Muskogee County, OK Biographies
STEPHEN P. MANN.
Stephen P. Mann, prominently connected with the real estate and investment business in Muskogee, where he took up his abode on the 20th of July, 1902, has also been associated with many important public projects which have contributed in substantial measure to the growth, development and improvement of the city.
Mr. Mann was born in Hopkins county, Texas, September 15, 1861, his parents being John W. and Martha L. (Hubbard) Mann, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father was a stockman and farmer, devoting his life to those pursuits, whereby he provided for the support of his family.
Stephen P. Mann pursued his early education in a log school and much of his training was received in private schools. Starting out in the business world, he secured a clerkship in a dry goods store and was thus employed for seven years. Steadily he made advancement, gaining thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business, and by carefully saving his earnings he was at length enabled to establish a general store of his own in Texas. Later he confined his attention to the conduct of a store in which he carried only men's wear. In this business he continued for thirteen years. On the 20th of July, 1902, he came to Muskogee. In the intervening years many lines of business have claimed his attention and profited by his cooperation and progressive spirit. For one year he was manager of the Spaulding Mercantile Company and later be turned his attention to the real estate business, in which he has since been engaged. He is thoroughly familiar with the real estate market, is a splendid valuator of property and has negotiated many important realty transfers during the years in which he has handled the business in Muskogee. He was likewise a cotton buyer for ten years. His efforts have always been along the line of development and "he has sold a large portion of the business property of Muskogee,
In 1903 Mr. Mann was elected to the city council at Muskogee which put in the initial system of water and sewer at Muskogee, he serving as chairman of the light and water commission that put in the first aseptic tank in the county, on which he saved the city one thousand dollars over the consulting engineer's estimate on the contract price for the city. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in Stephen P. Mann has ever been betrayed in the slighest degree. When holding official position he has bent every energy to the faithful discharge of his duties and has labored most earnestly for the welfare and upbuilding of the district which he represents. For eight years he served as a member of the city council at Sulphur Springs, Texas, without pay other than two dollars per month and it was during this period that the council succeeded in freeing the city from indebtedness. Mr. lfann was elected mayor of Sulphur Springs, Texas, in 1891 but resigned after a year and a half. During his period of service, however, he sold water bonds and established the waterworks, and with the maturity of the bonds it was found that the waterworks had been instituted at no expense to the city. He- was also city councilman of Muskogee in 1903 and 1904 and again he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures of direct benefit to the public. At the same time his business activities have been of a character which have contributed to the public good. At the present writing he is a director of the Guaranty Trust Company of Muskogee, also of the Industrial Loan & Investment Company and of the E. O. Clark Abstract Company.
On the 30th of July, 1891, Mr. Mann was united in marriage to Miss Floy Ashcraft of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and they have become parents of three children: Grace, now Mrs. Jewel Bixby of Muskogee ; Jack, who was born July 4, 1903; and Elsie. Mr. Mann turns to fishing and hunting for recreation, greatly enjoying these phases of outdoor life. His life has been purposeful, his labors resultant and Muskogee numbers him among her representative citizens. [Source: pg. 13-15, Benedict, John Downing,. Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. - Submitted by Nancy Piper]
HENRY O. VALEUR.
Henry O. Valeur, architect and builder, of Muskogee, was born in Norway, April 30, 1882, a son of Alrik and Dorothy Valeur. He enjoyed liberal educational advantages, receiving his more advanced training in universities of Norway and of Germany, pursuing university studies in his native-country for three years and in Germany for four years. In young manhood he went to sea, spending. three years as a sailor, and it was subsequent to this time that he became a student in Germany, thus qualifying for important and' responsible duties in life.
It was with the belief that he would have better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic that Mr. Valeur left the Land of the Midnight Sun and came to the new world. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country and settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was connected with the electric light plant, representing the Westinghouse Electric Company for a year. He next went to Lima, Ohio, where he was engaged on the construction of public buildings for five years. It was in 1909 that he arrived in Muskogee and through the intervening period he has. been identified with the business interests of this city as an architect. He made the plans for and superintended the construction of the West high school of Muskogee, also the grand stand at the fair grounds, the Carnegie public library, the Hays building at State and Broadway, the high schools at Chandler and Morris, Oklahoma, and various other public structures, business blocks and fine residences. His activities make constant demand upon his time and energy and that he has attained a notable point of efficiency is evidenced in the attractive design and beauty of many of the structures which have been built under his supervision.
On the 17th of .August, 1909, Mr. Valeur was married to Miss Ella Schwint of Lima, Ohio, and during the period of their residence in Muskogee they have gained a wide and favorable acquaintance. Mr. Valeur is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias and he also has membership in the Rotary Club, being the one representative of his profession in that organization. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has advanced steadily toward the goal of success. [Source: Pg 7-8, Benedict, John Downing,. Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. - Submitted by Nancy Piper]
WILLIAM EDWARD DELEHANT.
William Edward Delehant, organizer and promoter of the Cardinal Drug Company of Muskogee, conducting both a wholesale and retail business, has long been recognized as a dynamic force in the commercial circles of Muskogee. Starting in business here with an extremely limited capital, he has steadily developed his interests and the scope of his activities until his position in commercial circles is one of prominence and leadership. He has ever been a man of broad vision in relation to business affairs and his life record should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what can be accomplished through individual effort. Mr. Delehant was born in Buffalo, New York, on the 6th of April, 1873, and is a son of Michael Vincent and Bridget" (Maloy) Delehant. The father devoted his life to the milling business, operating a flour mill for an extended period.
William E. Delehant supplemented his public school training by study in the University of Buffalo at Buffalo, New York, from which he was graduated in 1892 on the completion of a course in the department of pharmacy. He afterward devoted two years to service in the United States Marine Hospital at Buffalo, New York, filling the position of hospital steward. He next went to Helena, Montana, where he remained for five years and during that period was engaged in the retail drug business. On leaving the northwest he came to Oklahoma, settling in Muskogee in March, 1906, and through the intervening period of more than fifteen years he has resided in this city, more and more largely leaving the impress of his individuality and ability upon the commercial history of this part of the state. On the 6th of January, 1907, he organized the Cardinal Drug Company and is now' sole owner of the business conducted under that name. He purchased a retail drug store at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, making thereon a cash payment of one hundred and fifty dollars. He bent every energy toward the development of the trade and the upbuilding of the business and soon was enabled to discharge all of his indebtedness and to extend the scope of his activities. After a time he established a second store and then a third and is now the owner of three fine and well appointed drug stores, owning all the fixtures and carrying a large stock of drugs and druggists' sundries. He has likewise established a wholesale store and his business represents an investment of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The wholesale department, situated at Nos. 110 and 112 North Main street, occupies a building fifty by three hundred feet, two stories in height with basement. One of the retail establishments is situated at Main and Broadway, a second at Okmulgee and Second streets and the third at 317 West Broadway. The company today employs fifty people. Thus Mr. Delehant has constantly broadened his business and is today one of the foremost druggists in his section of the state. He was formerly president of the Muskogee Retail Druggists Association and he is a member of the executive board of the Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association. He is likewise a member of the public relationship committee of the National Association of Retail Druggists and is constantly studying the trade from every possible standpoint in order to further the interests and promote the favorable conditions - under which the drug trade is carried on.
