Bowman | Carter | Corey | Craig | Decrow | Hart | Home | Phipps | Pullum | Simpson | Smith | Spears Stewart | Veach | Weldon | Wright | York | Applications to Dawes | Choctaws by Blood Census | Contact Information | Craig Records | Dawes Index | Letters | Military | Obituaries Barry Co MO | Red Clay | Roll Info | Photo Gallery | Cemetery | Muddy Creek | Stories | Treaties | Wills |
Craig Family
History Throughout the
years,there have been several Craig family
members who have applied for Cherokee citizenship, but none were
successful. Their applications, however, have provided much
information and directions in which to search further. They
may be happy to know that their efforts have resulted, if nothing else,
in their descendants finding each other and sharing a common
interest. In so doing, their memory will not be lost.
For those of
you who are unfamiliar with the Craig family history, it
went something like this. According to documents obtained and
stories passed down through the generations, our common ancestor was
John Craig. According to affidavits included herein, John was 1/2
Cherokee, and his wife was full-blood. While her identity has
continued to be a question, the story is told that she and John lived
near Red Clay (aka Fort Red Clay), in what was the state of Georgia
before boundaries placed the area within the current boundaries of the
state of Tennessee. George Wilkerson states that John was
well-known and actively participated in tribal activities, and had
begun to make preparations for the removal when his wife passed
away. He died at some point between leaving their homeland and
reaching the new land. We have found the family living in
Missouri and then Arkansas.
Family members know that we are of Cherokee descent, whether or not the efforts to obtain tribal membership were successful or not. You'll see that the family hired legal council for assistance, but in one instance the application was submitted to the wrong agency. Tthe primary reason for rejection is the failure to clearly established that the family lived within Indian Territory at the time of final rolls of the Dawes Commission, as was required. Conclusion... the rules of the Dawes Commission and the rules governing the natives of this country appear to have been applied subjectively. The ultimate intent has never been a mystery. The U.S. Government wanted to take over lands belonging to the indigenous people for the purpose of growth and wealth. Much can be learned by listening to the principles preached by those in power, as compared to their actions. For the purposes of this family history, I've attached the transcribed documents involving our family and their efforts to claim their own heritage. The wealth that we have in knowing who we are cannot be sold, taken, or denied. These documents will offer you a glimpse into a time in the lives of our ancestors and the times in which they lived. Enjoy. Thank you to Jody Offen for transcribing the applicant documents contained on this page. |
||
APPLICATIONS
SUBMITTED
|
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS | |
|
||
CHRONOLOGY
OF EVENTS |
||
|
FAMILY MEMBERS LISTED IN APPLICATIONS
& SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS |
|||
Adair, John L. Bailes, David Bailes, Francis M. Bailes, Jno B. Bailes, Margaret Bales, Bader M. Bales, C. R. Bales, Clara J. Bales, Cornelia Bales, Daniel Bales, David Bales, Davis Bales, Dosi L. Bales, Francis M. Bales, George Bales, Henry Bales, Isaac R. Bales, J. B. F. Bales, Jacob P. Bales, James A. Bales, James Bales, James W. Bales, Jefferson C. Bales, John A. Bales, Julia A. Bales, K. M. Bales, Lervey Bales, Lockey L. Bales, Mamie Bales, Maranda Bales, Margaret Bales, Mary Bales, Myrah |
