Big Bear – Died 1905

BIG BEAR, WINNEBAGO, WINNESHIEK

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:47

Source: Decorah Republican Apr. 6, 1905 P4 C5

WINNEBAGO CHIEFTIAN DIES.
“Big Bear,” a Sub-Chief of the Tribe, Passes Over into the Happy Hunting Grounds.

Reedsburg, Wis., March 31.—Big Bear, one of the best known Indians in Wisconsin, and a chief of the Winnebagos, dies here to-day.
Big Bear was a sub-chief of the Winnebago tribe under Tom Thunder, who survives. Big Bear was one of the advisors of Tom Thunder, who is a young man, the grandson of Chief Winneshiek, who led the Winnebagos in aid of the whites in the Black Hawk war and the famous battle of Bad Axe.
Big Bear’s importance in the tribe dates from the time he helped to maintain the line of Winneshiek in the control of the tribe. When Winneshiek died, twenty years ago, Black Bear, his son, succeeded him. He died six years ago. Big Fire, his eldest son, was a drunkard, who finally met death by being run over by a Chicago, Milwaukee& St. Paul train after becoming intoxicated from drinking lemon extract sold to him at LaCrosse.
Tom Thunder was named to succeed as chief. At this time Tom Rhody, a veteran showman now living in Chicago, attempted to influence the vote and become chief. He was challenged to a duel to death by Tom Thunder and declined. Thereupon, as the story is now told, Big Bear, who died to-day, rose in the council and demanded the immediate succession of Tom Thunder to the chieftainship.