My Most Prized Possesion....

[Cool Hand Fluke]

My grandfather recieved these indian moccasins as a gift in 1906. In 1906 he was an 8 year old boy growing up on a ranch near Canton Oklahoma.
Next to the ranch was a settlement of Arapahoe Indians. My grandfather had several boyhood friends at the indian camp and one of his friends was
a girl who was supposed to get married in these moccasins. When the wedding day arived the moccasins would not fit! So the girl gave them to my grandfather!
Here they are, 106 years later! These moccasins will be passed down from generation to generation.....

 

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[Americus]

Interesting story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[old digger]

If I were you I would NEVER consider selling those. Always keep them in the family. You have kept them in superb condition.Very nice, thanks for sharing. Old digger.

 

[catherine1]

Great family history! Those are in mint condition for the age. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Cool Hand Fluke]

If I were you I would NEVER consider selling those. Always keep them in the family. You have kept them in superb condition.Very nice, thanks for sharing. Old digger.

These moccisins will stay in the family forever! My grandfather carried these everywhere he went his whole life, until he passed away at age 95. He even carried them to Japan while serving as a Lt. Col. US Army officer while on Gen. Douglas McArthurs staff!

 

[wayne_sa]

Those are beautiful. Museum quality I bet. What is the original owner's name; do you know?

 

[Cool Hand Fluke]

Those are beautiful. Museum quality I bet. What is the original owner's name; do you know?

The indian girls name was Gertrude. Perhaps some research can uncover more information. My grandfather documented his experiences as
a boy growing up on paper, of which I have. The father of the girl was named Young Bear, her mother was named Singing Woman.

 

[joshuaream]

I used to collect beaded items and those are some of the best I have seen.

The fully beaded sole is rare and fully fits with the wedding history of the piece. They weren't made for walking, usually special occasions and burial. (It's pretty obvious they weren't buried.)

I'd certainly track down the history as Gertrude should be registered. Personally I wouldn't be surprised if they are older than history suggests (made 1870's or so) and probably made by a Cheyenne. The Cheyenne and Arapaho were and are closely aligned, so it is still consistent with the history you were given. They were probably an heirloom item in Gertrude's family.

 

[idahowayne]

The best post i have ever seen on T-net. A treasure to treasure forever for sure.

 

[Just some Guy]

wow those are amazing!!! great story,

 

[Krisrock]

Fantastic quality. Thanks for sharing

 

[archer66]

I have NO IDEA if these are the same people but check these websites:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~itcheyen/1887ArapahoeCensus.html

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~oknarp/ncen2.html

 

[flintmel]

What an heirloom to pass on to your family, should never part with those

 

[Cool Hand Fluke]

I have a picture of Gretrude that my grandfather had. I also have a message writen by grandfather about the moccasins just to add
a little more detail to the story. Thanks for all the responses all!

 

[wayne_sa]

Those are beautiful. Museum quality I bet. What is the original owner's name; do you know?

The indian girls name was Gertrude. Perhaps some research can uncover more information. My grandfather documented his experiences as
a boy growing up on paper, of which I have. The father of the girl was named Young Bear, her mother was named Singing Woman.

This thread is fantastic. Thanks for showing the letter from your Grandfather.
You are keeping his memory in a wonderful way and honoring Gertrude at the same time.

Wayne