Cherokee Claims for Transportation and Subsistence, Special File 154

The Treaty of New Echota displaced the largest portion of the Eastern Cherokee, and created massive claims records. Although the majority of Cherokees were left destitute after their migration to Indian Territory, the eighth article of the treaty provided some relief, however minimal, by providing both the cost of transportation and subsistence for one year.

    To receive these payments, individuals had to prove their Cherokee citizenship. As a result, invaluable affidavits were created by those individuals describing their lives and the lives of their families before during, and after the infamous Trail of Tears.

    While many of the Cherokee names contained in these records are clearly identifiable in the 1835 Cherokee Census (or Henderson Roll), there are many who are validated tribal members whose names are absent from that census.

    The first of a set of two volumes, this book guides inexperienced researchers through its pages beginning with the introduction that describes what the records are and how they were created, allowing readers to fully grasp the true value of the documents. Ms. Stricklin helps the researcher understand the transcribed documents contained in the book with three appendices that focus on the Cherokee language and how to understand the transcriptions and extracts, along with how to interpret the accompanying citations. A bibliography, suggested reading list, and complete name and place index are also included, so that researchers can utilize and gain the maximum benefit from the records contained in this publication.

Ms. Stricklin is a professional genealogist specializing in Native American genealogy. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, as well as several other state and national societies. She has compiled or authored several books, and is currently indexing other files in the Special Files of the Office of Indian Affairs microfilm series.