Cumberland County PA

Early Exploration and Native Americans

Ferdinand de Soto’s interactions with Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaws and Chickasaws, exemplify early European attempts to impose their ideologies of civilization and Christianity upon Indigenous populations. This approach set a precedent for further exploitation and oppression of Native Americans, as European settlers sought to acquire land and resources. Throughout history, tribes like the Chickasaws, known for their valor, remained steadfast allies rather than adversaries. This enduring alliance contrasts sharply with the overarching narrative of dispossession and extermination faced by Indigenous nations in North America.

Biography of Cyrus K. Holliday

Cyrus K. Holliday, born in 1826 in Pennsylvania, was a pioneering figure in Kansas, instrumental in founding Topeka and developing the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Initially educated for law, he shifted to business, constructing railroads and advocating for the free-state movement. Holliday’s persistence led to the realization of his vision for a railway along the Santa Fe trail, culminating in the first segment from Topeka to Carbondale. He held various political and business roles, including state senator and president of the State Historical Society, until his death in 1900.

William Davis of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

William Davis settled in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, marrying Rebecca and having several children. His notable descendants include James D. (b. 1775), George (b. 1777), and David (b. 1778), among others. Each of these sons had numerous offspring, contributing to a large family tree. James D.’s lineage includes William (b. 1801) and several others, while George was active in community affairs in Ohio. This family history illustrates the growth and dispersion of the Davis lineage over generations.

Biographical Sketch of Richard W. Blue

Richard W. Blue, born on September 8, 1841, in Wood County, Virginia, emerged as a prominent lawyer and judge after serving as a Union officer in the Civil War. Educated at Monongalia Academy and Washington College, he enlisted in the Third West Virginia Infantry and rose through the ranks despite being captured and held as a prisoner of war. After the war, he settled in Kansas, practiced law, and held various political positions including two terms in the State Senate and a congressman-at-large role before his death in 1907.

Biography of Eames Dickey

Eames Dickey, born on September 3, 1788, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was raised in the northwestern territory. He made a name for himself as a dedicated mail rider between Marietta and Chillicothe during challenging conditions, particularly during the War of 1812. Notable for his integrity, he earned respect for his reliability in carrying mail despite numerous obstacles. In 1815, he married Betsy Brown and later established a farm in Bernard. He was known for his hospitality until his death on June 12, 1862, in McConnellsville.

Biography of Martin Mohler, Hon.

Martin Mohler, born in Pennsylvania in 1830, became a prominent figure in Kansas after arriving in 1871. He served three terms as the Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, from 1888 to 1894, during which he advocated for innovative farming methods that significantly enhanced Kansas agriculture. A dedicated educator and community leader, he was known for his integrity, culture, and commitment to moral principles. Mohler’s legacy includes the recognition of his initiatives in agricultural practices, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s development. He passed away in Topeka on his 73rd birthday.

Biography of Samuel Brownlee Fisher

Samuel Brownlee Fisher, born on October 24, 1846, in Ohio, is a distinguished consulting engineer with nearly fifty years in railway engineering. Descended from Scottish Covenanters, he studied at Washington and Jefferson College, earning multiple degrees. His career spans significant roles, including chief engineer positions with various railways, leading to his long-standing association with the Missouri, Kansas Texas Railroad Company. A Republican and Presbyterian elder, he married Agnes Crooks in 1881, with whom he had two children. Fisher’s legacy is marked by his contributions to American railway infrastructure.

Biography of Charles South

Charles South, born on April 26, 1864, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been a significant figure in the Kansas oil industry since 1903. With roots tracing back to the English Civil War and an impressive Revolutionary War heritage, he ventured into oil production after early experiences in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Though he briefly engaged in zinc mining, South returned to oil, establishing successful enterprises in Chanute. A dedicated businessman, he remains apolitical, focusing solely on his operations.

Biography of Charles W. Fleming

Charles W. Fleming, born in 1858 in Pennsylvania, began his printing career at fifteen as an apprentice. By eighteen, he moved to Nebraska, working with the State Journal Company for eight years before heading to Riverside in 1885. There, he established the Commercial Job Office and later became the business manager of the Riverside Daily Tribune. In 1889, he launched the Phoenix, his independent weekly paper. An active community member and staunch Republican, he is also involved in various fraternal organizations. Fleming married Edith Roberts and has a daughter, Cecile.