On the 25th of June, 1908, Mr. Delehant was married to Miss Josephine Madge McNerney, a native of Ohio. Their residence is at No. 1517 West Okmulgee and is one of the attractive homes in the city, erected in 1920. Mr. Delehant is fond of baseball and athletic sports and turns to these for rest and recreation. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, to the Town and Country Club and to the Sequoyah Club, all of which expresses his appreciation for the social amenities of life. He also belongs to the Rotary Club and to the Chamber of Commerce and is in full sympathy with their efforts to extend trade relations, to improve business conditions and to uphold the civic standards of the com¬munity. His life has been fraught with successful accomplishment and his course has been marked by a steady progression that has taken him out of humble surroundings and placed him in the field of large opportunity.
[Page 16-20, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
AUGUST FERDINAND KRUMREI
August Ferdinand Krumrei, a Muskogee contractor whose extensive patronage is at once proof of his skill and of his ability, was born in Germany, October 17, 1862, and acquired his education in the schools of his native land. He there remained to the age of twenty years, when in September, 1882, he bade adieu to friends and family and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his' way first to Ann Arbor, Michigan. He had previously acquainted himself with the trade of masonry and carpentering and he became identified with building construction in that city, working for others for a period often years and thenstarting out independently as a contractor in 1892. He left Michigan, however, four years before that time, going to Albany, Oregon, in 1888. There he established business and remained for thirteen years, or until 1901. At that time he returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he continued to reside until October, 1906, when he began contracting in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In 1913 he incorporated his business under the name of the A. F. Krumrei Construction Company, of which he is the president. Even a partial recital of the buildings which he has constructed serves to show the prominent position which he occupies among the contractors of the city. He erected the Bass building, the LaRue Hotel, the Albany building, the Zufall building, the St. Clair building, school buildings at Webbers Falls, Morris and Vian, Oklahoma, and several consolidated schools in McIntosh county. He has likewise erected large apartment houses in Tulsa and Muskogee and there stand at various points throughout the state large and substantial structures which he has erected. He has enjoyed a very extensive patronage in eastern Oklahoma and he has been the builder of many Indian schools and dormitories. He thoroughly understands every phase of the building trade and the great scientific principles which underlie his work and the results which he has accomplished have .been highly satisfactory to his patrons and have constituted a most gratifying source of prosperity for himself.
On the 7th of October, 1886, Mr. Krumrei was married to Miss Augusta Bulow, a native of Germany, and they have become the parents of four children: Lula E., Walter E., Edward A. and Charles L. When leisure permits Mr. Krumrei greatly enjoys a fishing or hunting trip. Fraternally he is a Mason who has taken the degrees. of the York Rite, including those of the Knights Templar commandery, and he is likewise a member of the Mystic Shrine. Coming to the new world in young manhood, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in America. On the contrary, he has found here the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress:
He has found that in this country industry and enterprise bring their rewards unhampered by caste or class, and steadily working his way upward, he has become recognized as one of the prominent contractors of Muskogee and is also numbered among its valued and representative citizens. [Page 22-24, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
ZEB PETTIGREW JACKSON
Zeb Pettigrew Jackson, whose activity in the field of real estate in Muskogee is bringing substantial results in the attain­ment of success, was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, August 10. 1886, and is a son of U. L. Jackson, mentioned on another page of this work. Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, he supplemented his early educational opportunities by study in the University of Arkansas, devoting a year to civil engineering. In April, 1908, he became associated with his father in the insur­ance, real estate and loan business which the father had established in 1901. The partnership was maintained between them until the father's death on the 3d of January, 1918, since which time Mr. Jackson has conducted the business alone. He has handled a large amount of real estate, negotiated many important realty trans­fers and has gained a notable clientage.
On the 4th of November, 1914, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Terry Eberle of Muskogee, and they have two children, Z. P., Jr., and Lucille Wisdom. Mr. Jackson turns to golf and hunt­ing for recreation and pleasure when leisure permits. He belongs to the Wauhillau Club, also to the Town and Country Club and fraternally is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons. He has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery and also of the Mystic Shrine. He has long .manifested an active and helpful interest in public affairs and for three and a half years was a member of the Muskogee park board, acting as assistant secretary of the board for a considerable period and at length resigning his position. His aid and cooperation can be counted upon in relation to everything that has to do with the general welfare and public progress. [Page 25-26, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
GROVER P. WATKINS.
Grover P. Watkins, engaged in the practice of law at Fort Gibson, was born at Carrollton, Arkansas, August 23, 1886, and is a son of Paschal T. and Eliza (Holt) Watkins, who were also natives of Arkansas. The father was a druggist and also a farmer, devoting his attention to the two lines of business at Carrollton. He served as a soldier throughout the Civil war with the Con­federate forces and became an officer of the army. He died November 11, 1905, and is still survived by his wife, who makes her home in Green Forest, Arkansas.
Grover P. Watkins was reared and educated in Carrollton and at the age of seventeen years began teaching school. He followed that profession for eight or nine years and during that time he devoted the hours which are usually termed leisure to the study of law. It was his desire to become an active practitioner at the bar and to this end he matriculated in the Chicago Law school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903. He after­ward went to Harrison, Arkansas, where he practiced for four years, and in 1917 he went to Muskogee. Here he was admitted to practice before the supreme court in 1918 and before the United States federal court in 1919. He formed a partnership with his uncle, John Watkins, who conducts the Muskogee office of the firm, while in June, 1920, Grover P. Watkins removed to Fort Gibson and opened an office, although he is still a member of the firm of Watkins & Watkins.
On the 1st of June, 1920, Grover P. Watkins was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. Brown, a daughter of William and Bell Brown, members of the Cherokee tribe and pioneer residents of Muskogee county. They now reside about three miles from Fort Gibson, where her father conducts a farm.
Mr. Watkins belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge and chapter. He is also identified with the Independent Order of-Odd Fellows, with the Daughters of Rebekah and with the Eastern Star. He has always voted with the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles as factors in good government. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is now serving as city attorney of Fort Gibson, and in addition to his law practice he represents several insurance companies. His course has been marked by steady progress since he qualified for law practice, his ability resulting from .thorough study and careful analysis of his cases. [Page 28-29, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
GEORGE K. POWELL.
George K. Powell, member of the Muskogee bar, was born in Minneapolis, Kansas, a son of Samuel Joseph and Louisa (Rivers) Powell, the former a real estate dealer long connected with that line of business in support of his family.
