Kelly, Fanny Wiggins (1845–1904)

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Kelly, Fanny Wiggins (1845–1904)

American Indian captive. Born 1845 in Orillia, Ontario, Canada; died Nov 15, 1904, in Washington, DC; dau. of James Wiggins and an Irish-born mother (name unknown); m. Josiah S. Kelly, Nov 1863 (died 1867); William F. Gordon (journalist), May 5, 1880; children: (1st m.) 1 son.

Along with 1 woman and 2 children, taken captive by Ogalala Sioux near Fort Laramie (July 12,1864); became property and servant of Chief Ottawa and lived with his family; soon fluent in Siouan language, took on role as chief's medicine woman; after 5 months in captivity, recaptured by military at Fort Sully, SD (Dec 12, 1864); awarded $5,000 by Congress (April 1870) and reached deal with Sioux to be paid for loss of property; published Narrative of My Captivity among the Sioux Indians (1871).