Jim Thorpe claimed he was born on May 28, 1888, though some sources say he was born on May 22, 1887. Thorpe was born in Indian Territory and baptized in the Catholic Church, though his birth certificate has never been found. In an interview later in life, Thorpe claimed, he was born “on his mother’s allotment” near and south of Bellemont – Pottawatomie County – along the banks of the North Fork River … hope this will clear up the inquiries as to my birthplace.” The town of Prague, Oklahoma considers it his birthplace, but there’s little evidence of that. Born to an Irish father and Sac and Fox Indian mother, Thorpe was raised Native American. His name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which means “path lit by great flash of lightning” or “Bright Path.” He was named for light that brightened the path to the cabin where he was born. Thorpe attended school with his twin brother Charlie until he died of pneumonia at the age of nine. Thorpe frequently ran away from school before he was sent to an Indian boarding school in Lawrence, Kansas. After briefly leaving home to work on a horse ranch, Thorpe attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. There he realized his athletic ability under the guidance of Glen Scobey “Pop” Warner.