Emma J. Pickens
Two Families, One Robert · working scene, not locked
ATOKA, INDIAN TERRITORY · 27 MARCH 1901 — sworn examination
The examination is already underway. Selected questions and answers from the listening master; documentary gaps remain gaps.
COMMISSIONDo you know anything about the treaty of 1830 or the laws that were made subsequently?
EMMA J. PICKENSI knew his ancestors was McKinneys.
COMMISSIONWell, I am not as much interested about the McKinneys as I am about Robert Bell whom you claim to be your father, and who undoubtedly was your father, and I want to know if you can prove to the Commission conclusively that your father Robert Bell is the same Robert Bell who was put upon the register of Murray and Vroom, which register was made under and pursuant to an act of Congress of March 3, 1837? Is that the same person?
EMMA J. PICKENSI suppose it was.
COMMISSIONI don't like to have you say you suppose so; if you can give me a more definite statement.
EMMA J. PICKENSWell, we never did inquire into his business; I don't want to make anything.
COMMISSIONNo, I don't want you to, but I want to bring out all you know.
COMMISSIONHave you told all now that you can tell in reference to this matter, or can you think of anything more?
EMMA J. PICKENSWell, I maybe could if I could think of it; well you don't want to know much about what I have heard him say.
EMMA J. PICKENSMy father.
COMMISSIONWhat have you heard him say? Tell me that.
EMMA J. PICKENSI have heard him say he could talk Choctaw, I have heard him talk that a great many times.
COMMISSIONDid you ever hear him say that he was put upon any roll or register list?
EMMA J. PICKENSI never did.
COMMISSIONWell, how did you ever get an idea that he was?
EMMA J. PICKENSWhy, we found his name upon the register.
COMMISSIONHow did you know that they were his brother and cousin?
EMMA J. PICKENSWell, he told me that.
COMMISSIONWell why didn't you tell me that?
EMMA J. PICKENSWhy didn't you ask me.
COMMISSIONI asked you whether your father ever told you that his name was on the registry list and you said he had not, and now you say he had.
EMMA J. PICKENSI didn't say that; I said we found his brother's and cousin's name there and he had told me about his brother and cousin.
COMMISSIONDid he never tell you about his name being on?
EMMA J. PICKENSHe never did tell me much about that part.
COMMISSIONAre you married?
The examination continues.
Source and performance boundaries +
Audition adapted from “Current master — 65 scenes,” not independently verified here against each source face. Editorial omissions join distinct moments; no invented historical dialogue. The examiner’s identity, venue detail, inflection and gestures are unestablished. Emma’s account of finding a name on a list remains separate from identifying the historical person. “Why didn't you ask me” and her ensuing correction are preserved together.