Alice Brown Davis was born on October 9, 1852 in what is now Oklahoma. She was a member of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma and grew up in Fort Gibson. From a young age, Alice was exposed to the struggles of her tribe, as her father cared for tribe members infected with cholera when she was just 15 years old.
Alice came from a long line of tribal leaders, with ancestors who were members of the Tiger Clan. Her older brother, John Frippo Brown, was the chief of the tribe before her, and her brother Andrew Jackson Brown served as the tribe's treasurer. It was in this familial environment that Alice's passion for serving her community was nurtured.
In 1922, after her brother's term, Alice Brown Davis made history by becoming the first female Principal Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma. She served in this role until 1935, leading her tribe through tumultuous times and advocating for their rights and autonomy.
Alice was a devout member of the Sasakwa Spring Baptist Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith. She was a beloved figure in her community, known for her compassion and dedication to the well-being of her people.
Alice Brown Davis's tenure as Principal Chief left a lasting impact on the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma. She was a trailblazer for women in leadership roles and a fierce advocate for her people. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the continued fight for Native American rights and sovereignty.