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I
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Ele/enth Census: 1890.
Eastetti Cherokees
ELEVENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES.
ROBERT P. PORTER,
SUPERINTENDENT.
Extra Census Bulletin
INDIA.N8.
EASTEEN BAND OF CHEROKEES
OF DN^ORTH C^ROLHSTA^.
BY THOMAS DONALDSON,
EXPERT SPECIAL AGEICT.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
UNITED STATES CENSUS PRINTING OI-TICE.
1892.
c
CONTENTS.
Introduction, by Thomas Donaldson, expert special agent 7-9
General remarks on the Eastern Band of Cherokeesof North Carolina and Eastern Cherokees. 7
Ennmeration in 1890 8
Statistics of schools 9
Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina, by Greneral Henry B. Carrington 11-21
General remarks 11-13
Cherokee industries. 14
Keligionand morals 14,15
Education 15-17
Common schools 15
Cherokee training school 16,17
Historical outline 17,18
Government and politics 18-20
Incorporation of the Eastern Band of Clicrokee Indians in 1889 21
Soldiers 21
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Binltown schoolhouse 12
Boys' dormitory, Eastern Chei-okee Training School 16
Bryson City courthouse, post office of agency 9
Chapel oak, Birdtown 12
Closed mill 18
Conncilmen of 1891, Eastern Baud of Cherokees: Kev. John Jackson, Morgan Calhoun, William Ta-la-lah, Wesley Crow 20
Donaldson ridge and gap, from Spray ridge, 1891 9
Eastern Cherokee Training School **Home" 15
Eastern Cherokee Training School, United States Indian agency, and Mount Noble, from Spray ridge 9
Indian troutiug 13
James Blythe, son-in-law of Chief Smith, United States Indian agent, and Sampson George, Cherokee Indian 18
Jesse Keed, chairman of council, and Andy Standing Deer, councilman 9
Lumbermen, 1891 9
Mulberry tree band stand. Eastern Cherokee agency 18
Nimrod J. Smith, **Cha-lardi-hih", "Charles the Killer'', principal chief 1
Ocona Lufta valley 12
Old Big Witch at home 13
Open mill 18
Plowing with 1 steer 18
Rattlesnake peak, above the clouds 18
Sooo schoolhouse 13
The Old Mission house 13
Valley of the Soco 18
Wesley Crow (councilman), at home 12
Yo-na Oaley, "Climbing Bear'' (councilman), and 3 daughters, and grandson of Chief Smith 18
LIST OF MAPS.
Chief location and lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokees 7
Qualla Indian reserve (boundary), surveyed by M. S. Temple, 1875-1876 11
3
LETTER OE TRANSMITTAL.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Census Office,
Washington, D. C, February 25, 1892.
Sir:
The statistics and condition of the Indians given in the present bulletin, as provided in the census law of
March 1, 1889, show the status of the Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina, with incidental mention of
the Eastern Cherokees. These Indians are taxed, have developed into good citizens of the United States, and
vote in North Carolina. They are almost entirely self-supporting, receiving only a small allowance from the United
States for educational purposes. A few mechanics are found among them, but their chief occupations are farming,
lumbering, and day labor. They are a moral, law-abiding, and industrious people, and the censuses from 1850 to
1890 show them to be increasing. The band, which has been incorporated by the general assembly of North
Carolina as The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, occupies the tract known as the Qiialla boundary'. The other
Eastern Cherokees mentioned reside in the states of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, and are citizens of the United
States and of the states named.
The bulletin was prepared by Mr. Thomas Donaldson, expert special agent of the Census Office, and the
report on the condition of these Indians was made under his direction by General Henry B. Carrington, United
States army (retired), special agent for the collection of statistics of the Eastern Band of Cherokees.
Very respectfully,
ROBERT P. PORTER,
Superintendent of Census,
The Secretary of the Interior.
STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
BY THOMAS DONALDSON.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA AND EASTERN CHEROKEES.
(INDIANS TAXED.)
The report on the condition of the Eastern Band of Cherokees of southwestern T^orth Carolina in 1890, with
incidental mention of the Eastern Cherokees, shows that this band of Indians, with very little if any care or
attention on the part of the national government, has become self-sustaining and self-reliant, and that the members
thereof have developed into good citizens of the United States and the state of North Carolina. While nominally
a tribe or band, so incorporated for certain purposes, with a chief and a council, these Indians are in fact as truly
citizens of North Carolina as are any people within the borders of the state. They have never been considered
reservation Indians, and therefore the Indian policy of the United States has not been applied to them. There is a
United States Indian agent among them, who is a member of the band, as many of his predecessors have been. His
duties are nominal, and his salarj' is $800 per year.
The different censuses show the Eastern Cherokees in North Carolina to be increasing in number. In 1850, when
they were in Haywood coimty, they numbered 710 ; in 1890, still residing in the same locality, they are returned as
numbering 1,520. In 1860, 1870, and 1880 they were enumerated as part of the population of the state.
The Eastern Band of Cherokees is now a body politic and corporate under the name, style, and title of The
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with all the rights, privileges, franchises, and powers incident and belonging to
corporations under the laws of the state of North Carolina. The band was incorporated by the general assembly of
North Carolina March 11, 1889. (Laws of North Carolina, 1889, chapter 211, page 889.)
The Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina, 1,520 in number, reside on lands in portions of Cherokee,
Graham, Jackson, and Swain counties, in southwestern North Carolina. There is no reservation, but the tract
occupied by these Indians, known as the Qualla boundary, contains about 65,000 acres, and is held in fee by the
Eastern Band of Cherokees and the Eastern Cherokees once resident of this region, but who removed west, and
are now one of the Five Civilized Tribes, occupying lands in Indian territory.
These Indians, although many are full-blood Cherokees, are citizens of the United States and are voters and
taxpayers in North Carolina. They are Indians taxed, and are classed as enterprising, moral, and law-abiding.
They are almost entirely self-supporting, receiving only a small allowance from the United States for educational
purposes.
Farming, lumbering, and day labor are the chief occupations of these Indians, but some few mechanics are
found among them. Many of them hire out as farmers and laborers. They have a written language, and while in
many respects are progressive, seeking the knowledge best suited to their present condition, still they preserve some
traditions and customs of their old Indian life.
The Indian farming tracts are small, as will be seen by the map.
THE EASTERN CHEROKEES.
The total number of Eastern Cherokees in 1890 is given as 2,885. Of this number 1,520 live in North Carolina,
and are kno^Ti as the Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina ; 936 are said to live In Georgia, 318 in
Tennessee, and 111 in Alabama. In 1884 the number in North Carolina was given as 1,881. Since 1884 some of
tliis band have moved into adjoining states and others have joined the Cherokees in Indian territory. The few
living in Kentucky, Virginia, and other states have become incorporated into the white population.
The economic and social condition of the Eastern Cherokees residing in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee is
about the same as of those residing in North Carolina. They are entirely self-supporting and are citizens of the
several states wherein they reside.
The Eastern Cherokees do not now receive any portion of the annuities given yearly to the Clierokees of Indian
territory, the Supreme Court of the United States having decided that they were not entitled to participate in them.
The Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina receive only a small sum annually from the United States in aid
of their schools.
7
8 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
In 1884 Hon. Hiram Price, Conunissioner of Indian Affairs, in his annual report, mentioned the several censuses
of the Eastern Cherokees, as follows : (a)
In September, 1882, Joseph G. Hester was appointed agent to take a census and make a list of all the Cherokee Indians residing east of
the Mississippi river, as i^equired by an act approved Augost 7, 1882. To assist him in this work I famished him with copies of 4 previous
lists of this people: one taken by J. C. Miillay as early as 1848, containing the names of all who resided in the state of North Carolina at the
time of the treaty of 183(>, and ^ho had not removed west, and one taken by D. W. Siler in pursuance of an act approved September 30, 1850,
which, it is believed, includes all of these people then residing in North Carolina, Creorgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. This roll was used by
Alfred Chapman, acting for this de]>artment, in the following year to make a per capita imyraent to the Easteni Cherokees, and in doing so he
found it necessary from evidence pi*esented to make a few changes, so that a copy of the pay roll made by him was also given to the agentt
together with a copy of a list of these people taken by S. H. Swetland under an act approved July 27, 1868.
In consequence of the wide distribution of these Indians and their descendants over many states, a great majority living in localities
remote from all usual routes of travel, the task proved to be of much greater magnitude, difficulty, and exi)ense than was at first anticipated,
and it was not until the oth of last January that it could be completed and the list submitted. It contains the names of 1,881 membeis
residing in North Carolina, 758 in Georgia, 213 in Tennessee, 71 in Alabama, 11 in Kentucky, 8 in New Jersey, 5 in Virginia, 3 each in
Kansas (at present) and South Carolina, and 1 each in California, Colorado, and Illinois (at present), making a total membersliip of 2,956.
It gives the English and Indian names (when they have both), the age and sex of each, and the residence or post-office address of every
family or single i)erson, together with the relationship of each member of a family to the head thereof Reference is also made to the nambeTB
opposite their names or the names of their ancestors on the previous rolls above noted that they may be identified there, and there are sach
marginal references and explanatory notes as special cases seemed to require. Thus, no person's name was enrolled on this list whose name or
the name of whose ancestor does not apiMjar on some one of the previous lists, and all except 47 on the previous lists are accounted for, either
as dead, as having gone west to reside with the nation in the Indian territory, or by enrollment as now residing cast of the Mississippi river.
These 47 i^ersons, whose whereabouts could not be ascertained, are believed by their friends and relatives to have either died, gone west, or to be
now known by diflerent names from those under which they were previously enrolled. A list of the 47 names is given with this censns.
While the agent was engaged in the work various i)ersons presented themselves to him, claiming to be Eastern Cherokees or their descendants,
whom he declined to enroll, not believing the evidence they submitted sufficient to sustain their claims. He files with the census a list of
their names, accompanied by all the i>apers and information he had received or could obtain in reference to them, which may be osefnl in
case any of those so rejected in future claim that they have been wronged.
