PRELIMINARY INVENTORY OF
THE OFFICE OF
THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES AGENCY
MUSKOGEE AREA of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(Record Group 75)

Compiled by Kent Carter, September 1994

The Southwest National Archives branch in Fort Worth, Texas holds most of the original Bureau of Indian Affairs records from Oklahoma. This is their extensive inventory of approximately 650 types of records covering enrollment, allotment, leases, finances, probate, programs, and schools. These original records must be viewed in person at the SW National Archives.   Please see Visiting the National Archives.


Go to: Introduction ... Table of Contents ... Appendix I-VIII ... Alphabetical index (A-I)

Go to Record Entries: 1-60a ... 61-128 ... 129-207a ... 208-288a ... 289-359 ... 360-442a ... 443-506 ... 507-579 ... 580-649


RECORDS RELATING TO SURVEYS AND APPRAISALS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was authorized to conduct a survey of the lands of the Five Civilized Tribes by an act of Congress of March 2, 189552. The Dawes Commission used the plat maps prepared by the USGS to establish boundaries for approximately 500,000 forty acre tracts and to locate improvements such as houses, barns, and fences constructed by Indians and non-Indians. A Division of Survey and Appraisement was established on April 15, 1899 in Muskogee to supervise the work of numerous field parties which were sent out to locate and appraise land and improvements. The Dawes Commission also sent survey parties into the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations to locate and appraise coal and asphalt land and timber areas which were to be reserved from allotment. The majority of the survey work in each of the tribal areas was completed by January, 1903.

See entry 342 of PI 163 for a description of the printed plat maps prepared by the USGS. Maps of Indian Territory are also among the records described in entries 163, 323, and 342 of PI 163. A "List of Cartographic Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs" has been published as Special List 13. See also Junius B. Moore, "The Survey of Indian Territory" in the Chronicles of Oklahoma (Volume 28, Number 4).

129. CORRESPONDENCE.

1901-1903. 1 ft.
Arranged chronologically.
Original letters received and copies of letters sent to the Secretary of Interior, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, the Chairman of the Dawes Commission, and the general public relating to administrative procedures, surveys, appraisals, railroad rights of way, and townsites. There are some annual and monthly narrative reports submitted by Fred T. Marr, Chief of the Division of Survey and Appraisement, and a few plat maps and survey notes. There are also some lists of appraisements and re-appraisements of Seminole and Creek improvements.
A-6-88-4

130. SURVEY NOTES.

n.d. 4 in.
Arranged by Range and thereunder by Township.
Carbon copies of "field notes of the survey of the subdivision and meander lines" of some of the townships within Indian Territory. The surveys were conducted by U.S. Surveyors between 1896 and 1898. The notes provide information about the location of various physical features and improvements and the names of persons employed by the surveyors. The bulk of the surveys are of Townships located in Ranges 23 and 24 East.
A-6-88-4

131. WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORTS.

1901-1902. 6 in.
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Weekly reports prepared on printed forms (number 35) and submitted by field survey parties. The information given includes the number of miles surveyed and marked in each Township and some remarks about changes in personnel1 accomplishments, and problems. Each report generally includes a printed plat map annotated to show the areas surveyed.
A-6-88-4

132. RECORD OF CLASSIFICATION AND APPRAISAL

1900-1904. 24 vols. 4 ft.
Arranged by tribe and thereunder by Range and Township.
Original, duplicate, and some triplicate copies of a record of the classification and appraised value assigned by the Dawes Commission to each tract of land. There is a printed table of classifications and a plat map for each township. The information contained in the table includes the area and classification of each tract and a summary of the amount of land in each classification within the entire township. The plat map is annotated with the location of railroad lines, townsites, and often the name of the person who was allotted the tract. The maps for the Choctaw and Chickasaw land show the areas segregated because of timber or coal and asphalt deposits. It appears that some of the annotations were made by the staff of the Five Civilized Tribes Agency after the Dawes Commission was abolished. (L3069, 5-6-4 and 5, 26-5-2, 100387-8, DB228, 100389-90, DB230, 5-6-6, DB229, 100386, L3080 to L3082, L3068, 26-4-9, L1681, and 26-5-1).
A-6-88-3

133. REQUESTS FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF LAND.

1902-1903. 5 ft.
Arranged numerically by a case number assigned chronologically by the date the case was opened.
Original notarized applications submitted by allottees requesting the reclassification of tracts of land, printed plat maps (form 51) annotated to show the location of the tract, and copies of the Dawes Commission's decision. There are occasionally reports from appraisers to the Commission on the quality of the land in question. (folded).
A-6-88-5

134. LETTERS RECEIVED REQUESTING CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION.

1903. 4 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date received.
Original letters received from allottees and potential allottees requesting information about the classification of tracts of land. These letters were maintained separately from the main series of letters received (see entry 31) and were not registered in the volumes described in entry 28. (folded).
A-6-88-6

134A. RECORD OF CHOCTAW-CHICKASAW TIMBER APPRAISEMENTS.

1898. 6 in.
Arranged by township.
A record prepared on bound forms of appraisals of timber made under the Act of June 28, 1898. The information given for each tract includes legal description, type of timber, and estimated number of board feet.
A-6-88-4


RECORDS RELATING TO ALLOTMENT

The Dawes Commission allotted more than fifteen million acres of land to the persons it enrolled as members of the Five Civilized Tribes. The land was allotted by value rather than by number of acres in accordance with the various agreements negotiated with the tribal governments and ratified by acts of Congress. Cash payments were made to Indians who received land worth less than the standard value of an allotment and to children who were enrolled after all of the land available for allotment had been selected. These "equalization payments" were made by the Union Agency based on rolls prepared by the Dawes Commission.