George K. Powell pursued his early education in the public and high schools of his native city and afterward entered the University of Kansas, from which he was graduated on the completion of a classical course in 1901, while in 1904 he received his professional degree, having for three years devoted his attention to the study of law. In April, 1905, he came to Muskogee and through the intervening period has remained in this city. Prior to this time he had spent two years in the law office of George K. Powell of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, before completing his course in the law department of the University of Kansas. His training and experience were thorough and constituted an excellent preparation for his professional activities here. He has confined his attention to civil law practice and is thoroughly familiar with every phase of that branch of jurisprudence. He prepares his cases with notable precision and care and never seems to lose sight of any detail bearing upon the cause, while at the same time he gives due emphasis to that important point upon which the decision of every case finally turns. He is a well known member of the Muskogee Bar Association and the Oklahoma State Bar Association and his contemporaries in practice recognize his fidelity at all times to the highest ethical standards of the profession. He is now attorney for various corporations.
On the 15th of November, 1905, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Ada West of Minneapolis, Kansas, and they are widely and favorably known in the city in which they make their home. Mr. Powell greatly enjoys a fishing or hunting trip and thereby gains rest and recreation from the onerous cares of an active professional career. He belongs to the Wauhillau Club and is president of the club. He likewise belongs to the Muskogee Rifle Club and has always displayed great appreciation for the social amenities of life. [Page 31-32, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
JESSE A. DE WITT.
Jesse A. DeWitt, whose mental equipment is of that character that enables him to delve to the root of business problems and whose determined energy enables him to conquer obstacles and difficulties in his path, is now occupying a most enviable place in financial circles of Muskogee. He was the president of the Central State Bank until January 1, 1922, and is now a director. He comes to the southwest from Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Montfort, that state, September 23, 1889, his parents being I. G. and Abbie (Taylor) De Witt, the former a newspaper publisher.
In young manhood Jesse A. De Witt took up the study of law. He spent some time as a student in the University of Wisconsin and also in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, and in 1915 he made his way to the southwest, taking up his abode in Muskogee. Here he turned his attention to the oil business and also to banking, but all personal considerations were put aside after America entered the World war, for in March, 1918, he joined .the army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ordnance Corps. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the adjutant general's department, thus serving from September 1, 1918, until April, 1919. It was several months after his return from the war, or on the 15th of September, 1919, that Mr. De Witt was elected to the presidency of the Central State Bank and remained at its head until January 1, 1922, directing its business policy and shaping its continued growth and development. He has ever recognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors is the one most worthy of public patronage and support. The large amount of business now annually transacted over its counters indicates most clearly" the confidence of the public in the institution and its officers. Mr. De Witt is president of the Hanover Oil & Gas Company and a stockholder in four different banks. If he has a hobby it is horses, and he owns a large number of fine harness horses.
On the 2d of August, 1918, Mr. De Witt was married to Miss Mabel Smith, of Muskogee, and they have two children : Jack Richard, two and a half years of age; and Patricia, in her first year. Mr. De Witt belongs to the Town and Country Club, the Sequoyah Club and the Kiwanis Club, and moving in the best social circles of Muskogee, is highly esteemed by reason" of his geniality, unfeigned cordiality and sterling worth. His circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. [Page 37-38, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
JESSE CARROLL CULBERTSON.
Operating widely in the real estate field of Muskogee and thoroughly acquainted with values and the opportunities for sale, Jesse Carroll Culbertson has made steady progress in his business career through his close application, energy and commendable determination. A native son of Illinois, he was born in Macon county, November 25, 1882, and is a son of Griffith James and Lydia (Pieper) Culbertson. The father was also engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business and thus in youth Jesse C. Culbertson gained considerable knowledge of the business, laying up information that has been to him of great value in later years. He supplemented his public school training by study in the University of Nebraska, for a period of two years. He afterward became a law student there and completed his law course in 1903. In the meantime, however, he had made his initial step in the business world by entering the First National Bank of Lincoln, Nebraska, as a messenger in 1898. Steadily he worked his way upward through a period of eight years, winning various promotions until he became teller. He resigned that position in 1906 to become a resident of Muskogee.
Since taking up his abode in this city Mr. Culbertson has engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, thus returning to the field of activity with which he had become somewhat familiar ill his boyhood through association with his father. In 1908 he purchased a business, forming a partnership on the 15th of February of that year with Luther E. Tomm, under the firm style of Culbertson & Tomm. They maintain not only an extensive real estate department but also handle loans and insurance. Their position is one of leadership-in their chosen field and today they are well known as the owners of the Railway Exchange building, an eight-story structure recognized as the finest business block of Muskogee, containing seventy-two thousand square feet of floor space. Mr. Culbertson is recognized as a splendid valuator of property and most progressive in the conduct of all his business interests. Aside from the three lines which claim his attention in Muskogee he is well known through his agricultural activities. He has fifteen hundred acres of land which he farms himself and is the owner altogether of three thousand acres of farm land.
Mr. Culbertson belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he is a very active and helpful member of the Kiwanis Club. He is also a member of Beta Theta Pi college fraternity. He generously cooperates in all measures that he believes will prove of public benefit and he was very active in the bridge bond election and campaign. He belongs to the Sequoyah Club and also to the Town and Country Club and in these various social organizations with which he is connected is extremely popular. While he has nothing of that familiarity which prompts the individual to greet everyone as a valued friend, he is nevertheless of a cordial and genial disposition, readily recognizing the good qualities in others and judging his fellowmen not by wealth but by worth. [Page 41-42, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
MILTON GOODDELL YOUNG.
Well known and prominent in the financial circles of Muskogee is Milton Gooddell Young, who is the president of the Security State Bank. Long experience has well qualified him for the important and responsible duties which devolve upon him in this connection and as the years have passed he has made himself a forceful factor among the bankers of his section of the state. He was born in Florence, Alabama, February 15, 1884, and is a son of Andrew M. and Ollie (House) Young. His father was also prominent in financial circles, being the first bank commissioner of the state of Oklahoma.
Milton G. Young largely acquired his education in the public schools and when fifteen years of age started out in the business world, becoming associated with his father in the Bedford County Bank at Wartrace, Tennessee. He served as bookkeeper there for two years and then went to Fort Worth, Texas, where he occupied the position of auditor with the Continental Bank & Trust Company. In 1905 he arrived in Muskogee and entered the Bank of Commerce as assistant cashier. His next position was that of cashier in the Exchange National. Bank and he remained with that corporation until April, 1919, when he organized the Security State Bank, of which he has since been the president. His connection with these various banking institutions has brought him a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the business and as the years have passed his steady advancement has taken him to the goal of success.
On the 18th of October, 1911, Mr. Young was married to Miss Mary A. Jackson of Muskogee, and they have become parents of two children: Betty and Mary Virginia. Mr. Young finds pleasure in fishing trips which occasionally constitute a source of recreation for him, He has always been interested in the public welfare and at one time served as treasurer of Muskogee. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and with the Masons and in the latter organization has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Town and Country, Club and also to the Wauhillau Club, being at all times a welcome visitor in the rooms of these organizations. He is yet a comparatively young man and has made a notable and enviable place for himself in business and financial circles. He is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward methods he has ever followed in the attainment of his prosperity. [Page 44-45, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
JAMES J. ROONEY.
