The 1851 Siler Roll is a key genealogy resource for tracing Eastern Cherokee families who remained east of the Mississippi after the Trail of Tears. Compiled to identify those eligible for a federal per-capita payment, it lists households, family groupings, residences, ages, and relationships, but it is incomplete and should be used with the later Chapman Roll.
In April 1848, Dahlonega, Georgia, emerged as a significant gold mining hub following the forced removal of the Cherokee people. The state legislature divided the land into lottery lots, stirring excitement and ambition among prospectors. Despite its rich history, mining often resulted in losses rather than fortunes. The Dahlonega Mint, established in 1838, added legitimacy to the gold trade but faced challenges as the business waned. The area’s mining operations, largely transitioned from foreigners to local Georgians, remain characterized by both hard labor and tales of fortune—rarely achieved.
Lumpkin County, Georgia, named after early 19th-century politician Wilson Lumpkin, has significant ties to Native American history, particularly the Creek and Cherokee tribes. This region was vital during the Gold Rush of the 1820s and 1830s, leading to significant Cherokee displacement. The area is rich in archaeological evidence, indicating long-term Indigenous occupation, with trade routes connecting to broader networks. Despite historical claims, many Native American place names are inaccurately attributed, reflecting the complex legacy of cultural interaction before and after European colonization.
Hon. Thomas G. Mills, born in 1833 in North Carolina, became a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Shannon County, Missouri. After moving to Georgia in early childhood, he experienced familial loss, which shaped his early life. Mills served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and returned to farming post-war, significantly expanding his landholdings. He was elected associate judge of the County Court and remained active in local politics and community organizations while maintaining his Democratic principles throughout his life.
The Cherokee, a significant tribe of the Iroquoian family, historically occupied regions in the southern Alleghenies and claim ancestral ties to various groups, including the Choctaw. Their language comprises three main dialects, with the upper dialect prevalent in literature. Following initial European contact in 1540, the Cherokee engaged in conflicts with settlers and adapted a government reflecting U.S. models. They faced forced removal in 1838, enduring significant hardships, yet later reorganized. The tribe comprises various clans and has seen fluctuating population numbers throughout history.
The Cherokee Indians, whose name origins are uncertain, are historically significant Native Americans predominantly residing in the southern Appalachian region. They speak an Iroquoian language and were divided into three dialect groups linked to separate settlements in Tennessee and neighboring states. The tribe has a complex history marked by early contact with European settlers, significant migrations, and cultural adaptations, such as the creation of a written language by Sequoya. Over time, they faced numerous challenges, including disease and forced removal, yet they have maintained a notable cultural and historical presence.
An extract from the 1835 Cherokee East of the Mississippi Census, also known as the Henderson Roll, this database lists Cherokee households remaining east of the Mississippi before removal. It includes heads of households, family members, enslaved people, and whites connected by marriage, along with residence. The roll was later used in Cherokee ancestry claims.