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The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Life of Buffalo Bill by William F. Cody.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Dedication

    The author dedicates the book to General Philip H. Sheridan.

  2. Chapter 2

    Introductory

    The publisher introduces the life of Hon. William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill, presenting his autobiography as a truthful and valuable record of Western frontier history. The narrative covers Cody's early life in Kansas, his work as a pony express rider, stagecoach driver, bull-whacker, Union scout, buffalo hunter, and actor. A letter from General E. A. Carr attests to Cody's modesty, skill as a trailer and hunter, and invaluable service as a scout and guide during Indian campaigns. The chapter concludes with Cody's current success as an actor and landowner in Nebraska.

  3. Chapter 3

    The Life of Buffalo Bill

    This chapter recounts the early life and adventures of William F. Cody, detailing his journey from a young boy in Iowa to becoming the legendary figure known as Buffalo Bill. It covers his family's move to Kansas, his first Indian fight, his time as a Pony Express rider, and his experiences as a scout and buffalo hunter, culminating in his stage debut.

  4. Chapter 4

    Childhood

    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.

  5. Chapter 5

    Early Influences

    Young Bill Cody encounters the emigrant wagon trains, soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, and his first Indians, while being deeply influenced by the daring horseman Horace Billings, who teaches him to ride and throw a lasso. The chapter also describes the family's move to a trading camp in Kansas and Cody's early fascination with frontier life.

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  1. Chapter 6Boy Days in Kansas
  2. Chapter 7Youthful Experiences
  3. Chapter 8In Business
  4. Chapter 9Hard Times
  5. Chapter 10Accidents and Escapes
  6. Chapter 11Adventures on the Overland Road
  7. Chapter 12Fast Driving
  8. Chapter 13X: Questionable Proceedings
  9. Chapter 14A Soldier
  10. Chapter 15XII: A Wedding
  11. Chapter 16A Millionaire
  12. Chapter 17XIV: Earning a Title
  13. Chapter 18Champion Buffalo Killer
  14. Chapter 19A Courier
  15. Chapter 20An Appointment
  16. Chapter 21Scouting
  17. Chapter 22A Tough Time
  18. Chapter 23An Exciting Chase
  19. Chapter 24A Military Expedition
  20. Chapter 25A Desperate Fight
  21. Chapter 26Administering Justice
  22. Chapter 27Hunting Expedition
  23. Chapter 28Hunting with a Grand Duke
  24. Chapter 29Sightseeing
  25. Chapter 30Honors
  26. Chapter 31An Actor
  27. Chapter 32Starring
  28. Chapter 33I Return to the Plains
  29. Chapter 34Dangerous Work
  30. Chapter 35Conclusion
  31. Chapter 36Endnotes