“Thomas E. Odell”
436
1967
Meade
(Note: any text in italics has been taken from the official SDSHS records.)
Marker Text
Born in Ohio in 1876, he came to South Dakota in 1907. With scant education, he achieved college degrees, taught for 25 years, his last school at 86, to afford him time for summer research.
He wrote ‘MATO PAHA’, the story of Bear Butte, a western classic. His persistence cumulated with the enactment of Chapter 307, Session Laws of 1961 creating this park. Humble, self- effacing, he sought no other honor than the respect of his fellow citizens.
Location
Meade County, SD 79 north of Sturgis at Bear Butte