The Osage nation of Native Americans, like other tribes were pushed from their traditional lands by the Western expansion of settlers. They eventually were pushed into Oklahoma onto poor land. But in the 1900's oil was discovered on their land and by the 1920's, the Osage nation were the richest in the country.
But their troubles weren't over. Instead, there were systematic attempts to defraud them and steal their money. Many white people married Osage individuals to share in their money. The governments and banks had Osage individuals declared incompetent to manage their money and appointed guardians who gave them allowances and stole their money while supposedly overwatching it.
Yet even that was not enough. In the 1920's, a criminal conspiracy targeted various Osage families for murder so that their money could be taken. The man behind the conspiracy was William Hale, a man who moved there and became wealthy, stating that he was the Osage tribe's best friend. One of his nephews, Ernest, married into an Osage family and the murders starting happening. Before it was over, the matriarch, three sisters and one of their husbands were killed. One murder was a house blown up even though Ernest knew his own wife and children were supposed to be there that night.
Eventually, the murders became so egregious that the federal government stepped in. The newly formed FBI sent an agent named White to the area where he used undercover agents and turned conspirators against each other until the men could be charged. Although they were imprisoned for long periods, none were put to death. This is that story and the one told in the recent movie. But there was more. In a part two not referenced in the movie, the author discusses all the cases that occurred before and after the infamous ones and how the reign of terror has affected the Osage nation even today.
David Grann is a journalist and staff writer at the New Yorker. His work is extensive and his research impeccable. He is known for his intense immersement in his topics and this book is probably his most impressive and the one he has given most of his professional life to. It was a National Book Award finalist and the reader will be appalled at yet another example of how the Native Americans were treated by those who came after them. This book is recommended for nonfiction readers.
Posts
