Kaw Genealogy

Monchousia (White Plume), Kanza, Charles Bird King

The Kaw Nation was part of a march larger Native American group, the Dhegiha, prior to the 15th century. It is estimated that in the 1400's they began to split into smaller groups, the Kanza (Kaw), Osage, Omaha, Ponca and Quapaw. Originally residing along the Ohio River back East, the Omaha and Quapaw were the first groups to break away as the people began migrating West. Once reaching the Missouri River, the Ponca went north to the Black Hills leaving the Osage and Kanza to continue on. By the late 1400's, they reached the point where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and split for the last time. The Osage went south with the Kansas remaining in northeastern Kansas.

In the 1500's the Kanza interacted with the Spanish, followed up with the French in the 1600's and 1700's. The French built forts and began building a trading relationship with them, that is until Kansas was lost to Spain. After which the British began to try to force the Spanish out through the use of trade, rather than war. In between all of this back and forth with European nations there was a war with the Osage and a smallpox epidemic that helped to reduce their numbers. Finally, in 1815 the Kanza signed their first treaty with the United States government. More treaties would be signed until 1863, when the last of the Kaw's lands were removed and they were to be relocated to Indian Territory, a process that would be completed in 1872.

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The Kaw todayThe Kaw today

Wahshungah, Kaw Chief.

From the original 249 original enrollees, the Kaw Nation has grown to a population of over 3,700 today. The Kaw are based in Kaw City, Oklahoma, but have land, properties and entities in nearby Newkirk and Braman, Oklahoma, and Allegawaho Park near Council Grove, Kansas.

Mailing Address: 698 Grandview Drive, Kaw City, Oklahoma 74641.

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1902 Kaw Indian Allotment Roll1902 Kaw Indian Allotment Roll

01 July 1902, US Congress passed the Kaw Allotment which officially terminated the Kaw Nation. 240 acres were put into trust; 160 acres were to be used for a school, a cemetery, and an agency headquarters, while 80 acres were to be used for the development of a townsite named Washungah. The rest of the land was allotted to 249 tribal members, including Charles Curtis, whose family received over 1,600 acres. This list of 249 names is what is used to determine enrollment today. Citizens must prove they are direct descendants of an individual or individuals on the 1902 Kaw Indian Allotment Roll.

The 1902 roll has been transcribed and published both in book form and online. It can be viewed by visiting the Kaw Nation's web site. The roll provides the name of the head of household along with all other members of that household. Relationships are included, as are ages and sex. The roll is divided into two columns for name, providing space for the Kaw name and the English name.

Other RollsOther Rolls

Osage AgencyOsage Agency

• 1887 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent, J. C. Keenan and includes the name of everyone in the household, their relationship, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 106).
• 1888 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent, Carroll H. Potter and includes the name of everyone in the household, their relationship, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 118).
• 1890 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent L. J. Miles. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 308).
• 1891 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent L. J. Miles. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 389).
• 1892 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent L. J. Miles. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 465).
• 1893 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent L. J. Miles. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 476).
• 1894 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent Maj. N. B. Truman. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 623).
• 1895 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent Lt. Col. H. B. Freeman. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 688).
• 1896 Census-The census was compiled by Indian agent Lt. Col. H. B. Freeman. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 767).
• 1897 Census- The census includes the name of everyone in the household, their relationship, age, and sex. There is a final column for notes, but notes are not provided for every individual. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 132).
• 1898 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent William Pollock. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 212).
• 1899 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent William Pollock. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 300).
• 1900 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent O. A. Mitscher. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 386).
• 1901 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent O. A. Mitscher. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 439).
• 1902 Census- The census was compiled by Indian agent O. A. Mitscher. It provides the Kaw and/or English name of each individual, their relationship to the head of household, their age and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 524).

Kaw AgencyKaw Agency

• 1905 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Edson Watson. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (The Kaw Census begins on page 246.)
• 1909 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Almond Miller. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 256).
• 1910 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Almond Miller. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 262).
• 1911 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Almond Miller. It contains the allotment number of each individual-Note: Their allotment number changed during this census and the census provides both the old and new numbers. In addition to the numbers, the Kaw and/or English name(s) of each individual are listed along with their relationship to the head of household, age, and sex. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 268).

Ponca AgencyPonca Agency

• 1913 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Almond Miller. In 1913, Almond Miller had taken charge of the Ponca Agency and the Kaw were now under their charge rather than their own agency as they had been in previous years. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and age. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 48).
• 1915 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Charles Norton. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and date of birth. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 142). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1916 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Charles Norton. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and date of birth. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 212). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1917 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Charles Norton. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, and date of birth. Included with this census is the blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 280). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1918 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Charles Norton. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 350). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1919 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Charles Norton. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 420). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.

