Listen to the episode here: https://carlisle-indian-school-research.zencast.website/episodes/5

This episode is another one that responds to a question from the Carlisle Indian School Research Facebook page. This time someone was looking for information about a specific student: Ulysses G. Paisano. Since part of the purpose of this podcast is to share my research journey, I thought it would be interesting for you to hear about how we know what we know (and don’t) and Ulysses, and to see once again how the student newspapers functioned for information sharing. In this post I’m basically writing up my script for the episode as the show notes. I don’t think I’ll do this much in the future, but who knows? There’s so much detail here it seems like the right thing to do. Enjoy!

Note: So, as I note in the podcast, about ten minutes after I sent the link for this show to my husband, he emailed me and pointed out something that’d messed up. I’m an idiot. So, I added a new section at the end of the podcast, and to the end of this post. Research is a process. Especially if sometimes you’re an idiot, like me.

Ulysses has a student file and one student information card (shown here).

What we don’t have for Ulysses is the other kind of student information card—the more detailed kind (see example for Lydia in the previous post). This is particularly unlucky because the person looking for information about him is very interested in learning about any outings he may have gone on. The other kind of information card (which is often included in a student’s file) lists the outings.

[As I was doing a practice run going through this it occurred to me that I’d better give a brief explanation of what outings were, since it may be an unfamiliar term for some listeners/readers. The problem with that is that, as with most things Carlisle, it really would take a whole episode or more to really explain outings. Here’s a super-short version, just to provide some context for this post.

The outing system originated with Richard Henry Pratt, the school’s founder. In short, it was a system in which students would go out and live in white communities, staying with white families. They would work (usually) at the kinds of tasks they were training to do at Carlisle: housework for female students, mostly farm work for male students. Students would (usually) be paid The point was largely to continue the school's work of assimilation, but do so in a more everyday setting than the school provided. Policies were in place that host outing families were carefully selected to be of good moral character, and students were (usually) visited during their stay by the school's outing agent, to make all was well. Usually outings took place over the summer, but sometimes students would stay into the rest of the year.

All those “usually”s etc. are there because there’s an exception to everything and there are always other kinds of situations—like students were stayed with their outing families for long periods of time, which happened. Exploring outings in more detail—the way they were supposed to work and they way they happened in reality—is a topic for the future.]

But, what else do we know about Ulysses? We know he’s identified in one photograph (the one at the top of this post). Ulysses was 13 years old when he entered; John Shiosee was 18. Therefore if the identification is correct, Ulysses must be the student standing at left. To me, he looks younger than 13, but I’m always thinking the students in the photos look young for their ages. More about that later.

I also remembered that I had not yet posted an image that had some Paisano people in it. The name rang a bell. Here is that image:

For these glass plate negatives from the National Anthropological Archives, what identification information we have comes from the notes scratched on the plates (or from comparing them with other photos in which people are identified). In this case, as in many, the scratched info isn’t very clear:

The person who previously cataloged these image found the word Paisano in there and I agree. The rest of it … looks like another name and then 5 . . . something. But I do think this is potentially a group of students from the Paisano family. There were a lot of them at Carlisle:

• Mary Paisano, age 15, arrived 1884, departed 1890

• Willie Paisano, age 18, arrived 1884, departed 1886

• Frank Paisano, age 10, arrived 1884, departed 1889

• Ulysses Paisano, age 13, arrived 1886, departed 1891

• Minnie Paisano, aged 13, arrived 1889, departed 1890

• Chester Paisano, aged ?, arrived 1895, departed 1902

• Charles Paisano, aged 14, arrived 1896, died 1902

• Mille Paisaono, aged 13, arrived 1896, departed 1901

• Andrew Paisano, aged 9, arrived 1897, departed 1902

• Ferris Paisano, aged 11, arrived 1897, departed 1904 {re-enrolled 1904-1908]

• George Paisano, aged 16, arrived 1897, departed 1900

(I’m not including the three others who attended after this photographer died.)