The census list, together with all evidence and information available pertaining to it, was laid before a council of the Eastern Cherokees
at their request (due notice having l)een given to the Cherokee nation in the Indian teiTitory to be present by delegates if they so desired),
and after having been caretuUy scrutinized by said council was fiiUy approved by them. A certificate signed by the council to that effect
accompanies the list, which list, after having been carefully examined and comi)are<l with the previous rolls in this office, was, on my
recommendation, approved by the department on the 4th of last February.
ENUMERATION: 1890.
The enumeration for the census of 1890 of the Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina was made by the
regular enumerators for the state of North Carolina. The United States Indian agent, James Blythe, a Cherokee
(Dis-qua-ni, Chestnut Bread), furnishes tlie following data collected during personal visitations:
The total number of Cherokees is 1,520 : males, 774 ; females, 746. All wear citizens' clothing. 365 over the
age of 20 and 300 under the age of 20 can read, and 180 under the age of 20 can write English. This latter fact is
attributable to the efficient school sj'stem. 620 Indians can use English enough for ordinary intercourse. The
number of children of school age is given as 403, and there aire school accommodations for 275. There are 5
schoolhouses owned by tlie Indians, valued at $600. They also own and occupy 256 one-story log or block houses.
Health. — 1 case of chronic paralysis and 2 of pneumonia are reported. 3 deaf and dumb, 2 blind, and 2 idiotic
persons are also mentioned. The number of children under the age of 1 year is given as 38, but the number and
causes of death must be supplied from the regular enumeration.
White intruders. — Agent Blythe, who has had the special co-operation of the United States authorities in
investigating violations of the laws relating to the lands of the Indians, reports 56 white families as unlawfully
upon the tract, occupying and farming 6,000 acres, most of it good land.
Land. — About 20,000 acres of land are classed as arable or tillable and 30,000 acres as only fit for grazing.
The remainder, consisting of many mountain tracts, is valuable for timber.
The Indians cultivated 2,400 acres during the year, which, with the 6,000 acres unlawfully occupied and
cultivated by white people, make 8,400 acres cultivated. The description of this land, together with the maps, is
given elsewhere. 500 acres were broken during the year and 3,000 acres are fenced. 1,000 rods of fencing were
built or rebuilt during the year. Special reference is made to this careful fencing.
Crops. — Crops of the value of S3, 859.50 were raised during the year, as follows : wheat, 300 bushels, $300 ; oats,
125 bushels, 862.50; barley and rye, 65 bushels, $32; corn, 6,000 bushels, $3,000 ; potatoes, 400 bushels, $200;
turnips, 150 bushels, $15 ; onions, 50 bushels, $25 ; beans, 300 bushels, $225.
Stock.— Horses, 38, $1,130 ; mules, 2, $150 ; cattle, 210, $2,420 ; swine, 300, $900 ; sheep, 160, $480 ; fowls, 1,800,
$180.
a The Eastern Cherokees include those who are now known as the Eastern Band of Cherokees of Nort^ Carolina.
EASTERN BAND OF CHgROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
9
The average earnings of the male Indians above 21 years of age is about $166 per year ; this includes
lumbermen. The wealth of the band is placed at an average of $217.25 per capita. Wages are very low in the
mountains of North Carolina, but the cost of living is small, and the Cherokees earn as much and live as well as
the white people about them.
The report of Special Agent Carrington is mainly as to the condition of these Indians in the census year 1890.
SCHOOLS.
The training school for the Eastern Band of Cherokees is also a boarding school, with 4 white teachers. It
has had 84 boarders, the average daily attendance being 80, and 24 day scholars. The full details of the operation
of this school are given elsewhere. The total cost in maintaining this school for 1890 was $11,264.47, expended as
follows : for salaries of teachers and employes, $3,350 ; all other expenses, $7,914.47. The entire expense is paid
by the United States from a special appropriation for the Eastern Cherokee training school. The buildings occupied,
11 in number, and also a bam, are owned jointly by the United States and the Cherokees. The school, while a
government school, is under the charge of members of the Society of Friends, and its establishment and maintenance
by the United States is in the nature of a gratuity.
The school statistics of the 3 Cherokee schools for the year 1890 are as follows :
STATISTICS OF CHEROKEE INDIAN SCHOOLS.
■CBOOLB.
TXACUKRS.
RACKS.
LooAtlon.
Bfale.
Total
BiffCoTe.
Birdtown.
Maoedoni* or Sooo..
10 miles northeast
ofagenoy.
2.11 miles south-
west of agency.
4 miles southeast
of acency.
Fe-
male.
I-
Total.
In.
dian.
1
6
1
2
...... ......1
1
1
2
1
School
aoeom-
moda-
i tions.
White.
1
4 ;
145
Z
.
1
00
1 ,
1
80
2
SO
aCHOLABS ATTKND- \ "^^O"^"
- , IHO 1 MONTH OB ' BBTWWOI «
~*^* , MORE DURUrO YKAB. ^'"* *®
attend- {j ykabs.
anoeat '
one
time.
54
80
52
Total. Male.
196 68
54 , 28
80 13
^r Male.: ^r
, male. > male.
Over 18 ATerage
years age of
of age. pupils.
68 66
26 i 28
17
53
27 > 25
18
25
68 I
26 •.
I
17 .
26
9.019
11.118
10.800
SCHOOLS.
Total
BigCk>ve.
Birdlown
Blaoedonia or Soco...
Number
of
months
open.
LABOHST ATKMAOB ATTKlTDAJrCK
DURING ANY MONTH.
Average
attend-
ance.
I NUM BBR AND KIND
OF BUILDINGS.
(a)
COST.
I - --
Block,
January. October. December. rP'^' weather-
7
7
7
26.429
16.429
80.148
100
100
86
30
34
86
80
34
100
86
30
84
block.
2
1
boarded.
ToUl. ._»i'!!l'!Lr. "^rj' I Eep-™. *" »*^
. ing adiools. teachers.
i I I
82.103.04
11.022.02
1910.00
159.00
819.84
8B0.4S
406.93
238.46
816.28
808.14
850.00 ' 29.00
210.00 ;
800.00 80.00
8113.08
45.42
28.46
48.14
a The Cherokees own 5 sohoolhouaes, but only 8 are occupied.
The school buildiDgs are all owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokees, and the expenses of the schools are
paid with the interest from the Eastern Band of Cherokees' education fund, held in the treasury of the United
States.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
The illustrations herein are from photographs made by General Henry B. Carrington, and sliow that the
Eastern Cherokees, notwithstanding they are self-sustaining and good citizens, after more than 200 years of contact
with white people retain the physical features of their race.
E. C— 2
z <
3 <
m u
i
I
CO
UJ
\
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA.
BY HENRY B. CARBTNGTON.
No section of country in the United States combines a greater variety of inland scenery than that occupied
by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, embracing portions of the counties of Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, and
Swain, in southwestern North Carolina. Nestled between the Blue Ridge on the east and the Smoky mountains
on the west, partially sheltered by sharp ranges and lofty peaks exceeding Mount Washington in height, and more
than 2,000 feet above sea level, the " Qualla boundary", as it is styled, represents the home locality of 1,520
Cherokee Indians. Swift streams, which abound in speckled trout, wind about all points of the compass for
their final outlet, leaving at almost every change of course some fringing skirt of mellow land well suited for farm
or garden purposes. Choice timber, ample for all uses for many years, is found throughout the entire region.
Strawberries, blackberries, grapes, and wild fruits are abundant in their season, and the peach and apple
generously respond to moderate care. The com crop rarely fails. The potato is prolific in bearing and excellent
in quality. Wheat, rye, and oats are cultivated with moderate returns, but sufficient, as a rule, for the population,
while melons and all garden products do well. Creeks and small streams and springs are so numerous and ample
in flow that the simplest diversion of the water is sufficient for the irrigation of tlie most reluctant soil. The hay
crop is limited by the small meadow area, so that com husks are the main reliance for stock fodder. The almost
universal use of a single steer for plowing and general farming purposes is because of the characU^r of the land,
which is made up of steep hillsides and narrow valley strips. Agricultural implements are of the simplest kind.
As a suggestive fact, it is to be noticed that the fences are well built and well maintained throughout the farming
tracts, even where the most primitive methods of farming prevail. The principal roads, with easy grades, good
drainage, and free from abrupt or dangerous inclines, skirt mountain sides or follow water courses. Single trails,
that often diverge to cabins which lie among the mountains or on their slopes, are only accessible on foot or in the
saddle ; but the chief thoroughfares show good judgment and skillful engineering to meet the difficulties which had
to be surmounted. Some of these roads are better within the Indian district than over the approaches to or through
the settlements of the white people. The houses are nearly all " block houses '', a few only being log houses, rarely
having a second room, unless it be an attic room for sleeping or storage purposes, and are without windows.
Comcribs, stock sheds, and tobacco barns are of material similar to the houses, except where, as with comcribs,
logs are used for better ventilation. Hinges are mainly of wood, and the stairs are constructed of pin poles, ladders,
or inclined, slatted planks. Fireplaces are often supplemented by stoves, but there is at all times an abundance of
pine knots and similar fuel for light, heat, and cooking. The climate is invigorating and healthful, but cases of
pneumonia are frequent, due to the rapid changes of temperature.
Surveys were made in 1875-1876 by M. S. Temple under the auspices of the United States land office. These were
embodied in a map published as " Map of the Qualla Indian reserve ''. The term " reserve " is a misnomer, as the
lands so described were purchased for or by the Indians, and were not in any sense " reserved *' for them by the
United States. The map, however, is recognized by the federal courts in the adjudication of the conflicting claims
of Indian and wbite settlers as a general basis of demarcation, but not as an exa<^'t definition of specific titles. The
lines, except those surrounding the entire tract, are so entangled as to form a labyrinth of conflicting courses, which
are inexplicable by surveyor, court, or jury. The Temple survey Iwated " entries ". These, successively imposed,
took slight notice of previous entries or, indeed, of occupation. The state of North Carolina received its fees and
issued papers with little regard for records or files, a warning to those in si^arch of permits to occupy lands within
the country so inviting to incomers. A copy of the Temple map giving the numbers, as from time to time designated,
is herewith furnished as a basis for the topographical map, which gives the present roads and the general occupation
of the valleys. It also includes county lines. A new survey, already initiated, will be essential to the settlement
of existing conflicts of title and any exact definition of title hereafter. Reference will be made elsewhere to the
issues involved in the pending sur\'ey.
