The early 19th century in the American frontier was a period of immense upheaval and transformation, marked by the relentless westward expansion of the United States and the profound impact it had on the indigenous populations. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop emerged figures who would leave an indelible mark on history, individuals whose actions and beliefs shaped the course of events and continue to resonate today. Among these figures were The Shawnee Profit (Tenskwatawa), Kumskakau, and Sauwaseekau, three brothers whose lives were inextricably linked to the legendary Tecumseh and the struggle for Native American autonomy.
The Shawnee Profit (Tenskwatawa), born Lalawethika, arrived into the world as one of triplets, a few years after his renowned brother, Tecumseh. The triplets’ birth was not entirely auspicious. Sauwaseekau, one of the three, met his end early, falling in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, a significant clash in the Northwest Indian War. Kumskaukau, the second triplet, faded into obscurity, with historical records offering scant details about his life, leading to the assumption that he likely died young.
Lalawethika, the third triplet, presented a stark contrast to his older brother, Tecumseh. While Tecumseh embodied the ideal of the skilled warrior and leader, Lalawethika was, by all accounts, an awkward and clumsy child. He lacked the prowess in hunting that was so valued in Shawnee society, and he never developed into a warrior. A childhood hunting accident left him blind in one eye, further hindering his abilities. As he matured, Lalawethika fell prey to the allure of alcohol, a substance introduced by white settlers, and descended into a state of severe alcoholism.
Despite his shortcomings and personal struggles, Lalawethika harbored a deep devotion to his older brother, Tecumseh, who served as his protector and guide. This bond between the two brothers would prove to be a pivotal force in the events that unfolded.
The transformation of Lalawethika into Tenskwatawa, the Shawnee Prophet, is a story of profound spiritual awakening. In 1805, while mired in the depths of alcoholism and despair, Lalawethika experienced a profound trance. Upon awakening, he began to preach a powerful message, claiming to have received a divine revelation from the Great Spirit. This marked the birth of The Shawnee Profit (Tenskwatawa).
Tenskwatawa’s message was a scathing indictment of white culture and its destructive impact on Native American life. He denounced the relentless encroachment of white settlers on Indian lands, pointing to the 48 million acres that had been ceded through treaties obtained through bribery and coercion since the Treaty of Fort Greenville in 1795. Beyond the territorial losses, Tenskwatawa condemned the spiritual decay that accompanied the white presence. He argued that dependence on white tools, fascination with their trinkets, and the poison of their whiskey were eroding the very souls of the Indian people.
The Shawnee Profit (Tenskwatawa) called for a complete rejection of white culture. He urged his followers to abandon white clothing, technology, alcohol, and religion. He also vehemently opposed the sale of land, reminding his listeners that, according to ancient tradition, the land belonged to everyone in common as a gift from the Great Spirit. No individual or tribe had the right to sell what was held in trust for all.
Alongside this message of cultural and spiritual revival, Tenskwatawa echoed a powerful vision of an intertribal confederacy, a unified alliance that would encompass all Indians across the continent. This vision resonated deeply with many Native Americans who recognized the urgent need to unite against the growing threat of white expansion. The person who came closest to realizing this vision was none other than Tenskwatawa’s brother, Tecumseh.
Tecumseh was a figure of immense stature, both literally and figuratively. Standing six feet tall, he possessed a commanding presence and an unparalleled gift for oratory. He was known for his wisdom, courage, and regal bearing, making him one of the most respected and influential Native American leaders since the arrival of Europeans in 1492. Tecumseh had already distinguished himself as a warrior, leading Shawnee forces during Little Turtle’s War, and he refused to accept the terms of the Treaty of Greenville, refusing to sign the document.
More than just a warrior, Tecumseh was a man of learning and compassion. He studied the Bible and world history, demonstrating a broad intellectual curiosity. He also intervened on multiple occasions to prevent the torture of prisoners, a practice common among both Native Americans and whites at the time.