The first allotments were made in the Creek Nation beginning on April 1, 1899. The Commission established an Allotment Division at its headquarters in Muskogee and a Land Office within each tribal area. Indians enrolled by the Commission were required to present their enrollment certificate at the appropriate Land Office and select the tracts they wanted as their allotment. The allotment clerks marked each selection on plat maps and issued selection certificates to the allottee. In cases where more than one person wished to select the same tract of land, the Commission held hearings and determined who had the better claim to the land. The Commission also prepared deeds and patents for the allotted land which were sent to the appropriate tribal official for signature and then to the Secretary of Interior for approval before being issued to the allottee.

Each Indian was allotted an area designated as a "Homestead" which was inalienable and non-taxable for a period defined by the appropriate tribal agreement and an area designated as "Surplus The restrictions on surplus land were gradually removed by Congress for various classes of Indians and much of this land was acquired by non-Indians within a few years of its allotment. The authority of the Dawes Commission ended with allotment and the Union Agency was responsible for putting the allottee in possession of the land and supervising its subsequent sale or lease in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Interior.

Many of the records described below were used by more than one office within the Dawes Commission and some have been annotated by the staff of the Five Civilized Tribes Agency to reflect actions taken in the 1920's and 1930's. See pages 91 to 183 of PI 163 for a description of the records of the Land Division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. See also David M. Holford, "The Subversion of the Indian Land Allotment System, 1887-1934" in The Indian Historian (Spring, 1975) and Norman Graebner, "The Public Land Policy of the Five Civilized Tribes" in The Chronicles of Oklahoma (Volume 23 Number 2). See Senate Doc No. 189, 58th Cong. 2nd Session on Bonaparte/Woodruff report and House Doc No. 528, 58th Cong. 2nd Session for Taylor/Ochsenreiter/Chalmers reports.


GENERAL RECORDS

135. APPLICATIONS FOR ALLOTMENT ("ALLOTMENT JACKETS").

1899-1907. 1500 ft.
Arranged by tribe, thereunder by enrollment category, and thereunder by enrollment number. The Seminoles appear to be arranged by census card number.
Original applications for allotment submitted on printed forms, transcripts of hearings held by the Commission pertaining to the selection of tracts, printed plat maps (form 59) annotated to show the location selections, notices of contested allotment selections, and some related correspondence. Applications for minor children generally include letters of guardianship or administration. The jackets often include receipts for allotment certificates and certificates of eligibility for allotment. (FRC 404841 to 405330).
A-33-28-1

136. RECORD OF ALLOTMENT.

n.d. 3 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged by Township and thereunder by Range. Entries within each township are arranged numerically by Section.
A record prepared on printed forms of allotments made in each Section. The information given for each allotment includes the allottee's name and enrollment number, deed number, the legal description and area of each Homestead and Surplus selection, and in some cases the date a deed was issued. The record covers only Townships 5 North to 20 North which includes part of the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations and most of the Creek Nation. (L3074=5N8E to 12N12E, L3075=12N13E to 16N13E, L3076=16N14E to 20N6E).
A-8-84-1

137. SCHEDULES OF ALLOTMENTS.

1910. 14 ft.
Arranged by county and thereunder by Township.
Carbon copies of schedules of allotments giving the allottee's name and enrollment number, post office address, age, sex, degree of Indian blood, the legal description of the land and its area, and the type of allotment (i.e. Homestead or Surplus). Some of the schedules were submitted as exhibits in an action in the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma to enjoin the collection of taxes on allotted land. (L2381 to L2440 and L2649).
A-8-8-42

137A. ALLOTMENT MAPS.

ca. 1896-1906. 10 ft. 127 items
Arranged by Range.
Printed plat maps of townships which have been annotated to show allotments, townsites, and railway rights of way. There are also some maps without allotment markings (Blank 778) that are dated 1898 which give acreage and location of railroads.
A-35-005-10 to 14


RECORDS RELATING TO ALLOTMENTS TO CHEROKEES

More than 4,400,000 acres were allotted to Cherokees and Delawares in accordance with the agreement ratified by an act of Congress of July 1, 1902 (32 Stat. 716) and approved by the tribe on August 7, 1902. Under the agreement, each member of the tribe received land equal in value to 110 acres of average allottable land ($325.60) which included a Homestead equal in value to 40 acres of average allottable land. Freedmen received 40 acres of land.

A Cherokee Land Office was opened at Vinita on January 1, 1903 with C.R. Breckenridge in charge. The office was moved to Tahlequah on May 1, 1903 and to Muskogee on August 31, 1905. Many applicants for enrollment through intermarriage were permitted to make tentative allotment selections pending a final decision on their enrollment. When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the intermarried Cherokee on November 5, 1906, most relinquished their selections to their minor children who were enrolled. Many full-bloods, commonly called Night-Hawks, refused to make selections and were allotted land selected arbitrarily by the Commission staff. The first deeds to Cherokee allotments were delivered in June, 1906 and equalization payments began in 1910.

138. INDEX TO LETTERS RECEIVED.

1907. 1 vol. 2 in.
Arranged alphabetically by the first letter and then first vowel of the subject of the letter or the surname of the sender.
An index to letters received by the Cherokee Land Office from the Chairman of the Dawes Commission and the general public. The information given for each letter includes the date received, file number, and a brief summary of the contents. The letters indexed in this volume have not been located. (L3046).
A-8-86-3

139. LETTERS SENT BY THE CHAIRMAN TO THE LAND OFFICE.

1903-1912. 24 vols. 3 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of the letters.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Dawes Commission to the clerk in charge of the Cherokee Land Office. The letters relate to allotment procedures, administrative matters, and specific allotments.
A-8-86-3

140. LETTERS SENT RELATING TO PATENTS.

1904-1905. 1 vol. .5 in.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed by addressee and subject.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Dawes Commission to the clerk in charge of the Cherokee Land Office and officials of the Cherokee tribal government transmitting patents to allotted land.
A-8-86-3

141. LETTERS SENT RELATING TO DEEDS.

1905-1911. 10 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent.
Press copies of letters sent by the Commissioner to the Five Civilized Tribes to the Secretary of Interior transmitting Homestead and Surplus allotment deeds for approval. The transmittal letter includes a list of the allottees and their respective deed numbers.
A-8-86-3

