Chickasaw Nation Governors

The Office of the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation falls within the executive department that was outlined as one of three departments of government in the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution. Previously, Governors served two-year terms and could only serve four years out of a six-year period. The current 1983 Chickasaw Constitution expanded the Governor’s term from two to four years and removed preexisting term limits.

Beginning in 1856, the Governors of the Chickasaw Nation were elected to office or assumed the office due to a vacancy by death, resignation, removal from office or otherwise. In 1906, the Chickasaw Nation governmental structure was limited by the federal government and the U.S. president appointed Chickasaw Nation Governors. In 1970, the Chickasaws’ right to elect their own leader was restored.

In the Chickasaw Nation, the title of Governor refers to the Chief Magistrate who serves as the leader and highest public official. Other tribal nations may address their Chief Magistrate as Chief, Principal Chief, Chairperson, President or another official title.

The Chickasaw Nation released an official Governors list in December 2021 after several years of work completed by a dedicated research team using previously compiled internal lists, newspapers, tribal records, U.S. government institution records and state records. Based on the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution and the 1983 Chickasaw Constitution, used currently, a set of criteria was used to determine if and when a qualified individual took action in the capacity as the Governor. These actions included 1.) Being sworn in by the Legislature of the Chickasaw Nation, 2.) Signing official tribal documents, or 3.) Receiving compensation for services as Governor.

A comprehensive list of Chickasaw Governors, beginning in October 1856 and continuing to the present day, is also available here.

Cyrus Harris

First Governor

1856-1858 | 1860-1862 | 1866-1868 | 1868-1870 | 1872-1874

Cyrus Harris was born Aug. 22, 1817, to Elizabeth Oxberry and James Harris near Pontotoc, Mississippi. He was active in Chickasaw Nation politics from an early age and served as an interpreter, delegate to Washington, D.C., and as a member of the Chickasaw Council. Harris was elected as the first Governor under the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution and was elected four more times, serving a total of 10 years as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He was a strong advocate for education, and his support led to the establishment and maintenance of boarding schools on tribal land. Harris died Jan. 6, 1888.

Cyrus Harris

First Governor

1856-1858 | 1860-1862 | 1866-1868 | 1868-1870 | 1872-1874

Cyrus Harris was born Aug. 22, 1817, to Elizabeth Oxberry and James Harris near Pontotoc, Mississippi. He was active in Chickasaw Nation politics from an early age and served as an interpreter, delegate to Washington, D.C., and as a member of the Chickasaw Council. Harris was elected as the first Governor under the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution and was elected four more times, serving a total of 10 years as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He was a strong advocate for education, and his support led to the establishment and maintenance of boarding schools on tribal land. Harris died Jan. 6, 1888.

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Dougherty Colbert

Second Governor

1858-60

Dougherty Colbert was born in 1810 in Mississippi. He was the son of Levi Colbert and was educated in Washington, D.C., by Thomas McKenney. After returning to the Chickasaw Nation, Colbert became active in Chickasaw Nation politics, serving as the secretary of the Chickasaw Nation in 1832. He was a member of the Chickasaw Council and was elected as the financial chief several times between 1850 and 1856. He served as a representative in 1857 and was elected as the second Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1858. Colbert died sometime between Nov. 18, 1859, and Aug. 31, 1860.

Dougherty Colbert

Second Governor

1858-60

Dougherty Colbert was born in 1810 in Mississippi. He was the son of Levi Colbert and was educated in Washington, D.C., by Thomas McKenney. After returning to the Chickasaw Nation, Colbert became active in Chickasaw Nation politics, serving as the secretary of the Chickasaw Nation in 1832. He was a member of the Chickasaw Council and was elected as the financial chief several times between 1850 and 1856. He served as a representative in 1857 and was elected as the second Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1858. Colbert died sometime between Nov. 18, 1859, and Aug. 31, 1860.

