American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Bust portrait of Connor having a shaved head and partial mohawk. He wears a beaded choker and a longer strand of beads around his neck, and large hoop earrings (light toning, spotting, and some residue to print; mount with soiling and wear to edges/corners). Photographer's imprint on verso.

William H. "Bill" Conner (1846-1899) was a mixed race Osage from Pawhuska, Indian Territory, and educated by the Jesuits at Osage Mission in Kansas. He sometimes served as a translator and guide for travelers, and at some point became an attorney, reportedly becoming the only Osage native to ever be allowed to practice in the US courts (according to the Wilson County Citizen issue reporting his death in July of 1899). He was killed at Monett, MO, by being run over by a train. It was widely reported that there was some foul play involved.