Individual Indian Files
About Individual Indian Files
The “Individual Indian Files” series varies in content from agency to agency, but typically pertains to grazing or mineral leases.
Beginning in the mid to late 1880s, leasing of allotments began in the effort to generate income for certain tribal members while the individual was still receiving instruction in farming activities. Most of the lease records in this series begin around 1900, and some continue to 1933.
Researchers should note that these files pertain only to the agencies listed below. The Five Tribes and the Chilocco Indian School do not have Individual Indian Files.
Not all tribal members will have a file. It is likely that only those who were “restricted,” meaning those with one-half degree or more, will have records in these files.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Agency
- Darlington – 3 boxes, 1,500 pages
- Cantonment Sub-agency – 20 boxes, 10,000 pages
Sac and Fox and Shawnee Agency
- Absentee Shawnee – 8 boxes, 4,000 pages
- Citizen Potawatomi – 14 boxes, 7,000 pages
- Iowa – 3 boxes, 1,500 pages
- Mexican Kickapoo – 18 boxes, 9,000 pages
Kiowa Agency
- Apache – 3 boxes, 1,500 pages
- Comanche – 1 box, 500 pages
- Kiowa – 19 boxes, 9,500 pages
Pawnee Agency
- Pawnee – 83 boxes, 41,500 pages
- Kaw – 7 boxes, 3,500 pages
Order Copies
The Research Center offers Individual Indian file research requests for a flat fee of $15. Be certain to include the information listed in the index, including the individual’s full name, agency/tribe, box, and folder number. To order by mail use the printable order form (PDF) or call 405-522-5225 to order by phone. Please have your credit card ready.
Access These Records
Visit the Research Center to view these materials, or order copies of the files for a fee.
