Fred Lookout facts for kids

Fred Lookout (around 1861 – 1949) was a very important leader of the Osage Nation. The Osage are a Native American tribe whose ancestors spoke a language called Dhegiha Siouan. Fred Lookout was the last chief whose family had held the leadership role for generations. The Osage Nation is based in Oklahoma.

Early Life

Fred Lookout was born around 1861 near a place that is now Independence, Kansas. His mother passed away when he was a baby, so his grandmother raised him.

When he was a young boy, he was chosen to attend the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. He studied there from 1879 to 1884. In 1884, he went back home to his tribe's land after his father died. He decided not to return to the school. Later, he married Julia Pryor and became a farmer near Pawhuska.

Becoming a Leader

Fred Lookout started his political journey with the Osage Nation in 1908. He was elected as an assistant chief. He did not run for election again in 1910.

In 1914, he was chosen to be the main chief by the United States Secretary of the Interior. He took over from the previous chief, Bacon Rind. Fred Lookout lost his bid for reelection later that year. However, he won a two-year term as principal chief in 1916.

He also served on the tribal council from 1920 to 1922. He became the main chief again in 1926 and served in that role until he passed away in 1949.

Later Years

Fred Lookout died on August 28, 1949. He is remembered as a significant leader for the Osage Nation.