Ben Nighthorse Campbell was born in 1933. He was of Cheyenne heritage through his father, and European heritage through his mother. His grandfather fought in the Battle of Little Big Horn. He was born in California, in the Sacramento area. Both of Ben's parents had issues, his father with alcohol and his mother with tuberculosis. He and his sister spent considerable time in Catholic orphanages. He left high school before graduating to join the Air Force. He served in the Korean War. Aftr his service he used his G.I. bill to attend San Jose State. While there he was a member of the Judo team. While training for the Olympics he attended Meiji University in Japan. They had a very disciplined Judo program and this helped him take the U.S. championship in 1961, 62 and 63. He participated in the 1964 Olympics. However he broke his ankle and did not win a medal.
His given name was Ben Campbell at birth. He acquired his Nighthorse name at his Cheyenne naming ceremony. His father was of the Blackhorse family.
He began a successful career as a jeweler and jewelry maker. He used techniques from Japanese sword making. They bought a ranch on the Southern Ute Reservation in Colorado. He had an art booth in Santa Fe.
He started in politics sort of as an accident. He would run for state legislature as noone else wanted to. However he put his all into it and won. He eventually became a congressman and then a senator from Colorado. He switched from the Democrat to the Republican party and still won as a Senator. He retired from politics in 2005. He continued as a lobbyist. He has also continued his jewelry business.
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| With his daughter in Santa Fe 2015 at the jewelry market. |
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