Abstract:
A study of existing materials raised questions about Meacham: Was he a sincere well-intentioned reformer, or was he a fool? Did he deserve the abuse heaped upon him by Oregonians and Coloradans? Was the support of eastern humanitarians warranted? Did he make effective contributions to Indian reform? It was discovered that satisfactory answers to these questions could be found only in a biographical study. The study was made, and this dissertation is the report.