Chief Forest D. and Lorene Olds Papers, 1881-1979

Papers of Chief Forest D. Olds of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Materials include tribal records created during administration as Chief (1963-1974) and personal papers primarily relating to genealogical research of the Olds family. Records also reflect Chief Olds' work in fighting for Miami treaty rights, and his oversight of distribution of the resulting judgment funds to tribal members.

Separated into 4 series: Miami Tribe Records, Correspondence, Miami Claims Records, and Personal Papers.

Physical Description: 4.5 cubic feet (5 boxes).

This collection was rearranged after acquisition to reflect organization by record function. Personal papers were separated from tribal records, and some records were rearranged to reflect a chronological progression.

Forest D. Olds was born March 5, 1911 in rural Miami, where he lived his entire life. He attended a rural Miami school until the 8th grade. He became a lifelong farmer and stockman, at one time maintaining over 900 acres. He married Elsie Lorene Parks on November 27, 1943. Known by his nickname "Pude," Olds became involved in several organizations related to his farming. He was the director of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, the vice-president of the Miami Coop Association, and a board member of the Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. He was involved as a Supervisor and Director of the Ottawa County Soil and Water Conservation District for over 15 years. Chief Olds also served as a member of the State Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity, and was a school board member for more than one school. After serving as Second Chief under Chief Harley Palmer for 15 years, Olds was elected Chief in September of 1963. As Chief, he worked to strengthen the organization of the Miami Tribe, and worked closely with the Tribe's cases before the Indian Claims Commission. After the court ruled in the Tribe's favor, Chief Olds oversaw the distribution of these funds to descendents of Miamis who were removed from their homeland in Indiana. Chief Olds died August 4, 1974. Chief Olds was a great-grandson of Chief David Geboe, and a direct descendant of Chief Little Turtle's sister, Ta-cum-wah. He sometimes used a Myaamia name for himself, "Me-tek-yah."

The MHMA does not hold copyright for material not generated by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and users are responsible for acting in accordance to copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.).