Sharitahrish facts for kids
Sharitahrish was an important leader of the Pawnee people. He was the main chief of the Grand Pawnees, which was the largest group within the Pawnee nation. Sharitahrish came from a family of chiefs. He became chief after his older brother, Tarecawawaho, who was also known as Long Hair or Big Hair. Their father was also named Sharitahrish, and he was mentioned in Pike's Expedition under the name Characterish.
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Sharitahrish and the U.S. Government
When Sharitahrish's older brother, Tarecawawaho, was invited to meet the U.S. President James Monroe, he said no. He felt it would be beneath him to go. Tarecawawaho believed the Pawnee people were the greatest in the world, and he was the most important chief.
He wanted peace with the American people. He was happy to be friendly with the government. But he argued that the President did not have as many young warriors as he did. He also said the President did not own as many horses or have as many wives. Tarecawawaho felt he was a braver leader. Because of this, he would not call the President his "great Father."
However, Tarecawawaho agreed to send some of his main leaders to Washington. His brother, Sharitahrish, was chosen to go with Indian Agent Benjamin O'Fallon.
Sharitahrish Visits Washington
When Sharitahrish returned from Washington, his ideas about the white people had changed a lot. He saw how many people there were and how powerful they were. He also understood better how his own nation compared to them.
As he traveled across the large American lands, Sharitahrish realized how different his nation was from the white people. He became sure that his people would suffer greatly if they went to war with the United States.
Sharitahrish: A Brave Leader
Sharitahrish was a chief who looked very noble and strong. He was six feet tall and well-built. When he rode a fast horse on the prairie, he looked very graceful and impressive. His people saw him as a great and brave warrior. The young men especially thought he was meant for great things.
After he came back from Washington, Sharitahrish became very popular. This made his older brother, Tarecawawaho, the head chief, feel a bit jealous. However, Tarecawawaho did not live much longer after Sharitahrish returned.
Sharitahrish Becomes Chief
Tarecawawaho died a few weeks after Sharitahrish came back. Sharitahrish then became the new chief. Sadly, Sharitahrish himself died during the next autumn. He was only a little over thirty years old. His younger brother, Iskatappe, became the chief after him. Iskatappe was also known as Rich Man or Wicked Chief, a name given to him by the Omahas.
