Guion Miller Roll for Eastern Cherokee: Difference between revisions

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{{Native American Genealogy Sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
'''The Guion Miller Roll''' is a list of Eastern Cherokees who applied for money awarded in 1905 because of a law suit.
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
'''Use the Guion Miller Roll''' if your ancestors were:  
| link2=[[Indigenous Peoples of the United States Genealogy|Indigenous Peoples of the US]]
| link3=[[North Carolina Genealogy|North Carolina]]
| link4=[[Indigenous Peoples of North Carolina]]
| link5=[[Eastern_Cherokee_or_Guion_Miller_Roll|Guion Miller Roll]]
}}<br><br>
{{TOC left}}[[Image:Cherokee Country map.jpg|right|684px|Cherokee Country map.jpg]]<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>


==Online Resources==
*Alive on 28 May 1906.
*'''1908-1910''' [https://www.fold3.com/publication/81/us-guion-miller-roll-1908-1910 US, Guion Miller Roll, 1908-1910] at Fold3 - index & images ($)
*Members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe at the time of the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845 between the United States and Eastern Cherokee, or were descendants of such persons.
*'''1906–1911''' [https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls/guion-miller-rolls Guion Miller Roll, 1906–1911, Eastern Cherokee Applications] at the National Archives - index
*Not affiliated with any Indian tribe other than the Cherokees.
*[https://www.allthingscherokee.com/guion-miller-roll/ Cherokee Rolls: Guion Miller Roll] at All Things Cherokee - index


== Definition, Value, Search Strategies, and Contents  ==
'''Origin of the Guion Miller Roll'''l. In 1902 the Eastern Cherokee sued the United States to get the funds due them under the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845. In 1906, the court awarded more than $1 million to be split among the Eastern Cherokees. Claimants were asked to prove they were members of the eastern tribe at the time of the treaties, '''or''' descended from members who had not been affiliated with any other tribe.


'''The Guion Miller Roll''' is a list of Eastern Cherokee who applied for compensation because of a 1906 lawsuit, and judgment in the tribe's favor in the United States Court of Claims.<br><br>
Guion Miller, an agent of the Interior Department, was appointed as a commissioner of the Court of Claims to compile a list of claimants. He made an extensive enrollment of the Cherokees in 1907 and 1908.
 
'''Content of the Roll'''. Each applicant was asked his or her full English and Indian name, place of birth, name of husband or wife, names of children, place of birth and date of death of parents and grandparents, names and ages of brothers and sisters, and names of uncles and aunts. The documentation includes application forms, correspondence, and affidavits necessary to prove eligibility for a claim.
 
'''Extent of the Rolls'''. Guion Miller stated there were 45,847 enrollment applications filed, representing some 90,000 individuals. After exceptions and adjustments were made, a total of 30,820 persons were eligible to share in the fund. The Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims 1906–1909 are found on 348 rolls of microfilm.
 
'''Rejected Claims'''. Claim documents were kept whether they were paid or rejected. Rejected applications fall into five groups:
 
*Those who left the Cherokee Nation in the East before 1835,
*Those who filed after the final application date of 31 August 1907,
*Illegitimate children rejected even when their brothers and sisters were admitted,
*Those who had dual tribal ancestry,
*Those who failed to prove the required relationship.
 
==== 1. Use the General Index (on the Internet or film) to find and copy an Ancestor’s Application Number, Name, and State ====
 
'''On the Internet'''. Clear images of the General Index are on the Internet at www.accessgenealogy.com/native/guionmiller/index.htm . Scroll down to see a list of pages and names. Click on a name to see an index page.
 
'''Or use FHL film 378594''' to find the General Index which starts at Target 2 and appears 172 pages after the Roll of Eastern Cherokees (Target 1) starts. Do not confuse the Roll (printed book) with the typescript General Index.
 
'''Search for an ancestor’s name in the General Index'''. The words “General Index” appear at the top of each page. The General Index is alphabetical by surname. If you cannot find your direct ancestor, look for his or her relatives. Some handwritten entries are found scattered among the typed names. Figure 1 below shows part of a sample page. <br>
 
'''GENERAL INDEX'''


'''Value.''' This set of records helps genealogists because each application usually has several generations of relatives with their names listed both in the Cherokee language, and as an English translation.<ref name="Hair">Josiah Hair, [http://www.powwows.com/2012/07/25/guion-miller-roll-of-the-eastern-cherokee-27-aug-1906-18-may-1909/ Guion Miller Roll of the Eastern Cherokee: 27.Aug.1906 – 18.May.1909] in ''PowWows.com'' (accessed 9 May 2014).</ref>
'''NUMBER NAME and STATE '''


'''Name variations.''' Prior to 1900 only a few full-blooded Cherokees could speak or write English. Some Indian names are difficult to translate into English and could easily have several possible versions. And when lists of names in the Cherokee language were compiled an interpreter often had to help the stenographer figure out how to spell the Indian names. For example, ''the same Cherokee ancestor'' might have his name listed in the applications of different descendants as Ummerteskee, Ahmadeske and Askwater. Moreover, in Cherokee culture it was not unusual for someone to use three or four different names over the course of their lifetimes (beyond a woman's maiden name). For all these reasons the Guion Miller Roll applications are an important research tool for learning family relationships, name variations, and name changes needed to understand a Cherokee family pedigree.<ref name="Hair" />
27554 Owen, James M. I.T.  