James J. Rooney, contractor and builder of Muskogee, who died July 8, 1922, was well known throughout the state. His building operations carried him into various cities where there stand as monuments to his skill and ability some of the finest structures found within the borders of the commonwealth.
Mr. Rooney was born in Iowa City, Iowa, January 2, 1864, and was a son of Lawrence and Maria Rooney. The father devoted his life to merchandising. The son obtained a public school education and then started out to make his own wav in the world. He first learned the trade of a stone cutter and mason and thus laid the foundation for his future progress and success. In 1886 he made his way to the Indian Territory and one of his first contracts was for the building of the stone culverts for the Valley Railroad. Soon afterward he began the construction of buildings and today some of the finest structures of the state show the skill of his handiwork. He was awarded the contract for the Marshall county courthouse, the Ottawa county courthouse, the high school building at McAlester, the county courthouse in Girard, Kansas, the high school buildings of Maysville, Oklahoma, the schools of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and he rebuilt the Creek Nation capitol building, also built the first courthouse in Ottawa county. The First National Bank building at Checotah, Oklahoma, is another of the structures which he erected and he built some of the finest buildings of eastern Oklahoma as well. In fact he erected more buildings than any two men in eastern Oklahoma. The Pryor courthouse, which he built, was erected at a cost of two hundred thousand dollars.
Mr. Rooney was married to Mrs. Frances O'Hare Hart, a former teacher in the public schools of Muskogee, the wedding being celebrated in 1910. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church, in which he was a trustee, and to which his widow also belongs. Mr. Rooney gave his political support to the democratic party and served as a member of the Muskogee city council through the Bennett administration. His support and influence were ever on the side of advancement and improvement, and in his own career was shown that steady progress which results from capability, thoroughness and reliability in business. His word was as good as his bond and he was known for his great honesty and generosity, the poor and needy always finding in him a friend. [Page 48-51, Benedict, John Downing,. "Muskogee and northeastern Oklahoma : including the counties of Muskogee, McIntosh, Wagoner, Cherokee, Sequoyah, Adair, Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Washington, Nowata, Craig, and Ottawa." Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1922. -- Submitted by Nancy Piper]
Governor Charles N. Haskell
Charles N. Haskell was the son of George R. and Jane H. Reeves Haskell. The state of Oklahoma's first governor was born on March 13, 1860, in West Leipsic, Putnam County, Ohio. The Haskell family descended from the 1622 Massachusetts settlers. After his father died of pneumonia on January 13, 1863, his mother worked for the local Methodist church as a bell ringer and custodian in order to support her family. Charles was the second youngest of six, having three sisters and two brothers. His education was provided through the local schools. At seventeen he began teaching in the area and also studying law in his spare time. Admitted to the Ohio bar in 1880, he moved to Ottawa, Ohio, the following year were he began to practice law. During his time there he became interested in construction and building, especially of railroads. Haskell is known to have also lived in New York City for short periods of time, and before moving to Muskogee, he and his family would go to San Antonio, Texas, during the summer. It was not until 1901 that he moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, after being approached on one of his southern travels by Judge John R. Thomas about acquiring a rail line from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Muskogee. Working in conjunction with the town businessmen, Haskell turned the small town into a small city of twenty-five thousand inhabitants. Muskogee also boasted four competing rail lines, a hotel, and an opera house. Active in local politics, he served as a delegate to the Sequoyah Constitutional Convention in 1905, where he was elected vice president. The next year he was chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Guthrie and was then elected majority floor leader of the Democratic Party. At the convention he stood out as one of the most important leaders for Oklahoma, especially in helping to draw up the state constitution. Most notable was his push to draw up a separate prohibition article in conjunction, with but separate from, the actual constitution. His fame at the convention allowed him to win the office of governor in 1907 by over thirty thousand votes. As the first governor he carefully controlled the banking law in Oklahoma, as well as reformed prison laws. However, he is remembered most for moving the state capital from Guthrie to Oklahoma City, an action that brought about considerable controversy. At the 1908 Democratic National Convention, Haskell was elected as treasurer of the Democratic Party and helped push William Jennings Bryan's nomination for president. Haskell's other significant contributions while governor included establishing the Oklahoma Geological Survey, the Oklahoma School for the Blind, the Oklahoma College for Women, and the State Department of Public Health. In addition, he helped to create the Oklahoma Criminal Court of Appeals in 1908. He was succeeded in 1911 by Lee Cruce after many accusations about bribery by large corporations and misappropriated funds. Haskell ran for the U.S. Senate in 1912, losing to Thomas P. Gore. Both the town Haskell (formerly Sawokla) and Haskell County, Oklahoma, bear his name in honor and remembrance of his service as governor. Haskell returned to private business, where it is said he made and lost many fortunes until his death. He was married twice, first to Lucie Pomeroy of Ottawa, Ohio, in 1881. This marriage produced Norman, Murray, and Lucie. However, Lucie Pomeroy died in 1888. His second marriage to Lillie Elizabeth Gallup in 1889 produced three more children, Frances, Jane, and Joseph (Joe). On July 5, 1933, Charles N. Haskell died of pneumonia resulting from complications of a stroke he suffered in March 1933.
[Source: "Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture"]
Robert L. Owen
OWEN, Robert Latham, a Senator from Oklahoma; born in Lynchburg, Campbell County, Va., February 2, 1856; attended private schools in Lynchburg, Va., and Baltimore, Md.; graduated from Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va., 1877; moved to Salina, Indian Territory, and taught school among the Cherokee Indians; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1880 and commenced practice; federal Indian agent for the Five Civilized Tribes 1885-1889 at Muskogee.He was a member of the Democratic National Committee 1892-1896, organized the First National Bank of Muskogee in 1890 and was its president for ten years. Upon the admission of Oklahoma as a State into the Union in 1907 was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate for the term ending March 3, 1913; reelected in 1912 and 1918 and served from December 11, 1907, to March 3, 1925; declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1924; chairman, Committee on Indian Depredations (Sixty-second Congress), Committee on the Mississippi River and Its Tributaries (Sixty-second Congress), Committee on Pacific Railroads (Sixty-second Congress), Committee on Banking and Currency (Sixty-third through Sixty-fifth Congresses), Committee on the Five Civilized Tribes (Sixty-sixth Congress); resumed the practice of law in Washington, D.C.; organized and served as chairman of the National Popular Government League from 1913 until his death in Washington, D.C., July 19, 1947; interment in Spring Hill Cemetery, Lynchburg, Va.
