Collection: C. T. Wells diary, 1878-1879 | The University of Tulsa Archival Catalog

Scope and Contents

This is an account of a fifteen day trip by horse and wagon from Mulberry, Franklin County, Arkansas, to Arkansas City Kansas by C. T. Wells and companions. There is a mention of George Perryman, a few places recorded, and some brief descriptions of various Indian agencies and the appearance of the country, forests and prairies; for example it does indicate the appearance of the prairie around Muskogee had not changed much between the 1830s’ and 1878.

Dates

Creation: 1878 - 1879

Creator

Wells, C. T. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Access is by appointment only.

Biographical / Historical

It is believed that this is the same Christian T. Wells who in 1880 was appointed a teacher in a school at a settlement called “Pleasant Prairie” which in the Pottawatomi language is said to be Wanette. In 1880, 1882, or 1883, Mr. Wells established a trading post on the northern edge of the Kickapoo reservation. In 1897 a post office was established there with Mr. Wells as the first postmaster. That trading post eventually became Wellston, Oklahoma.