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Biographies
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ALEXANDER, WILLIAM L., state treasurer, Oklahoma City, was born in Charlotte, N. C., January 29, 1869, son of Lieut.-Col Abdon and Mary J. (Sloan) Alexander. Mr. Alexander attended school less than three months in his entire life, he came to Oklahoma from Grayson county, Texas, April 22, 1889. the day of the original opening, and located in Oklahoma City where he has resided constantly, with the exception of two years he spent in Hobart immediately following the Kiowa and Comanche opening. He was a cowboy in Texas. Is a Democrat and has served as county treasurer of Oklahoma county, and has been a member of the Democrat committee several years. He managed the capital campaign for Oklahoma City in 1909; and prior to that time was campaign manager for Bill Cross in the territorial election of Congressman Bird McGuire. Mr. Alexander is proud of his Scotch-Irish ancestry, which he can recall back for six generations. A brant and John McKnutt Alexander were signers of the Declaration of Independence, and were delegates to the Mucklenberg (Va.) convention that declared for the independence of the states. Member Scottish Rite Masonic order, 32d degree, Shriner and an Odd Fellow. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
AMES, CHARLES BISMARCK, lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Macon, Miss., August 1, 1870, son of Charles Bingle and Sarah Jane (Longstreet) Ames. B. S. degree from Emory and henry College, Emory, VA., 1890; LL. B. university of Mississippi, 1892. WAs member Division No., I, State Supreme Court Commission, and resigned in 1913. Is a Democrat. President Oklahoma State Bar Association. Mr. Ames always has taken a very active part in church work, member M. E. church south. Delegate to Universal Congress of lawyers and jurists, St. Louis, 1904. Married Miss Elizabeth Pallen, at Macon, Miss., February 6, 1894. Practiced law at Macon from 1893 until 1899, when he came to Oklahoma and located in Oklahoma City. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
ASHTON, WILFRED G., state labor commissioner, Oklahoma City, born Plymouth, Ind., November 25, 1880, son of John and Mary (Krumenacher) Ashton. Educated St. Michael's Academy, at Plymouth. Is a Democrat, and was elected to present position in 1913; is painter and decorator by trade. Member B. P. O. Elks. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
ASP, HENRY EDWARD, lawyer, Oklahoma City, born New Boston, O., January 1, 1856, son of John Augustus and Christine Asp. Educated in the public schools, admitted to practice law in 1878, in Winfield, Cowley county, Kan., where he resided until the opening of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, when he located at Guthrie. Lived there until 1914, when he moved to Oklahoma City, is a Republican and has always taken a very active part in territorial and state politics. Served as member of both stale and territorial legislatures and was member of constitutional convention and wrote the constitution of the State of Oklahoma as submitted by the minority side, is member of all branches of Masonry. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BINION, M. CAVETT, farmer (sheriff), Oklahoma City, born in Pickens county, Ala., April 19, 1866, son of A. H. and Emma (Cavett) Binion. Educated in the common schools of Macon, Miss., went to the state of Texas when seventeen years of age and came to Oklahoma twenty years ago. Lived on a farm in Oklahoma county for several years, and served several terms as deputy sheriff and served as plain clothes man on the police force of Oklahoma City. Is a Democrat and was elected sheriff of Oklahoma county in 1913. Is a member I. O. O. F. and Consistory Mason; member Shrine. Married September 3, 1895, to Miss Bertie Brund, of Denton, Texas. Has seven children. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BLACK, OLIVER C, lawyer, Oklahoma City; born Altoona, Pa., April 8, 1875; son of J. H. and Lovina (Stitt) Black. Graduated from the State University of Indiana at Bloomington in 1900, where he received degree in law. Is a Republican and was United States Commissioner of Oklahoma City for several years. Belongs to practically all branches of Masonry. Was elected life member of the B. P. O. Elks on March 28, 1913. Served several years as secretary of the Oklahoma City Lodge, No. 417. Was grand master of the Odd Fellows of Oklahoma in 1912 and 1913. Came to Oklahoma in 1901. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BLAKE, ERNEST E., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Crown City, Ohio, October 15, 1868, son of Cincinnatus B. and Gratia T. (Fuller) Blake. Early education Sugar Creek school, Ohio; Gallopolis, West Virginia University at Morganstown, and Adrian College, Mich. Is a Republican. Went to Gold water, Kan., when a boy, and was admitted to the bar there in 1890. Moved to El Reno in January, 1891, and moved to Oklahoma City in 1912. Was grand chancellor Knights of Pythias in Oklahoma, 1894, and supreme representative in 1898-99; A. O. U. W., life member El Reno B. P. O Elks, and was grand representative, 1909. Brother of Charles O. Blake, of El Reno. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BOARDMAN, HOMER N., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Jones county, Iowa, December 17, 1878, son of Homer C. and Emma F Boardman. High school, Nevada, Iowa: U, of Iowa, Iowa Slate College. Republican, was county attorney Blaine county, Oklahoma, 1907-10; U. S. district attorney, western district of Oklahoma, 1912-14. Managed Dick Morgan's congressional campaign, 1910. While U. S. attorney prosecuted two members Blaine county election board for refusing to count ballots; case went to U. S. Supreme Court and for first time in 45 years it was decided that elections were subject to federal control, court holding that U. S. Constitution "gives right to vote and have vote counted." Is a Mason, Elk, K. of P. Married Susan E. Dakin, November 1, 1900. One child: Dakin, aged 13 years. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BOLEN, HUBERT L., United States Infernal Revenue Collector for Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, was born at Front Royal, Va„ March 30, 1876; son of Newton L. and Lucy (Grant) Bolen. Graduated from Shenandoah Normal College at Reliance, Va., and graduated from law at Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. Admitted to practice in Oklahoma in 1906. Is a Democrat and served Oklahoma City in the fourth State legislature; was appointed to present position in 1913. Married in 1910 to Miss Eva Klomann, of Oklahoma City. Two children, Ralph L., 2 years; Lawrence R., 6 months. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BOREN, Lyle H. (father of David Lyle Boren and grandfather of Daniel Boren), a Representative from Oklahoma; born near Waxahachie, Ellis County, Tex., May 11, 1909; moved to Lawton, Okla., in 1917; attended the public schools; was graduated from the East Central College at Ada, Okla., in 1930 and from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater; teacher in the schools at Wolf, Okla., 1930-1935; served as a deputy procurement officer of the United States Treasury Department; engaged in agricultural pursuits and also was interested in the mercantile business; author; lieutenant commander in the United States Naval Reserve; elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-fifth and to the four succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1937-January 3, 1947); unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1946; resumed former mercantile business and agricultural pursuits; president of a petroleum corporation; representative of the Association of Western Railroads, 1954-1970; assistant to the Insurance Commissioner, State of Oklahoma; was a resident of Oklahoma City, Okla., until his death there on July 2, 1992. -- [Contributed by A. Newell]
