David Franklin Powell (1847–1906), widely known by his moniker "White Beaver," was a multifaceted American figure of the late nineteenth century whose life spanned medicine, politics, and popular literature. Born in 1847, Powell established himself as a pharmacist, physician, and field surgeon. He also became a successful manufacturer of patent medicines, capitalizing on the era's demand for proprietary remedies. His public life extended into politics in Wisconsin, where he served three terms as the mayor of La Crosse and twice ran as a candidate for the governorship of the state.
Beyond his medical and political careers, Powell is remembered for his close association with the legendary scout and showman William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. This relationship heavily influenced Powell's involvement in the popular culture of the American West. He became an active writer of dime novels, contributing to the sensationalized frontier mythology of the late 1800s. In a unique intersection of life and fiction, Powell not only penned these adventure stories but also frequently appeared as a heroic character within them, cementing his legacy as a colorful figure of the American frontier. Through his literary contributions and larger-than-life persona, he helped shape the romanticized public perception of the American West during his lifetime.
