Gamel

Kate Gamel and her family applied for Choctaw citizenship in 1896, claiming descent from Betsy Helm, a half-blood Choctaw. Despite testimony supporting their claim, the Dawes Commission denied their application. In 1897, the U.S. Court ruled in their favor, recognizing them as Choctaw citizens. However, in 1902, the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court overturned this decision. A 1904 appeal was denied after claimants declined to present further evidence. Although their enrollment had been uncontested by the Choctaw Nation initially, the final ruling excluded them from citizenship, leaving their claims unresolved.