| dc.description.abstract | The transformation of the American wilderness into a modern, industrialized nation has attracted the attention of countless historians. Ever since Frederick Jackson Turner delivered his famous Chicago address, the pattern of fur trapper, miner, rancher, and farmer slowly moving westward through a series of frontiers has been analyzed and interpreted; in numerous areas, the subtle changes have been catalogued. But many aspects of this process are still not clear. Exactly how were the ideas and institutions of the East transported westward? Why was it that the schools, churches, and other embodiments of civility suddenly appeared on the frontier? How could an individual contribute to the end of the frontier? An examination of the life of one reformer who helped bring about these changes by traveling from one frontier to another spreading the gospel of civilization may answer some of these questions. William F. M. Arny was a vehicle of cultural transmission. Born within a few miles of the Atlantic Ocean, he moved westward through a series of developing communities: the Virginia mountains, Illinois farm country. Kansas plains, and New Mexico deserts. In each of these areas he worked for the same ends: establishing churches, founding schools, organizing farmers, creating political parties, and introducing improved methods of transportation. Religious enthusiasm and philanthropic zeal gave to his whole program the character of a crusade. Yet Arny developed these reforming characteristics slowly. A dramatic religious conversion and long association with evangelist Alexander Campbell seemed to be training him for the ministry, but an embarrassing controversy which brought on disgrace and dishonor forced him to move west and undertake secular activities. In central Illinois the needs of frontier farmers redirected his efforts while reinforcing his belief in the agrarian ideal. Caught up in the anti-slavery enthusiasm of the 1850's, he also became a political activist devoted to establishing a free-soil bastion in Kansas. The presence of conflicting sectional forces complicated other civilizing efforts after he moved to the Jay hawk territory. By 1861 the far Southwest had become Arny's workshop. Appointed an Indian agent and territorial official in New Mexico, he applied many of the same principles. Indians, too, needed schools; the territory required capital, transportation, colleges, and a strong Republican Party. Working with the Jicarilla Apaches, Moache Utes, Pueblos, and Navajos he carried his philanthropic interests to the Indians. Many obstacles frustrated his efforts, but Arny, typical of thousands of others, helped to push back the frontier and edge civilization ever westward. | |
