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To learn how to get started with American Indian research, find research facilities, and American Indian websites [[American Indian Genealogy|click here]].<br>
{{IN-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[Indigenous Peoples of the United States Genealogy|Indigenous Peoples of the United States ]]
| link3=[[Indiana, United States Genealogy|Indiana]]
| link4=
| link5=[[Indigenous Peoples of Indiana]]
}}


Start your search for records of an [[Indians of the United States and Their Records|American Indian]] ancestor in other records since Indians are often found in the same records as all other Americans. After you finish those records, turn to records specifically about Indians. Opportunities for genealogical research for American Indians are good because more government records have been created for Indians than for any other ethnic group.&nbsp; Many Indian records must still be obtained from their original archive or library.  
 
 
=== Introduction ===
To learn how to get started with American Indian research, find research facilities, and American Indian websites [[American Indian Genealogy|click here]].<br>
 
Start your search for records of an [[Indians of the United States and Their Records|indigenous]] ancestor in other records since Native Americans are often found in the same records as all other Americans. After you finish those records, turn to records specifically about Native Americans. Opportunities for genealogical research for indigenous people are good because more government records have been created for indigenous people than for any other ethnic group. Many Native American records must still be obtained from their original archive or library.  


It is important to study the history of the tribe, such as migration patterns, marriage and naming customs, and affiliations with government agencies or churches. Because some tribes moved several times, records about them may be in many locations. If you have evidence of Indian ancestry, there are some unique records you can use. Note, however, that many traditions of Indian ancestry are unfounded. Before you can effectively search American Indian records, you should:  
It is important to study the history of the tribe, such as migration patterns, marriage and naming customs, and affiliations with government agencies or churches. Because some tribes moved several times, records about them may be in many locations. If you have evidence of Indian ancestry, there are some unique records you can use. Note, however, that many traditions of Indian ancestry are unfounded. Before you can effectively search American Indian records, you should:  
Line 9: Line 21:
*Study the history of the tribe.
*Study the history of the tribe.


Among the major tribes that lived in what is now Indiana were the '''''Delaware, Kickapoo, Miami, Mound Builders, Piankashaw, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Wea'''''. After 1794, treaties were made that opened up large areas of land for settlement. At the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, the Indians were defeated, and white settlements then proceeded at an increased rate. By the 1840s, most of the Indians had moved westward to other lands, either voluntarily or by force.  
Among the major tribes that lived in what is now Indiana were the '''''Delaware, Kickapoo, Miami, Mound Builders, Piankashaw, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Wea'''''. After 1794, treaties were made that opened up large areas of land for settlement. At the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, the Native Americans were defeated, and white settlements then proceeded at an increased rate. By the 1840s, most of the indienous people had moved westward to other lands, either voluntarily or by force.  


== American Indian Sources  ==
=== American Indian Sources  ===


Census indexes are available that list the American Indians in the 1900 and 1910 censuses. See the "[[Indiana Minorities|Minorities]]" section above for these sources.  
Census indexes are available that list the Native Americans in the 1900 and 1910 censuses. See the "[[Indiana Minorities|Minorities]]" section above for these sources.  


Other sources are:  
Other sources are:  


*Beckwith, Hiram Williams. ''The Illinois and Indiana Indians.'' New York, New York: Arno Press, 1975. (Family History Library book {{FHL|51401|title-id|disp=970.1 B389i}}; fiche {{FHL|51401|title-id|disp=6087719}}.) This book gives histories of the various tribes in Indiana.  
*Beckwith, Hiram Williams. ''The Illinois and Indiana Indians.'' New York, New York: Arno Press, 1975. (FS Library book {{FSC|51401|title-id|disp=970.1 B389i}}; fiche {{FSC|51401|title-id|disp=6087719}}.) This book gives histories of the various tribes in Indiana.  
*Rafert, Stewart. ''American-Indian Genealogical Research in the Midwest: Resources and Perspectives.'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 76 (September 1988): 212-24. (Family History Library book {{FHL|1183432|title-id|disp=973 B2ng}}.) This article mentions useful local, county, and federal records to search for information on Americans Indians.
*Rafert, Stewart. ''American-Indian Genealogical Research in the Midwest: Resources and Perspectives.'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 76 (September 1988): 212-24. (FS Library book {{FSC|1183432|title-id|disp=973 B2ng}}.) This article mentions useful local, county, and federal records to search for information on Native Americans.


