Industrial Training - Harnessmaking

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Commissioner of Indian Affairs that they have not yet completed the order for collars or harnesses.

Note: This item was copied from U.S. National Archives microfilm reels (M234), which were filmed from the original documents found in Record Group 75, Entry 79, "Letters Received by the Office of Indian…

Request to return George Walker, a member of the Sioux Nation, who remained at the Carlisle Indian School at the behest of the Sisseton Agency Indian Agent in order to further learn the harness making trade. Pratt recommends returning Walker to his home due to the Agent visiting Carlisle.

Frank Ensminger writes the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding a civil dispute between him and Richard Henry Pratt over payment for training George Walker in harness making. Pratt claims that he was only to pay Ensminger if Walker was not a good worker and he never heard a complaint from him and so therefore refused to pay.

Pratt also…

Richard Henry Pratt replies to a letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding Tom Torlino. Pratt notes that he has had the school physician examine Torlino and that he is doing well physically and in his trade of harness making. He notes the only irregularity is that Torlino is older than he made himself out to be when examined for…

Richard Henry Pratt recommends returning De Bett Cheyenne Chief to his home based on a letter from the U.S. Indian Agent at the Cheyenne Agency. Due to Cheyenne Chief's health Pratt recommends sending Kise Williams with him while also noting that Williams is the best harness maker the school has produced and would do well at the agency if able…

Richard Henry Pratt responds to a letter from George W. Scott, Superintendent of the Fort Stevenson, who had requested Pratt recommend a student to oversee the newly created harness shop at the Fort Stevenson School. Pratt responds that he does not believe that the Carlisle Indian School provides sufficient training to allow for students to…

Richard Henry Pratt informs the Office of Indian Affairs that the Carlisle Indian School can furnish 100 harness straps with snaps at $.85 each.

W. J. McConnell, Indian Inspector, encloses sample of harness leather that he describes as worthless and encourages the Secretary of the Interior to come to Carlisle for the commencement in order to meet with Richard Henry Pratt.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards expenses related to George Kemp, harnessmaker, trip to Chicago to inspect leather meant for the Carlisle Indian School.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards list of supplies needed for the shoe shop and harness shop at the Carlisle Indian School.

Thomas Ryan, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, forwards a letter of Richard Henry Pratt regarding the manufacture of spring wagons and harness at the Carlisle Indian School to the Office of Indian Affairs.

Work diary of Milton I. Zeigler, harness maker and instructor, at the Carlisle Indian School. Zeigler notes that he took over the harness shop on August 9, 1900 and details daily information related to the shop.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs by providing quotes and photographs of the different styles of vehicles and harness produced at the Carlisle Indian School.

Milton I. Zeigler provides a report to the Office of Indian Affairs on the list of shoe and harness tools and supplies requested for the Fort Shaw School.

William A. Mercer appeals through the Office of Indian Affairs the decision of the Auditor of the Interior Department not to credit the Carlisle Indian School with the proceeds of harness sold to the Blackfeet Agency in the following fiscal year.

William A. Mercer responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding the request of the Office to have Milton I. Zeigler to inspect leather and harness samples in Chicago. Mercer states that with outings set to begin shortly and Zeigler can leave without serious interference. However, the fall presents more issues with students beginning…

The Carlisle Indian School copy of Industrial Class Lessons in Harness-Making, by John Charles Jordan, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama.