Chief John Big Tree

Chief John Big Tree

1877-06-02 – 1967-07-06 (age 90) Buffalo, New York, USA
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Biography

Chief John Big Tree was born on June 2, 1877 in Buffalo, New York, as Isaac Johnny John. He was an actor, known for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) and Devil's Doorway (1950). He died on July 6, 1967 in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York.

One of three men who posed for artist James Fraser for the profile which became the famous "Indian head nickel" or "buffalo nickel" minted 1913-1938. The other two were Chief Two Moons (of the Cheyenne) and Chief Iron Tail (of the Lakota Sioux). The image was reused for a special commemorative $50 gold piece in 2006--the USA's first 24k (pure gold) coin.

Big Tree was a member of the Seneca Nation.

Photos

Known For

Stagecoach
Stagecoach

1939

as Indian Scout (uncredited)

Brigham Young
Brigham Young

1940

as Big Elk

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

1949

as Chief Pony That Walks

North West Mounted Police
North West Mounted Police

1940

as Blue Owl (uncredited)

Drums Along the Mohawk
Drums Along the Mohawk

1939

as Blue Back

The Big Trail
The Big Trail

1930

as Indian (uncredited)

Destry Rides Again
Destry Rides Again

1939

as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)

Lost Horizon
Lost Horizon

1937

as Porter (uncredited)

Western Union
Western Union

1941

as Chief Spotted Horse

The Bold Caballero
The Bold Caballero

1936

as Tavern Indian (uncredited)

Devil's Doorway
Devil's Doorway

1950

as Thundercloud

The Girl of the Golden West
The Girl of the Golden West

1938

as Indian Chief in Prologue

The Iron Horse
The Iron Horse

1925

as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)

Hills of Old Wyoming
Hills of Old Wyoming

1937

as Chief Big Tree

Maid of Salem
Maid of Salem

1937

as Indian Man (Uncredited)

The Farmer Takes a Wife
Mantrap
Mantrap

1926

as Indian (uncredited)

Too Many Girls
Too Many Girls

1940

as Chief (uncredited)

🎦
The Cactus Blossom

1915

as Chegup

The Telegraph Trail
The Telegraph Trail

1933

as Indian Chief (uncredited)