Charles C. Painter facts for kids

Charles C. Painter (1833-1895) was an American abolitionist, a supporter of Native American rights, and a Congregational minister. He was born to a Virginia planter who freed his enslaved people before the Civil War. Painter later taught at Fisk University, a school dedicated to educating African Americans. He was also an important member of the Indian Rights Association. He worked from their Boston office and spent many years as a lobbyist in Washington D.C., alongside Samuel M. Brosius.

What Was the Indian Rights Association?

The Indian Rights Association (IRA) was started in Philadelphia in 1882. Its main goal was to help Native Americans become "civilized" and gain full citizenship. In 1884, the founders, Herbert Welsh and Henry Pancoast, opened an office in Washington D.C. This office worked to influence laws and connect with government groups like the Board of Indian Commissioners and the Board of Indian Affairs.

How Did the IRA Help Native Americans?

The Indian Rights Association stayed in close touch with Native American agents and the tribes themselves. They did this through letters and by visiting reservations and settlements. Charles C. Painter often traveled to these reservations. He would check on the actions of government agents and observe the living and health conditions of Native Americans.

Charles Painter's Beliefs and Actions

Charles C. Painter strongly believed that Native Americans should become citizens. He also thought that reservations should be ended. He worked hard to support the Allotment policy, which was suggested by Senator Henry L. Dawes. This policy became law in 1887 as the Dawes Act.

What Was the Dawes Act?

The Dawes Act was a law that aimed to divide up tribal lands. It gave individual plots of land to Native American families. The idea was to encourage Native Americans to farm and live like other American citizens. However, this act also led to Native Americans losing a lot of their land.