'''Online Resources'''
=== Online Resources ===


http://www.native-languages.org/indiana.htm  
[http://www.native-languages.org/indiana.htm Indian Language and Culture] as it relates to Indiana 


http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm  
Records related to Indiana Native Americans at [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm Access Genealogy]


http://www.in.gov/history/2509.htm  
[http://www.in.gov/history/2342.htm Indian-related] information at the Indiana Government website


== Tribes and Bands of Indiana  ==
=== Tribes and Bands of Indiana  ===


The following list of American Indians who have lived in Indiana has been compiled from Hodge's ''Handbook of American Indians...''<ref>Hodge, Frederick Webb. ''Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico''. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/handbook_american_indians.htm Available online].</ref> and from Swanton's ''The Indian Tribes of North America''<ref>Swanton John R. ''The Indian Tribes of North America''. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm Available online].</ref>. Some may simply be variant spellings for the same tribe.  
The following list of American Indians who have lived in Indiana has been compiled from Hodge's ''Handbook of American Indians...''<ref>Hodge, Frederick Webb. ''Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico''. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. [https://archive.org/details/handbookamindians02hodgrich Available online].</ref> and from Swanton's ''The Indian Tribes of North America''<ref>Swanton John R. ''The Indian Tribes of North America''. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm Available online].</ref>. Some may simply be variant spellings for the same tribe.  


*[[Chippewa Indians|Chippewa]]  
*[[Chippewa Indians|Chippewa]]  
*[[Delaware Indians|Delaware]]  
*[[Delaware Indians|Delaware]]  
*Erie  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/erie-tribe.htm Erie]
*Illinois  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/illinois-tribe.htm Illinois]
*[[Iroquois Confederacy|Iroquois]]  
*[[Iroquois Confederacy|Iroquois]]  
*Kaskaskia  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/kaskaskia-tribe.htm Kaskaskia]
*[[Kickapoo Indians|Kickapoo]]  
*[[Kickapoo Indians|Kickapoo]]  
*Mesopelea  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/mosopelea-tribe.htm Mesopelea]
*[[Miami Indians|Miami]]  
*[[Miami Indians|Miami]]  
*Neutrals  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/neutral-tribe.htm Neutrals]
*Piankashaw  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/piankashaw-tribe.htm Piankashaw]
*[[Potawatomi Indians|Potawatomi&nbsp;]]  
*[[Potawatomi Indians|Potawatomi ]]  
*[[Seneca Indians|Seneca]]  
*[[Seneca Indians|Seneca]]  
*[[Shawnee Indians|Shawnee]]&nbsp;
*[[Shawnee Indians|Shawnee]]
*Wea  
*[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/wea-tribe.htm Wea]
*[[Wyandot Indians|Wyandot]]
*[[Wyandot Indians|Wyandot]]


Line 53: Line 65:
Wee-sau, Ash-Kum, Mau-ke-Kose, Wee-si-o-nas, Com-o-za of Patiwatan, Motas, Mes-Quaw-uck, Che-case, Aub-ba-mau-bee, Upper Kispoko Band of Shawnee  
Wee-sau, Ash-Kum, Mau-ke-Kose, Wee-si-o-nas, Com-o-za of Patiwatan, Motas, Mes-Quaw-uck, Che-case, Aub-ba-mau-bee, Upper Kispoko Band of Shawnee  


