Freedmen

FULL FINDING AID (PDF)

A letter (1940) written by Paul McKennon recounting his experiences in the Seminole Nation, 1894-1896, with an explanation of how criminals were punished under Seminole law.

Pamphlets (1820-1978) containing information on U.S. government / Indian tribal relations, and U.S. government Indian policy. Materials include memorials from Indian delegations concerning allotment, land transfer, and per capita payments; tribal agreements with the Dawes Commission; annual messages of Indian nations; legal cases argued before the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court; and annual reports of the Board of Indian Commissioners. Other pamphlets concern Oklahoma statehood, mining and oil and gas rights on Indian lands, railroads in Indian Territory; and claims of Old Settler Cherokees.

FULL FINDING AID (PDF)

Five letter books of correspondence from Belt as Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs to various officials concerning the administration of government Indian policy and legal matters of his private law practice.

FULL FINDING AID (PDF)

Typescripts of newspaper articles concerning Mayes' tenure as Chief of the Cherokees and his negotiations with the Dawes Commission, the preparation of the final tribal roll and the allotment of tribal lands.