Enrollment Cards

1898-1914

Accepted enrollment cards, also known as Census Cards, were the official records used by the Dawes Commission (1898–1914) to document individuals deemed eligible for enrollment in the Five Civilized Tribes—Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole—as part of the Dawes Roll. These cards served as a summary of the applicant’s details and were used to determine eligibility for land allotments under the Dawes Act of 1887.

Who It Covers:

Accepted Enrollment Cards

Who Was Included?

Information Included:

Significance:

Denied enrollment cards were created for individuals whose applications were rejected by the Dawes Commission due to ineligibility for enrollment in the tribes. These records include reasons for denial and supporting documents, offering valuable insights into family histories.

Denied Enrollment Cards

Who Was Denied?

Information Included:

Significance:

Key Differences between Accepted and Denied
Enrollment Cards

Aspect Accepted Enrollment Cards Denied Enrollment Cards
Purpose Approved for tribal enrollment and land allotments. Rejected based on eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Met ancestry, residency, and blood quantum rules. Failed to meet proof of ancestry or residency.
Outcome Eligible for citizenship and land ownership. Denied rights to citizenship or land claims.
Genealogical Value Confirmed family histories and relationships. Provides rejection details and missing links.
Modern Impact Supports claims for tribal enrollment today. Basis for appeals or further research.

The Rejected Roll refers to a list of individuals whose applications for tribal enrollment were not approved by the Dawes Commission (1898–1914). These applicants were not included in the final Dawes Roll, meaning they were denied tribal citizenship and the accompanying land allotments granted under the Dawes Act of 1887. Although individuals on the Rejected Roll were denied tribal citizenship and land allotments, their applications still contain valuable genealogical information, including:

Key Differences between Denied and Rejected
Enrollment Cards

Feature Denied Enrollment Cards Rejected Enrollment Cards
Application Status Fully reviewed but found ineligible Not fully processed or dismissed early
Reason for Exclusion Failed to meet Dawes Commission criteria for tribal enrollment Incomplete, late, or suspected fraudulent applications
Documentation Included? Yes, includes details on why the applicant was denied May contain minimal or no details if rejected early
Possibility of Appeal? Sometimes (if more proof could be provided) Less likely (often due to administrative disqualification)
Value for Genealogists Useful for tracing ancestry and understanding family history Less detailed, but can provide clues about family claims
error: Copyright Protected by Black Pearls of Genealogy!!
Scroll to Top