Thomas E. Odell Papers
Scope and Contents
Collection contains Odell's research notes from his various writing projects most notably "Mato Paha," Philip Well's manuscript from "Ninety-Five Years Among the Indians of the Northwest," mining notes, interviews Odell conducted with Native Americans, notes about military expeditions, etc. The collection also includes Odell's correspondence with Badger Clark, General Hugh Scott, Francis Case, Leland Case and others. Odell's diaries are also part of the collection.
Dates
- Creation: 1916 - 1968
Biographical Note
Thomas E. Odell is best known for his book about Bear Butte in Meade County South Dakota. The book is titled Mato Paha: the story of Bear butte, Black hills landmark and Indian shrine, its scenic, historic, and scientific uniqueness. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, February 1, 1876. After a childhood spent being shuffled between various relatives, he moved to Aberdeen, SD as a teenager, where he did farm work. When he was 21 years old he moved to Cherry Creek, SD to homestead. He became self -educated during his time on the homestead and began teaching in rural schools. In the early 1930s he moved to Spearfish, SD and worked in construction. He attended Spearfish Normal School, now Black Hills State University, and taught school again. He died in January of 1970.
Extent
5 Drawers
11 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Organization of the Collection
Donor organization of topical files maintained. Database contains item level inventory arranged by topic.
Other Finding Aids
We are currently in the process of uploading the finding aid. The current version is incomplete. Contact Case Library for information.
- Title
- Guide to the Thomas E. Odell Papers
- Subtitle
- At the Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Roberta Sago.
- Date
- August 25, 2015
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies Repository
Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies
Black Hills State University
1200 University Street, Unit 9676
Spearfish South Dakota 57799-9676 USA
605-642-6361
Lori.Terrill@BHSU.edu