Bales, Otto Bales, Robert A. Bales, Rosie Bales, Sarah Bales, Sophronia E. Bales, Sylvester Bales, Thomas Jefferson Bales, Walter Bales, William R. Baylis, B.F. Baylis, David Baylis, F.M. Baylis, James Baylis, Jane Baylis, John (Craig?) Baylis, Sally I Caldwell, Eliza A. Caldwell, Mary Caldwell, Mary Ann Cherry, Auther L. Cherry, Rosetta Clark, John - Exhibit C Coats, Sarah A. (nee Craig) Cole, Cornel C. Cole, Julia nee Bales Cole, Julia Cole Cole, Lota M. Comer, Alvira Comer, Celia I. Comer, Ivey J. Comer, James T. Comer, Melvina Comer, Robert A. |
Comer, Varn Craig, America Craig, Braziter (Brasilor, Brassitor) Craig, Caleb Craig, Caleb B. Craig, David B. Craig, David W. Craig, Doratha/Dorthea(?) Craig, Elivra J. Craig, George Craig, George W. Craig, Gore C. Craig, Granville Craig, James E. Craig, James W. Craig, James Sr. Craig, James Jr. Craig, Jane/June (Jincey) Craig, John Craig, John W. Craig, Josiah Craig Craig, Lee Craig, Leevine Craig, Lou Craig, Maggie I. Craig, Martha E. Craig, Martha C. Craig, Mary Craig, Nancy Craig, Nellie Craig, Polly Craig, Sally |
Craig, Samuel Craig, Wayman W. Craig, William Griffith, Elvira Jenkins, James Jenkins, Mabb Jenkins, Mary E. Jenkins, Mary (nee Bales) Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins, Walter Marshall, Lonzo S. Marshall, Sarah M. Marshall, Stephen M. Mayes, S.H. Null, Nancy I. (Craig) Null, Rosetta Divine Phipps, Andrew Phipps, Arra E. Phipps, Edward I. Phipps, Hettie J. Phipps, Hola Phipps, J.M. Phipps, James T. Phipps, Lillie M. Phipps, Mary Ann Phipps, W.H. Phipps, William H. Reddick, Isaac S. Reddick, Melvina Rightsell, Caledonia "Callie" Rightsell, Earnest E. Rightsell, Ida |
Intruders Old Settlers |
Cate,
J.H. - Affidavit John - Exhibit C Craig, America - affidavit |
Meacham,
L.A. - Exhibit D Milligain, Armister - Exhibit B Neal, W. K.- affidavit |
Wyatt,
J.M. - Affidavit Wilkerson, George - Exhibit A Wyatt & Neal .- affidavit |
THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR MEMBERSHIP TO THE CHEROKEE NATION |
Exhibit A Affidavit of George Wilkerson |
----------------------------------------------- UNITED STATES of AMERICA, INDIAN TERRITORY. ss. NORTHERN DISTRICT. ----------------------------------------------- Before me this day personally appeared George Wilkerson, who being duly sworn, deposes and says: My name is George
Wilkerson; I am Cherokee by blood and am a citizen of
the Cherokee Nation and have been from infancy. I live on Peggs Prairie
in Saline District in the Cherokee Nation. I am about ninety years old,
and have a clear recollection of many Cherokees back in the old Nation.
I remember distinctly John Craig and his wife who were neighbors of
mine. We all lived near Red Clay in east Tennessee. They were both
members of the Cherokee tribe of Indians, John Craig being a half-breed
and his wife a full blood. I know them to have been Cherokees because I
knew their family, also because there were interested and took part in
all Cherokee affairs. When the Old Settlers
were talking of moving out
to the western country known as the Cherokee Nation, John began to get
ready to come with them, but never came because he took sick and died.
John Craig's wife died shortly before he himself died. They children,
but whether all of them came to this country or a part of them remained
in Tennessee, I am unable to say. Some of the children were girls and
some were boys. I do not remember how many there were of each. All this
I know of my personal knowledge and I have no interest in the result of
this action further than that justice may be done to the heirs of the
said John Craig, for they were undoubtedly Cherokees by blood and
members of the Cherokee tribe.
Attested his George (X) Wilkerson mark Sworn the 17th day of July, A.D. 1896 My Commission expires Jan 3rd 1900. M.D. Thasson, Notary Public (looks like-DC) Note: the bottom of the
page was cut do to copying errors and I don't
have the full signature of the person who took this affidavit. This is
a typed document. In the upper right hand corner is hand written
"Exhibit A"
|
||||||
Exhibit J Affidavit of John M. Wyatt and W.K. Neal |
State of Arkansas Exhibit J County of Washington Be it remembered that on
this day personally appeared before me, a
Notary Public, within and for said county.
