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 used – although the sculptor said that another Chief Big Tree, Adoeette, from the Kiowa tribe was one of his models [1]
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.
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 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]
^Robert R. Van Ryzin. "Which Indian Really Modeled?" Numismatic News, February 6, 1990
^Chief John Big Tree appearance on CBS's I've Got a Secret: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3dITdj2KPw
^VanRyzin, Robert R. (October 29, 2009). Fascinating Facts, Mysteries and Myths About U.S. Coins. Krause Publications. pp. 10–28. ISBN 978-1440206504.
^"The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part I". www.hobbizine.com.
^"Lifestyle - Mens Health, Career, and Relationship Advice". Esquire.
and 16 Related for: Chief John Big Tree information
ChiefJohnBigTree (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...
Kiowa war leader ChiefJohnBigTree (1877–1967), Seneca Nation chiefBigTrees, California BigTree Station, Mariposa, California BigTree Station, a former...
Dugan as Sergeant Hochbauer ChiefJohnBigTree as Pony-That-Walks Fred Graham as Sergeant Hench George Sky Eagle as Chief Sky Eagle Tom Tyler as Corporal...
Tim McCoy, Marjorie Daw, William Fairbanks, Charles Thurston and ChiefJohnBigTree. It was released on December 10, 1927, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Tim...
Although a few notable Indian actors like Will Rogers, Chief Yowlachie, and ChiefJohnBigTree had main roles as Indians, other Indian actors would only...
Harvey Clark as Sergeant O'Shea Aggie Herring as Mrs. O'Shea ChiefJohnBigTree as Chief Gray Wolf With no prints of The Frontier Trail located in any...
Calaveras BigTrees State Park is a state park of California, United States, preserving two groves of giant sequoia trees. It is located 4 miles (6.4 km)...
The Treaty of BigTree was a formal treaty signed in 1797 between the Seneca Nation and the United States, in which the Seneca relinquished their rights...
Rockwell as Ed William Gould as Deacon Nelson McDowell as Trapper ChiefJohnBigTree as Chief War Eagle "Wheels of Destiny (1934) - Overview". TCM.com. Retrieved...
adopted by the Mohawk ChiefJohnBigTree, Seneca chief and actor Governor Blacksnake (Chainbreaker) Thaonawyuthe, Seneca war chief Joseph Brant or Thayendanegea...
and BigTree occurred in May 1871 in the town of Jacksboro in Jack County, Texas, United States. This historic trial of Native American war chiefs of the...
Global Information
