Historian. Student grade books (1929–1951) from history courses taught by Rister at the University of Oklahoma; manuscripts (1889–1920) regarding the settlement of Oklahoma, written by early settlers about their experiences and observations; and typescripts of the official reports (1868–1871) of generals William T. Sherman and Philip H. Sheridan regarding the actions and experiences of their units against Indians, with detailed descriptions of armed engagements and of negotiations with chiefs and tribes. The Sherman and Sheridan reports are copies of the originals in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.