BROCK, SIDNEY L., merchant (retired), Oklahoma City; born Macon. Mo., August 3, 1869; son Sidney G. and Olive M. (Williams) Brock. Graduate of Johns Hopkins University, class of 1893. Member of Rotary Club, Men's Dinner Club, Golf and Country Club. No lodges. Was president Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce 1909-10, and principally through his efforts secured Morris and S. & S. packing plants during his administration. Mr. Brock was one of the organizers of the Oklahoma State Fair, and has been a member of the directorate for ten years. He came to Oklahoma City and started in business on a small scale and built up the present large department store in a few short years. With his father, he was for a long time interested in raising blooded cattle, and owned one of the finest stock farms in the United States at Lake Geneva, Wis. Their famous "Woody Lee" Herfords were well known prize winners for twelve years; and at the St. Louis World's Fair, Mr. Brock's "Little Joe" received the highest award for steers. "Little Joe" was declared champion of the world. Married September 18, 1894, to Miss Jennie Wardell, of Macon. Two children, Sidney J., Jr., 12, and Elizabeth, 14. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
BURWELL, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (deceased, 1916), lawyer, Oklahoma City, was born in Armstrong county, Pa., April 15, 1866, son of Joseph Yarenton and Maxia (Lanham) Burwell. Educated in the public and normal schOOls of West Virginia, Was admitted to the bar in 1890, and practiced in Gypsum City, Kan., 1890-91, at which time he came to Oklahoma City, where he remained. Was a Republican, and was member of the territorial supreme court from 1898 to 1908. Was married December 25, 1888, to Miss Jane Garnahan, of Hope, Kan. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
COTTINGHAM JAMES R., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born in Woodford county, Ky., September 5, 1865, son of John W. and Elizabeth C. (Hanna) Cottingham. Educated in public schools of Cowley county, Kan., and Southwest University of Winfield. Read law in the law office Hackney & Asp, Winfield, and came to Oklahoma in 1892, locating at Guthrie. For several years had been general attorney for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry. Moved to Oklahoma City in 1911. Is a Republican and always been active in behalf of party. Served as county committeeman several times, both before and since statehood, and has served also as treasurer of the state committee. Senior member law firm of Cottingham & Hayes, Colcord building. Was married to Miss Ada Hixon in 1893, and has one daughter, Madeline, grown. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
JAMES R. COTTINGHAM
Solicitor for Oklahoma for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, Mr. Cottingham maintains his residence in Oklahoma City, where he is a member of the representative law firm of Cottingham & Hayes, with offices at 810 Colcord Building. He has been a prominent and honored member of the Oklahoma bar since the early territorial period and has not only stood exponent of the highest professional ideals but has also proved a most loyal and public-spirited citizen whose influence has been definite and benignant in connection with governmental, political and general civic affairs.
Mr. Cottingham was born in Scott County, Kentucky, on the 5th of September, 1865, and is a son of John W. and Elizabeth C. (Hanna) Cottingham, both likewise natives of the fine old Blue Grass State, whence they removed to Kansas in 1869 and numbered themselves among the pioneer settlers of Cowley County, where the father developed a productive farm and became a valued and influential citizen. For nearly a decade prior to his death, which occurred in 1904, he served as judge of the probate court of that county, and he was one of the county's best known and most honored pioneer citizens when he was thus called from the stage of life's mortal endeavors, after a career of many years of earnest and effective work, his wife having preceded him to eternal rest. The original American progenitors of the Cottingham family came from England to the "eastern shore" of Maryland shortly after that colony was settled by Lord Baltimore.
James R. Cottingham was about four years of age at the time of the family removal to Kansas, where his boyhood and early youth were compassed by the conditions and influences of the pioneer farm and where he was afforded the advantages of the public schools of the period, this discipline being supplemented by an effective course in the Southwest Kansas College, at Winfield, the .judicial center of his home county. In that city he initiated the study of law in the office of Hackney & Asp, and there he was admitted to the bar in 1890, his novitiate in the active practice of his profession having there been served with the firm under whose preceptorship he had gained his technical training. In March, 1892, Mr. Cottingham came to Oklahoma Territory and settled at Guthrie, the territorial capital, where he continued in the general practice of law and where he was associated with his former preceptor, Henry E. Asp, under the firm name of Asp and Cottingham, from 1902 until 1907, the year which marked the admission of Oklahoma to statehood. In the following year he formed a professional alliance with S. T. Bledsoe, under the title of Cottingham & Bledsoe, and in 1911 they removed to Oklahoma City, where the partnership was continued until Mr. Bledsoe's removal to Chicago, January 1, 1915, the firm controlling a large and representative law business. On the removal of Mr. Bledsoe to Chicago the firm was reorganized, January 1, 1915, by the admission of Judge Samuel W. Hayes, the firm name becoming Cottingham & Hayes as at present existing. Much of Mr. Cottingham's time is devoted to railway work, he having been in the law department of the Santa Fe continuously for twenty-five years. Mr. Cottingham is a member of the American Bar Association and is prominently identified also with the Oklahoma State Bar Association and the Oklahoma City Bar Association. Substantial and well merited financial success has attended his work as a member of the Oklahoma bar and he is a stockholder in many prominent industrial and commercial corporations in this state and elsewhere.
