146. O’BEIRNE, H[arry] F. Leaders and Leading Men of the Indian Territory. With Interesting Biographical Sketches. I. Choctaws and Chickasaws: With a Brief History of Each Tribe: Its Laws, Customs, Superstitions and Religious Beliefs. Profusely Illustrated with Over Two Hundred Portraits and Full-Page Engravings [all published]. Chicago:  American Publishers’ Association, 1891. [2], ii, iv, [17]-26, ii, [2], 27-208, x, 209-318, vi pp., 13 plates (mostly photographic, including frontispiece), 14 inserted full-page text illustrations (mostly photographic). 8vo, original brown decorative cloth stamped in gold and black, marbled edges. Light shelf wear, but overall a fine, complete copy.

     First edition. Howes O3. O’Beirne, who by his own statement, lived for many years among the people he describes proposed this work to prevent records of his subjects from passing into oblivion, which “would reflect discredit upon the philanthropy of the present generation, more especially now that the tribal governments are threatened with approaching dissolution.... It will be observed that a few sketches contained herein are those of resident white men who have in some manner become identified with the institutions and industries of the country.”  Uniformly sympathetic, the author stresses the accomplishments of his subjects and pays special attention to women, whose contributions he praises highly.  Among the biographies and photographs is “Granny” Houston, Sam Houston’s former consort before he came to Texas; the text states she is 109 years of age. As might be expected, many of the subjects in the book are of “mixed blood.” On p. 95 is an especially handsome portrait of Quanah Parker, noted Comanche chief and son of noted Texas captive Cynthia Ann Parker.  Many of subjects were stock raisers.  ($200-400)

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