Chief "Running Antelope" photographed by Alexander Gardner in his Washington, D.C. studio in September 1872.
Running Antelope's Pictograph Signature
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"Running Antelope" (TA-TO'-KA-IN'-YAN-KA)
Chief of Oncpapa Band, Sioux Indians
- Birthplace: Near the Grand River, presently South Dakota, in 1821.
- Youth: Grew up with no white settlers in his area and enjoyed an unspoiled childhood rich in the traditions of his people, the Teton or Western Sioux, learning to ride and hunt.
- 1868: Signed a government-initiated Treaty at Fort Rice. The peace medal Running Antelope wears in his portrait was most likely received at this treaty because it has the portrait of President Andrew Johnson on it. The Grand River Agency was formed following the Treaty.
- August 1872: Called to Fort Peck for a council with the Assistant Secretary of the Interior and other chiefs of the Teton Sioux. Following the meeting he was with the group who went to Washington, D.C. to meet the president. It was during this visit that Alexander Gardner photographed Running Antelope in his studio.
- Place of death: Standing Rock Reservation in North and South Dakota.
- Age at time of Death: About 75 years old.
- Time of Death: Between June 30 1896 and June 30, 1897.
- Epilogue: Running Antelope was the greatest Sioux orator in addition to being a skilled negotiator and diplomat.
A letter from Bishop Martin Marty of South Dakota dated July 6, 1892 reads: "He (Running Antelope) is now old and feeble in mind and body and
merits kind treatment from all, that take a kindly interest in our aborigines, that he may close his days in peace." Running Antelope is last
mentioned in the annual census of June 30, 1896. He is not mentioned in the census the following year so it is assumed he died during that year.
Unfortunately, not very many details of Running Antelope's life were ever documented and a great deal of important information will remain lost to this world.
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Currency Presentations featuring Running Antelope
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