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William Frederick Cody, 1846-1917

Nationality: American
Date of Birth: 1846
Place of Birth: Scott County, Iowa

Identity:

William Frederick Cody, 'Buffalo Bill', was a pony express rider, showman and politician. He married Louise Frederici in 1866.

Life:

Cody was a pony express rider until 1861 when he joined the 7th Kansas Cavalry. He earned the title 'Buffalo Bill' when he was contracted by the Kansas-Pacific Railway to supply buffalo meat. He killed 4280 buffaloes in eighteen months from 1867-68. In 1872 he was a member of the Nebraska Legislature. However he is most famous for his Wild West Show which he headed from 1883, and which JW saw in London (see The Orator, Wild West Show 294).

Bibliography:

Who Was Who in America, 1897-1942, vol. 1, Chicago, 1963.