United States, Native American Birth and Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in the Collection?
The collection contains vital (birth and death) records that were added (starting in 1925) to the census rolls. The census was taken yearly by the field agents for various Native American tribes. The vital records were included in National Archives microfilm publication M595 Indian Census Roll, 1885-1940 and are part of Record Group 75, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

What Can This Collection Tell Me?
These death records may include:
 * The name of the individual
 * Date of Death
 * Age at death
 * Gender
 * Tribe
 * Cause of death

Coverage Table
The coverage table will identify those census roll that contained vital record information that has been indexed in this publication.

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person
 * The state where the individual or family lived

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Check for additional tribal records
 * Learn about tribal customs such as inheritance
 * Contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), or an agency associated with the tribe
 * Contact Tribal archives and libraries

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * The name of your ancestor may have changed from one Indian name to a different Indian name, consider alternative names
 * The name of your ancestor may have changed from an Indian name to a Christian name
 * The name of your ancestor may have been abbreviated

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.
 * Finding Your Indian Ancestor
 * Starting Native American Research
 * American Indians Beginning Your Search
 * Indians of North America - A Beginner's Guide
 * Searching for an American Indian When the Tribe is Unknown
 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Related Collection

 * Native American Census Rolls, 1885-1940.

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.