Ok, so to identify the sitters in this photo, we have to calculate at what point the right number of male and female Paisanos were there at the same time and were the right approximate ages. I’m not up to doing that right now. We could also look on the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center site to see other images of some of them. But, right now, we only have one identified image of Mary and Willie. Oh, and remember that it’s very possible one of the sitters is not from this family (per the caption). You can decide for yourself if you think Ulysses is in this group, assuming that’s him in the photo at the top of the post.

Ok, but back to Ulysses. What else can we tell about him from the records? Nothing about his outings, at least not easily. The documentation sources we have for outings are spotty—not surprisingly since it’s not clear how dedicated the staff were to preserving these kinds of old (and not useful to them) records. (An overview of the existing documentation will have to wait for a future episode.) Ulysses attended from 1886 to 1891. For that period, we have ledgers and some of them have been transcribed so we can easily search for names—Ulysses’s name is not in any of the ones that have been transcribed (link to all the outing ledgers). It’s also possible to find students going in and out from outings in the Daily Morning Reports, which detailed the comings and goings—by day—of students and staff. They have also not yet been transcribed. Here’s a sample from a page:

So, to definitely answer whether or not we have any evidence of Ulysses going on any outings, you’d have to painstakingly read through these and see. But it’s possible something is there.

I also checked the Ledgers for Student Savings Accounts to see what we had for 1886-1891. There’s a ledger for 1890-1894. Students on outing were usually paid, so there could be evidence of an outing here for Ulysses. Doesn’t look like it. Here’s his page:

(If something’s been transcribed, as this ledger has, you’ll see an option on the page to download a spreadsheet. The name will also come up in a general keyword search, since those also search the spreadsheets. But those general searches can bring you back way more results than you can handle sometimes. Anyway, that’s how you tell if something has been transcribed.)

Ok, so not a lot of financial transactions for Ulysses. Not the pattern we’d expect from outings—although, again, this is not for his whole time at the school. So, we’ve checked his own records and the other documentation we have available from his enrollment period. What else can we do? That’s right—let’s go to the newspapers. And there’s a lot about him there—much of his relating to his life after Carlisle. But let’s go through it all, shall we? Spoiler alert: no evidence of outings found, but still, it’s good stuff.

Roll of Honor for November

The following named pupils have received perfect marks in lessons and conduct while in the school room. SECTION 1:--Martha Napawat, May Paisano, Ulysses Paisano.

The Indian Helper, Vol. II, No. 21, Friday December 31, 1886, p.4 http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v02n21_0.pdf

Camp Items

[…]

The boys picked seven bushels of berries the other day. They had some stimulus for doing so much, as Mr. Campbell had offered rewards of 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 cents to the best pickers. Work Together got the first prize, and Clement Ceanilizah, John Lowry, Ulysses Paisano and Sampson Noran, respectively, the others.

The Indian Helper, Vol. II No. 52, Friday, August 5, 1887, p. 3 http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v02n52.pdf

This tells us that Ulysses was at the school’s camp during the summer of 1887 (or at least for part of it). It was most common for students to go on outings in the summer, so I would interpret this as an indication that he did not go an outing this summer.

The school sociable at the gymnasium Friday night, was a happy affair. The laughter and chat about the many tables, in playing games, and among the promenaders along the gallery, proved that these were most enjoyable parts of the program.

The other amusements were a walking march between eight of the larger boys which Timber Yellow Robe won, both by masterly use of elbows in keeping the right of way, and the fleetness of his steps.

A trial of strength by rope-pulling was so closely contested by the seven at each end, that several trials were made before either side could fairly claim the advantage.

But the funniest of all was a race between four little boys—Frank Bressette, Siceni, Ulysses, and Clement, with sacks drawn over their feet and tied around their waists. “Such inching along!” But not a bit daunted by an occasional tumble, they made the round amid merry peals of laughter, Siceni being the winner and receiving great applause.

The Band played several pieces, and at nine o’clock headed the column as the boys marched off to their quarters.

The Indian Helper, Vol. III, No. 26, Friday February 10, 1888, p.2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v03n26_transcript.pdf

Joseph Martinez one of the new Crow boys who understands English pretty well has taken Ulysses’ place as orderly, and Miss Ely says he begins like a little business man. That is what Ulysses is.