'''Search Strategy Suggestions.''' Cross reference English and Indian names, cross reference name variations, and compare all of a family's applications. Be flexible with spellings, especially in Cherokee. Also, the more children, spouses, brothers, sister, parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts you can find, the more you are likely to learn about the main person you are researching. Investigating slight differences in the applications of siblings can result in treasures of information easily overlooked on just one application.<ref name="Hair" />
34079 Owens, Minnie I.T.  


'''Record types.''' Four main kinds of records are associated with the Guion Miller Roll:
18007 A Jerry N. N.C. 33179 A Minnie Ga


:*'''''Applications''''', affidavits and other papers used to show a person was eligible, or descended from an eligible Cherokee, including the English and Indian names of children, parents, grandparents and other relatives.  
22018 A Jesse I.T. 15320 A Nancy A. Ga
:*'''''Roll of Eastern Cherokees''''', a.k.a. Guion Miller Roll, a published list of admitted applicants for compensation, including names, residence, age, and [[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records|Dawes number]].
:*'''''Report''''', a typescript list of all applicants, including number, name, residence, whether admitted or rejected, and basis of the claim (usually a Cherokee relative).
:*'''''General Index''''' of admitted and rejected applications, a typescript index of the ''Guion Miller Roll'', including roll number, name, and residence. Some pages show handwritten supplemental names in the margin.


'''Claimants''' were asked to prove they were:
18005 A John M. N.C.
|}
*Members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe at the time of the treaties, or
*Descended from members who had not been affiliated with any other tribe


Guion Miller, an agent of the Interior Department, was appointed as a commissioner of the Court of Claims to compile a list of claimants. He made an extensive enrollment of the Cherokees in 1907 and 1908.  
43637 A Rachel I.T.  
 
584 A Joseph Uriah Ark


'''Use the Guion Miller Roll''' various records if your ancestors were:
23903 A Samantha J. I.T.


*Alive on 28 May 1906
23963 A Julius P. N.C.
*Members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe at the time of the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845 between the United States and Eastern Cherokee
*Descendants of members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe during the years of the treaties
*Not affiliated with any Indian tribe other than the Cherokees
*Not an "Old Settler" who had moved west prior to 1835


'''Origin of the Guion Miller Roll.''' In 1902 the Eastern Cherokee sued the United States to get the funds due them under the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845. To certify the eligibility in the Cherokee Tribe, Guion Miller used several earlier Cherokee census lists created between 1835 and 1884<ref name="Hair" />:
13948 A Samuel I.T.


:*'''''Henderson''''' 1835 list Cherokee just prior to forced removal
4803 A Larkin D Ark
:*'''''Chapman''''' 1851 list of Cherokees that remained in the East
:*'''''Drennen''''' 1851 list of Cherokees that had moved West
:*'''''other records'''''
<div style="float: left; width: 100%">
'''Application contents'''. Each applicant was asked


*His or her full English and Cherokee name
21021 A Sarah Jane I.T.
*Place of birth
*Name of husband or wife (English and Cherokee)
*Names of children (English and Cherokee)
*Names (English and Cherokee), places of birth and date of death of parents and grandparents
*Names and ages of brothers and sisters (English and Cherokee)
*Names of uncles and aunts (English and Cherokee)


:The documentation includes application forms, correspondence, and affidavits necessary to prove eligibility for a claim.<br><br>
34742 A Laura A. N.C.  


'''Extent of the Rolls.''' Guion Miller stated there were 45,847 enrollment applications filed, representing some 90,000 individuals. After exceptions and adjustments were made, a total of 30,820 persons were eligible to share in the fund. The Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims 1906–1909 are found on both the Internet, as well as on 348 rolls of microfilm.  
16048 A Susan A. I.T.  


'''Rejected Claims.''' Claim documents were kept whether they were paid or rejected. Rejected applications fall into five groups:
6925 A Lucy I.T.  


:*Those who left the Cherokee Nation in the East before 1835
33501 A Tom Ga
:*Those who filed after the final application date of 31 August 1907
:*Illegitimate children rejected even when their brothers and sisters were admitted
:*Those who had dual tribal ancestry
:*Those who failed to prove the required relationship


=== Use Roll of Eastern Cherokees Records Online  ===
14126 A Mary S. N.C.