A marginal map, on a reduced scale, indicates the relations of the 11 southwestern counties of North Carolina
to each other and to the adjoining states of Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, in each of which states the
Cherokees once had lands and homes.
11
12 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
The practical center of interest and divergence in a visitation or description of the Cherokee country is found at
the site of the United States agency and the adjoining training school at Cherokee, formerly known as Yellow hill.
It is about 6 miles from Whittier, the nearest railroad and telegraph station, and 10 miles from Bryson city, formerly
Charleston, the county seat of Swain county. The Ocona Lufba river, which joins the Tuckasegee, a tributary
of the Tennessee, less than 2 miles below Whittier, flows directly south along the school grounds, receiving its two
principal tributary sources 2.5 miles to the north. The Bradley fork enters through white settlements near the
house once the home of Abraham Enloe, which, by an absurd fiction, is associated witli the old home of Abraham
Lincoln. Ravens fork from tlie northeast is an impetuous stream, at times a torrent, flowing in its upper course
through narrow valleys, coves or pockets, whose soil is rich, deep, and black, like that of the bottoms of the Miami
and Scioto in Ohio. On Straiglit fork of this creek, at the very verge of the line of the Cathcart survey, in the last
Indian house in that direction, lives Chitolski (Falling Blossom), a Cherokee of means and influence, whose name
is expressive of the condition of the corn when the pollen, dropping into the silk, is supposed to bear some part in
fertilizing the ear. His home is a new and spacious block house, very comfortable, with the usual piazza in front.
Upon accepting an invitation to dine, the water was turned upon the wheel of the mill close by, and fresh meal was
soon served in the shape of a hot " corndodger '\ ^^ Long sweetening " of honey or molasses gave a peculiar sanction
to a cup of good coftee, and this, with bacon and greens, supplemented with peaches grown on the farm, made a
most excellent meal. This mill is one of many, alike simple in construction, where neighbors deposit their toll of
grain, turn on the water, and grind their own meal. Some of these mills have only a slight roof over the hopper and
are open at the sides. Chitolski's house is said to be one of the best in the country, and very few houses of the white
people upon Indian lands or lands adjacent approach it in comfort. Some large peach trees were loaded with safely
developed fruit, and a vigorous young orchard, carefully planted, gave promise of as prosperous a future as those of
advanced growth, which bore the pledges of a good autumn product. A horse, several heifers, and chickens and ducks
imparted life to the scene, and the host and his wife, whose grown children have sought independent homes, are
preparing, with every indication of success, to spend their latter years in contentment and comfort. Chitolski is
building a new path out from his snug valley "wide enough for wheels'', so that visitors will not be compelled to
unhitch and mount harnessed horses to share his hospitality. Specimens of quartz and varieties of spar having
suspicious yellow specs were produced and information sought as to their value. The washings of the streams give
"gold color", and some claim that they can net $1 a day when the water is low.
The whole trip to Big Cove, as this region is named, is attractive from its rich soil, its well-worked hillsideB, its
fertile coves between the mountain spurs, its excellent fences, and the universal indications of well-applied industry.
A sudden turn in the road brought in sight a happy boy fishing. He had succeeded in landing two fine speckled trout.
The supply of trout at the proper season is abundant for table use. Eastward from the agency, crossing the Ocona
Lufba river, below a substantial, elevated foot bridge over the southern verge of Spray ridge and at the foot of
Mount Hobbs, the panorama of the Soco valley, with its bright vista, is brought suddenly into view. Mountain
spurs, carefully-fenced gardens, well-lined furrows, and gleaming streams are distributed for 10 miles, until closed
by the lofty Mount Dorchester, which, at the end of this valley, presents to the view an area of at least 30 miles.
Descending from this point of outlook, the valley distance is varied by careful cultivation, with wheat and rye most
conspicuous, while several strips of nearly a quarter of a mile in breadth are fenced with stone and irrigated by
ditches, showing how resolutely the open spaces are utilized for substantial crops. At a distance of 5 miles the old
mission house, long since abandoned for church purposes, still affords a popular gathering place for political and
other meetings. At one of these meetings, during the enumeration, more than 100 Cherokees assembled to consult
as to a change of their principal chief at the election in 1891, and to protest against any change in the management
of their admirably conducted training school. The old building, open and dilapidated in front, is furnished with
benches and desk, and the proceedings at the meeting alluded to were characterized b}- formality and good order.
Less than 1 mile further east, across the creek, is the spacious Socx) schoolhouse. Plxcelleut desks and
accommodations greatly superior to those of some schoolhouses outside the Indian lines distinguish this school, and
the building is also used for church or Sunday-school work on the Sabbath. It is a block house, well hewn, closely
jointed, and durable as well as convenient.
At the foot of Mount Dorchest<:»r, named in memory of a great admirer of the locality and warm supporter of
the training school, and not more than 3 miles distant, one open tract of 30 acres is in good cultivation, while upon
the hillsides, so steep that it seemed as if wings or ladders would be needed for tillage, several patches of from 6 to
10 acres were green with well-developed wheat, and on one of the slopes a "working bee" of 30 men, women, and
children were uniting their forces to help a neighbor put in his corn. In places where even a single steer could
not hold footing with the lightest plow a long line of willing workers hoed successive parallel seed trenches.
The Soco river enters this valley from the south at Oocomers mill, and at less than half a mile distant is the
quaint, uncovered Washington mill, well patronized by the neighbors. Here Big Witch creek joins the Soco, and
by a rocky road or trail the cabin of Big Witch is reached. Big Witch is a genial, white-haired Cherokee, who, at
the age of 105, was prompt to supply a chair and proud to speak of his great-great-grandchildren.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 13
The Soco valley road is joined at the old mission house by a road from Webster and Whittier. At less than a
mile a wagon trail leads to the house of Wesley Crow, a leading Cherokee councilman, who is one of the strongest
supporters of the public schools. Penned in by abrupt mountains, at the head of one of the forks of Shoal creek,
comfortably supplied with farm conveniences, industriously tilling wheat, com, rye, and potatoes, he points with
great satisfaction to the loom and spinning wheel on his piazza as representing the industries of the household
within. The absence of windows was no serious discomfort, as the inside comforts were all that he deemed
desirable or necessary. He is a good representative man, steady, industrious, and interested in the wel&re of the
people. He has been one of the foremost of the Cherokee council in a movement to prevent the selection of Smith as
principal chief at the election in 1891, maintaining that only a temperate man, of good moral character, and a friend
of the public schools is fit for the place. Principal Chief Smith, a man of sufficient natural capacity to serve the
people well, has borne the opposite character of late, although once very prominent. South from the trail leading
to Crow's house, as soon as the Indian lands are left, to the bridge across the Tuckasegee, at Whittier, both
houses and roads are inferior to those upon the Indian lands, and the fences are poor. Immediately upon
crossing the ford below the agency, and without ascending the summit that overlooks Soco valley, a road leads
under the ridge, along the Ocona Lufba river, past the comfortable house and well-arranged bams of Vice Principal
Chief John Going Welch, until it crosses Shoal creek, just above its union with the river. It then bears away,
past the old agency headquarters, the deserted trading house of Thomas, past the residence of Rev. John Bird, a
venerable, retired missionary, who long labored successfully among the Cherokees, and is still enthusiastic in their
welfiBkre, past the old site marked '^ Qualla " on the map, and leads off to Webster, the county town of Jackson
county, 14 miles distant. A second road from the Soco valley joins it at the old agency, where the broad, fertile
tract of Enloe receives full sunlight and well repays culture. The road from the old mission also joins the Webster
road near Qualla, and then turns southwest to Whittier. At the ford below the agency the Ocona Lufta river
suddenly turns eastward for a short distance, then as abruptly southward and westward, almost encircling Donaldson
ridge, which fiances the agency. Without crossing the ford, but passing directly under this ridge, the shortest road for
Whittier gradually rises, crossing the foot of Mount Noble, and presents at its summit a view of a portion of the
Ocona Lufba valley, which is hardly surpassed by that of the Soco valley, the same principal peaks to the eastward
having part in the landscape. Tliis road descends westward, passing the old Ute Sherrill homestead and the house
of William P. Hyde, a mile from the agency, where it soon rejoins the river, bearing westward toward Bryson city.
At the distance of 1.25 miles another dilapidated church stands, and in the center of the highway is a mammoth oak,
where in midsummer the Indians gather for church and Sunday-school services in preference to the old church or the
schoolhouse a little beyond. The old church is not wholly abandoned, however, the open sides seeming to be no
special objection to those who habitually live with doors open for most of the year. A few hundred yards beyond
the oak is located the Birdtown Indian schoolhouse. This also is a block house, but has been weatherboarded,
and only needs paint to give it a modem dress. The peculiar Indian fancy for suggestive names has devised one
for this unpretentious little building : an Indian boy, Willie Muttonhead, after hearing his Sunday-school teacher
read the Bible description of the pharisees, in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew, very promptly asked '' if their
schoolhouse wasn't a hypocrite house ".
Less than a mile below the schoolhouse a rude road bears to the right, win<ls over and between hills near the
source of Adams creek, passes the foot of the ascent upon which the new and spacious schoolhouse for the white
people of Birdtown is located and the little Birdtown post office kept by Widow Keeler, and enters again the
well-traveled road to Bryson city, about 4.5 miles from the agency, as indicated <m the map. The most direct road
to Whittier leaves this Bryson city road 3.5 miles from the agency, crosses the Ocona Lufta river and the Whittier
summit, and then descends rapidly to the valley of the Tuckas^ee. The home of William Ta-lah-lah, a prominent
councilman, stands upon a hill to the right, shortly after passing Adams creek. All roads which border the numerous
creeks are subject to rapid overflow in the rainy season or after heavy summer sliowers, and the streams become
impassable. Simple bridges of hewn logs, often of great size, and guarded by liand rails, supply pedestrians the means
of communication between the various settlements until the waters sulwide. In deep cuts, or where the Ocona Lufla
river is thus crossed, substantial trestles or supports have been erected on each shore and in the stream, as no single
tree would span the distance. Numerous short cuts or foot trails wind among the mountains and over very steep
divides, but all the wagon roads for general travel have IxH^n indicate<l u|>on the map and described. Wagon trails
for hauling timber to single cabins or hamlets are not infreiiuent.
