Bancroft was the home of John G. Neihardt between 1900 and 1920. Here he wrote all of his short stories and lyric poetry, including A Bundle of Myrrh, The Splendid Wayfaring, and The Quest, and began his epic poem A Cycle of the West, which brought him high critical acclaim. Born in Illinois on January 8, 1881, Neihardt lived in Kansas and Missouri before settling in Wayne, Nebraska, in 1892. He began writing poetry at the age of twelve, worked his way through Nebraska Normal College at Wayne, and taught school. In Bancroft he worked for an Indian trader and edited the Bancroft Blade. In 1921 he was appointed Poet Laureate of Nebraska by legislative act. Many Omaha Indians in the Bancroft vicinity helped the poet gain his profound understanding and compassion for their race. Among them were Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte and her sister Susette, known as Bright Eyes, daughter of Joseph La Flesche, known as Iron Eyes, the last recognized chief of the Omaha. Susette, an eloquent and attractive speaker, was famous for her tireless and effective work on behalf of her people. She is buried beside her father and mother in the Bancroft cemetery.