United States, Native American, Census Rolls, 1885-1940 - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What Is in the Collection?
This collection consists of an index and images of census and other records created by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The records are from the National Archives Microfilm Publication M595, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75. Census rolls were usually submitted annually by agents or superintendents in charge of Indian reservations as required by an 1884 act of Congress. In some years, agents only compiled a summary of additions and deductions from the populations. In some years separate lists of births and deaths are included. The collection covers the years 1885 to 1940. Not all years are available for all tribes. Birth and deaths microfilmed as part of this National Archives microfilmed publication have been published on FamilySearch. See United States, Native American Birth and Death Records,1885-1940.


 * War Department. Office of Indian Affairs. Office of the Commissioner, Administrative History Note

Collection Content
The record content varies by year, but the census records generally contain the following:
 * Indian name
 * English name
 * Sex
 * Age
 * Relationship
 * Tribe
 * Reservation.
 * Current year's roll number
 * Previous year's roll number
 * A few of the censuses show the names of persons who were born or died during the year, along with date of birth and death.

Beginning in 1929, the following was added:
 * An annuity or allotment number is included if the tribe receives an annuity or allotment

Beginning in 1930, the following was added:
 * Surname
 * Given name
 * Degree of blood
 * Jurisdiction where enrolled
 * Name of the post office, county, and state
 * May list how many live or still births a woman had

Birth records
 * Census roll number (if born before the census was taken)
 * Full name
 * Birth date
 * If born live
 * Sex
 * Tribe
 * Degree of Indian blood
 * Parents degree of Indian blood
 * If living at jurisdiction where enrolled
 * If living at another jurisdiction and where
 * If living off reservation and where

Death records
 * Census roll year and number
 * Full name
 * Death date
 * Age
 * Sex
 * Tribe
 * Degree of Indian blood
 * Cause of death
 * If living at jurisdiction where enrolled
 * If living at another jurisdiction and where

Coverage Table
A coverage table that describes the content of this collection is available at United States, Native American, Census Rolls, Coverage Table. It includes the film notes (collection content) from the 692 rolls of National Archives Microfilm Publication M595 of the annual agency censuses and supplemental birth and death records.

How Do I Search This Collection?

 * Your ancestor's given name
 * Identifying information such as residence
 * Estimated birth year
 * Family relationships

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.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s record, download a copy or transcribe the information. Carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. This information will often lead you to other records.

I Found Who I was Looking for, What Now?

 * Copy the citation below, in case you need to find this record again later.
 * Use the ages listed to determine approximate birth dates and find the family in additional censuses.
 * Use the information found in the record to find church and vital records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death records.
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate or other agency records.
 * Repeat this process with additional family members found, to find more generations of the family.

I Can’t Find Who I’m Looking for, What Now?

 * Indexes and transcriptions may not include all the data found in the original records. You could get a copy of the original record from the [http:/url/ place found at the end of the first citation]. (If you can’t find the URL, delete this whole bullet point)
 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives.
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county.
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name.
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well.
 * Check the info box above for additional FamilySearch websites and related websites that may assist you in finding similar records.

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
 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.