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[1]
Military service
Allegiance	Cherokee Nation  Confederate States
Branch/service	Confederate States Army
Rank	Private
Unit	First Regiment of Cherokee Volunteers
Battles/wars	American Civil War

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.^[2]

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.