Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-03-29
The SemInoles In Florida

The struggle for the extirpation or the
/ determination of the Seminole Indians In
/ Florida, extending over a period of q
/ years, ended finally in 1858. At an inn
mense cost OF blood and treasure, and by
shameful breaches OF faith to the Indians,
/ the government had succeeded in remov-
/ ing to Arkansas or killing practically all
OF the once proud tribe.
The little remnant left in the Ever.
/ glades, as near as could be ascertained
about 100 in all, were almost forgotten for
/ years. Game ana fish were abundant
/ there, the soil productive and the climate
delightful. They were happy in their
/ own seclusion.
About the year 1870, Rev. Mr. Frost
esta blished school among the Seminoles,
| but II did not meet with success and was
abandoned. The negative result OF mis-
sionary work was largely due to traders
among the Indians, who, from SELLS h
motives, used their influence against any
idea OF educating the Indians.
In 1872, an agent was appointed by the
commissioner OF Indian affairs to visit the
Seminoles and report.
His report was that they were peaceful,
lived together by themselves and had in
creased in numbers materially since the
migration OF the rest ofthe tribe.
Up to 1880, very little was known of
these secluded people, but the Rev. Clay
-MacCauley was sent to study the Indians
then and reported that there were about
200 people. Their clothing was scanty,
but adapted to the climate.
In June, 1891, DR.. j. e. Brecht was APP
pointed Indian commissioner. Soon af-
ter the arrival OF DR.. Brecht, he was APP
pointed industrial teacher to instruct the
Indians in mechanical work. This was
the first benefit the Indian had received
from white men, as he had sold them
. a haf n f~a arg
had done. Land was bought from the
state for them to occupy. In May, lssli
lands were set apart by Florida for these
Indians, to the amount OF 5000 acres. DIR.
Brecht had to gain their confidence as
Seminole considers all white men liars
and thieves, as they have learned by bitter
experience. On this account, travellers
that were acquainted with other Indian
tribes have said that the Seminoles were
more Jealous OF the whites than any other
tribe.
White traders wanted no Indian agents
nor missionaries among them. The In
dams were told that the Indian agent was
the fore runner of troops to move them TO
other lands. An old Indian wept like
child at the prospect OF another war. Mrs'
Brecht was a valuable woman among the
Indian women to teach them TO sew. cook
and various other ideas. In 1895 90, the
Indians were invited to celebrate July 4th
with fireworks In the evening, which did
much to bring them nearer to the white
mans ways. Six little Indian boys helped
to raise the United States flag.
While | was at Fort Myers | became
acquainted with DIR. Breeht, who Is
German by birth and from 81. Louis, MO
A. Fort Myers has always been consider
ed the place where the Seminole Indians
could be best found, had taken a great
daaI ~ Mains To get what information /
could concerning them. DIR. Brecht Is
not now an agent of the government, but
Is devoted to their welfare and gave me
ali the information in his power regard
ing them.
The outside world has but little idea
Of the wild country that these Indians IN
habit. Lake 0keechobee is an lndlan
name signifying "Big Water" II is
about IS miles long, by 80 wide, ana
covers a surface of about 1000 square
miles and has an average depth OF ~ teel'
During high water, its banks overflow IN
to the everglades on the south. Inc
country is low and submerged after con-