Life on the frontier has always been a dangerous lifestyle. At the time, the white population celebrating manifest destiny, and introduced by President James Polk, saw themselves as liberators of the Natives. The indigenous population only sought to defend themselves from the invading herd. Most people simply tried to live their lives, make a living and feed their families. Of such people, were buffalo skinners. Skilled workers who bought buffalo hide, treated it and sold it. But it was no easy job. It was labour intensive and cruel.