Sustaining the Cherokee Family: Kinship and the Allotment of an Indigenous Nation

Acknowledgments

xi 6' Acknowledgments The staffs at the following libraries and archives guided me while I researched this project: the Hampton University Archives in Hampton, Virginia; the Oklahoma History Society in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the Western History Collection at Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma ; the Davis Library at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; the Livermore Library at the University of North Carolina in Pembroke, North Carolina; and the southwestern branch of the National Archives and Records Administration (nara) in Fort Worth, Texas. Staff at the Red Cross Hazel Braugh Records Center and Archives and the Cherokee Nation GeoData Center shared materials and answered my questions. Many librarians and archivists have been generous with their time and knowledge, and they have made my research more efficient and enjoyable. In particular, I thank Kent Carter, Meg Hacker, Ridley Kessler, Mary Jane Warde, Bill Welge, and Chad Williams. Others have supported me financially through the stages of this project: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, particularly the Royster Society of Fellows; the American Philosophical Society; the University of North Carolina at Pembroke; the American Association of University Women; and the First Peoples Initiative. The generosity of those I have never met has made this achievement possible, and I am grateful to these donors. I am humbled by the enthusiasm for my research shown by colleagues over the years. Vernon Burton has mentored me since I was a college student , and he inspired me to become a scholar. Since the beginning of my academic career, Mike Green and Theda Perdue have struck the balance between“thecarrot”and“thestick,”andIknowtheywillbeproudtoread this book. The historians at the University of North Carolina at Chapel xii acknowledgments Hill nurtured me intellectually when this project was in its infancy, and then my colleagues in the Departments of History and American Indian Studies at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke encouraged my bringing it to completion. Over the years, respondents at many conferences have improved my analysis. Several special women have gone out of their way to support me and this project in unexpected ways at important times; thanks are due to Janet Gentes, Kathleen Hilton, Sandra Hoeflich, and Susan West. Before I knew I could do this, Mark Simpson-Vos, my editor, believed that I could. I am glad that he was right and that I benefited from his direction and encouragement. The readers, Katherine Osburn and Margaret Jacobs, provided suggestions that enabled me to dramatically improve my work, and I hope the final product does right by their thoughtful reports. Catherine Cox worked with me to improve the manuscript, and through her feedback, I first saw this project as whole. Before I began researching allotment in the Cherokee Nation, I had never been to Oklahoma. A friend from there told me that Oklahomans are the most down-to-earth, hospitable people I could ever know. Over the years, I have found this to be true. Many improved this manuscript with their enthusiasm, and I am deeply appreciative. Bill Welge, a living encyclopedia of Oklahoma history, read an entire draft of this book. I appreciate his feedback and support. Special thanks go to members of the Goingsnake District Historical Association who shared information and stories about their ancestors. Several years ago, Gail Crittenden sent me copies of photographs from her collection. When I opened her package, I saw the faces of the people about whom I was writing for the first time. I am grateful for that kind gesture. Several Cherokee scholars—especially Julia Coates, Wyman Kirk, and Benny Smith—provided feedback and insight. Jack D. Baker deserves special thanks. Many years ago, he suggested to Perdue and Green that someone should write about allotment among Cherokees. When that someone became me, he encouraged and supported my research, which included telling me what I got wrong. I would not have started this project without Jack, and, without question, I could not have finished it without him. Likewise, Richard Allen thoughtfully critiqued the manuscript. I am honored that he took the time and effort to share his honest thoughts, and I am glad that he delivered them with humor and kindness. I could not have finished this project without a circle of supportive scholars who have become dear friends. My early writing group mates, acknowledgments xiii Pam Lach and Barb Hahn, celebrated each small accomplishment with me over sangria...