Before assuming his present official position with the railroad company Mr. Cottingham was for a number of years an influential figure in the councils and campaign activities of the Oklahoma contingent of the republican party. He was an active member of the Republican State Central Committee and served for a term of years also as chairman of its finance committee. Notwithstanding his political activities, which have been prompted by civic loyalty, he has manifested no ambition for political office, even along the line of his profession. Mr. Cottingham is a member of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and in his home city is affiliated with the Country Club and the Men's Dinner Club.
In October, 1S93, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Cottingham to Miss Ada Hixon, daughter of John W. Hixon, of Guthrie, and the one child of this union is Madeline, who was born in February, 1896, and who remains at the parental home.
[A Standard History of Oklahoma , by Joseph B. Thoburn , 1916 -- Transcribed by Cathy Ritter]
CRAYCROFT, HUNTER A., Insurance, Oklahoma City; born Springfield, Washington county, Ky., April 13, 1862: son of Charles Robert and Mary Frances (Hunter) Craycroft. Attended Covington Institute at Springfield, and St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Ky. Moved to Sherman, Texas, in 1880, and later to Fort Worth and Dallas. Twenty-six years ago he became associated with Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. of Newark, N. J., and opened offices at Dallas. He has been with that company ever since, now member of firm of Craycroft Bros. & Dyer. Colcord building. Came to Oklahoma in 1907. when the Mutual Benefit Life withdrew from Texas on account of the Robinson law, and located at Ardmore, remaining there a short time and removing to Oklahoma City. Is a Democrat, and member B. R. O. Elks. Was a member of staff of Governor Cruce of Oklahoma. Married in 1891 to Miss Lucy Crawford, daughter of Col. W. L. Crawford, Dallas, Texas. Three Children, all grown. William Robert, Love Kathrine and Dorothy Hunter. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
CRUCE, ANDREW CAVITT, lawyer. Oklahoma City, born Marion, Ky., March 2, 1858, son of James W. and Jane (Hill) Cruce. Graduate of Marion Academy, where he won a medal for oratory. Graduate of Vanderbilt University, class of '82. Started practice of law at Smithland, Ky., with Judge Bennett as his partner. Was United States attorney for Southern district of Indian Territory from 1895 to 1897. Went to Ardmore in 1890, and located in Oklahoma City in 1910. Is a Democrat and brother of former governor of Oklahoma, Lee Cruce. Member B. P. O. Elks. Married in 1886 to Miss Fannie Clement of Marion, Ky. Two children, both grown: Manonk and Gail Hamilton Cruce. Member law firm Stuart, Cruce & Cruce. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
DYER, JAMES NEWELL, insurance, Oklahoma City, born Hodgensville, LaRue county, Ky., June 10, 1863, son of Daniel W. and Hannah (Boogher) Dyer. Educated in public schools of Kentucky and Texas, and Carlton College, Bonham, Texas. Lived in Texas, principally at Dallas until he came to Ardmore in 1907. Came to Oklahoma City in 1909. Is a Democrat. Is a member of the firm of Craycroft Bros., & Dyer, state agents for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J. Was married to Mattie C. Masterson of Round rock, Texas, July 8, 1885. Has six children: Willie, Jennie, Ruby, Nell and Sue, grown; and J. N. Jr., 16. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
EMBRY, JOHN, lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Butler county, Ky., June 7, 1889, son of Virgil R. and Sarah E. Emory. Is a Republican; was county attorney of Lincoln county, 2 terms, 1895-99: member territorial legislature, 1891, from Lincoln county; U. S. attorney western district Oklahoma, 1907-12; appointed county attorney Oklahoma county, 1913, which position he still holds, having made enviable record as prosecutor. Came to state in 1891, began law practice at
Chandler. Resigned federal appointment in 1915 and moved to Oklahoma City. Married in 1897 to Miss Cora McCreary. Two girls, Ruth, 15; Mary, 4. Is a Mason and member I. O.O. F. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
ESTES, JOEL S., lawyer, Oklahoma City: born at Sidney, Iowa, January 7, 1873; son of Francis W. and Mary (Hiatt) Estes. Graduated from the high school at Sidney and Normal College of Shenandoah, Iowa. Was superintendent of schools of Sidney, Iowa for five years. Studied law at State University at Iowa City; practiced law in Sidney from 1903 until 1908, when he came to Oklahoma City. Is a Democrat and has always been active in politics. He was a candidate against Hepburn for congress in the Eighth Iowa district, and cut his majority down to less than 2,0--?). Was assistant attorney general of Oklahoma under Gov. Lee Cruce. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
FISCHER, F. W., lawyer, Oklahoma City; born Clarington, Ohio, April 22, 1888; son of John and Eliza (Davis) Fischer. After going through the public schools, Mr. Fischer studied law on a farm and was admitted in 1909. Came to Oklahoma in 1901 and located at Apache at the time of the opening of the Kiowa and Comanche reservations. Moved to Oklahoma City in 1907, and is now general attorney for the Orient railroad for the state of Oklahoma. Belongs to the Republican party. Member B. P. O. E. and Odd Fellows. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
GAULT, FRANK MARION, president Slate Board of Agriculture. Oklahoma City; born Sullivan county, Mo., March 30, 1849; son of K. J. and Sophia (McClure) Gault. Common school education. Democrat, always very active in interest of his party. Farmer, rancher and stock owner on large scale; properties near Geary. Interested in lumber yards and banks. Elected president State Board of Agriculture in 1914, which office he still holds. Married March 15, 1905, to Mrs. L. O. Major of Montague county, Texas. One child, Merrilee, aged 10 years. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
GAYLORD, E.K.
