Potawatomi people came to Kansas in 1838 in a forced removal from Indiana known as the Trail of Death.  They settled on the Potawatomi Creek near present day Osawatomi, Kansas.  A year later this group moved about fifteen miles south to Sugar Creek, a short distance east of present Centerville in Linn County, Kansas.  Here “Saint Mary’s Mission” (also known as Sugar Creek Missions Sugar Creek Missions ) was established.  The Potawatomi of Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois emigrated in successive bands or detachments and by 1840 the Potawatomi of the Osage River district numbered 2,153.  Up to that date, five distinct parties had settled in what is now southeastern Kansas.  They were divided into three bands.  The St. Joseph Band was located in part on Pottawatomie Creek, one of the main tributaries of the Marais des Cygnes.  The Potawatomi of the Wabash resided about fifteen miles south of the former between the north and south forks of Big Sugar Creek.  The Potawatomi of the Prairie were dispersed among their kinsmen at both creeks, while some of them were living with their friends, the Kickapoo, in the Ft Leavenworth agency.

In 1848 the Government moved the Potawatomi to a new location on the Kaw River on a 30-square mile reservation and Saint Mary’s mission was established.  They were joined by other Potawatomi Bands from the Council Bluffs, Iowa, area.

How and Where to Start your Native American Genealogy Research

There are many sources that will help you get started on your Genealogy Research:  Your local Historical Society or Genealogy Society is always helpful:  However, as a Native American genealogy researcher, I will list sources I have found the most helpful to begin your search.

1)  Tribal Allotment, Census and Annuity Rolls

2)  Tribal Probate Records (Horton BIA Agency, Horton, KS.
      (Call ahead as a courtesy to ensure staff person is available)

3)  County Court House Offices (Register of Deeds, Wills, Probates, Births, Deaths, Marriages).

4)  Church Records (Baptism, Marriage and Death/Cemetery)
    -- Holy Cross (Emmett, Ks) Baptisms - Marriages by Bride - Marriages by Groom & Cemetery.htm  Lists
    --  Shipshee Cemetery list
    -- Other Reservation Cemeteries are in construction and will be listed as soon as possible.
 This will be the most up-to-date record.  Please keep checking. 
     --Holton Book-Beckman Library has Allen Gardiner’s two Jackson County
Cemeteries Books (For reference and for sale).  These books include cemeteries on the reservation.


5)  Kansas Center for Historical Research, 6425 SW Sixth St, Topeka, Ks.

6)  Topeka Kansas State Family History Center (Mormom Church), 2401 SW Kings Row Rd, Topeka, KS           66614

7)  Topeka Library has free computer access to Federal Census Records.  The 1910 census has a Special             Indian Schedule that is extremely helpful.  The 1870 census for your ancestor’s state and county should
      be reviewed also.  Start with these records first.

8)  National Archives & Records Administration (NARA), Central Plains Regions, 2312 E. Bannister Rd,              Kansas City, MO (816) 926-6272.  Their new web site is: Access to Archival Databases
    http://www.archives.gov/aad/   (This will give you access to archival data bases). 

 If you have further questions or would like to talk about your search, please contact me.

Types of Information Available

(1) Shipshee and other Indian Cemetery Listings

(2) Holy Cross/St. Marys Catholic Church Baptism/Burial Listings

(3)  Other Jackson County Cemetery Listings

(4)  PBP Allotment Listing

Family relationships can endure beyond the grave-forever.  But to us eternity extends not only forward, but also back into infinity.
This belief makes us care deeply about ancestors who lived centuries ago.

We must seek out these ancestors in genealogical records, verify their names and if possible their dates, and establish their lines of kinship.

It’s hard to see the future with tears in your eyes. To create positive change you must work through anger and sadness so that you can clearly see your path. The power of positive thinking, a positive person sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Send e-mail to: WebMaster

Date of last update 5/17/2007 We live in the LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." UNITED WE STAND   The Pledge of Allegiance