Chief John Big Tree
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.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
Stagecoach
as Indian Scout (uncredited)
1939
Devil's Doorway
as Thundercloud
1950
Western Union
as Chief Spotted Horse
1941
The Girl of the Golden West
as Indian Chief in Prologue
1938
The Overland Telegraph
as Medecine Man
1929
Sioux Blood
as Crazy Wolf
1929
The Red Rider
as Indian Chief
1925
The Iron Horse
as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)
1925
Lost Horizon
as Porter (uncredited)
1937
Hudson's Bay
as Chief
1940
The Frontier Trail
as Chief Gray Wolf
1926
Painted Ponies
1927
Red Fork Range
as Chief Barking Fox
1931
The Huntress
as Otebaya
1923
Wheels of Destiny
as Chief War Eagle
1934
Susannah of the Mounties
as Chief (uncredited)
1939
The Last of the Mohicans
as Huron Warrior (uncredited)
1932
Custer's Last Stand
as Medicine Man
1936
The Oregon Trail
as Spotted Elk
1939
Destry Rides Again
as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
1939