He became chief following the death of Old Tassel, and the abandonment of the traditional capital at Chota after raids by European Americans.
Although Hanging Maw claimed the title of First Beloved Man by right as the chief headman of the Overhill Towns, the rest of the nation had chosen Little Turkey when they moved the seat of the council south to Ustanali on the Conasauga River following the murder of Old Tassel.
Outnumbered, the white men escaped the area, but lost their horses, game, and surveying instruments to the band of Cherokee.
When the militia could not capture the diplomatic party, they attacked the people of the town, wounding Hanging Maw and killing his wife Betsy.
Some warriors killed a European-American family at a small fortified settlement known as Cavett's Station, although Watts had promised them safe passage.