Chief John Big Tree
Known for Acting
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.
Filmography
Stagecoach
1939
as Indian Scout (uncredited)
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
1949
as Chief Pony That Walks
Lost Horizon
1937
as Porter (uncredited)
Drums Along the Mohawk
1939
as Blue Back
The Big Trail
1930
as Indian (uncredited)
The Iron Horse
1925
as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)
North West Mounted Police
1940
as Blue Owl (uncredited)
Destry Rides Again
1939
as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
Western Union
1941
as Chief Spotted Horse
Devil's Doorway
1950
as Thundercloud
Too Many Girls
1940
as Chief
Hudson's Bay
1940
as Chief
The Last of the Mohicans
1932
as Huron Warrior (uncredited)
Susannah of the Mounties
1939
as Chief (uncredited)
Brigham Young
1940
as Big Elk
The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
1936
as Indian John
The Oregon Trail
1939
as Spotted Elk
The Bold Caballero
1936
as Tavern Indian (uncredited)
Maid of Salem
1937
as Indian Man (Uncredited)
Mantrap
1926
as Indian (uncredited)