Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]

Missions.'-Without attempting a history of missions, among the Indians of New York, we may simply remark that there are at present twelve church buildings for the exclusive use of these people, valued at $22,400, and capable of seating 2,500. Of these, four are Methodist Episcopal, four Baptist, three Presbyterian, and one Protestant Episcopal. At St. Regis is a Catholic church, on the Canada side of the line, but attended by all of that faith on the reservation. The number of Indian church members within the State is 1,034, and of the clergymen in charge of these churches six are Indians.

[ocr errors]

Indian agricultural societies.-The "Iroquois Agricultural Society was formed in 1859, and held its first fair on grounds fitted up for the purpose on the Cattaraugus Reservation, near the village of Versailles, in 1860. These fairs have since been held annually and the State has usually granted $250 per annum to encourage the enterprise. The society was incorporated by special act May 5, 1863, and the charter has been since repeatedly amended."

In 1865 the number of entries of horses, cattle, and sheep was 107, and the whole number of entries was 674.

The sum received from all sources was $1,226.41 and premiums were awarded to the amount of $321.25. Measures were taken this year for the purchase of permanent grounds. About 17 acres were secured and improvements have been made from time to time, so that the premises are now very convenient.

*

**

The State report of 1871, in speaking of the fair of the Iroquois Agricultural Society held on its grounds in September of that year, says: "The Indians have manifested more interest to excel in competition, therefore a better display of stock than in former years. It is quite noticeable that the common stock is giving way to blooded grades. Grain and vegetables displayed at this fair can not be excelled in this country, as the remark was made by many competent to judge who were visitors from abroad. The entries in the domestic department far excelled those of former years, showing a decided improvement. In mechanical arts a deficiency was manifested, although several entries were made. The display in fruit was quite large, especially canned fruits. The number of entries was about 1,000 in all the departments." The receipts at this fair were $1,561.28, and the sum of $862 was distributed as premiums and purses, $807.49 paid for improvement of

The American Board of Foreign Missions had stations among the Senecas from 1826 to 1870, at which, at different times, forty-seven missionaries labored, and in all about six hundred church members were received. Their missions were transferred in 1870 to the Presbyterian Board of Missions. From 1811 to 1826 the New York Missionary Society had charge of Seneca missions.

* March 12, 1864, May 9, 1873, and May 8, 1874. It was originally intended that this society should be represented in its trustees by election from the different reservations, but this idea is abandoned, and the elections are now held at Cattaraugus, each male of twenty-one years of age who has cultivated 10 acres of land on that reservation and who is a resident therein having a right to vote for trustees.

grounds and other expenses, and $184.79 to reduce a debt. At the sixteenth fair, held in 1875, the number of entries was 900 and the number of members 180. Their receipts amounted to $1,395.90, being $12.93 over expenses.

A branch of this society was formed on the Tonawanda Reservation in 1865, and separate fairs held since that year. They are practically distinct from those at Cattaraugus, and are increasing annually in interest. The seventh fair (1871) reported $911.50 received, chiefly from tickets sold, $588.75 paid for premiums and purses, $40 for printing, $42.75 for police, $150 for improvements, and $90 for payment of debts. Their eleventh report shows the receipt of $585.75.

The "Onondaga Indian Agricultural Society" was incorporated by special act May 18, 1870, and the powers usually enjoyed by agricult ural societies were granted. It is managed by fifteen trustees named in the act, who appoint their own successors and elect officers from their number. The State report for 1871 says of their second fair: "Notwithstanding the very inclement weather during the first three days, there was a creditable exhibition of live-stock, grains, vegetables, and in the horticultural department. In each of the departments a very commendable emulation was apparent, and in the departments of grains and vegetables the display would compare favorably with any like exhibition among the white people." Addresses were delivered by the Hon. Horatio Seymour and by Bishop Huntington, and these being a new feature with these people served greatly to awaken an interest in the society.

The sum of $200 from the State, with other items, chiefly from admission tickets, carried up the receipts of that year to $484.80, and the sum of $161 was paid in premiums.

The more recent fairs of this society show an increasing interest in the enterprise and an improving condition among these people.

In 1875 the number of entries was 752 and the receipts amounted to $411.51.

State annuities.-The Indian annuities now paid by the State of New York amount to $7,361.67, of which sum the Onondagas receive $2,430, the Cayugas $2,300, the Senecas $500, and the St. Regis $2,131.67.

United States annuities.-Under an act approved June 27, 1846, the sum of $75,000, paid under the treaty of 1842 to the New York Senecas, and the stock in which the same had been invested were ordered to be turned into the Treasury to the credit of these Indians, and 5 per cent. to be paid annually. The same act authorized the President to receive from the Ontario Bank (Cauadaigua) the money held in trust for these people, and cause the stock to be cancelled and credit given. Under this authority $13,050 of purchase money was placed to the credit of the New York Senecas. These sums, amounting to $118,050, produce at 5 per cent. $5,902.50, and $6,000 a year pledged by treaty makes the total annuity $11,902.50 in money.

The Six Nations of New York are also entitled to $4,500 under treaties. This is payable in goods, etc., and a part of it goes to the Oneidas and Stockbridges of Wisconsin and the Indian Territory.1

Condition and numbers at some given periods.-A legislative report made in March, 1819, a short time before the emigration of large parties of Indians from central New York, gave the following as the extent and population of the several reservations:

[blocks in formation]

At $6 per acre their lands were worth at that time nearly $1,628,000. (Assembly Journal, 1819, p. 587.) The Brothertown Indians appear to be omitted from the enumeration.

In 1857, the distribution by tribes and reservations, in New York, was as follows: Senecas, 741 at Allegany, 1,204 at Cattaraugus, and 650 at Tonawanda; total Senecas, 2,595. Tuscaroras, 269 on their own lands in Lewiston. Cayugas, 157 with Senecas. Onondagas, 132 with Senecas, 322 on their own reservation, and 27 with Tuscaroras; total Onondagas, 472. Oneidas, 176 at Oneida, 7 with Senecas, and 72 with Onondagas ; total Oneidas, 255. Total of all New York Indians in 1857, 3,748.

Wealth of the New York Indians in 1861.-In 1861 the personal wealth of the Indians of central and western New York was estimated at $465,700, distributed as follows:

[blocks in formation]

1In 1856 the share coming to the Stockbridges of Green Bay was $214, and in the West $56; to the Oneidas of Green Bay,$882; to the Six Nations in New York,$3,697.50.

[blocks in formation]

'Of 1,685 Indian youths in New York in 1875, between the ages of five and twenty-one years, about 1,000 can read and speak the English language, and of adults about 500.

[blocks in formation]
« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »