New Biography

Discover the incredible life of Andrew J. Poppleton and how he shaped Omaha's first fifty years & the Union Pacific Railroad

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The Andrew J. Poppleton Book will Inspire YOU

The Stories

This biography will inspire and amaze you with its tales of perseverance, courage, and determination.

* Explore the early days of Omaha through the eyes of A. J. Poppleton

* Experience the challenges and triumphs of settling a new city

* Learn about the fight for Omaha as the capital of the Nebraska Territory

* Be inspired by A. J. Poppleton's unwavering dedication to the Union Pacific Railroad

* Read the fascinating legal cases fought by Poppleton, including the Kidnapped Judge, the Snowplow, and the Bridge Connecting the Nation

* Follow the groundbreaking Chief Standing Bear Trial that established Native Americans as persons under the law

* Admire A. J. Poppleton's dedication to the cultural development of Omaha

* Meet the men and women who together founded and built a great city

* Be entertained by true stories of the era, such as the dances, grand balls, and midnight suppers in the early days of Omaha

Included in the Book

Personal journals, correspondence, diaries, and photographs never before available
A detailed story of A. J. Poppleton's life and achievements
Rare insights into the early days of Omaha and the Midwest
Gripping accounts of political fights for a territorial government
An in-depth look at the development of the Union Pacific Railroad and its impact on the nation

Print, Hardcover, and Kindle Versions

This new book is available from any bookstore. It can be ordered online from Amazon (e.g., Print, Hard Cover or Kindle).

Order HERE

Speaking

Larry makes the story of A.J. Poppleton, who came to Omaha City in 1854 at age 24 come alive. For speaking request information, contact: dwyerlaw1000@gmail.com

Award-winning Author Lawrence A. Dwyer

Lawrence A. Dwyer holds a B.A. Degree in American and British History from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a Law Degree from Creighton University. He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association and has been a practicing attorney for 50 years. Larry served on the Board of Directors of the Douglas County Historical Society and became the first President of its Foundation. He was the keynote speaker at the Historical Society's 130th and 140th Anniversary celebrations of the Trial of Standing Bear. He has given countless presentations to various civic organizations for the past decade on the historical significance of Standing Bear and the great Omaha City founder, Andrew J. Poppleton. Larry was awarded the Best Nebraska History Book Award for Standing Bear's Quest for Freedom.

Standing Bear's Quest for Freedom - by Lawrence A. Dwyer

The Story

This book is the story of a great and noble man—a man of courage and determination who was willing to face arrest for leaving the government’s reservation without its permission—all because of his love for his son and his people.

Civil Rights Victory

Standing Bear was a man who fought for his freedom, not with armed resistance, but with bold action, strong testimony, and heartfelt eloquence. He knew he and his people had been wronged. All he wanted was the right to live and die with his family on his own land – on the beloved land of his Ponca ancestors. This story is a civil rights victory for Native Americans, unprecedented in American history.

America Would Never Be the Same Again

For the first time, a federal court declared a Native American to be a “person” – a human being, having rights and privileges to file an action for a redress of grievances in a federal court, like every other person in America.

Standing Bear won his fight for freedom. His victory began a movement of change, a slow change, but a change, nevertheless. The pervading sense of indifference toward Native Americans was broken. America would never be the same because of what Standing Bear did.

Highlights of Standing Bear's Quest for Freedom

Drawing from the author's ten years of research using primary sources, you will hear Chief Standing Bear, members of the Ponca Tribe, and other individuals involved in this historic case speak for themselves. As you read this book, you will be able to:

Journey with members of the Ponca Tribe in the forced removal from their ancestral homeland to barren Indian Territory in Oklahoma--following a diary of the march and the Journey of Sorrows Map with dates and locations of the 500-mile trek.
View 28 historical photographs of the people and places accompanying the chapter events.
Feel a part of each of the historical events as they unfold.
Experience the first civil rights victory for Native Americans.
Witness the first speech ever presented by a Native American in a Federal Courtroom.
Search the 400+ end notes linking the verifiable sources to the events and testimony in this landmark case.

Study Questions for Books Clubs & Students

One of the final sections of the book includes study questions for each of the chapters prepared especially for book club discussions and student study.

Book Format and Ordering Information

This newest edition is available from any bookstore. It can also be ordered online from Bison Books, UNL Press, or Amazon (e.g., Print or Kindle).

Order HERE-Amazon