[Native Americana]. Albumen photograph of Indian Scout John Nelson posed with Plains Indians.

7 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. albumen photograph on 10 x 14 1/4 in. mount (toning, minimal scattered spotting to mount). Uncredited, ca 1880s. An untitled, outdoor view of John Nelson posed with several Plains Indians.

Nelson had a long and fabled career on the Plains. Leaving his native West Virginia, he was out west by 1844, living for a time with Spotted Tail's band of Brule Sioux, before signing with Brigham Young for $40/month acting as a guide in 1847. He was with the burial party at the Mountain Meadow Massacre, and spent a number of years herding cattle in Colorado and Utah. He helped construct the buildings at the Pine Ridge Reservation and served there for a time as chief of police. He claimed to have met Buffalo Bill Cody in 1857, becoming a fast friend with the noted performer. Cody referred to Nelson as a "good fellow though as a liar he had few equals and no superiors." He joined Cody's "Wild West" in 1884 and was with the outfit for many years (Tharp, 1988:1048-49).

The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

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Printed Books & Early American Photography, including Selections from the Larry Ness Collection

[Native Americana]. Albumen photograph of Indian Scout John Nelson posed with Plains Indians.

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