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Jackson Kemp

Third Governor

1860

Jackson Kemp was born in 1818 in Mississippi. His father was Levi Kemp. He served as the president of the Chickasaw Constitutional Convention in 1856, as president of the Senate in 1858 and as Governor after the death of Dougherty Colbert. Kemp continued to be a leader in Chickasaw Nation politics, serving as president of the Senate, as speaker of the House of Representatives multiple times and as interpreter in 1870. He spent nearly 20 years as an elected official of the Chickasaw Nation. Kemp died sometime between 1878 and 1898.

Jackson Kemp

Third Governor

1860

Jackson Kemp was born in 1818 in Mississippi. His father was Levi Kemp. He served as the president of the Chickasaw Constitutional Convention in 1856, as president of the Senate in 1858 and as Governor after the death of Dougherty Colbert. Kemp continued to be a leader in Chickasaw Nation politics, serving as president of the Senate, as speaker of the House of Representatives multiple times and as interpreter in 1870. He spent nearly 20 years as an elected official of the Chickasaw Nation. Kemp died sometime between 1878 and 1898.

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Winchester Colbert

Fourth Governor

1862-1864 | 1864-1866

Winchester Colbert was the son of Maj. James Colbert and Nancy Frazier. He was born in 1816 in Mississippi. He attended school before Removal to Indian Territory in 1837. Colbert was involved in politics soon after his arrival and attended the Boiling Springs gathering of 1845. He served as a member of the Chickasaw Council, Chickasaw Nation delegate to Washington, D.C., and on numerous committees. He also earned the title of captain and served in the Chickasaw Nation Senate multiple times. Colbert was elected as Chickasaw Nation Governor in 1862 and again in 1864. He died in 1880.

Winchester Colbert

Fourth Governor

1862-1864 | 1864-1866

Winchester Colbert was the son of Maj. James Colbert and Nancy Frazier. He was born in 1816 in Mississippi. He attended school before Removal to Indian Territory in 1837. Colbert was involved in politics soon after his arrival and attended the Boiling Springs gathering of 1845. He served as a member of the Chickasaw Council, Chickasaw Nation delegate to Washington, D.C., and on numerous committees. He also earned the title of captain and served in the Chickasaw Nation Senate multiple times. Colbert was elected as Chickasaw Nation Governor in 1862 and again in 1864. He died in 1880.

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Horace Pratt

Fifth Governor

1864

Horace Pratt was born around 1810 in Mississippi. Very little is known about his family and life. He was a signer of the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution. Pratt served as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate in 1862 and was sworn in as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in the summer of 1864 when Winchester Colbert left the office. He served until late 1864 when Winchester Colbert was elected again as Governor. He then served as a senator in 1867 and 1870. Pratt passed away sometime between 1870 and 1878.

Horace Pratt

Fifth Governor

1864

Horace Pratt was born around 1810 in Mississippi. Very little is known about his family and life. He was a signer of the 1856 Chickasaw Constitution. Pratt served as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate in 1862 and was sworn in as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in the summer of 1864 when Winchester Colbert left the office. He served until late 1864 when Winchester Colbert was elected again as Governor. He then served as a senator in 1867 and 1870. Pratt passed away sometime between 1870 and 1878.

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William Paul Brown

Sixth Governor

1870-1871

William Paul Brown was born in 1823 in Mississippi and attended the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. After his education, he participated in the California gold rush before returning to the Chickasaw Nation. He began his political career in the 1860s serving in various Chickasaw Nation offices such as constable, sheriff, court clerk, annuity registrar, interpreter, district judge and representative. Brown was elected as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1870. He then served as the Chickasaw Nation attorney general in 1875 and speaker of the Chickasaw Nation House of Representatives in 1877. He passed away sometime between Sept. 24, 1878, and January 1881.