142. INDEX TO ALLOTMENT SELECTIONS.

n.d. 40 pgs.
Arranged alphabetically by surname of the person making the allotment selection.
A typed index to persons who filed allotment selections on land previously selected by applicants as Freedmen whose enrollment was denied based on the 1912 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the "Moses Whitmire Case." The information given for each person includes Dawes enrollment number, the name of the Freedman who had selected the land, and the legal description of the land. (from 69874).
A-8-86-3

143. INDEX TO REJECTED FREEDMEN.

n.d. 50 pgs.
Arranged alphabetically by surname.
Two typed indexes to applicants as Freedmen who made allotment selections and were subsequently denied enrollment. The information given for each applicant includes Dawes enrollment number, allotment application ("H") number, and allotment card number. The allotment application number matches the records described in entry 144. (from 69874).
A-8-86-3

143A. REFERENCE FILES ON SPECIAL CASES.

1903-1907. 4 in.
Arranged by subject in folders numbered 1-79.
Correspondence, petitions, affidavits, powers of attorney forms, transcripts of testimony, and bills of sale of improvements. The records relate to complaints against employees of the Cherokee Land Office and private attorneys for fraud, allotment contests, withdrawal of allotment selections, railroad rights of way, and excess holdings. There is correspondence with the Principal Chief of the Cherokees, receipts for deeds, lists of tracts in the Delaware Segregation, affidavits relating to duplicate allotment selection certificates, and stipulations by Intermarried Whites about allotment selections.
A-8-90-3

144. DENIED ALLOTMENT APPLICATIONS.

1902-1907. 33 ft.
Arranged numerically by application number ("H") assigned chronologically by date of application.
Original applications for allotment submitted on printed forms, transcripts of hearings held by the Commission, printed plat maps (form 59) annotated to show the location of tracts selected, applications to relinquish or cancel selections, notices of contested allotments, and some correspondence relating to selections. The majority of the applications were cancelled because the applicant was denied enrollment as a Freedman or Intermarried White. (poor condition).
A-8-86-4

145. RECORD OF ALLOTMENTS ("FINAL RECORD").

1903-1914. 31 vols. 10 ft.
Arranged by enrollment category and thereunder numerically by enrollment number.
A record of Homestead and Surplus allotments made to Cherokees by Blood, Intermarried Whites, Delawares, Newborns, Freedmen, and Newborn Freedmen. The information given for each allottee includes enrollment number, the legal description and area of each tract allotted and its appraised value, and the deed number. (3-5-15 to 3-5-27 and 3-6-1 to 3-6-18).
A-8-86-6

146. RECORD OF ALLOTMENTS.

n.d. 4 ft.
Arranged by enrollment category and thereunder numerically by enrollment number. There are numerous gaps.
A record prepared on printed cards of Homestead and Surplus allotments. There is generally a separate card for each allottee which contains enrollment number, post office address, the legal description and area of each tract allotted and its appraised value, and the allotment certificate number. The cards also contain some references to deeds issued. (from 416379-381).
A-8-90-3

147. RECORD OF SELECTIONS.

January-August, 1905. 1 vol. 3 in.
A daily record of allotment selections made at the Auxiliary Cherokee Land Office in Muskogee while the main Cherokee Land Office was still at Tahlequah. The information given for each selection includes the allottee's name and enrollment number and the legal description and area of each tract selected. (L2469="A").
A-8-90-2

148. RECORD OF SELECTION CERTIFICATES.

1903-1904. 2 vols. 6 in.
Arranged numerically by a certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
Two copies of a record of selection certificates issued that gives the allottee's name and enrollment number and the legal description of each tract selected and its area and total value. There are certificates for both Homestead and Surplus allotments. (L2318 and L2756).
A-8-90-1

149. RECORD OF MAILING OF SELECTION CERTIFICATES.

1903-1911. 1 vols. 1 ft.
There are separate volumes for Homestead and Surplus certificates. Within each volume, entries are arranged numerically by a certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
A record of selection certificates that were mailed to allottees. The information given for each certificate includes the allottee's name and post-office address and the date mailed. There are some notations about certificates that were returned. (From 405364 and 405368).
A-8-90-3

150. SELECTION CERTIFICATES.

1903-1909. 5 ft.
Arranged in two groups (Homestead and Surplus) and thereunder numerically by a certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
Original selection certificates that were returned by the post office, cancelled by the Dawes Commission, or never issued. The information contained in the certificate generally includes the allottee's name and enrollment number, the legal description of the land selected and its area and appraised value. The certificates include a small plat map annotated to show the location of the land selected. Many of the certificates were returned by full-blood Indians (generally called Night-Hawks) who refused to accept the allotments made for them by the Dawes Commission. Some of the notes written on the face of the certificates are in Cherokee.
A-8-90-4

151. RECORD OF DEEDS ISSUED.

1903-1909. 9 vols. 1 ft.
There are separate volumes for Homestead, Surplus, and Fractional Deeds. Within each volume, entries are arranged numerically by a deed number assigned chronologically by date issued.
A record of deeds issued which gives the date prepared, the date approved by the Secretary of Interior, date delivered, name of allottee, and a volume and page number reference to records still in the custody of the Muskogee Area Office. (11671, 82-6-12 and 13, 32-4-6, 87-10-4, L2647, 32-4-10, 32-4-8, and L2468).
A-8-90-5

151A. RE-CONVEYANCE DEEDS TO ALLOTTED LAND.

1903-1909. 4 in.
Arranged numerically. There is a list of grantors with associated file numbers.
Original re-conveyance deeds to allotted land recorded by the clerk of the U.S. Court in Indian Territory and returned to the Dawes Commission. Some deeds also include an abstract of title and correspondence relating to the transaction. In most cases, it appears the original allottee is releasing title to tracts in exchange for other tracts or because of allotment contests. The bulk of the transactions relate to Creek land with some Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw.
A-8-90-5

151B. DEEDS.

