Archie Sam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archie Sam
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Archie Sam in 1983 at the Grand Village of the Natchez in Natchez, Mississippi
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| Natchez-Cherokee-Muscogee Creek, enrolled United Keetoowah Band leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 30, 1914 Greenleaf Mountain community |
| Died | May 23, 1986 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | Fort Gibson, Oklahoma |
| Spouse | Maudie Louise Quinton Sam |
| Children | Roy Wayne Sam Adeline Naeher |
| Parents | Creek Sam and Aggie Cumsey |
| Education | Connors State College, Bacone College |
| Known for | Traditionalist and cultural historian |
Archie Sam (born June 30, 1914 – died May 23, 1986) was an important leader and scholar from the Natchez, Cherokee, and Muscogee Creek tribes. He was known for keeping his people's traditions alive. He was also a stomp dance leader and the Sun Chief of the Natchez Nation.
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Who Was Archie Sam?
Archie Sam was a respected elder who worked hard to preserve the history and culture of his Native American ancestors. He was a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. His life showed how important it is to remember and share cultural knowledge.
Archie's Early Life and Family
Archie Sam was born on June 30, 1914. His birthplace was the Greenleaf Mountain community near Braggs, Oklahoma. He was the youngest son of White Tobacco Sam and Aggie Cumsey. His mother, Aggie, was a fullblood Cherokee from the Longhair clan.
Archie Sam was also the grandnephew of Watt Sam. Watt Sam was very special because he was the last person known to speak the Natchez language fluently. This made Archie's connection to his heritage even stronger.
Archie married Maudie Louise Quinton Sam. They had two children, a son named Roy Whayne Sam and a daughter named Adeline Naeher.
His Education and Military Service
Archie Sam believed in learning. He attended Bacone College in Muskogee. Later, he graduated from Connors State College in Warner.
After college, Archie joined the United States Army. He served during World War II. In 1940, he went overseas. He even took part in special missions in northern Greenland. There, he met and hunted with the Inughuit people, who are native to the Arctic.
After the war, Archie transferred to the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 21 years! After his long military career, he worked for the United States Postal Service.
Archie Sam's Cultural Work
Archie Sam was passionate about his heritage. When he retired in 1971, he focused completely on preserving Native American traditions. He was a strong follower of the native Natchez religion.
Saving the Natchez Language
In 1977, Archie Sam worked with a professor named Charles Van Tuyl. They worked together to find old sound recordings of Watt Sam. These recordings were very important because they were the only known recordings of the Natchez language being spoken. Thanks to Archie, these valuable recordings were saved.
Reviving Traditions
In 1969, Archie Sam helped bring back the Medicine Springs ceremonial ground. This special place is located near Gore, Oklahoma. It's a significant site for Natchez religious practices. By reviving it, Archie helped ensure that important ceremonies could continue.
His Legacy
Archie Sam dedicated his life to his family, his country, and his people's traditions. He helped future generations connect with their roots.
Archie Sam passed away on May 23, 1986. He is buried at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