J. M. Wyatt and W. K. Neal of Wheeler Arkansas who being by me dully sworn. Our oath states: My post office address is Wedington Ark, am 51 years of age. We are each of us well and personally acquainted with W. H. Phipps of Savoy Ark, J. M. Phipps of Corinth, Tex, Andrew Phipps of Savoy Ark, Callie Rightsell of Savoy Ark, and Mary A. Caldwell Farmington Ark. All of the above named parties are grandchildren of James Craig Sr. consequently are direct heirs of Mary Craig (deceased) we are neither of us related to any of the parties above named. John M. Wyatt W. K. Neal Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of Aug 1896 W. J. Hogg Notary public My commission expires Sept 29 1898 (age 66 years is written out side the margin; may indicate W.K. Neal's age) |
||||||
Receipt No 3025 |
Court No 100 No 3025 RECEIPT For original papers in the case of David Bales VS Cherokee Nation Received and filed this day of 189? Secretary. Note: this is all that is on the copy of paper I have at the top court no 100 is hand written. |
||||||
Petition James E. Craig No 2052 |
No Petition of James E. Craig For and on behalf of himself and heirs Hubbard? Garland Watts, Attorney for petitioner Note from Transcriber: James E. Craig, himself and attorneys names are hand written. |
||||||
Petition John W. Craig No 2045 |
No Petition of John W. Craig For and on behalf of himself and heirs Hubbard Garland Watts, Attorney for Petitioner. Note from Transcriber: John W. Craig, himself and attorneys signatures are hand written. |
||||||
Docket No 450 James E. Craig Sept 2, 1887 |
Copy page 163, Docket B. J.E. Craig. Office Commission On Citizenship. Tahlequah, C. N., Sept 2nd, 1887 Docket No 450 1. James E. Craig age 33 Male Post Office Howe, Ark. Attorney: A. E. Ivey. 2. Brassitor Craig age 7 Male 3. David W. Craig age 5 Male 4. Maggie I. Craig age 1M Female 5. VS Cherokee Nation 6. Rolls 1835 Ancestor, John Craig. 7. Applicant for Cherokee citizenship Rolls 1835 On this the 23rd day of
March, A. D. 1888, comes the above case up for
final hearing. They have made application pursuant to the provisions of
an Act of the National Council, approved (??) 1886, and all the
evidence being duly examined and found to be insufficient and
unsatisfactory to the commission it is adjudged and determined by the
commission: that they, J. E. Brassitor, David M., Maggie J. Craig, are
not Cherokee by blood, and are not entitled to the immunities and
rights of such and are hereby declared to be intruders.
J. T. Adair, Chairman Commission John E. (Gau?ter) commissioner. D. W. ???Commissioner. Connell Rogers, clerk commissioner. Note from Transcriber:
the copy was poor and hard to read. Also they
had made many type
errors. Maggie I., then later Maggie J. The correct name is Nellie
J.
Also Brassitor I thought was incorrect. Brazzie was the nick
name;
Brazzilia or Barzillia is more correct but after looking at other
documents I think it could be right. They also have her listed as being
a male which is incorrect. This whole page is typed nothing hand
written.
|
||||||
Summons John W. Craig May 4, 1897 |
100 wgw SUMMONS United States of America Indian Territory, NORTHERN DISTRICT. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE MARSHAL FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT, INDIAN TERRITORY: You are commanded to
summon the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation,
or the Attorney General of said Nation, to answer on the first day of
the next May Term of the United States Court for the Northern District.
Indian Territory, at Muskogee, Indian Territory, being the 4th day of
May 1897 A.D. 189--., a petition praying an appeal from the decision of
the Commission to the five civilized tribes duly filed in said court by
David Bailes, Margaret Bailes, John Craig, James Craig, Geo W. Craig, Cale B Craig, Jno B Bailes, Francis M Bailes, Celia Comer Who claim to be entitled
to be enrolled as a citizen of said Nation, to
the United States Court for the Northern district, Indian territory,
which petition is now pending in said court, and warn him that upon a
failure to answer said petition within thirty days from the time of the
service of this writ, the same will be taken for confessed, and you
will make due return of this summons within ten days after the actual
service of this writ.
