Frank Bird Linderman

Author Frank Bird Linderman was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 25, 1869. After going west to Montana to work as a trapper in the 1890s, he became friendly with several tribes even receiving several nicknames. The Blackfeet knew him as  “Iron Tooth” while the Cree called him “Sings-like-a-Bird.” Linderman became a politician and was an endless advocate for the Native American Chippewa and Cree tribes, and influenced Congress to establish a Chippewa reservation. This accomplished, he would write letters on the Native Americans’ behalf and eventually ran for office.

Image of Frank Bird Linderman by unknown photographer.

In 1915, he wrote a collection of Native American folktales called Indian Why Stories: Sparks from War Eagle’s Lodge-Fire. He would continue to write about the Native American culture and was adopted into three tribes for his work. Linderman also was a talented sculpture artist and created several pieces influenced by the Native tribes. He passed away in 1938. Much of his work, including research, artifacts, and photographs, has been loaned to libraries and museum for further generations to enjoy.