Does anyone know which American Indian tribes were in Sullivan, Indiana in the 1850s? Where do I find details?

Question

My great great grandfather may have been an American Indian. He was born in either 1855 or 1858 (couldn't read the handwriting on the Census record). I know Steve Clark was born in Sullivan, but I don't know his parents names. Can you help me?

I found the Clarks in Green a long time ago, I can't verify that it is the right family. I've also checked out Sullivan County's history. Without know which tribe, I can't determine whether or not I'm on the right track. I really appreciate all the help I've been getting. Does anyone have any other ideas? Perhaps somone who lives, or has lived in the area of Sullivan, Indiana might have some insight?

Answer 1

You might want to look here, at one of these two sites: Ancestry - General statement on tracing your American Indian ancestry for purposes of enrolling in a federally recognized American Indian tribe.

Genealogical Research - Provides general information as to where individuals can look in order to find the appropriate information they need to support their effort.

Although there are no reservations currently in Indiania, there were related tribes: The Illini tribe, The Miami tribe (including the Wea), and the Shawnee tribe, for more information on those related tribes, click on their websites... They might be able to offer more assistance to you.

Answer 2

I have no idea if these people have native heritage, but here's the only ste* clark found 1860 census born late 1850s IN:

1860 Smith, Greene, Indiana;
Roll: M653_262; Page: 548; Image: 123
Worthington PO, 28 July
CLARK Stephen 47 farmer OH
Rebecca 43 KY
Sarah E 22, Nancy 21, Nathan 19, Pheba 17, Rebecca A 12, Julia 9, Caroline 5, Martha 4, Stephen 1, IN

There are Clarks in Sullivan County 1860 but no Steve. The elder Stephen above was in the same place 1850. Stephen Jr is easily identified at familysearch.org.

The way I work is to not go looking for what I think I might know but look for what there is to find - then check that out. I have a niece who needed help getting started with genealogy. She was insistent that 'x' g'grandmother was the usual 'indian princess'. She wasn't. I did find her 2 other g'grandmothers who WERE native american! So part of what had been handed down to her was more true than she knew, but not quite as she knew it.

Answer 3

Hey Lyn,

If your Great Grandfather was American Indian, then you should be able to find him in the Dawes Roll, assuming he registered. You need to establish your family tree branch to that Gr.Grandfather using vital records. That should not be too difficult (Birth, Death, Marriage, Wills, Probate, etc.). The link to MyINDIANAgenealogy.com below will tell you how to get the records, what they have.

The Wea Indian Tribe have several sites, here is a write up from one (partial)
"Hochi (hochay), the Wea Indian Tribe of Indiana would like to thank you for visiting. We are a Native American Indian tribal organization and are recognized as such in the state of Indiana. Our tribal office is located in Clinton Indiana. Our Council and tribal members consist of a majority of proven Indian lineage. We are also registered with the State and Federal Government as a nonprofit which enables us to operate legally within the State and throughout the United States to pursue our objectives through entitlement's, grants etc. The Tribal Council has worked for the past several years and are still working vigorously today with State and local governments and other Native and Tribal organizations to advance all Native American Indian endeavors in our modern world today. We as Wea Native American Indian descendants are also pursuing the rights that were and still remains our Ancestors Legacy to their future generations."

That is the last site that I gave you below. These should help you establish your connection.

Answer 4

http://www.cyndislist.com/native.htm
Here are a "few" resources for Native Amer research.
Seems like he should be with parents in 1860 or 1870 census.

Answer 5

Casino!

Answer 6

maybe this link can help you