 |
William Keeler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
| In office 1949–1975 | |
| Preceded by | J. B. Milam |
| Succeeded by | Ross Swimmer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Wayne Keeler April 5, 1908 Dalhart, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 24, 1987 (aged 79) Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Spouse | Ruby Hamilton |
| Education | University of Kansas (BS) |
William Wayne Keeler (April 5, 1908 – August 24, 1987) was an American engineer, oilman, and tribal chief. He was the last appointed and first elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in the 20th century. Educated as a chemical engineer, he worked for Phillips Petroleum Company, where he became chief executive officer at the end of a long career with the company. Throughout his life he also worked in the federal government for the advancement of Indians. President Truman appointed him as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma in 1949. He also served as chairman for the executive committee of the Texas Cherokees and Associate Bands from 1939 until 1972. In 1971, he became the Cherokees' first elected chief since 1903.[1]
Keeler created tribal institutions such as the Cherokee Nation Builders Corporation and a national Cherokee newspaper. He helped establish the Cherokee Foundation and attain $14 million from the federal government over a land dispute. He led the drafting of a new Cherokee constitution in 1975.[1]
- ^ a b Agnew, Brad. "Keeler, William Wayne (1908–1987). Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Retrieved April 15, 2012.