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Chief John Big Tree

Chief John Big Tree

Birthday: 1877-06-02 | Place of Birth: Buffalo - New York - USA

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.

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Known For

Acting

Year
Title

Role

1937
Hills of Old Wyoming

as    Chief Big Tree

1933
The Telegraph Trail

as    Indian Chief (uncredited)

1932
The Golden West

as    Indian (uncredited)

1927
Winners Of The Wilderness

as    Chief Pontiac

1927
The Frontiersman

as    Grey Eagle