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Chief John Big Tree

{{Short description|American actor (1877–1967)}}

{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Chief John Big Tree

| image = Chief John Big Tree in Fighting Caravans.jpg

| caption = Big Tree in Fighting Caravans (1931)

| birth_name = Isaac Johnny John

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1877|06|02|mf=yes}}

| birth_place = Buffalo, New York, U.S.

| death_date = {{Death date and age|1967|07|06|1877|06|02|mf=yes}}

| death_place = Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York, U.S.

| occupation = Actor

| years_active = 1915–1950

}}

Chief John Big Tree (born Isaac Johnny John, June 2, 1877 – July 6, 1967) was a member of the Seneca Nation and an actor who appeared in 59 films between 1915 and 1950. He was born in Buffalo, New York and died in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. His interment was also there.

File:1935 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel.jpg, for which Big Tree claimed he was one of three models used – although the sculptor said that another Chief Big Tree, Adoeette, from the Kiowa tribe was one of his models Robert R. Van Ryzin. "Which Indian Really Modeled?" Numismatic News, February 6, 1990]]

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.

File:JEFEndOfTheTrail.jpg's sculpture, End of the Trail, for which Big Tree claimed he was the model.]]

Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful End of the Trail.Chief John Big Tree appearance on CBS's I've Got a Secret: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3dITdj2KPw Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models.{{cite book | last = VanRyzin | first = Robert R.| title = Fascinating Facts, Mysteries and Myths About U.S. Coins | publisher = Krause Publications | date = October 29, 2009 | pages = 10–28 | language =en | isbn = 978-1440206504 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.hobbizine.com/page0025.html|title=The History of the Buffalo Nickel - Part I|website=www.hobbizine.com}}

He also appeared on the March 1964 cover of Esquire magazine, in a pose commemorating the Indian Head nickel.{{cite web|url=http://www.esquire.com/cover-detail?year=1964&month=3|title=Lifestyle – Mens Health, Career, and Relationship Advice|website=Esquire}}

Partial filmography

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References

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External links

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  • {{findagrave|39318290}}
  • {{IMDb name|id=0081697|name=Chief John Big Tree}}
  • [https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/rogue_river_war_of_1855-1856/#.YedlOSyIZN0 Rogue River War of 1855–1856]

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Category:1877 births

Category:1967 deaths

Category:American male film actors

Category:American male silent film actors

Category:20th-century American male actors

Category:Male actors from Michigan

Category:First Nations male actors

Category:Seneca Nation of New York people

Category:People from Onondaga County, New York

Category:Male actors from Buffalo, New York