William Paul Brown

Sixth Governor

1870-1871

William Paul Brown was born in 1823 in Mississippi and attended the Choctaw Academy in Kentucky. After his education, he participated in the California gold rush before returning to the Chickasaw Nation. He began his political career in the 1860s serving in various Chickasaw Nation offices such as constable, sheriff, court clerk, annuity registrar, interpreter, district judge and representative. Brown was elected as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1870. He then served as the Chickasaw Nation attorney general in 1875 and speaker of the Chickasaw Nation House of Representatives in 1877. He passed away sometime between Sept. 24, 1878, and January 1881.

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Thomas J. Parker

Seventh Governor

1871-1872

Thomas Parker was born in Mississippi around 1816 and attended school there. He removed to Indian Territory at age 21. Parker had been involved in tribal politics most of his life and earned the title of captain. He served as a senator several years before being elected as president of the Senate in 1870. When Governor William P. Brown resigned Sept. 11, 1871, Parker assumed the office. In his 1872 farewell address to the Chickasaw Nation, he stressed the importance of education and urged that any extra revenue be spent on it. He died in 1890.

Thomas J. Parker

Seventh Governor

1871-1872

Thomas Parker was born in Mississippi around 1816 and attended school there. He removed to Indian Territory at age 21. Parker had been involved in tribal politics most of his life and earned the title of captain. He served as a senator several years before being elected as president of the Senate in 1870. When Governor William P. Brown resigned Sept. 11, 1871, Parker assumed the office. In his 1872 farewell address to the Chickasaw Nation, he stressed the importance of education and urged that any extra revenue be spent on it. He died in 1890.

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Benjamin Franklin Overton

Eighth Governor

1874-1876 | 1876-1878 | 1880-1881 | 1882-1884

Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Overton was born Nov. 2, 1836, in Texas to Richard and Tennessee (Allen) Overton. First elected in 1874, he served four years before term limits kept him from running again in 1878. However, he ran again and was elected in 1880 and 1882. Overton was stern and business-minded, committed to protecting Chickasaw Nation lands and its resources from outsiders. Like many Governors before him, he advocated for the education of Chickasaws. Overton also served as a representative, senator and delegate to Washington, D.C., during his political career. He died Feb. 8, 1884.

Benjamin Franklin Overton

Eighth Governor

1874-1876 | 1876-1878 | 1880-1881 | 1882-1884

Benjamin Franklin “B.F.” Overton was born Nov. 2, 1836, in Texas to Richard and Tennessee (Allen) Overton. First elected in 1874, he served four years before term limits kept him from running again in 1878. However, he ran again and was elected in 1880 and 1882. Overton was stern and business-minded, committed to protecting Chickasaw Nation lands and its resources from outsiders. Like many Governors before him, he advocated for the education of Chickasaws. Overton also served as a representative, senator and delegate to Washington, D.C., during his political career. He died Feb. 8, 1884.

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Benjamin Crooks Burney

Ninth Governor

1878-1880

Benjamin Crooks Burney was born on a Red River steamboat Jan. 15, 1844, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to David C. and Lucy (James) Burney. He served in Shocoe’s Chickasaw Battalion of Mounted Volunteers for the Confederate Army. After the Civil War, Burney became involved in tribal politics, serving as the secretary for the Senate before being elected as a member. He was elected as Governor in 1878, but only served one term. He is one of the youngest men to fill the office. Burney later served as the national treasurer. He passed away Nov. 28, 1892.

Benjamin Crooks Burney

Ninth Governor

1878-1880

Benjamin Crooks Burney was born on a Red River steamboat Jan. 15, 1844, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to David C. and Lucy (James) Burney. He served in Shocoe’s Chickasaw Battalion of Mounted Volunteers for the Confederate Army. After the Civil War, Burney became involved in tribal politics, serving as the secretary for the Senate before being elected as a member. He was elected as Governor in 1878, but only served one term. He is one of the youngest men to fill the office. Burney later served as the national treasurer. He passed away Nov. 28, 1892.

