The World's Best Book Summaries
Who was Ernest Burkhart? Did he play a role in the Osage murder conspiracy in the 1920s? Ernest Burkhart is a key figure in the Osage murders. Working alongside his uncle William Hale, Burkhart systematically murdered his wife’s Osage family members in order to steal the wealth she accumulated from oil. Read about Ernest Burkhart and his trial.
Who was Henry Roan? Was his death part of the Osage Reign of Terror? Henry Roan was an Osage man who had a direct relationship with murder mastermind William Hale. Roan’s death eventually provided clues that helped FBI agent Tom White uncover the conspiracy. Keep reading to learn about Henry Roan’s tragic end and how it was the start of a horrific episode in Oklahoma’s history.
Who was William Hale, and what did he have to do with the Osage murders? Was he ever convicted? William Hale, often called Bill Hale, was a local businessman who positioned himself as a friend to the Osage. Meanwhile, he was systematically murdering them and stealing their money. Keep reading to learn about the mastermind behind the Osage murders.
Who was Charles Whitehorn? What’s his role in Killers of the Flower Moon? Charles Whitehorn was an Osage man who lived in Oklahoma in the 1920s. About a week after the murder of Osage woman Anna Brown, Whitehorn’s body was found. Ruled a homicide, the killing was part of the larger conspiracy of the tragic Osage murders. Read more to learn about Charles Whitehorn and the infamous conspiracy of which he was a victim.
Who was Tom White? What role did he play in the Osage investigations? Tom White, FBI agent, was the Bureau’s lead investigator for the Osage murders. A disciplined and determined agent, he brought the murderers to justice and helped solidify the FBI’s position in American law enforcement. Continue reading to learn more about Tom White and the difference he made.
Who were the women of Hidden Figures? Were the Hidden Figures real women? Yes, they were real! The Hidden Figures main characters, Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson, were all real women who contributed to both the war effort and later to NACA (NASA) in the journey to space. Read more about the women of Hidden Figures, and how they overcame obstacles to make important discoveries in science and space travel.
Who was Dorothy Hoover, and how did she contribute to changing the culture and rules at NASA? How did Dorothy Hoover help open doors for women, both black and white, to advance at NASA? Dorothy Hoover was a physicist and mathematician. One of the first black women hired as a human computer at NASA, Dorothy went on to co-publish a paper on wing design for aircraft. Her contribution helped make it possible for women to advance in NASA, once higher-ups saw the work the women were doing, and what they were capable of. Read more to find out how the
Who was Rita Smith? What was her connection to the Osage murders? Rita Smith and her husband Bill were murdered in 1923 after their house exploded. Rita’s brother-in-law and others had conspired to steal the family’s money, and nothing was going to stop them. Read more about Rita Smith and the larger conspiracy that resulted in multiple murders in Rita’s family and others.
Who was Miriam Mann, and what did she do? How did Miriam Mann help dismantle segregation at NASA? Miriam Mann was a mathematician and a member of West Computing Group. Miriam Mann played an important part in helping achieve equality amongst the computers, and was known for her ongoing protest: removing the offensive “colored computers” sign in her workplace.
Who was Anna Brown? How was she touched by the Osage murder conspiracy? Anna Brown, a young Osage woman, was the first known victim of the Osage Reign of Terror. Her close family members also fell victim to the evil plot. FBI investigator Tom White connected the murders and ultimately brought the killers to justice. Keep reading to learn about the death of Anna Brown and how it was only one piece of the puzzle.