Use the various editions of the roll, report, general index, and applications that are all searchable by applicant's name in their online versions:
36915 A Volina Dandridge Mo


*'''fold3''' [http://www.fold3.com/title_81/guion_miller_roll/ Roll of Eastern Cherokees] eligible for a settlement payment as of 28 May 1906, (a.k.a. Guion Miller Roll), 115,567 entries, (a) east, and (b) west of the Mississippi River. Shows (Dawes) roll number, application number, F.C.T. Commission number, name, address, relation, and age in 1906. Digital book images. {{WorldCat|10976778|item|disp=Also at various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|295271|item|disp=FS Library Film 547137}}.
14878 A Nancy A. N.C.  
*'''fold3''' [http://www.fold3.com/browse.php#1%7Ch0ytupYXigjOXMf3v Report] Submitted by Guion Miller, Special Commissioner, May 28, 1909, 10 volumes. Entries are in order by application number. Shows all applicants including their number, name, residence, whether admitted or rejected, and basis of the claim (usually a Cherokee relative). Digital typescript images. {{WorldCat|10976868|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|209173|item|disp=FS Library Films 378595-98}}.
*'''fold3''' [http://www.fold3.com/title_73/eastern_cherokee_applications/ Eastern Cherokee Applications] 427,900 entries includes '''(1) Applications''' 1906-1909, '''''(2) General Index''''' (duplicate of the ''General Index'' below) 2 vols, and '''''(3) Roll of Eastern Cherokees''''' (duplicate of ''Roll of Eastern Cherokees'' above). Application forms may include name, residence, age, marital status, spouse, tribe, children, parents including mother's maiden name, parents' birthplaces, parents' residences in 1851, parents' death dates, siblings and their ages and residence, grandparents and their residences, uncles/aunts and their residences, and Cherokee ancestors back to 1835. Digital manuscript, typescript and book images.
*'''National Archives''' [http://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/guion-miller.html General Index] to the applications submitted for the Eastern Cherokee Roll of 1909 (''Guion Miller Roll'' ) shows number (roll number), name, and state (of residence). Alphabetical by name. Digital typescript images.
*'''Access Genealogy''' [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/guion-miller-roll.htm General Index] shows number (roll number), name, and state (of residence). Computerized typescript extractions.
*'''OKGenWeb''' selected [http://okgenweb.net/~apps/acontents.htm Applications alphabetically], and selected [http://okgenweb.net/~apps/acontent.htm Applications numerically]. Applications 1906-1909 may include name, residence, age, marital status, spouse, tribe, children, parents including mother's maiden name, parents' birthplaces, parents' residences in 1851, parents' death dates, siblings and their ages and residence, grandparents and their residences, uncles/aunts and their residences, and Cherokee ancestors back to 1835. Computerized manuscript extractions.
*'''1848-1970''' {{RecordSearch|2796818|United States, Native American, Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation Rolls, 1848-1970}} at FamilySearch — index & images


{| width="60%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
22724 A William C., Jr. I.T.
|-
| valign="middle" bgcolor="#ffff99" | '''If the first search fails''' do not give up too easily. Be persistent. Try:
:*Using the alternate English or Cherokee name
:*Repeat the search using [[Guessing a Name Variation|alternate spellings]] of the name
:*Use initials, abbreviations, or [[Traditional Nicknames in Old Documents - A Wiki List|nicknames]]
:*Look for relatives like children, parents, brothers, or sisters who might list the person you seek as one of their relatives
:*Use another company's alternate version (or format) of the index or roll
:*Use the [[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records]] (an alternative list of Cherokees and other tribes)
:*Use the alternative books and lists cited on this Wiki page, especially Bob Blankenship's {{WorldCat|31364987|item|disp=book}}.


|}
38871 A Nancy C. Tenn


'''''If you find an ancestor''''' in the Guion Miller Roll records on the Internet, be sure you find and copy all three parts of the records: (1)General Index, (2)Roll of Eastern Cherokees (or Report '''''if''''' the application was rejected), and (3)application papers. <br>
40414 A William Daniel N.C.


:It is also important to search for all the relatives of the ancestor to help corroborate what you found.<br><br>
29314 A Paul B. N.C.


'''''If you do not find an ancestor''''' on the Internet, consider searching for him in the book or microfilm versions of these records described below.
40250 A William Jack Ga


:Another approach would be to return to the Internet version and search for close relatives who are likely to mention the main person you seek in their applications.
19986 A Sarah M. Ga


=== Book or Microfilm Options  ===
20109 A Wilson Ga


Other than on the Internet, you could also search for an ancestor in book or microfilm versions of these records.  
15611 A Sir Payton N.C.  