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Hickeyoubbee

10th Governor

1881-1882

Hickeyoubbee was elected as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate in 1880 and took office in September 1881 when B.F. Overton resigned. Very little is known about Hickeyoubbee and his family. His name translates to “He Killed the One That Was Standing.” He had been involved in tribal politics for at least 10 years when he assumed the Office of Chickasaw Nation Governor and was first elected as a Chickasaw Nation senator in 1870. Hickeyoubbee was described as very intelligent by local newspapers. He passed away while in office in March 1882.

Hickeyoubbee

10th Governor

1881-1882

Hickeyoubbee was elected as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate in 1880 and took office in September 1881 when B.F. Overton resigned. Very little is known about Hickeyoubbee and his family. His name translates to “He Killed the One That Was Standing.” He had been involved in tribal politics for at least 10 years when he assumed the Office of Chickasaw Nation Governor and was first elected as a Chickasaw Nation senator in 1870. Hickeyoubbee was described as very intelligent by local newspapers. He passed away while in office in March 1882.

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Jonas Wolf

11th Governor

1882 | 1884-1886 | 1892-1894

Jonas Wolf was born June 30, 1828, in present-day DeSoto County, Mississippi. His father was Capt. James Wolf. Wolf was a full-blood Chickasaw who refused to speak English and began participating in tribal politics later in life. After Hickeyoubbee assumed the Office of Chickasaw Nation Governor in September 1881, Wolf was elected as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate and became Governor of the Chickasaw Nation after Hickeyoubbee’s death in March 1882. He went on to be elected two more times in 1884 and 1892. Wolf was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an ordained minister. He passed away Jan. 14, 1900.

Jonas Wolf

11th Governor

1882 | 1884-1886 | 1892-1894

Jonas Wolf was born June 30, 1828, in present-day DeSoto County, Mississippi. His father was Capt. James Wolf. Wolf was a full-blood Chickasaw who refused to speak English and began participating in tribal politics later in life. After Hickeyoubbee assumed the Office of Chickasaw Nation Governor in September 1881, Wolf was elected as the president of the Chickasaw Nation Senate and became Governor of the Chickasaw Nation after Hickeyoubbee’s death in March 1882. He went on to be elected two more times in 1884 and 1892. Wolf was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an ordained minister. He passed away Jan. 14, 1900.

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William Malcolm Guy

12th Governor

1886-1888

William Malcolm Guy was born Feb. 4, 1845, at old Boggy Depot near Atoka, Oklahoma, to William M. and Jane (McGee) Guy. He was a young student in Mississippi at the outbreak of the Civil War and joined the Confederates, fighting in the Battle of Bull Run and Gettysburg. He served the Chickasaw Nation government as a representative in 1883, as senator in 1885 and 1901 and was elected as Governor in 1886. Guy served during a tumultuous time in Chickasaw Nation history when railroads brought thousands of non-Chickasaws into Indian Territory. He advocated for all Chickasaws to have equal rights. Guy died in Sulphur, Oklahoma, in 1918.

William Malcolm Guy

12th Governor

1886-1888

William Malcolm Guy was born Feb. 4, 1845, at old Boggy Depot near Atoka, Oklahoma, to William M. and Jane (McGee) Guy. He was a young student in Mississippi at the outbreak of the Civil War and joined the Confederates, fighting in the Battle of Bull Run and Gettysburg. He served the Chickasaw Nation government as a representative in 1883, as senator in 1885 and 1901 and was elected as Governor in 1886. Guy served during a tumultuous time in Chickasaw Nation history when railroads brought thousands of non-Chickasaws into Indian Territory. He advocated for all Chickasaws to have equal rights. Guy died in Sulphur, Oklahoma, in 1918.

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William Leander Byrd

13th Governor

1888-1890 | 1890-1892

William Leander Byrd was born in 1844 in Marshall County, Mississippi, to John and Mary (Moore) Byrd. After his education at the Chickasaw Manual Labor Academy, Byrd became a successful businessman. He was active in Chickasaw Nation politics after the Civil War and was elected as a tribal representative in 1867. He was appointed to several other positions in Chickasaw Nation government including superintendent of schools and served as a Washington, D.C., delegate for the Chickasaw Nation. He was elected to the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1888 and served for two terms. Byrd fought against the influence of intermarried Euro-Americans on Chickasaw politics. After an unsuccessful run for Governor in 1902, he devoted himself to business. Byrd died in 1915 in Ada, Oklahoma.

