Chief John Big Tree
Big Tree in Fighting Caravans (1931)
Born	Isaac Johnny John (1877-06-02)June 2, 1877 Buffalo, New York City, U.S.
Died	July 6, 1967(1967-07-06) (aged 90) Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1915–1950

Chief John Big Tree (born Isaac Johnny John, June 2, 1877 – July 6, 1967) was a member of the Seneca Nation and an actor who appeared in 59 films between 1915 and 1950. He was born in Buffalo, New York and died in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. His interment was also there.

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. ^[2] Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models. ^{[3] [4]}

He also appeared on the March 1964 cover of Esquire magazine, in a pose commemorating the Indian Head nickel. ^[5]

Partial filmography

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chief John Big Tree.

• Chief John Big Tree at Find a Grave
• Chief John Big Tree at IMDb
• Rogue River War of 1855-1856