John Douglas Bemo (1 results)

Hardcover. Autograph commonplace book with 28 separate manuscript entries ranging from 1883-1896, primarily from the early 1880s, all dedicated to Ada or Adali, with locations largely between New York and Washington, D.C. Front hinge with webbing exposed, blue cloth cover rubbed and worn. 4" x 2.75" page size. The highlight of the album is a short inscription from John Douglas Bemo, signed: 'per John D. Bemo or Talamasmico' with an additional inscription below describing Bemo as being the nephew of Seminole leader Osceola and preacher in Indian Territory. (This is signed separately by a set of initials.) John Douglas Bemo (ca. 1824-1890) was a Seminole missionary and educator who was born among the tribe in Florida and was kidnapped pressed into naval service as a child. He converted to Christianity, went to school, and applied to become a teacher in Indian Territory. In 1843 he received permission from the U.S. government to establish a school in Indian Territory among the Seminole people who had been removed from Florida, and spent the rest of his life as an educator and missionary. An unusual autograph, with no other examples found in commerce or auction records. Signed by Author(s).