Witness the Honorable William M. Springer, Judge of said Court, and the seal thereof, at Muskogee, Indian Territory, the 31st day of Dec 1897 A. D. 189--- ________clerk. (Note: I can't read the signature of the clerk it appears to start with a ("J")_____________________________ To The Honorable Henry L. Dawes and others Composing the Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes: Your Petitioner John W. Craig Would state and show
from the proof submitted to the commission that he
is a Cherokee by decent and by blood having been born in Washington
County, State of Ark on 6 day of Jan 1850. My fathers name was James
Craig. My mothers name was America Craig. That I now reside in Arkansas
and have resided there for 46 years. And - he avers these facts can be
established by proof to the satisfaction of the Commission under such
rules and regulations as it may prescribe. And - he further avers that
these facts being proved - he is entitled to be adjudged under the laws
of such Nation and the laws of the Congress of the United states and
the treaties of such Nation with the United States, a citizen of such
Nation, with all the rights, privileges and protection of Citizenship
in such Nation. Wherefore--- he herewith respectfully submit to the
consideration of the Honorable Commission such proof and on the hearing
- he be adjudged entitled to such citizenship and his name be placed
upon the proper roll as a citizen of such Nation.
Signature John W. Craig INDIAN TERRITORY First Judicial Division Now on this 13 day of Aug 1896 Personally appeared before me W J. Watts A Notary Public in and for said Territory John W. Craig who being
duly
sworn upon his oath sates that the facts set in the foregoing petition
are correct and true.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13 day of Aug 1896. W. J. Watt Notary Public |
||||||
Answer James E. Craig |
No 5 Nation's No 2052 Commission's No------ In re Application of James E. Craig Demurrer and Answer Filed Sept 25 1896 A.S. McKennon Com------ |
||||||
Application for Enrollment John W. Craig |
APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT. TO THE HONORABLE HENRY L
DAWES, FRANK C ARMSTRONG. ARCHIBALD S.
McKENNON, THOS. B. CABANISS and ALEXANDER B. MONTGOMERY. United
States Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress of June 4, 1896,
to hear and determine Claims for Citizenship in the Cherokee Nation:
GENTLEMEN: The undersigned, your petitioner, John W. Craig for and on behalf of himself and heirs, this day makes this their application to you for the purpose of being placed on the revised roll of Cherokee Indians and of those entitled to share in the distribution of funds and allotments of land in Cherokee Nation, by virtue of their Cherokee blood, and I herewith submit the affidavits (?) the James Craig Sr. (?) the applicant being a grandson of James Craig Sr. In support of said claim, and respectfully await the time when this application shall (?) and tried. Respectfully submitted John W. Craig Enrollment of family, with relationship attached, as follows: Washington, Ark. Name. John W. Craig age
46. Relationship: John W. Craig is a son of
James Craig Sr. and a grandson of john Craig who was a Cherokee (?).
Name: Martha E. age 35 Name: Caleb B. age 22 Name: (Dorthea?) Craig age 20 Name: William Craig age 18 Name: Lee Craig age 16 Name: Lau (could be Lou but spelled Lau) Craig age 14 Name: Samuel Craig age 10 In witness of which I hereunto set my hand on this 14 day of Aug (?) 1896 John W. Craig. |
||||||
Application for Enrollment James E. Craig |
APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT To The honorable Henry L
Dawes, Frank C. Armstrong, Archibald S.
McKennon Thomas B. Cabaniss and Alexander B. Montgomery, Untied States
Commissioners authorized by an act of Congress of June 4, 1896, to hear
and determine Claims for Citizenship in the Cherokee Nation:
GENTLEMEN: The undersigned, your petitioner, James E. Craig for and on behalf of himself, and heirs, this day makes this their application to you for the purpose of being placed on the revised roll of Cherokee Indians and of those entitled to share in the distribution of funds and allotments of land in Cherokee Nation, by virtue of their Cherokee blood, and I herewith submit the Affidavits of George Wilkerson Exhibit-A, Armister Milligain Exhibit-B, John Clark and L. A. Meacham Exhibit-C, Petition of Citizens of Cherokee Nation, Exhibit-D. In support of said claim, and respectfully await the time when his application shall be heard and tried. Respectfully submitted, James E. Craig Enrollment of family, with relationship attached, as follows: Spavinaw, Ind Ter.
