Intended AudienceTrade
ReviewsLibrary Journal Nov.1, 2009Over the years there have been a number of claims of survivors of Custer's battalion at the Little Bighorn in 1876, but none has held up under close scrutiny--until now. Journalist Koster (The Road to Wounded Knee) carefully reconstructs the life of Frank Finkel, second sergeant of C Company. He marshals all of the available documentary, historical, archaeological, and forensic evidence, to show that the Frank Finckel born in Ohio in 1854 was the George August Finckle who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry in 1872, the Frank Finkel who died in Dayton, WA, in 1930, and the "long sword" whom Rain-in-the-Face reported being told escaped the battle on a runaway horse and whom he saw in Chicago in 1893. Koster also tells how Finkel's desire to enhance his status and his second wife's efforts to erase all traces of his first wife, supposedly part Cherokee, misled researchers for decades but also kept Finkel's story alive. VERDICT This well-written and carefully reasoned argument is essential reading for scholars and students of the West and will be of great interest to anyone with even a passing interest in Custer and the Little Bighorn. Highly recommended.--Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., MarquetteMidwest Book Review, December 12, 20095.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking addition to American history shelves,, Review copies to 50 history, military and western magazines,40 to internet reviewers and pertinent bloggers.50 to targeted newspaper reviewers., Custer Survivor: The End of a Myth, the Beginning of a Legend dares to challenge the long-standing historical assumption that the 210 troopers under Custer's command were exterminated to the last man. Drawing up extensive research and forensic evidence, Custer Survivor reveals the untold tale of one trooper who escaped, the Second Sergeant of C Company. Following his ordeal after his escape and the successful life he pursued thereafter, Custer Survivor is a thought-provoking addition to American history shelves with a focus on intense historical scrutiny and re-examination. Over the years there have been a number of claims of survivors of Custer's battalion at the Little Bighorn in 1876, but none has held up under close scrutiny--until now. Journalist Koster (The Road to Wounded Knee) carefully reconstructs the life of Frank Finkel, second sergeant of C Company. He marshals all of the available documentary, historical, archaeological, and forensic evidence to show that the Frank Finckel born in Ohio in 1854 was the George August Finckle who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry in 1872, the Frank Finkel who died in Dayton, WA, in 1930, and the "long sword" whom Rain-in-the-Face reported being told escaped the battle on a runaway horse and whom he saw in Chicago in 1893. Koster also tells how Finkel's desire to enhance his status and his second wife's efforts to erase all traces of his first wife, supposedly part Cherokee, misled researchers for decades but also kept Finkel's story alive. VERDICT This well-written and carefully reasoned argument is essential reading for scholars and students of the West and will be of great interest to anyone with even a passing interest in Custer and the Little Bighorn. Highly recommended.--Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette -- Library Journal, 11/1/2009 My good friend John - Stories of "escapees" from the Little Big Horn Battlefield have been numerous over the years out here in Lakota country. This would include soldiers and scouts that slipped through the confusion of battle. When Lakota men and women told of their own particular war stories, they would only do so in the presence of other witnesses who were also there, and could verify that what the "teller" recounted was indeed true and factual. Unfortunately, toward the end of their lives, there were fewer and fewer witnesses to corroborate their stories. When there were no more witnesses, the stories stopped. They remained in the memories of these sage warriors. My own great-grandmother, Mary Crawler, was present and participated in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. [not massacre]. Accounts, recollections and memorabilia of her own exploits were held in common by generations of family members. Her own stories followed a similar fate...no more witnesses, no more stories. However, we were left with first hand accounts of the battle. Today, in this semantical world of words....you are a storyteller, a historian, and in fact a witness for Frank Finkel. The arrogance of George A. Custer and others of his ilk...to believe that they could ride through Indian country and conquer all in their path....permeates to this very day. How thoughtless of him, to think that he could sneak attack a helpless camp of Lakotas.... After 33 years I am happy you have not forgotten me and I do appreciate your acknowledgement in this most excellent book.... John Eagle Shield Fort Yates, North Dakota (Standing Rock Sioux Reservation), Custer Survivor: The End of a Myth, the Beginning of a Legend dares to challenge the long-standing historical assumption that the 210 troopers under Custer's command were exterminated to the last man. Drawing up extensive research and forensic evidence, Custer Survivor reveals the untold tale of one trooper who escaped, the Second Sergeant of C Company. Following his ordeal after his escape and the successful life he pursued thereafter, Custer Survivor is a thought-provoking addition to American history shelves with a focus on intense historical scrutiny and re-examination.Over the years there have been a number of claims of survivors of Custer's battalion at the Little Bighorn in 1876, but none has held up under close scrutiny--until now. Journalist Koster (The Road to Wounded Knee) carefully reconstructs the life of Frank Finkel, second sergeant of C Company. He marshals all of the available documentary, historical, archaeological, and forensic evidence to show that the Frank Finckel born in Ohio in 1854 was the George August Finckle who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry in 1872, the Frank Finkel who died in Dayton, WA, in 1930, and the "long sword" whom Rain-in-the-Face reported being told escaped the battle on a runaway horse and whom he saw in Chicago in 1893. Koster also tells how Finkel's desire to enhance his status and his second wife's efforts to erase all traces of his first wife, supposedly part Cherokee, misled researchers for decades but also kept Finkel's story alive. VERDICT This well-written and carefully reasoned argument is essential reading for scholars and students of the West and will be of great interest to anyone with even a passing interest in Custer and the Little Bighorn. Highly recommended.--Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette-- Library Journal, 11/1/2009My good friend John -Stories of "escapees" from the Little Big Horn Battlefield have been numerous over the years out here in Lakota country. This would include soldiers and scouts that slipped through the confusion of battle.When Lakota men and women told of their own particular war stories, they would only do so in the presence of other witnesses who were also there, and could verify that what the "teller" recounted was indeed true and factual. Unfortunately, toward the end of their lives, there were fewer and fewer witnesses to corroborate their stories. When there were no more witnesses, the stories stopped. They remained in the memories of these sage warriors.My own great-grandmother, Mary Crawler, was present and participated in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. [not massacre]. Accounts, recollections and memorabilia of her own exploits were held in common by generations of family members. Her own stories followed a similar fate...no more witnesses, no more stories. However, we were left with first hand accounts of the battle. Today, in this semantical world of words....you are a storyteller, a historian, and in fact a witness for Frank Finkel. The arrogance of George A. Custer and others of his ilk...to believe that they could ride through Indian country and conquer all in their path....permeates to this very day. How thoughtless of him, to think that he could sneak attack a helpless camp of Lakotas....After 33 years I am happy you have not forgotten me and I do appreciate your acknowledgement in this most excellent book....John Eagle ShieldFort Yates, North Dakota(Standing Rock Sioux Reservation), Custer and battle at the Little Big Horn has captured the American interest more than any other engagement in American history, Library Journal Nov.1, 2009 Over the years there have been a number of claims of survivors of Custer's battalion at the Little Bighorn in 1876, but none has held up under close scrutiny--until now. Journalist Koster (The Road to Wounded Knee) carefully reconstructs the life of Frank Finkel, second sergeant of C Company. He marshals all of the available documentary, historical, archaeological, and forensic evidence, to show that the Frank Finckel born in Ohio in 1854 was the George August Finckle who enlisted in the Seventh Cavalry in 1872, the Frank Finkel who died in Dayton, WA, in 1930, and the "long sword" whom Rain-in-the-Face reported being told escaped the battle on a runaway horse and whom he saw in Chicago in 1893. Koster also tells how Finkel's desire to enhance his status and his second wife's efforts to erase all traces of his first wife, supposedly part Cherokee, misled researchers for decades but also kept Finkel's story alive. VERDICT This well-written and carefully reasoned argument is essential reading for scholars and students of the West and will be of great interest to anyone with even a passing interest in Custer and the Little Bighorn. Highly recommended.--Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette Midwest Book Review, December 12, 2009 5.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking addition to American history shelves,, Author's articles to appear in "Wild West" magazine(Weider History Group) December, February, April and June. "Custer Survivor" to be promoted., Vivid, new account of incidents at the battle at the Little Big Horn brought to light; new insight from the Cheyenne and Sioux viewpoint
SynopsisIt has been recorded in official government records that there were no survivors of the five companies of the Seventh Cavalry who were with General George Armstrong Custer at the battle at the Little Big Horn. Recently, uncovered records and forensic handwriting evidence, the latter verified by forensic handwriting experts, reveal that one trooper, a sergeant in "C" Company of the Seventh Cavalry, actually escaped the onslaught of Sioux and Cheyenne. The author has tracked the man and his activity during the battle and has brought them together in this book. This book features documented accounts and recreates the scene from the Sioux and Cheyenne encampment the night before the battle through the action the following day, the remarkable "escape" of the wounded survivor, the aftermath of the battle and his fascinating life thereafter. Professor Louise Barnett, a fellow of the Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis, Rutgers University, writes the Introduction., It has been recorded in official government records that there were no survivors of the five companies of the Seventh Cavalry who were with General George Armstrong Custer at the battle at the Little Big Horn. Recently, uncovered records and forensic handwriting evidence, the latter verified by forensic handwriting experts, reveal that one trooper, a sergeant in "C" Company of the Seventh Cavalry, actually escaped the onslaught of Sioux and Cheyenne. The author has tracked the man and his activity during the battle and has brought them together in Custer Survivor . Custer Survivor , through documented accounts recreates the scene from the Sioux and Cheyenne encampment the night before the battle through the action the following day, the remarkable "escape" of the wounded survivor, the aftermath of the battle and his fascinating life thereafter. Professor Louise Barnett, a fellow of the Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis, Rutgers University, writes the Introduction.
LC Classification NumberE83.876