While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
Bright Eyes. True name, Susette La Flesche. The eldest
child of Eshtamaza, or Joseph La Flesche, a former head-chief of the
Omaha. She
was born in Nebraska about 1850 and attended the Presbyterian mission school on
the Omaha res. Through the interest of one of her teachers, Susette was sent to
a private school in Elizabeth, N. J., where she made rapid progress in her
studies. After her return home she taught in a Government day school on the
Omaha res. and exercised a stimulating influence on the young people of the
tribe. In 1877-78 the Ponca were forcibly removed to Indian Territory from their
home on Niobrara r., S. Dak. Not long afterward Susette accompanied her father
to Indian Territory, where he went to render such help as he could to his sick
and dying relatives among the Ponca. The heroic determination of the Ponca
chief, Standing Bear, to lead his band back to their northern home; their
sufferings during their march of more than 600 m.; his arrest and imprisonment;
and, after a sharp legal struggle, his release by habeas corpus, in accordance
with Judge Dundy's decision that "an Indian is a person" (U. S. v Crook, 5
Dillon, 453), led to steps being taken by a committee of citizens to bring
the matter of Indian removals before the public. Arrangements were made to have
Standing Bear, accompanied by Susette La Flesche and her brother, visit the
principal cities of the United States under the direction of Mr T. H. Tibbies,
and tell the story of the Ponca removal. The name "Bright Eyes" was given
Susette, and under that cognomen she entered upon her public work. Her clear
exposition of the case, her eloquent appeals for humanity toward her race, her
grace and dignity of diction and bearing aroused the interest of the thousands
who listened to her. As a result, a request was urged on the Government that
there be no more removals of tribes, and this request has been respected when
practicable. In 1881 Bright Eyes married Mr T. H. Tibbies. Later she and her
husband visited England and Scotland, where she made a number of addresses.
After her return to this country she lived in Lincoln, Neb., and maintained
activity with her pen until her death in 1902. (A. C. F.)
This site
includes some historical materials that may imply negative stereotypes
reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These
items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be
interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes
implied .
Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico, Frederick Webb Hodge, 1906
