Finding your Cherokee ancestors

Tracing one’s ancestry can be a deeply rewarding journey, connecting individuals to their heritage and providing a sense of belonging. For those with reason to believe they have Cherokee lineage, the path to discovering and documenting that connection can be particularly significant. This article serves as a guide to help you navigate the process of finding your Cherokee ancestors and determining potential eligibility for tribal enrollment.

The Cherokee Nation, one of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, significantly altered its membership criteria in 1976. This pivotal change, solidified through the ratification of a new Cherokee Constitution, established direct descent from individuals listed on the Dawes Rolls (a census conducted between 1902 and 1907) as the primary criterion for citizenship. As of now, the Cherokee Nation boasts a registered citizenry exceeding 165,000 individuals.

The process of finding your Cherokee ancestors begins with a crucial preliminary step: determining the geographical location of your potential Cherokee ancestor. Did they reside in the North Carolina/Tennessee region, the traditional homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians? Or did they live in Oklahoma between 1893 and 1906, a period marked by significant Cherokee presence and enrollment efforts in the western territories? The answer to this question will guide you down one of two distinct research paths.

Tracing Ancestors in the North Carolina/Tennessee Area

If your ancestor resided in the heartland of the Eastern Cherokee, your search will focus on records associated with that region. Here’s a systematic approach:

1. Cherokee Roots, Volume 1: Eastern Cherokee Rolls by Bob Blankenship: This comprehensive resource is a cornerstone for Eastern Cherokee genealogy. Check if your ancestor’s name appears within its pages. If found, contacting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (PO Box 455, Cherokee, NC 28719) is the next logical step.

2. *Guion Miller Roll General Index (M-1104): If your ancestor isn’t listed in "Cherokee Roots," the Guion Miller Roll is the next crucial record to examine. This roll, compiled in the early 20th century, documented individuals who applied for compensation based on the Treaty of 1819. If your ancestor’s name appears in the general index, follow the references provided to the Drennen Roll or Chapman Roll** (M-685, Roll 12). These earlier rolls served as foundational documents for determining eligibility for treaty payments.

3. "Intruder" Lists (7RA-53 and 7RA-55): These lists, while disheartening, are essential to review. Individuals listed as "Intruders" were deemed not to be Cherokee citizens by the authorities at the time. Finding your ancestor on these lists effectively disqualifies them (and, therefore, you) from enrollment based on those records.

4. 1896 Old Settler Payment Roll (T-985): If your ancestor isn’t on the Intruder Lists, explore the 1896 Old Settler Payment Roll. This roll documents Cherokee individuals who had migrated west before the main removal in the 1830s (the "Trail of Tears"). If found, proceed to the Old Settler Roll of 1851 (M-685, roll 12), which provides more detailed information about these early Western Cherokee.

5. History of the Cherokee Indians by Emmet Starr: This encyclopedic work, a monumental achievement in Cherokee historical scholarship, contains genealogical information and family histories. Although searching it thoroughly can be time-consuming, it may provide valuable clues or confirm existing findings.

If, after exhausting these resources, you cannot find your ancestor listed on any roll, it’s possible that they were of Cherokee descent but not officially documented as citizens. This doesn’t negate their heritage, but it makes proving direct lineage for enrollment purposes significantly more challenging. However, if you successfully locate a direct ancestor on one of these rolls, you may be eligible for enrollment in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is a critical part of finding your Cherokee ancestors.

Tracing Ancestors in Oklahoma (1893-1906)

If your ancestor resided in Oklahoma during the crucial period of 1893-1906, the focus shifts to records associated with the Western Cherokee tribes. The most important of these is the Dawes Rolls.

1. Dawes Rolls (Microfiche M-1186, Roll 1): The Dawes Rolls, also known as the Final Rolls of the Five Civilized Tribes, are paramount for establishing Cherokee citizenship in the Western Cherokee tribes. These rolls were created to determine land allotments and tribal membership at the turn of the 20th century. If your ancestor is listed, note their enrollment number and category (e.g., Cherokee by Blood, Cherokee Freedmen, Intermarried White) and locate their enrollment card on M-1186. The information on the enrollment card can then be used to search earlier rolls, such as the 1896 Census (7RA-19) and the 1880 Census (7RA-07).

   Determining whether the individual listed on the Dawes Rolls is a direct ancestor is crucial. If the answer is yes, you may be eligible for enrollment in one of the Western Cherokee tribes. Further, check M-1301 for their enrollment packet, which contains supporting documentation submitted during the enrollment process.

2. Guion Miller Roll General Index (M-1104, Roll): As with the Eastern Cherokee search, the Guion Miller Roll is a valuable secondary source. If your ancestor doesn’t appear on the Dawes Rolls, check this index. If you find them listed, follow the references to the Drennen Roll or Chapman Roll (M-685, Roll 12). To obtain a copy of their application, send the application number to the National Archives (NNFJ), Washington, D.C., 20408.

3. "Intruder" Lists (7RA-53 and 7RA-55): Again, review these lists to ensure your ancestor wasn’t deemed ineligible for citizenship.

4. 1896 Old Settler Payment Roll (T-985): If not on the Intruder Lists, check this roll. If found, proceed to the Old Settler Roll of 1851 (M-685, Roll 12).

5. Cherokee Roots, Volume 2: Western Cherokee Rolls by Bob Blankenship: This companion volume to the Eastern Cherokee Rolls focuses on the Western Cherokee and contains valuable genealogical information. Also consult History of the Cherokee Indians by Emmet Starr.

If your ancestor remains elusive after consulting these sources, it’s possible they were of Cherokee descent but not formally recognized as citizens on any roll. However, if you locate a direct lineal ancestor on one of these rolls, you may be eligible for enrollment in the Cherokee Nation or the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Finding your Cherokee ancestors can be a long road.

Enrollment Information and Resources

If you believe you are eligible for tribal enrollment, contact the appropriate tribal registrar:

• Cherokee Nation Tribal Registrar

  P.O. Box 948

  Tahlequah, OK 74465-0948

• United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma

  P.O. Box 746

  Tahlequah, OK 74465

Important Notes:

• The "M" designations (e.g., M-1186) refer to microfiche film. Many libraries, particularly those with strong genealogy departments, hold copies of these films or can direct you to repositories where they are stored. Librarians with expertise in genealogy can offer valuable guidance.
• Some of the rolls mentioned in this article are available online through various genealogical websites.

Successfully finding your Cherokee ancestors requires patience, diligence, and a willingness to delve into historical records. While the process can be challenging, the rewards of connecting with your Cherokee heritage are immeasurable. Good luck on your journey!