Lewis Downing
Lewis Downing | |
|---|---|
| Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
| In office August 5, 1867 – November 9, 1872 | |
| Preceded by | William P. Ross |
| Succeeded by | William P. Ross |
| In office August 1, 1866 – October 19, 1866 | |
| Preceded by | John Ross |
| Succeeded by | William P. Ross |
| Member of the Cherokee Nation Senate | |
| In office August 1, 1859 – 1861 | |
| In office August 4, 1851 – 1853 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1823 Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | November 9, 1872 Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, U. S. |
| Party | Downing Party |
Lewis Downing (c. 1823 – November 9, 1872), also known by his Cherokee name ᎷᏫ ᏌᏩᎾᏍᎩ ("Lewie-za-wau-na-skie") served as Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1867 to 1872. After the death of John Ross, he was elected to a full term as Principal Chief. Downing worked to heal divisions in the tribe following removal to the Indian Territory and the American Civil War. He was elected to a second term in 1871, but died in 1872. The Cherokee Council chose William P. Ross as his successor.