This somewhat minute description of the map is necessary for a true conception of the character of this people
and their neighborly intercourse as of one great family. Their wants are few. They are peaceable, sociable, and
industrious, without marked ambition to acc^uire wealth, and without jealousy of their more prosperous neighbors.
14 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
CHEROKEE INDUSTRIES.
The main occnpation of the Ea^em Band of Cherokeea of North Carolina is that of forming. The acreage is
very limited in each tract, but crop8 more than sufficient for home necessities are generally realized. Seed sowing
is mainly done by hand, because the use of machinery is impracticable on their hillside farms. Hand sowing is also
practiced among the white people upon adjoining lands, and the growing crops indicate ver}- sparse and unequal spread
of the seed. The mountain soil and occasional sand levels need a fertilizer in order to replace the waste of annual
tillage, but the steep declivities, where patience has secured a good planting, are often swept by storm torrents, so
that fertilizers retain only a slight hold. It is impossible to visit the different sections without the conviction that
the people of both sexes, children included, are domestic and industrious. With the exception of blacksmithing,
some cobbling, and plain harness work, mechanical trades have few followers. The men are expert with the ax,
however, hewing out thick planks for wagon l>eds, and the timber of the block houses is well shaped and well fitted.
Ingenuity and skill are exhibited in potter}-, but as a business it has ceased to be profitable. Plain ironwork is
done by a few, and Sololah makes a good knife, with well-tempered blades. Davis Welch, a wagon maker, runs his
forge bellows by convenient water power. Wooden spoons, both beautiful and useful, are made from the laurel, and
there are those who can manufacture ^' ancient relics^' as well as white men, and can at short notice produce the
"genuine old furniture of colonial times *'. Baskets are also made from oak splints and the cane for household and
farm uses, but this is no longer followed as a general industry. The material for an expansive industrial development
of this people is at hand. Already, by their contact with the progressive civilization which is reconstructing society
and all external home surroundings, they are hinting that frame houses with glftss windows are better fitted for
home comforts than those now in use ; but the cost of lumber and hauling is an ol>stacle to the construction of this
class of houses, for little returns in money come from the small farm surplus. The oak, pine, holly, laurel, walnut,
chestnut, sourwood, service, mulberry, hemlock, spruce, and sassafras woods cost practical!}- only the felling and
hauling, and the supply, which is abundant, will continue for yciirs. A single sawmill established near the
government agency would soon revolutionize the building system and bring cash returns, which could be used in the
cultivation of the freshly cleared lands. Trespassers have already commenced systematic robbery, and the federal
courts are handling the offenders. The whole system of hitherto crude bridge making will be changed when heavy
lumber is within reach, and ready communication, almost wholly suspended during several months by high waters,
will break up the isolation of many farmers and stimulate the entire people to a higher plane of living. Access to
schools and to neighboring markets will be quickened in proportion as the secluded trails for the foot traveler or
single steer give place to good roads, which are only possible' in that mountain region when bridges, well built above
high-water mark, become frequent. Suitable clay for the manufacture of brick is accessible, as well as kaolin, which
is rapidly making the village of Dillslx>ro a beautiful and flourishing commercial center.
RELIGION AND MORALS.
The superstitions and religious extravaganzas of ancient times have almost disappeared. Lingering fancies as
to witches and witchcraft crop out from time to time among these Indians, but in no more unreasonable forms than
among their neighbors. The church organizations are in a languishing condition. While the people as a whole are
christian in theory and no pagan element remains, the early mission enterprises among the Cherokees have not
advanced with the intelligence and physical prosperity of the people. Both Baptists and Methodists early occupied
the field, and with marked success. At present the old church buildings, indicated on the map, and one adjoining
the agency, all equally dilapidated, are uninviting and of no value in bad weather. Schoolhouses are used both
for public worship and Sunday-school gatherings, as the population is neither numerous nor rich enough to erect
and sustain independent churches. The erection by the government of a suitiible building near the agency for public
meetings and use upon the Sabbath b}' the different denominations in turn would meet the demand and prove a
great benefit to the pKJOple. The Cherokees would contribute the lumber and labor necessary for its erection.
Religious denominational jealousies and proselytism have had their part in this apparent religious declension, and
the Indians are no less susceptible to such influencei^ than white people. At present the rules adopted for the
management of the common or district schools by Superintendent W. H. Spray, of the Cherokee training school,
who has charge of all th(i schools as well, are decidedly in the direction of religious and moral progress throughout
the territory. No teacher is employed who is not a christian man or woman, but no preference in the selection of
teachers is shown as to the diffen^nt evangelical denominations of the Protestant church. There are no Catholics
among the Cherokees. The school buildings are also readily opened for religious meetings, and in addition to
this the training school, while nominally under control of the Friends, is thoroughly catholic in spirit and wholly
without bigotry or proselytism in its management. The attendance at this school habitually of about one-fourth
of the children of school age, where religious training forms a cardinal feature of the work, has its wholesome eflPect
elsewhere.
Rev. 8. G. Owen, of the West North Carolina Baptist convention, preaches three times each month in some
one of the districts, receiving a salary of $500 per annum. Connected with the Baptist church as Indian helpers
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 16
or ministers are John Jackson, of Graham county, and Suate Owl, John Kamut, and Armstrong Comsilk, of Swain
coonty. The contributions, as reported by Mr. Owen, average about $1 a Sabbath, which is applied to the
allowance from the Baptist convention. The communicants, widely scattered, and consequently irregular in their
attendance at church, are estimated at 100, many once active members being counted as backsliders or indifferent.
Rev. J. A. Wiggins, of the Methodist church, visits the territory once a month, and Stamford Oeorge, a Cherokee
niinister, is one of the most consistent and active workers of that denomination. John Long also does ministerial
work. Rev. Mr. Bird, already referred to, and worthy of special honor for a long life of self-sacrificing toil in this
field, where he will spend his remaining years, considers a central place of worship of great importance, and, with
Mr. Owen, regards the present a fit time for increased effort to reach the Cherokee families for good. Both
denominations should increase their means of usefulness among the Cherokees, and they should receive a liberal
support. The absence of the Cherokee from the criminal courts, the uniform observance of the marriage rite, the
character and development of the schools, and the industry of the people are signs of real progress. Evidence on
file at the Literior department shows that illegitimate births are less frequent than among the white people.
The recent determination of the leading Cherokee councilmen and citizens to make morality, a fair education, and
temperance the essential prerequisites of their candidate for principal chief at the fall election of 1891 is a true
index to the purpose of this people as to their future. There are no formal temperance organizations among the
Eastern Band of Cherokees, but intemperance is not common. Among those who have indulged to excess the
principal chief has been the most prominent, but his influence, once paramount, has now little effect, and three-
fourths of the council of the nation are opposed to his habits and policy, lie declares his purpose, however, to
reform and present a better example. Heretofore he has been a man of much pride and dignity, and he might still
do much for this people if in full accord with educational, moral, and religious progress. At the training school,
which is the center of interest, no employ6 is retained who is either intemperate or profane. This institution,
with its many pupils and its liberal market arrangements with the Indians, exerts an elevating and wholesome
influence in all directions.
EDUCATION.
There are at present among the Eastern Band of Clicrokees 3 schools of a common-school grade in addition
to the Cherokee training school, initiated by an eminent christian scholar, Barnabas Hobbs, of Indiana, a member
of the Society of Friends. There was also a grammar school in Graham county, but it was abandoned because the
children were few and scattered and several of them attended the training school.
Big Cove school is 10 miles northeast from the agency, on Ravens fork of the Ocona Lufta river. It has
2 teachers, both males, and is sustiiined at a cost of $819.84. There are acconnno<lations for 60 pupils. The largest
attendance during the year wa« 54, of whom 28 wen». males and 26 females, all between the ages of 6 and 18
years. The average age was 9.019 ; the average*, attendance for 1 year was 26.429 ; the highest average attendance
for 1 month, that of January, was 36.
Birdtown school is 2.11 miles southwest from the agency, with 1 male teacher and acconmiodations for 30
pupils, and the whole number, viz, 13 males and 17 females, all l)etween the ages of 6 and 18, attended, their
average age being 11.118. The average^ attendance during 7 months was 16.429, and the highest average attendance
any one month, that of December, was 30, the full number. Schega Wella missed but 2 days in 2 years.
Macedonia school, on Soco cre(»k, above the old mission house, already mentioned in connection with the
topographical outline of the Qualla boundary, is 8upi>orted by the interest, payable annually, from an educational
fund held in trust by the United States for the Eiistern Bsind of Cherokees. The 2 other schools are also maintained
from the same fund. The expense of the Macedonia sc'hool for the census year, including salaries, was $816.28.
There are accommodations at this school for 55 pupils, and the largest attendance was 52. This number, viz, 27
males and 25 females, attended more than 1 of the 7 school months during the year. Of tiie scholars 2 were over
18 and none were under 6 years of age, their averagt* ages being 10.8. The average attendance for 1 year was
30.14, and the largest monthly average attendance (October) was 34. 2 teachers, 1 male and 1 female, were
employed. Stacy Johnson and Amy Johnson missed but 1 day each in 2 years.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Number over 20 years of age who can read 385
Number under 20 years of age who can read 300
Number under 20 years of age who can write English ISO
Number who can speak ordinary English 620
Number who can not speak Englisli 385
Children of school age 403
School accommodationa Q75
The Eastern Band of Cherokees have a written language, and this furnishes the baisis for a rapid development
in proportion as vigorous schools are maintained under interested and judicious instructors.
16 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
THE CHBSOKEE TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Cherokee training school, established under the auspices of the Western Meeting of Friends of the state
of Indiana, occupies for school and farm purposes nearly 50 acres of land along the Ocona Lufta river, at the foot
of Mount Noble, as indicated on the map. 39 acres of this land were purchased by the Friends from the heirs of
Longblanket, the Cherokee chief.
