John Other Day

 

John Other Day was dubbed one of “the faithful Indian” who aided in the Sioux Uprising.  A full-blooded Sioux Indian named Anpetu-Tokeka, Other Day had turned “civilized” four years before the Uprising started. He became a Christian and married a white woman.  He and his wife lived on a farm and grew crops.

 

John Other Day had heard of the Sioux’s planned attack on New Ulm and went to the agency to warn the people.  62 people were hid in a warehouse, all the while being able to hear the whoops and war cries of the Indians.  Other Day stood guard all night outside the warehouse to keep a look out and protect the people inside.  The next day, he led the group on a 3-day journey to safety at Cedar City in McLeod County.  From there, some families chose to go to Hutchinson, Glencoe, Carver, Shakopee, and Saint Paul. 

 

Congress rewarded Other Day for his efforts in rescuing the 62 people from New Ulm.  He was given $2,500 for his efforts. The reward was actually supposed to be $10,000, but Congress amended it to be the lesser amount. 

 

Although the country considered what he did a heroic act, the Sioux did not see his act the same way.  The Indians repaid him by having his home burned and his fields ruined.  He then used the money from the government to buy farmland in Hutchinson where he and his wife could “start over.”