A Cherokee Connection?

There is some evidence of a possible connection with the Cherokee Tribe in North Carolina.  There were a total of 20 Smithermans that applied for compensation under the Guion Miller Roll Index. Of the 20 that applied 14 are related to the Smitherman's I have in my files, although I'm stilll researching the other six.

The index includes the names of all persons applying for compensation arising from the judgment of the United States Court of Claims on May 28, 1906, for the Eastern Cherokee tribe.   To be awarded  the $133.18 that was given to each person, one had to prove membership in the Eastern Cherokee Nation at the time of the treaties of 1835, 1836 and 1845, or to prove descendancy from a member of the tribe.  

The 14 Smitherman's that applied all based their applications on their relationship to Chief Donahoo. Chief Donahoo is believed to have been Chief of the Snowbird clan of the Cherokee. He was also the father of Elizabeth Pledge, the g-g-g-grandmother to Sarah E Truelove, wife of Abner Perkins Smitherman. 

Use the links to the right to view the Abner Perk Smitherman interview, the Pleasant Poindexter examination,  as well as the rejected applications.