=== Potawatomie Bands: ===
=== Potawatomie Bands  ===


Okaw-mause, Kee-waw-nee, Nee-Boast, Ma Che Saw (Mat chis jaw), Naswaw kee (Nees wawgh gee), Quash-quaw, pee pin ah was, Mach kah tah mo may, No tawkah, To I sas, Che quaw ka ko '''or''' Che chaw kosa, Ma sac, Memorn i nee, Me mot way '''or '''Me shing go me sia, Me to sin ia, Wee san  
Okaw-mause, Kee-waw-nee, Nee-Boast, Ma Che Saw (Mat chis jaw), Naswaw kee (Nees wawgh gee), Quash-quaw, pee pin ah was, Mach kah tah mo may, No tawkah, To I sas, Che quaw ka ko '''or''' Che chaw kosa, Ma sac, Memorn i nee, Me mot way '''or '''Me shing go me sia, Me to sin ia, Wee san  


== Reservations ==
=== Map of Creek Land ===


From the mid-1800s, the official policy of the United States government toward the American Indian was to confine each tribe to a specific parcel of land called a reservation. Agencies were established on or near each reservation. A government representative, usually called an agent (or superintendent) was assigned to each agency. Their duties included maintaining the peace, making payments to the Native Americans based on the stipulations of the treaties with each tribe, and providing a means of communication between the native population and the federal government.  
[[Image:Map of Creek Indian Township Lawrence County Indiana.png|thumb|right]]


Sometimes, a single agency had jurisdiction over more than one reservation. And sometimes, if the tribal population and land area required it, an agency may have included sub-agencies.  
This is a Map of Creek Indian Township Lawrence County Indiana.  


The boundaries of reservations, over time, have changed. Usually, that means the reservations have been reduced in size. Sometimes, especially during the later policy of "termination," the official status of reservations was ended altogether.
=== Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs  ===
 
The following list of reservations has been compiled from the ''National Atlas of the United States of America''<ref>National Atlas of the United States of America -- Federal Lands and Indian Reservations [http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/in.pdf Available online.]</ref>, the ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''<ref>Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.(Family History Library book {{FHL|433280|title-id|disp=973 E5}})</ref>, and other sources. There are current federally-recognized reservations in Indiana.
 
*Godfrey Reservation
*Meshingomesia Reservation
*Osandiah Reservation
*Ozahshinquah Reservation
*Tahkonong Reservation
*Wapapincha Reservation
*Wife of Benjamin Reservation
 
== Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs  ==


[[Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs|Agencies]] and subagencies were created as administrative offices of the [[Bureau of Indian Affairs|Bureau of Indian Affairs]] and its predecessors. Their purpose was (and is) to manage Indian affairs with the tribes, to enforce policies, and to assist in maintaining the peace. The names and location of these agencies may have changed, but their purpose remained basically the same. Many of the records of genealogical value were created by these offices.  
[[Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs|Agencies]] and subagencies were created as administrative offices of the [[Bureau of Indian Affairs|Bureau of Indian Affairs]] and its predecessors. Their purpose was (and is) to manage Indian affairs with the tribes, to enforce policies, and to assist in maintaining the peace. The names and location of these agencies may have changed, but their purpose remained basically the same. Many of the records of genealogical value were created by these offices.  


The following list of agencies that have operated or now exist in Indiana has been compiled from Hill's ''Office of Indian Affairs...''<ref>Hill, Edward E. ''The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches'', Clearwater Publishing Co., Inc. 1974. (Family History Library {{FHL|247426|title-id|disp=book 970.1 H551o}}.)</ref>, Hill's ''Guide to Records in the National Archives Relating to American Indians''<ref>Hill, Edward E. (comp.). ''Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians''. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, 1981. (FHL {{FHL|207428|title-id|disp=book 970.1 H551g}}.)</ref>, and others.  
The following list of agencies that have operated or now exist in Indiana has been compiled from Hill's ''Office of Indian Affairs...''<ref>Hill, Edward E. ''The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches'', Clearwater Publishing Co., Inc. 1974. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|247426|title-id|disp=book 970.1 H551o}}.)</ref>, Hill's ''Guide to Records in the National Archives Relating to American Indians''<ref>Hill, Edward E. (comp.). ''Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians''. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, 1981. (FS Library {{FSC|207428|title-id|disp=book 970.1 H551g}}.)</ref>, and others.  


