Indian Dates of InterestContrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a Cherokee Princess. This is something the white people have given as a title to the daughter of an Indian Chief. An Indian daughter of a Chief of the Cherokee would be insulted to be called a "Princess" on the merit of being a dutiful daughter by birthright. In the Cherokee Nation you must earn respect for your own deeds, not by using the name or deeds of your father or anyone else.
To be considered a member of the Cherokee Nation, you first must have been born in the right place at the right time in history. Below this writing you will find a map to help you know if your ancestors were in the right place, and if they followed the right path of migration. A second map (simplified) of migration. Additional maps of Arkansas land grants, link at bottom of page.
It is not enough to have Cherokee blood! If your ancestors stayed behind at the removal, they are not of the Cherokee Nation. It is said here in Oklahoma, "If your ancestors have been in or around Oklahoma any length of time, you probably have some Indian blood. It does not follow that you can become a card carrying indian."
I, like most of you, have the family tradition, that we are Cherokee Indian. My own mother told me I was 1/16. After 25 years of family research, I have yet to find a shred of proof, or even a nibble, or hint, of truth of that tradition.
I wish it were true!! Not to become a card carrier, but contrary to what most white folks believe, the Indians have better documentation than any race of people in the USA. The British kept very good documentation on the Indians due to necessity. Our government does also, as well as the Indians themselves. My research would improve immensely if I could but find that elusive Indian!
I am not trying to say that you/we are "NOT" part-Indian of ONE of the 500+ tribes that was here when the white man first came.
What I am saying, is don't make finding Indian blood the total focus of your research. .
Do your research. If you have an Indian hiding somewhere, he or she, will come to the front just like all the others have.
I am going to quote a note I received from a respected Indian researcher, and is the former Head Registrar of the Cherokee Elders Council of the Nation,
"Will you PLEASE explain, that no one, "escaped from the soldiers and hid out in Illinois" ("Missouri", "Arkansas" or "NEW JERSEY"!
There WERE no soldiers ON the Trail of Tears, except one - a Lt Harris, who led the very first group --- no guards, and only a few civilian provisioners preceding the group to arrange for the night's camping grounds and food.
Why would a Cherokee `hide out' and not go with the tribe, when they would have exactly nothing if they stayed behind.
If they separated themselves from the tribe by any means, they would have exactly what was offered to them many times before:
The "privilege" of becoming a citizen of the United States, purchasing land, paying taxes, service in the military at the whim of any local official,
and the forfeiture of all of their rights as a citizen of the tribe-- for themselves and their descendants FOREVER.
If they completed the journey to Indian Territory, they would have free land, their own government, free schools for their children, subsistence for six to twelve months, periodic payments under the old treaties, payments for both their share of the eastern lands and their own improvements that they left behind, plus other advantages too numerous to list."
No one dreamed how deceitful the white man would be. They truely believed they would do as promised.
To help in researching, "Native Heritage" I suggest you take advantage of the information at: Various Indian Rolls Now here is the map I promised, given to me by my Cherokee friend. You will understand what I mean when I said the right place at the right time in history! Be patient, It takes a while to load. NOTE the small amount of land each tribe had. Then go on to the second map.
Arkansas Indian Land GrantsAnother Trails Location Map(Oklahoma, IT)CHEROKEE Indian LandMore IT MapsElveta Guinn, gr grandaughter of James S. George
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