Nykki Davidson3/24/20141500 Word EssayM. Henthorn “A Nation in Transition” In the book “A Nation in Transition,” author Michael W. Lovegrove chronicles the life of Douglas Henry Johnston and his many accomplishments. Johnston was born October 13, 1857 in Skullyville, Oklahoma. Growing up, Johnston lived along the South Canadian River. They moved once the civil war broke out. Johnston's family moved to Blue, Oklahoma, located in Bryan County in southern Oklahoma. Shortly after moving to Blue, Johnston's parents both died. This left his half-brother, Teddy Walker, to take care of him. He was educated in Tishomingo and Bloomfield Academy. After completing his education, Johnston worked as a farmer and rancher. In 1881, Johnston married his first wife Nellie Bynum. A few years later, Johnston was named superintendent of Bloomfield Academy. During her marriage, Nellie gave birth to two sons. She eventually died in 1886, after only five years of marriage. Johnston remarried in 1889 to a woman named Lorena "Betty" Harper. Shortly after their marriage, they had a daughter. Early in 1896, Bloomfield Academy was destroyed by fire. Johnston spent two years rebuilding the Bloomfield. It was then, in 1889, that Johnston's work changed radically. He went from being an educator to being a politician. Johnston served as Indian Chief Executive from 1898 to 1902. He was re-elected in 1904. Johnston served as Indian Chief Executive longer than anyone in Oklahoma history. Johnston was selected as a candidate for Chickasaw governor by the National Chickasaw Party. Even though his opponents had much more experience, Johnston scored a huge victory. While in power, Johnston's opponents attempted ...... middle of paper ...... a force that should be recognized to the fullest extent. Today, the Chickasaw live a life that no one could have ever imagined back then. The life that Michael W. Lovegrove recounted of Douglas Henry Johnston in his book was extraordinary. It gave me a new respect for Indians and their strong beliefs. The struggle that the Chickasaws, along with several other tribes, endured was unimaginable. It is astonishing how cruel the federal government has been to tribes. It was almost as if taking their money behind their backs wasn't enough, and that they had no interest in helping them achieve a better quality of life without Johnston's constant negotiations and fighting. This book also made me realize that we don't have defensive governors like Johnston once did. If we had more people like him, defending his people, our nation wouldn't be in the absolute mess it is...