In the annals of the American Frontier, certain figures stand out for their bravery and indispensable skills. Among them is Abner “Sharp” Grover, a legendary Chief Scout for the U.S. Army whose prowess was vital during the tumultuous Plains Indian campaigns between 1860 and 1878. Known for his keen tracking abilities, fluency in Cheyenne and Sioux languages, and even his marriage to a Sioux woman, Grover navigated the complex and often dangerous landscape of the American West with a unique understanding that few could match. His story is one of survival, conflict, and a testament to the rugged individuals who shaped an era.
Early Life and Perilous Encounters
Born around 1825, details of Abner Grover’s early life remain largely unknown. He first appeared in government records in 1864 as a scout-spy and guide for Fort Kearny, Nebraska, indicating years of experience living among the Plains tribes. His exceptional linguistic abilities with the Cheyenne and Sioux peoples underscore his deep immersion in frontier life.
A pivotal and harrowing incident occurred in 1868 when Grover was scouting northwest of Fort Wallace, Kansas, for Lieutenant Frederick H. Beecher. This period was marked by escalating Indian raids across Kansas and Colorado. On one such expedition, Grover and fellow scout William Comstock encountered a band of Cheyenne. After a tense reception, the two scouts departed, only to be shot in the back. Comstock tragically died instantly. With remarkable presence of mind, Grover used Comstock’s body as a shield, fending off the assailants until nightfall. Wounded, he managed to reach nearby railroad tracks, where a passing train rescued him – a testament to his grit and survival instincts.
The Fierce Battle of Beecher Island
Following this incident and increased hostilities, General Phillip A. Sheridan authorized Major George Forsyth to recruit 50 expert plainsmen. This elite group, deemed superior to regular soldiers for their specialized skills, was to be led by Abner Grover as head guide. Their mission took them from Fort Wallace, tracking a trail that led to the Arikaree River.
While camped by the river, the scouts were awakened by a small band of Indians stealing their horses. As they rallied, they discovered they were facing a much larger force, numbering in the hundreds, charging towards them. The scouts quickly moved to a small island in the middle of the stream, seeking any natural defense. The initial assault was devastating, wounding or killing half the force. Major Forsyth himself was wounded, and Lieutenant Beecher was killed.
Amidst the chaos, Major Forsyth placed the injured but resolute Abner Grover in command. The men desperately killed their horses to form a makeshift breastwork, creating a defensive perimeter. This brutal engagement became famously known as the Battle of Beecher Island. The scouts held their ground under immense pressure, eventually being relieved by the arrival of the Black “Buffalo Soldiers” Cavalry. General George Custer later remarked that the Arickaree fight was one of the most significant battles on the plains, highlighting the intensity and importance of Grover’s leadership and the scouts’ tenacity.
A Tragic End and Enduring Legacy
Despite his heroic actions and survival of numerous dangerous encounters, Abner “Sharp” Grover’s life ended tragically. On February 16, 1869, in a saloon in Pond Creek, Kansas, a drunken dispute with a man named Moody escalated. Moody, who had previous altercations with Grover, shot and killed him. Grover was unarmed, having given his weapons to the barkeeper. Moody was later acquitted, claiming self-defense based on the belief that Grover was armed.
Abner Grover rests in the old Fort Wallace Cemetery, now part of the Wallace Cemetery near Wallace, Kansas. His grave marks the final resting place of a man who lived and died on the raw edge of the American Frontier.
Conclusion
Abner “Sharp” Grover was more than just a scout; he was a bridge between cultures, a master of the plains, and a testament to the resilience required to survive the American West during its most turbulent years. From his linguistic prowess to his unflappable courage in battles like Beecher Island, Grover’s contributions to the U.S. Army’s campaigns were invaluable. Though his life ended abruptly and unjustly, his legend as a vital figure in frontier history endures, reminding us of the extraordinary individuals who navigated the challenges of a transforming nation.