Above all, Tecumseh identified himself as an Indian first and a Shawnee second. He shared his brother’s vision of Indian unity and believed that the tribes needed to set aside their historical feuds and join together in a powerful military confederation. This confederation, he envisioned, would form a single Indian nation stretching across eastern North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1805, the two brothers established their headquarters near the abandoned Fort Greenville, a location chosen for its strategic significance and its potential to serve as a refuge from white influence. This settlement, known as Prophet’s Town, quickly attracted a diverse following of Shawnee, Ottawa, Huron, Winnebago, Potawatomi, Ojibwa, and other Native American peoples, drawn by the promise of spiritual renewal and political unity.
The combination of the two brothers – one a charismatic religious leader and the other a skilled political organizer and warrior – proved to be a potent force. As their following grew, Tecumseh embarked on extensive travels throughout the Northwest, spreading his message of resistance and warning of the dangers posed by white expansion. He acknowledged the limited prospects of reclaiming lands in the East but hoped to halt further white encroachment at the border established by the Treaty of Greenville. Tecumseh challenged the legitimacy of recent land purchases made by William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory, in areas that encompassed present-day Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, arguing that these transactions were of a questionable nature and that the United States’ claims were invalid.
Tenskwatawa also traveled, although not as widely as Tecumseh. He visited Black Hoof’s village on the Auglaise River, delivering sermons that won him a number of converts. When the Delawares heard of Tenskwatawa’s condemnation of rival religious leaders and Indians who followed white ways, whom he accused of being witches, they invited him to their villages on the White River to help them purify themselves.
This invitation led to a dark chapter in Tenskwatawa’s ministry. An old woman accused of witchcraft was subjected to horrific torture, being roasted over a slow fire for four days, while four others were tortured and put to death. Tenskwatawa then moved on to Wyandot villages on the Sandusky River, where he identified more "witches," but fortunately for them, the Wyandot chief forbade their persecution. Unlike Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh was always adamantly opposed to the use of torture.
William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory, closely monitored the activities of the two brothers. Initially, he was not overly concerned by Tecumseh’s travels, as he had not yet grasped the full scope of his political agenda. However, when he learned of Tenskwatawa’s witch trials, he sent a message reprimanding the Delawares for listening to what he considered to be a false prophet.
In an attempt to discredit Tenskwatawa, Harrison challenged him to perform a miracle. He advised the Delawares to demand a sign of divinity from the prophet, suggesting that he be asked to "cause the sun to stand still – the moon to alter its course – the rivers to cease to flow – or the dead to rise from their graves."
Ironically, Harrison’s strategy backfired spectacularly. Tenskwatawa accepted the challenge and announced that he would cause the sun to stand still on June 16, 1806, at Greenville. On the appointed day, a large crowd gathered to witness the event. To their astonishment, a dramatic total solar eclipse occurred.
While American officials protested that Tenskwatawa had somehow learned about the eclipse from white sources or an almanac, many Native Americans were convinced that he possessed extraordinary supernatural powers. Pilgrims began to flock to Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh’s village, drawn by stories of the Prophet’s ability to heal wounds and diseases and perform other miraculous feats.
Although most visitors came to see Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh skillfully used the influx of people to further his political agenda. He selected his key lieutenants from among the pilgrims and began to organize the community, capitalizing on the constant flow of people and resources. Many pilgrims were converted to both Tenskwatawa’s religious teachings and Tecumseh’s political ideology, spreading their messages upon returning to their own tribes.
Tecumseh’s growing influence was a cause of concern for the U.S. government, which had long sought to keep the Native American tribes divided. In April 1807, a low-ranking federal agent was sent to Tecumseh, warning him that he and his followers were violating the Treaty of Fort Greenville by settling in the area and demanding that they vacate the premises immediately.
Tecumseh responded by stating that if the President of the United States wished to negotiate with him, he should send someone of higher rank. The agent sent numerous messages to Harrison, expressing his suspicions about the two brothers, but Harrison initially dismissed them as a threat. He had previously demanded explanations for the brothers’ activities, but both had managed to convince him that they were simply pious, clean-living, and politically neutral religious leaders.
In fact, Harrison had even praised Tecumseh in a letter to the Secretary of War, describing him as a "bold, active, sensible man, daring in the extreme and capable of any undertaking." This initial underestimation of Tecumseh and The Shawnee Profit (Tenskwatawa) would prove to be a critical miscalculation, paving the way for the events that would soon unfold on the American frontier.