Cherokee Heritage

Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906–1909
Commonly called the “Guion Miller Rolls”

An act approved 1 July 1902 (32 Stat. 726) by the United States Congress, gave the U.S. Court of Claims jurisdiction over any claim arising under treaty stipulations that the Cherokee Tribe, or any band thereof, might have against the United States and over any claims that the United States might have against any Cherokee Tribe or band.

Three law suites were brought before the court concerning grievances arising out of the treaties which resulted in the U.S. Court of Claims deciding in favor of the Eastern Cherokees. The Secretary of the Interior was instructed to identify the persons entitled to participate in the distribution of funds for payment of the Claims.