William G. Stigler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Grady Stigler
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd district |
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| In office March 28, 1944 – August 21, 1952 |
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| Preceded by | John C. Nichols |
| Succeeded by | Ed Edmondson |
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate | |
| In office 1924–1932 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 7, 1891 Stigler, Haskell County, Indian Territory |
| Died | August 21, 1952 (aged 61) Stigler, Haskell County, Oklahoma |
| Citizenship |  United States Choctaw Nation |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ona Beller Stigler |
| Children | Denyse Stigler Elaine Stigler |
| Alma mater | Northeastern State College University of Oklahoma College of Law |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1918-1919 (US Army) 1925-1938 (Oklahoma National Guard) |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 357th Infantry Regiment of the 90th Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
William Grady Stigler (born July 7, 1891 – died August 21, 1952) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a veteran of World War I. Stigler served as a U.S. Representative for Oklahoma. He was in this role from 1944 until his death in 1952.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Grady Stigler was born on July 7, 1891. His birthplace was Stigler, Haskell County. At that time, this area was known as Indian Territory. His parents were Joseph S. and Mary Jane Folsom Stigler.
Stigler was a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was listed as three-eighths Choctaw on the Dawes Rolls. These rolls were official lists of people who belonged to Native American tribes.
He went to public schools in his hometown. In 1912, he graduated from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Later, he studied law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law in Norman.
Military Service and Law Career
World War I Service
During World War I, William Stigler served in the United States Army. He was a Second Lieutenant. He was part of the 357th Infantry Regiment, which belonged to the 90th Division. He served overseas in 1918 and 1919. After the war, in 1919, he attended the University of Grenoble in France.
Starting a Law Practice
In 1920, Stigler was allowed to practice law. He joined the Oklahoma Bar Association. He started his law practice in his hometown of Stigler, Oklahoma. From 1920 to 1924, he also worked as the city attorney for Stigler.
Oklahoma State Politics
Stigler served in the Oklahoma State Senate from 1924 to 1932. In 1931, he was chosen to be the president pro tempore. This is a leader who runs the Senate meetings when the official president is not there. He also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. He held this position from 1925 to 1938.
Family Life
On June 7, 1925, William Stigler married Ona Beller. They had two daughters together. Their names were Denyse and Elaine.
Serving in Congress
Election to Congress
William Stigler was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the Seventy-eighth Congress. This happened because Jack Nichols resigned, leaving an open spot. Stigler was reelected to the Seventy-ninth Congress and three more Congresses after that. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 28, 1944, until his death.
A Unique Achievement
As of 2022, William Grady Stigler holds a special place in history. He is the only person from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma ever elected to the U.S. Congress.
Death
William Grady Stigler passed away on August 21, 1952. He was 61 years old. He died in his hometown of Stigler, Haskell County, Oklahoma. He was buried at Stigler Cemetery in Stigler, Oklahoma.
See also
- List of Native Americans in the United States Congress
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1950–99)