E. K. GAYLORD was a rugged, enduring pioneer whose memory will live in the annals of American journalism. His news career began in 1901 and ended only with his death, at the age of 101. Typically, he was active and working to the end. Over the years, as editor and publisher, Mr. Gaylord built the Daily Oklahoman into one of the leading newspapers of the American Southwest. His clear, forthright, and reasoned editorials reflected not only his keen judgment of men and events but his deep love of country. Mrs. Nixon and I extend our sympathy to Mr. Gaylord's family and friends on the sad occasion of his passing.
Note: Mr. Gaylord died in Oklahoma City, Okla., on May 30, 1974.
GEISSLER, ARTHUR H., insurance, Oklahoma City, born in 1877. University education; in 1893 took course in somparative jurisprudence and diplomacy. Geo. Washington U., Washington, D. C.; admitted to bar in 1896. Came to Oklahoma from Chicago in 1893; managed bank in Woods county several years. Moved to Oklahoma City in 1904; has traveledextensively in Latin-America and Europe. Is Republican. Was unanimously elected chairman Republican county committee, Oklahoma county, 1910; unanimously re-elected in 1912; elected unanimously as vice-chairman Republican state committee imn August, 1912, became chairman state committee in September that year; was re-eected in 1914; was again re-elected by acclamation as state chairman at state convention, Oklahoma City, March 22, 1916, four-year term same convention unanimously chose him delegate-at-large national convention. Married Miss Julia Henderson Adams, of Washington, D. C., accomplished linquist, being educated in France, Germany, England and New York. Mr. Geissler is a Shriner, 32d degree Mason, Knight Templar, member K. of P., K. of K. and I. O. O. F. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
GIDDINGS, GEORGE H., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Jersey City, January 21, 1867, son of George H. and Emma (Lockwood) Giddings. Graduate of Fordham and Columbia, New York City. Resided for seventeen years in Gainesville, Texas, and came to Oklahoma in 1907. He was appointed by Gov. Eanham district judge 16th Judicial district of Texas and resigned after holdine office but one week. Was a law partner of Judge Patten for 18 years. Is a Democrat. Member B. P. O. Elks, Eagles and is Orator of the Moose. Married to Miss Delia Taylor, of Tyler, Texas in 1891. Three children: George, 22; Gertrude (married to Alvin Richards), and William. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
GOULD, CHARLES NEWTON, educator, geologist. Oklahoma City, born Lower Salem, Ohio, July 22, 1868, son Simon G. and Arvilla A. G. Graduate Southwestern College, Winfield, Kan., 1899; special studies gelology and paleobotany; A. M. Uni. of Nebr., 1900; Ph. D. Uni. of Nebr., 1906. Married Nina Leola Swan, of Norman, Okla., September 24, 1903. Two children: Louis Hazel, 11; Donald Boyd, 9. Prof. of geology U. of Okla., 1900-1911; resident hydrographer U. S. Geol. survey, 1902-1906; director Okla. Geol. Survey, 1908-1911. Mem. Soc. Sigma Xi; Am. Inst. Mining Engrs., Geol. Soc. America Paleontological Soc. America; Am. Assn. for Advancement of Science; International Geol. Congress; Inst. Petroleum Technologists; Royal Soc., of Arts; Past Vice-Pres. Am. Mining Congress; President Okla. Acad. Science. Author of numerous bulletins and scientific articles, both state and national dealing with the gelogy, underground waters, oil, gas and other mineral resources of Oklahoma and adjacent states of the Great Plains. Present occupation Consulting Geologist, engaged chiefly in petroleum investigations. Home address, 2109 West Sixteenth street, Oklahoma City. Office address, 1218 Colcord building, Oklahoma City, Okla. - (From "Who's Who in American," 1916).
GUNTER, CHARLES W., insurance. Oklahoma City: born LaGrange, Miss., February 6, 1884; son of Andrew Jackson and Sarah Elizabeth (Gibbons) Gunter, Graduated from Millsap College at Jackson, Miss. Is a Democrat; never held office. Mr. Gunter has been with the Penn Mutual ten years in Mississippi before coming to Oklahoma, and for four years he has been stale agent. Married November 20, 1907, to Miss Louise Currie; one daughter, Louise, aged 4 years. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
HASKELL, NORMAN R., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Ottawa, Ohio, September 12, 1882, son of ex-Governor Charles and Lucy (Pomeroy) Haskell. Graduate O. S. U.; also graduate of law department University of Arkansas; admitted to bar in 1903. Is a Democrat. Married September 7, 1904, to Miss Jessie Ware, of Little Rock, Ark. Two boys, two girls. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
HOFFMAN, ROY, lawyer, Oklahoma City, born on a farm near Erie. Neosha county, Kan., June 13, 1869. son of Peter and Julia (Hakins) Hoffman. Became learned In law after hard study at home and in offices after leaving Normal school of Ft. Scott. Kan. Came to Oklahoma day of original opening, April 22, 1889; established the first Democrat newspaper in territory, the Guthrie Leader in 1890. Was assistant United States attorney under President Cleveland and assisted in prosecuting many of the early-day land office suits. Was member of Cherokee Strip Commission and located all county-seat towns in that district of Oklahoma, Was private secretary to Gov. Renfrow, territorial governor: was president of the Oklahoma Press Association in 1892: president Oklahoma Bar Association, 1893; was captain of Co. K. First Territorial Volunteer Infantry
> during Spanish-American war; was member state board of affairs Oklahoma after statehood, and was judge of the 10th judicial district; has been colonel of Oklahoma territorial and state militia for sixteen years. Is an Elk and 33d degree Mason, Shriner, Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias; member Rotary Club. Went to Chandler to live in 1899, and moved to Oklahoma City two years ago. Married Miss Estelle Conklin while stationed at Albany. Ga., during Spanish-American war, October 5, 1898. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
HOLMBOE, J. A., general contractor, Oklahoma City, Was born in Norway, November 26, 1866, son of J. A. and Karen Doretbea (BJorn) Holmboe. Was educated in Kristiania, Norway, public schools, and is graduate of polytechnic university, is a civil engineer. Democrat in politics. Has had many contracts from the state. At the State University at Norman; he built the Administration building, the Law building, Engineering building, power plant, Science hall. Also built
