As previously indicated proving the exact identity of the 1592 Africans held by Cherokees as slaves enumerated on the preparatory Trail of Tears census of 1835 will be a daunting task. Equally daunting will be the proving of the exact identity of the 82 mixed blood Cherokee Negroes enumerated on the same census.

As to whether Augustus (GUS) came over the trail is only speculative at the moment. The 1900 census indicates he was born ca. 1826 in Georgia as was both of his parents. His Dawes census card indicates his owner was named William BUFFINGTON.

We now look for a William BUFFINGTON enumerated on the aforementioned 1835 Cherokee census; there are none. However, there are four BUFFINGTONS enumerated; two in NC and two in GA. Of the two in GA only one, Joshua, is enumerated as a slave owner; 10, six males and four females.

On Dawes Commission by-blood Cherokee census card #3278 we find applicant William W. BUFFINGTON, age 67, whose father is listed as Joshua and mother as Sabra. Could this be the William listed on Gus’ card? Keep in mind this proves nothing more than a strong supposition that your Gus may have been on the Trail of Tears.

As Angela suggests Gus’ Dawes testimony may yield up some answers.

Good Luck.
Preston