Cherokee Topics – Access Genealogy

Guion Miller Application of Isom Durham White

Isom Durham White’s application for Cherokee enrollment was rejected due to the lack of documented proof of his ancestry. Born in 1841 in Missouri, his familial roots trace back to Kentucky, well outside the recognized Cherokee territory of 1835. White’s parents and grandparents were not listed on the 1835 or 1851 Cherokee rolls, undermining any claims of descent. Furthermore, he could not provide living witnesses to attest to his lineage, ultimately resulting in the denial of his application based on insufficient evidence.

1832 Cherokee Muster Roll

This Muster Roll details Cherokee Indians who migrated west of the Mississippi River under B. F. Curry’s supervision. It includes payments made by Capt. Vashon, outlining the number of individuals and slaves receiving subsistence. Each Indian received $32.50, with payments occurring in April or May 1832. The document lists heads of families and their respective counts of males, females, and slaves, totaling 231 men, 193 women, and 157 slaves, with a cumulative total of 561 individuals.

1819 Cherokee Reservation List

Map of the principal routes taken by Cherokee removal parties in the late 1830s.

This specific roll is of a list of 146 heads of families entitled to reservations under the Treaty with the Cherokee of the 27th February, 1819.

Indian Warfare Between Texas and Mexico

In 1836, Major Chouteau explored the region between the Red River and the Colorado River, encountering numerous Comanche, Kiowa, and Kiowa Apache camps during their buffalo migration. Despite initial suspicion, he engaged in discussions with tribal leaders, ultimately facilitating a treaty in May 1837, aimed at peace among the tribes and protection for traders. However, amidst rising tensions due to Mexican influence and Indian warfare, further conflicts loomed, highlighting the precarious nature of relations between the tribes and the encroaching settlers in Texas.

Cherokee Muster Rolls, 1835 – 1838

1830 Map of Cherokee Territory in Georgia

The Cherokee Muster Rolls of 1835-1838 document the forced relocation of the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears. These rolls list families who were moved west, including those who left voluntarily, were rounded up by military forces, or migrated under Cherokee leadership. They offer crucial genealogical information for descendants of Cherokee individuals from the southeastern U.S., particularly those connected to the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band. These records, like the 1835 Henderson Roll and various muster rolls, are important for researchers tracking Cherokee ancestry during this difficult chapter in American history.

1834 Cherokee Muster Roll

The 1834 Cherokee Muster Roll documents Cherokee Indians who emigrated westward under J. A. Harris before the 1835 Henderson Roll. It includes 216 Heads of Families among the 903 individuals who traveled, noting that some returned east due to conditions. Births and deaths occurred along the journey, and family members were not always together. Each family was provided with supplies. If your ancestor is missing from the Henderson Roll, this muster roll may hold their name.

1838 Cherokee Muster Roll 3

The list includes Cherokees who emigrated from Georgia with B. F. Curry in 1838. It details family heads and counts for males and females across two different age groups, over and under 25.

Names of Cherokee Soldiers in the Civil War

In 1861, Stand Watie organized the Cherokee Mounted Rifle Regiment to support the Confederacy, becoming its Colonel. The regiment included various officers and multiple companies, each with distinguished ranks and privates. A notable military structure was established, reflecting the Cherokee commitment to the Southern cause, despite initial neutrality. Over time, several battles occurred, and controversies arose regarding supply and compensation for Cherokee soldiers. Ultimately, Stand Watie negotiated a treaty with the U.S. in 1865, marking the end of hostilities and the return to peace for the Cherokee Nation.

Governor Stokes’s Uncompleted Plans

In March 1836, Governor Stokes became the sub-agent for the Cherokee, Seneca, and Shawnee tribes at Fort Gibson, receiving a modest salary of $750 annually. He faced numerous challenges, including a cramped office space and subordination to a disbursing officer, complicating his relations with the tribes. Stokes advocated for the rights of the Half-Breed reserves of the Osage Nation but struggled to secure assistance for them. Despite his dedication, his term ended without reappointment, and he passed away in November 1842, leaving a significant legacy.

The Stokes Treaty Commission

The Arkansas Osage, relocated from their old home to the Verdigris, faced significant challenges in their adjustment and governance. Initially lacking an agent until 1822, they experienced several leadership changes due to tragic events, such as Nathaniel Philbrook’s drowning. Frequent conflicts necessitated annual conferences, culminating in treaties with the Creeks and Cherokees in 1831. The 1833 commission, led by Governor Stokes, sought to establish peace and reassign boundaries between tribes, but faced persistent opposition from influential Osage leaders like Clermont, complicating negotiations amid severe hardship within the tribe.

Governor Houston’s Life Among the Indians

Detail from Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto

Following his failure to secure a contract for Indian rations, Sam Houston engaged in a series of contentious correspondences, criticizing officials and accusing Colonel Hugh Love of collusion. His passion led to public outbursts, including an intemperate proclamation against opponents. Despite his controversies, he was seen as an advocate for Indian rights, notably the Cherokee and Creek tribes. Houston’s deeper ambitions in Texas and his relationships with these tribes were marked by significant developments, including allegations of attempts to manipulate land settlements in their favor.

