Samuel Burk Burnett and Quanah Parker: A Legacy of Mutual Respect
The history of the American West is often told as a series of conflicts, but the relationship between Samuel Burk Burnett, Sr. and Quanah Parker stands as a powerful testament to mutual admiration and cross-cultural friendship. This bond, which spanned nearly three decades, evolved from the pragmatic needs of cattle ranching into a deep personal connection that bridged the gap between the Comanche people and the Anglo settlers of Texas and Oklahoma.
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The Convergence of Two Worlds
Quanah Parker, a leader of the Kwahadi (Antelope) band of Comanches, first entered the historical record prominently during the attack on buffalo hunters at Adobe Walls on June 27, 1874. During his early adult life, Parker had diverse experiences, including interactions with the Apache and the adoption of the Native American Church (the peyote religion). However, the near-extinction of the buffalo and the loss of horses and lodges to the US military forced a pivotal change. In late May and early June 1875, Parker led his people into Fort Sill, marking the end of their nomadic existence on the southern plains and the beginning of a sedentary life.
Simultaneously, Samuel Burk Burnett, Sr. (1849–1922) was expanding his ranching empire. After moving cattle from South Texas in 1874, he established his headquarters near Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1881. When severe drought withered Texas grasslands, Burnett and other ranchers sought to lease land on the reservation north of the Red River in Oklahoma, encompassing nearly 1 million acres (400,000 ha).
From Opposition to Partnership
Initially, Quanah Parker opposed opening tribal lands to Anglo grazing interests. However, he eventually shifted his position, forging strategic alliances with cattlemen like Charles Goodnight and the Burnett family. By 1880, Parker was building his own herds. His leadership was instrumental in securing the first "grass" payments in 1884, ensuring the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes were compensated for grazing rights.
While other "cattle kings" viewed the land and its original inhabitants as obstacles to be conquered, Burnett took a different approach. He studied Comanche ways and developed a genuine respect for Native American rights. This sincerity was recognized by the Comanches, who bestowed upon him the name Mas-sa-suta, meaning "Big Boss." This respect extended to Burnett's son, Thomas Loyd Burnett (1871–1938), further cementing the familial bond between the two parties.
The Star House and Shared Experiences
As Quanah Parker adapted to a new way of life, he became a prosperous rancher in Oklahoma. He constructed the Star House, a spacious two-story frame home. The house featured a bedroom for each of his seven wives and their children, though Parker's own private quarters remained plain, adorned only with photographs of his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker, and his sister, Topʉsana. Samuel Burk Burnett contributed financially to the construction of this home.
The friendship manifested in various public and private gestures. Burnett invited Parker to participate in public events, such as the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show, where Parker would carry a specific "Parade" lance. On a more personal level, Burnett helped Parker purchase granite headstones for his mother and sister, whose remains were moved from Texas to the Comanche reservation at Fort Sill in 1910.
The depth of this esteem is most evident in the cultural artifacts the Parker family gifted to the Burnetts, including Parker's significant war lance—a gesture that indicated the highest level of regard.
Political Influence and Conservation
Quanah Parker's influence extended to the highest levels of the US government. In 1905, he appeared in the inauguration parade for President Theodore Roosevelt. Shortly after, in April 1905, Roosevelt visited Parker at the Star House. The President, Parker, and Burnett later went wolf hunting together near Frederick, Oklahoma.
During this trip, Parker used his access to the President to advocate for his people, arguing that the tribe should retain ownership of 400,000 acres (1,600 km²) that the government intended to sell to homesteaders. Although he lost this specific battle, he successfully raised the President's concern regarding unemployment among his people. Furthermore, this wolf hunting excursion is believed to have influenced Roosevelt's decision to create the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Key Facts
- Mas-sa-suta: The Comanche name given to Samuel Burk Burnett, meaning "Big Boss."
- The Star House: Quanah Parker's two-story home, partially funded by Burnett, which housed his seven wives and children.
- Grass Payments: First secured in 1884 for grazing rights on Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache lands.
- Land Lease: Burnett and other ranchers leased nearly 1 million acres north of the Red River.
- Conservation Impact: A wolf hunt involving Roosevelt, Parker, and Burnett contributed to the creation of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
| Aspect | Samuel Burk Burnett | Quanah Parker |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Texas Cattle Baron | Comanche Leader / Rancher |
| Key Contribution | Financial support for Star House & headstones | Negotiated grazing rights ("grass payments") |
| Mutual Symbol | Received the name "Mas-sa-suta" | Gifted his war lance to the Burnetts |
| Shared Connection | Friendship with Theodore Roosevelt | Friendship with Theodore Roosevelt |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the name Mas-sa-suta?
Mas-sa-suta is a Comanche term meaning "Big Boss," given to Samuel Burk Burnett as a sign of the tribe's high regard and respect for him.
How did Quanah Parker's view on land grazing change?
Originally opposed to Anglo ranching interests using tribal lands, Parker eventually changed his position and collaborated with cattlemen like Burnett and Charles Goodnight to build his own herds and secure payments for the tribes.
What was the Star House?
The Star House was a large, two-story frame residence built by Quanah Parker in Oklahoma. It featured separate bedrooms for his seven wives and their children, and its construction was supported by a financial contribution from Samuel Burk Burnett.
How did the friendship between Burnett and Parker affect US conservation?
A wolf hunt involving Samuel Burk Burnett, Quanah Parker, and President Theodore Roosevelt is believed to be one of the reasons Roosevelt established the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
What cultural artifacts signify the bond between the two families?
The most significant artifact is Quanah Parker's war lance, which was given to the Burnett family as a clear indication of the high esteem in which they were held.