Chickasaw

Choctaw and Chickasaw Agreement, July 1, 1902

The Act of July 1, 1902, ratifies an agreement between the United States and the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, made on March 21, 1902, outlining land allotments and governance. It establishes processes for appraising and allotting land to tribal members, defines citizenship criteria, and provides for the reservation of specific lands. It also addresses the rights of Chickasaw freedmen, enrollment procedures, and the management of coal and asphalt deposits. The agreement requires ratification by the tribes and the U.S. Congress.

Act of June 21, 1906

The Act of June 21, 1906, appropriates funds for the Indian Department’s current expenses and treaty obligations, primarily for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1907. It allocates $25,000 to suppress liquor traffic among Native Americans, outlines salaries and expenses for Indian agents, and reserves land for schools and churches for Choctaw and Chickasaw freedmen. It also authorizes investigations of fraudulent land leases and provides $150,000 to enhance tribal schools. Furthermore, it addresses enrollment adjustments for members of the Five Civilized Tribes.

Act of April 28, 1904

The Act of April 28, 1904, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to segregate and reserve specific coal and asphalt lands in the Choctaw Nation from allotments. It allows for the cancellation of prior applications for these lands and incorporates previous provisions from the 1902 act related to the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. Additionally, it permits the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad Company to sublet its leases, provided that new lessees secure bonds for performance.

Act of April 26, 1906

The Act of April 26, 1906, establishes regulations for the enrollment and citizenship of the Five Civilized Tribes in the Indian Territory, notably the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole. It restricts enrollment to those who applied before December 1, 1905, while providing provisions for minors and freedmen. The Secretary of the Interior gains authority over allotments, land sales, and tribal education. It also mandates that no land can be sold or alienated by full-blood Indians for twenty-five years, preserving tribal lands and resources.

Act of April 21, 1904

The Act of April 21, 1904, appropriates funds for the Indian Department to cover current expenses and fulfill treaty obligations with various tribes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905. It includes provisions for the Choctaw and Chickasaw citizenship court, salaries for commissioners, and funding for land allotments. The act also authorizes the sale of surplus Creek Nation lands and eases restrictions on land transactions for certain allottees. Additionally, it addresses legal claims involving the Cherokee Nation and related parties.

Topography of the Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw Nation features diverse topography, with rolling prairies in the west and hilly, timbered regions in the east. It is traversed by major rivers and is agriculturally rich, particularly in river valleys. The economy relies on agriculture, with cattle ranching prominent in the west. Recent mineral discoveries have been noted, though development remains limited. The population largely comprises noncitizens who rent land. Challenges include inadequate transportation and a lack of infrastructure, but prospects for growth and improvement are anticipated as land reforms and statehood are considered.

Laws Affecting the Chickasaw in 1890

In 1890, the Chickasaw Nation faced challenges related to whiskey introduction, with fines established for offenders, predominantly non-citizens. Whiskey trafficking was significant, with Texas towns exporting substantial quantities. Additionally, sentiments about land allotment were divided. While many Chickasaws supported it due to agricultural development, concerns arose among renters who feared losing their investments amidst partial crop failures. The younger, educated population favored allotment, seeing it as a necessary change, while some full-bloods and landholders opposed it, fearing repercussions from white settlers.

Chickasaw Nation Government

Chickasaw Council House

The Chickasaw Nation’s constitution affirms individual rights, ensuring freedom of religion, speech, and protection against unreasonable searches. It mandates speedy trials, the right to bail (with certain exceptions), and prohibits cruel punishments. The Chickasaw legislature consists of elected senators and representatives, while the governor, elected for two years, oversees the executive branch. The judicial system includes a Supreme Court and smaller courts. Political divisions exist between the National (Pull Back) and Progressive parties, and strict regulations govern trade and permits within the nation.

