The Danger Period -- Indian History  Tecumseh and the Prophet  A
factor in our Indiana troubles that became historic was the
influence of the Shawnee chief, Tecumtha (often written
Tecumseh) and his brother, known as the "Prophet," and the part
that influenced played in precipitating important issues. These
two remarkable Indians first appeared in Indiana history in
1805, among the Delawares on White River, where the Prophet
fomented a witchcraft craze which resulted in the murder of
several victims accused by him, and which had somewhat the
complexion of a crusade of vengeance against those who were
friendly to the settlers and who had sanctioned the sales of
land. In 1808 the tow appeared among the Potawatomis and
established themselves at the mouth of Tippecanoe River a few
miles above the site of Lafayette. Here they drew about them
Indians of various tribes and the place became known as the
Prophet's Town. The Prophet was a religious teacher whose
propaganda was a strange mingling of ethics, wisdom and g