William Leander Byrd

13th Governor

1888-1890 | 1890-1892

William Leander Byrd was born in 1844 in Marshall County, Mississippi, to John and Mary (Moore) Byrd. After his education at the Chickasaw Manual Labor Academy, Byrd became a successful businessman. He was active in Chickasaw Nation politics after the Civil War and was elected as a tribal representative in 1867. He was appointed to several other positions in Chickasaw Nation government including superintendent of schools and served as a Washington, D.C., delegate for the Chickasaw Nation. He was elected to the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1888 and served for two terms. Byrd fought against the influence of intermarried Euro-Americans on Chickasaw politics. After an unsuccessful run for Governor in 1902, he devoted himself to business. Byrd died in 1915 in Ada, Oklahoma.

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Nelson Chigley

14th Governor

1894

Nelson Chigley was born around 1830 near Memphis, Tennessee, to Chigley and Eupulkee. Around the age of 40, he became interested in Chickasaw Nation politics and was elected to the tribal Senate in 1870. He was serving as the president of the Senate in 1894 when Jonas Wolf’s resignation placed him in the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He resigned just a few weeks later. While Chigley has the shortest term served as Governor, he is one of the longest serving senators with 25 years of service, including the final meeting of the Chickasaw Nation Legislature in November 1909. He died at the Chigley Mansion in Davis, Oklahoma, Nov. 12, 1922.

Nelson Chigley

14th Governor

1894

Nelson Chigley was born around 1830 near Memphis, Tennessee, to Chigley and Eupulkee. Around the age of 40, he became interested in Chickasaw Nation politics and was elected to the tribal Senate in 1870. He was serving as the president of the Senate in 1894 when Jonas Wolf’s resignation placed him in the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He resigned just a few weeks later. While Chigley has the shortest term served as Governor, he is one of the longest serving senators with 25 years of service, including the final meeting of the Chickasaw Nation Legislature in November 1909. He died at the Chigley Mansion in Davis, Oklahoma, Nov. 12, 1922.

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Tecumseh A. McClure

15th Governor

1894

Tecumseh A. McClure was born around 1830 in Mississippi to the Rev. McClure and Ellen Elateecha Brown. He attended school at Boggy Depot and Post Oak Grove (Emet, Oklahoma). After the Civil War, he settled near Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and started a farm. In 1886, McClure was elected to the tribal Senate and served as president. He was elected as senator again in 1890. From September 1893 to June 1894, McClure served as the speaker of the tribal house of representatives and assumed the Office of Governor after Nelson Chigley resigned. He remained in the office until the term expired that same year in August. McClure died March 13, 1902.

Tecumseh A. McClure

15th Governor

1894

Tecumseh A. McClure was born around 1830 in Mississippi to the Rev. McClure and Ellen Elateecha Brown. He attended school at Boggy Depot and Post Oak Grove (Emet, Oklahoma). After the Civil War, he settled near Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and started a farm. In 1886, McClure was elected to the tribal Senate and served as president. He was elected as senator again in 1890. From September 1893 to June 1894, McClure served as the speaker of the tribal house of representatives and assumed the Office of Governor after Nelson Chigley resigned. He remained in the office until the term expired that same year in August. McClure died March 13, 1902.

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Palmer Simeon Mosely

16th Governor

1894-1896 | 1902-1904

Palmer Simeon Mosely was born in September 1851 in Tamahoshay, Choctaw Nation, to Simon and Bilsey Mosely. He was educated in Nashville, Tennessee, and began his political career serving as an interpreter for the Chickasaw Nation legislature in 1875. Mosely went on to serve in other Chickasaw Nation government positions such as a county judge, national interpreter, superintendent of schools, national secretary, representative and senator before being elected to the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1894 and again in 1902. He favored allotment and encouraged the Chickasaw Nation to ratify the Supplemental Agreement of 1902. Mosely died Oct. 19, 1908, in Bromide, Oklahoma.