In witness of which I hereunto set my hand on this 20th day of July 1896. James E. Craig Note: Spavinaw, Indian Territory which became Spavinaw, Mayes Co., OK |
||||||
Application by James E. Craig (continued) |
To the Honorable Henry L. Dawes and other Composing the Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes: Your petitioner, James E.
Craig, would state and show from the proof submitted to the
Commssion that he is a Cherokee by descent and by blood, having been
born in Washington
County, State of Arkansas
on the 15th day of January 1853. My fathers name was James Craig,
my mothers name was America Craig.
That I now reside in the Cherokee Nations and have resided there for six years. And .......................he avers these facts can be established by proof to the satisfaction of the Commission under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, and he further avers that these facts being proved he is entitled to be adjudged under the laws of such Nation and the laws of the Congress of the United States and the Treaties of each Nation with the United States, a citizen of such Nation, with all the rights, privileges, and protection of Citizenship in such Nation. Wherefore, he herewith respectfully submits to the consideration of the honorable Commission such proof and on the hearing he be adjudged, entitled to such citizenship and his name be placed upon the proper roll as a citizen of each Nation. Signature: James E. Craig * * STATE OF INDIAN TERRITORY } } ss FIRST JUDICIAL DIVISION } Now on this 20th day of July 1896 personally appeared before me, W.J. Waco, a Notary Public for First Judicial Division of Indian Territory, James E. Craig who being duly sworn upon his Oath states that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition are correct and true. Subscribed and sworn before me, this 20th day of July, 1896. W.J. Watts, Notary Public |
||||||
Answer - Rejected Case No. 2052 James E. Craig |
Before the Honorable Henry L Dawes, Frank C. Armstrong, A. S. McKennon T. B. C---- A.B. Montgomery, commissioners. In the matter of application of James E. Craig Nation's No. 2052 Commission's No_____ For citizenship in the Cherokee Nation. Your respondent, S. H.
Mayes, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation,
comes now demurs the said application, and for the grounds thereof says:
1st. That this commission has not jurisdiction over the parties or subject matter of this controversy, and no legal right, therefore to hear and determine the same. 2nd. That the application does not state facts sufficient, if true, to show that the applicant is entitled to citizenship. Respondent not waiving his demurrer, but insisting upon the same answer to said application, says that John Craig through whom the petitioner claim to derive his right to citizenship in the Cherokee Nation; is not now, and has not been a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, since the removal of said Nation, west to the Indian Territory as at present located and defined; that his name does not appear on any of the authenticated rolls of said Nation; that neither he nor any of his ancestors now reside, or ever have resided in the Cherokee Nation and Indian Territory, as a citizen thereof. Respondent, for a further and complete defense to the aforesaid Application says: That, heretofore said applicant made application before a legally constituted Court, or Commission on citizenship, having jurisdiction over applicants for re-admission to citizenship in the Cherokee Nation: That the said case was tried upon its merits; that upon a final hearing, judgement was duly given against applicant and in favor on this Nation. A duly certified transcript of the aforesaid proceedings and judgement are annexed hereto and made part of this answer. (?) case No 2045 of John W. Craig. Having fully answered, your respondent asks to be hence dismissed. S.H. Mayes Principal Chief Cherokee Nation. BY (H------ Hastings & Bond--- ) Attorneys. John L. Adair, Executive
Secretary, Cherokee Nation, having been first
duly sworn, states that the matters contained in the foregoing answer
are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
John L. Adair Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 21 day of Sept 1896 D. J. Ball Notary Public. |
||||||
Affidavit W. K. Neal |
Note: the following is hand written I'll do my best to read it correctly State of Arkansas County of Washington Be it remembered that on
this day personally appeared before me a
notary Public with in and for said County. W. K. Neal who being by me
duly sworn an oath states.
