Angie Debo Correspondence

Collection

Identifier: Ayer-Modern-MS-Debo

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Collection

Correspondence with friends Theodore W. and Louann Van Zelst, 1975-1981.

Personal letters concern Debo's writing of Geronimo, Louann Van Zelst's knowledge of Indian art, etc. "Friends of the Indians" form letters report on the Pima Indian water rights situation. Christmas letters and form letters note Debo's health and activities, 1975-1981. There is also correspondence between the Van Zelsts and Gov. Nigh of Oklahoma regarding a Debo tribute (1985), and two printed pieces.

Dates

Creation: 1975-1985

Creator

Debo, Angie, 1890-1988 (Person)

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The Angie Debo correspondence is open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

Ownership and Literary Rights

The Angie Debo correspondence is the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

Biography of Angie Debo

Noted Oklahoma Indian historian and advocate of Indian rights.

Born in Oklahoma and a life-long resident of Marshall, Oklahoma, Angie Debo received her doctorate in 1933 from the University of Oklahoma. In her publications on the Choctaws and the Creeks she pioneered the merging of anthropological and historical techniques. She also exposed allotment frauds and in 1951 wrote the Indian Rights Association report, The Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma. Debo's illustrious career as an independent scholar was capped in 1976 with her book on the Fort Sill Apache, Geronimo. She continued to fight for Indian causes well into her eighties when she sought to help the Pima Indians of central Arizona receive a fair allocation of water.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1 box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence, 1975-1981, of Oklahoma Indian historian Angie Debo with Theodore W. and Louann Van Zelst regarding her book, Geronimo, water rights of the Pima Indians of Arizona, and other matters.