The inspiration of the enterprise from the first has been the earnest and intelligent purpose of Barnabas Hobbs
(well known as former superintendent of schools for the state of Indiana, and well known also in Europe for his
labors in behalf of genenil peace) to combine moral, educational, and industrial training for the Cherokee youth
under a formal home system of management. This work, after many trials and much local opposition, has been
most successfully developed.
This Cherokee training ^^chool was a natural result of a system initiated by General Grant whereby various
religious bodies were encounigcd to enter into contracts for the education and training of Indian youth. The
council of the Eastern Band of Cherokees made such an agreement with the Friends for a term of 10 years, which
term expired in May, 1890. Tlie majority of the council favored its indefinite continuance. The principal chief,
Nimrod J. Smith, inter^>osed liis veto, and, although nearly at the end of his term of oflice. obstinately opposed the
general wish of the people, and left the matter unsettled.
The school is under the direction of 4 teachers, all female, and 9 other employes?, 13 in all, of whom 10 are white
and 3 are Indian. The number of pupils who can be properly and healthfully accommodated in the main building,
the boarding house, is 90, including 20 day pupils. As many as 84 have been accommodated. 43 males and 41
females have attended the school more than 1 month, in addition to 15 male and 9 female dav scholars, all between
the aget> of 6 and 18 years. The school was main^ned 10 months, with an average attendance of 80 boarding
pupils and 5.20 day pupils. The average age of the boarders is 9.071, and of day pupils 10.042. During the month
of September, 1889, the average attendiince of the boarders was 80. and of the day pupils? 17.708. The oost of
maintiuning the school was $11.2t>4.47, from the government appropriation of $12,000. Industrial work forms a
marked feature of duty, and this includes farming, fruit culture, gardening, grazing stock, and some shop work.
The general duties of the housewife are taught the girls, as well as plain sewing and other needlework. Scholars
take their torn in laundering, cooking, and housework, so that all learn to make bread and qualify themselves fi^ all
kitchen duty. Practically 125 acres have been cultivated. 50 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of com^ 75 bushels of
oats, 000 pumpkins, 10 tons of hay. and 50 pounds of butter are among the products of the industry of the schooL
The boy$ and girls have acquired and tiike care of 33 swine and 150 domestic fowls. 5 horses and 56 cattle,
including 25 milch cows, form the stock of the institution. 4 frame houses and 7 outbuildings are owned by the
government or the Cherokee nation, of which one, a spacious, well-arrangeil bam. costing §4t.H). was erected during
the year. The salary of the superintendent and matron, besides boi^nl. is but $!.<>» per :uinum. and the highest
salary paid any teacher or employe is $30 per month. The weeknlay programme of exercises fitly illustrates the
ejccellence of the superintendent's man;%gement, and explains the high order among schools which the Cherokee
training school has attainetl. It is iis follows : morning bell, 5 o'clock : breakfiist, 5.30 : industrial work. 6 to 9 ;
school exercises, 9 to 11.15 : dinner. 12 m.: industrial work, 12.30 p. m.: school exercises, 1.30 to 4 : industrial
4 to 6 : supper, 6 : recre;*tion. t>,30 to 7 : evening study, 7 ; evening prayers, 8 : retiring bell. S.30.
According to age and necessity, a portion of the hours for industrial work and evening study is used for
occupations as partake of the character of rei^reation, and an excellent brass iKUid among the boys is the result ci
iHie phase of this system. At the breakfast hour a few verses are reiul from the Bible, followed by a brief
and the blessing upon the meal is either uttered by a teacher or the school in unison. The Sabbath exerdses
varied by Sunday-school recitations, but no sectarian or dogmatic te*aching has a place at any time. The femiK^y
but prv>per forms of a large family are observed at all hours, and the handshaking *• good night " is as pleasing and
genial as if all were indeeti one f,unily in fact. Keligious instruction is largely a matter of precept and exaunple^
without catechismal or other stniight forms for the inculcation of principles of right and duty.
IHiring the year the hot^tility of Chief Smith disturbed some of the friends of the sch«x>I. and the ovenrork
imposed upon the superintendent, with corresponding delay to keep the Frient.is. founders and j<itrons of the school^
promptly advised of its monthly or quarterly conditien, led them to pn>pose a summary change. This woold
the chieFs spile and please jealous neighbors, who desire the Frientls to loee contrv>l of the soho»>L although
a change would prove signally disastrous to its best interests. The school had better be wholly under
control than undergo so sudden and revolutionary a change. A contract was drafted at the ret^uest of
interet^ted. Saperintendent Spray and the Friends, and its execution in gooil ^th will banish distrust and
new lil^ to the instittition. The nation as a body has implicit confidence in the management, and its
inlliMnee is |pre«t and incraii^ng.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA- 17
NEEDS OF THE CHEROKEE TRAINING SCHOOL.
Greater aooommodations are needed, and the funds necessary for an increase oi the papilage to 125 sboiild be
appropriated. All buildings need painting. A shop for industrial trades is a neoesdty. The piping for water, near
by, should be so enlai^ed and developed as to secure a fire cistern, and appliances for use agamst fire shoald be
provided. A sawmill should be built, the water power being convenient and abundant. Already the superintendent
buys produce largely from the Indians, and secures for them many articles of clothing at cost. This offends Tisiting
merchants, who are not always free from the suspicion that ardent spirits reach the Indians throogh the cardeesness
of their employ^, so that every local means promotive of self-reliance, indep^idenoe, and industrial development
should have government sanction and support.
The general management of the institution by the Friends and their r^reeentataves has been catholic in spirit,
conciliatory toward all denominations, and liberal in its recognition of the demands of the times. Misrepresentations
awakened anxiety, but an examination of the property, assets, and management resulted in the vindication of the
general policy of the superintendent ; but. a more exact and responsible system for future development was fcMinnlated.
The recc^nition of the personal integrity of Superintendent Spray and wife, and the extraordinary success of the
school, with such limited resources, was not allowed to overcome the conviction that a more exact system of record
and account was necessary to inspire full faith in future success. A capable and reliable assistant superintendent,
responsible to the superintendent, is greatly needed, and salaries should be the same as in government schools
proper. The proposed summary change was at a time when only injury could result, and against the wishes of the
moral and reliable portion of the Cherokee nation.
The large building called the boarding house was erected by the United States. The Friends have made
valuable investments, partly from trust funds, which should be fully reimbursed in case the school shall come under
the formal management of the Interior department.
HISTORICAL OUTLINK
The Eastern Band of Cherokees have been thus officially recognized to distinguish them from that portion of
the nation which emigrated west, between 1809 and 1817, and located on the public domain at the headwaters of
Arkansas and White rivers, now in Cherokee nation, Indian territory. The latter became known as the Cherokee
nation west, while the general term, the Cherokee nation, included both. Between 1785, when certain boundaries
were allotted to these Indians for hunting grounds, and 1809, when the movement westward was initiated of their
own deliberate choice, annuities were from time to time granted by the United States in consideration of the
successive sales to the United States of portions of their land.
By a treaty made in 1817 the Cherokee nation ceded to the United States certain land lying east of the
Mississippi river, and in exchange for the same the United States ceded to that part of the nation on the Arkansas
river as much land on said river, acre for acre, as the United States received from the Cherokee nation east of the
Mississippi river, and provided that all treaties tlien in force should continue in full force with both parts of the
nation.
As early as 1809 the aggregate of annuities due the nation on account of the sale of lands to the United
States had reached the sum of $100,000, and it was provided by articles of the treaty of 1817 that a census should
be taken of. those east and of those west, and of those still intending to remove west, and also that a division of the
annuities should be made ratably, according to numbers as ascertained by said census, between those who were
east and those who were west. Thus the tribe or nation, although geographically separated, was treated as a unit,
and all property owned by it was treated as common property.
By a treaty made in 1819 the formal census was dispensed with, and for the purposes of distribution it was
assumed that one-third had removed west and that two-thirds were yet remaining east of the Mississippi river. At
the same time the nation made a further cession to the United States of land lying east of the Mississippi. Upon
the basis of this estimate of numbers, in lieu of a census, annuities were distributed until the year 1835.
By a treaty made in 1828 with the Cherokees west the United States guaranteed to them 7,000,000 acres, with
5i perpetual outlet west as far as the sovereignty and right of soil of the United States extended. This vast tract
^as in what is now known as Indian territory, and the Cherokees at the .same time surrendered the lands occupied
\yy them on the Arkansas and White rivers, to which they had removed between the years 1809 and 1817. By the
^ame treaty special inducements were offered to those east to remove west, including a rifle, blanket, kettle, 5
pounds of tobacco, and cost of emigration, with a just compensation for the property which each might abandon.
The treaty of 1833 simply redefined the boundaries of the land mentioned in the treaty of 1828. In 1835 the
Cherokees still held a quantity of land east of the Mississippi larger than the states of Massachusetts, Bhode Island,
and Connecticut. It had been agreed that the United States Senate should fix the price that should be paid for
these lands in contemplation of the cession of the same to the United States. The Senate fixed the price at
$5,000,000. The original draft of the treaty of 1835 authorized such Cherokees as so desired to remain east, and
in such event to set apart certain lands to them. By a supplemental treaty in 1836 the United States initiated the
E. C.~3
18 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
policy of compelling the Eastern Cherokees to remove west. General Scott employed troops for the purpose. It
wa49 a fearful policy. The Indians were hunted over their native lands as if they were wild beasts. As many as
escaped capture clung to thoir homes, and by the treaty of 1846 it was agreed that they might remain.
Cross suits and conflicts between the two bands of Cherokees as to their rights to different funds have occupied
the attention of the federal courts and the Court of Claims proper. Present litigation involves more especially their
title to the lands now occupied by them, which were purchased for them by their agent, W. H. Thomas, as trustee
for that purpose, from their share of funds held by the United States for their benefit. Encroachments upon these
lands, plundering of timber, and all forms of aggression are still harassing their peace and antagonizing their
efforts to be an industrious, contented, and prosperous portion of the people of North Carolina. The details of the
litigation in progress and the failure of Mr. Thomas to secure or preserve the muniments of a perfect title to the lands
he purchased in their behalf are not admissible in this brief outline of their condition in 1890. The looseness with
which, for a small fee, the state of North Carolina permits entries upon lands known to fall within the territory
embraced in the deeds by ]\Ir. Thomas adds its uncertainty to aggravate the unrest which is everywhere visible
among this people as to what they really own in consideration of the money with which they parted, they rightfully
expecting valid and permanent titles. The Eastern Band of Cherokees are good citizens, moral and industrious, in
spite of the jealousies of white people and the unworthy forms of moral constraint by which it is sought to force
them from the homes they own.