1902-1908. 3 ft.
Arranged by enrollment number (with large gaps). There are a few deeds issued as late as 1925.
Original deeds and patents to allotted lands which includes the allottee's name, roll number, degree of Indian blood, and the legal description of the land. In a few cases there is correspondence about the deed. It appears that these deeds were retained by the agency because they were undeliverable or the allottee died or refused to accept.
A-26-84-1


RECORDS RELATING TO THE SALE OF IMPROVEMENTS BY INTERMARRIED CHEROKEES

Persons who applied for enrollment through intermarriage were permitted to make allotment selections pending a decision by the Dawes Commission. Most of the applicants were eventually denied as a result of a decision of the U.S. Supreme Court on November 5, 1906 which upheld a Cherokee law limiting citizenship to persons who married prior to 1877. An act of Congress of March 2, 1907 (34 Stat. 1220) authorized persons denied enrollment to sell any improvements they had made on land within the Cherokee Nation to persons who were enrolled. The improvements, such as houses and barns, were appraised by representatives of the Commissioner to the Five Civilized Tribes and the purchasers were required to present a bill of sale for the improvements. Many intermarried Cherokees disclaimed benefits under the act because their spouse or children were enrolled and eligible to select the land containing the improvements as their allotment. See entries 411 and 412 of PI 163 for records relating to the sale of improvements by intruders (non-Indians) in the Cherokee Nation.

152. INDEX TO CLAIM DOCKET.

n.d. 1 vol. .2 in.
Arranged alphabetically by surname of claimant.
An index to the docket described in entry 153 that gives name of the claimant, claim number, legal description of the land in question, and a page reference. There are some references to the docket described in entry 157. (volume 82-6-20).
A-8-90-7

153. CLAIM DOCKET.

1907-1912. 2 vols. 8 in.
Arranged numerically by a claim number assigned chronologically by date filed.
A record of papers filed and actions taken on claims to the right to sell improvements under the act of March 2, 1907. The information contained in the docket includes a description of the improvements, their appraised value, and the name of the purchaser. (L2348 and L2349).
A-8-90-7

154. CLAIMS TO SELL IMPROVEMENTS.

1907-1912. 46 ft.
Arranged numerically by claim number assigned chronologically by date filed.
Original claims to the right to sell improvements, correspondence between the Commissioner and claimants relating to conditions of sale, printed plat maps (form 169) annotated to show the location of the improvements, appraisal reports on the value of the improvements, transcripts of hearings, and orders of the Commissioner.
A-8-90-7

155. INDEX TO DISCLAIMERS.

n.d. 1 vol. .2 in.
Arranged alphabetically by surname.
An index to persons who disclaimed benefits under the act of March 2, 1907. The only information given is the claim number used in the records described in entry 156. (volume 82-6-19).
A-8-92-3

156. RECORDS RELATING TO DISCLAIMERS.

1907-1912. 9 ft.
Arranged numerically by a case number assigned chronologically by date of disclaimer.
Original disclaimer to benefits, correspondence between the Commissioner and owners of improvements, transcripts of hearings, and plat maps annotated to show the location of improvements.
A-8-92-3

157. ADVERSE CLAIM DOCKET.

1907-1908. 1 vol. 3 in.
Arranged numerically by a claim number assigned chronologically by date filed.
A record of papers filed and actions taken on contested claims to land containing improvements. Most of the contests involve an intermarried Cherokee and a person enrolled by the Dawes Commission. The docket contains references to the records described in entries 154 and 156. (L2350).
A-8-92-4


RECORDS RELATING TO THE SALE OF SURPLUS HOLDINGS BY DELAWARE-CHEROKEE

An act of congress of April 21, 1904 (33 Stat. 189) authorized Delawares holding improvements on land in excess of the amount they were entitled to receive as allotments to sell the improvements on the "surplus holdings" to Cherokees who were entitled to select allotments. The improvements were appraised by a representative of the Commission and the purchaser was required to provide a bill of sale.

158. SCHEDULE OF CLAIMANTS.

1904-1907. .5 in.
Arranged numerically by claim number assigned chronologically by date filed. Indexed by surname of claimant.
A typed schedule of names of persons claiming the right to sell improvements giving the name of the claimant, claim number, status of the claim, date of certification by the Commission, date of expiration of the right to sell, date of re-certification (where applicable), and occasionally remarks about the sale. (L3348=10-3- 26).
A-8-92-4

159. PLAT MAPS OF LOCATIONS OF IMPROVEMENTS.

1904-1907. 33 pgs.
Arranged by Range and thereunder by Township.
Printed plat maps (form 66) annotated to show the location of improvements claimed by Delawares. The maps are attached to the schedules described in entry 158.
A-8-92-4

160. CLAIMS TO SELL IMPROVEMENTS.

1904-1907. 10 ft.
Arranged numerically by claim number assigned chronologically by date filed.
Original notarized claims, copies of transcripts of hearings, appraisal reports on improvements, printed plat maps annotated to show the location of improvements, correspondence between the Commission and the claimant, and copies of orders of the Commission. There is some correspondence relating to contested claims and leases to lands covered by claims.
A-8-92-5

161. RECORDS RELATING TO SALES.

1904-1905. 1 ft.
Arranged numerically by case number assigned chronologically by date of claim. The numbers assigned to these records do not match the numbers used for the records described in entry 160.
Correspondence between the Union Agency and owners and purchasers of improvements, bills of sale, and some appraisal reports on the value of improvements.
A-8-92-5


RECORDS RELATING TO ALLOTMENTS TO CHOCTAWS

Land allotments were made to Choctaws in accordance with the "Atoka Agreement" ratified by an act of Congress of June 28, 1898 (30 Stat. 495) and a "Supplemental Agreement" ratified by an act of July 1, 1902. (32 Stat. 641) Under these agreements, each member of the tribe received an allotment equal in value to 320 acres of "average allottable land" ($520.64) including a Homestead equal in value to 160 acres. Freedmen received an allotment equal in value to 40 acres ($130.16).

