Oral history and historical records identify Richard “Dick” Spotted Elk as a Minneconjou head warrior and a son of Chief Spotted Elk. He was part of the same family as the younger She Elk Voice Walking, John Weasel Bear, Red Elk Woman, and Lucy Little Chief. Connections to Yellow Hawk and High Chief continue to be researched.

 

 

After marrying an Oglala woman, Dick became a headman at the Red Cloud Agency. He was well known and respected among his people, although one witness recalled that he frequently had difficulties with government officials.

 

 

 

Dick traveled widely during his lifetime. He joined several delegations to Washington, D.C., and also spent time in Canada and Montana. Artist Elbridge Ayer Burbank painted him several times, leaving an important visual record of him at different stages of his life.