Tarhe
Tarhe was a prominent shaman and chief of the Ohio Hurons, also known as the Wyandot. He played a significant role in resisting the encroachment of American settlers on Indigenous lands, particularly during his youth when he fought alongside Shawnee leader Cornstalk during Lord Dunmore's War in 1744. Tarhe continued to oppose American expansion during Little Turtle's War, participating in the Battle of Fallen Timbers against General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. Following the defeat and abandonment by British allies, Tarhe recognized the military superiority of the Americans and became a key supporter of the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, which forced many Native tribes from their territories.
Despite his shift toward accommodation, Tarhe remained an influential figure and did not align with Tecumseh's pan-Indian resistance movement. During the War of 1812, he led his warriors in battles against British forces and garnered respect from figures such as William Henry Harrison. Tarhe was well-regarded among Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territory, and his funeral was attended by many notable figures, including the Seneca leader Red Jacket, underscoring his lasting influence and legacy among Native communities.
Subject Terms
Tarhe
- Born: 1742
- Birthplace: Near Detroit, Michigan
- Died: November 1, 1818
- Place of death: Crane Town, near present-day Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Tribal affiliation: Wyandot (Huron)
Significance: Although initially resisting westward white settlement, Tarhe became an ally of the Americans during the War of 1812
Tarhe was a shaman and chief of the Ohio Hurons known as the Wyandot. In his youth, he vigorously resisted American encroachment on western lands, fighting beside Shawnee leader Cornstalk against the whites during Lord Dunmore’s War in 1744. At the Battle of Fallen Timbers, during Little Turtle’s War (1790-1794), he was one of thirteen chiefs who fought against the American General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. After being abandoned by their British allies, the Indians suffered devastating losses. Subsequently Tarhe acknowledged white military superiority and was a principal supporter of the Treaty of Greenville (1795), as a result of which Indians were forced from their lands. He was thereafter an ally of the Americans.
Tarhe, along with his close friend, Shawnee Leader Catahecassa, refused to join Tecumseh in his attempts to organize a pan-Indian resistance to whites. During the war of 1812, Tarhe led his warriors in several battles against the British and earned the admiration of William Henry Harrison. Although he counseled accommodation, Tarhe was respected by most Indians in the Northwest Territory. His funeral was attended by many notable Indian leaders including the Seneca Red Jacket.