James Sapulpa

James Sapulpa (also known as Chief Sapulpa;c.1824 – March 17, 1887) was a Muscogee blacksmith, rancher, and a Confederate States of America officer who is best known as the first permanent resident and namesake of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He served in the Muscogee Nation House of Kings from 1868 until his death.

Biography There is conflicting evidence for James Sapulpa's birthdate. His tombstone lists c. 1812 while his American Civil War discharge paperwork puts his birthdate in 1824. His father was named Omiya and his mother's name is not known. He was a member of the Kasihta tribe within the Muscogee Nation. He was born in Alabama.

In 1872, he opened a new blacksmith store and contracted with the Sac and Fox Agency. Sapulpa devoted much of the rest of his life to ranching. In 1883, the railroad reached Sapulpa and, during a visit to Tulsa in 1886, he received the nickname "Chief" from Frisco rail employees.