The Chickasaw Nation in 1890

A sketch of a Chickasaw

In 1890, the Chickasaw Nation encompassed 7,267 square miles in Indian Territory. After selling their Mississippi lands in 1837, they acquired rights to live in Choctaw territory without voting. By 1855, they purchased self-governance for $150,000, establishing their district. Despite limited progress until 1887, the arrival of railroads attracted settlers to the fertile land, leading to increased agricultural development. The Chickasaws had sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War, yet external pressures began reshaping their nation amidst incoming white settlers.

Chickasaw Marriage and Divorce

In the Chickasaw Nation, noncitizens must reside for two years, demonstrate good moral character, and be recommended by five citizens to obtain a marriage license with a citizen of the Nation, for a fee of $50. Such a marriage grants citizenship and land rights, but if a U.S. citizen abandons their Chickasaw spouse, they forfeit these rights. Polygamy and concubinage are illegal, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Marriages must be officiated by authorized individuals, adhering to legal requirements.

Chickasaw Crime and Punishment

The legal framework of the Chickasaw Nation integrates U.S. and Arkansas statutes for non-citizens and naturalized Indians. Severe penalties exist for treason, murder, and theft, with treason punishable by death. Capital offenses attract bounties, and various fines are imposed for lesser crimes such as gambling and liquor offenses. Wills must be witnessed and recorded, while hunting by non-residents is prohibited. Violations of armed carry laws and other offenses can lead to fines, whipping, or imprisonment, reflecting a structured, though strict, legal system.

Chickasaw Farming and Industry

Cotton serves as the cornerstone of the Chickasaw Nation’s agriculture, with production surging post-railroad completion, yielding about 40,000 bales annually. Corn follows as a major crop, with significant but fluctuating yields. Other crops include melons and potatoes, while livestock, primarily horses and mules, are also part of the economy. Despite a rich natural resource base, limited mining activities take place, primarily for coal and potential minerals. Ardmore, the primary market town, is pivotal for local commerce and growth.

The Census of the Chickasaw Nation

The 1890 census of the Chickasaw Nation listed a total population of 57,399, divided across 15 districts influenced by geographical features. Challenges arose in selecting competent enumerators, as initial recommendations were rejected. The work, conducted between September 1 and November 1, 1890, aimed to document family structures and demographics through a set of seven questions, though some remained unanswered due to sensitivities around citizenship and rights. Overall, the enumeration was executed effectively without reported dissatisfaction.

Chickasaw Indian Tribe Photo Descriptions

The Chickasaw Indian Tribe originally resided along the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers and supported the English during early colonial conflicts. They allied with Americans against the Creeks in 1793 and began migrating westward in the early 19th century, leading to a prosperous society that profited from land sales. Political separation from the Choctaw occurred in 1855, and during the Civil War, they initially sided with the Confederates but later returned to the Union. Today, their community thrives, with a population of 5,800 and notable cultural institutions.

Search the Dawes Rolls 1898-1914

Dawes Card

The Dawes Roll (Final Rolls) is a list of those members of the Five Civilized Tribes who removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) during the 1800’s and were living there during the above dates. If your ancestor was not living in Indian Territory during 1898-1914 they will not be listed on the Dawes Roll! Only those Indians who RECEIVED LAND under the provisions of the Dawes Act are listed. It also lists those Freedmen who received land allotments as provided for in the Dawes Act. These pages can be searched to discover the enrollee’s name, age, sex, blood degree, type, census card number and roll number. Check the headings in each column. Type denotes whether the record is from a Dawes card.

Dawes Final Rolls Index

Final Roll Index

This is the index to the Dawes Final Rolls, listing individuals eligible for enrollment in the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory. Each entry includes the enrollee’s name, final roll number, blood quantum, and index page.

Chickasaw Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

The Chickasaw Nation consists of various clans and phratry, each with unique identifiers and historical significance. Notable clans include Chuhhla (blackbird) and Hochonchapa (alligator) from the Ishpanee phratry, and Hatakfushi (bird) and Issi (deer) from the Koi phratry. Although many sub-groups are poorly documented or have become extinct, this acknowledgment serves to enrich our understanding of Chickasaw heritage and social structure.