If you choose to use this option, start by searching the ''General Index'' which identifies the number of a person's application.
17825 Owensbee, Joe Ga


'''Use {{FSC|209173|item|disp=FS Library Film 378594}}''' to find the '''''General Index''''' which starts at Target 2 and appears 172 pages after the ''Roll of Eastern Cherokees'' (Target 1) starts. Do not confuse the ''Roll'' (printed book) with the typescript ''General Index''.
35844 A Susa Ga


:'''Search for an ancestor’s name in the''' '''''General Index'''''. The words “''General Index''” appear at the top of each page. The ''General Index '' is alphabetical by surname. If you cannot find your direct ancestor, look for his or her relatives. Some handwritten entries are found scattered among the typed names. The image below shows part of a sample page. <br>
11317 Owensby, F. M. Ga


:::::[[Image:Guion Miller General Index.jpg|center|600px|Guion Miller General Index.jpg]]<br>
18006 A Thomas N.C.  


::In the ''General Index'' the Guion Miller '''application numbers''' are on the left side.<br>
43840 Owings, Thomas J. Mo <br>


:'''Copy all the information''' in the index for your ancestor.<br><br>
'''Figure 1.''' In the General Index application numbers are on the left side.  


::'''Can’t Find a Name in the Guion Miller Roll?''' see the yellow box above.
'''Copy all the information''' found in the index for your ancestor below and on your Research Log.  


==== Find the Film Number for the Application Papers  ====
Application number: _______________________________


Once you know the application number you can find an ancestor's application papers on microfilm.
Full name: _______________________________________


Look in the ''FamilySearch Catalog '' for the following entry. To open this catalog entry, {{FSC|209173|item|disp=click here}}
State (residence): __________________________________


*United States. Court of Claims. ''Eastern Cherokee Applications, August 29, 1906–May 26, 1909''. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M1104. (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1981. {{WorldCat|10976868|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|209173|item|disp=FS Library Film 378594}}.
==== 2. Find the Application Film Number in the Catalog  ====


:Scroll down the catalog entry until you find the application number you seek, and '''make a note''' of the corresponding FS Library film number.<br><br>
Look in the Family History Library Catalog for this entry:


==== Obtain and Copy the Application Papers  ====
United States. Court of Claims. Eastern Cherokee Applications, August 29, 1906–May 26, 1909. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M1104. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1981. (On 348 FHL films starting with '''378594'''.) Scroll down the catalog entry until you find the application numbers.


*'''Obtain the microfilm of applications''' and load it on a microfilm reader.
• Decide which film to search by using the application number you found in the index in step 1. The 348 films of application papers (in packets) are in order by their application numbers. • Copy the film number of the application to your Research Log.  
*'''Find the application packet''' in numerical order on the microfilm. Short slips of paper are used to show the start of each application packet.  
*'''Copy the application papers '''and update your ''Research Log'' and you family history records with the new information you find. Repeat the search and look for relatives.<br><br>


<gallery caption="Guion Miller Roll Application Packet, #12361, for Minnie Vann Island" perrow="5" widths="144px">
Film number: _____________________________________
File:Guion Miller Appl Minnie Island 1.jpg
File:Guion Miller Appl Minnie Island 2.jpg
File:Guion Miller Appl Minnie Island 3.jpg
File:Guion Miller Appl Minnie Island 4.jpg
File:Guion Miller Appl Minnie Island 5.jpg
</gallery> <br><br>


==== Obtain and Copy the Report and Roll ====
==== 3. Obtain the Film, Find, and Copy the Application ====


Guion Miller's '''''Report ''''' is a 10 volume typescript summary of all the applications both admitted or rejected. His '''''Roll of Eastern Cherokees . . . ''''' is a printed summary of the admitted applications only. Compare these summaries with the original applications for possible differences and additional clues.  
*'''Obtain the microfilm''' and load it on a microfilm reader.
*'''Find the application packet''' in numerical order on the microfilm. Short slips of paper are used to show the start of each application packet.
*'''Copy the application papers '''and update your Research Log and family history records with the new information you find.


:*'''''Report Submitted by Guion Miller, Special Commissioner, May 28, 1909''''', 10 vols. is on {{FSC|308772|item|disp=FS Library Film 430435 to 430438}}; {{WorldCat|10976814|item|disp=also at various libraries (WorldCat)}}. Entries are in order by application number.
'''Can’t Find a Name in the Guion Miller Roll?'''  


:*'''''Roll of Eastern Cherokees''''' (Guion Miller Roll) is on {{FSC|295271|item|disp=FS Library Film 547137}}; also in book format {{WorldCat|10976778|item|disp=at various libraries (WorldCat)}}. Names are alphabetical divided into East and West of the Mississippi River sections, and with supplements.
Before concluding your ancestor’s name is not in the rolls, consider:


'''Copy the summaries '''and compare them with the application papers looking for new clues. Update you ''Research Log'' and family history information.<br><br>
*The name may be spelled differently, for example, Anne instead of Ann, or Thos. instead of Thomas. Search for variant spellings.
*Look for your ancestor by his or her English name, Indian name, middle name, nickname, initials, married name, or maiden name.
*Look for your ancestor in the “Additional Sources” cited on page 4.
*Look for your ancestor’s relatives in the Miller roll indexes. They may have mentioned your ancestor in their application documents.
*Your ancestor may have been added to the supplemental rolls after the General Index was compiled. Search the three alphabetical “supplemental rolls” ahead of the General Index on film '''378594'''.  
*Not all Cherokees appear on this roll. Search for your ancestor on other records like the[[Dawes_Commission_Enrollment_Records|Dawes Commission Enrollment Records]].


