Name/Title
Newspaper article by L.E. Blackman entitled "A Nebraska Indian Medal"Entry/Object ID
Q1430.634.468ADescription
Newspaper article entitled "A Nebraska Indian Medal" and is about the same. Vol I pg. 468A
A newspaper article by L. E. Blackman titled "A Nebraska Indian Medal," featuring two large illustrations of medallions. The left medallion is engraved with an image of a figure holding a spear, surrounded by trees and the inscription "The Bravest of the Brave." The right one has a scene depicting figures and structures, possibly illustrating a narrative or event.
An enlargement of the left side of the article making it easier to read the contents. The article elaborates that the medal was given to Mrs. G.W. Ellsworth, who later passed it to Horace O. Ellsworth. The article provides context about the grave's proximity to Spring Creek and its contents, including glass beads indicating contact with white individuals. The featured medal, believed to be the first of its kind to reach the Nebraska state historical society, is suggested to commemorate a heroic act, perhaps involving an Indian rescuing a white woman.
An enlargement of the right side of the article. The surrounding text narrates historical accounts of the Skidi band of the Pawnee tribe, their origins, customs, and interactions with other groups. It highlights the tribe’s migration history from the Brazos river in Texas to the Loup river valley in Nebraska, detailing early encounters and cultural practices, notably mentioning their religious beliefs, distinctive use of languages, and spatial settlement patterns relative to other Pawnee bands.
The final section of the article highlights uncertainty about the medal's hero, hinting at its intriguing story. Pawnees moved to Oklahoma in 1873, suggesting the medal was long buried. It notes the old Pawnee reservation with ruins from as early as 1300 A.D. and recent ones explored by historians. The medal, found in a recent ruin, resides in the state historical society's museum, curated by E. E. Blackman.Subject
L. E. Blackman
Nance County, NebraskaSubject Person/Organization
Harry L. George Collection