My post office address is Wheeler Washington County, Ark am 66 years of age. Further state that I formed the acquaintance of James Craig Sr. in the year of 1850 at which time I was but a boy. After I formed his acquaintance, he and I resided in the same vicinity and neighborhood. Continuously ? (?) (?) of his (?). I learned from conversation with James Craig Sr. and that of his wife. that each of them had Cherokee Indian blood in them. Further state. That I conversed with people who came with said James Craig family from the state of Tennessee. Who also said that James Craig and wife were Cherokee Indians. I have for many years been associated with the Indians and can recognize an Indian when I see him and distinguish him from (whites?) |
||||||
Exhibit E Affidavit America Craig |
Territory of Oklahoma (?) of County Affidavit America Craig, the
widower of Jim Craig who was a son of John Craig the
said John Craig lived in Tenn near Old Red Clay and died there about
the year 1832 and the said John Craig was a Cherokee Indian by birth
and blood. The wife of John Craig was also a Cherokee Indian by birth
and blood. I married Jim Craig in Washington County Ark and knew at the
time that he was a Cherokee Indian. Everybody there knew him to be a
Cherokee and it was freely talked of at the time. I married him and my
folks tried to keep me from marrying him on that account. I also knew
Jim Craig's brothers and sisters. I knew George Craig, Sally Craig Jane
Craig, and Polly Craig. Jim Craig and myself was married in Washington
Co., Ark January 16th 1838. I know that James Craig Jr. Caleb Craig,
Nancy Null nee Craig (George?) Craig are the children of James and
America Craig born in lawful wedlock. James Baylis, David Baylis, F.M.
Baylis B. F. Baylis Sally I. Baylis an the heirs of Jane Baylis who is
a daughter of John Baylis therefore the above children are
grandchildren of John Baylis (?) to mark.
H (V?) (?) E. S. Shackelford?) America Craig her Mark (signed with an "X") Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of July 1896 T. Farlis?) Notary Public My com ex Aug 3rd 1897 Exhibit E is written sideways in the margin. |
||||||
Claim for Citizenship before the Dawes Commission - David Bales, James E. Craig et.al. |
BRIEF BEFORE THE HONORABLE DAWES COMMISSION:
In the claim for citizenship in the Cherokee
Nation, of James E.
Craig, John W. Craig and his children, Caleb B. Craig -no children,
George W. Craig and his children, Robert A. Conner (should be Comer)
and his child, Celia J. (should be I.) and her children, William H.
Phipps and his children, Andrew Phipps and his children, Mary Ann
Caldwell and her child, Callie Rightsell and her children, Nancy I.
Null and her child, Rosetta Cherry and her child, James Bales and his
children J. B. F. Bales and his children, James A. Bales and his
children, William R. Bales and his children, Margaret Bales and her
children, Francis M. Bales and her children, Davis Bales and his
children, Stephen M. Marshall and his child, Mary E. Jenkins and her
children, Melvina Reddick and her child, Elvira Griffith no child or
children, Julia Cole, nee Bales and her children, we most respectfully
submit:- That said claimants trace their lineage back to John Craig and
his wife, both of whom were Cherokee Indians of the half and full
blood, and enrolled as such in 1855, and prior thereto, said John Craig
having always attended the councils of that tribe, before they moved
west of the Mississippi River; and that the various heads of families,
herein before mentioned are descendants in a near or remote degree of
the said John Craig and his descendants, and claim to be Cherokee
Indians by blood, as shown by the proof set forth in the various
affidavits, herewith respectfully submitted. And of the claims of
Brasilor Craig, David B. Craig, Granville Craig, Nellie Craig, all the
children of James E. Craig, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood,
as shown by the statements of their father and the affidavits of George
Wilkerson (etl al.) herewith respectfully submitted.