In the year 1874, pursuant to act of Congress passed in 1870 (16 United States Statutes, page 139), which
authorized these Indians to institute suit in the circuit court of the United Stivtes for the western district of North
Carolina against Thomas, a reference of the subject-matter of conflict was made to an able commission, consisting
of Kufus Barringer, John H. Dillard, and T. Rufl&n. A decree of award was subsequently made in accordance with
the findings of the commission, and since their approval in November, 1874, and a confirmatory act of Congress in
1876 proceedings have been in progress to define the exact boundaries of the various tracts set forth in said award
and to discover the chain of title through which Thomas and his representatives derived the same. (See House
Executive Document No. 196, Forty-seventh Congress, first session, for particulars respecting the conveyance of the
Qualla boundary, stated as 50,000 acres, to the Eastern Band of Cherokees of North Carolina, October 9, 1876, and
conveyance of August 14, 1880, of 15,211 acres to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and his successors of outlying
lands in Cherokee and other counties, in trust for said band.) (a)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS.
At a general council assembled at Cheoh, December 9, 1868, the Eastern Cherokees placed upon record the
following declaration :
We, the Eastern Cherokees, being desirous of holding our general council in some organize<l form and established manner and nnder
a like form as other tribes of Indians who are desirous of adopting a republican form of government, and restricting, controlling, and
compensating our rulere, do hereby enact as follows:
That hereafter each Cheix)kee settlement or town shall l>e entitled to one delegate for each member of such settlement, who shall represent
them in said general council, and that said general council shall meet once in each year on of ; that said general council shall,
from their number when convened, elect one of their number who shall be chairman or president of said council, and who shall be president
or chief of said Eastern Cherokees for the term of time so directed by said council, not exceeding four years, and in case of choice each
settlement may petition said council in writing ujwn any subject. Said council shall have power to elect a secretary and interpreter of the
council and marshal of the nation, and lix the duties and compensation of the same. Said council shall have the power to prepare and adopt
by-laws and rules for the general government of the people and the duties of each national othcer, and also the coini)eiisation of said ooancil,
and assess the national funds and property to pay the same. Said council may prepare l)y-laws and jwlicc regulations and other rules, and
submit the same to the nation in general council assembled, and a majority vote shall adopt or reject the same. The}' shall also prepare a
system of schools in each settlement and provide for the election of a superintendent or boanl of trustees, who shall organize the same in
accordance with said regulations. Said council may, in their discretion, fix a place and day or days for holding a national fair, where each
person may present samples of grain, stock, weaving, knitting, spinning, needlework, butter, and any article of agricultural product or fruit,
and domestic or mechanical product; and also a measure pmving amount of crop per acre, and the niinil>er of acres cultivated in any crop,
and fix committees to grant inemiums thereon and name the same, and one premium for the best general system of farming to be shown by
the general statement.
Signed in Cherokee: John Wayne-na, chairman; Long Bear, Allen Ratler, Tramper, William Mc Elmore, John Ax, Sowanooka,
Kennaka-leskee, Talmiuah-tee, James Blythe, Skeegee, John Large, Wilson Ax, Mink.
Attest:
N. J. Smith,
Clerk of the Committee and Council.
Qualla Town, Jackson County, North Carolina, November 26, 1870.
In conformity to previous appointment, and notice having been given previously to the different towns composing the Eastern Band of
Cherokees, a grand council is this day organized by appointing Suate Owl and Comtassel, chairmen, and John Lige and Samuel W. Davidson,
clerks.
The credentials of the delegates were presented and referred to a committee consisting of the following: Jackson Blythe, Will McElmore,
Swimmer, Young Squirrel, Ah-mah-chu-ah, Wilson Wolf, Tom Skitty, Sam Wolf, Lewis Smith, Leander Hornbnckle, John Dobson, Biod
a The preaenoe and aasistanoe of George H. Smathers, esq., acting assistant United States attorney for the western district of North Carolina, and especially
representing the Cherokees, greatly aided inquiry respecting their present legal status in the federal courts.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 19
Willigeh, who, after examining the credentials, reported favorably, and the following delegates then presented themflelves, to wit: From
Long Ridge, Cherokee county, R. B. Smith, John Going, Will West; Hanging Dog, John Owl and Teceteska; from Cheoh, Jacob Cheer and
L. R. Welch; Baf&lo, Standing Deer; John Jackson as proxy for Sand Town and Henry Smith for Notla.
The delegation then came forward and signed their names as follows:
Jackson county, N. C: Black Fox, Wolf Town; Wilson Welsh, WoU* Town; George Wilnota, Paint Town; Joe Welch, Paint Town;
Le-ya-nah, Lufta; Lewey Owl, Lufta; Jim Ross, Bird Town; Bei^j. Brown, Bird Town; Axe, Raven Fork; Oolenasseh, Raven Fork.
Cherokee county: R B. Smith, Long Ridge; Will West, Long Ridge; John Going, Long Ridge; John Owl, Hanging Dog; Teceteska,
Hanging Dog; Jacob Cheer, Cheoh; Loyd R. Welch, Cheoh; Henry Smith, Notla; Standing Deer, BaffiUo; John Jackson, Sand Town.
Will McElmore, Lower Hanging Dog, signed in presence of Samuel W. Davidson, clerk.
Ordered by the council that an election be held on Thursday, December 1, 1870, for principal chief, to serve until our next annual
election in 1871.
December 1, 1870. — The council met pursuant to adjournment and proceeded to business. The election of principal and second chief
was then opened and held and resulted in the election of Flying Squirrel, or Call-lee-high, as principal chief, and John Jackson, Oo-wah-lun-tee,
as second chief.
The form of government referred to the committee was reported favorably.
It was then moved and seconded that the constitution be adopted by the council, which motion was carried unanimously, and the
constitution as adopted is as follows:
1st. Whereas the legal representatives or oonncilmen of towns or settlements of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have this day and
date, at the place aforementioned, met according to general agreement and understanding.
2d. Said council be, and is hereby, duly authorized and empowered by representation, as the undersigned showeth, to provide for the
common interest and enact measures by which the aforesaid hand of Indians may be represented in prosecuting or defending all matters
pertaining to or touching the interest of said band of Indiana witii the United States, or state or states, or individuals of the United States,
in whatever relation said interest may be, provided that nothing herein be so construed as an abrogation of any rights, claim or claims, of
any individual or individuals of said band to the legislation of said council in common property.
3d. All members constituting the aforesaid council shall be, and they are hereby, governed and bound by all acts passed in council of
delegates and approved by the chief.
4th. All acts done, made, and confirmed in grand council, as aforesaid, shall be effectual and binding upon all members belonging to or
constituting the aforesaid band, as a band, in all matters held in common or pertaining to the common interest of said band and not otherwise.
5th. Provided, farther, that there be and the council is hereby authorized to appoint an annual session for holding grand councils at
such place and time as they may designate and determine on, and no called or appointed council otherwise held shall be held valid or binding
upon the aforesaid band or the subjects thereof unless the chief, in his judgment and reason, thinks the interest of said hand demands or
justifies such called or appointed council; also, that there be ordered a stated election to be held in each town and settlement for the purpose
of electing first and second chiefs, whose power and right of governing shall extend over the whole band of Eastern Cherokees for and n<^
exceeding the term of 2 years; also for the electing all subaltern officers to constitute the aforesaid annual council. The said subordinate
term of office shall not exceed 1 year only by the annual election of the band. The right of vote by which said band shall be governed shall
be exclusive and consist only of its male members of 16 years of age and upward. And the aforesaid officers so elected shall have the
exclusive right to govern and rule, and all the acts done, made, or had by said ofik^rs for the term elected shall be binding, held binding, and
in full force upon said band. The aforesaid chiefs so elected shall have no power nor hold any ri|^t of jurisdiction to enact or enforce laws
within themselves over the band of which he presides as chief, but in all cases or interests conflicting or touching the common rights of said
band the legal representatives shall be duly notified by the chief and the legislative body assembled.
Signed in Cherokee: Flying Squirrel, principal chief ; John Jackson, assistant chief; Black Fox, Wikon Welsh, George Wilnota, Joe
Welch, Le-ya-nah, Lewey Owl, Benj. Brown, Ax, Oolenasseh, Ross B. Smith, Will West, John Going, John Owl, Teceteska.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS.
The Eastern Band of the Cherokees having again reunited and become one body politic under the style and title of the '* Eastern Band of
the Cherokee Indians"; therefore:
We, the people of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in annual council assembled, in order to establish justice, promote the
common welfare, and to assure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of freedom, acknowledging with humility and gratitude the
goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in permitting us so to do, and imploring His aid and guidance in its acoompliahment, do
ordain and establish these amendments to the constitution for the government of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Article I.
Sgctiox 1. The power of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians shall be divided into two distinct departments, the executive ami
the legislative, the executive to consist of the principal and assistant chief, and the legislative of the council.
Article II.
Seciion 1. The legislative power shall be vested in a council, and all enactments of the council shall be signed by the chairman of the
council and approved by the principal chief, and in all their deliberations the vote shall be taken by yeas and na3*s, unless otherwise dirH*te<l
by the council.
Section 2. Each member of the annual council, before he takes his seat to transact any business of the council, shall take the following
oath (or affirmation) :
** I, A B., do solemnly swear (or afilrm) that I have not obtained my election or appointment as a member of this council b}' bribery or
any undue or unlawful means or duress or fraud, used by myself or others, by my desire or approbation for that purpose; that I consider
myself constitutionally qualified as a member of this council, and that on all questions and measures which may come before me I will give
my vote and so conduct myself as in my judgment shall appear most conducive to the interest and prosperity of the Eastern Band of the
Cherokee Indians, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and to Uie utmost of my ability and power observe, conform to,
support, and defend the constitution thereof.
20 STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
Abticls in.
