Tishomingo Oklahoma

Slave Narrative of Polly Colbert

Polly Colbert, now 83, reflects on her life as a former slave on Master Holmes Colbert’s plantation in Oklahoma. She recalls the changes in the land from its productivity during slavery to its current state, noting her Indian masters’ kindness. Having lost her parents young, she was cared for by Holmes and his wife, Miss Betsy. Polly recounts the cooking traditions, medicine practices, and social dynamics of her community. She discusses her family, marriage, and how she remains connected to her roots while living with her son.

Biography of Captain George B. Hester

Captain George B. Hester, born in North Carolina in 1832, moved to the Indian Territory in 1855, settling in Tishomingo. He established a successful mercantile business and earned the trust of the local Indigenous population through his integrity and fair dealings. Hester played a significant role in fostering community progress, ultimately serving as a Confederate officer during the Civil War. He passed away in 1897, leaving a lasting legacy as a respected leader. His wife, Elizabeth Fulton Hester, also contributed significantly to the community through her missionary work.

Oscar Casey, Chickasaw

This record details the applications of Oscar Casey, Scott Casey (Walter Winfield Casey), and others for Chickasaw citizenship through the Dawes Commission (No. 191) in 1896. Claiming descent from Tempie Thomas, a Chickasaw woman, and William Casey, they presented affidavits and a prior Chickasaw court petition. Their application was denied, and no appeal was filed. Later, Scott Casey sought enrollment for himself and his children in 1902 but was rejected due to jurisdictional constraints. Similar cases involving Catherine Whittle, Sarah Whittle, and Eliza Jane Pearce for Choctaw citizenship are also documented, detailing legal proceedings and supporting testimony.

Joseph C. Moore, Chickasaw

The case of Joseph C. Moore et al. v. Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations involved multiple legal proceedings concerning the citizenship status of Moore family descendants within the Chickasaw Nation. Initially granted citizenship by the Chickasaw District Court in 1884, their status was later challenged. Despite favorable rulings from the U.S. Court in 1899, the Citizenship Court ultimately denied their claims in 1904. Subsequent appeals and petitions continued until 1907, when the enrollment of claimants was disapproved.

Joseph W. Gamblin, Choctaw

Joseph W. Gamblin and other claimants sought enrollment as Choctaw citizens, citing their inclusion on the 1896 Choctaw roll. The Choctaw citizenship committee enrolled them in 1897, and the U.S. Court affirmed their citizenship in 1898. However, the Choctaw and Chickasaw Citizenship Court overturned this ruling in 1902. Despite petitions for reconsideration, their enrollment was denied in 1907 due to a misinterpretation of legal opinions. Though eligible, their claims were ultimately rejected when enrollment closed in 1907. Legal counsel argued that administrative errors wrongly excluded them, but no further action was taken.