In the matter of the claim of Caleb B. Craig,
Doratha Craig,
William Craig, Lee Craig, Lou Craig and samuel Craig, all the children
of John W. Craig, and claim to be cherokee Indians by blood, as shown
by the proof in the cases above referred to, respectfully submitted.
In the matter of the claim of James W. Craig Martha C. Craig, Josiah Craig, Gore C. Craig, Sarah A. coats, nee Craig, Wayman W. Craig, Leevine Craig, all the children of George W. Craig, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of Varn Conner, the child of Robert A. Conner, and claims to be a Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore presented in the foregoing cases respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claims of Robert A. Conner, Alvira Conner, Melvina Conner, James T. Conner, Ivey J. Conner, all the children of Celia J. Conner (should be Comer) and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof herewith presented of the foregoing claims and respectfully submitted.
In the claim of Edward I. Phipps, Arra E.
Phipps, James T. Phipps,
Hola Phipps, Hettie J. Phipps, all the children of William H. Phipps,
and claim to be Cherokee Indians , as shown by the proof presented of
the foregoing cases, and herewith respectfully submitted.
In the matter of the claim of Lillie M. Phipps, child of Andrew Phipps and claims to be a Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof herewith respectfully submitted. In the claim of Eliza A. Caldwell, child of Mary Ann Caldwell, and claims to be Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore refered to and respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of Earnest E. Rightsell, Ida Rightsell, the children of Callie Rightsell, and claim to be Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore presented of the foregoing claims, and herewith respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of Rosetta Divine Null, the child of Nancy I. Null, and claims to be Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof in the foregoing claims and respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of Auther L. Cherry, child of Rosetta Cherry, and claims to be a Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proofs referred to above and respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of James A. Bales, W. R. Bales, Sarah M. Marshall, nee Bales, all the children of James Bales, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore respectfully submitted. In the Claim of Sylvester Bales, the child of James Bales, and claims to be Cherokee Indian, as shown by the proof heretofore respectfully submitted. In the claim of Dosi L. Bales, a child of William R. Bales, and claims to be Cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof referred to above and respectfully submitted.
In the claim of K. M. Bales, George Bales, C.
R. Bales, Robert A.
Bales, Bader M. Bales, Lockey L. Bales, Thomas Jefferson Bales, all the
children of J. B. F. Bales, and claim to be Cherokee Indian by blood,
as shown by the proof heretofore respectfully submitted.
In the claim of Henry Bales, Sarah Bales, Myrah Bales, Rosie Bales, Mary Bales, all the children of Margaret Bales. Walter Bales and Lervey Bales, both grandchildren of Margaret Bales and children of William R. Bales, claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore referred to, and respectfully submitted. In the claim of John A. Bales, Isaac R. Bales, Mary Jenkins, nee Bales, Maranda Bales, Jacob P. Bales, and Cornelia Bales, all the children of Francis M. Bales, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof in the cases, heretofore respectfully submitted. In the matter of the claim of James W. Bales, Julia A. Bales, Clara J. Bales, Jefferson C. Bales, Sophronia E. Bales, Otto Bales, Daniel Bales, Mamie Bales, all the children of David Bales, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof referred to above and respectfully submitted. In the claim of Lonzo S. Marshall, child of Stephen M. Marshall and claims to be cherokee Indian by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore respectfully submitted. In the claims of Walter Jenkins, James Jenkins, Mabb Jenkins and Thomas Jenkins, all the children of Mary E. Jenkins, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof heretofore presented and respectfully submitted. In the claim of Isaac S. Reddick, a child of Melvina Reddick, and claims to be Cherokee Indian by blood as shown by the proof contained in his mother's statement, and as also shown by her genealogy respectfully submitted. In the claim of Cornel C. Cole and Lota M. Cole, both children of Julia Cole, and claim to be Cherokee Indians by blood, as shown by the proof herein referred to and respectfully submitted. Wherefore, we most respectfully ask that the said James E. Craig et. al. Together with their children and grandchildren, be admitted and enrolled as citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Hubbard (?) Watts Att'ys for claimants. |
||||||
Affidavit J.H. Cate |
State of Arkansas County of Washington Be it remembered that on
this day personally appeared before me a
Notary Public within and for said county and State.
