Bobtail Horse, Northern Cheyenne

[Dietmar]

We started to gather some information on Bobtail Horse, a Northern Cheyenne Elkhorn warrior who fought Custer at the Little Bighorn in 1876, in another thread. Please continue to post photographs or information here:


Bobtail Horse

Charlie has contributed this:
BOBTAIL HORSE (VA'KOHE HAMEHE). Northern Cheyenne, born in 1850, belonged to Himoiyoqis (Crooked Lances) war society.
At LBH battle, he was one of the first warriors to crossed the river at "Medicine Tail Ford" and to fired against the vangarde of left wing of Custer battalion, the E Company.
He captured two grey horses.
Later, he became a scout under general N. Miles.
In 1879, he travelled with other seven Cheyenne to Canada to parley with Sitting Bull on his village on Milk River, to persuade him come back in USA.
He had a lively discussion with the great chief in his personal lodge, but he didn't manage to get no result. Died in 1922.

Here is a photograph Jeroen posted:

Bobtail Horse

[Dietmar]

Here´s another one, I think by Curtis:

[jeroen]

I have this one identified as a Blackfoot named Bobtailed Horse, but I am now convinced this is actually the Cheyenne warrior we are talking about... he really looks like it!

[Dietmar]

Bobtail Horse later in life:

[jeroen]

alternative photo of the Bobtailed Horse portratit by Curtis:

[Dietmar]

According to Peter J. Powell Bobtail Horse or Bobtailed Horse was a warrior of the Elkhorn Scrapers Society (Crooked Lances) at the time of the Little Bighorn Battle in 1876. He was among the first Northern Cheyenne who crossed the Little Bighorn and charged Custer´s soldiers.
Later he surrendered at Fort Keogh to General Miles and enlisted as an Indian scout, like so many other Cheyennes. He served in the Nez Perce War in 1877.
Later in life he was a respected holy man and was appointed as one of the Omisis Council Chiefs.

Two more portraits of him:


Bobtail Horse by Dixon 1908


Bobtail Horse 1908

[jeroen]

A fineportrait of Bobtail Horse by Throssel:

[philipp]

hello,

here is the last photo again, but in another version.

greetings

Attachments:

[Dietmar]

Philipp,

welcome to the boards and thank you for the wonderful scan!

Best wishes

Dietmar

[jmccalla44]

I remember reading in a book, a long time ago back in college, a native account during the LBH. As Custer's prong made their first attempt at coming down off the ridge to the river, the observer saw "four brave Cheyennes, all alone, charging the the soldiers" and halting their advance. That image was always one of the ones from the battle to stick in my head, even as I visited the battlefield, it was like I could "see" that scene.

The four Cheyennes were named in the book, at least three, but I think all four. I can't believe I have forgotten, but I'm certain Bobtail Horse was one and I think Roan Bear was another. It is good to see a face to put with that image. I love this site. Keep up the good work everyone!

[mikewh1876]

bobtail horse had a son named tallwhiteman,tallwhiteman had a son named john tallwhiteman,john had 8 kids one was my grandfather clarence tallwhiteman.my mother lucille(TALLWHITEMAN)whitehawk great great grandfather he looks just like my mother