Section 1. No person shall ever be eligible to any office or appointment of honor, profit, or tmst who shall have aided or abetted,
counseled or encoaraged any person or persons guilty of defrauding the Eastern Band of the Cherokees, or who may hereafter aid or abet,
counsel or encourage any pretended agents or attorneys in defrauding the Eastern Baud of Cherokees.
abtigle rv.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the annual council to pass such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper, and to decide
differences by arbitrators to be appointed by the parties who may choose that summary mode of settlement.
(Abstract.)
Supreme executive, the principal chief, term 4 years; vice or assistant chief. By males of 18 years. Eligibility of either, age 35, and at
least one-fourth Cherokee, of band. In case of death, resignation, or disability of both council appoint until removal of disability or successor
be elected. Councilman must be 21. Compensation of chief and vice not changeable during term.
Oath of principal chief :
** I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will fiiithfully execute the duties of principal chief of the Extern Band of Cherokees, and will,
to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians ".
Principal chief may on extraordinary occasions convene the council at such place as the council shall designate as the seat of government.
Principal chief from time to time give information as to the state of aflairs and recommend measures as he may think expedient. He
shall take care that the rules and regulations be faithfully executed ; shall visit the ditlereut towns and settlements at least once in 2 years.
All officers and members of council take oath, etc. Council for 2 years. Treasurer chosen by council for 2 years and give bond. No money
drawn except by warrant from the president in oonsefiuence of appropriations by council. Treasurer receive and account for moneys at each
session of the annual council.
Article V. (Abstract.)
No person eligible to any office who denies the existence of a Grod or a future state of rewards and punishments. Free exercise of religious
worship and serving God forever enjoyed, but not construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness inconsistent with the peace and safety, etc.
Council may decide the expediency and principal chief nominate to council when necessary to send a delegate to transact business with the
United States, and he shall keep up a friendly correspondence through the medium of its proper officers. All commissions to be in the name
and by the authority of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, sealed with the seal of the probate court of the county where the council is
held, attested by clerk of council, and approved by the principal chief. Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government,
the preservation of liberty, and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged and cherished by the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Annual council may propose amendments as two-thirds deem expedient, the same not to be passed until
the meeting of the next council.
Abticle VI.
Council shall consist of 2 from each town or settlement of 100 souls, of 1 extra on an excess of 200, and for less than 100 still 1. Council,
at the annual session, shall appoint 2 judges of elections. In &ult of election, a majority may send a delegate with certificate, with the names
of those selecting the delegate. Election to be held on the first Thursday in September. Kxecutive council to consist of principal chief,
assistant chief, and 3 associates, nominated by the principal chief and confirmed by the council. The annual council shall be held on the first
Monday of October at place designated by council, or, on emergency, by the principal chief. The annual council shall be called to order by
the assistant chief, and a chairman and clerk be elected. In the absence or neglect of the assistant chief any member of the executive council
may organize the council. The officers of the council shall be 1 first and 1 second clerk, an interpreter, marshal, messenger, and doorkeeper.
The oath may be administered by any officer of the state or the United States authorized to administer an oath. Conviction of felony shall
exclude from office. The annual council may, by a commission, provide for the purchase of land for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians;
provided, that any commission provided for under this ordinance may be nominated by the principal chief and confirmed by the annual council ;
provided further, that no act of such commission shall be construed to interfere with or in any manner impair the rights of individual members
of said band. The annual council shall, by appropriate legislation, provide a public school system for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee
Indians. The veto power exists except against a two-thirds vote. Style of enactment: " Be it enacteil by the annual council of the Elastem
Band of the Cherokee Indiana ", etc.
(Signed) J. W. Hildeb, and
Attest: T. Z. P. Engl A, Chairman.
John G. Tatiiam, Secretary of Council.
Henry Smith, Interpreter.
Approved: Jjoyd R. Welch, Principal Chief.
Cheoh Council Ground, Octoljer 13, 1875.
OFFICERS AND COUNCIL OF EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES: 1890-1891.
Principal Chief — Nimrotl J. Smith (Clia-la-di-hih, Charles the Killer).
Assistant Chief— John Going Welch (Tsani, Always Going).
Chairman of Council — Jesse Reed.
Council — Stilwell Saunooka (Shawnee), Andy Standing Bear (Enidth Ahrwigadawga), Wesley Crow (Caw-daah-ry-eh-lig-is-ki, Crow
Marker), Davis George (Dew-isi-ool-ay-oeh, Went Astray), Sampson Owl (Sah-mi-si-nili Oo-goo-coo, Hooting Owl), Bii-d Salolanita (Young
Squirrels), Jessean Climbing Bear (Yo-no-ga-la-ki), Abraham Hill (0-quan-ili), Morgan Calhoun (Au-gan-aahf-to-dah, Ground Sausage Meat),
Suate Martin (Suy-e-taTlu-tlu, Mixed Martin), Will (Ttah-lah-lah, Redheaded Woodpecker), John Mullethead (Tsis-da-qua-lun-na, Mullethead
Fish), Armstrong Comsilk (Ka-nau-tsi-da-wi Oo-ne-noo-di), and John Davis (Axe, no Indian name).
Eastern Cherukees.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 21
INCORPORATION OF THE EASTERN BAND OP CHEROKEE INDIANS: 1889.
By an act of the general assembly of North Carolina, ratified the 11th day of March, 1889 (Jjaws of North
Carolina, 1889, chapter 211, page 889), the North Carolina or Eastern Cherokee Indians, resident and domiciled
in the counties of Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, and Swain, were created a body politic and corporate under the name,
style, and title of '^ The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with all the rights, privileges, franchises, and powers
incident and belonging to corporations under the laws of the state of North Carolina ".
By section 2 said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was authorized to sue and implead, and might be sued and
impleaded, touching and concerning all the property of whatever nature held in common by the said band in said
counties.
By section 3 any grants to any person or persons for any of the land held by said Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians, and under whom said Indians claimed title, as also all deeds made by commissioners of the state to any
person or persons for what are known as Cherokee lands held by said Cherokee Indians in said counties and under
whom said Cherokees claim, are held as valid.
By section 4 it was provided that in all cases where titles or deeds have been executed to the said Eastern Band
of Cherokee Indians, or any person or persons in trust for them under that name and style, by any person or persons,
either collectively or personally, officially, or in any capacity whatever, such deeds or titles should be held as valid
against the state and all persons or any person claiming by, through, or under the state by virtue of any grant dated
or issued subsequent to the aforesaid deeds or titles to the said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
By section 5 it was provided that in case any person or persons claiming any part of the lands described in the
preceding sections adversely to the said Indians under colorable title or titles shall be sued by reason of such
adverse claim, or any possession under such colorable title or titles, said act shall not be used in evidence on either
side nor in any way prejudice the rights of either party, but such suit or suits shall be determined as if said act had
not been passed.
By section 6 said act took effect from and after its ratification.
SOLDIERS.
The following are the surviving union soldiers of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina.
The names are correct, but the spelling may differ from that on tlie muster roll.
John Going Welch, Thomas Otter, James Otter, John Brown, Owkwataga, Mason Ratley, Steve Johnson, John Taylor, John Canott, John
Igotpa, David Patridge, James V^alkingstick, and Thomas Canott, all of Company D, Third regiment North Carolina mounted infantry; R. B.
Smith, company and regiment unknown.
The following are the surviving widows of union soldiers :
Nancy Brown, widow of Bei\j. Brown; no children. Ah-nu-yo-hi Walker, widow of John Walker; 1 child nnder 16 years of age; married
since death of soldier, hut her husband is dead. Wah-li-sah, widow of Thomas Oo-lay-i-way ; no children. Stacy Tkiylor, widow of Geoi^
Kanot; had 3 children by Kanot, all under 16 years of age; remarried since death of soldier. Nancy Mnmblehead, widow; no children; is
drawing a pension.
The following are the surviving confederate soldiers, those marked with a * indicating those who afterward
entered the federal service :
Company A, Sixty-ninth North Carolina Regiment — Peter Greybeard, lyo-ha-ne (Swimmer Fox), Swa-tah (Suate Owl), Toy-a-ne4eh,
Chu-wa-lookeh, Coh-goh (Wesley Crow), Cah-hah (Wild Cat), Chlantees-teh (I'heasant), Elzekiel Greybeard, *How-ee-neo-ta (James
Walkingstick), Jessan, John Lossih, ^ Keen-tis-kee (John Igotpa), *Oo-ste-na-coo (John Taylor), Oo-lassta-eh (Joe Lowin), Oo-teet-geeskih
Wallaski, ^Oolstooih (John Brown), * Otter No w-eyontieh (Tom Otter), * Mason Reckey (Mason liatley), Jesse Reed, *Soo-qnechee (in Cherokee
nation west), Squeiiseh, San-to-neh (James Keg), Mickee Skittes (whereabouts unknown), * John Sanders, Suqne-yeh, Samuel Needa, and
Te-aes-kih.
Company B, Sixty-ninth North Carolina Regiment — N. J. Smith, alias Jarrett Smith, John Ross, John Wah-ye-neete, Daoelah, Dick-a-
geeskee, John Davis, ^Eehu-le-hah (Steve Johnson), Kooe-Skooe (Ross Cochran), Larchee, Ijkzy Bigmeat, David Murphy, Oo-chnm-teh (Come-
back Wolf), Okanieh, ^Jim Otter, * David Patridge, Watteh Sell-alle-seh, Sequo-yo Sell-alle-seh, Seicilleh Bigmeat, Tah-lee Otfabata (perhaps
C3a-tol-ster), Toheaky, Wah-has-eh (Tom Skitty), Moses Wolf.
INDEX.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEES OF NORTH CAROLINA AND EASTERN CHEROKEES.
Abraham Enloe and his locality, 12.
Agricultural implementa very rude, 11.
Asrricultaral products, and value of, 1890, 8.
Agriculture the chief employment, M.
Allowance from United States to Eastern Band applied to school purposes,?, 9.
Allowance trotn United States to Eastern Band from a school fUnd, 0, 15.
Amendments to constitution in 1875, 19, 20.
Ancient relics manufactured for sale to white people, 14.
Annuities distributed until 1885, 17.
Annuities from land sales, 1809-1817, 17.
