William Charles Rogers
William C. Rogers | |
|---|---|
| Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
| In office 1903–1917 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Buffington |
| Succeeded by | J. B. Milam |
| Member of the Cherokee Senate from the Cooweescoowee District | |
| In office 1889–1903 | |
| Member of the Cherokee National Council from the Cooweescoowee District | |
| In office 1881–1889 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 13, 1847 Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory (now Tulsa County, Oklahoma) |
| Died | November 8, 1917 (aged 69) Skiatook, Oklahoma |
| Citizenship | Cherokee Nation American |
| Political party | Downing Party |
| Other political affiliations | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Cherokee Nation Confederate States |
| Branch/service | Confederate States Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | First Regiment of Cherokee Volunteers |
| Battles/wars | |
William Charles Rogers (December 13, 1847 – November 8, 1917) was a Cherokee politician, Confederate veteran and farmer. He served as Principal Chief of Cherokee Nation from 1903 to 1917.
After serving as a representative and a senator in the Cherokee Council, he was elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1903, defeating E. L. Cookson. He served during the final liquidation of the independent Cherokee government by the United States of America and the establishment of the state of Oklahoma in 1906–7. He remained as principal chief, but with greatly diminished powers, performing largely ceremonial functions for the tribe until his death.