[Goodpasture]

As a Cherokee, all I can say is, apologize and move on.........

[verynicebecky]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

As a Cherokee, all I can say is, apologize and move on.........

LOL. I still maybe Cherokee. Supposedly there is a woman named Nancy Sampson who was married to a Cherokee and walked the Trail of Tears. I don't see her listed on the Dawes Roll though and I haven't figured out how she is related to my family yet.

I probably won't be able to apply for membership due to needing birth certificates If someone was born in the Choctaw Nation, then wouldn't the Nation have record of their birth?

[peggydavis]

My BIL is part Choctaw. He gets a birthday card every year from the Choctaw Nation. He could go to tribal health clinics but he doesn't.

The Choctaws have a very interesting history. There is a lot on the net, and some good books out there too.

[ptsum]

Originally Posted by verynicebecky

LOL. I still maybe Cherokee. Supposedly there is a woman named Nancy Sampson who was married to a Cherokee and walked the Trail of Tears. I don't see her listed on the Dawes Roll though and I haven't figured out how she is related to my family yet.

I probably won't be able to apply for membership due to needing birth certificates If someone was born in the Choctaw Nation, then wouldn't the Nation have record of their birth?

verynicebecky, let me congratulate you on finding out your ancestral blood, you are about to go on a great journey, you have traveled far, for you are the culmination of all of your ancestors before you, tread this path lightly, but with respect to those who traveled it before you and you will be amazed at what you will come across during your journey. The spirits of your ancestors will be watching and guiding you, take the time to listen for this is a journey that never ends and will never cease to amaze you. Like Goodpasture, I too am a member of the Tsalagi people, I wish you safe and prosperous journey.osay

[verynicebecky]

Well thank you all for your good wishes. I have some interesting news. I called the Choctaw Nation today and it was explained to me that my ancestors are listed MCR (Mississippi Choctaw Rejected). My great grandfather is listed as being 1/4th Choctaw. The three children listed are 1/8th. The 4 of them are listed MCR while my great grandmother and two other adults (with the same surname as my great grandparents, Carter) do not show the % of blood and are listed as "P", not "MCR." I am trying to figure out why this is and exactly what it means.

[LadyRobyn]

verynicebecky, Here is a list of the abbreviations used on the rolls:

A - Adopted
AD - Adopted Delaware
BB - By Blood
D - Doubtful or denied
F - Freedman
FD - Freedman, doubtful or denied
FM - Freedman, minor FRR - Freedman, rejected
IW - Intermarried White
MCR - Mississippi Choctaw Rejected
NR - Not Registered, Non Resident
O - Owner*
OS - Old Series** Old Settler
P - Parent

My Husband's family is Choctaw as well.

[verynicebecky]

Thank you LadyRobyn.

Here is the link to my family's Dawes card. John V is my great grandfather. His son, my grandpa, wasn't yet born and isn't listed but the children listed are my great aunt and uncles. Ninta (should be Minta) was John V Carter's wife. I don't know who Eli and Mary are. I don't think that they are John's parents. I think that they might be his brother and sister.

Dawes Commission Case File #MCR983

[LadyRobyn]

Originally Posted by verynicebecky

Thank you LadyRobyn.
Here is the link to my family's Dawes card. John V is my great grandfather. His son, my grandpa, wasn't yet born and isn't listed but the children listed are my great aunt and uncles. Ninta (should be Minta) was John V Carter's wife. I don't know who Eli and Mary are. I don't think that they are John's parents. I think that they might be his brother and sister.

Dawes Commission Case File #MCR983

If they were his brother and sister they would also have a "blood quantum" or percentage listed... Eli and Mary are most likely "Minta's" parents.

This is a link to my hubby's family card: Dawes Commission Case File #3884

William and Liddy are his Great-Grandparents... Alex and Corinne are William's parents... JC and Antoine are Liddy's parents... The extra listing for "Liddie" is an alternate spelling.


As it states on the site: "This is an index of the census card, and not a complete index of the Dawes Packet. But it should give you an idea of the people who may be mentioned inside the packet."

You need to contact the Choctaw Nation for a complete file.

Happy Hunting!

[verynicebecky]

Well the thing is, is that Minta's maiden name is Bell and it is documented as being Bell (possibly Carter) on the 1900 US Census and I am not finding an Eli Bell in the Choctaw Nation during that census. No, I dont think that Mary and Eli are Minta's parents.

I find Minta and John V. Carter on the 1910 US Census living in Quay, NM. Mary and Eli are not listed as living in Quay at that time.

As far as the MCR, am I to understand that my relatives were driven out of Mississippi in the 1830's?

[Trinaz]

Verynicelady,

Forgive me if my information is not accurate as I am trying to recall what I read many years ago. When the government was granting land to the Choctaws as well as other nations many non Indians began to apply. The government had to crack down and make people prove without a doubt they were of Indian blood, even fullbloods were being denied tribal enrollment due to the influx of greedy people wanting something for free. A person had to fill out an application form listing all family members to be enrolled. The applicant was given an oral interview by the Choctaw authorities. Enrollment was determined by the way the applicant answered the questions. The MCR next to your family members names means they were denied enrollment. This doesn't mean they aren't of Choctaw heritage, it just means they were denied. Keep digging and you will discover what happened next.

Redbird,

I enjoyed those links, thanks for posting them.

Yes, when one starts their family tree research they begin a very exciting journey full of surprises and discoveries.

I am fortunate to have people go before me and painstakingly put together family tree books for both my mother's side of the family as well as my dad's.
My mother's family tree book goes all the way back to 15th century England. Very exciting stories in that book.

Peace be to all.