# Benjamin Burney

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**Benjamin Burney** was a [Chickasaw](/source/Chickasaw) politician who served as the governor of the [Chickasaw Nation](/source/Chickasaw_Nation) from 1878 to 1880 and as treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation from 1876 to 1878.

## Biography

Benjamin Crooks Burney was born to David C. Burney and Lucy James in Shreveport, Louisiana, on January 15, 1844. He was born during his family's removal from the [Chickasaw](/source/Chickasaw) lands in northern Mississippi. He was named after the steamboat captain of the ship that transported his family to [Indian Territory](/source/Indian_Territory). The family brought eighteen slaves with them during their removal and settled in [Burneyville](/source/Burneyville,_Oklahoma).[1]

Burney attended the Chickasaw Orphans School in [Tishomingo](/source/Tishomingo,_Oklahoma) and enlisted in the [Indian cavalry](/source/Indian_cavalry) loyal to the [Confederate States of America](/source/Confederate_States_of_America), serving in Shocoe's battalion. After the war he returned to Burneyville, became a farmer and rancher.[1] In 1872, his sister Rebecca Burney married [J. J. McAlester](/source/J._J._McAlester).[2]

In 1876, he was elected Treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation.[1] In 1878, Burney ran for Governor of the Chickasaw Nation against [Cyrus Harris](/source/Cyrus_Harris) and won by 5-votes.[3] He succeeded [Benjamin Franklin Overton](/source/Benjamin_Franklin_Overton) and served until 1880.[1][4] He did not run for reelection and was succeeded by Overton. He died on November 25, 1892, near Aylsworth.[1]

## References

1. Meserve, John Bartlett (June 1938). ["Governor Benjamin Franklin Overton and Governor Benjamin Crooks Burney"](https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc2192090/m2/1/high_res_d/1938-v16-n2_a07.pdf). *[Chronicles of Oklahoma](/source/Chronicles_of_Oklahoma)*. **16** (2): 221-233. Retrieved 24 September 2024.

1. Cathey, Mike (3 July 2020). ["The House that J.J. Built"](https://www.mcalesternews.com/news/local_news/cathey-the-house-that-j-j-built/article_6851be0a-afa8-5ff6-99b3-18c18f1cb323.html). *McAlester News-Capital*. Retrieved 24 September 2024.

1. Delashaw, Corie (January 15, 2010). ["Harris, Cyrus (1817–1888)."](https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=HA032). *okhistory.org*. [Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture](/source/Encyclopedia_of_Oklahoma_History_and_Culture). Retrieved 24 September 2024.

1. ["Benjamin Burney Elected As Governor"](https://www.chickasaw.tv/events/benjamin-burney-elected-as-governor). *[Chickasaw.tv](/source/Chickasaw_Nation)*. Retrieved 24 September 2024.

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