Charles Eastman

Date of Birth: February 19, 1858

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 8, 1939

Biography

Charles Eastman, also known as Ohiyesa, was a Santee Dakota physician, writer, national lecturer, and reformer. Born in a traditional Sioux family, Eastman experienced the tumultuous period of Native American history characterized by displacement and cultural upheaval. He was among the first Native Americans to be trained as a Western physician, graduating from Boston University in 1890. As an author, Eastman wrote extensively about Native American culture, traditions, and the challenges faced by his people in the face of modernization and colonization. His works are celebrated for their detailed and authentic portrayal of Native American life, and he is often credited with helping to bridge the gap between Native American and Western cultures.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Eastman

1. Charles Eastman was born with the name Hakadah, meaning “the pitiful last,” as he was the last of five children and his mother died shortly after his birth.

2. He adopted the name Ohiyesa, which means “Winner,” after displaying exceptional skills and leadership in his youth.

3. Eastman served as a physician at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota during the aftermath of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.

4. He was one of the co-founders of the Boy Scouts of America and worked to incorporate Native American culture and wisdom into the organization’s programs.

5. Eastman wrote several books including “Indian Boyhood” and “The Soul of the Indian,” which are considered classics in Native American literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Eastman

1. “It is my personal belief that, while everything may be done to make the Indian a good citizen, we shall only be partially successful until we recognize the Indian as a man.”

2. “The Indian was a true naturalist—a lover of nature. He lived out of doors and was intimately acquainted with the habits of every living creature.”

3. “The spirit of the Indian is still there. It is like the mist that rises from the waters and then disappears into the air, but it is still there.”

4. “Our religion is the traditions of our ancestors—the dreams of our old men, given them in solemn visions, and the premonitions of the learned beings.”

5. “The Indian’s style of life was his own adaptation to his natural surroundings; he had met the demands of his environment successfully.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Eastman’s highest net worth during his lifetime is not well-documented, as he primarily worked as a physician, author, and lecturer, roles that were not typically associated with high financial gain during his era. His wealth is better measured in the cultural and educational impact he had on both Native American and non-Native communities.

Children

Charles Eastman had six children with his wife, Elaine Goodale Eastman. Their names are: 1. Charles Eastman Jr. 2. Irene Taluta Eastman 3. Virginia Eastman 4. Eleanor Eastman 5. Dora Eastman 6. Florence Eastman