Nebraska State Historical Society
Title
Anecdotes Relating to "White Cow" or "White Buffalo"
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
January 1885
NOTE.-The editor of this report was, during the life-time of
“White Cow” or “White Buffalo," agent for the Omaha Indians,
and familiar with the peculiar characteristics referred to by Mr. Fontenelle.
A reference to two instances may not be an unpleasant digression.
I was once sent for in great haste by "White Cow," on an exceeding
bitter cold day in December, the messenger stating the old Indian was
about to die, and desired to make his will, appoint his successor, and
such like. I went at once, and found the old man stretched out on a
buffalo robe before a blazing fire, in his tepee. He quickly as possible
arose to a sitting position, greeted me, lighted his pipe and passed it
around - a universal custom, and indicative of friendship and good
will. He then proceeded to state his case. He was old, sick, and expected
never again to get up and around. He wished a twelve year
old grandson, then in the mission school, to succeed him as chief. He
wished to be buried or rather placed in a sitting position, on the high
bluff of the Missouri river, back a mile or so from the tepee, his face
to the river, that the spirit might continue to see the steamboats passing
up and down that stream.
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Published in Transactions and Reports of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Volume I (Lincoln, NE, 1885).