Chief John Big Tree
| Chief John Big Tree | |
|---|---|
 James Earle Fraser's sculpture, "End of the Trail", for which Big Tree claimed he was the model. | |
| Born |
Isaac Johnny John July 2, 1877 Michigan, USA |
| Died |
July 6, 1967 (aged 90) Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York, USA |
| Years active | 1915–1950 |
Chief John Big Tree (June 2, 1877 – July 6, 1967), born Isaac Johnny John, was a member of the Seneca Nation and an actor who appeared in 59 films between 1915 and 1950.
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.
Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful "End of the Trail".[1] Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models.[2][3]
He also appeared on the March 1964 cover of Esquire magazine, in a pose commemorating the Indian Head nickel.[4]
He was born in Michigan and died in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. His interment was also there.
Selected filmography
- The Spirit of '76 (1917) (Lost film)
- A Fight for Love (1919) (Lost film)
- The Avenging Arrow (1921) (Lost film)
- The Iron Horse (1924)
- The Frontier Trail (1926)
- Winners of the Wilderness (1927)
- Sioux Blood (1929)
- The Singing Vagabond (1935) (uncredited)
- Daniel Boone (1936)
- Stagecoach (1939)
- Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)
- Western Union (1941)
- She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)
References
- ↑ Chief John Big Tree appearance on CBS's I've Got a Secret, December 11, 1961. Rebroadcast on Game Show Network and viewed January 29, 2008.
- ↑ VanRyzin, Robert R. (29 October 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
- ↑ Esquire Cover Gallery
- ↑ Robert R. Van Ryzin. "Which Indian Really Modeled?" Numismatic News, February 6, 1990