Thomas Indian School Journal Accounts

Chronological by date of transaction.

These volumes contain a detailed chronological record of financial transactions at the school. Entries generally describe the transaction (items purchased, quantity, unit cost, cash receipts), name of the merchant or disburser of funds, total amount of transaction, and date.

The procedures for the original entry of these transactions varied slightly over time and are reflected in these journals. Through September 1894 the record of original entry (volumes 1-7) served the dual purposes of cash journal (cash receipts and disbursements are recorded on facing pages) and voucher register (disbursement entries include chronologically assigned voucher numbers in red ink). Beginning in October 1894 transactions are recorded in the format of a conventional general journal (volumes 8-9) and include page references to ledger accounts (series B0643). Starting in October 1895 all transactions were recorded in a voucher register (volume 11), while food and provisions were entered in a special journal (volume 9, part) and other transactions entered in a general journal (volume 10). In December 1897 original entry format reverted to that of a general journal and each entry includes ledger account titles and page numbers (volumes 12-14).

Also included in the series are three distinctive, but apparently unrelated, items originally found in volume 12: certificate of appointment of George I. Lincoln as agent of the Onondaga Indians residing on the Allegany, Cattaraugus, Tuscarora, and Tonawanda Reservations, March 16, 1898; a watercolor painting of flowers, signed by Aleck George; and lithograph, "What We Have We'll Hold!," depicting a nationalistic theme, copyright 1900.

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through interlibrary loan.

Series B0643 Thomas Indian School Ledger Accounts contains related records.

The following are available at the repository: separate typed name index to accounts for volume 11 only; volume list; microfilm roll list.

Three loose items found in volume 12 of the series were separated out by Archives staff for display purposes.

Master microfilm was transferred to the RC for storage by TL 95-1.

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