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C. Johnson Harris
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Box H-55
Folder:
1. Indian Chieftain -- March 17, 1892: "Editorial on C.J. Harris" re: criticism of the
editorial opinion of the Muskogee Phoenix that the dispute between the
Cherokees and the Cherokee claimants over the Cherokee strip be settled by
compromise. The editorial maintains
that Boudinot and Sayre, appearing before a committee in Washington, DC,
opposed any compromise.
2. Cherokee Advocate -- August 24, 1892: "Letter of C.J. Harris to the President" re:
land west of 96* and the 26th article of the Treaty of 1866, and
violations of that treaty with action against intruders.
3. Cherokee Advocate -- September 14, 1892: "Letter of C.J. Harris to the Hon. John Brown",
Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation.
Harris asks for action from other nations in support of the Cherokee
Nation. Harris believes that some of
the delegates in Congress are "hostile."
4. Cherokee Advocate -- September 14, 1892: "Letter of C.J. Harris to the President", transmitting
an act of the National Council regulating the practice of medicine and surgery
in the Nation.
5. Cherokee Advocate -- September 21, 1892: "Editorial on Letter of C.J. Harris" re: concern over the attitude of the delegation,
state issues, non-citizens and intruders.
6. Indian Chieftain -- September 22, 1892: "Protest of C.J. Harris" pertaining to the
"Democratic Territorial Convention Call", warning Cherokee citizens
not to participate in such a convention.
"The Chief’s Warning" contains the editor's comments on
Harris' articles.
7. Purcell Register -- September 23, 1892: "Letter of R.L. Owens to C.J. Harris" re: the above.
8. Purcell Register -- September 30, 1892: "Editorial on C.J. Harris about Quack Doctors"
supporting the chief's efforts in securing the removal of "quack"
doctors from the Cherokee Nation.
9. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council about Patsy Rollins, who had complained that she had been left off the
rolls at the last per capita payment, asking the National Council to inquire
into this case, and that of Susan Schultz, November 22, 1892. Enclosed with the Chief's letter is Patsy
Rollins' letter to the Chief with her complaint, and a list of persons
testifying that Patsy Rollins is a Cherokee citizen by blood, November 15,
1892.
10. Letter from C.J. Harris to the National
Council, asking for the appropriate action of funds to the Executive Department
to buy stationery for use in the various district offices, the National
Council, and the Executive Department (November 25, 1892).
11. Brother in Red -- December 1,
1892: "Message of C.J.
Harris", discussing the jury law, land question (anti-allotment ground
taken), tax system, town lot monopoly, intruders, schools, public debt and
executive expenditures.
12. Cherokee Telephone -- December 8,
1892: "New Laws, Passed the Present
Session of the National Council" by C.J. Harris, including: an act fixing
the compensation of officers and for other purposes; an act authorizing the
compilation of the laws of the Cherokee Nation; a new jury law; an act to amend
an act the National Council approved, in relation to lawful fences; an act
authorizing the Treasurer to furnish clerks of the several districts with
blanks for issuing permits and for other purposes.
13. Letter of C.J. Harris to the Senate,
appointing and nomination of W.W. Hastings and Martin V. Benge to represent the
Cherokee Nation before the departments of the general government at Washington
DC. This letter asks for the Senate's
confirmation, December 21,1892.
14. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council re: cooks, matrons and a hired
man be employed at the Cherokee Male and Female Seminaries and that they be
paid out of the appropriated monies for current expenses for the next year,
December 21, 1892.
15. Cherokee Telephone -- January 12,
1893: an act providing for a revenue to
be derived from a tax on foreign cattle being brought into the Cherokee Nation.
16. Letter from C.J. Harris to the National
Council re: Martha Stewart's
application for citizenship, February 1, 1893.
17. Cherokee Telephone -- February 2,
1893: "Proclamation Signed by C.J.
Harris" calling for an extra special session of the National Council.
18. Cherokee Nation -- April 18,
1893: "Message of C.J.
Harris" to the National Council calling for an International Council of
the Five Civilized Tribes to draw up a united effort to prevent land allotment
by the United States government.
Formation of a new state to be discussed.
19. Cherokee Telephone -- May 25,
1893: "Letter of C.J. Harris to
R.W. Walker" informing Walker that he was appointed Attorney General
during the absence of W.W. Hastings, who had been sent as a delegate to
Washington. Walker is notified that
Hastings has returned from Washington in this letter.
