73,385
edits
NARA link
m (12) |
(NARA link) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The National Archives (Archives) in Washington, D.C. has records of genealogical value. The Federal government took the census every ten years since 1790 and is a very good source of information for individuals who are trying to identify their ancestors. Census records from 1790-1920 are available on microfilm in the National Archives' regional branches. Seventeen branch offices are in major metropolitan areas throughout the country. A brochure describing the branch offices is available from: | The [[National_Archives_and_Records_Administration|National Archives]] (Archives I) in Washington, D.C. has records of genealogical value. The Federal government took the census every ten years since 1790 and is a very good source of information for individuals who are trying to identify their ancestors. Census records from 1790-1920 are available on microfilm in the National Archives' regional branches. Seventeen branch offices are in major metropolitan areas throughout the country. A brochure describing the branch offices is available from: | ||
'''National Archives and Records Administration'''<br>Publication and Distribution Staff (NECD) <br>Room G-3<br>Eighth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW<br>Washington, D.C. 20408-0001. | '''National Archives and Records Administration'''<br>Publication and Distribution Staff (NECD) <br>Room G-3<br>Eighth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW<br>Washington, D.C. 20408-0001. | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
The M595 publication will only take you back to 1885. Depending on the tribe you are researching, there are probably earlier census or annuity rolls and the Field Branch that has the agent's records that can probably give you information about them. In general, the earlier the roll the less data it contains. In many cases, the agent only listed the Indian's name and perhaps the amount of money he or she received. Unfortunately, the "roll numbers" from one list seldom have any relation to earlier or later rolls and will not help you make positive identifications. | The M595 publication will only take you back to 1885. Depending on the tribe you are researching, there are probably earlier census or annuity rolls and the Field Branch that has the agent's records that can probably give you information about them. In general, the earlier the roll the less data it contains. In many cases, the agent only listed the Indian's name and perhaps the amount of money he or she received. Unfortunately, the "roll numbers" from one list seldom have any relation to earlier or later rolls and will not help you make positive identifications. | ||
One source of lists of names that is often overlooked is the Congressional Serial Set, which contains documents received by Congress from various sources (primarily agencies of the Executive Branch) and reports published by Congressional committees. Many of these documents relate to claims against the government for Indian depredations or claims by Indians for rights under treaties. Some documents include lists of Indians but seldom provide much genealogical information. See Angela McComas, ''[http://broadcast.lds.org/elearning/fhd/Community/Mid_Continent_Library/Congress_and_My_Family_History/Player.html Congress and My Family History]'' (12 minute online video) [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_education.asp?PAGE=education_research_series_online.asp%3FActiveTab=2 FamilySearch Research Classes Online, and Mid-Continent Public Library Midwest Genealogy Center], 2010. Steven L. Johnson's ''Guide to American Indian Documents in the Congressional Serial Set: 1817-1899'' (Family History Library book 970.1 J637g) is an essential tool to using these documents. | One source of lists of names that is often overlooked is the Congressional Serial Set, which contains documents received by Congress from various sources (primarily agencies of the Executive Branch) and reports published by Congressional committees. Many of these documents relate to claims against the government for Indian depredations or claims by Indians for rights under treaties. Some documents include lists of Indians but seldom provide much genealogical information. See Angela McComas, ''[http://broadcast.lds.org/elearning/fhd/Community/Mid_Continent_Library/Congress_and_My_Family_History/Player.html Congress and My Family History]'' (12 minute online video) [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_education.asp?PAGE=education_research_series_online.asp%3FActiveTab=2 FamilySearch Research Classes Online, and Mid-Continent Public Library Midwest Genealogy Center], 2010. Steven L. Johnson's ''Guide to American Indian Documents in the Congressional Serial Set: 1817-1899'' (Family History Library book 970.1 J637g) is an essential tool to using these documents. | ||
=== Pre-Federal Records === | === Pre-Federal Records === | ||