A Land Office was opened at Atoka in the Choctaw Nation on April 15, 1903 with Tams Bixby in charge. The office was closed on March 10, 1908 and all records were transferred to the general office at Muskogee. The Dawes Commission began delivering patents to the allotments in April, 1905 and sent clerks into the field from November to December, 1907 to take applications from full-bloods who had refused to come to the Land Office and make selections. Chickasaws were granted the rights of Choctaw citizens under the treaty of June 22, 1855 (11 Stat. 611.) and could select allotments within the Choctaw Nation. See entry 492 of PI 163 for a description of lists of Choctaw and Chickasaw Homestead patents issued in 1906.

162. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM MUSKOGEE.

1903-1907. 9 ft.
Arranged numerically by file number assigned chronologically by date of receipt.
Original letters and telegrams received by the clerk in charge of the Choctaw Land Office from the Chairman of the Dawes Commission or the Special Disbursing Agent in Muskogee. The letters relate to administrative procedures, personnel, property, enrollment, allotment, townsites, and allotment contests. Some of the letters include paper copies of enrollment cards (see entry 52).
A-8-92-6

163. LETTERS SENT BY THE CHAIRMAN TO THE LAND OFFICE.

1903-1908. 27 vols. 2 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters. Press copies of letters sent to the clerk in charge of the Choctaw Land Office. The letters relate primarily to administrative procedures, enrollment, and allotment. Many of the original letters are among the records described in entry 162.
A-8-92-6

164. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM THE CHICKASAW LAND OFFICE.

1903-1907. 7 ft.
Arranged numerically by file number assigned chronologically by date of receipt.
Original letters and telegrams received by the Choctaw Land Office from the clerk in charge of the Chickasaw Land Office. The letters relate primarily to enrollment and allotment applications, issuance of certificates of allotment and citizenship certificates, guardianship of minor children, and contested allotment selections. There are some transcripts of hearings held in allotment proceedings and daily allotment reports.
A-8-92-7

165. LETTERS SENT TO MUSKOGEE ("GENERAL OFFICE LETTERS").

1903-1908. 43 vols. 4 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters. Volume 11 is missing.
Press copies of letters sent by the clerk in charge of the Choctaw Land Office to the Chairman of the Dawes Commission or the Special Disbursing Agent in Muskogee. The letters relate to office procedures, personnel, enrollment1 allotment selections, and contested allotments.
A-8-92-7

166. LETTERS SENT TO THE CHICKASAW LAND OFFICE

1903-1908. 24 vols. 2 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters.
Press copies of letters sent by the clerk in charge of the Choctaw Land Office to the clerk in charge of the Chickasaw Land Office. The letters relate to enrollment, allotment selections, issuance of deeds and patents, and allotment contests. Many of the original letters are among the records described in entry 190.
A-8-94-3

167. MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS SENT

1903-1908. 17 vols. 2 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Indexed by addressee.
Press copies of letters sent by the Choctaw Land Office to the general public. The letters relate to enrollment applications, allotment selections, issuance of deeds and patents, and allotment contests.
A-8-94-3

168. LETTERS SENT BY SPECIAL AGENT SMITH.

August-October, 1903. 2 vols. 2 in.
Arranged chronologically by date sent.
Press copies of letters sent by Special Agent H. Van Smith to the Chairman of the Dawes Commission relating to efforts to relocate persons identified as Mississippi Choctaws to Indian Territory. Most of the letters were written while Smith was in Meridian, Mississippi coordinating relocation and searching for applicants for identification.
A-8-94-4

169. LISTS OF PENDING APPLICATIONS.

1902-1905. 1 in.
There are separate lists for each enrollment category. Within each list, names of applicants are arranged numerically by enrollment card number.
Typed lists of Choctaws by Blood, Chickasaws by Blood, Choctaw Freedmen, and Chickasaw Freedmen whose applications for enrollment were pending. The list gives each applicant's name, age, sex, enrollment card number, and some remarks made by the staff of the Land Office relating to allotments. There are also some lists of Choctaws and Chickasaws who were admitted to tribal citizenship by U.S. courts who appealed to the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court. Similar lists were maintained in the Commission's office in Muskogee (entry 90) and at the Chickasaw Land Office (entry 200). (#486 to 489 and 009 and 010).
A-8-94-4

170. CANCELLED ALLOTMENT APPLICATIONS

1902-1904. 4 ft.
Arranged numerically by application number assigned chronologically by date of application.
Original applications for allotment, copies of testimony in hearings held by the Commission, notifications of contested allotments, notices of cancellation, and printed plat maps (form 169) annotated to show the location of selections. The applications were made by persons who were denied enrollment by the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court. Similar records were maintained in the Chickasaw Land Office (entry 200).
A-8-94-4

171. CASE FILES ON CANCELLED APPLICATIONS.

1904-1907. 2 ft.
Arranged alphabetically by applicant's surname.
Carbon copies of orders and notices issued by the Commission dismissing contests involving persons whose applications for enrollment were denied and cancelling their allotment selections. There are also printed "Notices of Selection" (form 146) and copies of letters from the chief clerks of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Land Offices to the Commission requesting the cancellation of selections. The majority of the persons involved in the cancellations were denied enrollment by the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court.
A-8-94-5

172. INDEXES TO ALLOTMENT LEDGERS.

n.d. 3 vols. 6 in.
There are separate indexes for the following enrollment categories: Choctaws and Chickasaws by Blood or Marriage, Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws. Within each index, names are alphabetical by first letter and first vowel.
Indexes to the ledgers described in entry 173. The index to Citizens by Blood and Marriage also includes persons enrolled as Minors and Newborns. (volumes 82-5-8 and 9 and 82-6-1). Reproduced on microfilm as 7RA153.
A-8-94-5