20. Duncan Banner (two articles) and Cherokee
Advocate -- June 17, 1893: From the
Duncan Banner, an editorial on C.J. Harris in which Harris explains
failure to get money for a bond issue. Politics
are involved. Dick Wolfe wants to be
chief. Another editorial stating that
the merchants are the losers if the bond issue fails. It would probably be paid in small installments annually if
won. The Cherokee Commission is trying
to buy the Ponca land in the Strip. From
the Cherokee Advocate, a report from the Late Delegation to Washington,
DC to negotiate a loan on the Strip debt.
21. Purcell Register -- June 23,
1893: "Editorials on C.J.
Harris" re: concern over the sale
of the bonds of the Strip Land and the effect it is having on the
merchants. Harris is quiet on the
subject.
22. Cherokee Advocate -- September 9,
1893: "Message of C.J. Harris to
the People", explaining that a special session to discuss the failure to
sell bonds would not accomplish anything.
"An Act Signed by C.J. Harris" re: erections of structures built on public domain prohibited as all
lands and such improvements are to be disposed of by the National Council.
23. Indian Chieftain -- September 14,
1893: "Ultimatum of C.J. Harris to
the People" re: the petition for a
special session which the Chief thinks will accomplish nothing.
24. Cherokee Advocate -- November 11,
1893: "Message of C.J.
Harris" to the National Council, reporting on the finances of the
government, education, the asylum and prisons, the judiciary, public domain,
counterfeiting, allotment of lands and the census.
25. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council. Report of the Commission on
the sale of the land in the Strip or west of the 96* Meridian, ceded by the
Cherokee Nation to the United States for the benefit of the Delawares, Shawnees
and Negro citizens (November 24, 1893).
26. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council, wanting a competent person to accompany the Board of Appraisers in
their valuation of intruder improvements in the several districts (November 24,
1893).
27. Chickasha Express -- November 24,
1893: "Editorial on Message by
C.J. Harris", referring to the questions of statehood. Also brings up land allotment.
28. Cherokee Advocate -- November 25,
1893: "Thanksgiving Proclamation
of C.J. Harris" and a reward notice for the arrest of Walker Bark in the
murder of Johnson Reese.
29. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council concerning appropriations which need to be made before the adjournment
of the extra session--schools, national prison, the insane asylum and the
Executive Department (December 11, 1893).
A similar letter of December 7, 1893 asks for appropriations to buy
stationery for the various offices and for a contingent fund for the Executive
Department.
30. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council, explaining that the law makes no provision to furnish the National
Council or the officers of the Nation a book of the laws gratuitously, December
8, 1893.
31. Cherokee Telephone -- December 14,
1893: "Editorial on C.J.
Harris" re: charges of misdemeanor
and malfeasance in office against Harris.
The lower house sustained impeachment charges against Harris by a vote
of 22 to 10--over 2/3 votes.
32. An act making an appropriation for the
Executive Department Bond printing and for the men in office, December 15,
1893.
33. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council re: two accounts for the Insane
Asylum which should be considered, December 16, 1893. Also, the account of Turner and Boseman and the sum due them on
the insurance on the Insane Asylum, December 15, 1893.
34. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council re: the claim of Joe Heinrich
against the Insane Asylum. Claim
paid. A letter to Joe Heinrich re: his claim to be repaid for buying groceries. Also, a letter of C.J. Harris to R.M. Wolfe,
President of the Senate, asking to be furnished with copies of the impeachment
charges against him (Harris) (all letters of C.J. Harris dated December 19,
1893).
35. Cherokee Telephone -- December 21,
1893: "Proceedings of the
Impeachment Trial of Chief C.J. Harris".
Also, from The Muskogee Phoenix (same date), "Editorial on
the Impeachment of C.J. Harris".
36. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council, submitting a telegram from J. Edward Simmons, President of the Fourth
National Bank in New York. Another
letter transmits the request of Bennie Adair for a warrant on the general fund,
both dated December 30, 1893.
37. Cherokee Advocate -- January 2,
1894: "Memorial of C.J.
Harris". Harris comes out strongly
against statehood for Indian Territory.
38. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council asking for a raise on the salaries of his secretaries because of
warrant discounts, January 10, 1894.
39. Two letters of C.J. Harris to the National
Council. One asks that per-capita money
of 1880, 1883, 1886, or 1890 be reimbursed, and in amounts to cash warrants,
occasion justifies the loan and will save the discount of allowances already
too small. The second letter returns
with approval a bill making an appropriation of $5000 to pay the commission
appointed to appraise Indian improvement and advise that the bill be changed,
both are dated January 10, 1894.
40. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council giving his idea of how the census taking should be executed. The treasurer should be the keeper of his
own vouchers for the payment of money, January 12, 1894.