> the state insane asylum at Vinita. Mason, Royal Arch, Knights Templar. Is emminent commander of Oklahoma Commnndery No. 3, Oklahoma City. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
HOWARD, E. B., state auditor, Oklahoma City, permanent residence in Tulsa, was born in Morgantown, Ky., September 19, 1873, son of A. A. and Ada (Harold] Howard. After leaving the common schools he was apprenticed a printer, and worked for several years at his trade. Was a member of the State Board of Affairs of Oklahoma, 1911 to 1915, and was elected state auditor in 1915, on the Democrat ticket. Before entering the public service, Mr. Howard was an oil
> producer, and lived for a number of years in Kansas City, Mo. Elk, K. of P. and M. W. A. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
JONES, JOHN T. (Jack), real estate and farm tractors, Oklahoma City, was born at Akron, Ohio, September 15, 1868; son of Enoch and Margaret (Gardner) Jones. Received common school education in Ohio. Is a Republican, and has served continuously on Governor's staff since statehood with rank of colonel. Prior to locating in Oklahoma City Mr. Jones bad traveled for seventeen years as a mercantile salesman. Has been in Oklahoma for fifteen years, and has been identified with the real estate business in many towns. He put on several additions to Oklahoma City during the "boom" days. Is a Master Mason, member Royal Arch, Council, Knights Templar, Consistory and Shrine. Is Imperial Marshal of the Shrine of the United States. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
LEDBETTER, WALTER A., lawyer, Oklahoma City; born Fayette county, Texas, March 9, 1863; son of T. E. and Almeda (Robinson) Ledbetter. Educated Texas State Normal, Huntsville. Learned law in law offices and was admitted to practice when 21 years old, in 1884 and opened office in Gainesville, Texas, later moving to Ardmore, Indian Territory. Democrat In politics; took active part in statehood agitation and made several trips to Washington urging statehood legislation. Was member of constitutional convention, and bad charge of the judiciary committee that wrote the constitution now in force in Oklahoma. Moved to Oklahoma City in May, 1909; enjoys lucrative practice from large corporations and extremely large acquaintance throughout the state. Was married in 1887 to Lelitia Parantan, of Illinois. Has six children, 3 boys and 3 girls. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
Thad Wesley Littleton
Thad Wesley Littleton was born in Pottawatomie County near Earlsboro to John Wesley Littleton and Edna Blanch Helm on August 23, 1896. His father died while he was a young boy, and his mother married Dock David Dyer. He soon moved with his family to Oklahoma City. He attended public schools in Oklahoma City. He married Alma Leventon on December 4, 1920. Thad soon opened a car lot and went into business for himself. His business soon expanded from a small lot to the Littleton Chryster Plymouth that was located on S.E. 29th across from Tinker Air Force Base. Along with his business he also owned many rental properties. Thad was a well respected individual by those in the business world and all others who knew him. He and his wife had many children: Delores, Thad Jr., Stanley Ray, Jimmy, Bill, twins- Tom and Dick, and Betty. Thad and Alma were married 69 years at the time of his death on March 9, 1989. He was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery. [Unknown Source --- submitted by Linda Craig]
MANEY, JAMES WILLIAM, contractor, Oklahoma City; born January 3, Pittsburg. Pa., son of Michael and Johanna (Hartnet) Maney, both born In Ireland. Born on farm, he attended country schools and finished at college at Red Oak, Iowa. Went as a civil engineer with Southern Pacific railroad at the ago of 19. Entered contracting business for himself at the age of 24. In 1910, Mr. Maney promoted the El Reno iuterurban between El Reno and Oklahoma City. Engaged in milling business in 1900, was president Weatherford Milling Co., the Canadian Mill & Elevator Co., the Maney Export Co. He owns the controlling interest in the Jordan Valley Land Irrigation project, which owns fifty thousand acres of land in the state of Oregon. Owns extensive tracts of farming lands scattered over Oklahoma. Is a Democrat. Member the Elks. Member Knights of Columbus, and was the first Grand Knight of the first council organized in the state. His first railway contract was with the Burlington in Nebraska, then on the Chicago and Northwestern, when that line was built to the Black Hills, and the country was sparsely settled by whites. Came to Oklahoma at original opening in 1889. Married in 1896 to Miss Alphonsina Marie Gerrer, who died in 1912. Six children, Marie, Beatrice, Robert, Agnes, Florence and James W., jr. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
McLAURY, WILLIAM F., lawyer, Oklahoma City, born Nevada, Mo., February 19, 1884, son of Calvin B. and Virginia (Bryan) McLaury. Graduated William Jewell at Liberty, Mo., and Epworth League. Graduated in law department of University of Oklahoma and admitted to bar in 1909. Is a Democrat. Married to Miss Pearl Moody, of Blackwell, Okla., March 6, 1906. One boy, Frank, aged 6 years. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
MILAM, THOMAS M., president and general manager Amalgamated Oil Co., oil producer, Oklahoma City, born in Tate county, Miss., September 29, 1872, son of John J. and Alice (Cathey) Milam. Graduate Springfield (Mo.) Normal, and Galveston (Tex.) Business College. Is an Elk. Came to Oklahoma from Danville, Ill., in 1892. Amalgamated Oil Co., owns leases and production in Nowata, Healdton, Duncan, Kansas and Muskogee oil fields. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
MULKY, FRANK L., oil producer, Oklahoma City; born Bloomington, Ind., June 8, 1863; son of James B. and Mary J. (Coffey) Mulky. Is graduate of University of Indiana at Bloomington class of 1882. Taught school for five years, and for fourteen years was field representative for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. for Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Has been a miner in New Mexico, and came to Oklahoma City in 1906 and engaged in the real estate business. Became interested in oil in 1912, and has been very successful. He is interested in some of the best leases in the Mid-Continent field and owns some valuable refinery stock. Is a Republican. Was married to Miss Kate Parks of Bedford, Ind., June S. 1893. One son, Francis, aged 18 years. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
