Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children Child Commitment Contracts

Chronological by date of agreement to place child.

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.

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through inter-library loan.

B0595Series B0595, Thomas Indian School Children's Case Files, contains post-1892 records of children in this institution.

The volume contains an alphabetical index by child's last name.

Accessioned from NYSL as old series number 248, accession number -375.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.