Grey Beard facts for kids

Grey Beard (died 1875) was an important leader and medicine man of the Southern Cheyenne people. He was one of the Native American chiefs taken as a prisoner to Fort Marion in Florida after the Red River War. Sadly, he was one of two who died during this journey.

Who Was Grey Beard?

Grey Beard was a respected leader among the Southern Cheyenne. He was especially known as a leader of the Hotamitaneo, also called the "Dog Soldiers." This was a group of brave young warriors. As a medicine man, he was also a spiritual guide for his people.

Early Conflicts and Treaties

Grey Beard was involved in several important events. In 1857, he had a skirmish with soldiers led by Edwin Vose Sumner near the Kansas River.

Protecting Tribal Lands

In 1867, Grey Beard became well-known among white settlers. He fought against soldiers led by Winfield Scott Hancock and George Armstrong Custer. He wanted to stop the Kansas Pacific Railroad from building tracks across Cheyenne lands. This railroad would cut through their traditional territories.

Refusing the Medicine Lodge Treaty

Grey Beard refused to sign the Medicine Lodge Treaty. This treaty was an attempt to make peace and set up reservations. However, it did not fully protect Native American rights. He continued to fight until 1871. At that time, his people settled on a reservation in Indian Territory.

The Red River War

By 1874, Grey Beard and other chiefs became frustrated. Settlers were hunting too many buffaloes on their lands. This led them to start raiding settlements again. This period is known as the Red River War.

Battle of Adobe Walls

Grey Beard took part in the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. After this battle, he and his followers went into hiding. They stayed in what is now the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Surrender and Imprisonment

In late 1874, Grey Beard's group had about 500 warriors and their families. They received two girls who had been taken from a settler family. These girls were on their way to Colorado.

Military Attack and Pursuit

The girls were freed after a surprise military attack on Grey Beard's camp. This happened on November 8, 1874. The camp was near what is now McClellan Creek National Grassland. After the attack, his group scattered across the plains. About 120 soldiers from the United States Cavalry chased them for two days. They covered 96 miles before Grey Beard's group escaped.

Facing Starvation

However, Grey Beard's people soon faced starvation. Within a few months, he surrendered to the Darlington Agency.

Journey to Fort Marion

Because he was a leader in the conflict, Grey Beard was chosen to be taken to Fort Marion. This was an old Spanish fort near Saint Augustine, Florida. Grey Beard believed that he and the other prisoners would be killed. He asked his captor, Captain Richard Henry Pratt, to write a letter. This letter would tell his people to live peacefully and work with the United States government.

Grey Beard's Death

Sadly, Grey Beard died while trying to escape. He was shot and killed during the journey. His body was left in Baldwin, Florida, where he was later buried.

Frank Baldwin's charge on Grey Beard's Band, McClellan's Creek, Texas, November 8, 1874