41. Muskogee Phoenix --January 11,
1894: "Editorial on C.J.
Harris" re: a resolution passed in
the lower house of the council withdrawing the impeachment charges against
Chief Harris. Seems to hinge on the
bonds and the successful sale of them.
42. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council re: the recommendation of
Indian Commissioner Browning and James H. Slade, Chief of the Finance Division,
as agents to be appointed by the National Council to help with paying the money
due the Cherokees, January 12, 1894.
43. Cherokee Advocate -- January 17,
1894: "Reward of C.J. Harris"
for the arrest of Walker Bark and William T. Hewett. Both are charged with murder.
44. Cherokee Advocate -- January 17,
1894: "Act Signed by C.J.
Harris" re: improvements on public
domain to be considered to be the property of the Cherokee Nation. Warns citizens from purchasing improvements.
45. Alliance Courier -- January 25,
1894: "Message of C.J.
Harris". Strongly against
statehood for the Indian Territory.
46. Cherokee Advocate -- January 31, 1894: "Council Bill No. 2 of C.J.
Harris". An amended bill setting
the specific terms for the commencing days of the court sessions in each
district that the judges shall hold.
47. Cherokee Advocate -- January 31,
1894: "Special Election
Proclamation of C.J. Harris" to fill the unexpired term of the deceased
member Tickeater in the National Council.
48. Muskogee Phoenix -- February 1,
1894: "News Item of C.J.
Harris." In lieu of the passage of
a bill for a commission of five representatives of the Cherokees to meet and
negotiate with the Dawes Commission, Harris suggests that the Choctaws,
Chickasaws, Creeks and Seminoles appoint representatives to meet in an
international Council at Checotah for the purpose of laying out some definite
line of action in regard to the Dawes Commission.
49. Purcell Register -- February 2, 1894: "Editorial on C.J. Harris and Cherokee
Delegation" re: the opinions of
the Cherokees and the Choctaws in treaties with the Dawes Commission. Conference held.
50. Alliance Courier -- February 15,
1894: "Editorial on C.J.
Harris" urging the unity of action on the part of the Five Civilized
Tribes in their meeting with the Dawes Commission.
Box H-56
Folder:
1. Indian Journal -- February 22, 1894: "Meeting
of Representatives of Five Civilized Tribes" re: meeting held at Checotah for the purpose of listening to the
Dawes Commission and discussing the allotment question.
2. Muskogee Phoenix -- March 22, 1894: "Editorial on C.J. Harris" re: the burning of the Executive Mansion of the
Cherokee Nation at Talequah. Harris escaped, but his hands were badly burned.
3. Cherokee Advocate -- April 18, 1894: "Special Message of C.J. Harris", informing the
Cherokees that $6,740,000 has been placed on deposit in the U.S. Sub-Treasury for
and subject to the order of the Cherokee Nation. Census verification must come to final termination, as must the
method of payment or distribution of said money. Recommends that Intruders be paid for improvements. Reserve held to take care of the ones left
off the Census rolls. Recommends that
the Delawares, Shawnees and Freedmen withdraw their suits against the Cherokee
Nation.
4. Caddo Banner -- April 20,
1894: "News Item of C.J.
Harris" re: special session to
notify Cherokees that $6,740,000 was deposited in the Sub-Treasury in New York,
subject to the order of the National Council.
5. Letter of R.L. Fite to the National
Council, asking for back pay for his services as the Medical Superintendent for
the Male and Female Seminaries. He had not
been paid his annual salary of $500 between November 1892 to November 1893
(April 25, 1894).
6. Indian Chieftain -- April 26,
1894: "Message of C.J.
Harris", advising that some money be set aside for the Cherokees who are
not on the Census rolls. Suggests
Tahlequah as a convenient place for distribution of the money.
7.
Letter of C.J. Harris to the
National Council, recommending a raise for the Executive Secretaries, May 3,
1894.
8.
Letter of C.J. Harris to the
National Council, calling attention to the need for a small penalty clause to
the present permit law, May 4, 1894.
9. Cherokee Advocate -- May 30,
1894: "Act Signed by C.J.
Harris" re: the census rolls are
revised corrected, approved, numbered and certified to serve as a guide and authority
for the National Treasurer in making per capita payments. Parents of children born, but not
registered, are authorized to make oath and report the same to the Principal
Chief for payment. Also, "Message
of C.J. Harris to the Cherokee People" re: the payment and distribution of the money.
10. Indian Chieftain -- June 21, 1894: "Chief Harris on Gambling". A directive to the sheriffs of the various districts reminding
them of their duty to suppress gambling, and to report such gamblers to the U.S.