Area of cultivated land in 1890, 8.
Area of land held in 1835, 17.
Area of Qualla boundary, 7.
A Sunday •school boy's question, 18.
B
Baptist convention of North Carolina sustains a minister, U.
Basket making practiced by a few, 14.
Berries and wild fruits abundant, 11.
Big Witch, an aged Cherokee, at home, 12.
Bird, Rev. John, a venerable miiwionary; his opinion regarding a central
place of worship, 13, 15.
Blythe, James, United States Indian agent, furnishes data collected during
personal visitations, 8.
Boarding and training school, 9, 16.
Boundaries specifically defined, 12, 13.
Brass band formed by pupils of training school, 16.
Bridges constructed in a crude manner by Eastern Cherokces, 14.
c
Catholics not found among the Cherokees, 14.
Censuses of Eastern Cherokees mentioned by Commissioner of Indian Aflairs
Price in 1884, 8.
Censuses of Indians of North Carolina, 7, 8.
Center of interest and divergence at the agency, 12.
Character of lands oi'cupied, 11.
Character of the people, industrious, moral, and law-abiding, 7, 18.
Cherokee industries, 14.
Cherokee political meeting, 12.
Cherokees divided into two bands, 1809-1817, 17.
Cherokees, Eastern, nural>er of, in 1890, 7.
Cherokees have a written language, 7, 15.
Cherokees retain the physical features of the rnoc, 9.
Chief Nimrod J. Smith opiKXscs the training school, 16.
Chief, principal, promises a personal reform, 15.
Chitolski at his model home, 12.
Christianity generally accepted by the band, 14.
Christian teachers only are employed, 14.
Church buildings very dilapidated, 14.
Church communicants and backsliders, 15.
Church organizations languishing, 14.
Citizen clothing in general use, 8.
Citiasens of the United States, Eastern Cherokees, 7.
Clay for brick accessible, 14.
Climate invigorating and healthful, 11.
Clothing the same as that of white citizens, 8.
Commissioners of federal court award certain lands, 18.
Confusion as to titles caused by defective surveys, 11.
Congress confirms certain titles in 1876, 18.
Congress initiates settlement of titles in 1874, 18.
Constitution as amended in 1875, 19, 20.
Constitution of 1870, 19.
Contributions for church purposes, 15.
Corn crop rarely fails, 11.
Counties of Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, and Swain partly occupied by the
Eastern Band of Cherokees, 7, 11, 21.
Court adjudications considered, 18.
Crimes of any grade very rare, 15.
Crops embrace fruit and usual farm products, 11.
Crops, statistics of, for 1890, 8.
Crow, Wesley, home of, 13.
D
Details of Qualla boundary, 12, 13.
Distinction between eastern and western bands, 17.
E
Earnings of individual Cherokees, aaiount of, 9.
Economic and social condition, 7.
Education and schools, 9, 15, 16.
Emigration westward, 1809-1817, voluntary, 17.
Encroachments upon Indian lands by white people, 8, 18.
Engineering upon roads very creditable, 11.
English Unguage used in ordinary intercourse by many Indians, 8.
Exchange of eastern for western lands, 17.
Exemplary school pupils, 16.
Expenses of training school, 9, 16.
F
Farming machines, use of, irapraotioable, 11, 12, 14.
Farming the chief employment, 14.
Federal authorities, oo^operation of, in the investigation of yiolationa of Indian
land laws and encroachments of white people on Indian lands, 8, 18.
Fishing, trout, good, 12.
Friends founders of the training school, 16.
Funds for schools derived from interest on educational fUnd, 9, 15.
G
Government aid needed to repair buildings, 17.
Government republican in form, 18.
Graham county, Cherokees occupy lands in, 7, 11, 21.
Grant, General, established the denominational system, 16.
Grants of western lands, 17.
Gristmills simple in oonstruction and numerous, 12.
H
Health statistics of the Qualla boundary, 8.
Hills are too steep to admit of use of improved farming implementa, 11, 12, 14.
Hinges of houses made mainly of wood, 11.
Hobbs, Barnabas, founder of the training sdiool, 15, 16.
Home of the Eastern Band of Cherokees described, 11.
House accommodations very simple, 11.
Houses without windows, 11.
Illegitimate births less than among white people, 15.
Immorality and crime very rare, 15.
Improvements needed at the training school, 17.
Incorporation of Eastern Band of Cherokees by general
Carolina in 1889, 7, 21.
Increase in numbers noted, 7.
Industrial development quite promising, 14.
Industries, 14.
Industries taught at the training school, 16.
Industry common to this people, 14, 15.
Intemperance not prevalent, 15.
Intemperate or profane employes lose their positions, 15.
Irrigation natural and adequate, 11.
bly of North
Jackson county, Cherokees occupy lands in, 7, 11, 21.
Jackson, John, and others, native ministers and helpers connected with the
Baptist church, 15.
K
Kaolin accessible, 14.
Kcelcr, Widow, postmistress of Birdtown post office, 18.
Land areas defined, 17.
Lands abound in choice timber, 11.
Live stock statistics for 1890, 8.
Location of Eastern Band of Cherokees defined, U.
23
24
STATISTICS OF INDIANS.
M
Management of training school under review, 17.
Manufacture of wooden spoonn quite common, 14.
Marriage obeerved and honored, 15.
Mechanical employmentu quite limited, 14.
Melons and garden products, a sufficiency of, 11.
Methodist church sustains a minister, 15.
Mission enterprise formerly a success, 14.
Morality fostered by the training school, 14, 15, 16.
Morality urged as a prerequisite for office, 15.
Muttonhead, Willie, questions his Sunday-school teacher regarding the sdiool-
house, 13.
N
Native ministers and helpers, 14.
North Carolina at fault as to titles, 11.
o
Occupations chiefly farming, lumbering, and day labor, 7.
Officers, elective, and qualifications stated, 20.
Owen, Rev. S. G., preaches throe times a week, 14.
Pagan rites no longer observed, 14.
Physical features of the race retained, 9.
Plowing done with a single steer, 11, 12.
Pneumonia incident to sudden changes, 11.
Population at various dates, 7, 8.
Potatoes prolific in bearing, 11.
Pottery exhibits ingenuity and skill, 14.
Price, Hon. Hiram, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1884, mentions censuses of
Eastern Cherokees, 8.
Principal chief promises to reform, 15.
Pupils of training school and their studies, 16.
Qualifications for office stated, 20.
Qualla boundary defined, and area of, 7, 11-13.
R
Religious exercises at the training school, 16.
Religious services held at schoolhouses, 14.
Removal of Indians by force attempted by General Bcott, 18.
Removal westward a voluntary movement, 17.
Reservation system not applied to the Cherokees, 7.
Revival of church work desired, 15.
Rivers and streams numerous and described, 11, 12.
Roads indicate engineering skill, 11.
Routine of duty and studies of training school, 16.
s
Sawmill needed near the government agency, 14.
Scenery varied and beautiful, 11.
School, district, buildings owned by the Cherokees, 9.
School facilities among the Cherokees, 9, 15.
School fund and its source, 9, 15.
Schoolhouses used for religious worship, 14.
Schoolhouses well furnished, 12.
School in Graham county discontinued, 15.
School locations and names, 9, 15.
School programme at training school, 16.
Schools and education, 9, 15, 16.
School statistics, 9, 15.
School system very efficient, 14, 16.
Soott, General, attempts to enforce migration westward, 18.
Sectarian Jealousies weaken the churches, 14.
Sectarian teachers excluded from training school, 14.
Seed generally sown by hand, 14.
Self-sustaining and self-reliant as a people, 7.
Senate, Unite<i States, valuation of Cherokee lands by, 17.
Soldiers and soldiers' widows, 21.
Spray, William H., superintendent of training school, 14.
State of North Carolina incorporates the Eastern Band of Cherokees, 1889, 7, 21.
Statistics of Cherokee schools, 9, 15.
Stock, live, statistics of, for 1890, 8.
Struggle to retain the ancestral home, 18.
Sunday schools maintained, 14.
Sui>erintendent Spray, his management of the training school and his religious
influence, 14, 16, 17.
Survey of 1876 of the Qualla boundary, 11.
Survey, new, necessary to settle titles, 11.
Surveys conflicting, II.
Swain county, Cherokees occupy lands in, 7, 11, 21.
T
Temi>erance obligatory ui>on school employes, 15.
Temperance proposed as a re<iuisite for office, 15.
Temperance societies not formally organized, 15.
Temple survey, 11.
Thomas, W. H., acts as trustee for the Etk*«tern Cherokees, 18.
Timber, many kinds of, an<l supply abundant, 14.
Timber, supply of, abundant for many years, 11.
Titles before Congress in 1874, 18.
Titles confirmed by Congress in 1876, 18.
Titles impaired by North Carolina's di.«<regard of records and files, 11.
Tra<iitions preserv'cti to some extent, 7.
Training school, schools, and education, 9, 15, 16, 17.
Training school management un4lcr review, 17.
Training school proRi)erou.s and popular, 16.
Treaty of 1817 exchanges eastern for western land, 17.
Treaty of 1819 the basis of annuities, 17.
Treaty of 1828 encourages emigration by a lx>uuty. 17.
Treaty of 1833 redefines boundaries, 17.
Treaty of 1836 is resisted by the band, 17.
Treaty of 1846 suspends enforced emigration, 18.
Trustee for Eastern Cherokees, 18.
u
Union church edifice, a central, favored, 15.
United States court as to land titlen, 18.
United States Senate values the Cherokee lands, 17.
Unity of the two Cherokee bands maintained, 17.
V
Valleys narrow and hillsides steej), 11.
Valuation of the Cherokee lands by the United States Senate, 17.
Vegetables extensively raised, 11.
w
Wages low, but cost of living small, 9.
Wagon making tarried on by Davis Welch, II.
Water power only used in the millsi, 12.
Water supply ample for irrigation and generally difl'used, 11.
Welch, John Going, vice princiiml chief, Ihuuc of, 13.
White intruders in 1890, 8.
Wiggins, Kev. J. A., preachea once etvch month, 15.
Windows, houses without, 11.
Witch, Big, age<i 105, at home, 12.
Witchcraft, few believers in, 11.
Working bece, 12.
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