Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1935 Letter from Office of Indian Affairs Regarding Educational Advantages for Oklahoma Indians 1935-01-18 1935-01-18 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_6_0000, Box 6, 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_6_0004 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_6_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Education,%20Jan.-Nov.,%201935/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_6_0004_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887580 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_6_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Education,%20Jan.-Nov.,%201935/CAC_CC_053_12_10_6_0004.pdf correspondence Education--United States Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; Osage Nation; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes; Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma 2 Pages The letter outlines suggestions for improving educational opportunities for Indians in Oklahoma, including providing proper supervision for teachers, maintaining boarding schools, establishing community schools, paying tuition for Indian children attending public schools, supporting Indian arts and crafts, and increasing the number of education field workers. The letter also mentions the need for additional funding and resources to implement these suggestions effectively. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence from the Office of Indian Affairs in 1935 Regarding Public Health Services for Iowa Indians 1935-03-12 1935-03-12 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0000, Box 46, Folder 1, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0001 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1948/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0001_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887822 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1948/CAC_CC_053_12_10_46_0001.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe; Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma 8 Pages The letter addresses a complaint from the Iowa Indians regarding the services of Mrs. Grace Olsen, a field nurse. The Iowa Indians have generally refused health services from the Indian Service and prefer outside physicians. The letter explains that public health nurses are not required to provide bedside nursing care, but rather focus on teaching self-reliance and the importance of hospitalization when necessary. The Superintendent of the Shawnee Indian Agency defends Mrs. Olsen's handling of the situation, stating that the Iowa Indians have been difficult to work with and have unrealistic expectations of the field nurse's duties. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1935 Correspondence Regarding Representation of Absentee Shawnee Tribe at Congressional Hearings 1935-04-29 1935-04-29 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0000, Box 26, Folder 1, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0001 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Shawnee%20Indians,%20Absentee,%20Apr.,%201935/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0001_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887701 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Shawnee%20Indians,%20Absentee,%20Apr.,%201935/CAC_CC_053_12_10_26_0001.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe 4 Pages Chief Little Jim of Norman, Oklahoma, wrote to Senator Elmer Thomas expressing concern that his band was not given the opportunity to be represented at Congressional hearings regarding the Thomas-Rogers Bill. Senator Thomas forwarded the letter to John Collier, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, who responded stating that a delegate had already been selected for the Absentee Shawnee Indian Tribe to represent them at the hearings. The Indian Office provided documentation showing that the selection process had been followed and that no further appeals would be considered. Senator Thomas informed Chief Little Jim of this decision and stated that another delegate would not be authorized to attend the hearings. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Request for Increased Funding for the Indian Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma, 1935 1935-11-19 1935-11-19 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_11_0000, Box 11, 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_11_0002 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0002_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887631 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0002.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages Elmer Thomas writes to Commissioner John Collier requesting increased funds for the Indian Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as only $5,000 out of the allotted budget is proposed to be spent. Thomas highlights the need for necessary improvements at the hospital to provide better service, especially since some patients are housed in wooden buildings. He asks for favorable consideration of the request and to be informed of any action taken. Commissioner Collier responds, assuring Thomas that he will do his best to secure the funds and will provide an update when possible. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding Increased Funding for Shawnee Indian Hospital in 1935 1935-11-23 1935-11-23 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000, Box 11, 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_11_0007 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0007_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887636 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0007.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages Senator Elmer Thomas received a letter from Dr. John W. Raley regarding the Indian Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Dr. Raley expressed the need for increased funding for the hospital and Senator Thomas assured him of his efforts to support the project. Dr. Raley also mentioned that only $5,000 out of $10,000,000 in W.P.A. funds had been allocated to the hospital, despite its importance and high rating. The citizens of Shawnee are urging Senator Thomas to consider allocating more funds to the hospital for its expansion and improvement. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding the Shawnee Project: Securing Funding for the Indian Sanitorium in 1935 1935-12-11 1935-12-11 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000, Box 11, 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_11_0003 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0003_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887632 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0003.pdf correspondence Business--United States Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages The text includes two letters, one from Elmer Thomas to Don Foster and one from Don Foster to Senator Elmer Thomas. In the first letter, Elmer Thomas informs Don Foster that they are urging the Indian Office to make a commitment to the Shawnee project and will update him once they have more information. In the second letter, Don Foster thanks Senator Elmer Thomas for his assistance in securing an appropriation for a new hospital unit at the Indian Sanitorium in Shawnee, Oklahoma and requests an official letter confirming the promise of funding. Both letters express gratitude and offer further assistance if needed. