My Ancestors

Harry Lewis Charles

 1897 - 1991

This is my father. He was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota in 1897. He was a Chippewa Indian, of the Stockbridge / Brotherton tribes. According to information I have at present, his parents were William L. and Essa Charles, although he and his sister Lucy were sent to an orphan's home in Ottawatomie, MN around 1900. From there they were sent to an Indian school in Sac & Fox, Iowa. Finally, they  both were sent to Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania in the early 1900s.  Here are some pictures of his days at Carlisle. He didn't talk much about it, only that the students were beaten on the knuckles with rulers if they were caught speaking their native languages. He was very proud however, of having attended Carlisle - where Jim Thorpe went to school. According to Dad, he was present at Jim Thorpe's wedding at Carlisle and he followed his career throughout his life. More info to follow. For now, enjoy the photos.