Kutz Farm

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to purchase the Kutz farm in order to expand the size of the Carlisle Indian School farm.

A. C. Tonner, Acting Commissioner of the Office of Indian Affairs, forwards correspondence connected to the Kutz Farm, a survey of the land, and copy of the act of the Pennsylvania Legislature authorizing the purchase of the U.S. Government of the Kutz Farm to the Secretary of the Interior. The correspondence covers the difficulty in…

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the deed for the Kutz Farm was sent to the Office on November 1, 1900 but has received no response nor has the deed been returned. Pratt also notes that the Pennsylvania legislature meets today and he should know the Office's conclusions before urging passage of the act.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a letter from James B. Holland, United States Attorney, regarding the transfer of the Kutz Farm deed to the Carlisle Indian School.

John W. Griggs, Attorney General, responds to the Secretary of the Interior inquiry regarding the title to the Kutz Farm. Griggs states that the papers have been referred to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards the proposed act ceding jurisdiction of the Kutz Farm to the United States. Pratt notes that it is similar to the act for the Parker Farm and says there is nothing to object to that he can see.

William Youngblood, Auditor for the Interior Department, returns to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs various documents related to the purchase of the Kutz Farm by the United States Government. Included is the brief of title held by Christopher and Anna Kutz, the examination of the title by the Assistant Attorney General Joseph Whitaker…

George D. Thorn, Chief Clerk, forwards to the Office of Indian Affairs a certified copy of the act approved by the governor regarding the purchase of the Kutz Farm by the United States government.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards to the Office of Indian Affairs various documents related to the purchase of the Kutz Farm by the U.S. Government. Documents include the deed of Christopher and Anna Kutz for 175 acres, brief of title, and a certificate of prothonotary of Cumberland County that there are no liens on the property.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to have a telephone placed at the Kutz Farm connected with the general exchange and the school at the cost of $18 per year. Pratt notes that the phone can be attached to the line on the Hocker Farm.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to pay the expense of $26.50 incurred in examination of various documents related to the sale of the Kutz Farm to the United States Government.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to add 112,000 shingles to the Carlisle Indian School lumber supplies for both the Kutz Farm buildings as well as the dining room roof.

William Youngblood, Auditor for the Interior Department, informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that his examinations of the accounts of Richard Henry Pratt that the voucher for the payment of $20,000 for the purchase of the Kutz Farm needs additional paperwork.

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that upon closer examination of the Kutz Farm building needs extensive work. As a result, Pratt requests authority to tear down the building and rebuild it with materials already delivered and with repurposed supplies as well as additional open market purchases.

Richard Henry Pratt requests an additional $500 to purchase materials on the open market for materials and skilled labor to complete the tear down and rebuilding of the house on the Kutz Farm.

Richard Henry Pratt requests authority to employ carpenters and painters in order to complete the changes and repairs to the Kutz Farm buildings and other buildings on the school grounds.

William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs of the fair valuation of the lands comprising the two school farms at the Carlisle Indian School. Mercer additionally notes that $400 was paid out in rent for both the Henderson and Alexander Tracts.

Carlisle Indian School Agriculture Teacher Leo Marks forwards maps or blueprints of both school farms and provides an inventory of the school's livestock. Commissioner of Indian Affairs Cato Sells thanks Marks' for his maps, inventory, and his farming knowledge.