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1935 Correspondence Regarding Proposed Improvements to Shawnee Indian Sanatorium 1935-12-19 1935-12-19 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000, Box 11, 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_11_0004 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0004_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887633 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0004.pdf correspondence Community health services--United States Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages The Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs responds to a letter from Don Foster regarding the proposed medical unit at the Shawnee Indian Sanatorium. He clarifies that there are no funds available for the proposed improvements and that the priority should be a general surgical medical unit over other additions. He also mentions the possibility of a general hospital between Shawnee and Muskogee, but no commitments can be made at this time. The Commissioner emphasizes that no plans for additional facilities should be made until the current hospitals are completed and in operation. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding the Proposed Indian Hospital Construction in Shawnee, Oklahoma, 1935 1935-12-23 1935-12-23 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000, Box 11, Folder 8, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0008 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0008_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887637 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0008.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages Dr. J. E. Walker writes to Senator Elmer Thomas regarding A. C. Davis's interest in the construction of a hospital for Indians in Shawnee. Senator Thomas responds, stating that contracts for such projects are awarded through governmental procedures and that Davis should contact the Indian Office for more information. The Democratic Central Committee also writes to Senator Thomas in support of Davis, highlighting his qualifications and loyalty to the Democratic party. They request that Senator Thomas consider Davis for the hospital project and other potential work in the state. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding the Advocacy for Indian Rights and Welfare, 1936 1936-03-01 1936-03-01 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000, Box 55, 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_55_0007 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Relief%20Measures,%20Apr.-Dec.,%201936/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0007_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887897 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Relief%20Measures,%20Apr.-Dec.,%201936/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0007.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma 3 Pages The letter is from L. W. Jones to Senator Elmer Thomas, expressing concern about the destitution, graft, and corruption among Oklahoma Indians under the Shawnee Indian agency. Jones mentions previous complaints made to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and other officials, as well as ongoing investigations by Special Agent Shipley. He urges Senator Thomas to take action and address the situation with the Secretary of the Interior. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondences Between Senator Elmer Thomas and Indian Division Advocates in the 1930s 1936-04-15 1936-04-15 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000, Box 55, Folder 8, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0008 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Relief%20Measures,%20Apr.-Dec.,%201936/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0008_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887898 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Relief%20Measures,%20Apr.-Dec.,%201936/CAC_CC_053_12_10_55_0008.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Osage Nation; Shawnee Tribe; Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma 7 Pages Senator Elmer Thomas received a letter from E. H. Labelle regarding the establishment of a sewing room for Indian women in Osage County. Labelle also mentioned R. B. Weaver and requested help in finding him a steady job. Senator Thomas promised to look into these matters and keep Labelle updated. Another letter from David Puckee inquired about the withholding of 20% of wages for relief work, which was explained by the Superintendent of the Potawatomi Agency in a report. Senator Thomas assured Puckee of his assistance if needed. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding Pottawatomie Indian Affairs in the 1930s 1936-08-14 1936-08-14 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_53_0000, Box 53, 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_53_0003 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_53_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Pottawatomies,%20Jun-Oct.,%201936/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_53_0003_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887857 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_53_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Pottawatomies,%20Jun-Oct.,%201936/CAC_CC_053_12_10_53_0003.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe; Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma 6 Pages The text includes letters and lists of names of Pottawatomie Indians requesting assistance and discussing tribal affairs. There is a mention of a request for a new committee to be appointed. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs is involved in addressing these requests for assistance and relief for the Pottawatomie Indians. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence between Senator Elmer Thomas and Joe S. Ellis Regarding Terracing of Farmland in Oklahoma, 1936 1936-11-20 1936-11-20 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 74th (1935-1937) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_54_0000, Box 54, 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_54_0003 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_54_0000-Indians%20Affairs,%20Projects,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201936/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_54_0003_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887879 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_54_0000-Indians%20Affairs,%20Projects,%20Jan.-Dec.,%201936/CAC_CC_053_12_10_54_0003.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe; Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma 3 Pages Joe S. Ellis is seeking assistance from Honorable Elmer Thomas regarding the terracing of Indian land he has an agricultural lease on in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. He is looking for a way to have the land properly terraced without the Indians having to make sacrifices or him having to spend too much money. Senator Thomas suggests contacting the local authorities in Stillwater or the Shawnee Agency for assistance with the terracing project. Ellis is open to spending some money on the project but is seeking advice on how to proceed without incurring significant costs. Text Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Correspondence Regarding Support for the Indian Tubercular Sanitorium in Shawnee, 1937 1937-07-30 1937-07-30 unknown http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/ eng 75th (1937-1939) John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000, Box 11, Folder 6, University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert Center Archives, Norman, OK, Standard Shelving https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/resources/47 CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0006 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0006_thumbnail.jpg https://arc.libraryhost.com/repositories/3/archival_objects/887635 https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Hospitals,%201935-1947/CAC_CC_053_12_10_11_0006.pdf correspondence Indians of North America--Oklahoma Shawnee Tribe 2 Pages John Wesley Raley writes to Senator Elmer Thomas to express his support for the Indian Tubercular Sanitorium in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He mentions that Chamber of Commerce officials and other citizens have approached the senator on the matter and hopes for a favorable decision. Senator Thomas responds, expressing his willingness to help in any way he can and acknowledging the good work being done at the institution. Text