Cherokee Indians, Cheroquois tribe. A powerful detached tribe of the Iroquoian family, formerly holding the whole mountain region of the south Alleghenies, in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and South Carolina, north Georgia, east Tennessee, and northeast Alabama, and claiming even to the Ohio River.
The Cherokee have long held that their tribal name is a corruption of Tsálăgĭ or Tsărăgĭ, the name by which they commonly called themselves, and which may be derived from the Choctaw chiluk-ki ‘cave people’, in allusion to the numerous caves in their mountain country. They sometimes also called themselves Ani´-Yûñ´-wiyá, ‘real people,’ or Ani´-Kĭtu´hwagĭ, ‘people of Kituhwa,’ one of their most important ancient settlements. Their northern kinsmen, the Iroquois, called them Oyata’ge‘ronoñ, ‘inhabitants of the cave country’ (Hewitt), and the Delawares and connected tribes called them Kittuwa, from the settlement already noted. They seem to be identical with the Rickohockans, who invaded central Virginia in 1658, and with the ancient Talligewi, of Delaware tradition, who were represented to have been driven southward from the upper Ohio River region by the combined forces of the Iroquois and Delawares.
Cherokee Language
The language has three principal dialects:
- Elatĭ, or Lower, spoken on the heads of Savannah River, in South Carolina and Georgia;
- Middle, spoken chiefly on the waters of Tuckasegee River, in western North Carolina, and now the prevailing dialect on the East Cherokee reservation;
- A´tăli, Mountain or Upper, spoken throughout most of upper Georgia, east Tennessee, and extreme western North Carolina. The lower dialect was the only one which had the r sound, and is now extinct. The upper dialect is that which has been exclusively used in the native literature of the tribe.
Cherokee Tribe History
Traditional, linguistic, and archeological evidence shows that the Cherokee originated in the north, but they were found in possession of the south Allegheny region when first encountered by De Soto in 1540. Their relations with the Carolina colonies began 150 years later. In 1736 the Jesuit (?) Priber started the first mission among them, and attempted to organize their government on a civilized basis. In 1759, under the leadership of A´ganstâ´ta (Oconostota), they began war with the English of Carolina. In the Revolution they took sides against the Americans, and continued the struggle almost without interval until 1794. During this period parties of the Cherokee pushed down Tennessee River and formed new settlements at Chickamauga and other points about the Tennessee-Alabama line. Shortly after 1800, missionary and educational work was established among theme, and in 1820 they adopted a regular form of government modeled on that of the United States. In the meantime large numbers of the more conservative Cherokee, wearied by the encroachments of the whites, had crossed the Mississippi and made new homes in the wilderness in what is now Arkansas. A year or two later Sequoya, a mixed-blood, invented the alphabet, which at once raised them to the rank of a literary people.
At the height of their prosperity gold was discovered near the present Dahlonega, Georgia, within the limits of the Cherokee Nation, and at once a powerful agitation was begun for the removal of the Indians. After years of hopeless struggle under the leadership of their great chief, John Ross, they were compelled to submit to the inevitable, and by the treaty of New Echota, Dec. 29, 1835, the Cherokee sold their entire remaining territory and agreed to remove beyond the Mississippi to a country there to be set apart for them-the present (1890) Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory. The removal was accomplished in the winter of 1838-39, after considerable hardship and the loss of nearly one-fourth of their number, the unwilling Indians being driven out by military force and making the long journey on foot 1. On reaching their destination they reorganized their national government, with their capital at Tahlequah, admitting to equal privileges the earlier emigrants, known as “old settlers.” A part of the Arkansas Cherokee had previously gone down into Texas, where they had obtained a grant of land in the east part of the state from the Mexican government. The later Texan revolutionists refused to recognize their rights, and in spite of the efforts of Gen. Sam Houston, who defended the Indian claim, a conflict was precipitated, resulting, in 1839, in the killing of the Cherokee chief, Bowl, with a large number of his men, by the Texan troops, and the expulsion of the Cherokee from Texas.
When the main body of the tribe was removed to the west, several hundred fugitives escaped to the mountains, where they lived as refugees for a time, until, in 1842, through the efforts of William H. Thomas, an influential trader, they received permission to remain on lands set apart for their use in western North Carolina.
They constitute the present eastern band of Cherokee, residing chiefly on the Qualla reservation in Swain and Jackson counties, with several outlying settlements.
The Cherokee in the Cherokee Nation were for years divided into two hostile factions, those who had favored and those who had opposed the treaty of removal. Hardly had these differences they been adjusted when the civil war burst upon them. Being slave owners and surrounded by southern influences, a large part of each of the Five Civilized Tribes of the territory enlisted in the service of the Confederacy, while others adhered to the National Government. The territory of the Cherokee was overrun in turn by both armies, and the close of the war found them prostrated. By treaty in 1866 they were readmitted to the protection of the United States, but obliged to liberate their black slaves and admit them to equal citizenship. In 1867 and 1870 the Delawares and Shawnee, respectively, numbering together about 1,750, were admitted from Kansas and incorporated with the Nation. In 1889 a Cherokee Commission was created for the purpose of abolishing the tribal governments and opening the territories to white settlement, with the result that after 15 years of negotiation an agreement was made by which the government of the Cherokee Nation came to a final end Mar. 3, 1906: the Indian lands were divided, and the Cherokee Indians, native adopted, became citizens of the United States.
Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee have 7 clans, viz:
- Ani’-wa’`ya (Wolf)
- Ani’-Kawĭ‘ (Deer)
- Ani’-Tsi’skwa (Bird)
- Ani’-wi’dĭ (Paint)
- Ani’-Sah’a’ni
- Ani’-Ga’tagewĭ
- Ani’-Gi-lâ’hĭ
The names of the last 3 cannot be translated with certainty. There is evidence that there were anciently 14, which by extinction or absorption have been reduced to their present number. The Wolf clan is the largest and most important. The “seven clans” are frequently mentioned in the ritual prayers and even in the printed laws of the tribe. They seem to have had a connection with the “seven mother towns” of the Cherokee, described by Cuming in 1730 as having each a chief, whose office was hereditary in the female line.
The Cherokee are probably about as numerous now (1905) as at any period in their history. With the exception of an estimate in 1730, which placed them at about 20,000, most of those up to a recent period gave them 12,000 or 14,000, and in 1758 they were computed at only 7,500. The majority of the earlier estimates are probably too low, as the Cherokee occupied so extensive a territory that only a part of them came in contact with the whites. In 1708 Gov. Johnson estimated them at 60 villages and “at least 500 men” 2 In 1715 they were officially reported to number 11,210 (Upper, 2,760; Middle, 6,350; Lower, 2,100), including 4,000 warriors, and living in 60 villages (Upper, 19; Middle, 30; Lower, 11). In 1720 were estimated to have been reduced to about 10,000, and again in the same year reported at about 11,500, including about 3,800 warriors 3 In 1729 they were estimated at 20,000, with at least 6,000 warriors and 64 towns and villages 4.
They are said to have lost 1,000 warriors in 1739 from smallpox and rum, and they suffered a steady decrease during their wars with the whites, extending from 1760 until after the close of the Revolution. Those in their original homes had again increased to 16,542 at the time of their forced removal to the west in 1838, but lost nearly one-fourth on the journey, 311 perishing in a steamboat accident on the Mississippi. Those already in the west, before the removal, were estimated at about 6,000. The civil war in 1861-65 again checked their progress, but they recovered from its effects in a remarkably short time, and in 1885 numbered about 19,000, of whom about 17,000 were in Indian Territory, together with about 6,000 adopted whites, blacks, Delawares, and Shawnee, while the remaining 2,000 were still in their ancient homes in the east.
Of this eastern band, 1,376 were on Qualla reservation, in Swain and Jackson Counties, North Carolina; about 300 are on Cheowah River, in Graham County, North Carolina, while the remainder, all of mixed blood, were scattered over east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama. The eastern band lost about 300 by smallpox at the close of the civil war. In 1902 there were officially reported 28,016 persons of Cherokee blood, including all degrees of admixture, in the Cherokee Nation in the Territory, but this includes several thousand individuals formerly repudiated by the tribal courts.
There were also living in the nation about 3,000 adopted black freedmen, more than 2,000 adopted whites, and about 1700 adopted Delaware, Shawnee, and other Indians. The tribe has a larger proportion of white admixture than any other of the Five Civilized Tribes.
For Further Study
The following articles and manuscripts will shed additional light on the Cherokee as both an ethnological study, and as a people.
- Cherokee Indians – Swanton
- Cherokee Treaties
- Treaty of November 28, 1785
- Treaty of July 2, 1791
- Treaty of June 26, 1794
- Treaty of October 2, 1798
- Treaty of October 24, 1804
- Treaty of October 25, 1805
- Treaty of October 27, 1805
- Treaty of January 7, 1806
- Treaty of September 8, 1815
- Treaty of March 22, 1816
- Treaty of September 14, 1816
- Treaty of July 8, 1817
- Treaty of February 27, 1819
- Treaty of May 6, 1828
- Treaty of February 14, 1833
- Agreement of March 14, 1835
- Treaty of August 24, 1835
- Treaty of December 29, 1835
- Treaty of August 6, 1846
- Agreement of September 13, 1865
- Treaty of July 19, 1866
- Treaty of April 27, 1868
- Cherokee Indian Chiefs
- Cherokee Indian Chiefs and Leaders
- Cherokee Indians Location
- Kansas Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Kentucky Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Alabama Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Arkansas Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Georgia Indian Tribes – Swanton
- North Carolina Indian Tribes – Swanton
- South Carolina Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Oklahoma Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Virginia Indian Tribes – Swanton
- West Virginia Indian Tribes – Swanton
- Cherokee Indian Rolls
- Reservation Roll
- Disbursements to Cherokees under the Treaty of May 6, 1828
- Trail of Tears Roll, 1835
- Old Settlers Roll, 1851
- Drennen Roll, 1852
- Act of Congress Roll, 1854
- Hester Roll, 1883
- Index to Final Roll, 1889-1914
- Final Roll, 1889-1914
- Understanding the Final (Dawes) Rolls
- Wallace Roll, 1890 (Cherokee Freedmen)
- Kern Clifton Roll, 1897 (Cherokee Freedmen)
- Guion Miller Roll, 1909 (Eastern Cherokee)
- Baker Roll, 1924 (Eastern Cherokee)
- Enrollment of Five Civilized Tribes, 1896
- Cherokee Indian Bands, Gens and Clans
- 1835 Henderson Roll
The following is the 1835 Cherokee East of the Mississippi Census or otherwise known as the Henderson Roll. This is only an index of the names. Researchers should consult the full roll in order to get more specific information on each family listed. In 1835, the Cherokee Nation contained almost 22,000 Cherokees and almost 300 Whites connected by marriage. This roll enumerates 16,000 of those people under 5,000 different families. - 1880 Cherokee Nation Census
- Sacred Formulas of the Cherokee
- Indian Missions of the Southern States
- Native American Mailing Lists
- Indian Tribe Mailing List by Location
- Indian Roll Mailing List
- Indian Cemetery Mailing List
- Oklahoma Indian Tribal Schools
- Cherokee Orphan Asylum
- Legal Status of Indians, 1890
- A Century of Dishonor
- How to Register for your CDIB Card
- Native American Land Patents
- 1828 Abstracts of the Cherokee Phoenix
- Abeel and Allied Families
- An Overland Journey to the West
- Cherokee Nation of Indians
- Cherokee Proposals for Cession of their Land
- History of the Cherokee Indians, Legends and Folklore -Emmet Starr
- The Cherokee of the Smoky Mountains
- Eastern Cherokee of North Carolina
- Native Uprisings Against the Carolinas (1711-17)
- Free US Indian Census Schedules 1885-1940
- Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency
- 1898-1899 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1904 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1906 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1909-1912 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1914 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1915-1922 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1923-1929 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1930-1932 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- 1933-1939 Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency Census
- Eastern Cherokee Indian Agency
Citations:
- See Trail of Tears Roll for a list of those participating in the march[↩]
- Rivers, So. Car., 238, 1856.[↩]
- Gov. Johnson’s Rep. in Rivers, So. Car., 93, 94, 103, 1874.[↩]
- Stevens, History of Georgia, I, 48, 1847[↩]
Hi, I am a 7th grader at WMS and I am wondering if somebody can help me with my project on Cherokee Indians because if anybody can help me on this project is someone who knows about Cherokee Indians, thanks!!!
