University of
Oklahoma Libraries
Western
History Collections
Thomas C.
Battey Collection
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Collections Directory
Box
1
Folder:
1. Andres Martinez to Debora C. Battey, March 30, 1897. From Methvin Institute; expresses
appreciation to Battey for Battey's work among the Indians.
2. Battey, Debora C., Some
Account of the Last Illness of Thomas Battey, Columbia, Ohio: Wilson Edgerton, 1897. 12 pages.
3. "The Story of White Wolf, A Comanche Chief," tells
of White Wolf’s conversion to Christianity.
4 pages.
4. Miscellaneous copies of The
Day-Star, edited by A.F. Foster, Mr. Vernon, Iowa.
(a)
Vol. II August 1887. Topics discussed:
1.
To
Those Receiving Papers
2.
An
Open Letter to President Cleveland
3.
Dear
Brother…
4.
Extracts
from Essay by Harris Knight
5.
A
Superstition
6.
Have
Patience
7.
Christians
Pray More
8.
A
Letter from Jamaica
9.
Indian
Ideas of Property
10.
Our
Trip South
11.
Good
Things; from Bro. Howard's Diary
12.
Gathered
Thoughts
13.
Children's
Page: "Killing Tom" by Sara R. May
14.
Other
random "filler" material and notices
(b) Pages
3-6, no Vol., no date (circa 1888):
1.
Educating
the Indian
2.
Why
Didn't You Strike Back?
3.
"The
Mistake of Today," by Rev. B.B. Howards
4.
Waste
of Brave Lives
5.
Experience
(c) Vol. 12, January 1888:
1.
To
Those Receiving Papers
2.
The
Day-Star's Mission (poem)
3.
From
the Altar to the Ranks
4.
A
True Peace Man
5.
Children's
Page
6.
"Experience
in Faith work," by A.F. & D.R. Foster
7.
Jesse
Lee; A Methodist Minister and Peaceman
8.
An
Even Balance
9.
Neighborhood
Talks
10.
Mystic
Grove Meetings
11.
"The
Quaker & Indians" by T.C. Battey
12.
The
Bible and War
(d) No. 58,
1890 (4 pages):
1.
An
Interesting Experience
2.
The
Story of White Wolf, A Comanche Chief
(e) No. 59,
1890; remainder partially bound:
1.
"A
Hundred Years to Come," by Ruth S. Clendenon (poem).
2.
The
Colored Orator Speaks.
3.
Historical
Sketches Ch. III, "Thomissy and the Kiowas".
4.
Selected
Extracts from: Advocate of Peace, Woman and Peace.
5.
Children's
Page; How Neighbors Fought; Two Foxes
(f) No. 60,
1890:
1.
We
Are Encouraged
2.
Burning
Words
3.
Historical
Sketches, Ch. IV, "The Peace Commissions and the Modes".
4.
Children
and Peace
(g) No. 61,
1890:
1.
Echoes
of Peace, London Congress, July 14-19, 1850.
2.
A
Fighter Converted
3.
What
Do You Say? (poem)
4.
What
Friends Believe
5.
Historical
Sketches, CH. V, "The Unwelcome Message".
6.
"What
Polly said," by Margaret Sidney
7.
A
Remarkable Shepherd Dog
8.
Conversion
of a Drunkard
9.
A
Doctor's Testimony
10.
A
Doctor's Experience
11.
What
Tobacco Did for One Young Man
(h) No. 62,
1890:
1.
For
Young People
2.
Grand
Cove Meeting, Mystic Conn, August 27-29, 1890.
3.
Our
Word to You
4.
Reform
of All Reforms
5.
Historical
sketches, Ch. VI, "The Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot
save."
6.
From
Black Beauty, The Uncle Tom's Cabin of the Horse.
7.
General
Defeated
(i) No. 63,
1890:
1.
The
Troubled Student (poem)
2.
Conscientious
Men
3.
For
Young People
4.
Historical
Sketches, Ch. VII, "Complications Council and Release”
5.
Answer
to Prayer
6.
Bismarck's
Testimony
7.
Temperance
Items
(j) No. 64,
1890:
1.
The
Lesson (poem)
2.
Views
of War
3.
Editor's
Thoughts, for the Closing Days of 1890
4.
A
Dangerous Smoke (Tobacco)
5.
Peace
Doctrine Practical
6.
