W. W. Keeler

W. W. Keeler
Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
In office
1949–1975
Preceded by J. B. Milam
Succeeded by Ross Swimmer
Personal details
Born April 5, 1908(1908-04-05)
Dalhart, Texas
Died August 24, 1987(1987-08-24) (aged 79)
Bartlesville, Oklahoma

William Wayne "Bill" Keeler (April 5, 1908 – August 24, 1987)[1] was appointed principal chief of the Cherokee nation in 1949 by President Truman, and served as appointed chief until 1971,[2] when the Cherokee regained their right to elect their own leaders in a congressional act passed by President Nixon. Keeler was democratically elected in 1971, and remained chief until 1975, when he endorsed Ross Swimmer in his campaign for principal chief.

Keeler was CEO of Phillips Petroleum in his native Bartlesville, Oklahoma.[2]

Preceded by
J. B. Milam		 Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
1949–1975		 Succeeded by
Ross Swimmer

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ a b Denson, Andrew (2004). Demanding the Cherokee Nation: Indian autonomy and American culture, 1830-1900. U of Nebraska Press. p. 249. ISBN 0803217269, ISBN 9780803217263. http://books.google.com/books?id=O2y0z41aNYYC&pg=PA249&dq=W.+W.+Keeler&as_brr=3&ei=W8-6SpWtJIXelQSe7JgG&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=W.%20W.%20Keeler&f=false.