Native American Biography: Petalesharo: Pawnee: Ended Human Sacrifice Amon His People

Many Pawnee claimed the name Petalesharo.  It was likely a titled.  The best known person to carry this name.  He actively curtailed the practice of human sacrifice.  The Pawnee would kidnap or capture a girl about thirteen years old.  They would treat her well for a year, before making her a sacrifice.  Petaleshara rescued one such maiden, cutting her bonds just before she was sacrificed.  He then escaped with her, fed her, before returning her to her own people.  Petalesharo was a contemporary of President James Monroe and visited Washington, D.C.