Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children Child Commitment Contracts A1910

Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children Child Commitment Contracts

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series contains signed contracts between parents or guardians and the asylum's superintendent authorizing placement of children in the asylum for "care, education and support". Each agreement contains the parent/guardian's name and address; child's name, sex, Indian nation, age, destitute or orphan status; and agreement date. Many agreements include the child's date of discharge or death.

Creator:

Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children

Title:

Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children child commitment contracts

Quantity:

0.2 cubic feet

Quantity:

1 volume(s)

Quantity:

1 35mm microfilm roll(s)

Inclusive Dates:

1881-1896

Series Number:

A1910

Arrangement

Chronological by date of agreement to place child.

Scope and Content Note

The series contains 394 signed contracts ("agreements") between a child's parent or guardian and the superintendent of the asylum authorizing the child to be placed in the asylum for "care, education and support" under its rules and regulations. Standardized provisions in the agreements state that the parent or guardian will not interfere with the asylum's custody of the child; that the child will not be removed without 30 days written notice to the superintendent; and that the signatory waives all claims for annuities to which the child, guardians, or relatives might be entitled during the placement period.

Each agreement contains the following information: name and address of parent or guardian; child's name, sex; Indian nation, age, destitute or orphan status; date of the agreement; and certification by the superintendent witnessing that the agreement was fully explained to and executed by the parent or guardian. Many agreements are also annotated (in red ink) with the date of discharge or death of the child.