Call Number:

MC.975.02.016

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.39 linear ft. (3 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

John Richards letterbooks (HC.MC.975.02.016), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1870-1876 (inclusive)

Creator:

Richards, John

Form:

Correspondence

Abstract:

Each volume of John Richards's letterbooks contains business correspondence related to his work as an Indian Agent in Kansas. All letters are written by John Richards, and the majority of letters are addressed to Enoch Hoag, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. In addition to Enoch Hoag, correspondence in Richards's letterbooks is addressed to the following: Dunlap & Flora, Russell Shlickler, James Haworth, F. Buckley, Robert Ferris, George P. Laflin, Henry Breiner, General Davidson, R.S. Mackenzie, and Edward P. Smith (Commissioner of Indian Affairs).

Jonathan Richards (1812-1882) was born in March, 1812, in Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Davis and Abigail Richards. He was educated at Westtown School. He married Margaret Caley. From 1853 to 1857, Richards acted as the Principal/Superintendent of Haverford College. From 1870 to 1876, Richards acted as an Indian Agent at Wichita, Kansas, for the Witchita and affiliated tribes. After leaving Kansas, Richards and his wife returned to Pennsylvania, where they lived at the Pennsylvania Hospital. Richards was a member and elder of Western District Monthly Meeting. Richards died March 3, 1882, in Philadelphia, at the age of 69.

This collection is comprised of three volumes of John Richards's letterbooks. Each volume contains business correspondence related to Richards's work as an Indian Agent in Kansas. All letters are written by John Richards, and the majority of letters are addressed to Enoch Hoag, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. In addition to Enoch Hoag, correspondence in Richards's letterbooks are addressed to the following: Dunlap & Flora, Russell Shlickler, James Haworth, F. Buckley, Robert Ferris, George P. Laflin, Henry Breiner, General Davidson, R.S. Mackenzie, and Edward P. Smith (Commissioner of Indian Affairs).