| Summary: | Ralph Wells, Jr. - (\ahaa Nae-Good Dish) Sahnish 1970-1971 Ralph Wells, Jr., was born August 15, 1908, at Elbowoods, the son of Polly Plenty Fox and Ralph Wells. Sr. He grew up at Lucky Mound and was educated at the Congregational Mission in Elbowoods. He attended school at Santee, Nebraska, and Flandreau, South Dakota. Wells married Olive Sherwood in 1926, and they farmed and ranched at Lucky Mound prior to his becoming active in reservation politics. They raised five sons and two daughters. Wells served five terms on the Tribal Business Council, serving as treasurer, secretary, and tribal chairman. He was well-respected, strong supporter of education and was an active community leader. An outstanding singer and speaker, Wells composed Sahnish songs that are still sung at celebrations today. He died while in office at the age of 62, and was acknowledged for his work in preserving the heritage and culture the Sahnish. Nathan Little Soldier - Sahnish 1971-1972 Nathan Little Soldier was born April 2, 1919, at Beaver Creek. His mother's name was Willena Young Bear and his father's name was Clarence Little Soldier. He attended schools at Wahpeton, Pierre, South Dakota, Santee, Nebraska, and Elbowoods. Little Soldier was married to Rosella Hail on October 16, 1938, and they raised three sons. Dale, Arby, and Shotae. He served in the Army in Europe during World War II, and following his discharge, farmed and ranched at Beaver Creek. Little Soldier was elected to the tribal council in September of 1971, representing the Southern Segment. He filled the vacant seat of Ralph Wells, Jr., and served as chairman until August of 1972. He also served on the council for a number of years, representing the Twin Buttes community, and on numerous committees. He was particularly opposed to destruction of the land by strip mining interests. Little Soldier was prominent in North Dakota rodeos, participating as a calf-roper. He died in August of 1980 at the age of 61. 446 2003-2005 North Dakota Blue Book
|
|---|