I’m researching a relative family related to my Grandson. Family member name is John M. Lane born 1821 died 1894. He was a Cherokee soldier with the 2nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry that participated in the Red Stick War in Arkansas and the Trail Of Tears. He later became a confederate soldier during the civil War. He was granted land in Oklahoma because of his service with the Mounted Infantry. I believe his family was from North Carolina as the only Lane’s I could find in the 1830’s Cherokee Roles were of the Hiwassee River area of North Carolina. I have found one head of household named Ook she Lane with 3 members of the household. I’d like to know if Ook she lane was male or female and if a connection can be made to that family. John M Lane is supposed to have been born in Blount, Tennessee. I’ve read on a site that the Lane name is affiliated with the Long Hair Clan. Any help with this research would be greatly appreciated.
Whay cool bro! My grandmother Fly’s name is associated with Chicamauga, Eastern Band Cherokee (Wolf clan) as well as Nancy Ward, Dragging Canoe and Chief Leaning Wood/Little Carpenter Attakullakulla. Even I am still doing deep research on my family, grandmother’s name derived from Attakullakulla, Allman, Allmand Almond and Moytoy.
Justin I Just saw your inquiry of Attakullakulla. My niece has found in our family that we are possibly related to him as one of our great grand fathers. I have just started working it myself so i don’t have a lot of info at this time but maybe we could compare notes.
Hi Justin. I am also researching the people you have listed as possibly being in my tree. I would love to talk sometime!
Interesting my great grandmothers name was Tennessee Lane. Her sons name was Rosco Lane. All I do know is that they lived in Joplin MO area. I am just starting on this family History. I wonder how it could be possibly connected.
I am researching my great grandmother’s line. Her name was Lula Lane Hill, born 1881, died 1971. Her husband, my great-grandfather, was Augustus Galileo Hill (1881-1951). He was born in Hendersonville, NC. She may have had Cherokee relatives. That is the story.
Am searching for George Monroe Robbins, Aaron Robbins, Joseph P. Robbins, and Oliver P. Robbins. My grandfather Oliver has said to be either Apache or Cherokee. The Cherokee did roam the Stephens County, TX area. So it seems he would be Cherokee. If anyone has information on this or any Robbins members please contact me at judyjabi283@yahoo.com
Just because the Cherokees or any Native tribe roamed in any place, that doesn’t mean anything, you have to do family research based on acts and truth. I wish you the very best of everything on your family research.
My Great-Grandmother, Martha Jane Marker-McCormack died a few months before I was born. According to my father, John William McCormack, she was taken from the North Carolina Cherokee Nation by German family named Marker with twin daughters. One of the daughters had died so they gave my Grandmother her name. She married William Bailey McCormack. I think in Missouri and lived in Missouri until moving to Iowa and settled on the East side of Des Moines. Her birth date is listed about 1865 but that may have been the birth date of the other Marker girl. She died 05-01-1946 in Des Moines and is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. I would love to hear from anyone with information on the Marker family that would help with this mystery and dead end in my search into my family tree.
I’m looking for any info on my Granddaddy, Woodrow Wilson Warren. His mother was Cherokee and I’m trying to find out what her name was. My GGrandmother became pregnant with Woodrow, but it was out of wedlock. She became pregnant by a man with the last name of Dixon/Dickson, (he was French/Cherokee) but she married a Warren and he adopted my Granddaddy. My granddaddy never talked about his mother or stepfather much. When my granddaddy was 13/14 yrs old, his mother sent him off to live with an aunt in South Carolina because him and his stepfather were not getting along. My granddaddy joined the army and was sent to Panama during the Panama Canal project. It shows that my granddaddy was born October 30, 1919, but he was actually born November 10, 1923. I think they changed his birth date because he wasn’t old enough to join the army. So he would have actually been 13/14 years old when he went to Panama, but on the papers he was 16/17 years old. My granddaddy also kept in touch with his half sister Joy/Joyce Dixon. He has two sons; John T. Warren (my dad) and Frank Warren. He was married to Evelyn Grace Collins. He passed away he in 1964. Oh, and his mother also lived on the reservation. I hope someone can help me. I just need to know what (his mother) my GGrandmother’s name was.