Deputy Marshals.
11. Tulsa Review -- July 27, 1894: "The Dawes Commission", reporting on the arrival of the
Dawes Commission.
12. The Telephone -- August 16, 1894: "Letter of C.J. Harris to Messrs. Kidd and McKennan"
admonishing the U.S. Government for its coercion in dealing with the small
Cherokee Nation and the advantage taken regarding settlement.
13. Cherokee Advocate -- September 5, 1894: "C.J. Harris Reply to the Dawes Commission".
14. Claremore Progress -- September 15, 1894: "Letter from C.J. Harris" to the Secretary of the
Interior re: appraisement of
improvements made by intruders in the Cherokee Nation proceed at once. Also a proclamation that no crops be planted
or things be removed.
15. Arrow-Telephone -- September 19, 1894: "Letter of C.J. Harris to Hon. Hoke Smith", Secretary
of the Interior re: appraisement of
improvements made by intruders and the necessity of starting without delay.
16. Indian Journal -- September 21, 1894: "Letter of C.J. Harris" to the Interior Department
re: the work of the Intruder
Commission.
17. Claremore Progress -- October 27, 1894: "Interview of C.J. Harris" on his trip to Washington,
DC in regards to the Intruders to the Cherokee Nation.
18. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National Council,
submitting a communication from Messrs. Kidd and McKennon of the
"Commission of the Five Civilized Tribes" and asking for early
action, November 9, 1894.
19. Indian Chieftain -- November 15, 1894: "Message of C.J. Harris". Harris' "State of the Union" address, pertaining to all
aspects of the Cherokee government.
20. Afton News -- November 16, 1894: "Notice of C.J. Harris" re: A.J. Blackwell, who is acting contrary to the behavior of a
citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
21. Cherokee Advocate -- November 21, 1894: "Reward by C.J. Harris" offered for the arrest and
capture of Bill Cook, wanted for the murder of Sequoyah Houston.
22. Cherokee Advocate -- November 21, 1894: "Proclamation of C.J. Harris" designating November 29,
1894 as a "day of national thanksgiving".
23. Afton News -- November 30, 1894: "A Proposition Addressed to the Cherokee National
Council" by Maxwell and Chase of Washington, DC asking for a contingent
fee in Freedmen case. Since the sale of
the Outlet, the Freedmen claim pro rata ("in proportion") share in
funds and other common property. The
government decided in favor of the Delawares and the Shawnees in the Outlet
claim.
24. Letter of C.J. Harris to the National
Council, suggesting that all unfinished business receive undivided attention
and be finished at as early a date as possible (December 13, 1894).
25. Tulsa Review -- December 28, 1894: "Editorial on C.J. Harris", which considers the last
session of the Cherokee council as a "long eared a--".
26. Afton News -- January 4, 1895: "Senate Bill No. 34 Approved by C.J. Harris". This act requires those people re-admitted
to Cherokee citizenship to permanently relocate within the boundaries of the
Cherokee Nation.
27. Talihina News -- January 10, 1895: "The Indians Side" re:
Chief Harris in Washington, DC as the dead of a delegation of Indians
for the purpose of opposing any adverse action on the part of Congress which
might spring from the extremely unfavorable report of the Dawes Commission.
28. Minco Minstrel -- January 11, 1895: "News Item of C.J. Harris" noting that Harris is to go
before the committees in Washington to "beat off" the Dawes
Commission and its report.
29. Indian Journal -- January 25, 1895: "Interview with C.J. Harris" re: his trip to Washington, DC and his
unfavorable views of the Dawes Commission.
30. Davis Progressive -- February 22, 1895: "In Regard to Senate Bill #2734 by C.J. Harris" about
the Cherokees' objection to this bill because they feel that it takes their
jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases from their control. They do not object to U.S. Courts in Indian
Territory.
31. Tulsa Review -- February 22, 1895: "An Appeal to Congress by C.J. Harris, Et Al" regarding
intruders.
32. Cherokee Advocate -- February 27, 1895: "An Appeal of the Five Civilized Nations to the Congress of
the United States" re: the courts
in the five nations and the power taken over by the U.S. government.
33. Cherokee Advocate -- February 27, 1895: "An Appeal for Justice by Delegates of Five Civilized
Nations to the Congress of the United States" re: holding their lands as a unit instead of
allotments.
34. Tulsa Review -- March 8, 1895: "Four Delegates Appointed by C.J. Harris", reprinted
from the Afton Herald. Questions
the work accomplished by the large delegations going to Washington. Huge sums of money are spent and the
President vetoed treaty obligations. The
courts were wiped out, and the Intruders still remain.
