Harry J. W. Belvin, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Harry J. W. Belvin

American politician

Date of Birth: 11-Dec-1900

Place of Birth: Boswell, Oklahoma, United States

Date of Death: 19-Sep-1986

Profession: politician

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Harry James Watson "Jimmy" Belvin (1900 -1986) was an educator and served as an Oklahoma State Representative and Senator.
He was the first elected principal chief of any of the Five Civilized Tribes in the 20th century, and the longest serving principal chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
He saw his tribe through termination, restoration, and a rebirth of Native Pride.
He was a polarizing leader, seen by some as a semi-dictator who held onto the office of principal chief and used his power to advocate for complete assimilation into the dominant society, suppressing Choctaw traditions, language and ceremonial practices as undesirable remnants of an unrefined history.
To others, he was a well-liked, populist leader, who went door-to-door talking with tribe members, informing them on issues, and trying to develop the means the alleviate the poverty and unemployment they faced.