NICHOLS, WILLIAM B., chief of police. Oklahoma City, born September 6, 1874, son of O. B. and Hannah (Allison) Nichols. Was educated in public schools. By trade, Mr. Nichols is a modeler in clay, and took a course in polishing in Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., art museum. For fourteen years he was connected with Joseph Lieter, the Chicago wheat plunger. Is a Republican, and active party worker. Belongs to Blue Lodge of Masons, and is a member I. O. O. F. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
POPE, PAUL M., lawyer. Oklahoma City, was horn in Macon, Ga., January 28, 1881, son of Henry A. ami Lucy (Howes) Pope. Graduated from the college department of the Western Reserve University of Cleveland, Ohio. Studied law in same college for two years; came to Oklahoma directly from school: passed examination and has been practicing law in Oklahoma since 1908. Is a Democrat and served during 1910 and 1911 as member of the park board of Oklahoma City. Was married on September 7, 1911, to Miss Cornelia Cranz, of Akron. Ohio. Two children. Lucy C, 4; Paul M. Jr., 3. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
PRUIETT, MOMAN, lawyer, Oklahoma City; was born in Alton, Ind., while his parents were temporarily away from their home in Kentucky on July 12, 1872; son of Warren LeGrand and Elizabeth (Moman) Pruiett. Is a self-educated man; studied law in offices in Paris, Texas; came to Indian Territory in early days and located at Pauls Valley, where he was elected city attorney and later mayor of that city. He is a Democrat. Member Democrat campaign committee to elect delegates to constitutional convention. Mr. Pruiett has made a marvelsous record as a criminal lawyer, having been unusually successful. Prior to April 15, 1916, Mr. Pruiett had defended 346 men and women charged with murder; and he now has on his docket thirty-nine similar cases. In addition to this record, he has assisted in the prosecution of 37 charged with murder; and has been equally successful as a prosecutor. It Is said that he had defended and caused to be
> acquitted more men for murder than any other lawyer in the world, and he has not yet been practicing twenty years. He was married to Miss Lola Sniggs in Pauls Valley. He has one daughter from a former marriage, Gale Hamilton. He is an Elk and an Odd Fellow. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
REYNOLDS, Milton W.
Milton W. Reynolds was born in Chemung county, New York, May 23, 1833. Most of his early life was spent in Michigan, whither his parents moved when he was but three years old. He was educated at the University of Michigan. In 1857 he migrated to Nebraska and located at Omaha. He farmed, edited a newspaper and took an active part in politics, serving two terms in the Nebraska Legislature. He frequently acted as a special correspondent of eastern newspapers, and it was while acting in that capacity that he visited the peace council at Fort Smith in the fall of 1865, and also that of the Medicine Lodge in the fall of 1867. His interest in the Oklahoma country thus dated from a comparatively remote period. In 1865 he moved from Nebraska to Kansas, settling at Lawrence and, six years later, at Parsons, at both of which places he was engaged in the newspaper business. He represented Labette county in the Kansas Legislature, and also served one term as a regent of the University of Kansas. His interest in the Indian Territory was always active. As early as 1872, in a magazine article entitled "The Indian State," he outlined the future development of what is now the State of Oklahoma with a remarkably prophetic vision. He is said to have written more on the Oklahoma question than any other single writer, especially in his work as a staff writer on the Kansas City Times, much of his writing appearing under the nom-de-plume of "Kicking Bird." He came to Guthrie, April 22, 1889, where he aided in the publication of the Daily State Herald for a few months. In July following he established the Edmond Sun, and, a few weeks later, he selected a homestead near Edmond. He took an active part in the affairs of the new Territory. August 5, 1890, he was elected as member-at-large to the Territorial House of Representatives. His death occurred four days later. [Source: "A History of Oklahoma" by Joseph B. Thoburn and Isaac M. Holcomb, Doub & Company, San Francisco, 1908, Page 186 - Submitted by Jim VanDerMark]
ROBERTSON, JAMES BROOKS AYERS, lawyer, Oklahoma City; born Keokuk, Iowa, March 15, 1871: son of James Brooks Avers and Clarissa (Wright) Robertson. Was ducated in the common schools of Iowa. Studied law and admitted to practice in 1895. Is a Democrat. Was county attorney of Lincoln county, Okla.. and judge of the Tenth judicial district, and served as member of the state supreme court commission. Was a delegate to the Democratic national convention in 1908. Was candidate for governor of Oklahoma in primaries and lacked but a few votes of defeating Gov. Williams, the present incumbent. Master Mason. Royal Arch, Knight Templar,
Scottish Rite, Shriner, --? O. E., M. W. A., W. O. W., K. of P. Mr. Robertson was Grand Site of the I. O. O. F., 1915-16. Was married April 27, 1899, to Miss Olive Stubblefield (deceased). Has two children; Olive Frances, 16 and James Brooks Ayers, Jr., aged 14. Law partner of John H. Burford and Roy Hoffman, [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
ROSS, JAMES S., lawyer, Oklahoma City; born at Dover, Tenn., February 9, 1878; son of Ambrose B. and Sue (Gray) Ross. Was educated in the common schools. Admitted to practice law in and opened an office at Paducah, where he remained For seven years when he came to Oklahoma. Is a Democrat. Belongs to Masonic orders and B. P. O. E. Was married July 10, 1901 to Miss Emma Halloway. Has three children. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
STAFFORD, ROY E., editor and publisher, Oklahoma City, was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, September 1, 1871, son of John R. and Edna Eugenia Stafford. Received a High School education. Democrat, served as state senator of Oklahoma. Mason, Elk. Editor and principal stockholder in Oklahoman Publishing Co., owners and publishers of the Daily Oklahoman, the Oklahoma Daily Times, the Oklahoma Farmer-Stockman. One time president Oklahoma Press Association. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
STEVENS, James C.
