Volume 14 , Issue 49

The Indian Advocate History

Have you ever heard of The Indian advocate, published by the Benedictine Fathers of the Indian Territory, that was used to plead the cause of the last remnants of the Indian tribes, and to give a history of their progress toward civilization? We found an issue dating back to January, 1894 (Vol. VI, No. 1).

The Indian Advocate was published by the Benedictine Fathers at Sacred Heart Mission, Indian Territory (later, Oklahoma), near present-day Shawnee, between January, 1889, and April, 1910. It began as a quarterly of twenty-four pages with two columns each. Occasional illustrations appeared throughout the life of the magazine.

It contained, from time to time, a general history of each tribe; their progress in education and religion; their occupations, industries, schools, etc. It also has a history of their missions, statistics, and other interesting matter that could not be found in any other publication. The proceeds of the Review would be used for educating and converting the Indians of the Territory.

Subscriptions were 50 cents per year, with single copies 15 cents. It was published out of the Sacred Heart Post Office, Oklahoma Territory, and approved by right Rev. Theo. Meerschaert, Vicar Apostolic of Oklahoma and Indian Territory.

Sacred Heart was founded in 1875 as a monastery by Isadore Robot, O.S.B., a French monk, born at Tharoiseau, Yonne, France, in 1837. In 1873, he was sent to the United States as a missionary. After his arrival in New Orleans, the archbishop of that city sent him to work among the Potawatomis in Indian Territory. At the site of Sacred Heart, he was joined by three other monks, and the monastery was established.

[The 31 May 1908 penny postcard was sent to my grandmother, Connie Warwick, Alva, Oklah. with a message, "How are you?" You can view the front and back of the penny postcard at our WWWPubCo - Postcards section.]

The influx of whites in the 1880s led to the establishment of the College of Sacred Heart, an institution distinct from the Indian schools. St. Mary's Academy was added by the Sisters of Mercy to accommodate young ladies. A charter for the schools was issued later by the Oklahoma legislature. Does this St. Mary's Academy still stand today?

An Indian school for boys was opened almost immediately and, according to the publication, flourished. In 1880, some Benedictine nuns from New Orleans opened a girls' school and operated it until 1884, when it was turned over to a group of Sisters of Mercy from Illinois.   |  View or Add Comments (1 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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