Did you ever get any info? My great great grandmother was supposedly born in Arkansas on the Trail of Tears and her name was Syrenia Dixen/Dixon. No knowledge of her parents names. When was your grandfather born?
I was told my grandmother was from the Cherokee Nation. Her maiden name is Pauline Moss. Is there any history to her family available
Please help. Looking for any information about my great great great grandmother. She was full blooded Cherokee. But my grandfather tried making her look more “white” by giving her a more Anglo name. So we are stuck. I believe her name was Cora Wilson. Relatives include Martha Bayless died 1903. Mother of Mary Jane Blythe dies 10-20-1925. She has an CDIB# too. Husband William Blythe but I think this was her 2nd husband. William’s son George Dillard Wilson died April 9, 1871. Not sure how to find out any other information.
Since it is your great great great grandmother that was full blood Cherokee, according to the number relationship chart, your 3rd great grandmother is 6 times from your great grandmother, which would be the 9th generation from you, which means that far back, you have 256 great grandparents each that contribute 6.25 of what they have to you, but the further back you go in the family, the less amount you get. So, you would divide 100% into 256, which you get 0.39% Cherokee.
I am looking for information about Sarah Livingstone (Livingston, Levingston) She married Seborn Jenkins. They had a daughter named Lucy Ann Jenkins in Wayne, NC who was born on March 18, 1852 and died on March 22, 1919 in Buford, NC. Family legend says that Sarah was a Medicine Woman of the Cherokee. Any information would be appreciated.
I am quite surprised that you weren’t able to translate the last three, I belong to the Wild Potato Clan, which is probably one of those three.
hi my name is ashley robbins and im looking for someone to talk about my grandma that is an Indian but she passed away when i was younger i just some more information please let me know. thanks
I am looking for our lost tribe. I am Barbara Smith Allen. My mother is Judy Hart Smith. Her mother was Ruthie May Boutwell Hart. Her mother Was Lily Pearl Grooms Boutwell. Her Parents were Sanford Grooms and Sarah Foxworth. Sanford Grooms and Sarah Foxworth and Lily Pearl were supposed to be full blood Native American Indians from the Carolina’s. They feared the government and white man’s medicine. They fled to South Florida to blend in with the Mexican’s working on the farms. They did everything they could to not disclose their Tribe for fear of hurting the Elder’s that stayed behind. It wasn’t until Judy Hart Smith was born that Lily Pearl told her and Ruthie May they were from the Carolina’s. But she could not remember the tribe’s name. Nor could she remember her given Indian name as the Indian names were taboo talk in their house. I was wondering if anyone has come across these names? Any help would be greatly appreciated! sheigh3@gmail.com
Do you know anything about original settlers at Ross Landing in Tennessee? According to book, “Tennessee Cousins,” author states McPherson was one of early settlers intermarried with Cherokees. Looking for first names of any of these McPherson’s particularly that would have been born in Virginia. Have found a James McPherson that operated a trading boat in Tunica Mississippi as early as 1840, and believe he may have been from Ross Landing. He was married to a Sarah or Susan Ann.
hi my name is ashley. im looking for information on my great grandma. I have found some stuff but need help with couple more questions.
Hello. I am looking for information on my great-grandmother Minnie Lee Jordan (born Robison or Robinson) who was married to Audie Furman Jordan. She was the daughter of William Riley Robison (or Robinson) and Sarah Frances Butler. I believe that Minnie Lee could be Cherokee, Chickasaw or Choctaw. It appears that the families were in Tennessee for the most part but I can’t verify that. I have searched some of the rolls and census lists but haven’t had any luck. If anyone has any information they can share, it would be appreciated. Thank you.
I know this is a long shot but My great grandmother was Margaret Robinson she had a sister named Minnie I couldn’t help but wonder if there is a relation? I never knew her parents names but I do know that her Mother was Irish and from what I was told Father was cherokee? My email is pruittamy86@yahoo.com if any of this sounds familiar.
I was a foster child growing up. One of my great-great or great great great grandmothers was full Indian. She may have been Cherokee or Creek. I am trying to establish which. Another relative was Sally Rice, or possibly Sally B. Rice. If you have information on either of these individuals, I would very much appreciate the information. Email me please.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry E. Saltsman-Garrett
Nancy Adams reedy
Also Sarah Caroline reedy
Hi my name is LaTanya and I am in pursuit of any information on my grandparents. My mother (Claudia Burnett or Barnett born 1/28/1946) was adopted and her mother was part Cherokee, name is Lula Burnett or Barnett born 8/19/1898. My grandfather I have yet to discover any of his information who was full Cherokee.
Hello, I am also trying to find out if our family legend is true that one of our ancestors was Cherokee. The story goes that some white man married a Cherokee woman. I have been tracing my family, and as they were all in western PA for generations I began to doubt the story. But recently I made some breakthroughs and I discovered that one of my ancestors was born in what became Burke County NC. I am trying to find out more about this. My ancestor Andrew James Arrowood seems to have had two wives at 2 different times one would hope, but anyway, Elizabeth Betts Turner and Mary McNutt both said to have been from NC born in 1730. Things are a little sketchy but their daughter Mary Ann Arrowood married William Cousins which eventually led to me. Do you think that there is a strong possibility that Elizabeth Betts Turner could have been Cherokee?