173. ALLOTMENT LEDGERS.

1903-1910. 38 vols. 10 ft.
Arranged by enrollment category.
A record prepared on printed forms of the land allotted as Homestead and Surplus to Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Mississippi Choctaws. The information given for each allottee includes tribe, enrollment number, and the following information about each tract of land allotted: date of allotment, allotment certificate number, patent number, and the appraised value. There are some references to allotment contests and payments made to equalize the value of allotments. The allotment jackets described in entry 135 often contain volume and page number references to these ledgers. (volumes 32-4-24 to 34 and 32-5-1 to 28).
A-8-94-5

174. INDEX TO RECORD OF ALLOTMENTS.

n.d. 3 vols. 6 in.
There are separate indexes for Citizens by Blood or Marriage, Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws.
An index to the volumes described in entry 175. (volumes L3033=Choc Fr, L3034=Miss Choc, and L3036=Choc BB).
A-8-96-3

175. RECORD OF ALLOTMENTS.

n.d. 8 vols. 3 ft.
Arranged by enrollment category and thereunder in roughly numerical order by certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
A record of land allotted as Homestead or Surplus to Choctaws and Chickasaws within the Choctaw Nation. The information given for each allotment includes the allottee's name and enrollment number, the legal description of the land, area, appraised value, selection certificate number and date issued, and patent number. Similar records for Choctaws receiving allotments within the Chickasaw Nation are described in entry 203. (volumes L2323+L3036=index, L2326, L2330, L2328, L2333and 4, L2319, L3033=index, L2322+L3034=index).
A-8-96-4

176. RECORD OF MAILING OF SELECTION CERTIFICATES.

1903-1908. 12 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged by type of certificate (Homestead or Surplus) and thereunder by enrollment category. Within each volume, entries are arranged numerically by certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
A record of Homestead and Surplus selection certificates which were mailed to allottees. The information given for each certificate includes certificate number, name of allottee, post office address, and date mailed. (from 405369-71).
A-8-98-1

177. SELECTION CERTIFICATES.

1903-1907. 4 in.
Arranged by type of certificate and thereunder numerically by certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
Original selection certificates for Homestead and Surplus allotments which were cancelled, never issued, or were returned by the allottee or the Post Office. The information contained in the certificate includes the allottee's name and enrollment number, the legal description of the land, area, appraised value, and a plat map annotated to show the location of the selection.
A-8-98-1

178. LETTERS SENT TO THE LAND OFFICE RELATING TO PATENTS.

1903-1907. 2 vols. 2 in.
Arranged chronologically by date sent.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Commission to the clerk in charge of the Choctaw Land Office and officials of the Choctaw tribal government transmitting patents for review or approval.
A-8-98-1

179. LETTERS SENT RELATING TO DEEDS AND PATENTS.

1903-1909. 18 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged by type of deed (Homestead or Surplus) and thereunder chronologically by date sent.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Commission to the Secretary of Interior transmitting deeds or patents for Homestead and Surplus allotments to Choctaws and Chickasaws by Blood or Marriage and Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen. The transmittal letter generally lists the name and enrollment number of each allottee and the legal description of the land allotted.
A-8-98-1

179A. DEEDS.

1902-1908. 3 ft.
Arranged by enrollment number with numerous gaps. There are a few deeds issued as late as 1925.
Original deeds and patents to allotted lands which include the allottee's name, roll number, degree of Indian blood, and the legal description of the land. In a few cases there is correspondence about the deed. It appears that these deeds were retained by the agency because they were undeliverable or the allottee died or refused to accept.
A-26-84-l

180. INDEXES TO PATENTS.

n.d. 2 vols. 6 in.
There is a separate index for Homestead and Surplus patents.
An index to patents issued to Choctaws and Chickasaws for land allotted as Homestead or Surplus. The information given for each allottee includes name, patent number, and a reference to a series of volumes that have not been located. (#100326=Homestead-no binding and #100327=Surplus).
A-8-98-2

181. RECORD OF PATENTS ("FILE BOOKS").

1905-1908. 3 vols. 9 in.
There are separate volumes for Surplus, Homestead, and Freedmen patents. Arranged roughly chronologically by the date the patent was filed.
A record of patents issued which contains patent number, date filed, name of allottee, date of approval by the Secretary of Interior, date mailed, addressee, and a reference to a series of volumes that have not been located. (volumes B638, B639, and B632).
A-8-98-2

182. RECORD OF DELIVERY OF PATENTS.

1905-1917. 4 vols. 8 in.
There are separate volumes for Choctaws by Blood, New Born and Minor Choctaws, Choctaw Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws. Arranged numerically by enrollment number.
A record of patents to both Homestead and Surplus allotments delivered to individual allottees. The information given for each allottee includes name and enrollment number, type of patent, date and method of delivery (the majority were by registered mail), and the name of the person to whom the patents were delivered. (from 416350 and 405371).
A-8-98-3

183. RECORD OF PATENTS.

1904-1914. 14 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged by type of patent (Homestead or Surplus) and thereunder by enrollment category. Within each volume, entries are arranged numerically by patent number assigned in chronological order by date issued.
A record of patents for Homestead and Surplus allotments made to Choctaws and Chickasaws by Blood, Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws. The information given for each patent includes number, name of allottee, date prepared, date forwarded to the Land Office, date returned, date forwarded to tribal officials for signature and date returned, and the date forwarded to the Secretary of Interior and date returned. There are also two handwritten lists of patents issued. (from 405369-70, 405374, and 405366, #100318-9).
A-8-98-3

184. RECORDS RELATING TO LAND FOR MURROW INDIAN ORPHAN'S HOME.

1905-1915. 1 vol and 4 in.
Arranged by subject or type of record.
Correspondence between the Dawes Commission and the Secretary of Interior and tribal officials relating to the donation of allotted land for the Murrow Indian Orphan's Home under section 14 of an act of Congress of April 26, 1906 (34 Stat. 137). Allottees having a right to less than $10 of unallotted land were authorized to convey their rights to the Home. There are conveyance forms, lists of donations, petitions of tribal groups, and some bids on related land. There is also some correspondence relating to the Goodland Indian Orphan Industrial School. The conveyance forms generally include the allottee's name, enrollment number, and the value of the allotment conveyed.
A-8-98-l

185. SEE ENTRY 184

186. RECORDS RELATING TO ALLOTMENTS WITH TIMBER.

1903-1904. 1 in.
Arranged numerically by case number (1-35) assigned chronologically by the date the case was opened.
Copies of correspondence, transcripts of testimony given at hearings held by the Commission, plat maps, and other records relating to applications for allotment of land containing timber. The bulk of the correspondence is between the Commission and the applicants for allotment and relates to the value of the timber.
A-8-98-l

186A. MISCELLANEOUS FILES ON ENROLLMENT, ALLOTMENT, AND LAND TITLE.

