From Warrior to Judge The Biography of Wahshashowahtinega Bill Nixon Hapashutsy of the Osage Tribe 1843 to 1917

About the Book

Born of mixed blood parents Bill’s father died before he was born from a buffalo hunting accident. Adopted by his mothers new husband he would be educated and grow to be an Osage Warrior to fight for the rights of Native Americans and his families very survival. He would eventually be commissioned a Second Lieutenant and serve in the Army of General Stand Watie fighting for citizenship, Congressional Representation and the right to live in freedom. As Native Americans they were denied American Citizenship and the right to vote and even after the American Civil War they could still be legally owned as slaves. After the war he would work hard in the reconstruction of his people’s homeland giving rise to the Osage Nation. Serving in law enforcement he would rise to become a judge. In his lifetime he went from participating on the buffalo hunts of his people to driving automobiles and the wonders of flight. However, the rights he and his fellow warriors fought for would not be achieved until his Great grandson was nearly 17 years old in 1948 when the last objective (the right to vote) would finally be achieved. His story is an American story, rarely told about the Native Americans from the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. A comprehensive work that brings the history to life with family pictures and the actual events that shaped America as we know it today.

About the Author