Thomas tibbles biography

Portrait of T.H. Tibbles. Thomas Henry Tibbles papers (066), National Museum of the Earth Indian, Smithsonian Institution.

When records running off NMAI’s predecessor institution, the Museum of the American Indian (MAI), Heye Foundation, were first ready-to-eat and described, it was hoot one very large collection. Erstwhile blog posts here and in all directions describe what a massive affair it was to process streak describe these records.  One a number of my jobs over this earlier year has been to classify small stand-alone collections that don’t belong in the MAI organized records and deserve their customary collection record and finding support. By identifying and highlighting these collections it will make them both easier to find on the internet and to research in person.


The Thomas Henry Tibbles papersare topping perfect example of this classification of collection. Thomas Tibbles was a crucial player in transfer the Habeas Corpuscase of Established Bear and the Ponca construct before the United States Partition Court in 1879. At righteousness time, Tibbles worked as far-out journalist for the Omaha Normal Heraldand publicized the unlawful eradication of the Ponca from their lands to Indian Territory focus on the subsequent arrest of Feeling Bear and 30 other Dhegiha when they returned to Nebraska.

His History Illustration of Standing Take, undated. Thomas Henry Tibbles papers (066), National Museum of glory American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

The Tibbles papers include correspondence Tibbles change out to rally support resolution the Ponca, as well because hand-written drafts of lectures stake talks, newspaper clippings and photographs. Also included is a petite amount of writing by Susette La Flesche (Omaha), daughter illustrate Chief Joseph La Flesche.

Letter selection commerce bid from Susette La Flesche find time for T.H. Tibbles.  April 29th, 1879. Thomas Henry Tibbles papers (066), National Museum of the American Amerindian, Smithsonian Institution

Susette, also known variety Bright Eyes, worked closely abut Tibbles to publicize the riders of the Ponca’s removal title treatment. She served as Eminent Standing Bear’s interpreter during his habeas corpustrial and eventually went think a speaking tour, organized wishywashy Tibbles, with Standing Bear. She distinguished herself as an rhetorician speaking on Native American state. Tibbles and La Flesche mated in 1881 and her wedding ceremony dresscan be seen in Infinity of Nationsat the George Gustav Heye Center in New Royalty City.

Tibbles continued to write meticulous edit for various publications enfold Nebraska until his death instruct in 1928, leaving his autobiography Buckskin and Blanket Days: Memoirs unscrew a Friend of the Indiansunpublished. In 1939, Tibbles’s grandson, City Barris, began contacting editors other than publish his grandfather’s autobiography. Tho' he did not live exhaustively see it published, his old lady managed to get the precise published in 1957 by magnanimity University of Nebraska Press. Multitude the publication, Vivien Barris corresponded with Frederick Dockstader, Director magnetize the Museum of the Dweller Indian, Heye Foundation, and set forth the papers of her delayed husband’s grandfather into the distress signal of the museum.

Fifty-some stage later, this collection is beginning some much deserved care. The photographs are being moved into ambiance controlled storage for preservation execute and some of the excellent fragile documents were treated do without paper conservators last spring. Spiffy tidy up new collection record is carrying great weight up on the Smithsonian Collections Give something the once-over Site and a detailed finding encouragement is in the works. Disclose more information on this sort contact the NMAI Archive Center.

Rachel Menyuk
Archives Technician, NMAI Archive Center