Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Bryant, Wm. Clement (William Clement)
- Abstract:
- Personal and professional papers of William Clement Bryan, an attorney who came to work in Buffalo in 1854.
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and Content:
Letters received from Orlando Allen, Daniel D. Bidwell, William P. Letchworth and others, mostly regarding Bryant’s historical research, especially into Seneca Indian history and traditions, 1854—1889; correspondence and other papers of Asher Wright, 1820—1888, including letters from Joseph Scattergood of Philadelphia and other members of the Society of Friends regarding the Seneca Nation, from Peter Wilson, a Seneca chief and physician, and letters by Wright to the Seneca and to various church bodies; a treaty and a treaty amendment involving New York State and the Seneca, 1830 and 1837; Seneca, Cayuga and Onondaga Nations accounts, letters, power of attorney, petitions and statements to government officials, 1831—1839 and undated; a copy of Laura M. Wright’s will, 1886; an affidavit concerning the torpedo invented by John H. Lay during the Civil War, 1867; addresses, reminiscences and papers presented ‘to the Buffalo Historical Society on Native Americans and on the early settlers and history of Buffalo and surrounding area, ca. 1833—1872; and a minute book of the Bible Society of Erie County, 1829—1834.
- Biographical / Historical:
Born in Orleans County in 1830, Bryant read law with Judge Selden in Clarkson, then came to Buffalo in 1854, practicing with William H. Greene from 1867 to 1872, when he became the attorney for the Western Savings Bank. He studied the history and traditions of the North American Indians and originated the movement to erect a monument over the grave of Red Jacket. He served as president of the Buffalo Historical Society in 1876 and as president of the Thomas Orphan Asylum for many years. He also founded the Archaeological Club of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. He died on Sept. 3, 1898.
Indexed Terms
- Subjects:
-
Indians of North America -- Games.
Iroquois Indians.
Seneca Indians
Society of Friends
treaties
wills - Names:
- Beaver (Ship).
Bible Society of Erie County (N.Y.).
Gilbert family
Thayer Brothers
Red Jacket, Seneca chief, approximately 1756-1830
Lay, John H
Parish, Jasper, 1767-1836
Wilkeson, Samuel, 1781-1848
Allen, Orlando, 1803-1874
Bidwell, Daniel D. (Daniel Davidson), 1819-1864
Conover, George S. (George Stillwell), 1824-
Hyde, Jabez B. (Jabez Backus), 1774-1855
Jones, Horatio, 1763-1836
Letchworth, William Pryor, 1823-1910
Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891
Parker, Ely Samuel, 1828-1895
Pierce, M. B. (Maris Bryant), 1811-1874
Scattergood, Joseph
Spaulding, Rufus.
Strong, Nathaniel T., -1872.
Wilgus, Nathaniel, 1793-1873
Wilson, Peter, Seneca chief, -1872.
Wright, Asher, 1803-1875
Wright, Laura M. (Laura Maria), 1809-1886
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
Researchers wishing to access this collection must apply for a Scholar Pass and present valid photo ID upon arrival to the library.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
Written permission required to reproduce and/or publish. Information on use and fees may be obtained from the Director of Library and Archives.
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
- CONTACT:
-
716-873-9644 exlibrary@buffalohistory.org