The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapter
Childhood explained
This chapter recounts William F.
What happens
This chapter recounts William F. Cody's early childhood, including the tragic death of his brother Samuel, his family's move from Iowa to Kansas in 1852, and memorable events along the journey such as a horse race with their new horse Little Gray and a stay at Mrs. Burns' home. It concludes with his father establishing a trading post in Kansas and giving Cody two ponies, marking his first venture into the frontier.
Themes in this chapter
Frontier Expansion and Manifest Destiny
The Cody family's move from Iowa to unsettled Kansas embodies the westward expansion and the pursuit of new opportunities on the frontier.
Self-Invention and Celebrity
Young Cody's pride in owning ponies and his early adventures foreshadow his later self-invention as Buffalo Bill, a frontier celebrity.
Transformation of the Landscape
The journey through Iowa and Missouri and the family's settlement in Kansas illustrate the transformation of the landscape as settlers moved westward.
Characters to notice
- Buffalo Bill
Narrates his childhood experiences, including his brother's death and the family's move to Kansas.
- Elijah Cody
Uncle of Buffalo Bill, a merchant in Weston, Missouri, who hosts the family during their journey.
- Samuel Johnson
Brother of Buffalo Bill who dies accidentally in his twelfth year.
- Mrs. Burns
Wealthy lady who hosts the Cody family overnight after learning they are related to Elijah Cody.
- Little Gray
A small gray horse acquired by the Cody family during their journey, which wins a race against a Missouri horse.
Key passages
“There was one event which occurred in my childhood, which I cannot recall without a feeling of sadness. It was the death of my brother Samuel, who was accidentally killed in his twelfth year.”
Cody remembers the tragic death of his brother Samuel, who died at age twelve.
This event marks a pivotal moment in Cody's childhood, leading to the family's decision to move to Kansas.
“Accordingly, early in the spring of 1852, he disposed of his farm, and late in March we took our departure for Kansas, which was then an unsettled territory.”
In early spring 1852, the family sold their farm and moved to the unsettled Kansas Territory.
This migration is a key event in Cody's early life and the broader westward expansion.
“One day, after he had been absent some little time, he came home and said that he had bought two ponies for me, and that next morning he would take me over into Kansas.”
Cody's father returned home and told him he had bought two ponies for him, and they would go to Kansas the next day.
This gift of ponies symbolizes Cody's entry into frontier life and his future as a horseman.