Quick Facts
Biography
Chief John Big Tree (June 2, 1877 – July 6, 1967), born Isaac Johnny John, was a member of the Seneca Nation and an actor who appeared in 59 films between 1915 and 1950.
Big Tree claimed to be one of three Native American chiefs whose profiles were composited to make the portrait featured on the obverse of the United States' Indian Head nickel, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The other two chiefs were Iron Tail and Two Moons. Big Tree claimed that his profile was used to create that portion of the portrait from the top of the forehead to the upper lip.
Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful "End of the Trail". Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models.
He also appeared on the March 1964 cover of Esquire magazine, in a pose commemorating the Indian Head nickel.
He was born in Michigan and died in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. His interment was also there.
Selected filmography
- The Spirit of '76 (1917) (Lost film)
- A Fight for Love (1919) (Lost film)
- The Avenging Arrow (1921) (Lost film)
- The Iron Horse (1924)
- The Frontier Trail (1926)
- Winners of the Wilderness (1927)
- Sioux Blood (1929)
- The Singing Vagabond (1935) (uncredited)
- Daniel Boone (1936)
- Stagecoach (1939)
- Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)
- Western Union (1941)
- She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)