Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence on Indian Tuition Appropriation in Osage County, 1935-1936 1935-08-17 1935-08-17 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0000, Box 36, Folder 7, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0007 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Education,%20General,%201935-1948/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0007_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887763 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Education,%20General,%201935-1948/CAC_CC_053_12_10_36_0007.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Creek Nation; Cherokee Nation; Chickasaw Nation; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Osage Nation; Quapaw Nation; Seminole Nation of Oklahoma 11 Pages Elmer Petree, Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is requesting an appropriation for Indian tuition in Osage County similar to that paid to the Five Civilized Tribes. However, Elmer Thomas, a member of the Senate, explains that Osage County is not eligible for such payments due to the different circumstances surrounding the ownership of oil land in the county. Thomas suggests that the appropriation can only be used in counties within the boundaries of the former Five Civilized Tribes Territory. Petree is informed that there is no discrimination against Osage County in this matter. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Concerning Medical Services for Quapaw Indians in 1935 1935-12-19 1935-12-19 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0000, Box 24, Folder 3, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0003 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Quapaw,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201935/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0003_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887685 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Quapaw,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201935/CAC_CC_053_12_10_24_0003.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Quapaw Nation; Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation 2 Pages Senator Elmer Thomas thanks Assistant Commissioner William Zimmerman for providing information about medical services for the Quapaw Indians of Oklahoma. He acknowledges the common practice that was brought to his attention and suggests it should be addressed by the department. Senator Thomas expresses gratitude for the letter and sends his good wishes for the season. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1935 Correspondence Regarding the California Power Company's Claim to Transfer of Title from Cherokee Tribal Council 1935-12-28 1935-12-28 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0000, Box 9A, Folder 14, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0014 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20General%20and%20Miscellaneous,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201935/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0014_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887610 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20General%20and%20Miscellaneous,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201935/CAC_CC_053_12_10_9A_0014.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Cherokee Nation; Hopi Tribe of Arizona 2 Pages The text is a telegram discussing a communication from the Indian Office regarding the transfer of title by the California Power Company. The Indian Office states that there is no Cherokee Tribal Council in existence and believes that the title cannot be obtained. The sender, Elmer Thomas, encloses a letter from Assistant Commissioner William Zimmerman and Superintendent Lendman, confirming this information. Thomas wishes the recipient, Scott Ferris, a Happy New Year and good health, happiness, and prosperity. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1937 Correspondence on Increased School Enrollment in Eastern Cherokee Reservation 1937-01-01 1937-01-01 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 75th (1937-1939) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000, Box 59, Folder 4, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0004 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Cherokee,%20Feb.-Nov.,%201937/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0004_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887919 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Cherokee,%20Feb.-Nov.,%201937/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0004.pdf correspondence Education--United States Cherokee Nation 2 Pages The Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs informs Senator Thomas that the total enrollment at the Eastern Cherokee Reservation school has increased by 129 children since 1934, with no truant officer employed for the first time. The Cherokee children are eager to receive the education offered at the school. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding Opposition to Indian Commissioner John Collier 1937-02-06 1937-02-06 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 75th (1937-1939) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0000, Box 3, Folder 15, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0015 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Collier,%20John,%201935-1937/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0015_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887560 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Collier,%20John,%201935-1937/CAC_CC_053_12_10_3_0015.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Cherokee Nation 2 Pages Senator Elmer Thomas received a letter from Honorable E. C. Johnson regarding communications from the American Indian Federation, which is opposed to Indian Commissioner John Collier. The Committee on Indian Affairs, of which Senator Thomas is Chairman, has no power to dismiss or interfere with Collier's operations. Similar complaints will be heard at the next Committee meeting and Senator Johnson's advice is requested. Senator Johnson forwarded a letter from the American Indian Federation to Senator Thomas for his reactions. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding Cherokee Claims and Conservation Efforts in the 1930s 1937-11-06 1937-11-06 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 75th (1937-1939) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000, Box 59, Folder 2, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0002 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Cherokee,%20Feb.-Nov.,%201937/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0002_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887917 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Cherokee,%20Feb.