35. Afton News -- March 15, 1895: "Address by C.C. Robards" who is upset with the
Washington delegation, especially Chief Harris and W.A. Duncan.
36. Wagoner Record -- April 25, 1895: "The Downing Platform". The platform of the Downing Party.
37. Minco Minstrel -- May 3, 1895:
"News Item of C.J. Harris" re: the advisability of an international council of the Indian
Nations. Fort Gibson is suggested as
the meeting place. This action was
taken because of the reorganization of the Dawes Commission.
38. Fairland News -- May 3, 1895:
"Letter of C.J. Harris to Messers. Maxwell and Chase" re: the Freedmen case against the Cherokee
Nation.
39. Wagoner Record -- May 30, 1895: "Editorial on C.J. Harris" re: the meeting of a group of Cherokees at
Tahlequah for the purpose of forming a colony in Mexico or Columbia.
40. Wagoner Record -- May 30, 1895: "Editorial on Call Issued by C.J. Harris" re: the convention that met to discuss the
measures and decide upon a course of action re: the issue between the Cherokees and the United States, which is
being represented by the Dawes Commission.
41. The Arrow -- June 14, 1895: "Election Proclamation" issued by C.J. Harris, stating
the offices up for election, and the terms of each office.
42. Fairland News -- June 28, 1895: "Editorial on C.J. Harris". Bob Ross and George Benge are blamed for the problems of
impeachment against the Chief, and other things.
43. Claremore Progress -- July 27, 1895: "The Chief Interviewed" re: the payment of Old Settlers is held up because of
enrollment. The Census Rolls are to be
taken for payment to the Delawares and Shawnees. The Freedmen case is to be appealed because of too many on the
rolls that should not be. Harris' trip
to Washington dealt only with Intruders.
44. Indian Chieftain -- September 5, 1895: "Proclamation of C.J. Harris" re: an act of the National Council. A provision that each and every station
along the line of railroad passing through the land shall reserve to the Nation
one square mile to be laid off into town lots and sold at public sale to the
highest bidder who shall be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
45. Vinita Globe -- September 6, 1895: "Proclamation of C.J. Harris", calling for an extra
session of the National Council to transact public business.
46. The Arrow -- September 14, 1895: "Special Message of C.J. Harris" to the National
Council, offering recommendations for a settlement of the Intruder problem.
47. Vinita Globe -- October 4, 1895: "An Untimely Veto".
Chief Harris vetoes the preferred warrants on the special legislation.
48. Vinita Leader -- November 21, 1895: "Message of C.J. Harris" which touches on the Dawes
Commission, education, the judiciary, finance, public domain, citizenship, and
intruders.
49. Wagoner Record -- December 13, 1895: "Instructions Given by C.J. Harris" to the delegation
in Washington. They must protest
against and oppose measures for the establishment of a territorial government
over the Indian Territory or the formation of a state into the union.
50. South McAlester Capital -- June 6, 1896: "Editorial on C.J. Harris". A council is called for the Five Civilized Tribes to meet at Fort
Gibson. Not much was accomplished,
since the tribes had not changed their views as far as allotment and statehood
were concerned. The Choctaws were not
in attendance.
51. Claremore Progress -- June 27, 1896: "Editorial on C.J. Harris". The Curtis bill has passed in the House of Representatives, and
ex-Chief Harris thinks the Congress should prepare for allotment as it is bound
to come.
52. South McAlester Capital -- January 14, 1897: "Editorial on message of R.M. Harris" referring to the
allotment and statehood question. He is
distressed over the situation.
53. Claremore Progress -- January 16, 1897: "Editorial on C.J. Harris" concerning the Dawes
Commission and the Dawes-Choctaw Treaty.
There is much dissatisfaction among the Cherokees over this.
54. Claremore Progress -- February 6, 1897: "The Chickasaw Commission by C.J. Harris". The Chickasaws disagree with the Choctaws
over the Dawes-Choctaw Treaty. The
Chickasaws think the treaty is without merit as far as they are concerned.
55. South McAlester Capital -- May 18, 1899: "Editorial on C.J. Harris" which is very complimentary
to the ex-Chief.
56. Claremore Progress -- August 2, 1900: "Editorial on C.J. Harris", commenting on information
from Harris relating to the law of having only one wife.
57. Muldrow Press -- March 15, 1907: "History of Old Cherokee Laws and Treaties".
58. Muskogee and Northeastern
Oklahoma (1922) by John D.
Benedict. "C.J. Harris, Ex-Chief,
Cherokee Nation". Very brief
sketch of Harris' career.
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