I’m searching for any record of my great-grandfather on behalf of my mom, who isn’t great with computers. I have only sketchy details about his life, but I’m hoping to get a lead. His name was William Cook, he was born blind in the twenties or thirties and was left at an orphanage in New England (possibly CT or RI.) Family believes he was Cherokee, but I dont know if that’s correct or if he was able to connect with his birth culture before he died back in 1996. I’m currently searching for his obituary, and I’d appreciate everyone’s suggestions on what websites to use. My mom has wonderful memories of what a good man he was, and I’d like to be able to find his story for her.
Hello I am looking for information on my great grandmother is full blooded Cherokee Indian. She was from Arkansa and married my great grandfather with the last name Laurent. He was kicked out of France for marrying my great grand mother. If anyone has any answers please let me know thanks.
I’m researching my ancestry and was wondering how to know if any of my relatives are Native American on the official records? Some of the names are tend to change a lot on the records as though they had forgotten what replacement names that had used previously instead of their Indian given names. Thank !
Hi, Renee
That’s interesting about your great-grandmother being a full blooded Cherokee Indian from Arkansa(s).
It’s possible that this information is correct because many Cherokees did live in what became the Arkansas Territory, especially between 1817-1828, when there was a federal reservation of sorts for emigrant Cherokees in that region. Some Cherokees were living in what is now Arkansas before 1817 and a few stayed there after 1828, when nearly all were forced further westward to what became the Indian Territory (now northeastern Oklahoma).
Arkansas was not the original homeland area for the Cherokees, but many (thousands) gradually moved to that region because of the pressures of colonization as the United States spread rapidly westward after the War of 1812/Creek War. They were trying to get out ahead of the United States and many of its ills, like greed and violence.
My own mixedblood Cherokee ancestors moved to Wolf Creek, Arkansas Territory (now Clark County) from Tennessee in 1817. They were surnamed Gentry. A close relative of theirs also moved to Arkansas Territory at around the same time. His name was David Gentry, and he was a member of the Hiwassee River/Jolly’s Island community in Tennessee that also emigrated to Arkansas Territory, beginning in 1817.
Few people know about this history or about the federal records that document these Arkansas Cherokees. But there are federal documents that show the names of many Arkansas Cherokees (including David Gentry and his wife Diana Rogers, and her relative Pleasant Rogers), who were eligible for financial compensation for their abandoned land and improvements in Arkansas as stipulated in the Treaty of 1828. These records are a good place to look for bonafide Arkansas Cherokees, who later were known as “Old Settlers.” They were Cherokee emigrants who settled in Arkansas and then Indian Territory prior to the Removal and the Trail of Tears. The largest group of Cherokees were forced westward much later, in 1838-39. Otherwise, except for these documents that were created because of the Treaty of 1828, records are scant for the thousands of Cherokees who lived in Arkansas before and after 1828.
All the Best with your search.
Sincerely,
Patrick Pynes
I have been told that my grandmother had “head rights”. I am not certain what that exactly means. I was told that her mother was full Cherokee Indian. I am searching for information on Minnie F. Speaks, born 1879. According to the Chickasaw Nation, Ardmore County Groom Index, at age 20 she married H.E. Gage (Hugh Ervin Gage) on 06/15/1899 in Elmore, OK. My grandmother, Della Gage was born 07/25/1914 in Indian Territory, Elmore, OK. I’m new to researching so forgive my stupidity, but if they married in Chickasaw Nation would they be Cherokee Indian?
I have recently traced one living relative of my uncle, A. W. Gage, born 1904 in Indian Territory, OK. We haven’t had a chance to exchange information but from our one phone call she relayed the same information regarding our great-grandmother, Minnie F. Speaks. She was told that Minnie was full Cherokee Indian. Through 1880 census reports, I have determined her parents to be James T. Speaks born 1851, and Victoria C. Yancey (I have seen referred to as Sarah Victoria C. Yancey also) born 1857. The marriage license says Victoria or Victory C. Yancey. Both born in Arkansas.
How do I begin to determine the possibility of her Cherokee heritage? Both myself & my newly found cousin have hit road blocks. Most likely from lack of knowledge of navigating the rolls, etc. Thank you in advance for your help.
Searching for HAY Native Americans in the area of Newton, Rockdale, Gwinnett counties, GEORGIA.
Thank you.
Samuel M. Hay, III
Covington, GA
Does anyone have any information on any Coopers or Gardners from North Carolina being Cherokee? I’m a descendant of David Cooper and Sarah Sally Gardner through their son Joseph Edward Cooper. According to family, Sarah or David and maybe both were full-blooded Cherokee that came from North Carolina. I know where they lived in Yancey was historically Cherokee territory. Sarah was possibly an adopted rather than biological child of Ewil Pentecost Gardner and Mary Eustacia “Stacy” Hughs. I don’t know David Cooper’s parents’ or siblings’ names. And if Sarah Sally was adopted, I don’t her original name or the names of her biological parents or siblings. I haven’t been able to find them or their children on any rolls so far, but if I know more of their family to look for I might can find where someone was on them to prove Cherokee ancestry.
I have a Uncle David Cooper.> Kansas
Our ancestors traveled the Trail. last full Blood 1880 ncel Alan’s wife Comita Comel Gilbert
His sister Kate Thrasher Cooper Gilbert ( My great Grandmother) are of the Cherokee Nation
http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofthrashe00thra/historyofthrashe00thra_djvu.txt
https://www.wikitree.com/genealogy/THRASHER
Looking for info on my ggggrandparents Edward Hill and Sallie Jones-Hill their offspring were Allen Hill,Betty Hill,Mary Hill John Hill their from Greeneville N.C.moved to Indian Territory in early 1900s once lived in Eufaula Oklahoma.