[Source: "Biographical Directory of the U.S .Congress"]
Affectionately known as "Miss Alice," Robertson was the first woman ever elected to Congress from Oklahoma and America's first female postmaster of a Class A post office. She was born January 2, 1854, at Tullahassee Mission in the Creek Nation of Indian Territory, to William and Ann Eliza Worcester Robertson. Robertson's grandfather was missionary Rev. Samuel Worcester, who accompanied the tribe on the Trail of Tears. Alice Robertson's early schooling was under the supervision of her parents. At age eighteen she was sent to Elmira College in New York, where she graduated near the head of her class. She was a clerk in the U.S. Indian Office in Washington, D.C., from 1873 to 1879. Returning to Indian Territory, she taught in the school at Tullahassee and later at Carlisle Indian School, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In 1882 Miss Alice again returned to her home at Tullahassee and established the Nuyaka Mission. She was placed in charge of an Indian girls' boarding school, an institution which developed into Henry Kendall College (now the University of Tulsa). In 1900 Robertson was chosen as supervisor of Creek Indian schools, a post she held until 1904 when Pres. Theodore Roosevelt appointed her postmaster at Muskogee. Overcoming the difficulty she encountered as a female supervising male postal workers, she was Muskogee postmaster until 1913. Miss Alice was always known for her assistance to America's soldiers. She helped recruit troops for Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War of 1898 and personally prepared a field kit, with sewing necessities and a small Bible, for each soldier who left for the war. When fifteen thousand troops passed through Muskogee in 1916 en route to the Mexican border to pursue Pancho Villa, she met the trains and provided the men with sandwiches, cake, and milk. The ingredients had been grown on her farm, named Sawokla (the farm's name was taken from a Creek-language word meaning "gathering place"). She continued to assist America's fighting men when the United States entered World War I in 1917. Sawokla was also the name of Robertson's restaurant in downtown Muskogee. She fed as many as six hundred people per day in the years after World War I. In 1920, concerned about the direction of American society, she ran as a Republican for the Second District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her platform was simple: "I am a Christian, I am an American, I am a Republican." She used the classified section of the newspaper to report on her campaign. A typical advertisement read "Watermelons every day. Fried chicken extra good tonight. Our campaign seems to be going very well." Robertson rode the coattails of Pres. Warren G. Harding and was elected to Congress from the Second District as a Republican in heavily Democratic eastern Oklahoma. She arrived in the nation's capital with much talk of her being a woman, an old-fashioned one at that. She was sixty-six years old and had never been married. Only the second woman elected to the Congress, Miss Alice was the first woman to preside over the House of Representatives. After her election she announced that she would concentrate on promoting legislation to better the lives of Indians, women, farmers, soldiers, and working people. Then, unfortunately, she attacked the newly formed League of Women Voters, thinking it to be a "women's rights" group. Miss Alice failed to win reelection in 1922. Fledging women's groups and the Ku Klux Klan were among the many that campaigned against her. The former member of Congress lived much of the rest of her life in poverty. President Harding secured her a position in Muskogee at the Veterans' Hospital in May 1923. Monthly stipends from friends such as Lew Wentz of Ponca City and a $125 monthly salary for her position as a research assistant for the Oklahoma Historical Society kept Miss Alice from starvation for the remainder of her existence. She died in Muskogee on July 1, 1931.
[Source: "Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture"]
Franklin Miller
MILLER, FRANKLIN, mayor, Muskogee, born Warrensburg, Mo., June 18, 1859, son of John and Sarah E. (Gray) Miller. His father was shot with ten others under the famous "Order No. 11" for not leaving the state of Kentucky within 10 days. Educated in St. Louis county, Mo., and the Warrensburg Normal; took a business course, and farmed near Warrensburg. Is a Democrat and held several important offices in Johnson county, Mo., before coming to Oklahoma in 1901. Was in the real estate business in Muskogee, and built several business blocks and blocks of residences. Is a member of the M. W. a. Was appointed mayor of Muskogee to fill out unexpired term of James R. Garrett. Married october 10, 1881, to Miss Mary f. Williams. five children, practically all grown: Sarah Priscilla, Mary Lorine, Helen Frances, James Justin, Winnie Davis.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Oliver H.P. Brewer
BREWER, OLIVER HAZARD PERRY, postmaster, Muskogee, born at Webbers Falls, Indian Territory. Educated in public schools of Cherokee Nation, and the Cherokee national high school; Male Seminary at Tahlequah; and University of Virginia. Is member Cherokee Indian Tribe and was member of the Cherokee Senate in 1901-2-3; was elected by voters of Cherokee Nation as member national board of education in 1903 was president of that board in 1908. Mr. Brewer Is a Democrat and always taken active interest in behalf of party. Following statehood, Gov. Haskell appointed Mr. Brewer state examiner; was one of the first members of the text book commission, and had charge of the state farm loan department in 1909, resigned in 1910. Admitted to bar May 19, 1913. Was manager of the campaign of Senator Root. L. Owen in 1912. President Wilson, on the recommendation of Senator Owen, appointed him postmaster of Muskogee and custodian of the $600,000 federal building at that place. [Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
William W. NofpsingerNOFPSINGER, WILLIAM WALLACE, lawyer, Muskogee, born Albia, Iowa, November 25, 1860, son of James and Elizabeth (Miller) Nofpsinger. Attended public school at Carrollton, Mo., and graduated from State University at Columbia, Mo. Admitted to practice law at Carrollton in 1885, and came to Oklahoma in 1889, locating at Kingfisher. Is a Republican and was county attorney of Kingfisher county, 1894-1900; and member Oklahoma Territorial legislature in 1905. Located in Muskogee in 1908. Married June 27, 1894, to Miss Frances Bort, of Kingfisher.
Charles W. Miller
MILLER, CHARLES W., lawyer, Muskogee, born Irvine, Ky., April 1, 1876, son of M. M. and Bettie A. (Anderson) Miller. Received A. B. degree from Center College, Danville, Ky., in 1895; a. B. from Yale in 1896; B. L. from University of Virginia, Charlottesville in 1898. Began practice of law at Lexington, Ky., in 1898, and remained there until 1906, when he came to Oklahoma, locating at Weleetka. Is a Democrat. In 190, he was city solicitor of Lexington. Served two years mayor of Waleetka, and soon thereafter moved to Holdenville. On December 16, 1914, Mr. Miller was appointed special assistant United States prosecuting attorney and moved to Muskogee, and still holds the position. Is a Consistory Mason and a Shriner; member Elks. Married to Miss Mary Talbott, of Paris, Ky., September 12, 1912. Two children: Mary, aged 2 years, and a baby.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
William T. Moffatt
MOFFATT, WILLIAM T., insurance, Muskogee, born on a farm in Henry county, Ill., April 18, 1880, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Orr) Moffatt. Graduated 1902 from University of Wisconsin, Madison; took one year course at law. Republican and served one term member school board. Member Masonic lodge, K. of P., and is an Elk. Belongs to Rotary Club and Greater Muskogee Club. Married Miss Julia Shillito, of Kansas City, Mo., April 24, 1906. Is general agent the Southern Surety Co., for twenty-three counties in Oklahoma.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Charles E. Creager
CREAGER, CHARLES E., Recorder Budoin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Muskogee, born April 28, 1873, at Dayton, Ohio, son of William O. and Sarah (Basore) Creager. Educated in public schools. Served as United States government oil and gas inspector. Is a Republican, and was elected member of Congress from Oklahoma in 1908, serving two years. Married LIzzie J. Fleenor. Two children: Baron G., 19; Margaret L., 11.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Benjamin A. Enloe
ENLOE, BENJAMIN A., United States Marshal, Muskogee, born Lebannon, Tenn., February 22, 1872, son of Benjamin A. and Fannie (Ashworth) Enloe. Graduated Southwest Baptist University at Jackson, Tenn., and studied law in Columbia University at WAhsington, D. C. Came to Oklahoma from Tennessee in 1904, and located at McAlester, where he was engaged in real estate and contracting. Is a Democrat and was elected mayor of McAlester, 1912, which office he resigend to accept marshalship under President Wilson, and took present office 4th of August, 1913. Is a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner and an Elk., Married to Miss Gladys Kirkpatrick, of Paris, Texas, December 27, 1903. Three children: Harry K., 12; Peyton A., 9; Adelaide, 5.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
William T. Hutchings
HUTCHINGS. WILLIAM T., lawyer, Muskogee, born Chatham, Pittsylvania county, Pa., September 6, 1858, son of John M. and Sallie W. (White) Hutchings. Graduate Bingham (N. C.) high school, Richmond (Va.), College, and law department of Yale, class of '81. Is a Democrat, and was index clerk of the house of representatives under Speaker Carlisle, 1886-7. Went to Fort Smith, Ark., 1888, and to Muskogee the year following. Served term as city attorney of Muskogee.
