Unicoi County, Tennessee

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Updated September 23, 2023

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BIG CHIEF LITTLE BEAR

aka William Harrison

b. May 10, 1882 - d. March 9, 1929

Parents unknown, born at Standing Rock, Fort Yates, Sioux Territory, North Dakota

Buried Martins Creek Cemetery, (plot #797) Erwin, Unicoi Co., Tennessee

By:  Beth Bradford-Pytel

Photos:  Left Big Chief posing in his Sunday best. Source: page 469, "Around Home in Unicoi Co." by William Helton", also available at ETSU, box #34.

Right his headstone at Martins Creek Cemetery, Erwin, Tennessee taken in the spring 2003 -bbpytel

LIFE SKETCH :

 

William "Big Chief Little Bear" Harrison claimed to be the nephew of Sioux Nation Chief, Sitting Bull of Little Bighorn. He was born May 10, 1882, at Standing Rock, Fort Yates, Sioux Co., North Dakota and orphaned by the age of 4. His parents are unknown; records showed he was "mixed blood" (bi-racial).  The only known relatives were uncles John (age 27) and James (age 21) Brown with which he was noted living (age 14) per 1894 Sioux census of Standing Rock. Although he traveled around the country, census records enumerated his residence at Standing Rock most of his life. He struggled with the law often. In 1915, he was arrested in South Dakota for impersonating a Federal Officer selling land at Standing Rock and was sentenced to a Federal Prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After release from Leavenworth, he went back to South Dakota and married a white woman and then disappeared with a large sum of money belonging to her (see newspaper clipping). The law caught up with him again and in August 1915, he pled guilty to the charge of obtaining money under false pretense and sentenced to 5 months in a State Penitentiary at Pierre, South Dakota. In May 1917, he repeated the same offence impersonating a Federal Officer selling homestead land at Standing Rock and was sent back to Leavenworth. The newspaper article stated he served a year in prison in Atlanta, Georgia for the same offence. The Sioux Nation Census rolls showed that he continued to live at Standing Rock through 1928, single, and a Trust Fund Settlement recipient. It's unclear why he left Standing Rock for the eastern part of Tennessee where he sold "herbal treatments" to the residents of the tri-cities area. In January 1929, he ran into trouble again with the law at Dry Hollow in Kingsport, TN and was arrested for being drunk, shooting firearms, transporting liquor, resisting arrest and carrying firearms. He was fined $50 for being intoxicated and summoned to appear in court for the other charges. On February 28, 1929, he was involved in another altercation in front of the Erwin Hotel on Main Street in Erwin, Unicoi Co., TN. He was stabbed in the abdomen by a fellow resident, Ralph Moore, and sent to the Erwin hospital to get stitched up during at which time he encountered a fight with his physician. Subsequent to the brawl with the doctor, the police apprehended William and sent him to jail where he was allegedly beaten by police. Near death, he was transferred to Johnson City for intensive care where he died shortly thereafter. His death certificate did not provide much personal info. It stated age 62*, homicide and died from meningitis caused by being hit by a revolver by policeman. William was well-liked by many and his sympathizers collected money to pay for his burial and headstone. He is buried at Martins Creek Cemetery in Erwin, Tennessee.

 

SOURCES: Reviewing census records from Standing Rock, South Dakota, a William Harrison is noted as follows: 1887 age 4 and "orphan"; 1888 age 7, "mixed blood" and "orphan"; 1890 age 14; 1899 age 17, 1900 age 18. Beginning in 1890, he was living in the household of brothers James and John Brown and noted as "nephew". The most definitive record was his WWI registration completed in 1919 in which he declared he was born on May 2, 1882; lived at Fort Yates, Sioux, ND; Nationality "Indian"; a laborer at the US Penitentiary at Fort Leavenworth, KS; John Brown was his nearest relative. Described as tall, medium build, black hair, black eyes.

