On This Date in Minnesota History: January 20

January 20, 1916 - Ka-Be-Nah-Gnay-Yance, better known as Indian Chief John Smith, reported to be 124 years old, was found lying beside a railroad track, is reported to be much better and is resting comfortably at the Cass Lake Hospital.

When he was brought in to the hospital he refused to lie in bed, but took a blanket and slept on the floor. Yesterday, however, after another Indian had slept in the bed to show him that there were no evil spirits there, he consented to sleep in the bed.

This morning, after a good night’s rest, he sat up in bed and smoked his pipe.


The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “John Smith is Reported Better. Aged Indian Consents to Go to Bed; Smokes Pipe; Talks to Friends.”; Jan. 1916; p. 1.

Ka-Be-Nah-Gnay-Yance, better known as Indian Chief John Smith

from a postcard