Arthur E. McFatridge papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-097

Staff Only

Content Description

The Arthur E. McFatridge collection is comprised of McFatridge’s written and photographic observations of life on the Indian reservations.

The collection is photocopies of McFatridge’s papers and photograph reprints from the original glass negatives. The collection is divided into three series: Manuscripts, Photographs and Typescripts.

The Manuscripts and Typescripts series contain no original documents but are comprised of photocopies of the original works. Preservation copies were made because of the high acidity levels in the photocopies. Of special interest included in the Typescripts series is a draft version of McFatridge’s book on his experiences at Rosebud, Among the Indians A Study of the Habits, Customs and Characteristics of the Ogallala 1898-1905. He worked on the draft for many years, but the book was never published. Many of the articles and photographs in this collection are present in the book.

The Photographs series contains reprints of McFatridge photographs he took at the Rosebud Reservation (1898-1094) and the Blackfeet Reservation (1910-1912). A majority of the photographs are numbered, and the photographs are arranged by photo number. Photographs provide detailed information on the back. Photographs numbered 18, 21, 23, 76, 77 79, 80, 82-110, and 113-116 were not included with the collection. Additional information about photographs is available on the Richardson Photograph Database.

Dates

Creation: 1899 - 1937

Creator

McFatridge, Arthur E., 1867-1943 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research without restriction. Researchers are advised to contact the Archives and Special Collections prior to visiting. Advance notice may be needed to retrieve items for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers must obtain a signed Permission to Publish Form if they wish to reproduce, broadcast, or otherwise disseminate information from published and unpublished works held by ASC. Permission to reproduce, broadcast, or otherwise disseminate information materials from ASC does not constitute permission from the holder of copyright or literary rights. The researcher is responsible for securing permission from the copyright holder to publish or reproduce content from materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

Arthur E. McFatridge was born to John and Nancy Wyatt McFatridge on May 9, 1867 in Ripley County, Indiana. He grew up in the Holton, Indiana where his father was a blacksmith. McFatridge graduated from Holton High School and then went on to study at Southern Indian Normal College in Mitchell, Indiana. After graduation, he taught at Holton and eventually was promoted to principal of schools. In 1890, he married Clara Cox and they had one son, Leslie who was born July 9, 1891.

In 1898, McFatridge resigned his post to accept a position to teach on the Rosebud Indian Reservation at He Dog’s Camp Day School. His wife Clara became the housekeeper for the school, which also included teaching the girls homemaking skills. McFatridge taught for three years and was then promoted to Rosebud Day School Inspector.

In 1905, McFatridge left Rosebud to become Superintendent at the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska. He also served at the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon and the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. While in Montana, McFatridge founded and edited the newspaper Browning Review in 1915. In 1917, he quit his job at the reservation and became a Clerk of the Board of Examiners. In 1927, McFatridge and his family moved to Portland, Oregon and then later to Seattle, Washington. After his wife Clara died in 1935, McFatridge moved back to Billings, Montana and served two terms in the Montana State House of Representatives.

Arthur E. McFatridge died in Billings, Montana on December 25, 1943.