Biography
Chief John Big Tree, also credited as Chief Big Tree, was a Seneca actor born Isaac Johnny John on 2 June 1877 in Buffalo, New York. He appeared in at least 60 films between 1915 and 1950, frequently in uncredited roles as Native American characters.
His credits include Stagecoach (1939) as an Indian Scout, Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) as Blue Back, and a speaking role as Chief Pony That Walks in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). He worked with director John Ford on several Westerns. He died on 6 July 1967 at the Onondaga Indian Reservation in New York.
Big Tree claimed to have been one of three models for the profile on the Indian Head nickel designed by James Earle Fraser; the claim has been disputed. He appeared on the cover of Esquire magazine in March 1964.