[[Image:Guion Miller Report.png|left|450px|Guion Miller Report.png]]'''(left)''' ''Report Submitted by Guion Miller, Special Commissioner, May 28, 1909'', vol. 4, page 107.<br>'''(below)''' ''Roll of Eastern Cherokees'' (Guion Miller Roll), upper part of page 84 online (that is, printed page 80).<br><br>
====== '''Additional Sources''' ======
[[Image:Guion Miller Roll.jpg|right|970px|Guion Miller Roll.jpg]]<br>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|+ '''Eastern Cherokee General Index, Applications, Report, Roll, and other related records (Guion Miller Roll)'''
|-
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''Record'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''Internet'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''RecGrp'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''NARA#'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''WorldCat'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''FHLFilm#'''
| valign="bottom" align="center" | '''Rolls'''
|-
| '''General Index'''
| valign="middle" align="center" | [http://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/guion-miller.html National Archives]<br>[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/guion-miller-roll.htm Access Genealogy]
| valign="middle" align="center" | 75.7.5<br>123.8
| valign="middle" align="center" | M1104<br>M0685
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{WorldCat|10976868|item|disp=10976868}}<br>{{WorldCat|10976814|item|disp=10976814}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{FSC|209173|item|disp=378594}}<br>{{FSC|308772|item|disp=830434}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | 1<br>1
|-
| Eastern Cherokee '''Applications''', August 29, 1906-May 26, 1909
| valign="middle" align="center" | [http://www.fold3.com/title_73/eastern_cherokee_applications/ fold3]<br>[http://okgenweb.net/~apps/acontents.htm OKGenWeb]
| valign="middle" align="center" | 75.7.5
| valign="middle" align="center" | M1104
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{WorldCat|10976868|item|disp=10976868}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{FSC|209173|item|disp=378595+}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | 348
|-
| '''Report Submitted by Guion Miller, Special Commissioner, May 28, 1909''', 10 volumes in "Records relating to enrollment of Eastern Cherokee, 1908-1910 by Guion Miller." With applications, exceptions, testimony, old rolls
| valign="middle" align="center" | [http://www.fold3.com/browse.php#1%7Ch0ytupYXigjOXMf3v fold3]
| valign="middle" align="center" | 123.8
| valign="middle" align="center" | M0685
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{WorldCat|10976814|item|disp=10976814}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{FSC|308772|item|disp=830435 to<br>830438}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | 4<br>of<br>12
|-
| width="48%" | '''Roll of Eastern Cherokees''' entitled to participate in the fund arising from the judgement of the court of claims of May 28,1906 (Guion Miller Roll)
| valign="middle" align="center" | [http://www.fold3.com/title_81/guion_miller_roll/ fold3]
| valign="middle" align="center" | 123.8
| valign="middle" align="center" |
| {{WorldCat|10976778|item|disp=10976778}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{FSC|295271|item|disp=547137}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | 1
|-
| Selected letters received by the Office of Indian Affairs relating to the Cherokees of North Carolina 1851-1907
|
| valign="middle" align="center" | 75.19.26
| valign="middle" align="center" | M1059
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{WorldCat|20389231|item|disp=20389231}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | {{FSC|362782|item|disp=1605557+}}
| valign="middle" align="center" | 7
|-
| colspan="7" | '''''See also: ''''' Bob Blankenship, ''Guion Miller Roll "Plus" of Eastern Cherokee, East and West of Mississippi "1909"'' ([Cherokee, NC]: Cherokee Roots, 1994). {{WorldCat|31364987|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|710959|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424gmr}}. Divided into sections: ''Accepted '' and ''Rejected '' for court settlement.
|-
| colspan="7" | For more about Cherokee records see Anne Bruner Eales, and Robert M. Kvasnicka, ''Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives of the United States, 3rd ed.'' (Washington, DC: NARA, 2000) 218-20. [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/133415-guide-to-genealogical-research-in-the-national-archives-of-the-united-states?offset=1 Digital version]; {{WorldCat|44420788|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1011178|item|disp=FS Library Ref Book 973 J53e}}.
|}


==== Additional Records  ====
Blankenship, Bob. ''Guion Miller Roll “Plus” of Eastern Cherokee, East and West of the Mississippi'', “1909." [N.C.]: Cherokee Roots, [19--]. (FHL book 970.3 C424gmr.) Shows 62,769 names in two alphabetical lists (accepted, and not eligible) with their Miller and Dawes numbers, relationship, age, blood degree, and town.


