37 Facts About Chief John Smith

Birth and Age Controversy

Chief John Smith's life is shrouded in mystery, especially regarding his birth year and age. Let's dive into the details.

1. Chief John Smith's exact birth year is disputed. Some sources suggest he was born between 1822 and 1826, while others claim he could have been born as early as 1780.
2. His age at the time of death is also controversial, with estimates ranging from 137 to 138 years old. Some argue that disease, rather than age, contributed to his appearance.

Death and Burial

The end of Chief John Smith's life was as intriguing as his long years.

3. Chief John Smith died on February 6, 1922, due to pneumonia.
4. He is buried in the Catholic section of Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

Native American Heritage

Chief John Smith's roots run deep in the traditions of the Ojibwe tribe.

5. Chief John Smith was a member of the Ojibwe tribe, also known as the Chippewa.
6. His life was deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of his people.

Marital Life

His personal life was as complex as his public persona.

7. Chief John Smith had eight wives throughout his life.
8. He had no biological children but did have an adopted son named Tom Smith.

Cultural Significance

Chief John Smith was more than just a man; he was a cultural icon.

9. Known as "The Old Indian" to the local white population, his extraordinary longevity and wisdom made him a sought-after figure for advice and guidance.
10. Local photographers, including C.N. Christensen of Cass Lake, used Chief John Smith as a model for numerous stylized images of Ojibwe life.

Self-Promotion and Celebrity Status

Chief John Smith knew how to make a name for himself.

11. He carried cartes de visite (small photographs) of himself and sold them to visitors.
12. He traveled for free on trains, selling his photo to passengers and becoming a celebrity in his later years.

Conversion to Catholicism

A significant shift in his spiritual journey occurred later in life.

13. In 1914, Chief John Smith converted to Catholicism.
14. This conversion marked a significant shift in his spiritual beliefs and practices.

Historical Events

Chief John Smith lived through and remembered many significant historical events.

15. He remembered the War of 1812 and other significant historical events.
16. The Leonid meteor shower of November 13, 1833, was an important event in his life, often referred to in his stories.

Media Appearances

Chief John Smith's unique appearance made him a media sensation.

17. He appeared in motion pictures and various exhibitions showcasing aged Native Americans.
18. This exposure further solidified his status as a cultural icon.

Travel and Celebrity Status

His travels added to his mystique and fame.

19. Chief John Smith traveled extensively, often for free, selling his photographs to passengers on trains.
20. This unique ability to travel and promote himself made him a celebrity in his later years.

Photographic History

The early days of photography captured his unique visage.

21. The daguerreotype, an early photographic process, was used to capture images of Chief John Smith.
22. Dr. John Draper, who made improvements to the daguerreotype, took the first photograph of a woman, Dorothy Draper, in 1839.

Historical Accuracy

The debate over his age continues to this day.

23. Federal Commissioner of Indian Enrollment Ransom J. Powell argued that it was disease rather than age that contributed to his appearance.
24. Local historian Carl Zapffe noted that birthdates for Indians in the 19th century were often determined by significant events like the Leonid meteor shower.

Cultural Significance of the Leonid Meteor Shower

This astronomical event left a lasting impact on his community.

25. The Leonid meteor shower of 1833 was a significant event in Native American history and lore.
26. It marked the beginning of the historical period in tribal minds and was remembered by generations.

Chief John Smith's Wisdom

His wisdom was legendary among his people.

27. Chief John Smith was known for his wisdom and ability to point out how to live and do things effectively.
28. His style of lecturing and discussing things in normal conversation was highly effective and common among his peers.

Non-Cooperation with Group Customs

He often chose his own path.

29. Chief John Smith did not cooperate with others in the group, preferring to do things his own way.
30. This approach was seen as a significant aspect of his character.

Spiritual Beliefs

His spiritual journey took a significant turn later in life.

31. Chief John Smith converted to Catholicism in 1914, which marked a significant shift in his spiritual beliefs.
32. He also quit drinking after his conversion, influenced by his step-son Thomas.

Leather Clothing

His beliefs about clothing were deeply traditional.

33. Chief John Smith believed that clothes came from the earth, primarily referring to leather clothing made from home-tanned hides of animals.
34. This belief highlighted his connection to traditional practices.

Observation of Nature

Nature played a crucial role in his worldview.

35. He felt it was important to analyze and interpret natural things and events during the annual cycles of nature.
36. This approach to life was deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.

Grave Marker Information

His grave marker provides some clues about his life.

37. Chief John Smith's grave marker lists his year of birth as 1784 and his date of death as February 6, 1922, suggesting he was aged 137–138 at the time of his death.

Chief John Smith's Enduring Legacy

Chief John Smith's life was a blend of extraordinary longevity, cultural significance, and historical impact. His age remains a topic of debate, but his influence on the Ojibwe community and beyond is undeniable. Known for his wisdom, he was a cultural icon who navigated both traditional and modern worlds. His conversion to Catholicism and his role as a photographic model highlight his adaptability. Despite controversies, his legacy as a symbol of resilience and wisdom endures. Chief John Smith's story, filled with unique experiences and historical events, continues to captivate and inspire. His life serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of Native American history and the enduring spirit of the Ojibwe people.