Palmer Simeon Mosely

16th Governor

1894-1896 | 1902-1904

Palmer Simeon Mosely was born in September 1851 in Tamahoshay, Choctaw Nation, to Simon and Bilsey Mosely. He was educated in Nashville, Tennessee, and began his political career serving as an interpreter for the Chickasaw Nation legislature in 1875. Mosely went on to serve in other Chickasaw Nation government positions such as a county judge, national interpreter, superintendent of schools, national secretary, representative and senator before being elected to the Office of Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1894 and again in 1902. He favored allotment and encouraged the Chickasaw Nation to ratify the Supplemental Agreement of 1902. Mosely died Oct. 19, 1908, in Bromide, Oklahoma.

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Robert Maxwell Harris

17th Governor

1896 - 98

There are two notable memories linked to the governorship of Harris. The first of these is the Atoka Agreement; under his administration it was inserted in the Curtis Act of June 1898. This provided for the allotment of tribal domain, abolishment of the tribal courts and the dissolution of the Chickasaw government. The second, and more positive memory, is associated with the historical capitol at Tishomingo; as Harris authorized the construction of the new capitol building, and used the granite from his own quarry to build it.

Robert Maxwell Harris

17th Governor

1896 - 98

There are two notable memories linked to the governorship of Harris. The first of these is the Atoka Agreement; under his administration it was inserted in the Curtis Act of June 1898. This provided for the allotment of tribal domain, abolishment of the tribal courts and the dissolution of the Chickasaw government. The second, and more positive memory, is associated with the historical capitol at Tishomingo; as Harris authorized the construction of the new capitol building, and used the granite from his own quarry to build it.

Douglas Henry Johnston

18th Governor

1898-1900 | 1900-1902 | 1904-1906 | 1906-1939

Douglas Henry Johnston was born Oct. 16, 1856, at Skullyville near Spiro, Oklahoma, to John and Mary Ann (Cheadle Walker) Johnston. He was educated at Bloomfield Academy and Chickasaw Manual Labor Academy. Appointed as superintendent of Bloomfield Academy in 1884, Johnston encouraged education of young Chickasaws and helped the school flourish. First elected as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1898, he served two terms and was elected again in 1904. Johnston was then appointed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as the Chickasaw Nation Governor in 1906 after tribal governments had been restricted by the federal government. After his appointment, he spent much of his time in Washington, D.C., to lobby for Chickasaw rights and interests. Johnston served until his death June 28, 1939, in Oklahoma City.

Douglas Henry Johnston

18th Governor

1898-1900 | 1900-1902 | 1904-1906 | 1906-1939

Douglas Henry Johnston was born Oct. 16, 1856, at Skullyville near Spiro, Oklahoma, to John and Mary Ann (Cheadle Walker) Johnston. He was educated at Bloomfield Academy and Chickasaw Manual Labor Academy. Appointed as superintendent of Bloomfield Academy in 1884, Johnston encouraged education of young Chickasaws and helped the school flourish. First elected as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1898, he served two terms and was elected again in 1904. Johnston was then appointed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as the Chickasaw Nation Governor in 1906 after tribal governments had been restricted by the federal government. After his appointment, he spent much of his time in Washington, D.C., to lobby for Chickasaw rights and interests. Johnston served until his death June 28, 1939, in Oklahoma City.

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Peter Maytubby

Governor-Elect

1906

Peter Maytubby was born Oct. 14, 1837, in Mississippi to Sheauno and Carleteo. He served as a Confederate captain in the Civil War then returned home to the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory to resume his life as a farmer and cattle rancher. Maytubby was active in Chickasaw Nation politics and served on the Dawes Commission. He also served as an interpreter for the U.S. government. In 1906, a group of Chickasaws held an unsanctioned election and elected Maytubby as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. With the disruption of tribal governments by the U.S. federal government, he was never sworn in as Governor and was therefore unable to take office. Maytubby died May 1, 1907, in Caddo, Oklahoma.

