Was Chief John Smith Really 137 Years Old?
Chief John Smith, also known as “White Wolf”
Chief John Smith, also known as White Wolf, is one of the most mysterious and fascinating figures in Native American history. A member of the Chippewa (Ojibwe) tribe, he was known not only for his deep wrinkles and stern expression, but also for a claim that still puzzles historians to this day — he allegedly lived to be 137 years old.
A Man of Many Names
Smith was known by many titles, both affectionate and descriptive. Among them were "Old Indian," "Grandpa John," and the Ojibwe names "Ga-Be-Nah-Gewn-Wonce" and "Gaa-binagwiiyaas," which translate roughly to “wrinkled meat” — a testament to his aged appearance.
His deeply lined face became a symbol of timeless endurance
Life and Family
Throughout his long life, Smith reportedly married eight times and adopted a son named Tom Smith, who defended his father's remarkable age to the very end.
Surviving a Train Accident
At the astonishing age of around 120, Chief Smith was hit by a train while crossing the tracks. Miraculously, he recovered in just three weeks. For many, this incident reinforced the legend of his otherworldly strength and longevity.
The Great Age Debate
Despite widespread oral history confirming his advanced age, not everyone agreed. Some government records listed him as being just 88 years old at the time of his death in 1922.
His age sparked debates in newspapers and official records
Smith himself once said that he was around 7 or 10 years old during the time of the "falling stars", a phrase historians link to the Leonid meteor shower of 1833. If true, this would place his birth around 1820–1826, which could still make him nearly 100 years old at death — a remarkable feat regardless.
Death and Legacy
Chief John Smith died from pneumonia on February 6, 1922, and was buried at a Catholic cemetery in Cass Lake, Minnesota. His gravestone boldly declares his birth year as 1784, in line with the belief that he lived to be 137.
His tombstone still fuels the legend — “Born in 1784”
Legend or Truth?
Whether Chief John Smith truly lived to be 137 remains a mystery. But one thing is certain: his story continues to capture the imagination, serving as a powerful symbol of Native American resilience and the enduring mysteries of oral tradition.
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