William Penn was born in New Echota, Georgia back in 1830 to George and Martha. He attended Cherokee schools in Indian Territory, studying law. He was described as being 6’2”, magnetic, logical and frankly agreeable, the ablest and most brilliant of all Cherokees. He moved to Adair, Oklahoma and married Sarah. During the Civil War he served in the Confederacy in the First Regiment of Cherokee Mounted Volunteers. He rose in rank to colonel and organized the Second Cherokee Mounted Volunteers.
After the war he served in the Cherokee Nation as a senator, a justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court and assistant principal chief. He was an advocate for the rights of the Texas Cherokees and affiliated Bands. The Cherokee Nations sought compensation from Texas for lands lost in 1839. The Republic of Texas offered lands in the Texas Panhandle, but the tribe refused to accept the offer. While he was in Washington DC he died on October 23, 1880.
So no biggie yet, so you may ask yourself what he is known for in the history books of the United States? Well I’m so glad you asked you see his name was William Penn Adair. Adair, Oklahoma was named for him also there was another American who was named after him. William Penn Adair Rogers (better known as Will Rogers). Thus ends the history lesson for today.
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