1903-1909. 3 in.
Arranged by subject in 18 folders.
Lists of applicants for enrollment, notices sent by the Commission headquarters to the Choctaw and Chickasaw Land Offices on the status of applicants, applications for enrollment submitted by Anderson P. Cagle in 1907, lists of allottees involved in contests, quit claim deeds, and a few mortgage releases.
A-8-98-l


RECORDS RELATING TO ALLOTMENTS TO CHICKASAWS

Land allotments were made to Chickasaws under the same agreements that covered the Choctaws and many Chickasaws selected allotments within the Choctaw Nation. A land office was opened at Tishmingo on April 15, 1903, with Commissioner W. E. Stanley in charge. The office was moved to Ardmore on March 20, 1905, where it remained in operation until March 10, 1908, when it was closed and all records were moved to the general office at Muskogee. The staff of the Chickasaw Land Office worked closely with the Choctaw Land Office because of the dual citizenship provisions of the treaty of June 22, 1855 and many records relating to allotments to Chickasaws are part of the records described on pages 63-69 [entries 158-180].

187. INDEX TO LETTERS RECEIVED.

1903-1904. 1 vol. .3 in.
Arranged alphabetically by surname of sender.
An index to letters received from the Commission in Muskogee, field employees, and the general public. Many of the letters relate to the identification of Mississippi Choctaws and their removal to Indian Territory. The information given for each letter includes the name of the sender, date of receipt, file number, and a brief summary of the content. The file numbers do not match the numbers used by the Choctaw Land Office so it is assumed that this index was maintained by the Chickasaw Land Office.
A-8-98-4

188. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM MUSKOGEE.

1908. 6 ft.
Arranged numerically by a file number assigned chronologically by the date of receipt.
Original letters and telegrams received by the clerk in charge of the Chickasaw Land Office from the Chairman of the Commission and the Special Disbursing Agent in Muskogee. The letters relate to administrative procedures, personnel, property, accounts, enrollment and allotment procedures, townsites, and allotment contests. Some of the letters transmit paper copies of enrollment cards (see entry 52). Press copies of many of these letters are among the records described in entry 189.
A-8-98-4

189. LETTERS SENT BY THE CHAIRMAN TO THE LAND OFFICE.

1903-1908. 37 vols. 3 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Commission to the clerk in charge of the Chickasaw Land Office. The letters relate to administrative procedures, enrollment and allotment, townsites, and allotment contests.
A-8-98-4

190. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM THE CHOCTAW LAND OFFICE.

1903-1906. 8 ft.
Arranged numerically by file number assigned chronologically by date received.
Original letters and telegrams received by the Chickasaw Land Office from the Choctaw Land Office. The letters relate to enrollment and allotment applications, issuance of citizenship certificates and certificates of selection, guardianship of minor children, and contested allotment selections.
A-8-98-5

191. LETTERS SENT TO MUSKOGEE.

1903-1908. 46 vols. 4 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters.
Press copies of letters sent by the clerk in charge of the Chickasaw Land Office to the Chairman of the Commission or the Special Disbursing Agent in Muskogee. The letters relate to administrative procedures, accounts, personnel, enrollment and allotment, and allotment contests.
A-8-98-5

192. LETTERS SENT TO THE CHOCTAW LAND OFFICE.

1903-1908. 26 vols. 2 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. Each volume contains a register of letters.
Press copies of letters sent from the Chickasaw Land Office to the Choctaw Land Office. The letters relate to enrollment, allotment selections, issuance of deeds and patents, and contested allotments. Many of the original letters are among the records described in entry 164.
A-8-98-6

193. MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS SENT.

1904-1907. 1 vol. 1 in.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. The volume includes an index to addressees.
Press copies of letters sent by the clerk in charge to the general public. The letters relate to the issuance of certificates of allotment and allotment contests.
A-8-100-1

194. NOTICES OF HEARINGS.

1903-1904. 1 vol. 1 in.
Arranged chronologically by date sent. The volume includes an index to addressees.
Press copies of notices sent to persons holding land in excess of the amount to which they were entitled as allotments. The notices require the holder of the land to appear at the Chickasaw Land Office within thirty days for a hearing on the complaint.
A-8-100-1

195. COMPLAINTS OF EXCESSIVE HOLDINGS OF LAND.

1903-1905. 4 ft.
Arranged numerically by complaint number assigned chronologically by date of complaint.
Original complaints filed against persons allegedly holding more land than they were entitled to receive as an allotment. The records include copies of transcripts of hearings held by the Commission, plat maps annotated to show the location of the land in question, and exhibits filed during the hearings.
A-8-100-l

196. RECORDS RELATING TO RESERVATIONS OF LAND.

1904. 1 in.
Arranged numerically by reservation number (1-10) assigned chronologically by date of request.
A list of persons for whom the Secretary of Interior reserved tracts from allotment pending a decision on enrollment and related records such as copies of the Commission's orders, plat maps annotated to show the location of the land reserved, copies of transcripts of hearings conducted by the Commission, and correspondence with owners of improvements on the land. The persons requesting the reservations had been admitted by the Dawes Commission or the U.S. Courts but had not instituted proceedings in the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court.
A-8-100-1

197. CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO RESERVATIONS FROM ALLOTMENT.

1906-1907. 2 in.
Arranged numerically by reservation number (1-8) with number 6 missing.
Original letters sent by the Chief Clerk of the Chickasaw Land Office to the Commissioner to the Five Civilized Tribes and copies of letters sent by the Commissioner to the Secretary of Interior. The letters relate to petitions to reserve land from allotment for churches, schools, and cemeteries.
A-8-100-1

198. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS.