*[[Fort Wayne Indian Agency (Indiana)|Fort Wayne Agency]] 1824-30  
*[[Fort Wayne Indian Agency (Indiana)|Fort Wayne Agency]] 1824-30  
Line 85: Line 85:
*[[Miami Indian Subagency (Indiana)|Miami Subagency]] 1824-1853
*[[Miami Indian Subagency (Indiana)|Miami Subagency]] 1824-1853


== Family History Library  ==
=== Records  ===
 
The '''majority of records of individuals were those created by the agencies'''. Some records may be available to tribal members through the tribal headquarters.They were (and are) the local office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and were charged with maintaining records of the activities of those under their responsibility. Among these records are:<br>
 
*[[American Indian Allotment Records|Allotment records]]
*[[American Indian Annuity Rolls|Annuity rolls]]
*[[American Indian Census Rolls|Census records]]
*[[American Indian Correspondence and Reports|Correspondence]]
*[[American Indian Health Records|Health records]]
*[[American Indian Correspondence and Reports|Reports]]
*[[American Indian School Records|School census and records]]
*[[American Indian Vital Records Supplements in Census Rolls|Vital records]]
 
===Allotment Records===
 
The General Allotment Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1887, marking the establishment of the allotment of land to individuals as the official and widespread policy of the federal government toward the Native Americans. Under this policy, land (formerly land held by the tribe or tribal land) was allotted to individuals to be held in trust until they had shown competency to handle their own affairs. The [[Bureau of Indian Affairs|Bureau of Indian Affairs]] was the trustee.
 
Individual Native Americans were given a prescribed amount of land on a reservation based upon what land was available and the number of tribal members living on that reservation. Generally, the amount of land allotted was 160 Acres for each head of family, 80 Acres for each single person over eighteen years of age, 80 Acres for each orphan child under eighteen years of age, and 40 Acres for each single person under eighteen years of age. This was dependent upon there being sufficient land available on the existing reservation. If the total acreage on the reservation was insufficient, the amounts of land were pro-rated accordingly.
 
Not all tribes and reservations were allotted.
 
Allotted Tribes of Indiana
 
* Miami
 
=== FamilySearch Library  ===


In the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog many American Indian records are listed under:  
In the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog many American Indian records are listed under:  


INDIANA - NATIVE RACES  
[https://familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&keyword=Indiana++Native+races&prekeyword=Indiana++Native+races INDIANA - NATIVE RACES]


See also the Family History Library Catalog’s Subject Search under the name of the tribe, for example:  
See also the FamilySearch Catalog’s Subject Search under the name of the tribe, for example:  


DELAWARE INDIANS
DELAWARE


MIAMI INDIANS
MIAMI


SHAWNEE INDIANS
SHAWNEE  


*Lyman Copeland Draper Collection which includes:
*Lyman Copeland Draper Collection which includes:


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Tecumseh Papers 9Shawnee Chief-1768-1823&nbsp;&nbsp; Family History Library film: 889237 &amp; 887238  
Tecumseh Papers Shawnee Chief-1768-1823 FS Library film: 889237and 887238  


*Moravian Church Records
*Moravian Church Records


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1870 and 1880 index to Blacks, Mulatto and Indians  
1870 and 1880 index to Blacks, Mulatto and Indians  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1870 Census 5 films&nbsp; Family History Library 1st &nbsp;film 1509480  
1870 Census 5 films FamilySearch Library 1st film 1509480  


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1880 Census 8 films&nbsp; Family History Library 1st film 1509284  
1880 Census 8 films FamilySearch Library 1st film 1509284  
 
=== Reservations  ===
 
From the mid-1800s, the official policy of the United States government toward the American Indian was to confine each tribe to a specific parcel of land called a reservation. Agencies were established on or near each reservation. A government representative, usually called an agent (or superintendent) was assigned to each agency. Their duties included maintaining the peace, making payments to the Native Americans based on the stipulations of the treaties with each tribe, and providing a means of communication between the native population and the federal government.
 