 

OPINION:

 

One cannot help but think that Prohibition might have played a huge role in the shenanigans surrounding the death of Big Chief Little Bear – the “Medicine Man.” His charges in Kingsport were alcohol and firearm related and his death in Erwin precipitated with a fight between him and a former marshal, Ralph Moore, both of whom were intoxicated at the Erwin Hotel after which time he gets arrested and tossed in jail where he sustained a serious blow to the head and was denied immediate medical care which could have saved his life. After his death, it was discovered that the Chief was William Harrison from North Dakota. A Sioux Native American who traveled around the country extensively and had dealings with the law to include time in prison.

 

In 1917, Tennessee was a totally dry state, two years before the 18th Amendment was ratified on the federal level. On April 9, 1918, the Erwin Board of Mayor and Alderman (BMA) passed Ordinance No. 68 known as the “Bone Dry Ordinance” which prohibited the shipping and receiving of alcoholic beverages in its jurisdiction. By the mid 1920s, Johnson City was known as “Little Chicago” (15 miles north of Erwin) and harbored a major underground network and supply of alcohol to the speakeasies of the area with the help of Al Capone and his force. The railroads facilitated as the major distribution route of distilleries in the Appalachian to the cities “on the line” to include Erwin, Johnson City, and Kingsport. Hotels, restaurants, banks and shops were within walking distance to the RR depots. Although the 18th Amendment did not prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but rather making it illegal to manufacture, sale or transport intoxicating liquors, the Tennessee State Statute of 1917 (coupled with Erwin Ordinance No 68) took it one step further by making it illegal to receive or possess alcohol.  Marshals were hired to enforce the ordinance. In 1926, there were over 5,000 arrests and citations issued in Johnson City alone (with a population of about 19,000). Despite the rampant arrests, alcohol flowed fluidly through the tri-cities area and many people from all social classes to include police, doctors, preachers, attorneys, bankers, merchants, and the Mayor knew the underground on how to acquire their cure.

 

Ironically the consumption of alcohol was permitted for medicinal or religious purposes. There were various herbal tonics available which had high levels of alcohol some as high as 93%.  Jamaica Ginger “Jake” (infused ginger root in alcohol) was  a very popular herbal tonic for a broad spectrum of ailments.  It was cheaper than Whiskey and could skirt the law with the same effect. So one could only imagine being a Medicine Man during prohibition could yield healthy profits.

 

I am of the opinion that Big Chief Little Bear was involved somehow in the supply chain of the bootleg underground. He was educated, well-traveled, fluent in English, full of confidence (he represented himself in court in Kingsport) and had cash flow to enable his lodging, mobility and ventures. Selling medicinal remedies may have included, the tonics or even a dram in his line of products. I also believe the Erwin Hotel was a “speakeasy” and the altercation between him and Ralph Moore at the Hotel was motivated by financial dealings. Despite his sketchy past, the Chief was a well-liked man, who gained the sympathy of the local people of the railroad town as evident from the donations collected to pay for his coffin and funeral and the large turn-out at his service at the beautiful First Baptist Church with many preachers officiating.

 

Below are two newspaper articles from the Kingsport Times outlining the events. I have also included a summary of the events presented in William W. Helton’s book “Around Home in Unicoi County which provide additional details.

 

 

The Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee  ■   Friday, January 18, 1929

 

“Big Chief” Little Bear Cools Heels in Bastile

Indian is Bound to Circuit Court for Four Charges of Spree Wednesday Evening"

 

"Big Chief Little Bear, Cherokee Indian who spread terror in Old Kingsport on Wednesday evening, is in the county bastile at Blountville today as a result of the spree. The chief was arraigned in the city court room yesterday afternoon before Magistrate H. O. Bunn on charges of being drunk, shooting fire arms, transporting liquor, resisting arrest and carrying firearms. “Squire Bunn fined the Indian $50 and costs for being intoxicated and bound him over to the next term of circuit court on the other four charges.”

