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Chief John Big Tree

Chief John Big Tree
Big Tree in Fighting Caravans (1931)
Born
Isaac Johnny John

(1877-06-02)June 2, 1877
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
DiedJuly 6, 1967(1967-07-06) (aged 90)
Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1915–1950

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.

U.S. Indian Head nickel, for which Big Tree claimed he was one of three models

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. Though 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, the sculptor himself stated in 1938 that it was another Big Tree (a Kiowa also known as Adoeette), who was the third.[1][2]

James Earle Fraser's sculpture, End of the Trail, for which Big Tree claimed he was the model

Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful sculpture, End of the Trail.[3] Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models.[4][5]

He also appeared on the March 1964 cover of Esquire magazine, in a pose commemorating the Indian Head nickel.[6]

As actor

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John Big Tree was a longtime Hollywood actor, who appeared in 65 pictures between 1915 and 1950.[7]

Often uncredited, he had a noted speaking role in his second to last picture, the middle of John Ford's celebrated "Cavalry Trilogy", She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). As Chief Pony That Walks he has an extended dialogue with his old friend, Cavalry captain Nelson Brittles (played by John Wayne), who seeks the aged chief's help in quelling a rebellion among his people spurred by the Sioux victory over General George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Partial filmography

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References

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  1. ^ Robert R. Van Ryzin. "Which Indian Really Modeled?" Numismatic News, February 6, 1990
  2. ^ Bowers, Q. David (2007). A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels. Atlanta, Ga.: Whitman Publishing. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-7948-2008-4.
  3. ^ Chief John Big Tree appearance on CBS's I've Got a Secret: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3dITdj2KPw
  4. ^ VanRyzin, Robert R. (October 29, 2009). Fascinating Facts, Mysteries and Myths About U.S. Coins. Krause Publications. pp. 10–28. ISBN 978-1440206504.
  5. ^ "The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part I". www.hobbizine.com.
  6. ^ "Lifestyle – Mens Health, Career, and Relationship Advice". Esquire.
  7. ^ Chief John Big Tree filmography, IMDb
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