The Washington times., 1903-10-12
WON INDIAN BRIDE
WITH RACE HORSE
Graduate of Carlisle WEEDS
Beauty Of Tribe.
HORSE GIFT TO PARENTS
Possession of Hoodlum, Famed for
Speed, Brings About Tribal
Wedding.

GUTHRIE. o. T. Oct 12-Few dra-
matte productions In recent years have
achieved wider popularity than "Old
Ace" for the reason that 1t combines
a love romance and a horse race in
bringing a climax that has thrilled the
hearts Of thousands
During last week the story of "old
Ace found its counterpart In real life.
and that, too. among the Usage Indians.
in northeastern Oklahoma. where a race
horse famous for his speed and beauty
was factor in winning for Arthur
Bonnicastle. an Usage graduate of the
Carlisle Indian School. a pretty Indian
bride. whose hand was sought by many
suitors.
Marched to Pekin.
Bonnicastle recently returned from
serving a three years enlistment II
Uncle Sans lighting ranks in the
Philippines and China, being one of the
favored who had the opportunity to
march on Pekin.
Not long ago II became rumored
among the Usage boys on the reserva-
ton that Ange Penn. a full-blood girl
of exceeding beauty was of that age
when the consent OF her parents could
be obtained for her hand in maria Se
Several Of the more prominent young
Osages-those who trace their blue
blood through centuries of chiefs
sought her a bride.
No one however. seemed 70 have the
lead until Wednesday of last week.
when the relatives of Arthur Bonni-
castle won the bride for that young
hero by adding to the list of gifts for
her parents famous race horse. Hood
lum
Other suitors offered as high as twen-
ty and thirty horses for her hand. ami
mails Of exceptional beauty. but when
the relatives Of Bonnicastle came for
ward with the race horse they won the
day.
People from Pawhuska began arriving
at the Indian camp Thursday morning
for the marriage. and from then until
I'm the afternoon all in attendance on
the ceremony were invited TO partake
of feast served by Labon Miles. a
tribesman, consisting of one hundred
chickens. an unlimited amount OF roast
ed beef. and everything else that the In
dams had been able TO buy
Bride Lamented.
At 4 O'Clock the bride was taken 10 a
small Indian hut where her fifteen OF
twenty attendants clothed her in a cos
tune that for decoration excelled that
OF an admiral. II not being her desire
to be married at this time the ceremony
was delayed by her tears. her Iamenta-
tons causing her attendants 70 weep
with her
IL must be remembered that the Indian
custom makes II impossible. as a rule
for an Indian bride TO see her intended
husband until she is seated by his side
on a blanket. at which time. according
TO the Indian marriage ceremony. they
are duly wed. and IT IS then too late Il
object.
An hour later the bride. clothed in her
wedding garments. was brought from
the hut and placed I'm a buggy to b,
taken to the lodge Of her husband. tn,
horses We're gayly decorated, an IndiaT
walking at the head of each The horse.
were evidently proud Of their part II
the ceremony. showing their apprecia
ton by tossing their plumed beads and
tangling their nets OF bells and studde,
harness.
AS she took her seat the first good
view Of the bride was obtained. a view
that justified the ardor Of her wooer
She was pretty and intelligent in an.
pearance. her beauty brought out tn,
more by the vari-colored wedding cos
tune. a little way down the road sb,
met. running at breakneck speed. buck
and three squaws who were racing from
the headquarters Of the bridegroom. Tn,
first TO reach the bride received a rife
and the second the choice of horse OF
the brides raiment This is an Osa z,
custom that is always followed by tn,
princes Of the blood during wedding
ceremonies.
the f1,.,r IBID
wan the bride was taken to the tent o.
a relative Of her future husband. wher,
she was placed on a blanket and wrap
ped in It until no part OF her was Wis
ihle, and then carried 10 the wigwarn sc
apart for the bridal couple Here sh,
was unwrapped in the presence of tn,
guests. and her wedding clothing claim
ed by a squaw.
Married With a Ring.
The bride was then dressed in another
wedding costume, for her trousseau wai
unlimited and the bridegroom was Sent
for. appearing with Father Edwards. q
priest at present among the Indians
In the eyes OF the Indians the coupi,
were now married. but Father Edward
made 1t a certainty by going through tn
ring ceremony. having in this the ap
prevail Of both the young people.
A feast followed. participated I'm onll
by the newly-wedded couple. durin;
which all the guests were supposed e
depart.
Thus were united two of the mos
powerful and oldest families in IN,
Usage tribe. both members of the pro
Gressive faction. In that country each
Jndian-man. woman, and child,
worth IN cash 5000. and in land 81
acres so that the bride came TO tn.
Bridegroom with dover equal 20 his
own.
Bonnicastie is ore Of the brightest an,
most intelligent Of the younger Osages
While attending the Carlisle school III