Lewis Barlow was the grandson of Joseph Badger King, the first Ottawa chief after removal to Indian Territory. Barlow was born in 1905 and grew up on his mother’s allotment near the Ottawa township. As a youth, Barlow attended a one-room schoolhouse near the Ottawa township and went to powwows at Kings Springs.

Before becoming chief, Barlow built a reputation as an organizer and community leader, and he served on the boards of many local civic organizations. Elected to the tribal council in 1966, Barlow worked to secure unclaimed Indian Claims Commission funds for the Tribe and pressed Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to expedite legislation.

Barlow won election as chief following the death of Clarence King in 1972. As chief, he created a new tribal seal and flag that reflected Ottawa heritage and unity, and as a fundraising effort, he worked with tribal members to produce the book The Ottawa People (1976). In the mid-1970s, Barlow forged a new relationship with Ottawa University, and his efforts led to scholarships that allowed the first Ottawa students to attend Ottawa University in more than 100 years.

Barlow also led the campaign to reverse termination. He testified before Congress and outlined the Tribe’s support for the restoration of federal recognition. Federal recognition was reinstated in 1978, and the Ottawa adopted a new constitution soon after. During his tenure as chief, the Tribe expanded its land base, and in 1986, the Adawe Park powwow grounds opened.