Olive Oatman
From BME Encyclopedia
| Olive Oatman | |
|---|---|
| |
| Birth Date | 1837 |
| Birth Place | Illinois |
| Death Date | March 20, 1903 |
| Occupation | unknown |
| Website | none |
Olive Oatman was the first white woman to be tattooed in America.
Biography
Olive Oatman was born in 1837 in Illinois. In 1851 her family was killed by Native Americans while on a trip heading west. She and her sister were captured. After a year, they were traded to another tribe for two horses, vegetables and blankets. They were adopted by this tribe, who was much kinder to the girls and they were both given traditional chin tattoos. During a drought, her sister died of starvation. After 5 years, she returned to living with the white people at the request of local authorities.
She died March 20, 1903 from a heart attack.
Oatman, Arizona is named in her honor.
