During this visit I was able to talk to our internship director, Patrick Swan, where he provided me some very interesting tidbits about Frank Laumer's life and the sheer amount of desire Laumer held for discovering the truth of Ransom Clark and the Seminole War.
As I was discussing my fascination in learning about the Clark exhumation through the files, Patrick told me that Laumer experienced great joy in researching Clark - but also great uncertainty about Clark's character. Laumer went to great lengths to find the truth within Clark's statements, exhuming his body so that the rumor of Clark's "exaggerated" claims may be dispelled. Laumer spent over 50 years reaching out to different archives and county records offices to learn as much as possible about the man.
However, later in his life, Laumer was presented with evidence that Ransom Clark may have been a bit of a criminal; Clark was arrested in the 1830s, charged with passing on a counterfeit bill, along with other unsavory accounts of his character.
Patrick claimed Laumer was enraged by this find, exclaiming that "those guys [who arrested him] did him dirty!" - then later confused. I'm sure researching someone's legacy for so many years, only to find out negative accounts near the end of the journey would be quite upsetting.
Another aspect of his life pointed out to me: Laumer passed on November 18th. So did Ransom Clark.
If Laumer's dedication to this man and this subject wasn't clear by going through the files, it really is now. I'm excited that a public historian, outside of academia found such inspiration in something to pursue so fervently. Maybe one day I'll find my Ransom Clark!
Here are some interesting finds from the files this week:
Dembo Factor was a black Seminole Indian Scout - pictured 4th from the left. He was a veteran of Dade's Massacre. He was kidnapped in 1844 by Creek slavers, who tried to sell the captive, but he was recovered by the army.
Dembo factor: Black Seminoles during the Seminole War
Laumer had a file dedicated to Billy Cypress, an important figure in Seminole museum management and a long-time participant in the Dade Battlefield Historical reenactments. The file contained email correspondence between Laumer and SWF associates mourning the passing of Cypress, as well as several drafts of an obituary, edited by Laumer.
Image and obituary of beloved Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum director Billy Cypress
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