James “Scotty” Philip (1858–1911) was a Scottish-born rancher and politician in South Dakota. He is renowned as the “Man who saved the Buffalo” for his pivotal role in preserving the American bison from extinction. Born in Dallas, Morayshire, Scotland, Philip emigrated to the United States in 1874 at the age of 15. He initially settled in Victoria, Kansas, before moving to Dakota Territory upon hearing of the gold discovery in the Black Hills.
In 1879, Philip married Sarah Larribee in Fort Robinson, Nebraska. The couple established a ranch in Stanley County, Dakota Territory, which was then part of the Great Sioux Indian Reservation. Their ranch was permitted due to Sarah’s Native American heritage. Philip ventured into politics as a Democrat in the South Dakota State Senate from 1899 to 1900.
Philip’s legacy as a bison conservationist began when he learned about a small herd of bison saved by a boy named Fred Dupree. After acquiring Dupree’s herd of 74 bison in 1899, Philip dedicated himself to their preservation, creating a special pasture along the Missouri River. By the time of his sudden death on July 23, 1911, the herd had grown to around 1,000 bison. His funeral procession witnessed bison descending from the hills, an event reported as “showing their respect” for him. Philip’s herd was crucial in restocking bison populations across the U.S., including at Custer State Park.