'''Additional records relating to the enrollment of Easter Cherokee 1908-1910 '''(National Archives microfilm publications: M685)  
Bowen, Jeff. ''Cherokee Descendants: An Index to the Guion Miller Applications''. 3 vols. Signal Mountain, Tenn.: Mountain Press, 1996. (FHL book 970.3 C424bj.) The east, east supplemental, west, and west supplemental rolls are indexed separately. The names are listed alphabetically and show the Miller Roll application number. The children’s names are grouped with the parent, with ages indicated for each family member.


**Report on exceptions with supplemental a roll 1909-1910 {{WorldCat|10976814|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|308772|item|disp=FS Library Film 830439 to 830445}}
Edgington, Billy Dubois, and Carol Anne Buswell. ''Vital Information from the Guion Miller Roll: Eastern Cherokee Court of Claims'', 1906–1909. [Bountiful, Utah]: Heritage Books, 1999. (FHL book 970.3 C424; compact disc no. 195) This index shows each person’s name, Miller application number, sex, and often spouse, maiden name, birth year, birth state, residence, and Soundex code. An appendix lists the surnames in order by Soundex code.  
**Decisions in Enrollment cases under the Act of 4 Jun 1924; 1926-1928. Eastern Cherokee Enrolling Commission FS Library 847750-847752
***Miscellaneous testimony token before special commissioners volume 1-10, FS Library Films: 830440-830444
***Sizemore, Poindexter and Creek Testimonies FS Library Film: 830444
***Combined index of Eastern Cherokee Rolls A-Z 1851 FS Library Film 830445
***Chapman (1851), Drennen (1851), Siler (1854), Old Settler (1851), Hester (1851 and 1884), and Miscellaneous notes and drafts 1851. FS Library Film: 830445
***Siler, David W. ''The Eastern Cherokees: A Census of the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia in 1851''. FS Library book 970.3 C424sd


'''Additional Sources'''  
Jordan, Jerry Wright. ''Cherokee By Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims,'' 1906-1910. 9 vols. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Press, 1987. (FHL book 970.3 C424j.) Each volume is indexed. This combines genealogical information abstracted from both the applications and the rolls.


*Bob Blankenship, ''Guion Miller Roll "Plus" of Eastern Cherokee, East and West of Mississippi "1909"'' ([Cherokee, NC]: Cherokee Roots, 1994). {{WorldCat|31364987|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|710959|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424gmr}}. Shows 62,769 names in two alphabetical lists (accepted, and rejected for court settlement). Each entry lists the Miller and Dawes numbers, relationship, age, blood degree, and town.
Jordan, Jerry Wright.''"Index to the Applications to the Guion Miller Roll of Eastern Cherokees."'' In USGenNet [website]. N.p.: USGenNet, 29 October 1999 [cited 28 May 2002]. Available at www.tngenweb.org/cherokee_by_blood/miller.htm INTERNET. This site explains how to use the National Archives search called NAIL to find ancestors who were accepted or rejected for the roll.  
*Jeff Bowen, ''Cherokee Descendants: An Index to the Guion Miller Applications'', 4 vols. (Signal Mountain, Tenn.: Mountain Press, 1996). {{WorldCat|37499975|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|734021|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424bj}} ) The east, east supplemental, west, and west supplemental rolls are indexed separately. The names are listed alphabetically and show the Miller Roll application number. The children’s names are grouped with the parent, with ages indicated for each family member.
*Billy Dubois Edgington, and Carol Anne Buswell, ''Vital Information from the Guion Miller Roll: Eastern Cherokee Court of Claims'', 1906–1909. ([Bountiful, Utah]: Heritage Books, 1999). {{WorldCat|42062297|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|832461|item|disp=FS Library Compact disc no. 195}}; {{FSC|818786|item|disp=Book 970.3 C424eb}}. This index shows each person’s name, Miller application number, sex, and often spouse, maiden name, birth year, birth state, residence, and Soundex code. An appendix lists the surnames in order by Soundex code.
*Jerry Wright Jordan, ''Cherokee By Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims,'' 1906-1910, 9 vols. (Bowie, Md.: Heritage Press, 1987). {{WorldCat|16314561|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|545479|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424j}} Each volume is indexed. This combines genealogical information abstracted from both the applications and the rolls.  
*Jerry Wright Jordan, [http://www.tngenweb.org/cherokee_by_blood/miller.htm Index to the Applications to the Guion Miller Roll of Eastern Cherokees] in ''USGenNet'' [website] (accessed 28 May 2012).
*Shirley Hoskins, ''Cherokee Blood (Tsa-la-gi-yi Gi-gv)'' (Chattanooga, Tenn.: [n.p.], 1983). {{WorldCat|866639613|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|52339|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424hs v. 3}} Indexed descendants lists compiled from the Miller rolls. Shows application number, descendants, birthplace, birth date, notes.
*Jo Ann Curls Page, ''Extract of the Rejected Applications of the Guion Miller Roll of the Eastern Cherokee'', 3 vols. (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, c1999-2003). {{WorldCat|42827562|item|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|836795|item|disp=FS Library Book 970.3 C424pjc}}. Abstracts of nearly 60,000 rejected applications taken from microfilms of the National Archives Microfilm Publication M1104, rolls 1-348. Shows application number, name, state, birth year, spouse, father, mother, paternal grantparents, and maternal grandparents.<br>
*Sandi Garrett. Only the Names Remain.Volumes 1-6. Link the Drennen Roll (1851) to the applications of the Guion Miller Roll (1910). Vol. 3 includes a 1880 Cherokee Orphanage Census {{FSC|684750|item|disp=FS Catalog book 970.3 C424sg}} Vol. 1-6. <br>


