Chief John Big Tree (born Isaac Johnny John, June 2, 1877 â€" 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.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". Both of these claims are broadly disputed,
and Fraser identified other models.
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.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". Both of these claims are broadly disputed,
and Fraser identified other models.
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