Pawnee AgencyPawnee Agency

• 1920 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent J.C. Hart. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 4). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column. The first two pages are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to view.
• 1921 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent J.C. Hart. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 140). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column. On page 167 there is a list of Kaw children born in 1920-21; their dates of birth and parent's names are provided.
• 1922 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent J.C. Hart. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 294). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column. On page 320 there is a list of Kaw children born in 1921-22; their dates of birth and parent's names are provided. On page 321 there is a list of Kaw deaths in 1921-2; their dates of death are provided, age, and cause of death.
• 1923 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent J.C. Hart. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 376). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column. On page 404 there is a list of Kaw children born in 1922-23; their dates of birth and parent's names are provided. On page 405 there is a list of Kaw deaths in 1922-3; their dates of death are provided, age, and cause of death.
• 1924 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent H. M. Tidwell. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 458). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Otoe, Cheyenne, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1926 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent H. M. Tidwell. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 651). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Chickasaw, Otoe, Cheyenne, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column.
• 1927 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent H. M. Tidwell. It contains the allotment number (both old and new, as they changed again in this census) of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 745). This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Chickasaw, Otoe, Cheyenne, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the "Indian name" column. Notations next to some names identifying them as the heirs of individuals who had passed away during the census year.
• 1929 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent A. R. Snyder. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their Kaw name and/or English name, relationship to the head of household, sex, date of birth, marital status, and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 172. This census is NOT just Kaw, but includes those living on Kaw lands who were White, Osage, Ponca, Chickasaw, Otoe, Cheyenne, and Pottawatomie. If the individual being enumerated was from another nation, then that was noted in the allotment number column.
• 1931 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent A. R. Snyder. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their name, relationship to the head of household, sex, age, marital status, and tribe and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 5.)
• 1932 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent A. R. Snyder. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their name, relationship to the head of household, sex, age and date of birth, marital status, and tribe and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 6.)
• 1933 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent A. R. Snyder. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their name, relationship to the head of household, sex, age and date of birth, marital status, and tribe and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 6.)
• 1934 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent P. W. Danielson. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their name, relationship to the head of household, sex, age and date of birth, marital status, and tribe and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 5.) A listing of Kaw births between 1933-4 is provided on page 290 that provides date of birth and blood quantum for parents and child, and sex of child. Deaths can be found on page 304.
• 1937 Census- This census was compiled by Indian agent Lem Towers. It contains the allotment number of each individual, their name, relationship to the head of household, sex, age and date of birth, marital status, and tribe and blood quantum of every Indian. This census can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (This census begins on page 6.) A listing of Kaw births between 1936 is provided on page 300 that provides date of birth and blood quantum for parents and child, and sex of child. Deaths can be found on page 310.
• 1938 Census- Supplemental. There are 4 Kaws who are being added to the 1937 Census. Compiled by Lem Towers, Indian agent. This can be viewed for free online at Access Genealogy. (It is on page 322).

Additional recordsAdditional records

• Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center- Listing of Kaws who attended Carlisle Indian School.
• National Archives

• The Ft. Worth Branch has the following records (75.19.78):
  • 1918-1926- Correspondence
  • 1911-1919- Annual Reports
  • 1913-1928- Subject Files
  • 1897-1916- Records of the Administrative Division
  • 1915-1927- Records of the Land Division, including records relating to restricted lands
  • 1910-1923- Heirship proceedings and removal of restrictions
  • 1914-1937- Agricultural lease cards
  • 1918-1935- Gas Lease Cards
  • 1894-1915- Records consisting of letters sent
  • 1908-1916- Individual Indian File

See alsoSee also

• Cherokee genealogy
• Chickasaw genealogy
• Choctaw genealogy
• How to research Native American tribal enrollment records
• Native American ethnicity
• Native American genealogy
• United States

Explore more about Kaw genealogyExplore more about Kaw genealogy

• Allen County Public Library
• Kansas Historical Society
• Kaw Indian Agency Collection- Western History Collections, University of Oklahoma
• Kaw Nation
• Oklahoma Historical Society
• Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico, Part 2 record collection on MyHeritage
• Handbook of American Indians, North of Mexico, Part 2 (1912) record collection on MyHeritage
• Native American Research: Things You May Not Know, webinar by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA on Legacy Family Tree Webinars

References

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