On April 15, 1917, James Cully Stevens and Aran Lee Arndt Stevens became parents of their first child, a son, J. C. Stevens. He was born in the log cabin of his grandparents, William M. Arndt and Mary Ellen Jones Arndt, in the Blue Community, about six miles west of McAlester, Oklahoma. He died March 31, 1984 in Oklahoma City and is buried in the Bethany Cemetery, Bethany, Oklahoma. He worked on his father's farm as a small boy with his younger brothers while their father, who was a Minister of The Gospel, was holding revivals. At about the age of 11, he and his brother, John, age 9, were out working on the farm. A neighbor on the next farm asked the boys what they planned to do. The man acted a bit amused and in disbelief when they told him that they were going to plant the crop, harvest it, and store it in the barn. The man was amazed when that was exactly what they did! J. C. and all of the children were very devoted to their parents. Their sister, Mary recalls, J. C., staying home from school often to help their mother with the household chores and smaller children. The family moved to California in 1936 when J. C. was 19 years old to seek employment as many Oklahoma families did at that time. He met and married Pauline Grace Payne on June 19, 1938 in Lamont, California. He carried the same picture of her in his wallet for 47 years and said, "She was the prettiest girl that he had ever seen." They became parents of one daughter, Charlotte, and five sons, Johnny, David, Paul, Michael, and Samuel. It has been said that the best thing a man can do for his children is to love their Mother and that he did! They were inseparable all their married life. J. C. was a self-educated man having only a formal 8th grade education. He was an avid student of the Bible, taught himself trigonometry, and took many correspondence courses. He was a master of many trades, a journeyman carpenter, a salesman, a bridge builder, etc. His brother, Monroe, recalls that when he was employed by Boise Cascade, they begged him to stay with them, that he could rise to any position in their company but J. C. was a country boy at heart and after so long of a time in the big cities, he would have to move on. Corporate work was not his idea of the freedom that he always craved. After my brothers and I were grown, we had fun recounting all to the schools that we had attended. J. C. was happiest when he was in the great outdoors. He loved to go hunting for deer and bear in the mountains of Idaho. He, his best friend and brother-in-law, Fred Griffith, along with several of their church friends went camping and hunting many years. He also loved riding horses and owned several over the years. It was an activity that he and son David enjoyed very much together. He and Pauline would go riding often even in their late fifties when they lived in Idaho. They enjoyed growing vegetable gardens and canning all the wonderful things that they grew. He loved nature and was enthralled with the beauty of God's wonderful world. The tears would flow as he was so much in awe of the beauty that had been created for us to enjoy, a legacy that he passed on to his children. He loved his children and grandchildren. He taught his granddaughters, Kimberly, Lori, Michelle, and Tricia to ride horses when they lived in Idaho and became very close to granddaughter, Shari Schneider, when he and Pauline moved back to Oklahoma. He loved going to the fair to see all of the new products and animals. He and Shari would go to the Oklahoma State Fair every night. He loved his little granddaughters, Cheryl and Sara and grandsons, Brent and John. J. C. was a great speaker and passionate about all that he believed. Dr. Charles Farr of Oklahoma City asked him to speak at a conference that was held at the Myriad Center in regard to the medical practice of chelation. Doctors from California and many people that were interested in learning about this procedure were there. Several doctors were on the program to speak, also. It was quite a boring meeting until it was J. C.'s turn to speak. He got a standing ovation! J.C.'s most important work in life was as a minister of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was an ordained minister, holding many revivals, Bible studies, officiating at weddings and funerals. Wherever he went, he would spread the Word of God. He had many friends who loved and appreciated his life. I've heard many wonderful compliments about my father over the years but the one that says it all was from a friend who had not had such a father. He said, "It would have been wonderful to have had a father that I could have loved and respected as you and your brothers love and respect you dad.
"Written by: Charlotte Stevens Schneider, Daughter"
STEVENS, Pauline Payne
Pauline Payne Stevens was born, September 9, 1920, at Wagoner, Wagoner County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Chauncy Smith Payne and Grace Lenore Yeary Payne. The family moved to California in 1931 during the Great Depression to find work as many Oklahomans did at that time. Mother had many funny stories of their travels to California. She, her parents, and two brothers made the trip on Route 66 in a little Model T. She remembered that the Model T wouldn't make it up some of the hills on the way so they would all have to get out while Grandpa backed up the hills. Then they would all get in a go a little further until they reached California. It took quite awhile for them to get there. She met J. C. Stevens in Shafter, California at a skating rink and they married June 19, 1938. He was from McAlester, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, not far from her hometown of Wagoner, Wagoner County, Oklahoma. Their marriage was one that was made in heaven. They were truly soul mates. J. C. said, "She was the prettiest girl that he had ever seen." He carried the same picture of her in his wallet for the rest of his life. They were inseparable all their married life. Six children were born to them, Charlotte, Johnny, David, Paul, Michael and Samuel Stevens.
Pauline was a talented homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and loved to sew. She made dolls for all of her granddaughters and made clothes for herself, as well. She loved to garden, both vegetables and flowers. She canned a lot of vegetables that she grew and was very good at fixing any small appliance. Nothing was thrown away until she tried to fix it. Her greatest attribute was her faith in Jesus Christ and the life that she led before others. She was a wonderful Christian woman and always had good things to say about everyone. I often heard her praying while doing housework. She was a wonderful Mother and wife. She was of The Pentecostal faith.
Survivors include, her husband, J. C. of the home: a daughter, Charlotte Schneider, of Oklahoma City; 4 sons, David Stevens, of Yukon, Paul Stevens, of Tuttle, Michael Stevens, of Oklahoma City, and Dr. Samuel Stevens of San Leandro, California and 9 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, John Cully Stevens.
Pauline was the 8th great-granddaughter of Pilgrim John Howland. May God rest her sweet soul.