The Indian Helper, Vol. IV, No. 21, Friday January 11, 1889, p.3. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v04n21_0.pdf

I’m not sure what the job an an orderly entailed, but I’ll check into it. Foreshadowing here since Ulysses will grow to be a successful “business man.”

A new team has been organized who modestly call themselves “New Beginners.” They express the hope to be prepared in a short time to compete with the other teams of our school. Martin L. Smith is their chosen captain. The team stands as follows: Pitcher, Geo. W. Means; catcher, Martin Smith; 1st base, Johnson Webster; 2nd base, David Turkey; 3rd base, James McAdams; right field, Luther Dahha; center-field, Peter Snow; left-field, Ralph Nal-tu-ey; short-stop, Chas. Marksman; substitute, Ulysses Paisano.

The Indian Helper, Vol. V No. 35, Friday May 2, 1890, p.3 http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v05n35.pdf

A baseball team, clearly. But I noted that on the column just beside this article was the sad news that May (Mary) Paisano—who appears to be Ulysses’ sister—had died:

Mr. Kemp says that Ulysses Paisano is going to make a first-class harness maker.

The Indian Helper, Vol. V, No. 48, Friday August 1, 1890, p. 3. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v05n48.pdf

I’m not sure whether or not Ulysses’ training as a harness maker would have made it less likely for him to have gone out on an outing—which were often, but not always, to farms. As I learn more about outings, I might be able to see a pattern for this kind of thing.

So Ulysses leaves in 1891. But, as we’ve seen in previous episodes, the student newspapers function like alumni magazines, sharing news as former students—usually good news that reflects well on the school. Here’s what we know about Ulysses’ later life.

A friendly letter from Ulysses Paisano says he has just returned to his home in Laguna, N.M., from a trip to the Rockies where they got lumber for building a new house. We are glad to hear that he is well enough to husk corn all day long.

The Indian Helper, Vol. VII No. 10, Friday November 13, 1891, p. 2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v07n10.pdf

Well enough? Oh, yes, look at his information card. He left because of illness.

It is said that Ulysses Paisano is married and leading a busy life among his people, the Lagunas of New Mexico.

The Indian Helper, Vol. VIII No. 19, Friday January 27, 1893, p. 2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v08n19.pdf

A business letter from William Paisano , of Laguna, N.M., gives the gratifying news that his brother Ulysses, who used to be our little Ulysses, has sowed more wheat than any other man of his village this year. Their Governor Santiago died recently.

The Indian Helper, Vol. VIII, No. 29, Friday April 7, 1893, p. 2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v08n29.pdf

“Our little Ulysses.” So, back up to my comments about how young I thought he looked in that photo—maybe he was acknowledged to be small for his age? Seems like a probable explanation to me.

Ulysses Paisano writes for the HELPER to be sent to him in New Mexico, and his friends will be glad to learn of his existence.

The Indian Helper, Vol. XII No. 16, Friday, January 29, 1897, p. 3 http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/IndianHelper_v12n16.pdf

A Wolf Hunt

A wolf found its way to the Laguna, New Mexico, farms and did much damage among the horses, cattle and sheep, William Paisano writes. So William and several others started out on a fierce hunt for the animal. They found it after having chased several miles on horse back, then Ulysses Paisano, (We all remember Ulysses) got ahead of the others and, being a good marksman hit the wolf. William says that he wife Mary is well, and they send best wishes to all their friends.

The Red Man and Helper, Vol. XVI, No. 46, Friday May 17, 1901, p. 3.

http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/RedMan-Helper_v01n42_1.pdf

Bessie Gotholda

Bessie’s first letter since her return to New Mexico is full of interest. […] Ulysses Paisano is doing a wonderful work among our people, preaching to them and telling them about our Heavenly Father.

We have a prayer meeting every week and services on Sunday morning, and prayer meeting in the evening.

Last Sunday morning the people down where Ulysses lives had service in the morning, and we had ours in the afternoon. A great many people belong to church.

The Red Man and Helper, Vol XVII, No. 6, Friday August 9, 1901, p.2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/RedMan-Helper_v02n02_1.pdf

Back from the West

Mr. Siceni Nori, class of ’94 Assistant Clerk to Mr. Bietzel, has returned from New Mexico, where he went a short time since, to take the body of Charles Paisano.