Historical
Sketches, Ch. VIII
7.
A
French Writer Says
(k) No. 65,
1891:
1.
Be
Still in God (poem)
2.
Workers
and their Work
3.
Our
Accounts for the Year 1890.
4.
Children's
Page: To Sad a Little Girl (poem) Olga's Dream.
5.
Historical
Sketches, Ch. 9, Miscellaneous copies of The
Day-Star Continued K…Conspiracy against Kicking Bird. One page from The Day-Star, no date.
5. Battey, Thomas C.- “Thomisy & the Indians with an Introductory
Chapter Containing Some Unpublished History of the Treatment of Indians by our
Government,” 16 ˝ pages written in longhand on ledger book pages.
Introductory Chapter:
Treaties with Indians; treaty defined; obligations of treaty signers; treaty with Cherokees in 1828; Treaty with Creeks and Seminoles in 1856; whites not Indians first to break treaties; government yields to pressure of whites to remove Indians; Poncas moved in 1876; 1878 Northern Cheyennes moved; Northern Cheyennes escape from reservation-captured; annexation of Texas infringes upon Indian Territory; Indian (Comanches) resist-put down by troops; Delawares moved four times in century; hardship of Delawares; failure of government to make full appropriation payment; causes of Ute Indian war; failure of government to provide adequate education; Indian Wars result of government breaking treaties; discovery of gold in Colorado upsets Indians; Cheyenne Sand Creek massacre by Col. Covington; (pages 12 & 13 have been partially pasted over with additional material) General Custer massacre of Cheyenne at Ft. Cobb in 1868; conflict between Bannock Indians and U.S. troops in Wyoming; testimony of Army generals that Indians were not first to break treaties; Society of Friends meet with president elect U.S. Grant, request appointments as Indian agents; Orthodox Friends assigned as agents to the Kansas and Indian Territory area; Friends’ executive committee made recommendations of agents, teachers, to president; Orthodox Friends served as agents for the Southern Cheyenne, Arapahos, Kiowas, Comanches, Apaches and affiliated bands of Caddos, Wichitas, Keechis, etc.; Thomisy was recommended by Executive Committee to serve as teacher and was appointed by president to work with Kiowas-Comanches; book to be written as historical fiction.
6. Additional statements (4 pages written in longhand) concerning Indian agent J.M. Haworth (of Kiowa-Comanche) and his high regard for Thomas C. Battey and his service as teacher among the Kiowa and Comanche Indians. Includes extracts from selected monographs and commission reports.
7. Article- "The Musquakie Indians". Written in longhand, and is a commentary on
an article by name that appeared in Nos. 30 and 31 of Friend (magazine). 12
pages. re: Writer says article has errors.
Writer takes exception to statement in the article that Masquakie
Indians are in worse moral condition than they ever were twenty years ago. Author points to advancements made by said
Indians and blames white man for introducing "vices that hurt Indians,
retarding their civilization". Author takes further exception to statement
in article that "Sac and Fox Indians united as kinsmen." Author then explains relationship between
Sac, Fox and Musquakie tribes. Author
also explains why government treaties were made with Sac and Fox tribes as
confederated nations, further explains provisions of treaty. Another error in the article, the author
believes, in the statement-"they are unwilling to learn any trade or use
modern machinery in farming".
Author points to agent reports and reports of Committee of Ohio
verifying Indians’ use of machinery.
Author also makes defense of Indians’ educational abilities.
8. Article, "Goats Wiser Than Men", written in
longhand, 8 pages. Treaties on
"Gods wisdom is greater than Man's Wisdom," denounced war and
militarism- advocates meekness, humility and self-denial.
9. "Circumstances & Considerations from Various
Sources In Regard to Peace and War."
Written in longhand. Contains:
instances of providential deliverance in the life of Alexander Petion;
"The Friend's Corn Crib", "Cause and Cost of War";
"John Newton on War"; "Opinions of Distinguished Man on
War"; "Chinese Christians in New York"; "Military Heroes,
Moral Cowards"; "A Short Sermon on a Long Text".
10. Treaties (printed copy)
a.
Treaty
between the United States of America and the Confederated Tribes of Sac and Fox
Indians; concluded September 21, 1832.
Ratified February 13, 1833.
During the Andrew Jackson administration.
b.
