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Israel McCreight
Major Israel McCreight (Oglala Lakota: Cante Tanke “Great Heart”) (April 22, 1865 - October 13, 1958) is notable in American history as a Progressive Era banker, conservationist an...view moreMajor Israel McCreight (Oglala Lakota: Cante Tanke “Great Heart”) (April 22, 1865 - October 13, 1958) is notable in American history as a Progressive Era banker, conservationist and expert on Native American culture and policy. McCreight was a founder of the Pennsylvania Conservation Association, and authored President Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation policy on public education and Cook Forest State Park, the first Pennsylvania State Park acquired to preserve a natural landmark. McCreight dedicated his life to public education about Native American culture and was a nominee for U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs. His relationship with the Lakota people began as a young man in the Dakota Territory in 1885 when he lived with them during a period of great sorrow. He returned to Du Bois, Pennsylvania, became a successful banker, and led the region into prominence as the biggest bituminous coal producers in the United States between 1890 and World War I. McCreight collaborated with Flying Hawk, an Oglala Lakota Chief, to write a Native American’s view of U.S. history and classic accounts of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Crazy Horse and commentaries on Native American philosophy. The Wigwam, McCreight’s home in Du Bois, Pennsylvania, was a Native American heritage center and once the Eastern home of Oglala Lakota “Oskate Wicasa” Wild Westers. McCreight was a founder of the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association and member of the Pennsylvania Society of New York. McCreight was an ardent student of the Indian, a lover of fair play and an author of books and articles.view less