 

The chief defended himself in the court room yesterday afternoon, cross examining the witnesses. He also testified on his own behalf. The Big Indian, a perfect physical specimen, stood over six feet and clicked the scales at about 240. He presented a pitiful spectacle as he plead his own case in the court room, one eye being badly swollen, several cuts about the head, and his shirt smeared with blood. His long black hair, streaked with gray, came almost to his shoulders. He wore a very determined expression and was quick to grasp all the questions asked.

 

Several witnesses testified against the chief. The stories of the witnesses were practically the same in some instances. All testified that he fired several shots, but they differed on the point from which they were fired.

 

The Indian admitted that he was intoxicated. However, he bitterly denied the transporting charge, shooting charge, carrying firearms and resisting arrest. He stated on the stand that he was struck first by officers. The battle took place near Dry Hollow just outside the corporation limits on the Lee Highway.

 

Big Chief Little Bear will face the charges in circuit court next week."

 

 

The Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee ■ Sunday, March 10, 1929

 

"Chief Little Bear, Remembered For Wild Exploit Here, Now in Indian Happy Hunting Grounds"

 

"Chief Little Bear, 62, Sioux Indian, medicine man and reputed nephew of the famous “Chief Sitting Bull” of Custer massacre fame, was known in Kingsport where a short time ago he was arrested on liquor charges and played “bad droll” with several hefty policemen and deputies, has gone to the happy hunting groups of his ancestors. The Big Chief passed away in the Appalachian Hospital of Johnson City early Friday bleeding as a result of injuries that to have been received in an altercation at Erwin the night of February 28.

 

The comedy-drama in which the chief played a part here occurred several months ago, when he resisted arrest upon being approached by police in Old Kingsport. As a result to that episode, he was taken to Blountville to be lodged in the county jail, later being released by the circuit court.

 

Was Badly Wounded

The Indian was brought to Johnson City and placed in the hospital Monday night, suffering from a knife wound on the left side of his face and another deep gash over the right eye, as well as a fractured skull. It is understood that one of the wounds became infected and that his death was possibly due to meningitis.

 

The night described as a ‘drunken brawl’ occurred in front of the Erwin Hotel in the main business section of the city.  The Indian and Ralph Moore, former deputy marshal, were said by officers to have been intoxicated and both were in possession of knives and using them freely during fight.

 

Left Hospital

The Indian, bleeding profusely was taken to an Erwin hospital where his wounds were treated but he refused to remain and came back to the business section in search of Moore, it was states.  In the meantime, Moore was taken to his home, suffering from a laceration on the hand and bruises on face and head.  Returning from the hospital, the Indian again tried to start trouble on the main street and was taken to the county jail by Sheriff Coin and others.

 

Attempted Escape

On the inside of the jail, he attempted to get away from the officer and tried to take the jailor’s pistol from him. At this point, it is understood, the red man was struck in the head with the butt end of a 44 calibre pistol. It is believed that his blow probably resulted in the fracture.

 

Later the Indian was brought to the Appalachian Hospital Monday night in a serious condition.

 

Chief Little Bear never failed to attract a huge crowd because of his tremendous size. He was well over six feet tall and weighed 238 pounds. He claimed to be an herb doctor.

 

Remains of the Indian were taken to Erwin yesterday afternoon, where they were prepared for burial.  It is understood that he has a sister in Louisville, Kentucky, but authorities have been unable to communicate with her."

 

The Bismark Tribune, Bismark, North Dakota. ■ Wednesday, March 13, 1929.

 

"Tennessean Kills Fort Yates Indian"

 

"Chief Little Bear of Standing Rock Indian reservation at Fort Yates was murdered yesterday on the Streets of Erwin, Tenn., by a native of Tennessee, it is indicated in a report reaching here.

 

The Tennessean took offense at the casual remark made by the Indian, according to police at Cincinnati, O.