Treaty
between the United States of America and the Sac and Fox tribes of Indians,
August 4, 1824. During the James Monroe
administration.
c.
Treaty
between the United States and the Tribe of Sac and Fox Indians of the
Mississippi. Concluded February 18,
1867. As ratified by the president,
October 14, 1868.
11.
Supply report of the Kiowa and
Comanche Agency for the week ending March 31, 1877. J.M. Haworth, agent.
Manuscript
Correspondence of Thomas C. Battey
(a) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, November 1, 1873. Written from Kiowa Agency, Ft. Sill, Indian Territory. Contains: Had mild illness; doing office work for "Howard" complains of poor teachers at the reservation school. Shearon girls employed at the school; Recovery of stolen horses; Comanches and Cheyennes raiding reports of some Kiowas with them; Kicking Bird good influence to tribe; feels touch of homesickness; good pecan crop; comment on weather; agent ordered ambulance for Battey's use.
(b) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, November 21, 1873. Written from Kiowa Agency, Ft. Sill, Indian Territory. Contains: Mortgage to B.A. Hall; visited Indian camp; illness continues, ask to be relieved of position because of illness; tells of visit to the camp; much livestock stolen from Kiowas; men from Texas disguised as Indians raid reservation.
(c) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, January 30, 1874. Written from Kiowa Agency, Ft. Sill, Indian Territory. Contents: Land tax problems; plan return trip to camp; Caddo school closes; Kiowas raid in Mexico; panthers killed; sends part of pay check home; work hinders personal correspondence; work is demanding; strong influence with Indians.
(d) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, February 18,
1874. Written from Anadarko, Wichita
Agency. Contents: Health improves;
opposes turning Kiowas and Comanches over to military authority; presence of
soldiers disturbs Indians from acting “civilized”; day of reckoning coming for
treatment of Indians; comments on Wichita agency, good school; directs comments
to children.
(e) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, March 25, 1874. Written from Kiowa Agency, Ft. Sill, Indian
Territory. Contains: Illness shortens trip; Indian wars do not affect Kiowas;
plan to research problem of Indian-White relations; discover Sulphur Spring; letters
home have been opened; Indians gather in large bands; mentions old Indian
Pajah.
(f) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, March 18, 1877. Written from Kiowa and Comanche Agency,
Indian Territory. Contains: Comments on weather; goes to White Wolf Comanche
camp; talks of great spirit; change in nature of the Indians; comments on
school; delay in getting farm implements for Indians; office work keeps him
busy.
(a) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, March 17, 1874. Written from Kiowa Agency, Ft. Sill, Indian
Territory. Contains: Health improved; plans to visit Kiowa camp; intends to pay
Meads and Marshall notes; Comanches raiding.
(b) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, March 1, 1874. Written from Wichita Agency. Contains:
Anticipating large gathering for Indian council; doctor gives him medicine,
suggest a change in diet; mention several individuals working with the Indian
tribes; needs clothing; witnesses marriage; Indians farming; agent out of
supplies - fears Indians will leave reservation.
(c) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, April 8, 1874. Contains:
Returns from Indian Council; Kiowas did not attend council; plans trip
to Caddo; plans to pay Pect's note; still has stomach sickness; civil advances
of Caddos & Wichitas; Caddo women equality; school at Kiowa Agency doing
poorly.
(d) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, April 17, 1874. Written from Kiowa and Comanche Agency.
Contains: Tells of trip to Caddo; A.J.
standing with Apaches; health continues uncertain; words of admonition to
family.
(e) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, April 22, 1874. Contains:
Gets leave of absence; plans to gather information among Indian tribes
to use after leaving work; tells of George Dickenson's work with Indians; no
agent with Kiowas presently; newspaper reports Lone Wolf on war path, false;
Lone Wolf mourns death of son.
(f) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, April 25, 1874. Contains:
Comments on religious meeting- cautious against too much emotion;
Comments on favorable weather; health unimproved.
(g) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, May 7, 1874.
Contains: Anticipates coming home in
July; tells of visit to Indian camp, White Wolf, Kicking Bird, Comanches raid
Kicking Bird camp steal bows; Battey goes with search party; describes Wichita
Mountains; Cheyennes and Comanches on war path, Kiowas refuse to follow;
rations low - fear Indians will leave reservation; health improved; fears
traveling alone due to Comanches.
(h) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, May 11, 1874.
