Author Description

Fascinating and detailed account of the Osage Indians spanning present day Kansas and Oklahoma, centring on the leadership of Black Dog the elder and his son also named Black Dog. "It was the first Chief Black Dog who conceived and engineered the Black Dog Trail for hunting and mourning parties. It was he who directed the building of a race track for young braves to develop speed in running and other athletics. And it was he who understood the significance of the Mottled Eagle (Hon-'ga) from which he descended. During his life time, he led the Osages courageously and unselfishly through disasters and trying events into worthwhile undertakings and happy surroundings. The second Chief Black Dog, upon the death of his father, fell heir to leadership and much trouble, in the beginning. However, he was resourceful with foresight and decision, and was able during the Civil War and the turn of the century to guide his people into greener pastures than those frequently noted by historians. He encountered many difficulties, temptations and disappointments; he left no male descendant to carry on the prized name of "Black Dog." He lived until 1910, long enough to lend his influence with the Osage Nation towards making an oil and gas lease on a million and a half acres of their land, and by this counsel helped his people to become the wealthiest of all Indian tribes."