Sometimes, a single agency had jurisdiction over more than one reservation. And sometimes, if the tribal population and land area required it, an agency may have included sub-agencies.
 
The boundaries of reservations, over time, have changed. Usually, that means the reservations have been reduced in size. Sometimes, especially during the later policy of "termination," the official status of reservations was ended altogether.
 
For a current reservation map, see [https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/12_bia_regions.pdf Map of Indian Lands in the United States], U.S. Department of the Interior.
 
The following list of reservations has been compiled from the ''National Atlas of the United States of America''<ref>[https://www.loc.gov/item/79654043/ National Atlas of the United States, 1970], Federal Lands and Indian Reservations.</ref>, the ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''<ref>Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.(FS Library book {{FSC|433280|title-id|disp=973 E5}})</ref>, and other sources. There are current federally-recognized reservations in Indiana.
 
*Godfrey Reservation
*Meshingomesia Reservation
*Osandiah Reservation
*Ozahshinquah Reservation
*Tahkonong Reservation
*Wapapincha Reservation
*Wife of Benjamin Reservation


== See Also:  ==
=== See Also ===


*[[American Indian Church Records|Indiana Church&nbsp;Records]] for a list of missions  
*[[American Indian Church Records|Indiana Church Records]] for a list of missions  
*[[Indiana History|Indiana History]] for a calendar of events  
*[[Indiana History|Indiana History]] for a calendar of events  
*[[Indiana Military Records|Indiana Military Records]] for a list of forts
*[[Indiana Military Records|Indiana Military Records]] for a list of forts


== References ==
=== References ===


<references />
<references />  


==== Bibliography ====
=== Bibliography ===


*"Accompanying Pamphlet for Microcopy 1011", National Archives Microfilm Publications, Appendix.  
*"Accompanying Pamphlet for Microcopy 1011", National Archives Microfilm Publications, Appendix.  
Line 128: Line 173:
*Hill, Edward E. ''The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches''. New York, New York: Clearwater Publishing Company, Inc., 1974.  
*Hill, Edward E. ''The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches''. New York, New York: Clearwater Publishing Company, Inc., 1974.  
*''Historical Sketches for Jurisdictional and Subject Headings Used for the Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880''. National Archives Microcopy T1105.  
*''Historical Sketches for Jurisdictional and Subject Headings Used for the Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880''. National Archives Microcopy T1105.  
*Hodge, Frederick Webb. ''Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico''. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/handbook_american_indians.htm Available online].  
*Hodge, Frederick Webb. ''Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico''. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. [https://archive.org/details/handbookamindians02hodgrich Available online].  
*Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.  
*Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. ''Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America''. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.  
*National Atlas of the United States of America -- Federal Lands and Indian Reservations [http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/IN.pdf Available online].  
*[https://www.loc.gov/item/79654043/ National Atlas of the United States, 1970], Federal Lands and Indian Reservations.
*''Preliminary Inventory No. 163: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs''. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Services. [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~texlance/records/bia(dc)intro.htm Available online]  
*''Preliminary Inventory No. 163: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs''. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Services. [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~texlance/records/bia(dc)intro.htm Available online]  
*Swanton John R. ''The Indian Tribes of North America''. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm Available online].
*Swanton John R. ''The Indian Tribes of North America''. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/indiana/index.htm Available online].


{{Indiana|Indiana}}  
{{Native American nav}} {{Indiana|Indiana}}  


[[Category:Indiana]] [[Category:Indians_of_the_United_States]]
[[Category:Indigenous Tribes of Indiana]] [[Category:Indigenous Tribes of the United States]]
[[Category:Indiana Cultural Groups]]

Latest revision as of 21:15, 16 April 2024

Indiana Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Indiana Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources



Introduction

To learn how to get started with American Indian research, find research facilities, and American Indian websites click here.