Contains: Kiowas and Apaches refuse to
join Cheyennes and Comanches on war path; Comanches raid camp; Kiowas blamed
for raids done by Cheyennes & Comanches; Cheyenne and Comanches lead soldiers
to Kiowa camp- Kiowas take them prisoners.
(i) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, May 20, 1874.
Contains: Several bands of Kiowas move
near agency to avoid Cheyenne and Comanche medicine man; Kiowas adjust to
reservation life- but plan raid in Mexico; Kiowas change from savage to follow
peace; restlessness of Indian forces postponement of leave of absence.
(j) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, May 25, 1874 (?).
Contains: Health improved; dispute
between Kicking Bird and Running Wolf- upset camp. Indians (Comanches) attempt to capture Shearon sisters.
(k) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, June 1, 1874.
Contains: Scarcity of supplies and
rations; Mexicans import whiskey to Comanches and Cheyennes; Indians kill son
of Dr. Holloway; longs for home; received kindness from Kiowas; Indians like to
exchange gifts.
(l) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, June 7, 1874.
Contains: Comments on health; plans to
talk with Kicking Bird; Big Bow asks Comanches and Cheyennes to be at peace
with white man; received letter from Shearon sisters; Kicking Bird fears for
Battey’s safety at Medicine Dance Camp.
(m) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, June 15, 1874.
Contains: Anticipated returning home;
Kicking Bird fears trouble at Medicine Dance Camp is visited by J. Richards and
J.D. Hoag; warned of raid on agency by Comanches and Cheyennes; friendly
Indians warn whites to take safety precautions; plan to begin trip home next
month.
(n) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, June 22, 1874.
Contains: Some Indians still pose
danger; Kiowas began Medicine Dance. Comanches raid Kansas border; Wichita
Agency under threat of attack; white desperados increase their activity; began
final preparation for trip home.
(o) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, June 30, 1874.
Contains: Health unimproved; plans to
take trip to Wichita; will take train to Wichita; will stop at Wichita and
Lawrence, Kansas; Cheyenne and Comanches raiding Kansas border; young Kiowas
threaten to join Comanches after Medicine Dance; Kiowas peaceful since Battey
came to work with them; Kiowas hold two white children captive; Battey
disappointed at lack of schooling and civilizing influence among Indians.
(p) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, July 5, 1874. Written from Wichita Agency, Anadarko.
Contains: Trip home delayed; Indian
trouble prevent stage, trains, from running; trip may be rerouted to Caddo;
Cheyenne and Comanches divided- Cheyennes north to Kansas, Comanches south to
Texas. Kiowa Medicine Dance over; new (mail)
contractors do not carry passengers.
Wichita agent has unwelcome guest, Isaink Worth.
(q) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, July 8, 1874. Anadarko. Contains: Indians wreck and burn train on route to Wichita;
soldiers come to protect Cheyenne Agency; health some improved; Kiowa Medicine
Dance over; Kiowa peaceful except for small band under Lone Wolf; friendly
Indians suffer for acts of raiding; takes route to Caddo.
(r) Thomas C. Battey to wife and children, July 16, 1874. Wichita Agency. Contains: Trip to Caddo delayed; health poor; Indians
attack party of whites; expecting train from Caddo; Indians spy on agency; (top
part of letter torn off) speaks to Caddo Indians.
(s) Hattie and Enna Shearon to Lucinda Battey, June 14, 1874,
Wichita, Kansas. Contains: Expressing
gratitude for Battey's help to them while working with the Indians.
Battey,
Thomas C. The Life and Adventures of a Quaker Among the Indians, Boston: Lee
and Shepard, 1876. Has numerous
revisions and additions written in longhand and posted between appropriate
pages. Also has a number of pictures,
hand sketched in pencil, of various Indian villages, the agency, etc.
Mason,
Otis T. Papers Relating to Anthropology. The
Ray Collection From Hupa Reservation, pages 205-238 with twenty-six plates
of Indian artifacts following the printed text.
Ledgers
of Thomas C. Battey, (Vol. 2 & 3), Vol. 2 from September 1, 1872 to June
19, 1873. Vol. 3 from June 22, 1873 to
July 27, 1874. End of Vol. 2 has
English-Comanche and English-Kiowa vocabulary list. Pages from October 4, 1872 to November 23, 1872 have been pasted
over with eye examination reports.
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