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Benjamin F. Stucki Papers, 1868-2003

 Collection
Identifier: Eau Claire Mss G

Content Description

The Benjamin Stucki Papers are concerned primarily with the Reverend Stucki's work with the Winnebago Indians and include general correspondence, 1903-1957; correspondence with the American Bible Society, 1902-1909, regarding the publication of the Winnebago Bible; and correspondence and reports of the National Fellowship of Indian Workers, 1935-1958.

The collection also contains articles and printed material relating to the Winnebago Indians, including articles and sermons, 1932-1953, and Arthur R. Casselman's 1932 manuscript for Winnebago Finds a Friend (designated “Winning the Winnebago”). Included in the collection is a list of Indian pupils at the Winnebago Indian School since 1878 and health records of the students, 1922-1936.

The collection's only volume is a manuscript version, in Winnebago, of the four Gospels, Acts, Genesis, and chapters 19-20 of Exodus, written by the Reverend John Stacy and Jacob Stucki in 1906.

Additions received in 2023 include Benjamin Stucki correspondence (1910-1930), writings and sermon notes (1911-1960), and collected publications and books. Also included are materials created and collected by Jacob Stucki, including sermon notes (1880-1910), as well as materials relating to the Winnebago Indian School such as financial reports, correspondence, construction records, and teaching materials, 1883-1963.

Dates

  • Creation: 1868-2003

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Access restrictions may apply, please consult with archivist.

Use Restrictions

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. For more information regarding the copyright status of this collection please contact the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Biographical/Historical Note

Benjamin Stucki, the son of the Reverend Jacob Stucki, was born in 1893. He graduated from the Mission House College in Plymouth, Wisconsin, and attended the medical school of the University of California. He left the University of California in 1919 to become superintendent of the newly established Winnebago Indian School at Neillsville, Wisconsin. This school, which was under the sponsorship of the former Reformed Church in the United States, was started many years earlier by his father, the Reverend Jacob Stucki, at Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

In 1930, Mr. Stucki was ordained to the Christian ministry by the Sheboygan Classis, and in 1957 Mission House College gave him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Reverend Stucki was one of the founders and a charter member of the National Fellowship of Indian Workers, 1935-1956.

Reverend Stucki spent forty-two years of his life teaching and preaching among the Winnebago Indians at Neillsville, first at the newly established Winnebago Children's Home, where he served as treasurer. Reverend Stucki died at Neillsville on October 3, 1961, survived by his wife and seven children.

Extent

5.4 Linear Feet (12 archives boxes and 3 half archives boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Algonquian languages

German

Siouan languages

Summary

Papers of the Reverend Benjamin F. Stucki, long-time director of the Winnebago Indian School, Neillsville, Wisconsin. Included is general correspondence; articles and sermons related to Winnebago Indians; correspondence and reports of the National Fellowship of Indian Workers, 1935-1958; and correspondence with the American Bible Society, 1902-1909, regarding publication of the Winnebago Bible. Also present is a manuscript version in Winnebago of a portion of the Bible, written by the Reverends John Stacy and Jacob Stucki in 1906. Additions received in 2023 include Benjamin Stucki correspondence (1910-1930), writings and sermon notes (1911-1960), and collected publications and books. Also included are materials created and collected by Jacob Stucki, including sermon notes (1880-1910), as well as materials relating to the Winnebago Indian School such as financial reports, correspondence, construction records, and teaching materials, 1883-1963.

Wisconsin Historical Society Descriptive Finding Aid

A duplicate copy of the information in this finding aid is also available through the Wisconsin Historical Society: Register of the Benjamin F. Stucki Papers, 1902-1958

Acquisition Information

Presented by Mrs. Ben Stucki, Neillsville, Wisconsin, June 1965. Additions from Reverend John Helt on behalf of the United Church of Christ, Wisconsin Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., 2023.

Accession Number

M65-216; M85-072; M2024-010; 20241011

Digitized Materials

The materials for box 1 and 2 in this collection exist in an electronic format. Please consult Special Collections and Archives department staff for access.

Processing Note

Processed by Jack T. Ericson, November 1, 1966. 2023 additions to the papers of Rev. Benjamin Stucki and Jacob Stucki including correspondence, sermons, notebooks, and curriculum and administrative materials related to the Winnebago Indian School, circa 1870-1975. Qty 4.8 cubic feet (11 archives boxes and 2 half archives boxes), and 3 audio recordings (2 discs and 1 open reel tape; located in Madison, WI).

Status
Published
Author
Greg Kocken
Date
January 30, 2024
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Eau Claire Area Research Center, McIntyre Library, UW-Eau Claire Repository

Contact:
103 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire Wisconsin 54701 United States
715-836-2739