Brule Sioux Indian Chiefs and Leaders

Little Thunder. A Brule Sioux chief during the middle of the 19th century.

He was present at the Grattan massacre near Ft Laramie in 1854, and assumed command when chief Singing Pear was killed; he also took part in the battle of Ash Hollow, Nebr., with Gen. Harney, in 1855, and continued chief until his death some years later.

Physically Little Thunder was a giant, fully six feet six inches tall and large in proportion, and is spoken of as of superior intelligence.

Big Mouth. A chief of the Brute Sioux, though all Oglala by descent

A contemporary of Spotted Tail, and as highly regarded by his tribe for his manly and warlike qualities as the latter, though of less historical note. He is spoken of (Ind. Aff. Rep., 316, 1869) as one of the principal chiefs at Whetstone agency on the Missouri, where most of the Brute and Oglala bands had gathered.

The stand taken by Big Mouth in reference to the relations of the Sioux with the whites caused him to gain steadily in influence and power. Spotted Tail, having visited Washington and other cities, where he was much feted, returned with changed views as to the Indian policy, a fact seized upon by Big Mouth to disparage his rival.

Realizing that the tide was turning against him, Spotted Tail, in 1873 or 1874, called at the lodge of Big Mouth, who on appearing at the entrance was seized by two warriors and held by them while Spotted Tail shot him dead.