Dr. Freeman Ward by Connor O'Neill
Dr. Freeman Ward is one of the more mysterious contributors to this collection. Dr. Ward is only connected to one artifact in this collection, through a loan in 1931. Ward was one of the Lafayette Geology Department’s founding members. Born in Yankton, South Dakota, his work in the newly formed state dealt much with the surveying of land for oil, which started his passion for geology. His work as a surveyor led him to visit the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Indian Reservations located in the Western Part of South Dakota. The reservations are most likely where he acquired the ceremonial stone war club attributed to him in this collection.
Dr. Ward's education began at a denominational college in Yankton founded by his father. Following his undergraduate study he spent two years receiving education from Yale University. Five years later he was granted a Doctorate of Philosophy of geology from that same university. Though his focus was never directly in Anthropological study, his travels and contact with the tribes of South Dakota most likely led to his collection of his loaned piece.
