Sitting Bull made only one tour with the Wild West Show, declining other invitations feeling his presence was needed by his followers at the Standing Rock Agency. This photograph was known to have been taken by David Notman, son of the premier Canadian photographer William Notman, during the summer of 1885. Barry likely obtained this copy of the negative from Notman himself. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Dimensions
15 X 10.5 cm
Size Overall
51 X 41 cm
Medium
Black and white photograph
Condition
Severe bowing back of both vertical edges away from mat.
A number of the letters are samples of "cross writing"
Physical Condition
Some of the letters are fragile, but generally the fonds is in good condition.
Custodial History
Ann Murdoch donated a copy of "My Dear Will" to the McKee Archives in February 2008. The formal donation of the Baker family letters occurred on September 27, 2008 at a reception in the Gathering Space at the John E. Robbins Library.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a collection of about 200 letters primarily written by William Baker (although letters written by other family members are also included), who left Liverpool and settled in Oak Lake, to his son William who remained in England. The letters offer insights on a wide range of subjects including the conditions of immigrants and the Riel "situation".
The fonds also contains a supplement to "My Dear Will: Reflections of Prairie Pioneer Life." This latter publication consists of transcribed copies of the letters in the Baker family fonds. The letters were originally transcribed by Ronald James Parsons and his wife Rita Olive Parsons (nee Blake) and published, along with some letters, photographs and other documents for family c. 1997. The booklet was updated in 2007 by Ronald and Rita's daughter, Ann Murdoch. The Supplement was prepared by Ann Murdock and her sister Dawn Powell.
Notes
Description by Christy Henry.
Finding Aid
My Dear Will booklet
Storage Location
2008 accessions. Booklets and family tree stored in Rare Books: RC 3399.B73Z495 2007 v.1 and v.2.
Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). The spiritual leader and head of the Hunkpapa warrior societies, Sitting Bull poses in Barry's studio wearing a crucifix of brass and wood. It was presented to him in June of 1868 by 'Black Robe', Father Pierre Jean De Smet, who had been sent by General Sherman to bring Sitting Bull and his hostiles to council. Without Sitting Bull the 'Laramic Treaty' council took place at Fort Rice, D.T., July 2, 1868. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). Most probably the last photograph of the legendary chief and vision seeker, Sitting Bull had guided his people for nearly 40 years during the times when Manifest Destiny sought her fortune within the lands of the Sioux . (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). Having been civilized by two years of subjugation and stripped of his tribal authority by the white man, Sitting Bull remained the sentinel to which the traditional Sioux clang, resulting in his death as the Ghost Dance passed. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
