Tracing your family history can be an exciting journey, and for those with Cherokee heritage, the Cherokee Rolls List, part of the Dawes Rolls, is an invaluable resource. These rolls, officially known as the “Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory,” document individuals living between 1898 and 1914 who were recognized as citizens of the Cherokee Nation, along with the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations. If you believe your ancestors were Cherokee and resided in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), the Cherokee Rolls list is the key to unlocking your past.
This guide will help you understand the Cherokee Rolls list, how to search it effectively, and what to do once you find your ancestors.
Understanding the Cherokee Rolls List
The Dawes Rolls were created by the Dawes Commission, established to enumerate and register citizens of the Five Civilized Tribes. Enrollment took place between 1898 and 1907, with a few additions made between 1912 and 1914. The primary purpose was to allot communal tribal land to individual members, dissolving tribal land ownership.
The Cherokee Rolls list specifically identifies individuals recognized as citizens of the Cherokee Nation. This includes Cherokees by blood, intermarried whites, and adopted citizens. It’s important to note that Freedmen, individuals formerly enslaved by Cherokee citizens and their descendants, are also listed on separate Freedmen rolls within the Dawes Rolls.
The rolls are a snapshot of a specific time period and reflect the complex history and policies of the era. Understanding this context is crucial for effective genealogical research.
What Information Can You Find in the Cherokee Rolls List?
The database provides key information to help you identify your ancestor. Typically, each entry includes:
- Name: The individual’s name, often with variant spellings.
- Roll Number: A unique number assigned to each enrolled individual.
- Card Number: References the enrollment card where more detailed information can be found.
- Tribal Nation: In this case, Cherokee.
- Relationship: Relationships to others listed on the same card, indicating family connections.
- Age and Sex: Provides an approximate age around 1902 and gender.
- Blood Quantum: Indicates the degree of Cherokee blood, if applicable.
- Freedman Status: If the individual is listed as a Freedman.
- Residence: The individual’s residence at the time of enrollment in Indian Territory.
- Parents’ Tribal Enrollment: Information about the tribal enrollment of the parents, further aiding in genealogical tracing.
Cherokee Nation
An example map depicting the Cherokee Nation land in Indian Territory. This visual aid helps to understand the geographical context of the Cherokee Rolls list and where your ancestors might have resided.
Taking the Next Step: Enrollment Cards and Application Packets
Finding your ancestor’s name on the Cherokee Rolls list is just the beginning. The next crucial step is to access their Enrollment Card and Application Packet. These documents contain significantly more detail than the database index.
Enrollment Cards: These cards are the key to unlocking richer details. They often contain:
- More Precise Age: The age listed on the card is generally from around 1902.
- Household Members: Members of the same household are typically listed together, revealing family structures.
- References to Tribal Censuses: May point to earlier tribal records.
- Notes on Vital Events: Sometimes include notes about births, deaths, and marriages.
- Cross-references: May refer to other enrollment cards, linking individuals and families across different records.
Enrollment Application Packets: These packets are a treasure trove of genealogical information and can be up to 100 pages long. They may include:
- Detailed Family Information: In-depth information about the applicant and their family, including birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates.
- Transcripts of Interviews: Records of interviews conducted with family members and neighbors to verify eligibility.
- Correspondence: Letters and documents related to the enrollment process.
Land Allotment Packets: If your ancestor received a land allotment, a Land Allotment Packet may exist. These packets can contain:
- Land Allotment Details: Information about the specific land allotted to the individual.
- Plat Maps: Maps showing the location and boundaries of the land allotment.
- Correspondence: Documents related to the land allotment process.
How to Access Cherokee Enrollment Cards and Packets
Once you’ve located your ancestor on the Cherokee Rolls list database, you have several options to access the Enrollment Cards and Packets:
- Research Center Visit: The Research Center of the Oklahoma Historical Society is the primary repository for these records. You can visit in person to view the cards and packets directly.
- Subscription Websites: Websites like Fold3.com and Ancestry.com have digitized Dawes Rolls records, including Enrollment Cards. These subscription services offer convenient online access.
- Order from the Research Center: You can order copies of Enrollment Application Packets and Land Allotment Packets directly from the Research Center for a fee. When ordering, be sure to provide the individual’s name, card number, roll number, and tribal nation (Cherokee) from the database.
Order Dawes Enrollment Application Packets
Order Dawes Land Allotment Packets
Tips for Searching the Cherokee Rolls List
- Spelling Variations: Be aware of potential spelling variations in names. Names may have been recorded phonetically or anglicized. Try searching with different spellings.
- Married Women: Search for married women under their married names.
- Geographical Context: Ensure your ancestor lived in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) during the enrollment period (1898-1914). If they did not reside in this area, it’s unlikely they would be on the Cherokee Rolls list.
- 1900 US Census: Check the 1900 US Census to confirm if your ancestor was living in Indian Territory.
- Consider Other Tribes: If you can’t find your ancestor on the Cherokee Rolls list, consider the possibility of connections to other tribal nations.
- Rejected or Doubtful Rolls: This database primarily includes enrolled individuals. Those who were rejected, denied, or whose applications were doubtful are generally not included. These records may exist separately but are not part of this database.
Navigating Challenges and Further Research
If you encounter difficulties finding your ancestor on the Cherokee Rolls list, don’t be discouraged. Genealogical research can be challenging. Here are some additional avenues to explore:
- Tribal Nation Contact: For further information about Cherokee citizenship and genealogy, contact the Cherokee Nation directly. Tribal nations often have their own genealogical resources and enrollment information.
- Freedmen Rolls: If your ancestor was of African descent and connected to the Cherokee Nation, explore the Freedmen Rolls within the Dawes Rolls.
- Mississippi Choctaw Rolls: If you have Choctaw ancestry, be aware of the Mississippi Choctaw enrollees, who had specific requirements for enrollment.
- Delaware Cherokee: If you have Delaware ancestry and Cherokee connections, research Delaware enrollees who might be listed on Delaware cards or as “Adopted Delaware” on Cherokee cards.
The Cherokee Rolls list is a remarkable gateway to understanding your Cherokee heritage. By carefully searching the database and exploring the related Enrollment Cards and Packets, you can uncover valuable information about your ancestors and their lives within the Cherokee Nation. Embark on this journey of discovery and connect with your Cherokee roots today.
