Register of Guardians of Osages
ca. 1919-1924
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This is a page from the register of guardians of minor and “incompetent” Osage Indians. The Osage Indians at one time were considered some of the wealthiest people in the world due to the oil found on the land they owned in Oklahoma. The register lists guardians of Osage Indians who were deemed unfit to have control of their own money.
Mollie Burkhart, an Osage, and her family were victims of William K. Hale, who masterminded the killing of several Osage Indians in order to inherit headrights (oil rights) and money. Hale solicited his nephew Ernest Burkhart to help carry out his crimes. Ernest and Mollie married, but he was eventually arrested for his involvement in the death of her family members.
In the register, Ernest is listed as the guardian for their children, Elizabeth Ernestine and James William Burkhart. The Osage refer to this time as the Reign of Terror.
Mollie Burkhart, an Osage, and her family were victims of William K. Hale, who masterminded the killing of several Osage Indians in order to inherit headrights (oil rights) and money. Hale solicited his nephew Ernest Burkhart to help carry out his crimes. Ernest and Mollie married, but he was eventually arrested for his involvement in the death of her family members.
In the register, Ernest is listed as the guardian for their children, Elizabeth Ernestine and James William Burkhart. The Osage refer to this time as the Reign of Terror.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
National Archives Identifier: 311844611
Full Citation: 75-OSA31; Register of Guardians of Osages; ca. 1919-1924; Register of Guardians, 1919–1924; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/register-of-guardians-of-osages, February 13, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.