‘Complete Seminole’ aids researchers

“The Complete Seminole” by John E. Ernest provides the integration and analysis of Seminole records concerning enrollment, allotment, distribution; and civil records developed by the Dawes Commission.

The purpose of the book is to provide helpful information about the sources of Seminole records that were created because of the General Allotment Act of 1897 and to assist researchers and family historians by providing a comprehensive everyname index. Seven sources used to create an every-name index include:

The 1897 census cards (aka Dawes enrollment cards) on NARA film series M1186, film roll 92 and 93 titled “Enrollment Cards for the Five Civilized Tribes 1898-1914.”

film series M1301, film roll 400 and 401, contain backup docu- mentation supporting comments made on the enrollment cards. For most (but not all) enrollment cards, there is a “jacket” file containing associated documents.

Film roll 7RA 20, Record Group 75 contains the approved Seminole allotment schedule. The land descriptions describe the allotted land down to “quarter-sections” ( 160 acres) and “quarter quarters” (40 acres), and these into lots.

No. T 529 (Record Group 48), roll three, Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedman of the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory, which includes both Seminoles by Blood and Freedmen,

“Moore’s Seminole Roll and Land Guide” by J. Read Moore, published in 1915, information abstracted from original records.

“Abstract of Seminole Indian Census Cards and Index” by John Bert Campbell, published in 1925, includes information about Seminole children born after Dec. 31, 1899.

The 586-page, softbound book is available for $75 plus postage from Genealogical Publishing Company, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 260, Baltimore, Md. 21211-1953, or call (800) 296-6687 or go to www.genealogical.com.

Correction

Towana Spivey will present “Significance of Preserving and Understanding Family and Cultural Traditions” at the Southwest Genealogical Society meeting at 7 p.m. today in the Lawton Public Library, 110 SW 4, Lawton.

Spivey is the retired curator of the Fort Sill Museum. He will give information on how to use life experiences and other data to help preserve and understand family and cultural traditions.