Ten Bears
Ten Bears was a prominent chief and spokesperson for the Yamparika Comanche, born in the southern Plains region near the Arkansas River. By the 1860s, he emerged as a leader during a tumultuous time marked by increasing conflicts between the Comanche people and white settlers. Renowned for his eloquence, Ten Bears delivered a notable speech at the 1867 Council at Medicine Lodge Creek, where he passionately defended the rights and way of life of the Comanche, advocating for their ability to live freely on the plains. This council resulted in the Treaty of Medicine Lodge Creek, which unfortunately led to the restriction of the Comanche to a reservation—representing a significant loss of their traditional lifestyle.
Ten Bears later traveled to Washington, D.C., on two occasions, meeting with President Ulysses S. Grant during his second visit in 1872. His life came to an end near Fort Sill, Oklahoma, at the age of eighty, following a career dedicated to serving his people. Despite his efforts, he faced disappointment and isolation in his later years, with only his son remaining by his side. His legacy is marked by his commitment to the Comanche and the challenges they faced during a period of profound change.
Ten Bears
- Born: 1792
- Birthplace: Southern Great Plains
- Died: November 23, 1872
- Place of death: Near Fort Sill, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Tribal chief
Tribal affiliation: Comanche
Significance: Ten Bears led efforts to preserve peace between the Comanche and white settlers moving into Comanche territory
A member of the Yamparika Comanche, Ten Bears was born south of the Arkansas River on the wide southern Plains. By 1860, when conflicts were beginning between the Comanche and white settlers, Ten Bears was a chief and spokesman for his people. His peacemaking twice took him to Washington, D.C.
Ten Bears’ most famous speech, a masterpiece of oratory, was delivered in 1867 at the Council of Medicine Lodge Creek in Barber County, Kansas. Before the signing of the Treaty of Medicine Lodge Creek, he forcefully defended the Comanche, declaring that most conflicts were initiated by U.S. soldiers. The most emotional part of the address was Ten Bears’ appeal that the Comanche be allowed to live as their ancestors had lived—on the open plains, unrestricted by walls or fences. The treaty signed at the conclusion of the council, however, the last treaty ever made with the Comanche, restricted them to a reservation.
In 1872, Ten Bears made his second visit to Washington, D.C. He attended a reception given by President Ulysses S. Grant. The conclusion of the visit again brought sorrow to the Comanche and disgrace to their aged spokesman. The order was given, and agreed to by Ten Bears, that all Comanche temporarily move to within ten miles of Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Soon after his return, Ten Bears died at the age of eighty at the reservation near Fort Sill. After a life of service to the Comanche, he had been abandoned by all except his son.