Cherokee Indian Chief. Born in Dalhart, Texas, he grew up and attended schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He first appeared in Cherokee politics in 1948 and was named vice chairman of the tribe's executive committee. In 1949 following the death of Chief Milam, he was appointed principal chief of the Cherokee Nation by President Harry S Truman. In 1971, after the passage of the Principal Chiefs Act, which allowed the tribe to elect their head official, he became the Cherokee Nation's first elected chief since 1903. He served one term, but due to negative publicity regarding illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon, he decided not to run for re-election.
Cherokee Indian Chief. Born in Dalhart, Texas, he grew up and attended schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He first appeared in Cherokee politics in 1948 and was named vice chairman of the tribe's executive committee. In 1949 following the death of Chief Milam, he was appointed principal chief of the Cherokee Nation by President Harry S Truman. In 1971, after the passage of the Principal Chiefs Act, which allowed the tribe to elect their head official, he became the Cherokee Nation's first elected chief since 1903. He served one term, but due to negative publicity regarding illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon, he decided not to run for re-election.
Bio by: PollysGranddaughter
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