Mason, K. T., Shrine, Odd Fellow and life member B. P. 0. Elks. Married May 20, 1885 to Miss Mary B. Key, of Gainesville, Texas. One child, grown.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]William T. Hutchings
The law is known as a stern mistress, demanding of her followers constant and unremitting attention, and leading them through many mazes and intricacies before granting them success at her hands. This incessant devotion frequently precludes the idea of the successful lawyer indulging in activities outside of the straight path of his profession, especially if his vocational duties are of a large and important character. There are men, however, who find the time and the inclination to devote to outside interests, and who, by the very reason of their ability in the law, are peculiarly and particularly fitted to perform capable service therein. William T. Hutchings, of Muskogee, has been known in that city for a quarter of a century as a close devotee of the law. A master of its perplexities and complexities, his activities have been directed incessantly to the demands of his calling. Yet he has found the leisure to discharge in a highly efficient manner the duties dictated by a high ideal of citizenship, and he is therefore probably as well known as a public spirited factor in civic affairs as he is as a thorough, learned and profound legist.
William T. Hutchings was born on his father's plantation in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, September 6, 1858, a son of Dr. John M. and Sallie Anne (White) Hutchings, natives of the Old Dominion and both members of "first families" of Virginia. The ancestors of both the Hutchings and White families came to America from England during Colonial days, and members of both assisted in the winning of American independence. Dr. John M. Hutchings was a physician and planter, and both in his profession and his pastoral pursuits gained more than an ordinary success.
William T. Hutchings was twelve years of age when his parents settled at Danville, Virginia, and there he grew to manhood. His early education was received under the instruction of a private tutor, and he was then sent to the Bingham School, in North Carolina, where he was prepared for college. He matriculated in Richmond College, Richmond, Virginia, and was graduated therefrom in 1878. Predilection led him to the law, and after studying in a lawyer's office at Danville, and there gaining a practical knowledge of the law and its practice, and in fact laying the foundation of his subsequent success, he was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1880. In order to better equip himself for the profession, he next entered Yale College, where he was graduated with his degree in 1881. Mr. Hutchings began his professional career at Danville and made rapid progress. In 1886 he was made index clerk in the House of Representatives, at Washington, a position which he held for two years and then resigned because of the death of his father, an event which necessitated his return to Danville to settle up the estate. In the fall of 1888 he removed to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and in the following fall came to Muskogee, then in the Indian Territory, where the young attorney soon attracted the best kind of business that can come to a lawyer. He has continued to make this city his place of residence and field of professional endeavor, and during his more than twenty-five years here has come to be numbered among the most prominent and influential members of his profession. He has been active in promoting the growth and development of the interests of Muskogee and has served as a councilman and as city attorney. While he is a democrat and well known among the leaders Of his party in the state, he is not a politician in the generally accepted meaning of the word, but rather a good citizen to whom public service means a duty. In the law, Mr. Hutchings has been the preceptor of several young men who have since made their mark in their calling, as well as in politics. Fraternally, Mr. Hutchings is a prominent Mason, being a Knight Templar, a member of the Mystic Shrine and past commander of his commandery; and is also a Pythian Knight and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In fraternal circles, as well as in professional and public life, he has numerous admiring friends. Reared in the faith of the Baptist Church, on coming to Muskogee Mr. Hutchings identified himself with that denomination here, and for many years has taken a prominent part in movements which have made for moral and spiritual advancement.
Mr. Hutchings was married, in 1885, to Miss Mary E. Key, of Texas, and they have one daughter: Ellen Blair, who is the wife of C. A. Looney, a well known newspaper man and managing editor of the Muskogee Times Democrat.
[Source: A Standard History of Oklahoma Volume 4 By Joseph Bradfield Thoburn - Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Oscar A. Wells
WELLS, OSCAR A., Southern Surety Co., Muskogee, born Bedford, Ohio, October 5, 1863, son of A. J. and Mary (Weeks) Wells. Graduated from public schools of Cleveland. Ohio, admitted to practice law at Ryan, Indian Territory in 1906. Is a Republican, and in 1907 was secretary of the Republican state committee, in its campaign before statehood. Was clerk of the United States District Court of Alaska under Judge Silas Reed, of El Reno. Mr. Wells came to Indian Territory in
1883 from Denison, Texas, having run away from home. He located finally at Ryan, Indian Territory, and moved to Muskogee in 1908, where he has remained since. He is vice-president of the Southern Surety Co., and vice-president of the St. Louis Surety Co.. and president of the Pioneer Abstract and Trust Co., of Muskogee. Married in 1897, to Miss Mayme Rice of Denison, Texas. Two children: Minnie and Mary Elizabeth.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Robert P. de Graffenriedde GRAFFENRIED, ROBERT P., lawyer, Muskogee, born December 1, 1859, Green county, alabama, son of John F. and Anne Eliza (Kennedy) de Graffenried. Attended public schools of Cameron, Ala., and A. and M. College at Starkville, Miss., where he was graduated in 2885; taught school in Kentucky to pay expenses of a summer course in the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Va. Went to Texas while a young man and was district attorney of the 46th district of Texas in 1887, headquarters at Quanah. Came to Muskogee in 1895. Is a Democrat, and is present district judge of the 3d judicial (Muskogee-Wagoner) district, having been elected for a scond time two years ago. Has served as member city council of Muskogee, member of school board. Is a Master Mason and Knight of Pythias. Married Miss Bessie Lacy of Kentucky, October 7, 1891. Three children: Janett Lacy, Arthur Mosley, Mary - all grown.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Henry S. Shelor
SHELOR, HENRY S., insurance, Muskogee, born Montgomery. Va., September 14, 1879, son of C. S. and Clara (Abbel) Shelor. Graduated from Danville, (Va.) High School and Military Institute in 1900. Was three years connected with the Southern Railway, and for some time with the American Tobacco Co., of New York. Came to Oklahoma and was a clerk in old Cherokee land office in 1903, under Tams Bixby. Was official United States court reporter until after statehood, and for awhile was law clerk in the office of Gibson, Ramsey & Thomas. Is a Republican. Followed court reporting until 1910, when he went into the insurance business as general agent for National Surety Co. This is the strongest surety company in New York, and Mr. Shelor has the agency for Oklahoma. Served short time as undersheriff Muskogee county; has been president Chamber of Commerce; now president the Rotary Club; a director In the Y. M. C. A. Married January 27. 1909, to Miss Louise Maxey, daughter of Hon. N. B, Maxey. Two children: Stanley, 6; Maxey, 4.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Clifford L. Jackson
