Davis, Alice Brown, 1852-1935

Dates:
Birth 1852-09-10
Death 1935-06-21

Biographical notes:

Alice Brown Davis (b. Sept. 10, 1852, Park Hill, Indian Territory, OK-d. June 21, 1935, Wewoka, OK) was the first female Principal Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma, and served from 1922–1935, appointed by President Warren G. Harding. Her older brothers, John F. and Andrew Jackson Brown, were also involved in the tribe.

Alice Brown was well educated; she learned both English and Mikasuki and attended the Ramsay Mission School. She married George Rollin Davis in 1874. Together they operated a trading post, post office, general store, and the Bar X Bar ranch in Arbeka, Indian Territory and disbursed the local Indians' headright money and the Civil War pensions. She also served as postmistress of Arbeka. After 1885, she often worked with her brother John as an interpreter, liaison and assistant for the Seminole Tribe. She became the superintendent of the Seminole Nation's girls' school, Emahaka. Brown Davis performed missionary work in Florida and was active in Muscogee Creek, Seminole, and Wichita Baptist Associations.

In 1922, at the age of 70, Davis was appointed Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation by President Warren G. Harding. She was the first female chief of the Seminole tribe, and initially her appointment was controversial. Eventually she won the support of her people and served until her death.

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Subjects:

  • Seminole Indians

Occupations:

  • Postmaster

Places:

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