Start by looking at Cherokee toll bridges around Novata, Ok. The Hill family owned one and the women in photos I have look totally Indian with long dark hair. I was given these by a tribal member’s family.
Looking for further genealogical information on my great-great grandmother. All I have on her is this: Ellen Simmons born 12 Mar 1854 in White Oak, Wisconsin. She married Francis Phillips 8 Mar 1846. She died 1 Mar 1922. I am looking for who her people were, ie her parents, siblings, etc.
I apologize for my typos so let me write a correction:
My great-great grandmother Ellen Simmons was born 12 March 1854 in White Oak, WI and died 1 March 1922 in Scales Mound, IL and married Francis Phillips in 1875 in Scales Mound, IL. He was born 13 April 1847 in Scales Mound, IL and died 8 march 1922 in Scales Mound, IL. They had my great-grandmother Mary Adella Phillips 7 January 1876 in Scales Mound, IL.
If anyone can confirm this information and/or has further information contact me at:
catherine.heiby@gmail.com
Hi Catherine, since those towns are the same towns where some of my ancestors are from, this caught my eye. I did find a few census records for Ellen Simmons Phillips where she indicated both of her parents came from England. I can try to find their names if you like.
do you know the culture of the cherokee clans??? please reply asap
Cadence, you can look at the following link which takes you to Gilbert’s “The Eastern Cherokee.” Look at the bottom of page 203 and read from there:
https://archive.org/stream/easterncherokees00gilb#page/202/mode/2up
I am trying to find the name of my 6th great grandmother. She was of the Cherokee tribe and was taken to France by William De Goeleanor. They returned to Virginia they were married. The had a son William Goleanor who married Elsie Shepherd.
I am looking for my family. My grandmother was Paralee Adams, maiden name Paralee Hunley. I know she was full blooded cherokee. Born: Sept., 20, 1906 , Union Co., TN.-Death: Nov., 7, 1992. Grandfather was Charles Adams Born: Oct., 11,1886, Union co., TN.- Death: Jan., 6, 1956. Looking for information on their parents. Cannot seem to get any further. Please help… Bearswampjan57@hotmail.com
I am trying to trace the native American part of the family, if anyone can help me find any information it would be appreciated.
Have you had your DNA done???
My husbands great grandmother was the granddaughter of Joseph Willis who supposely mother was a Cherokee Indian slave, but DNA proved otherwise, check DNA!!,
Please reply to me with more info, I’m a relative and my mom had her dna checked. Quite a surprise!
DNA is nothing more than a fraudulent and criminal act to deceptively mislead you.
I am mostly Cherokee through both of my parents families, but unlike most people, if not, most all of the people in the world, I research the truth about my family, not mythological legends and fantasy fairytales. Now, as far as the dna goes, dna doesn’t prove anything about you, me or anyone else, because dna is 100% inaccurate and dna is deceptively misleading to all. I suggest that anyone who is interested in and enthusiastic about your true family history, forget about dna, because dna doesn’t do anything for you, but instead research the truth about your family and their ancestors and take pride in it which is exactly what I’m doing. I have great and wise Native American friends who I am honored to have as friends who told me and taught me not to look to dna for answers, but to look to and to research family documents based on truthful and factual information and not to trust anyone, especially if they aren’t your family and don’t claim something that you aren’t without researching the truth. Now I am passing down their truthful knowledge and great wisdom to you.
People searching for Cherokee ancestors should read this article on Cherokee DNA: https://accessgenealogy.com/native/cherokee-dna.htm
I had people who descended from some of my ancestors, and were tested by 23 and Me telling me their DNA showed they were related to several Native Americans as far back as 1700’s. I thought that sounded a little suspect. After reading the article, I think people are probably scammed by some DNA tests. One should be selective in which test to take. I do think DNA is helpful in some aspects, but even with a DNA match, one should go one step further to document with sources that connection. Also things published in books, and online are helpful, but one needs to go one step further, and find documentation for what they have heard or read.
Hi I am looking for information about the cheroke tribe my dads side are cheroke indians his mom is full blooded indians with her last name being ross her family came off the reservation along time ago I didn’t know if anyone could help I’m trying to learn more about my family history thanks
Hi Elzabeth, I can’t be much help with the Indian part, I am searching for that myself. My reason for responding is that I noticed your name, Bullard, My father told me his mothers last name was Bullard. She was married to my Grandfather Purl Lathrop, her first name was Mallettie. I was also told that her mothers Indian name was Litchfield and her fathers Indian name was Bullard. I don’t know if that is any help but I would like to know if you have any knowledge of her or any information that would help me. Thanks. If I can help more, please let me know. Roy A. Lathrop Sr.
I’m looking for any information on both of my paternal great great grandmothers (father’s dad’s great grandmother and his mother’s great grandmother). I’ve been told they were both full blooded Cherokee but I can’t seem to find anything on the rolls for either of them. My paternal family has been in GA mostly (few in NC, SC and AL) since the 1700s. My grandfather’s great grandmother was Minnie Millwood born 2/26/1885 and married a “Gus” S. Sanders on June 29th 1906 in St. Claire, Al. My grandmother’s great grandmother was Mary Ida Weaver (became Deleshaw by marriage). She married Walter Eugene Deleshaw. Mary Ida Weaver was born in 1872, I believe in Atlanta, GA. Any information would be helpful. I have the lineage traced back to France and England but when the anestors arrived in the 1600s, the went straight from VA to Ga and few neighboring southeast states. I have no proof of what I’ve been told by relatives. I feel like I’ve searched all of the rolls and would like to know if/ how much they are both American natives. Thanks!