Start your search for records of an indigenous ancestor in other records since Native Americans are often found in the same records as all other Americans. After you finish those records, turn to records specifically about Native Americans. Opportunities for genealogical research for indigenous people are good because more government records have been created for indigenous people than for any other ethnic group. Many Native American records must still be obtained from their original archive or library.

It is important to study the history of the tribe, such as migration patterns, marriage and naming customs, and affiliations with government agencies or churches. Because some tribes moved several times, records about them may be in many locations. If you have evidence of Indian ancestry, there are some unique records you can use. Note, however, that many traditions of Indian ancestry are unfounded. Before you can effectively search American Indian records, you should:

  • Identify a specific ancestor who was Indian and learn where the ancestor lived.
  • Identify his or her tribe.
  • Study the history of the tribe.

Among the major tribes that lived in what is now Indiana were the Delaware, Kickapoo, Miami, Mound Builders, Piankashaw, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Wea. After 1794, treaties were made that opened up large areas of land for settlement. At the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, the Native Americans were defeated, and white settlements then proceeded at an increased rate. By the 1840s, most of the indienous people had moved westward to other lands, either voluntarily or by force.

American Indian Sources

Census indexes are available that list the Native Americans in the 1900 and 1910 censuses. See the "Minorities" section above for these sources.

Other sources are:

  • Beckwith, Hiram Williams. The Illinois and Indiana Indians. New York, New York: Arno Press, 1975. (FS Library book 970.1 B389i; fiche 6087719.) This book gives histories of the various tribes in Indiana.
  • Rafert, Stewart. American-Indian Genealogical Research in the Midwest: Resources and Perspectives. National Genealogical Society Quarterly 76 (September 1988): 212-24. (FS Library book 973 B2ng.) This article mentions useful local, county, and federal records to search for information on Native Americans.

Online Resources

Indian Language and Culture as it relates to Indiana

Records related to Indiana Native Americans at Access Genealogy

Indian-related information at the Indiana Government website

Tribes and Bands of Indiana

The following list of American Indians who have lived in Indiana has been compiled from Hodge's Handbook of American Indians...[1] and from Swanton's The Indian Tribes of North America[2]. Some may simply be variant spellings for the same tribe.

Bands

Wee-sau, Ash-Kum, Mau-ke-Kose, Wee-si-o-nas, Com-o-za of Patiwatan, Motas, Mes-Quaw-uck, Che-case, Aub-ba-mau-bee, Upper Kispoko Band of Shawnee

Potawatomie Bands

Okaw-mause, Kee-waw-nee, Nee-Boast, Ma Che Saw (Mat chis jaw), Naswaw kee (Nees wawgh gee), Quash-quaw, pee pin ah was, Mach kah tah mo may, No tawkah, To I sas, Che quaw ka ko or Che chaw kosa, Ma sac, Memorn i nee, Me mot way or Me shing go me sia, Me to sin ia, Wee san

Map of Creek Land

Map of Creek Indian Township Lawrence County Indiana.png

This is a Map of Creek Indian Township Lawrence County Indiana.

Agencies of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Agencies and subagencies were created as administrative offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and its predecessors. Their purpose was (and is) to manage Indian affairs with the tribes, to enforce policies, and to assist in maintaining the peace. The names and location of these agencies may have changed, but their purpose remained basically the same. Many of the records of genealogical value were created by these offices.

The following list of agencies that have operated or now exist in Indiana has been compiled from Hill's Office of Indian Affairs...[3], Hill's Guide to Records in the National Archives Relating to American Indians[4], and others.

Records

The majority of records of individuals were those created by the agencies. Some records may be available to tribal members through the tribal headquarters.They were (and are) the local office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and were charged with maintaining records of the activities of those under their responsibility. Among these records are:

Allotment Records

The General Allotment Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1887, marking the establishment of the allotment of land to individuals as the official and widespread policy of the federal government toward the Native Americans. Under this policy, land (formerly land held by the tribe or tribal land) was allotted to individuals to be held in trust until they had shown competency to handle their own affairs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs was the trustee.