Governor Houston at His Trading Post on the Verdigris

In February 1828, Colonel Brearley led the Creek immigrants to the Verdigris, following governmental commitments from the 1826 treaty. During this time, Samuel Houston, a former U.S. Army officer and politician, was redefining his life among the Cherokee. After abandoning his political career and personal troubles, he became deeply involved with the Cherokee, adopting their customs and language. Houston’s influence grew as he criticized corrupt Indian agents and sought to improve conditions for Native Americans, eventually being adopted into the Cherokee tribe in 1829.

Western Garrison Life

Holland Coffee, a trader at Fort Smith, led a trading expedition into western Indian territories alongside Robert M. French. They set up a trading post near the Red River, at the old Pawnee village, aiming to capitalize on friendly relations established by Colonel Dodge with western tribes. Despite challenges, including unrest among the tribes regarding treaty assurances, a significant conference was held at Fort Gibson in 1835, resulting in the first treaty with western prairie tribes, crucial for U.S. plans to relocate eastern Indians.

Fort Gibson Conference with the Indians, 1834

Catlin Painting a Chief at the Base of the Rocky Mountains

In September 1834, Colonel Dodge convened a significant council at Fort Gibson with chiefs from various tribes, including the Osage, Cherokee, and Kiowa, following earlier negotiations with the Comanche and others. More than 150 representatives attended amidst an atmosphere of curiosity and caution. The conference aimed to solidify peace and arrange future treaties, which were essential for the U.S. expansion into the Southwest. Despite the potential for violence, Dodge successfully navigated tensions, ensuring safe resolutions and presenting gifts to symbolize friendship.

The Osage Massacre

In the summer of 1833, following a treaty council breakdown, Osage warriors attacked a Kiowa village, resulting in a brutal massacre where many women, children, and elderly were killed, and the heads of the victims displayed in brass buckets. Among the captives were two children, Gunpä´ñdamä and Tunkahtohye, later purchased by Colonel Hugh Love for potential diplomatic gains. The ensuing U.S. military expeditions aimed to restore order and negotiate peace, but many faced logistical challenges and poor preparation, resulting in numerous setbacks and casualties.

Colonel Dodge Reaches Villages of Western Indians

General Leavenworth’s expedition to the Wichita country faced significant challenges, suffering from sickness among his men and horses, leading to a drastic reduction in their numbers. Upon reaching the Washita River, Colonel Dodge took command of the reorganized force, now diminished to 250 men. Their journey included encounters with Comanche tribes, where they sought to establish peace and facilitate trade. As the expedition progressed, the troops faced further hardships, including loss of supplies and sickness, ultimately culminating in a crucial meeting with the Wichita tribe to discuss treaties and exchanges.

Peace Attempts with Western Prairie Indians, 1833

In 1830, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek initiated the relocation of the Choctaw Indians to territories between the Canadian and Red rivers. However, the Choctaw faced threats from Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita tribes, who attacked traders and settlers. In May 1833, Colonel Arbuckle sent a military expedition to protect the traveling Choctaw and assert U.S. power. Despite efforts, the expedition suffered losses, including ranger George B. Abbay, who was captured, and ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, highlighting the challenges of westward expansion.

Washington Irving at Fort Gibson, 1832

The McIntosh Creeks established productive farms along the Arkansas River, but their land was mistakenly included in the 1828 treaty with the Cherokee, leading to tensions and grievances. The Creeks petitioned the government for aid against attacks from other Indian bands. In response, Congress set up a commission to address these issues, appointing three commissioners, including Montford Stokes. Eventually, Washington Irving joined the commission’s journey from St. Louis to Fort Gibson, experiencing the rich tapestry of frontier life and the challenges faced by the tribes.

Earliest Known Traders on Arkansas River

Before the Louisiana Purchase, early French traders, notably Joseph Bogy, ventured along the Arkansas River, engaging in commerce with local Indian tribes, such as the Osage. Bogy’s expeditions included confronting Choctaw opposition in 1807, leading to government claims for losses. Prominent figures included Nathaniel Pryor and A. P. Chouteau, who established trading posts at the mouth of the Verdigris. These traders influenced the region’s economy, exchanging goods like furs and providing items such as tobacco and tools to Native Americans, fostering significant cultural exchanges.

Establishment of Fort Gibson in 1824

The Arkansas Territory was established by Congress in 1819, encompassing parts of present-day Arkansas and Oklahoma, with governance limited to the eastern section. James Miller became its first governor in 1819, tasked with overseeing relations with Native tribes. Efforts to broker peace between the Osage and Cherokee tribes were largely unsuccessful, leading to military reinforcements at Fort Smith. In 1824, troops were moved to a new post, Cantonment Gibson, established to enhance security and regulate tensions, which would eventually evolve into Fort Gibson, founded in 1824.