I am an adopted child; I have some information on my mother’s side, which is Cherokee I am told. I have some names but run into dead ends. Her maiden name is Dixon; her grandfather’s name is Crook, I am told. I found him in the Census of 1865, listed as white. I get bits and pieces but cannot trace him to her and then to myself and my siblings. I would love to pass my heritage on to my children and grandchildren and feel it is my right. If anyone can help, thank you. I do not know what other avenues to take.
Hi Sylvia! I am also adopted and was told by my adopted parents that my heritage is Cherokee Indian. I actually met my natural family when I was 18/19 at their request. As hind site is 20/20 I sure wish I had spent time with them and found out details of heritage but I was young and not really interested in building those relationships (long story). Both sets of parents, natural and adopted, are dead so it is definitely more challenging to find proof of heritage. I started my journey by getting an attorney to open my adoption papers to get my original birth certificate which shows natural parents names, ages, and birth places. The attorney was able to get this info for me. He was also able to obtain my natural father’s birth certificate so now I know who my grandparents are on his side. (very helpful). I just recently went on Ancestry.com to start my searches. First thing I noticed is I am only listed by my original birth certificate. There is no other info on me. My given name was changed when I was adopted and there is no record of me by that name. Just don’t give up. The Cherokee do not accept DNA for proving heritage so I would not waste any money. You will have to go to the reservation and speak with the Tribal Enrollment department. They will give little or no info on the phone. They will help you as much as they can once you are there. I’m sure you already know there are two Cherokee Nations, one in Cherokee, NC and the other in Oklahoma. Two totally different nations. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Good luck with your journey. Alice
LOOKING FOR INFO ON THOMAS JAMES MANNING FROM BURNT CORN SPRINGS ALABAMA. HE WAS MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER. HE WAS GRABBED WHILE OUT WORKING IN THE FIELDS AND TAKEN TO OLKAHOLMA DURING THE TRAIL OF TEARS. HE IS FOUND ON THE CHEROKEE CENUIS OF 1838 ROLL # 11016 PAGE 53. MY E-MAIL roperville9@aol.com – PLZ FEEL FEEL TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO. TY!
I AM RESEARCHING FRANCIS MARION WILLIS AND MARTHA ANN MANNING OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA. MARTHA WAS DAUGHTER OF THOMAS JAMES MANNING AND NANCY JANE GODWIN.
Does anyone have information about “Tiger Hill” in Oklahoma concerning Indian history and settling? Also, was it allowed to remove your name and your children’s names off of the roll? If so….is their records to find that shows this?
Am looking for William Franklin Jacobs born 1823, his mother is part Cherokee and chotaw indian. I cant find his burial or eaten of passing. Can anyone help?
I am trying to find birth or death records of my great grandparents. George Lineberry born 1844 died 1916 . Amanda F. Lineberry born 1875 died 1964 .I know they lived in Galax VA area. I dont know where thet were born .Any info would be helpful. Thanks
I know you can go to the NAC in dallas texas, take a DNA test, and fulfil all your needs. I personally want to trace everything by paper… im finding plenty of free resources… just don’t give up.. im running into problems of no birth certificates for anyone past my grandfather… which isn’t unusual…
im on facebook and can provide links, just add me to yoour friends… good luck in your endeavors.
When I was 7 years old my mother was told that I had to do something with the White Buffalo Calf Woman.The Indian that told her this drew a picture of me before he actually met me. Right now I am looking for help from my ancestors and who can help me. Please get in touch with me. Thank You!
The family was Jenkins and from Alabama……Greensberry was the first name of my great-great grand father …Thanks
Hey Im looking for the Jenkins family as well please contact me at goodloe73@yahoo.com Martha Jenkins is my gggggrandmother
Hey I have Jenkins family from Alabama as well. My email address is goodloe73@yahoo.com… Please feel free to contact me…
Thanks
Needing help finding my family history. I have some information but not too much. My grandma was Maria Hawkes (also my mothers maden name.) my grandfather was Haskel Ray Hawkes both lived in granite city illinois. My grandma was born and buried in roswell, nm. I am told i am cherokee and apache and half but i would really like to know more. If anyone could give me some advice that would be great! Thanks
Family history passed down says my maternal great-grandmother (Annie) was 1/4 Black 3/4 Native American, Cherokee specifically from Alabama. Clan unknown, but with Chief Eldridge’s family. I don’t know Chief Eldridge’s given name or even if he was a chief. Annie married a man last name NEW and they settled in Shawnee Kansas after Chief Eldridge gave them permission to leave the reservation in Oklahoma. Don’t know if New was all or part Native American or Black or what.
I want to trace the family line back to Chief Eldridge to learn once and for all if there is fact and truth to this history or just family lore.
Anyone that can provide helpful information will be VERY MUCH appreciated.
im trying to find my great grangmothers last name she lived in Asheville my papaw was oliver l. godfrey any help would be great thanks
hi my name is kelly prince & i might be cherokee & another tribe my late grandfathers’ name is ernest james prince sr. & he was born in grafton west virginia in 1925 & he died on august 1, 1988 & my grandfather on my moms side of the family was born in 1923 & he’s from meigs county in ohio along the ohio river my grandfathers on my moms side of the family’s grandmother was sonoma curtis osbourne & i’m just wondering if i have indian in me i have the little crows feet on both sides of my eyes & my eyes are dark brown my hair is dark brown but it looks black. what tribe/tribes am i & how much?
Well, what are your grandparents’ names?
