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.

Known For

Stagecoach

as Indian Scout (uncredited)

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

as Chief Pony That Walks

Lost Horizon

as Porter (uncredited)

Destry Rides Again

as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)

The Big Trail

as Indian (uncredited)

Drums Along the Mohawk

as Blue Back

Western Union

as Chief Spotted Horse

The Iron Horse

as Cheyenne Chief

Devil's Doorway

as Thundercloud

North West Mounted Police

as Blue Owl (uncredited)