 

Little Bear, a widely known Sioux tribe chieftain, had for 3 years be engaged in selling Indian herbal remedies as an associate of a man known as Dakota Jack and a Louisville, Kentucky Indian herbalist.  He left Fort Yates three years ago.

 

It is understood that Dakota United States Indian reservation heads have been advised of the death of Chief Little Bear and requested to take official action.  The dead man is a United States government ward.

 

It is said that Chief Little Bear had no living relatives.  His grandfather is credited with Sitting Bull."

 

Below are paraphrased highlights and direct quotes from William W. Helton’s book “Around Home in Unicoi County” pgs. 469 and 470 regarding Chief Little Bear.

 

Big Chief Little Bear (aka William Harrison per the Bureau of Indian Affairs) claimed to be the nephew of Chief Sitting Bull.  He was a large, affable traveling salesman who took up residence at the Erwin Hotel located on the south end of Erwin on Main Street. He sold herbal remedies to the local folks and was known as the “Medicine Man”. He was also popular with the children telling them stories and showing them how to make bows and arrows. According to Helton’s book, the recount of the incident that killed Little Bear goes like this.

 

“Little Bear was entering the hotel (where he was living) when he was attacked by a knife wielding assailant who slashed him across the stomach. A doctor sewed up the wound, but the stitches came loose requiring treatment at a hospital. But before he received treatment, a doctor in the emergency room made insulting remarks to the chief angering him so he left in pain and a daze. He was in that condition when picked up on the street and hauled off to jail. He resisted police at the jail house and was “bashed in the head by a pistol butt, crushing his skull. After falling to the floor unconscious, the officers turned a water hose on him and left him unattended.” He was taken to Johnson City Hospital where he died shortly upon arrival from his injuries.

 

The body was sent back to Erwin and held at the morgue until proper identification was rendered to determine which reservation he belonged to. Dr. John R. Moody (pictured left) was the attending physician in Erwin who completed his death certificate and wrote to the Department of Interior.  The agency  responded explaining that “Chief Little Bear” was William Harrison from Standing Rock Agency, Fort Yates, North Dakota who left the Sioux reservation many years ago. He traveled extensively from the Dakotas down to the Mexico territory through the southeastern part of the United States. Through his travels he was in trouble with the law and served a time in prison.

 

A group of Clinchfield railroad merchants, to include George Miller, rallied support to see that Little Bear was given a proper burial. Locals of Erwin took up a collection to pay for a casket and the preparation of the grave at Martins Creek Cemetery. Scores of local town’s people attended the funeral service on March 14, 1929, held at the First Baptist Church in Erwin with the following ministers in attendance and officiating: Rev. J.C. Reynolds, Rev. S. H. Austin, Rev. James C. Sherwood, Rev. W. H. Wright, and Rev. R. O. Franklin. The service concluded with a popular folksong “Red Wing” written in 1907 about a young Indian girl's loss of her sweetheart who died in battle, after which time his body was laid to rest and his spirit soared away to the heavens.

RED WING

Written in 1907 lyrics by Thurland Chattaway, music by Kerry Mills.

"There once lived an Indian maid,

A shy little prairie maid,

Who sang all day a love song gay,

As on the plains she'd while away the day.

She loved a warrior bold,

This shy little maid of old,

But brave and gay he rode one day

To battle far away.

Now the moon shines tonight on pretty Red Wing,

The breeze is sighing, the night bird's crying,

For afar 'neath his star her brave is sleeping.

While Red Wing's weeping her heart away."

TENN DEATH CERT #21377:  William Harrison / Big Chief Little Bear was single from North Dakota, parents unknown and his occupation was “Medicine Man.”  He died age 62 at 2:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 1929; cause of death “meningitis” due to being “hit with revolver by policeman”  He was buried on 3/14/1929.  Dr. John Roy Moody was the attending physician.

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