Skedee, Oklahoma: Friendship With Chief Baconrind

A monument to a unique bond of friendship between Ellsworth Walters and Osage Indian Chief Baconrind.

Ellsworth Walters was christened "Colonel" by his parents in memory and recognition of U.S. Army Colonel Ellsworth, the first Union Army casualty of the Civil War. At age 19, around 1884, Walters became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Oklahoma Territory. He eventually became the principal auctioneer of lands near Skedee for drilling rights. He allegedly brought in bids of a million dollars in one day under the shade of what was later known as the "Million Dollar Elm Tree."

I have visited [the Bond of Friendship Monument] many times, mainly to show business associates and friends something of the past that means a lot to me. I am the great grandson of Chief Bacon Rind and I get pleasure in sharing some history with associates. During the June dances in Pawhuska, I honor his memory by dancing with his silver arm bands, his coup stick and eagle feathers, and a brass engraved scarf slide. Each year I usually take anywhere from 2-10 people in my pickup to the hill where he is buried so they can see the memorial statue standing about 12' tall. I call it the Bacon Rind hill and that is where I want my ashes scattered.

After attending the Pawnee, OK, Steam Show on the first weekend of May...don't forget to travel the extra 9 miles if "inspirational" local sculpture is your forte. We stumbled across a monument in the middle of the main intersection of Skidee, Oklahoma depicting the bond of friendship between Col. Walters and Chief Baconrind. Emotional, if not a bit grotesque.