Henry Inman (U.S. Army officer and author) facts for kids
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Henry Inman (born July 30, 1837 – died November 13, 1899) was an American soldier, explorer of the frontier, and writer. He served in the military during the American Civil War and in campaigns against Native American tribes. He was known for his bravery in battles. He later became a journalist and wrote many stories and books about the American plains and the Wild West. Henry Inman was a friend of Buffalo Bill and worked with famous military leaders like General Custer.
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Henry Inman's Early Years
Henry Inman was born in New York City on July 30, 1837. His father, also named Henry Inman, was a famous artist. His father was even the president of the National Academy of Design. Henry's brother, John O'Brien Inman, also became an artist.
Henry went to public schools in Brooklyn, New York. When he was young, his father passed away. His mother raised him in Hempstead for about five years. Later, he went to the Athenian Academy in Rathway, New Jersey. He also had special tutors to help him get ready for college.
Adventures on the Frontier
As a young man, Henry Inman traveled west. There, he met the famous Buffalo Bill Cody. Henry and Buffalo Bill explored the frontier together. They also fought alongside each other in battles.
Henry often rode with Buffalo Bill during his Wild West shows. He also knew many Native American chiefs. Once, he found the skeleton of a Cheyenne person in Ness County, Kansas. He gave this important discovery to a museum in Kansas.
Military Service and Bravery
Inman joined the army in 1857. He served in the Indian campaigns with the 9th Infantry Regiment. He was stationed in Oregon and California during this time.
When the American Civil War began in 1861, he joined the 17th Infantry Regiment. By October 1861, he became a second lieutenant. He worked closely with General George Sykes of the Fifth Corps. Henry fought bravely in the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. He was badly wounded but was recognized for his courage in action. He finished his service as a captain and a major.
Henry Inman was made a lieutenant-colonel for his service in the 1868-1869 Indian winter campaign in Kansas. He served under General Philip Sheridan. During the Indian wars, he also worked with Generals George Armstrong Custer, Alfred Sully, and Alfred Gibbs. Later, while working as a paymaster at Fort Harker, he faced some financial issues. He was later dismissed from his position, possibly due to carelessness. People often called him Major Henry Inman or Colonel Henry Inman.
Writer and Journalist
In 1878, Henry Inman started a new career as a journalist. He worked for the Larned Enterprise newspaper. He also became the editor for six different newspapers.
Henry loved to write about his adventures on the plains. His short stories appeared in many magazines and newspapers. He wrote about his experiences on the plains and the western frontier. One of his famous books is The Old Santa Fe Trail.
He also wrote a book called The Great Salt Lake Trail with Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill was listed as a co-author because Henry used many quotes from Cody's own autobiography. Henry's book, The Old Santa Fe Trail, also included parts from Buffalo Bill's life story. Other books he wrote include A Pioneer from Kentucky, The Delahoydes, Tales of the Trail, The Ranch on the Ox-hide, and Buffalo Jones. At the time of his death, three more of his books were being published.
Henry Inman's Family Life
Henry Inman married Eunice Churchill Dyer on October 22, 1862. She was the daughter of a shipbuilder. They had one son and two daughters. While in the hospital, Henry met a homeless boy who was blind. He took the boy in, and they became very close friends.
Henry spent much of his life in Kansas. He lived in military posts first. Then he settled in Larned and later in Topeka. Henry Inman passed away on November 13, 1899, in Topeka, Kansas. He was buried at Ellsworth Cemetery.
People said he looked a lot like his friend Buffalo Bill when they were together. Lake Inman and the nearby town of Inman, Kansas were named after him. He was also on the board of directors for the Kansas Historical Society.