1903-1907. 1 ft.
Arranged chronologically by date written.
Original reports submitted to the Chief Clerk of the Chickasaw Land Office by various branches within the office and by surveyor Maurice Gilmore; carbon copies of monthly and annual narrative reports submitted by the Chief Clerk to the Commission; and some correspondence relating to administrative procedures.
A-8-100-2

199. LISTS OF PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLLMENT.

1902-1905. 1 in.
Arranged by enrollment category and thereunder numerically by enrollment card number.
Typed lists of Choctaws by Blood, Chickasaws by Blood, Choctaw Freedmen, and Chickasaw Freedmen whose application for enrollment was pending at the time allotment began. The list gives each applicant's name, age, sex, and enrollment card number and annotations about enrollment actions. There are also lists of Choctaws and Chickasaws who were admitted to citizenship by the U.S. Courts and instituted proceedings in the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court. Similar lists were maintained in the Commission's office in Muskogee (see entry 88) and at the Choctaw Land Office (see entry 169). (480 to 485 and 009 and 010).
A-8-100-2

200. CANCELLED ALLOTMENT APPLICATIONS.

1903-1904. 4 ib.
Arranged numerically (2 to 33) by a number assigned chronologically by date of cancellation.
Original applications for allotment, plat maps annotated to show the location of selections, copies of notices of allotment contests, and copies of notices of decisions in allotment contests. The applications were submitted by persons whose claim to enrollment was pending at the time allotment began but was subsequently denied by the Commission or the Choctaw-Chickasaw Citizenship Court. The records described in entry 170 and 201 also contain some material relating to many of these applications.
A-8-100-2

201. CANCELLED ALLOTMENT APPLICATIONS OF INTERMARRIED CITIZENS.

1904-1907. 1 ft.
Arranged numerically (1-194) by a contest number assigned chronologically by the date the contest was filed.
Original "Daily Reports of Selection" (form 149), notices of decisions in allotment contests, and correspondence between the Choctaw and Chickasaw Land Offices relating to the enrollment status of applicants for allotments. The bulk of the persons involved in these applications claimed citizenship through intermarriage and were eventually denied enrollment.
A-8-100-2

202. INDEX TO RECORD OF ALLOTMENT.

n.d. 3 vols. 6 in.
There are separate indexes for Citizens by Blood and Marriage, Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws.
An index to the volumes described in entry 203. (12-4-8=Miss. Choctaw, L3035=By Blood, and L2942=Freedmen).
A-8-100-3

203. RECORD OF ALLOTMENT.

1903-1908. 9 vols. 3 ft.
Arranged by enrollment category and thereunder in roughly numerical order by allotment certificate number. The allotment jackets (entry 135) provide a volume and page number reference to these records.
A record of land allotted to Choctaws and Chickasaws within the Chickasaw Nation. The information given for each allotment includes the allottee's name and enrollment number, the legal description of the land, area, appraised value, selection certificate number and date issued, and patent number. Similar records for Choctaws and Chickasaws allotted land in the Choctaw Nation are described in entry 175. (L2324, 2321, 2327, 2329, 2332, 2331, 2335, 2320, and 2325).
A-8-100-3

204. LETTERS RECEIVED TRANSMITTING ALLOTMENT CERTIFICATES.

1904-1905. 1.ft.
Arranged numerically by certificate number assigned chronologically by date issued.
Original letters received by the Chickasaw Land Office from the Chairman of the Commission transmitting allotment certificates. The letter generally includes the name and enrollment number of each allottee covered by the certificates.
A-8-102-1

205. RECORD OF SELECTION CERTIFICATES MAILED.

1904-1914. 11 vols. 1 ft.
Arranged by type of certificate (Homestead or Surplus) and thereunder by enrollment category and thereunder numerically by a certificate number assigned chronologically.
A record of Homestead and Surplus selection certificates which were mailed to Choctaws and Chickasaws by Blood, Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen, and Mississippi Choctaws. The information given for each certificate includes number, allottee's name, post office address, and date mailed. Microfilmed as 7RA182.
A-8-102-1

206. LETTERS RECEIVED TRANSMITTING PATENTS.

1904-1905. 1 ft.
Arranged by type of patent (Homestead or Surplus) and thereunder numerically by patent number assigned chronologically by date issued.
Original letters received by the Chickasaw Land Office from the Chairman of the Commission transmitting patents to land allotted to citizens by blood and Freedmen. The letter generally includes the name and enrollment number of each allottee receiving a patent.
A-8-102-1

207. LETTERS SENT TRANSMITTING PATENTS.

1904-1907. 2 vols. 2 in.
Arranged chronologically by date sent.
Press copies of letters sent by the Chairman of the Commission to the Chickasaw Land Office or officials of the Chickasaw tribal government transmitting patents for review or distribution.
A-8-102-1

207A. DEEDS.

1902-1908. 1 ft.
Arranged by enrollment number with gaps. There are a few deeds issued as late as 1925.
Original deeds and patents to allotted land which include the allotee's name, roll number, degree of Indian blood, and the legal description of the land. In a few cases there is correspondence about the deed. It appears that these deeds were retained by the agency because they were undeliverable or the allottee died or refused to accept.
A-26-84-2


Go to: Introduction ... Table of Contents ... Appendix I-VIII ... Alphabetical index (A-I)

Go to Record Entries: 1-60a ... 61-128 ... 129-207a ... 208-288a ... 289-359 ... 360-442a ... 443-506 ... 507-579 ... 580-649