I know I’m Cherokee about 3/15 r so my grandfather was Cherokee chief of the wolf clan in south Carolina I’m.from Alabama looking for a Indian reservations
Hello Rachel Stargell, Wow…I am also researching my ggggrandmother and was told she was Mollie of the Wolf Clan in South Carolina. Do you have any information on which part of South Carolina that would have been around the 1700-1800s? You can send an email to cynfenn@hotmail or respond on this platform.
Thanks,
Cynthia Fenn
I am searching my background and I know my grandmothers maiden name and her fathers name is Bell…. Carl Bell. I found him on the Baker Roll… That is all I know about that side of my family. He would be my Great Grandpa. Any help would be much appreciated. 🙂
I am looking for distant relatives of my late grandmother whos name was Connie Jean Harris. Harris was her married name as I don’t know what her madin name was but she was married to Carl Dabney Harris out of Fort Smith, Arkansas. My grandparents had eight children between the 1930’s and 1950’s. They lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas with all of their children. I wish I knew more about her but unfortunately she passed before I was born so I never got to know her. My grandmother was Cherokee Indian and worked in a factory. Please anyone could you help me find out what my percentage of Indian background is for my children s sake.
I’m looking for information on several people. Following a notice from a distant cousin of my husbands I have decided to check into an annoying family story that refuses to go poof.
Anyone have info on a Thomas Ole Goains? Tribe presumed is Cherokee. As I have a list of people to search and seek info on, I’m only going to list one at a time and systematically go through the list so that I do not have any issues.
Thank you for any help provided. You might be saving me from a huge headache as this cousin keeps popping up asking about this.
TO Goains was my grandfathers father. Came from Arkansas to Texas. First wife I believe was Ira died in Arkansas. He live. around Merdian Tx.
Hello Dennis, I have been researching for years, and run in to road blocks. My fathers side was Cherokee apparently. William Franklin Magee 1893-1927, whose apparent Cherokee last name was Strongbow. I found census records where he is listed as white. he married Blanche J Wertenberger. She married twice after that. but one of their children was Delmer Magee. I can find lots on Blanche, but nothing ever on William. I know he is buried in Clay County Arkansas, but that is it. I cannot find info on his parents or any siblings. But apparently he was full Cherokee. most of the census records I have found show them as white, however family pictures clearly indicate otherwise. Is there anything you can do to help me? Thank you
my name is lisa coline (bachedler – maiden name ) komulainen. my family has been researching our native indian heritage for about 25 years now and have come a little ways. i have some names of people that are suspected to be an ancestor but i can find no link to how they relate to the state of Maine.the latest names we have come to is thomas mitchell and sarah lancaster. sarah lancaster was born sometime before 1775 in Alabama (beleive in the area of Foster, Al ). this is reportedly the claim made by her grandson – William R. Hutcheson – that she was Cherokee. Possibly Eastern Cherokee Nation. Pheobe ( Hutcheson ) Hubbard was Thomas Mitchell’s grandaughter. He was born around 1768. a application was filed by Pheobe Hubbard implying he may have been Cherokee as well. The application # for Thomas Mitchell is 34225. Out come of the application is unknown. I am trying to find out if Thomas and Sarah are Cherokee what route i should take next to fill in the ansestor’s between them ( or thier children ) to my great grandparents. Their names are John Baptist Bachelder of Avon, Maine and his wife was Sylvie Elthea Campbill ( or it is spelled – Campbell) Silvie was born in 1892, whereabouts is unknown, and she died in 1944. She is buried in Rangeley, Maine. John Baptist Bachelder was born 1882 and he died March 28, 1971. He is also buried in Rangeley, Maine. Any help or possible leads in either direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for any information and Thank you for letting me be a part of this group.
[Editor]This comment was edited to remove contact details. Please feel free to contact Lisa directly via Facebook or by replying to this comment in the form below.[Editor]
Lisa, my husband’s ancestry has William Ragsdale Hutcheson on the Guion Miller Roll, stating
his maternal grandfather, Tomas Mitchell was 1/4 cherokee. Tomas’ father is possibly John Mitchel. No info on mother.
Tomas wife was Sarah Lancaster – 1775-1850, b. Alabama; d. Laurent Co., Tenn.; interred, Brush creek cem.,Laurent, Tn
An entry in Ancestry shows Sarah’s parents to be Joseph Lancaster and Hannah Bubier, both from Maine (needs verifying).
William Ragsdale mentions that his own wife is Cherokee but doesn’t elaborate on her.
William Ragsdale Hutcheson -, mother, Sarah Mitchel; grandfather, Thomas or Tomas Mitchel, g grandfather, maybe John Mitchell.
I to am trying to find my indian hertiage as my gggreat granmother was said to be cherokee her name was elizabeth (Ebestle ) Bounds she married a william ragland have no pics an very little info other then words from now deceased family members where do i go ??
My Great Great Grand Father Married a Cherokee while he was hiding from the law for killing a man. I am trying to trace my Cherokee Ancestry. My Grand Mother was Lona Rachel Clevenger Puckett Freeman. I believe that the Clevenger side was the Cherokee side. Her Mother and Father were William Clevenger and wife Minnie Scarberry (Who was either full or half Cherokee. Minnie Scarberry’s Father was Tall Scarberry
Do not know wwho her mother was for sure. Tall Scarberry’s Parents were Robert Scarberry and Millie ? ( not sure what Millie’s last name was). I think this is the the Cherokee side.
My name is Ashley Clevenger and I might have some information for you. I can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/abclevenger
I am trying to research my family history and when I get to my grandmother I am unable to find anything. I have always been told that my Grandmother was Cherokee Indian and I would love to find out this for sure. Her name is Bessie Mae Logan if anyone can help me. Or tell me where to go to find out any information. Thanks