John Grass 'Pizi' (1837-1918). John Grass, warrior and gifted orator was well known during reservation days as a progressive. Able to speak English and many dialects of Sioux, he was made head chief at the Standing Rock Agency, a position created by the white agent to rival the authority of Sitting Bull and unify the Agency Sioux. In later years he was credited for the success of the Commission of 1889: a session which, by the stroke of the pen, meant the end to the great Sioux Reservation. The stage has been set for the Ghost Dance uprising. Sitting Bull was killed, Wounded Knee took the lives of over 150 Sioux, and ironically John Grass helped negotiate a settlement for the survivors. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Dimensions
23 X 18.5 cm
Size Overall
51 X 41 cm
Medium
Black and white photograph
Condition
Severe bowing back of left vertical edge away from mat.
For biographical information see RG 6 Brandon University fonds, Series 3 Office of the President, 3.1 President's files.
Scope and Content
Photograph of John E. Robbins' (painted) portrait.
Notes
The original painting, painted by Frank C. Bensing, is hanging above the door to Government Documents in the John E. Robbins Library. Frank C. Bensing was an American portrait artist (1893-1983). He was a resident of New York City. His most famous subject was Joseph P. Kennedy.
