Cowling

Anderson F. Cowling, identified as a Choctaw by blood, applied for enrollment in 1896. The Dawes Commission and U.S. court initially ruled in his favor, but the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court later denied his claim. His name appeared on the 1885 Choctaw census, and his children were ultimately enrolled as Choctaws by blood. Despite his active role in the Choctaw Nation—voting, holding office, and owning land—he was denied enrollment in 1904. His counsel argued that his established Choctaw identity and his children’s enrollment justified his inclusion as a citizen by blood.