'''See also:'''
Hoskins, Shirley. ''Cherokee Blood'' (Tsa-la-gi-yi Gi-gv). Chattanooga, Tenn.: [n.p.], 1983. (FHL book 970.3C424hs v. 3.) Indexed descendants lists compiled from the Miller rolls. Shows application number, descendants, birthplace, birth date, notes. <br>


*[[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records]]
*[[Dawes Commission Enrollment Records for Five U.S. Indian Tribes]]
*[[The U.S. Eastern Cherokee or Guion Miller Roll]]
*[[American Indian Enrollment Records]]


=== References  ===
© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. 34936
{{reflist}} {{Native American nav}}{{-}} </div>
[[Category:Indigenous Tribes of North Carolina]][[Category:Indigenous Tribes of the United States]] [[Category:Eastern_Cherokee]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Georgia (state)]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of South Carolina]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Tennessee]]  [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Kentucky]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of West Virginia]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Virginia]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Alabama]]

Revision as of 09:37, 5 March 2014

The Guion Miller Roll is a list of Eastern Cherokees who applied for money awarded in 1905 because of a law suit. Use the Guion Miller Roll if your ancestors were:

  • Alive on 28 May 1906.
  • Members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe at the time of the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845 between the United States and Eastern Cherokee, or were descendants of such persons.
  • Not affiliated with any Indian tribe other than the Cherokees.

Origin of the Guion Miller Rolll. In 1902 the Eastern Cherokee sued the United States to get the funds due them under the treaties of 1835,1836, and 1845. In 1906, the court awarded more than $1 million to be split among the Eastern Cherokees. Claimants were asked to prove they were members of the eastern tribe at the time of the treaties, or descended from members who had not been affiliated with any other tribe.

Guion Miller, an agent of the Interior Department, was appointed as a commissioner of the Court of Claims to compile a list of claimants. He made an extensive enrollment of the Cherokees in 1907 and 1908.

Content of the Roll. Each applicant was asked his or her full English and Indian name, place of birth, name of husband or wife, names of children, place of birth and date of death of parents and grandparents, names and ages of brothers and sisters, and names of uncles and aunts. The documentation includes application forms, correspondence, and affidavits necessary to prove eligibility for a claim.

Extent of the Rolls. Guion Miller stated there were 45,847 enrollment applications filed, representing some 90,000 individuals. After exceptions and adjustments were made, a total of 30,820 persons were eligible to share in the fund. The Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims 1906–1909 are found on 348 rolls of microfilm.

Rejected Claims. Claim documents were kept whether they were paid or rejected. Rejected applications fall into five groups:

  • Those who left the Cherokee Nation in the East before 1835,
  • Those who filed after the final application date of 31 August 1907,
  • Illegitimate children rejected even when their brothers and sisters were admitted,
  • Those who had dual tribal ancestry,
  • Those who failed to prove the required relationship.

1. Use the General Index (on the Internet or film) to find and copy an Ancestor’s Application Number, Name, and State[edit | edit source]

On the Internet. Clear images of the General Index are on the Internet at www.accessgenealogy.com/native/guionmiller/index.htm . Scroll down to see a list of pages and names. Click on a name to see an index page.

Or use FHL film 378594 to find the General Index which starts at Target 2 and appears 172 pages after the Roll of Eastern Cherokees (Target 1) starts. Do not confuse the Roll (printed book) with the typescript General Index.

Search for an ancestor’s name in the General Index. The words “General Index” appear at the top of each page. The General Index is alphabetical by surname. If you cannot find your direct ancestor, look for his or her relatives. Some handwritten entries are found scattered among the typed names. Figure 1 below shows part of a sample page.

