1905 Signed Geronimo in Display (University Archives LOA)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015

His signature "Geronimo," accomplished on a 3.25" x 5.25" lined sheet of paper, together with the signatures of Naiche, ("Christian Naiche"), Asa Daklugie ("Asa Daklugie Later elected Chief Fort Sill. Oklahoma"), and George Albert Purington ("Geo A Purington 1st Lt. 8th Cav") who adds "witness to signature". Matted and framed together with a 8.25" x 15" (visible) pencil drawing of Geronimo after the noted 1887 photograph by Ben Whittick. Slightly rough at left margin, two extremely minor tears that do not affect signature, else fine condition. Not examined out of frame. A superb set of signatures including the great Apache warrior authenticated by 1st. Lieutenant George Albert Purington of the 8th Cavalry, who was in charge of Geronimo and his fellow prisoners at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Below Purington's signature is that of Naiche (c. 1857-1919), who by this time had converted to Christianity (renaming himself "Christian Naiche"), and was the last hereditary chief of the Chiricahua band of Apache (Geronimo led the Bedonkohe band). Naiche was one of Geronimo's lieutenants during their time roaming northern Mexico before their 1886 surrender. Below Naiche, Asa Daklugie (c. 1869-1955), who was was the son of Juh (c. 1825-1883), a leader of the Ndéndai group of the Chiricahua band, has added his signature as well. Well-educated, Daklugie acted as interpreter for Geronimo for author S. M. Barret in preparation for his 1905 biography: Geronimo: His Own Story. According to his own account he was elected chief of the Fort Sill Apache against his own wishes. He recalled in a 1942 interview that "though it was, I felt, an honor, I declined it. Why? We had a chief one elected to the customs of the Apaches; and he had been a good and efficient one." (Interview with Eve Ball, c. 1942). This page was taken from an autograph book kept by Clara Schofield, the daughter of General John Schofield. Comes with letter of authenticity from University Archives.