Chief Little Soldier, 1800s
Three major bands of the Northwestern Shoshone existed at the time early Mormon pioneers began settling northern Utah, led by Chief Little Soldier, Chief Pocatello, and Chief Bear Hunter. Little Soldier’s band consisted of about 400 people. They lived primarily in the Weber Valley, but also frequented the Farmington and Bountiful areas and the Tooele Valley. Chief Little Soldier was known as a true leader who stood his ground for his people when necessary. He had four wives over his lifetime and usually had more than one at a time. In Shoshone culture, only men considered good hunters and providers were allowed to have an additional family. They did this to take care of families that had become fatherless. After Ogden’s incorporation, relations between white settlers and the Shoshone were mostly positive. Ellen Moore, an early pioneer, recalled a visit to her home from Chief Little Soldier. When he arrived, he could tell from the odor in the home that both she and her infant daughter were sick with the measles. He ran for herbs and steeped a tea as a cure. He freely shared this remedy with other settlers as well. Although little is known about Little Soldier’s death and burial, most of his family were buried near Farmington.
Chief Little Soldier
Shoshone Village
Shoshone Women at Golden Spike Parade, 1919