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United States. Office of Indian Affairs / Annual report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, for the year 1855
([1855])
[New York Indians], pp. [26]-27
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Page [26]
REPORT OF THE No. 1. OFFICE NEW YORK INDIAN AGENCY, Randolph, October 1, 1855. DEAR SIR: I respectfully submit my annual report of the condition of the New York Indians. The Senecas, who constitute the largest portion, are located on three reservations, viz: Cattaraugus, in the county of Erie; Alleghany, in the county of Cattaraugus; and Tona- wanda, in the county of Genesee. The Senecas were formerly governed by chiefs, who had the entire control of all national matters and managed their business interests, mainly without consulting the people, until the year 1848, at which time the Senecas of the Cattaraugus and Alleghany reservations united in forming a constitutional government, under which they annually, in the month of May, elected their officers, consistingof president, clerk, treasurer, councillors, &c. This change in their form of government created political differ- ences and parties which were previously unknown to them. It has also brought their national business wholly before their people, so all have an opportunity of learning and und'erstanding their different in- terests. The fruits of this change, in my opinion, are very perceptible in the manners, customs, and habits of the whole people. It has created a strong anxiety in nearly all to have their children receive an education; also habits of industry and a desire to excel in all of the various branches of agricultural and mechanical pursuits. At Cattaraugus, during the present year, they have sustained seven schools, six common schools and one high school, with an attendance at the six common schools of 214 Indian pupils, and an average at- tendance during the whole time the several schools were taught of 117 pupils. The high school has had an attendance of abouti50 Indian youths, with an average of 25 pupils during the whole year. These schools are sustained by appropriations from the State, and from the Ameri- can Board of Missions, and from the Seneca council. At Alleghany, during the past year, five schools have been sus- tained, with an attendance of 158 Indian youths, and an average at- tendance during the whole time the schools were taught of 109 pupils. This number includes a female boarding school at the Alleghany mis- sion. The schools on this reservation, I am informed, are at present sustained wholly by the American Board of Missions and appropria- tions from the Seneca council. The above does not include one school which is wholly supported by the Society of Friends. At Tonawanda they have sustained two schools, with an average attendance of 120 pupils. These schools have an appropriation of $200, the present year, from the State. The Tonawanda Senecas are still governed by chiefs. At Cattarau- gus the Senecas have three churches, at Alleghany two, and at Tona- wanda one. The legislature of this State, at its last session, incorporated the m 36
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