Individual Native Americans were given a prescribed amount of land on a reservation based upon what land was available and the number of tribal members living on that reservation. Generally, the amount of land allotted was 160 Acres for each head of family, 80 Acres for each single person over eighteen years of age, 80 Acres for each orphan child under eighteen years of age, and 40 Acres for each single person under eighteen years of age. This was dependent upon there being sufficient land available on the existing reservation. If the total acreage on the reservation was insufficient, the amounts of land were pro-rated accordingly.

Not all tribes and reservations were allotted.

Allotted Tribes of Indiana

  • Miami

FamilySearch Library

In the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog many American Indian records are listed under:

INDIANA - NATIVE RACES

See also the FamilySearch Catalog’s Subject Search under the name of the tribe, for example:

DELAWARE

MIAMI

SHAWNEE

  • Lyman Copeland Draper Collection which includes:

Tecumseh Papers Shawnee Chief-1768-1823 FS Library film: 889237and 887238

  • Moravian Church Records

1870 and 1880 index to Blacks, Mulatto and Indians

1870 Census 5 films FamilySearch Library 1st film 1509480

1880 Census 8 films FamilySearch Library 1st film 1509284

Reservations

From the mid-1800s, the official policy of the United States government toward the American Indian was to confine each tribe to a specific parcel of land called a reservation. Agencies were established on or near each reservation. A government representative, usually called an agent (or superintendent) was assigned to each agency. Their duties included maintaining the peace, making payments to the Native Americans based on the stipulations of the treaties with each tribe, and providing a means of communication between the native population and the federal government.

Sometimes, a single agency had jurisdiction over more than one reservation. And sometimes, if the tribal population and land area required it, an agency may have included sub-agencies.

The boundaries of reservations, over time, have changed. Usually, that means the reservations have been reduced in size. Sometimes, especially during the later policy of "termination," the official status of reservations was ended altogether.

For a current reservation map, see Map of Indian Lands in the United States, U.S. Department of the Interior.

The following list of reservations has been compiled from the National Atlas of the United States of America[5], the Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America[6], and other sources. There are current federally-recognized reservations in Indiana.

  • Godfrey Reservation
  • Meshingomesia Reservation
  • Osandiah Reservation
  • Ozahshinquah Reservation
  • Tahkonong Reservation
  • Wapapincha Reservation
  • Wife of Benjamin Reservation

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Hodge, Frederick Webb. Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. Available online.
  2. ↑ Swanton John R. The Indian Tribes of North America. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 Available online.
  3. ↑ Hill, Edward E. The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches, Clearwater Publishing Co., Inc. 1974. (FamilySearch Library book 970.1 H551o.)
  4. ↑ Hill, Edward E. (comp.). Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, 1981. (FS Library book 970.1 H551g.)
  5. ↑ National Atlas of the United States, 1970, Federal Lands and Indian Reservations.
  6. ↑ Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.(FS Library book 973 E5)

Bibliography

  • "Accompanying Pamphlet for Microcopy 1011", National Archives Microfilm Publications, Appendix.
  • American Indians: A Select Catalog of National Archives Microfilm Publications. Washington DC: National Archives Trust Fund Board, National Archives and Records Administration, 1998.
  • Hill, Edward E. (comp.). Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, 1981.
  • Hill, Edward E. The Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880: Historical Sketches. New York, New York: Clearwater Publishing Company, Inc., 1974.
  • Historical Sketches for Jurisdictional and Subject Headings Used for the Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880. National Archives Microcopy T1105.
  • Hodge, Frederick Webb. Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico. Washington D.C.:Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #30 1907. Available online.
  • Isaacs. Katherine M., editor. Omni Gazetteer of the United States of America. U.S. Data Sourcebook, Volume 11 Appendices, Bureau of Indian Affairs List of American Indian Reservations, Appendix E, Indian Reservations. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1991.
  • National Atlas of the United States, 1970, Federal Lands and Indian Reservations.
  • Preliminary Inventory No. 163: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Washington DC: National Archives and Records Services. Available online
  • Swanton John R. The Indian Tribes of North America. Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin #145 Available online.
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