Colbert Ashalatubbi Burris

Colbert Ashalatubbi Burris worked diligently to further the progress of the Chickasaw Nation throughout his entire life. As a young man, he settled in Pontotoc County in the Chickasaw Nation. He was eventually selected as a representative for this county, and later as a senator in the legislature in the year 1859.

In 1861, Burris was elected as a delegate for the Five Civilized Tribes and then went on to serve as chief negotiator during the Treaty of 1866 with the United States. Later on, he was chosen as a Chickasaw Nation delegate to Washington, representing the Chickasaw Nation. During his years of public service, he also served on the Chickasaw Supreme Court. In 1894, Burris was appointed District Judge, presiding over all of Tishomingo County.

Colbert later went on to play a pivotal role in the history of the Chickasaw Nation by aiding in the formal enrollment of the Chickasaws. He also gave the historic invocation for the laying of the granite cornerstone of the Chickasaw Capitol Building. Colbert Ashalatubbi Burris will be admired for years to come for his significant contributions and the role that he played in the history of the Chickasaw people.