JACKSON, CLIFFORD LINDEN, lawyer, Muskogee, born Dayton, Ohio, November 25, 1857, son of George and Ann Jackson. Educated in public schools of Pettus county, Mo.; studled law in office of his older brother. Is a Democrat, and has taken verv active part in party's behalf. Was deputy circuit Clerk of Pettus county, Mo., 1880-1; district U. S. attorney Indian Territory, 1893-4: attorney second judicial district of New Mexico, 1887-8. United States district attorney Northern district, 1895-6-7. Served three terms president Muskogee Bar Association, 1905-6, 1910-11, 1912-13. The Muskogee Bar Association is the oldest in the state, having been organized in 1889. Mr. Jackson also was president of Indian Territory Bar Association in 1902-3; was president of consolidated Oklahoma Indian Territory Bar Association during 1906, and was the first president of the Oklahoma Bar Association after statehood in 1907. In 1910-11 he was vice-president of the American Bar Association. Was president Muskogee Commercial Clan in 1907-8. One of Mr. Jackson's hobbles is fine poultry, and for years he has been active in promoting poultry shows throughout the state. Was president of the first state federation of growers in 1914. Member Muskogee Town and country club, the Oklahoma City Golf and Country club and the Ozark Club. Was married April 17, 1898, to Miss Kate Pugh Williams, of Brownsville, Tenn.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
George S. Ramsey
RAMSEY, GEORGE S., lawyer, Muskogee, born Warren county, Tenn., August 18, 1874; son of George W. and Elizabeth (King) Ramsey. Graduated from Viola and Burritt College, top of Cumberland mountains, Tennessee. Road law in the office of Capt. George W. Cross, in Manchester, Tenn. Was president of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1915. Married to Miss Earline Young, of Tennessee. November 30, 1898. One child, Margaret, aged nine months.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Malcolm E. Rosser
ROSSER, MALCOLM E., lawyer. Muskogee, born on a farm in Washington county, Ark.. January 16, 1870; son of William E. and Virginia F. (Hudson) Kosser. Graduated in law from University of Virginia at Charlottesville, 1891. Traveled for several years for the West Publishin Co.. publishers of law books, and finally located in Talihina, Indian Territory in 1894, and later moved to Poteau. Is a Democrat, and was elected district judge, LeFlore county in 1911. Served on State Supreme court Commission, 1911 to 1913, and came to Muskogee in 1913, and became member of the law firm of Ramsey deMeules & Rosser. Is a Master Mason, past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias grand lodge of Oklahoma. Married June 15, 1898. to Miss Mary E. Rodgers, born at Atoka, grand-daughter of first agent of the Choctaws. Three children: Frances, grown;
Malcolm E., jr., 15; and Louise, 11.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Tams Bixby
BIXBY, TAMS, editor and publisher, Muskogee, born Staunton, Va., December 12, 1856, son of Bradford W and Susan I. (Clark) Blxby. His father was run out of the South for selling books and Bibles to negroes, and located in Minnesota before statehood. Lived in Stillwater and St. Paul, Minn., and for thirty years was editor and publisher of the Red Wing Republican. For two years owned and edited the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Is a Republican in politics. Was private secretary to Minnesota governors for ten consecutive years and served under W. R. Merriam, Knute Nelson and E. M. Clough. Was appointed chairman of the Dawes Commission, which position he had for eight years. Has been owner and editor of the Muskogee Phoenix for ten years, and owns one of the finest job printing establishments in the Southwest. Owns considerable city real estate in the heart of Muskogee, and also city property in different towns in Minnesota. Master Mason, Royal Arch, Knight Templar, Shriner, K. of P. and an Elk and Odd Fellow. Member Country and Golf Club of Muskogee. Married April 28, 1886, to Miss Clara Julia Mues. Three sons: Edson, 28; Joel, 26; Tams, Jr., 21 — all associated with him in business.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Tim Wood
WOOD, TIM, real estate, Muskogee, born Putnam county, Illinois, September 15, 1859, son of Timothy and Lois (Blanchard) Wood. Educated in country schools, raised on a farm. Came to Oklahoma and located at Lawton in 1901, and came to Muskogee in 1904. Is leading real estate man of fast-growing Muskogee. Member Masonic fraternity, and M. W. A. and Royal Neighbors. Mr. Wood took a special car to the east, and had it in Washington, D. C, at time of President Wilson's inauguration. Mr. Wood handles Texas and Florida lands also. Married Miss Clauda B. Anderson, of Henry, Ill., December 15, 1885. Children: Hazel W. (Moffatt), J. J. and Horace Tim, all grown. He organized the Swan Lake (Illinois) Shooting Club, thirty years ago, and it still is the greatest trap shooting field in the world.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
S. Morton Rutherford
RUTHERFORD, S. MORTON, lawyer, Muskogee, born Lewisville, Ark., February 16, 1859; son of Robert Bealle and Sallie (Butler) Rutherford. Moved to Ft. Smith, Ark., immediately following the civil war. Was educated in public schools and graduated from law department of the Emory and Henry College of Emory, Va. Has lived in Muskogee for twenty years. Formerly lived at Atoka, Indian Territory. Is a Democrat, and served two years, 1895-97, as United States Marshal of Indian Territory under President Cleveland. Was Mayor of Muskogee in 1904 and 1905. Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner and a member of K. of P. and Odd Fellows. Married April 16, 1890, to Miss Sallie Dillard of Fort Smith. Four children: Helen K., S. Morton, Jr., and John D., grown; and Jane W., 16.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Jacob B. Furry
FURRY, JACOB B, lawyer, Muskogee, born New Enterprise. Pa., October 20, 1862, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Burger) Furry. Graduated from law department University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1888, after leaving Millersville (Pa.) State Normal. Located in Topeka, Kan., in 1888, and went to Guthrie, Okla., in 1902, and was Santa Fe attorney until 1905; and was assigned to special work by that road until 1908. Went to Muskogee in 1908. Is a Republican; York Rite Mason. Married to Miss Eleanor Wilson. One child: Anna Elizabeth, 14.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
William P. Miller
MILLER, WILLIAM PERRY, lawyer, Muskogee, born Mt. Pleasant, Texas, May 20, 1880, son of William G. and Lou (Black) Miller. Graduate Central College of Sulphur Springs. Texas. Came to Oklahoma in 1906, and began the study of law, preferring it to the mercantile business in which he was engaged. Is a Democrat and was clerk of the district court one term. Was a member Oklahoma legislature in 1911. Was mayor of Muskogee, 1912-14. Is 32d degree Mason and a Shriner. Married to Miss Lena Loving, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 15, 1905.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Albert Z. English
ENGLISH, ALBERT Z., realty owner, Muskogee, born Englishtown, N. J., November 22, 1868, .son of James and Mary (Ely) English. Went to Montclair high schools and attended Princeton one year. Republican. Came to Muskogee from Kansas City, Mo., in 1891. Scottish Kite Mason and a Shriner, member D. P. O. Elk. Married to Miss Lizzie E. Severs, March 28, 1894. One child: Frederick Severs English, 21 years.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]Albert Z. English
It has been given to this well known citizen and substantial capitalist of the City of Muskogee to achieve prominence and influence not only as a representative member of the Oklahoma bar and as an efficient public official but also in the domain of large and important business and capitalistic enterprises, the while his success and prestige are the more gratifying to contemplate by reason of the fact that his advancement represents the results of his own ability and worthy efforts.
