Charles F. Ashley Papers, 1886-1929

Charles F. Ashley was an Indian agent and these papers concern his appointment as agent of the Colorado River Reservation in Arizona, 1885. Other papers deal with deeds and transfers of land and stock in Yuma Territory, Seneca Gold District.

In 1889 Ashley was appointed agent for the Cheyenne-Arapaho Agency by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Correspondence concerning this appointment and eight letters about his salary, forms not properly filled out, etc. are also included.

One letter in 1919 tells of Ashley's being blind. After his death in 1921 his widow applies for a pension. A son tells of Ashley's service in the Civil War, so he must have been born in the 1840's. There are two pocket notebooks, one a full record of issue of goods and provisions to doctors, employees, and schools, all probably on the reservation.

Interesting item: Among the personal letters is one from "Howling Wolf" in 1889 to Ashley telling of the good treatment he and his companions had received at the Comanche Agency, which treatment included large gifts of provisions and ponies.