Chiricahua Apache (1829–1909) who attained the status of legend for his steadfast defense of Native American lands against the United States government. After decades of aggressive resistance, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, on September 4, 1886. After years of imprisonment, followed by ‘military confinement,’ Geronimo became a celebrity, appearing at such venues as the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis (where he sold autographs to curiosity seekers) and in Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade, and dictating his autobiography. He died of pneumonia at Fort Sill, Oklahoma at the age of 79. Very rare matte-finish 3.25 x 5.25 postcard photo of Geronimo standing alongside his wife, both clad in duster jackets, with a badge pinned to his vest and jacket, signed across the top in pencil, “Geronimo.” Bottom of photo bears an imprint which reads, “Geronimo and Wife, Canady’s Photo.” Some scattered light silvering, a small pencil line near bottom, and a couple of trivial mounting remnants to reverse, otherwise fine condition.
When signing an object, Geronimo would rotate the item so he could write his signature vertically, although the name would appear horizontal when turned right side up. He was paid $1 for signatures and $3 for photographs. This photograph was taken by A.B. Canady of Altonna, Kansas, and dates to 1907. Here, Geronimo is pictured with his ninth wife, Azul, who married him when the Apache prisoners of war were moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma Territory. She remained with Geronimo until his death in 1909.
In 1907, a celebration dubbed ‘The Last Pow-Wow’ was planned to commemorate the merging of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories to establish Oklahoma statehood. The event featured a carnival, Wild West show, and other attractions, and organizers invited Geronimo to attend. Army Scout and Texas Ranger ‘Mustang Jack’ Moore accompanied Geronimo from Fort Sill to Collinsville, Oklahoma, for the event. Moore befriended Geronimo, and soon introduced the famed Apache warrior to his friend, oilman C.W. Deming and his wife. “Jack Moore used to come to [Deming’s] home, break down the door in the middle of the night, and sleep off the whiskey,” a descendant of Deming recalled. “And then two weeks later, Jack would be all sobered up by now, he’d come back and bring him a cow or something.” One day he brought a collection of items associated with Geronimo, including this autographed photo. An exceedingly rare signed photo with impeccable provenance. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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