Biography of Dr. William Plunkett

Dr. William Plunkett, born in Ireland to a noble family, married Esther Harris and became a notable figure in Pennsylvania. His robust stature and strong will were highlighted by various local legends. After an altercation with an English officer, he immigrated to America, settling in Carlisle during the French and Indian War and serving as a lieutenant. He became Sunbury’s first resident physician, a presiding justice, and represented Northumberland County in the provincial congress. Plunkett lived blind later in life and died in 1791, buried in an unmarked grave.

Student Life at Carlisle Indian School

At Carlisle Indian School, students engage in a structured environment that blends academics with vocational training. Special students can enroll in business and telegraphy, while boys focus on trades. The school promotes a military organization that emphasizes discipline and leadership among cadets. Religious observance is encouraged, alongside active participation in literary societies and athletics. Students also benefit from an Outing System, gaining real-world experience and training in family settings and workplaces. The school’s mission fosters a sense of community and prepares students for life beyond its walls.

Carlisle Indian School – Industrial

Carlisle Indian School

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, established in 1879 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, aimed to educate Native American youths for integration into mainstream society. Located near the site of a former cavalry barracks with a rich historical background, the school initially welcomed students from various tribes, including the Sioux and Kiowa. Funded by the federal government since 1883, it offered a range of academic and vocational courses, fostering both cultural education and practical skills among its diverse student body.

Carlisle to Train Indian Youth for Citizenship

Carlisle aims to prepare Indian youth for citizenship through comprehensive academic and vocational training. The institution serves both young men and women, equipping them to thrive economically, whether on reservations or competing with white communities. Its extensive facilities include specialized buildings for various trades, a gymnasium, and a well-resourced library. Admission is open to those with at least one-quarter Indian blood, emphasizing character and the desire for education. Carlisle seeks dedicated individuals ready to embrace the multitude of learning opportunities available.

Course of Study at Carlisle Indian School

At the Carlisle Indian School, the educational focus is on providing practical, high-quality training rather than just higher education. With a curriculum tailored to individual needs, students engage in various subjects, including English, mathematics, and agriculture, alongside vocational training in trades like carpentry and tailoring. The school also emphasizes cultural arts, music, and domestic skills for girls. Notable partnerships with institutions allow for advanced study opportunities. Regular assessments and merit-based recognition ensure consistent academic and vocational growth for all students.

Carlisle Indian School Record of Living Graduates

Returning Graduates of Carlisle School

The Carlisle Indian School has a notable record of success among its 514 living graduates, with only five identified as failures. While it offers primarily grammar-level education, many graduates have pursued higher education, showcasing a strong desire for advancement. The women’s graduates, especially, exemplify industriousness, with 142 engaged as housekeepers, contributing positively to their communities. Approximately 300 graduates work away from reservations, demonstrating their independence and citizenship. Overall, the school’s impact on graduates’ lives has been predominantly positive, promoting vocational success and community leadership.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School Graduates 1906 – 1910

Girls Choir Carlisle Indian School

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, located in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, served Indigenous students from 1889 to 1910. It transformed a former cavalry barrack into an educational institution where students were trained in various professions. Graduates from classes ranging from 1906 to 1910 pursued diverse careers such as housewives, teachers, and laborers. Notable alumni include law students, nurses, and mechanics, reflecting the school’s impact on Indigenous education and workforce integration during this period.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School Graduates 1889 – 1895

Carlisle School Gymnasium During Graduation Exercises

The Carlisle Indian School, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, served as an educational institution for Native American students from 1889 to 1895. Graduates from various tribes pursued diverse occupations, reflecting their adaptation to American society. Positions ranged from farmers and housewives to public service roles. Notable alumni include physicians, lawyers, and teachers, indicating a significant shift toward professional education. The school’s rich history is intertwined with its former military site, where Benjamin Franklin forged peace treaties with Native tribes in the 18th century.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School Graduates 1900 – 1905

Home of the Warrens, White Earth, Minnesota Built by Mrs. Ida Warren Tobin and her sister and brothers

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, served as an educational institution for Native American students from 1889 to 1910. Notable for its healthy climate, it transitioned from a military post to an educational facility where various tribes were represented. Graduates from 1900 to 1905 pursued diverse professions including teaching, farming, and trades, reflecting their adaptation to American societal roles. The list highlights the varied backgrounds and occupations of these students, underscoring their contributions to their communities post-graduation.