Fiske, Frank Bennett, 1883-1952

Frank Bennett Fiske was born at Fort Bennett, Dakota Territory. He spent most of his life in the Fort Yates area, arriving there in 1889 with his father, who worked as a civilian wagon master with the U.S. Army. Fiske learned the photography trade from S. T. Fansler, operator of the post studio. When Fansler abandoned the studio in 1900, Fiske took over, and continued to operate, primarily at Fort Yates, until his death in 1952. Fiske is best known for his Indian portraits, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He also wrote two books TAMING OF THE SIOUX (1917) and LIFE AND DEATH OF SITTING BULL (1933).

Frank Bennett Fiske married Angela Cournoyer, descendant of Chief Forked Horn who helped him in his pursuits.

From the description of Fiske photographs of the Sioux, arranged and bound by Marion Jordan Piper, 1952. (Peking University Library). WorldCat record id: 74217546