What is a roll number in the census?

Question

I see one in my father's family book. The roll number begins with C and the 4 digits. What does that mean? Im told that Im part Cherokee.

Answer 1

A roll number is a person's personal ID number linking them to a tribe.  Each tribe maintains their own rolls and roll numbers.  If there is a specific tribe mentioned next to the roll number in your family book, you should contact the present-day tribal government of said tribe to find out more information.