16 Facts About Minik Wallace

Minik Wallace returned to the United States a few years later, where he remained and worked until dying of influenza in the 1918 pandemic.

Minik Wallace's mother died from an epidemic shortly before 1897.

Minik Wallace's father met Robert Peary when the explorer employed men of their band during several Arctic expeditions.

Minik Wallace pleaded for a proper burial for his father, with the traditional rites which only the Inuk could provide.

The seven year old Minik, still impressed by the sights of America, was not returned home but instead was adopted by the same William Wallace who had prepared his father for exposition.

Since January 1899, Minik Wallace attended Mount Hope School and was reportedly a bright student.

In 1901, William Minik Wallace fell on hard times after the curator was fired from the Natural Museum of History over a case of financial irregularities and accusations of impropriety.

Minik Wallace pleaded for the funds to raise Minik, but was refused and had to struggle on.

Minik Wallace was shocked to learn of this through classmates' comments as the story circulated.

Wallace supported Minik in requesting that Qisuk's remains be returned to the son for traditional burial.

Minik Wallace tried to get Peary to return him to Greenland, but was refused in 1907.

Minik Wallace became a fine hunter, but brought with him knowledge of life in America.

Minik Wallace's stories were found to be wildly embellished, as Minik stylized himself as a former urban gangster.

At that time, Minik Wallace decided to return to the United States, and did so in 1916.

Minik Wallace was buried in the Indian Stream Cemetery in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

In 1986, Kenn Harper wrote a book about Minik Wallace, entitled Give Me My Father's Body.