J. H. Cate who being by me (?) duly sworn an oath states my post office is address is Wheeler Washington County, Arkansas am 63 years of age. I was personally acquainted with James Craig further state that said James Craig was the father of J. W. Craig of Savoy? Washington county Ark.the same James Craig was also the father of George Craig of Telequah (?) James Craig of (?) and Caleb Craig of Ft Worth Tex. Further state that Mary Craig (the same who subsequently married this J. Phipps) was also daughter of the said James Craig can state that I formed the acquaintance of the said James Craig Sr. in 1843 or 1844 lived a neighbor to him from said date down to date of his death occurred about the year of 1858. Further state that all of the parties above named are of the Cherokee blood or decent have heard a great many who was personally acquainted with all the said parties say that they were Cherokee Indians. My reason for believing that they were of Cherokee blood was predicated to the fact that they were of dark or red complexion high cheak bones, straight black hair by the expression of the eyes. I was among the Indian ---- accustomed to seeing them as a matter of coarse I was able to form a correct (conclusion?) as to whether they have possessed Indian blood or not. Am not related to any of the above named parties. J. H. Cate Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of August 1896 W. J. Hogg Notary Public My commission expires Sept 29 1898 Note: on the side of the margin is written affidavit of J. H. Cate. |
||||||
Affidavit J.M. Wyatt |
State of Arkansas County of Washington Be it remembered that on
this day personally appeared before me a
Notary Public within and for said county and State J. M. Wyatt who
being by me duly sworn an oath states my post office address is
Washington Ark. Am 51 years of age I was personally and (?) acquainted
with James Craig Sr. 8 or 10 years the same who was father of George W.
Craig of (?) John W. Craig of Savoy, Ark James E. Craig of (A?) (?)
Caleb Craig of Ft Worth, Thomas J. Phipps of Savoy Ark, and Mary Craig,
the same who subsequently married the T. J. Phipps of
Savoy, Ark.
The above named parties were of Indian blood or decent. My reason for believing them to be of Indian blood is predicated upon there facts (?) often heard them spoken of by (? parties) who were (quite? Well?) and personally acquainted with them. That they all had Indian blood in them I have been acquainted with the Indians all my life consequently I think if a man or woman has any Indian blood in them I can certainly distinguish it. Am not related to any of the above named parties. John M. Wyatt Sworn to me Subscribed before me this 4th day of August 1898 W. J. Hogg Notary Public My term expires Sept 29th 1898 Note: in the margin is written affidavit of J. M. Wyatt. |
||||||
Application Celia Comer |
Taken from the book "Cherokee By Blood" Records of Eastern Cherokee Ancestry in the U. S. Court of Claims 1906-1910, Vol. 6, Application 13261 to 16745 Page 376 16242. Celia Comer Owasso Okla Rejected. Ancestors not on rolls. Were not parties to treaties of 1835-36-46. Does not establish genuine connection with Cherokee tribe. Misc. Test. P. 2558. MISC. TEST. P. 2558. #16242 - Celia Comer:
"I am 57 years of age; was born in Arkansas. I
claim Cherokee Indian blood through my mother. She was born in Red
Clay, Tenn. I have never gotten any Indian money from the government. I
do not know if my mother ever received any Indian money. I have been
taught all my life that I had Indian blood. I was not alloted land by
the Dawes Commission. I have some land that I went on in 1881 and
improved and have lived on it ever since. I never saw my mother's
parents. My grandfather died on the way west in 1835. He was coming
here with the immigrants. I do not remember if my mother spoke the
Indian language. She never lived with the Indians. When I was a small
girl my mother lived in Arkansas. She left Tennessee when she was a
girl. She came west with her father. My grandfather was a half breed
and my grandmother was a full blood. She started West with the indians
but died on the way. My grandfather was named John Craig. This is the
first time I ever tried to get any Indian money."
Signed Celia Comer, Tulsa, Okla., Sep 3 1908. |