyond 1835. Starr’s notes are housed in the Oklahoma Historical Room in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- Microfilm M-208 (Cherokee Agency in Tennessee): These are among the earliest records available at the National Archives, covering the period from 1801 to 1835.
- Microfilm M-234: This collection contains letters written to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, potentially offering insights into individual lives and circumstances.
- American State Papers: These papers may contain valuable information, such as letters and official documents related to Cherokee affairs.
- Courthouse Records: Records in courthouses located in counties where Cherokee people lived (primarily in Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama) may contain relevant information.
- Tennessee State Archives: This archive holds records purchased from John Ross’s grandson, William Ross, which may include genealogical data.
- Moravian Mission Records: Early missionaries established a mission among the Cherokees in 1817, and their records may contain valuable information.
Conclusion
Tracing Cherokee genealogy is a complex but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the various census rolls and historical records available, researchers can piece together the stories of their ancestors and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and resilience of the Cherokee people. The census rolls provide the bedrock for your research. Start your journey today and uncover the hidden stories within these historical documents. These census rolls are essential. Don’t forget to look at the census rolls.