-Nov.,%201937/CAC_CC_053_12_10_59_0002.pdf correspondence Agricultural laws and legislation Cherokee Nation 4 Pages The text is a letter from Merrill A. Nelson to Senator Elmer Thomas discussing Cherokee claims to land in the United States. Nelson provides a detailed explanation of the extent of Cherokee claims, including areas in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas. He includes a chart showing the potential land area claimed by the Cherokees, totaling 15,620,000 acres. Nelson also mentions his interest in conservation and his previous applications for positions related to wildlife management. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Proposed Legislation for the Osage Tribe of Indians 1939-01-10 1939-01-10 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 75th (1937-1939) George B. Schwabe Collection CAC_CC_47_1_0000, Box 5, Folder 44, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/37 CAC_CC_047_1_5_44_0002 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/George%20B.%20Schwabe%20Collection%20/CAC_CC_047_1_0000_0000_0000-79th%20Congress,%201945-1947/CAC_CC_047_1_5_44_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%201935-1939/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_047_1_5_44_0002_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/862338 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/George%20B.%20Schwabe%20Collection%20/CAC_CC_047_1_0000_0000_0000-79th%20Congress,%201945-1947/CAC_CC_047_1_5_44_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%201935-1939/CAC_CC_047_1_5_44_0002.pdf correspondence Native Americans Land use--Planning; Indians of North America--Claims; Business--United States Wichita and Affiliated Tribes; Chickasaw Nation; Kaw Nation; Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes; Cheyenne and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribess; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Sac and Fox Nation; Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma; Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma; Creek Nation; Quapaw Nation; Osage Tribe, Oklahoma; Chippewa Nation 6 Pages The document is a series of letters regarding the Osage Civilization bill, with discussions on the proposed measure, interest rates, counterclaims, and the involvement of various parties such as the Osage Tribe, Congressman Disney, Senator Thomas, and Attorney F.M. Goodwin. There is a focus on the need for the bill to provide for interest on delayed payments to the Osages, as supported by a recent Supreme Court decision. The documents also mention the potential for delays in obtaining a report from the Interior Department and the importance of introducing the bill to move the issue forward. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1947 Letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Regarding Destruction of Historical Records of the Five Civilized Tribes 1947-07-25 1947-07-25 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 80th (1947-1949) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000, Box 43, Folder 13, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0013 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Five%20Civilized%20Tribes,%201936-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0013_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887794 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Five%20Civilized%20Tribes,%201936-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0013.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Cherokee Nation 1 Page Elmer Thomas is writing to William Zimmerman, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to inform him that nine tons of old records of the Five Civilized Tribes were burned in Muskogee. He requests that no further records be destroyed as they have historical value and may be useful for reference purposes. Thomas asks for a report on the action taken in response to his request. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Preservation of Historical Records of the Five Civilized Tribes: A Letter to Chief Milam 1947-07-25 1947-07-25 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 80th (1947-1949) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000, Box 43, Folder 12, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0012 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Five%20Civilized%20Tribes,%201936-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0012_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887793 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Five%20Civilized%20Tribes,%201936-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_43_0012.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Cherokee Nation 1 Page The letter acknowledges the destruction of nine tons of old records of the Five Civilized Tribes in Muskogee and requests that no other records be destroyed, as they are valuable for historical and reference purposes. The sender, Elmer Thomas, thanks Chief Milam for bringing the matter to his attention and hopes for a positive resolution. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Senator Elmer Thomas' Appeal for Democracy within the Choctaw Nation 1951-01-01 1951-01-01 Thomas, Elmer, 1876-1965 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 82nd (1951-1953) Carl Albert Collection CAC_CC_1_4_13_74_0000, Box, 13, 74, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/146 CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0024 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/Carl%20Albert%20Collection,%201947-1977/Departmental,%201945-1976%20(CAC_CC_001_4_0000_0000)/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0000-Interior%20Choctaw%20Chief%20Election%20Constituent%20Concern%20with%20Method%20of%20Selection%201952/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0024_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/883941 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/Carl%20Albert%20Collection,%201947-1977/Departmental,%201945-1976%20(CAC_CC_001_4_0000_0000)/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0000-Interior%20Choctaw%20Chief%20Election%20Constituent%20Concern%20with%20Method%20of%20Selection%201952/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0024.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma; Democratic Party U.S. Chickasaw Nation; Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Creek Nation 1 Page Senator Elmer Thomas is being urged by the Choctaw Nation to support their request for an official nominating convention to select their next chief. They argue that they have the right to have a say in this decision, as they have fought and sacrificed for democracy. The Choctaw Nation also highlights their voting power in elections and the support they have from business leaders. They ask Senator Thomas to support their request and question if he truly is their friend. Text