Henry Ernest Harris Jr. “Too-monchou” (Black Whiskers), Roll #166

Henry Ernest Harris Jr.

“Too-monchou” (Black Whiskers), 

Terminated Mixed-Blood Uinta, Roll #166

Henry Ernest Harris Jr. was born in the coldest part of the year, on January 31, 1896, in Whiterocks, Uintah County, Utah, to Henry E. Harris and Mary May Reed. He was the fifth of eight children and named after his father.

Among the white community, he was known as Henry, but to his Native people and friends, he was called “Too-monchou” (Black Whiskers). In later years, his family would also call him Brigham, Barlow, or Biggie. No matter the name, he carried himself with pride and dignity. Henry was fortunate to be nurtured by both parents and his maternal grandparents, growing up surrounded by love and guidance.

Early Life and Education

Henry was raised in a self-sufficient and respectful community. Adults beyond his immediate family were dependable, patient, and kind, and punishment was rarely needed. From a young age, he was taught that the Earth was his mother, and that he must live in harmony with it—taking sustenance without causing harm.

He was also educated in the spiritual traditions of his people. Henry learned to sing Sundance songs and traveled to Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah to attend Sundance ceremonies. He eventually became the lead singer of his group. In addition, he fasted, prayed, and went on vision quests to strengthen his spirit. Henry also trained as a traditional healer, helping many Native brothers and sisters throughout his life.

At the age of nearly ten, he attended Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California, where he graduated with honors.

Love and Family

Henry never married. His true love died while they were both at school in Riverside, and he vowed never to love another, intending to be reunited with her when it was his time to lay his robe (body) down and walk the Spirit Road.

Ranching and Livelihood

Henry bought cattle and dedicated his life to ranching. He was a member of the Uintah and Ouray Livestock Association. Each spring, he moved his cattle to the Uinta Mountains for summer grazing, and each fall, he and his hired hands rounded up the herd for winter. He was a true cowboy.

After his father passed on the Spirit Trail, Henry stayed with his mother, caring for her until her death, and then continued to live on the family ranch until the end of his life.

Termination and Later Years

When the 490 Uinta members were terminated, Henry could no longer run his cattle on tribal land, and the cost of grazing elsewhere forced him to sell his herd. The loss of land and livelihood weighed heavily on him. His spirit grew sorrowful, and he struggled with the heartbreak of being cut off from his heritage.

Unable to sing his beloved Sundance songs or participate fully in the ceremonies, Henry would light sacred sage to smudge away the pain, often saying:

"I am trying to blow it into the wind."

Despite the sorrow, he remained steadfast in hope. He trusted that his prayers to the four winds would eventually be answered and that his family would once again be part of the Uinta Band.

Henry Ernest Harris Jr., “Too-monchou,” found peace in his later years, carrying the legacy of his people and their traditions in his heart, voice, and actions.

Ute Baseball Team ca. 1906