United States, Native American, Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation Rolls - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains census and other rolls listing names of Cherokee Indians, primarily of the Eastern Band of that tribe. Each of the Eastern Cherokee census rolls was compiled for different administrative reasons, had a different format, and contained different amounts of information. Most of the rolls were made to determine eligibility for payments due under provisions of the 1835 treaty, or were receipt rolls for payments made to tribal members. Some of the rolls are copies that were used by enrolling agents to assist them in their work. Most of the rolls are arranged by geographical location of residence, and most include alphabetical indexes of the names of persons enrolled.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Most of the census or reservation rolls may include:
 * The Cherokee roll number
 * The Council roll number
 * The Native American name of the individual
 * The English name of the individual
 * Relationships to the head of household
 * Gender
 * Age
 * Parent's roll number
 * Present residence
 * Any remarks made by the census taker

The early census rolls may contain:
 * The names of individuals
 * The number of males and females in the home
 * The number of slaves
 * The number of various livestock

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The Native American or English name of the person
 * The state where the individual or family lived

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Description to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * If the individual or family or listed in the reservation rolls, check for additional tribal records
 * Learn about tribal customs such as inheritance
 * Contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), or an agency associated with the tribe
 * Contact Tribal archives and libraries

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * The name of your ancestor may have changed from one Indian name to a different Indian name, consider alternative names
 * The name of your ancestor may have changed from an Indian name to a Christian name
 * The name of your ancestor may have been abbreviated

Record Finder
Consult the United States Record Finder to search other records.

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.


 * Collection Citation:"United States, Native American, Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation Rolls, 1848-1970." Images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 26 January 2018. North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History, Raleigh.

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