Jesse Cornplanter

Jesse J. Cornplanter (September 16, 1889 – March 18, 1957) was an actor, artist, author, craftsman, Seneca Faithkeeper and World War I decorated veteran. He was the last male descendant of Cornplanter. He wrote books about the Iroquois and Seneca life. He wrote and illustrated "Legends of the Longhouse" (1938). He was the first Native American with a major role in a movie called "Hiawatha".
Biography.
Jesse Cornplanter was born in 1889 on the Cattaraugus Reservation in New York. His Seneca parents were Nancy Jack and Edward Cornplanter. He had six sisters and three brothers. Only two sisters survived adulthood. Cornplanter did not have an education past third grade. However, he knew a lot about Seneca customs.
Cornplanter served in the U.S. Army during World War One. Many of his relatives, including his father and sisters, died during this time.
After the war, Cornplanter had several chief roles. He was ceremonial chief of the Long House and the chief of New Town.
He acted in movies. He most notably played Hiawatha in the silent movie Hiawatha (1913).
Cornplanter created artwork about Seneca life. Some of his illustrated books include "Iroquois Indian Games and Dances" (c. 1903) and "Legends of the Longhouse" (1938). He also illustrated "The Code of Handsome Lake".
His paintings are part of the Iroquois Realist Style. He also did wood carvings.
Personal life.
Cornplanter was married to Elsina Billy. He had no children or descendants. Jesse Cornplanter was the last male descendant of Cornplanter.