The Osage Murders: Mollie Burkhart's Story

Questions and Answers

The setting of the story is in what Oklahoma territory?

Osage settlement town of Gray Horse, Oklahoma

Who is the leading character in the story?

Mollie Burkhart

Why is the Osage territory so special?

The Osage had been driven from their lands in Kansas onto a seemingly worthless piece of land in northeastern Oklahoma. They later discovered that the land was sitting above some of the largest oil deposits in the US.

Name the capital of the Osage.

Pawhuska Signup and view all the answers

What religious beliefs did Mollie's family practice?

A mixture of Osage and Catholic beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Explain the scenario that led to Anna's disappearance.

Anna came to Mollie's house drunk and was arguing with guests, fought with her mother, and fought with Mollie. Before Mollie let Anna leave her house, she washed her clothes, fed her, and sobered her up. Signup and view all the answers

What other member of the Osage went missing?

Charles Whitehorn had vanished a week before Anna Signup and view all the answers

What Osage Tribe members have been found deceased?

Charles Whitehorn and Anna Signup and view all the answers

What was the cause of Anna's death?

Gunshot wound Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of the brothers that were assigned to conduct the autopsy?

James and David Shoun Signup and view all the answers

What was the cursed blessing to the tribe?

Oil Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe Hale's life as a cowboy?

Hard work for little pay. He worked day and night, outside in the weather, he smelled like sweat and manure and his body took a beating. Signup and view all the answers

The bullets that were taken from Whitehorn's skull were from what type of weapon?

Appeared to have come from a .32-caliber pistol Signup and view all the answers

What was Hale named in Fairfax?

Reserved deputy sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What did Hale do for the Osage nation prior to their oil wealth?

He was a benefactor donating to charities, schools, hospitals Signup and view all the answers

What could have given Oda a motive for murder?

After Anna divorced him, she denied him any inheritance Signup and view all the answers

Explain the symbolism of the 'flower killing moon.'

It relates to the flowers that bloom in May - this is when the killings began Signup and view all the answers

What were the Osage lands sitting on?

Massive oil field Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the word choice of 'execution' have on the reader's perception of Anna's murder?

The brutal nature of her murder - she was shot in the back of the head Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the word 'hastily' have on the perception of the conduct of the coroner's inquest?

That it was done quickly and without much care Signup and view all the answers

What attitudes does Grann illuminate surrounding the Osage during this period?

That the Osage were wealthy and living a good life, but people still harbored bad feelings about Native Americans Signup and view all the answers

What is Grann implying about the police department involved in the case?

That they were sloppy. That they did not take careful notes or photographs or details about the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the similarity between Anna and Charles's case?

They were both shot in the back of the head with the same caliber pistol and left out exposed to the weather. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Importance

Story is set in the Osage settlement town of Gray Horse, Oklahoma.
Osage territory is significant due to its oil reserves, discovered atop previously undervalued land.

Key Characters

Mollie Burkhart is the leading character in the narrative.
Osage capital is Pawhuska.

Cultural Context

Mollie’s family practices a blend of Osage and Catholic beliefs.

Disappearances and Deaths

Anna, a family member of Mollie, disappears after a confrontation that includes drunken behavior and arguments.
Charles Whitehorn also goes missing just a week prior to Anna.
Both Anna and Charles Whitehorn were found deceased, with Anna dying from a gunshot wound.

Investigative Details

Autopsy conducted by brothers James and David Shoun, local physicians respected by Mollie's family.
The term "cursed blessing" refers to oil, highlighting both its wealth and the ensuing tragedy.

Hale's Background

Hale, a cowboy turned lawman, had a challenging life fraught with hard labor for meager pay.
Initially portrayed as a benefactor to the Osage before the discovery of oil wealth.
Held the title of reserved deputy sheriff in Fairfax.

Motives and Violence

Oda, Anna's ex-husband, may have had a motive for murder due to being cut off from inheritance after their divorce.
Symbolism of the "flower killing moon" links to the spring bloom in May, coinciding with the onset of the killings.

Anna's murder described with the term "execution," emphasizing its brutality—she was shot in the back of the head.
The word "hastily" illustrates a rushed, careless approach in the coroner's inquest, reflecting negligence in the investigation.
Grann's perspective reveals societal attitudes towards the Osage, showcasing a mix of wealth and underlying racism.

Police and Crime Scene Investigation

Implication of oversight within the police department, suggesting incompetence in documentation and evidence collection.
Similarities in Anna and Charles’s cases: both were shot in the back of the head with a .32-caliber pistol and left exposed to the elements.

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Description

Explore the complexities surrounding Mollie Burkhart's life in the Osage settlement of Gray Horse, Oklahoma, where cultural identity, tragedy, and wealth collide. Understand the impact of oil discoveries on the Osage community and the troubling disappearances and deaths that unfolded. Investigate key characters and themes in this poignant narrative.