The errand was a sad one, and threw its shadow over his visit to his old home. He talked freely to our reporter, who gave us the following interview.  […]

Can you give me the names of our old students who are doing well?

“Nearly all are doing exceedingly well, There are Ulysses and William Paisano, Charles Carr, Walter Analla, Charles Kieh; perhaps the most well-to-do of all is John Chavis. Two are employed in the Locomotive Works in Albuquerque—Samuel Keryte and Paul Shattuck.” 

The Red Man and Helper, Vol. XVIII No. 6, Friday August 22, 1902, p. 2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/RedMan-Helper_v03n02_0.pdf

Charles Paisano was 14 on arrival and 18 when he died. His school records show his contact (usually a parent) as Martine Paisano, Records show he “died at country home” of “cholera morbus” but the cause is also listed as appendicitis in the Death Record. Note that Siceni was the winner of the sack race described above.

Ulysses and William Paisano both have stores and big trade.

The Arrow, Vol. III No. 3, Friday September 14, 1906, p. 2. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/Arrow_v03n03.pdf

Carlisle Graduates in Business for Themselves

[…] Among the Pueblos at Casa Blaca in New Mexico, William H. Paisano has a very good store where merchandise is furnished to his fellow tribesmen, the Pueblos. Mr. Paisano obtained his education at Carlisle. He has eighty head of cattle, conducts a good farm, and has been postmaster since 1906. He has been a governor of the pueblo, and has a nice family. His wife is also a returned student from Carlisle. They have a two-story home, which is well-furnished and is splendidly kept. His brother, Ulysses Paisano, who is also a Pueblo, has a larger store with a more complete stock, and is a very prominent man in tribal affairs. The establishment which Ulysses conducts is attractive in its appearance and thorough in the methods of business. One is surprised on entering this store, situated on a reservation miles away from any white settlers, to see the neat arrangement of the goods on shelves, to find additional stock in well-kept warehouses, and to note the cleanliness of the surrounding premises. These two Indians, each in business for himself, are leaders in their community and fine types of the educated Indian.

The Red Man, Vol. 4, no. 7, March 1912, p. 278-279. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/RedMan_v04n07c.pdf

Notes About Ex-Students

William Paisano was recently re-elected governor of his tribe, the Pueblos. Mr. Paisano is also post-master at Casa Blanca, N. Mex., and has lately been appointed to present his people at Washington, D.C., in a business proposition connected with their land. He left for that city on the 1st of February with his two interpreters, both former Carlisle students, Ulysses G. Paisano and Yamie Leeds

The Carlisle Arrow, Vol. IX, No. 26, February 28, 1913, p. 1. http://carlisleindian.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/docs-publications/CarlisleArrow_v09n26.pdf

So that’s what we know so far from the materials available online at the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center. We can’t say for sure whether or not Ulysses went on any outings. We can only say that so far we haven’t found any evidence. But, then again, there are still those ledgers that haven’t been transcribed yet. There may be something there. Or, like many Carlisle students, there may be a lot of some kinds of information and not enough of what we’d like to see. I’ll keep this post updated over time if we learn more. Thanks for listening/reading!

So, here’s the update: What my husband (Jim Gerencser, Co-Director of the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center at Dickinson College) pointed out was a bone-headed mistake on my part. Ulysses does have the other kind of card. It is in his student file. Here it is:

So, as you can see, there is nothing here in the bottom section in which outings would be noted. Based on this, I would say with 99% certainty that Ulysses didn’t go on any outings. I am pretty certain if he had they would have been noted here. I have no reason to think the administrators wouldn’t have entered such information here, as they did for other students.

Jim also pointed out that I hadn’t mentioned the other materials in the student file, including a returned student survey in which Ulysses shares information about his situation, and other post-Carlisle correspondence.

Hopefully although this might make you doubt my abilities, it is evidence that although I may make mistakes, others will catch them and I am happy to post corrections. Once again, thanks for listening and hopefully there won’t be any more panicked frantic updates like this one!