Source:First People of Tennessee and the American Southeast

Since the Cherokee had no written language prior to 1822, the White man’s records are of utmost importance in Cherokee genealogy (i.e. the citizenship rolls and censuses).

Sequoyah’s syllabary is culturally and historically important and does provide some valuable help with records. Beginning in about 1822, many legal documents were signed by Cherokee using the syllabary. The advantage is a beginning of standardization of names, and the basis for accurate translation of the names into English. Also, the beginning of the publication of the Cherokee Nation newspaper, using the syllabary provides much 19th century information.

Link to the Cherokee Heritage Project Page