Bancroft

The plaque's eloquent speaker was heard well beyond Bancroft. Susette La Flesche, Inshata Theumba or Bright Eyes, born about 1854 at Bellevue, taught on the Umóⁿhoⁿ (Omaha) reservation. In May 1879 she interpreted for the Ponca leader Standing Bear at his trial at Fort Omaha and went east with him on a speaking tour organized by Thomas Tibbles, whom she married in July 1881. The couple later reported from Pine Ridge on Wounded Knee. She died at her home near Bancroft on May 26, 1903, and entered the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1983.

What the plaque says

Bancroft Bancroft was the home of John G. Neihardt between 1900 and 1920. Here he wrote all of his short stories and lyric poetry including A Bundle of Myrrh, The Splendid Wayfaring, and the Quest and began his epic poem A Cycle of the West which brought him high critical acclaim. Born in Illinois January 8, 1881, Neihardt lived in Kansas and Missouri before settling in Wayne, Nebraska in 1892. He began writing poetry at the age of twelve, worked his way through Nebraska Normal College at Wayne and taught school. In Bancroft he worked for an Indian trader and edited the Bancroft Blade. In 1921 he was appointed Poet Laureate of Nebraska by Legislative Act. Many Omaha Indians in the Bancroft vicinity helped the poet gain his profound understanding and com- passion for their race. Among them were Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte and her sister Susette (Bright Eyes), daughter of Joseph La Flesche (Iron Eyes) last recog- nized chief of the Omaha. Susette, an eloquent and attractive speaker, was famous for her tireless and effective work in behalf of her people. She is buried beside her father and mother in the Bancroft cemetery. Bancroft Commercial Club Historical Land Mark Council

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Blackbird Scenic Overlook — 13 mi
  A pull-off on US-75 at Macy on the Umóⁿhoⁿ reservation, looking over the Missouri valley toward the hill where Wazhiⁿga' sabe, Blackbird, was buried after the smallpox of 1800.

More markers nearby

• John G. Neihardt Center — 0.9 mi
• John G. Neihardt Study — 0.9 mi
• Lyons — 6.2 mi
• Susan LaFlesche Picotte Memorial Hospital — 11 mi