John Y. Nelson, a member of the cast of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, poses for a group portrait with his Sioux wife and their five children. The group is gathered in front of a teepee. Nelson has a full gray beard and long hair. Nelson guided Brigham Young to Utah in 1847 and was a scout with William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody at Fort McPherson in 1869. He acted as interpreter in some of the Wild West Shows and also served as a stagecoach driver and cowboy in some of the acts. Nelson also played the settler in the "Attack on a Settler's Cabin" act in which the settlers are saved by Cody. Nelson and his Sioux family were presented to Queen Victoria while the show toured in England in 1887.
Date
[1887]
Notes
"Buffalo Bill's Wild West at Philadelphia, John Nelson and his family in 1887, Given by the family of Nate Salsbury from his collection in 1938" handwritten on back of print.; Title from inventory prepared in Western History Department, Denver Public Library.; Vintage photographic print.; R7001051177
Physical Description
1 photoprint ; on mat 11 x 17 cm. (4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.)
Is Part Of
Salsbury collection, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Subject
Nelson, John Young, b. 1826--Family.; Wild west shows--1880-1920.; Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917.; Nelson, John Young, b. 1826.; Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Rights
Restrictions applying to use or reproduction of this image available from the Western History/Genealogy Dept., Denver Public Library.
Reproduction Available for Purchase
Yes (digital reproduction)
Type of Material
Group portraits.; Photographic prints.; Imaged.; Image