GENERAL INDEX

NUMBER NAME and STATE

27554 Owen, James M. I.T.

34079 Owens, Minnie I.T.

18007 A Jerry N. N.C. 33179 A Minnie Ga

22018 A Jesse I.T. 15320 A Nancy A. Ga

18005 A John M. N.C.

43637 A Rachel I.T.

584 A Joseph Uriah Ark

23903 A Samantha J. I.T.

23963 A Julius P. N.C.

13948 A Samuel I.T.

4803 A Larkin D Ark

21021 A Sarah Jane I.T.

34742 A Laura A. N.C.

16048 A Susan A. I.T.

6925 A Lucy I.T.

33501 A Tom Ga

14126 A Mary S. N.C.

36915 A Volina Dandridge Mo

14878 A Nancy A. N.C.

22724 A William C., Jr. I.T.

38871 A Nancy C. Tenn

40414 A William Daniel N.C.

29314 A Paul B. N.C.

40250 A William Jack Ga

19986 A Sarah M. Ga

20109 A Wilson Ga

15611 A Sir Payton N.C.

17825 Owensbee, Joe Ga

35844 A Susa Ga

11317 Owensby, F. M. Ga

18006 A Thomas N.C.

43840 Owings, Thomas J. Mo

Figure 1. In the General Index application numbers are on the left side.

Copy all the information found in the index for your ancestor below and on your Research Log.

Application number: _______________________________

Full name: _______________________________________

State (residence): __________________________________

2. Find the Application Film Number in the Catalog[edit | edit source]

Look in the Family History Library Catalog for this entry:

United States. Court of Claims. Eastern Cherokee Applications, August 29, 1906–May 26, 1909. National Archives Microfilm Publications, M1104. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1981. (On 348 FHL films starting with 378594.) Scroll down the catalog entry until you find the application numbers.

• Decide which film to search by using the application number you found in the index in step 1. The 348 films of application papers (in packets) are in order by their application numbers. • Copy the film number of the application to your Research Log.

Film number: _____________________________________

3. Obtain the Film, Find, and Copy the Application[edit | edit source]

  • Obtain the microfilm and load it on a microfilm reader.
  • Find the application packet in numerical order on the microfilm. Short slips of paper are used to show the start of each application packet.
  • Copy the application papers and update your Research Log and family history records with the new information you find.

Can’t Find a Name in the Guion Miller Roll?

Before concluding your ancestor’s name is not in the rolls, consider:

  • The name may be spelled differently, for example, Anne instead of Ann, or Thos. instead of Thomas. Search for variant spellings.
  • Look for your ancestor by his or her English name, Indian name, middle name, nickname, initials, married name, or maiden name.
  • Look for your ancestor in the “Additional Sources” cited on page 4.
  • Look for your ancestor’s relatives in the Miller roll indexes. They may have mentioned your ancestor in their application documents.
  • Your ancestor may have been added to the supplemental rolls after the General Index was compiled. Search the three alphabetical “supplemental rolls” ahead of the General Index on film 378594.
  • Not all Cherokees appear on this roll. Search for your ancestor on other records like theDawes Commission Enrollment Records.
Additional Sources[edit | edit source]

Blankenship, Bob. Guion Miller Roll “Plus” of Eastern Cherokee, East and West of the Mississippi, “1909." [N.C.]: Cherokee Roots, [19--]. (FHL book 970.3 C424gmr.) Shows 62,769 names in two alphabetical lists (accepted, and not eligible) with their Miller and Dawes numbers, relationship, age, blood degree, and town.

Bowen, Jeff. Cherokee Descendants: An Index to the Guion Miller Applications. 3 vols. Signal Mountain, Tenn.: Mountain Press, 1996. (FHL book 970.3 C424bj.) The east, east supplemental, west, and west supplemental rolls are indexed separately. The names are listed alphabetically and show the Miller Roll application number. The children’s names are grouped with the parent, with ages indicated for each family member.

Edgington, Billy Dubois, and Carol Anne Buswell. Vital Information from the Guion Miller Roll: Eastern Cherokee Court of Claims, 1906–1909. [Bountiful, Utah]: Heritage Books, 1999. (FHL book 970.3 C424; compact disc no. 195) This index shows each person’s name, Miller application number, sex, and often spouse, maiden name, birth year, birth state, residence, and Soundex code. An appendix lists the surnames in order by Soundex code.

Jordan, Jerry Wright. Cherokee By Blood: Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims, 1906-1910. 9 vols. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Press, 1987. (FHL book 970.3 C424j.) Each volume is indexed. This combines genealogical information abstracted from both the applications and the rolls.

Jordan, Jerry Wright."Index to the Applications to the Guion Miller Roll of Eastern Cherokees." In USGenNet [website]. N.p.: USGenNet, 29 October 1999 [cited 28 May 2002]. Available at www.tngenweb.org/cherokee_by_blood/miller.htm INTERNET. This site explains how to use the National Archives search called NAIL to find ancestors who were accepted or rejected for the roll.

Hoskins, Shirley. Cherokee Blood (Tsa-la-gi-yi Gi-gv). Chattanooga, Tenn.: [n.p.], 1983. (FHL book 970.3C424hs v. 3.) Indexed descendants lists compiled from the Miller rolls. Shows application number, descendants, birthplace, birth date, notes.


© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. 34936

Family History Library (FHL); now called, FamilySearch Library (FSL)

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