A scion of the staunch old family in whose honor his native town was named, Albert Z. English was born at Englishtown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, on the 24th of November, 1808, and is a son of James E. and Mary E. (Ely) English, both of sterling Scotch-Irish lineage, the English and Ely families having been founded in New Jersey several generations ago and in the colonial period of our national history. James E. English, father of the subject of this review, was a farmer by vocation and his death occurred when Albert Z. was but thirteen years of age, his wife having survived him by a number of years.
He whose name initiates this review passed the days of his childhood and early youth in his native town and there received his rudimentary education. At the age of thirteen years, soon after the death of his father, he became a student in the public schools at Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey, and after his graduation in the high school at that place he attended Princeton University.
In 1890, shortly after attaining to his legal majority, Mr. English came to the West and during the ensuing period of about twelve months he held the position of stenographer and bookkeeper for the Ash Grove White Lime Company, in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1891 he came to Indian Territory and established his residence at Muskogee, where he assumed the position of stenographer in the law office of William T. Hutchings, a pioneer member of the territorial bar. Under the effective preceptorship of Mr. Hutchings he pursued also the study of law, and in 1892 he was admitted to the bar of the territory. Thereafter he was associated in practice with his honored preceptor until 1897, when the partnership alliance was dissolved.
In 1898 Mr. English manifested his initiative ability and progressiveness by effecting the organization of the Muskogee National Telephone Company, and as principal owner and general manager of the business he continued his effective administration of the affairs of this company until 1904. when the business and equipment were sold to the Pioneer Telephone Company. Mr. English gave other distinctive evidence of his civic loyalty and enterprising spirit when, in 1899, he completed the erection of the substantial office building which bears his name and which he still owns. From July, 1902. until November of the following year he served as chief deputy clerk of the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Oklahoma Territory, on the bench of which tribunal Judge Charles W. .Raymond was then serving. From January 1, 1904, until January 1, 1907, Mr. English was general manager of the Muskogee Title & Trust Company, and thereafter, owing to impaired health, he spent about two years in travel and in a recuperative sojourn in the State of California.
Returning to Muskogee in May, 1909, greatly improved in health, Mr. English did not resume active association with business affairs until the following year, when he became associated with his father-in-law, the late Frederick B. Severs, in the erection of the Severs Hotel, which was not completed until September, 1912, Mr. Severs having died on the 23d of the preceding April. This essentially modern and attractive building, of ten stories, is one of the best hotels in the state, and since the death of Mr. Severs his two sons-in-law, Mr. English and William J. Cook, have served as joint administrators of the large estate of Mr. Severs, Mr. English now devoting the major part of his time to the executive and other detail duties thus devolving upon him and having virtually retired completely from the practice of his profession.
Mr. English accords staunch allegiance to the republican party, has received the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Masonic fraternity, besides being affiliated with the Ancient Arabic Order oi the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In 1894 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. English to Miss Bessie E. Severs, concerning whose father mention is made in the following sketch, and the one child of this union is Fred Severs English. The family is one of marked prominence and popularity in connection with the? representative social activities of the City of Muskogee.
[Source: A Standard History of Oklahoma Volume 4 By Joseph Bradfield Thoburn - Submitted by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Walter R. Eaton
EATON, WALTER R., real estate and town builder, Muskogee and Shamrock; born Bucyrus, Ohio, July 11, 1874: son of Reason and Margaret (Hayes) Eaten. Studied law after leaving school and admitted to practice at Hastings, Mich., in 1900. He is a Democrat and member Oklahoma state legislature, 1915-16. Senior member
firm of Eaton & Dunn, builders of Oilton, Pemela and Shamrock; was associated for years with former Governor Charles N. Haskell in railroad building, telephone and banking business. Member Knights of Pythias, and was secretary to Supreme Chancellor for four years, 1894-8. Was married to Miss Lillian Pitman, daughter of Judge Pitman of Shawnee, Okla. Three boys, Marquis, 18; Donald, 15; Richie, 12. Mrs Eaton is accomplished and well known in musical circles in state.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
E.R. Jones
JONES, E. R.. lawyer, Muskogee, born Moherly. Mo., December 21, 1881, son of E. W. and Flora (Love) Jones. After leaving high school, entered Columbia University and was graduated from department of law In 1902, located in Muskogee the following year. Is a Democrat. Was married to Miss Etta Itewar, daughter vice-president M. O. & G. railroad, Muskogee, April 26, 1906. Two children: Elizabeth, 9; and Preston West, 8.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
George W. Barnes
BARNES, GEORGE W., oil producer, Muskogee, was born at Honesdale, Wayne county, Pa., October 29, 1880, son of George W., and Alice Y. (Young) Barnes. His mother was a daughter of Coe F. Young, of New York, railroad builder. Finished education in the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, took law course. Votes with the Republicans; member of Elks lodge. Was married to Miss Madge M. Mitchell, daughter of E. B. Mitchell, of Lima, Ohio. Two children: George W. III, 2½ years; Mary C., 4 years.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Francis B. Fite
FITE, FRANCIS B., physician and surgeon, Muskogee; born Bartow, Ga., October 17. 1861, son of Dr. Henderson and Sarah (Denman) Fite. Attended Johnstone's Academy, Carterville, Ga. Came to Tahlequah, Indian Territory, in 1884, and studied medicine while teaching school at Sallisaw. Returned to Atlanta. Ga., and entered Southern Medical College. Left there and went east where he studied in Polyclinic Hospital, New York City. Came back to Territory and located at Muskogee in 1889. Since living there he has taken trips to the east and attended courses at Johns Hopkins, in New York and Philadelphia schools of surgery and different hospitals. He has held many places of honor as a surgeon; has been secretary of Medical Association of Cherokee Nation. Served one term mayor of Muskogee. Knight Templar, Shrlner, Elk and Odd Fellow. Married In 1889 to Miss Julia Patton of Vinita. Okla. Five children: William P., Frances, Francis B., Edward H. and Julian B.
[Source: "Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma", 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]