Peter Maytubby

Governor-Elect

1906

Peter Maytubby was born Oct. 14, 1837, in Mississippi to Sheauno and Carleteo. He served as a Confederate captain in the Civil War then returned home to the Chickasaw Nation in Indian Territory to resume his life as a farmer and cattle rancher. Maytubby was active in Chickasaw Nation politics and served on the Dawes Commission. He also served as an interpreter for the U.S. government. In 1906, a group of Chickasaws held an unsanctioned election and elected Maytubby as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. With the disruption of tribal governments by the U.S. federal government, he was never sworn in as Governor and was therefore unable to take office. Maytubby died May 1, 1907, in Caddo, Oklahoma.

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Floyd Ernest Maytubby

19th Governor

1939-1963

Floyd Ernest Maytubby was born Nov. 27, 1893, in Caddo, Oklahoma, to Samuel W. and Lulu A. (Mebane) Maytubby. He attended Harley Institute in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. In 1939, he was appointed as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Maytubby died Feb. 24, 1963, in Oklahoma City.

Floyd Ernest Maytubby

19th Governor

1939-1963

Floyd Ernest Maytubby was born Nov. 27, 1893, in Caddo, Oklahoma, to Samuel W. and Lulu A. (Mebane) Maytubby. He attended Harley Institute in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. In 1939, he was appointed as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Maytubby died Feb. 24, 1963, in Oklahoma City.

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Elihu B. "Hugh" Maytubby

20th Governor

1963

Elihu B. “Hugh” Maytubby was born June 27, 1892, in Caddo, Oklahoma, to Peter and Tabitha (Bailey) Maytubby. He was educated at Harley Institute in Tishomingo and Caddo High School. Maytubby was a founding member of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and an original member of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes. He was appointed as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on May 13, 1963, to complete the term of his nephew, Floyd Maytubby, that expired Oct. 18, 1963. Hugh Maytubby died May 17, 1970, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Elihu B. "Hugh" Maytubby

20th Governor

1963

Elihu B. “Hugh” Maytubby was born June 27, 1892, in Caddo, Oklahoma, to Peter and Tabitha (Bailey) Maytubby. He was educated at Harley Institute in Tishomingo and Caddo High School. Maytubby was a founding member of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and an original member of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes. He was appointed as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on May 13, 1963, to complete the term of his nephew, Floyd Maytubby, that expired Oct. 18, 1963. Hugh Maytubby died May 17, 1970, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

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Overton James

21st Governor

1963-1971 | 1971-1987

Overton James was born July 21, 1925, in Bromide, Oklahoma, to Rufus (Cub) and Vinnie May (Seely) James. He attended Wapanucka High School and Southeastern State University. James served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in education, he taught school and coached. Tapped by the Grassroots Movement as their leader, James and others campaigned for Chickasaw self-governance. In 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy appointed him as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. James lobbied for improvements and funding from the U.S. federal government and worked to establish revenue streams by purchasing and operating businesses. In 1971, he was elected by the Chickasaw people to serve as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and continued serving in this office until 1987. James died Sept. 16, 2015, in Ada, Oklahoma.

Overton James

21st Governor

1963-1971 | 1971-1987

Overton James was born July 21, 1925, in Bromide, Oklahoma, to Rufus (Cub) and Vinnie May (Seely) James. He attended Wapanucka High School and Southeastern State University. James served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in education, he taught school and coached. Tapped by the Grassroots Movement as their leader, James and others campaigned for Chickasaw self-governance. In 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy appointed him as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. James lobbied for improvements and funding from the U.S. federal government and worked to establish revenue streams by purchasing and operating businesses. In 1971, he was elected by the Chickasaw people to serve as the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and continued serving in this office until 1987. James died Sept. 16, 2015, in Ada, Oklahoma.

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