[Written by her Daughter, Charlotte Stevens Schneider]
STUART, CHARLES BINGLEY, lawyer, Oklahoma City, born in Mecklenburg county, Va., in 1858, son of John W. and Virginia (Toone) Stuart. Moved to Oklahoma from Texas, where he had distinguished himself as practitioner. Is a Democrat; former U. S. judge of Indian Territory, residence at McAlester, and former chief justice of Court of Appeals for Indian Territory. Mason, K. C. C. H., Elk, Woodman. Member the law firm of Stuart, Cruce & Cruce. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
TOMERLIN, JOHN, lawyer. Oklahoma City; born in Robertson county, Tenn., November 22, 1877; son of G. W. and Sarah (Jackson) Tomerlin. Was graduated in law at the Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Practiced law four years in Nashville before coming to Oklahoma City. Is a Democrat, but never sought office. Belongs to Siloam Masonic lodge, Oklahoma City; is also an Elk. Was married January 12, 1910, to Miss Anne Barrs of Jacksonville, Fla. One boy, Granville. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
VAUGHT, ED S., lawyer, Oklahoma City; born in Wythe county, Va., January 7, 1873; son of Noah T. and Minerva (Atkins) Vaught. Graduate of Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va. Was superintendent of schools of Jefferson county. Tenn., 1896 to 1901. Came to Oklahoma City in 1901 and was superintendent of schools from that year until 1906, and has since practiced law. Is a Republican, and has served his party many years as committeeman and campaign manager. Member Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason. Is at present president of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, largest commercial body in the Southwest. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
EDGAR S. VAUGHT
This prominent and successful lawyer of Oklahoma City had his introduction to Oklahoma in the capacity of an educator, and his valuable service in behalf of the schools of Oklahoma City and of the state during the years immediately preceding state work will also deserve some mention in local history and form an important chapter in his own career. Though still very much interested in educational affairs, Mr. Vaught devotes his time chiefly to the practice of law, and is now senior member of the firm of Vaught & Ready, one of the strongest law partnerships in the capital city. His offices are in the Majestic Building.
Edgar S. Vaught was born in Wythe County, in Southwestern Virginia, in 1873, a son of Noah T. and Minerva J. (Atkins) Vaught. His ancestors were from Holland, and found homes among the pioneers of the noted mountain district of Western Virginia and Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. They possessed the same qualities which have made the men and women from that region conspicuous in American society, noted for their loyalty and valor in the war and for strength of purpose and high mental caliber. Several generations of the Vaught family had lived in Wythe County, one of the most picturesque districts of old Virginia. Mr. Vaught's great-grandfather built the first flour mill there. Noah T. Vaught, his father, was a veteran of the Civil war, having served as second lieutenant of the Sixty-third Virginia Infantry in the Confederate army. He was in the strife from the beginning to the end, and with the cessation of hostilities returned to his farm, and is still living in the East. Minerva J. Atkins, his wife, was 'also a Virginian but of English descent, and she died in 1901.
Edgar S. Vaught claims as his alma mater one of the old and prominent small colleges of Eastern Tennessee, the Carson-Newman College of Jefferson City. This institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1899. In the meantime he had also attended the Emory & Henry College of Virginia. Like many of the young men in that part of the country, his opportunities for setting a higher education were subject to his own ambition and energies, and in the intervals of attending college he taught school. In 1896 he was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools of Jefferson County, Tennessee, was re-elected for the two succeeding terms, and at the same time was carrying on studies in Carson-Newman College and was also equipping himself for the profession of law. Mr. Vaught was admitted to the bar at Dandridge, Tennessee, in 1898, and had some experience as a lawyer in Dandridge before coming to Oklahoma.
In 1901 Mr. Vaught came to Oklahoma City to accept the post of principal of the city high schools. In less than a year he was made superintendent of the Oklahoma City schools, and guided the destinies of the local schools during those important years from 1901 to 1906. His services attracted the attention of the territorial government of Oklahoma, as coincident with his service as city school superintendent he was from 1902 to 1906 a member of the territorial board of education. In May, 1907, Governor Frantz appointed him a member of the board of regents of the territorial normal schools, three in number, and his membership on that board was terminated by the entrance of Oklahoma into the Union on November 16, 1907.
In 1900, after severing his active relations with the public schools of Oklahoma City, Mr. Vaught formed a law partnership with John E. DuMars and Samuel A. Calhoun, under the firm name of DuMars, Vaught & Calhoun. It was a successful association of three strong lawyers and in a short time was conceded to have as largo a practice as any other firm in Oklahoma City.
In 1907 the firm became DuMars & Vaught, continuing as such until 1912, when it was dissolved. At that time Mr. Vaught became associated with James H. Ready, making the firm Vaught & Ready, as it is at the present time. Mr. Vaught has the proper temperament and natural qualifications for the successful lawyer and by his thorough training and broad experience has well fortified his rank as one of the leaders of the Oklahoma bar.
Mr. Vaught in 1914 was vice president of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Oklahoma City Men's Dinner Club. Fraternally a Mason, he affiliates with Siloam Lodge No. 276, A. F. & A. M. at Oklahoma City; with the Royal Arch Chapter at Jefferson City, Tennessee; and with Oklahoma Commandery No. 3, K. T. Mr. Vaught and family reside at 427 East Park Place in Oklahoma City. In 1899 he was married at Dandridge, Tennessee, to Miss Mary Holtsinger. Her father, G. W. Holtsinger, of Dandridge, was a captain in the Union army during the Civil war, and later for a number of years served as clerk and master of the Chancery Court at Dandridge. Mr. and Mrs. Vaught are the parents of three children: Eleanor, Edgar S., Jr., and Ruth.
WALLACE, WILLIAM MANSFIELD M. D.
A member of the medical profession for twenty years, Doctor Wallace has spent more than fifteen years in practice in Oklahoma, and since 1907 has had his home and office in Oklahoma City. His attainments are widely recognized both as a physician and surgeon. He is a man of college training, of varied associations with culture, and is now regarded as one of the leading members of his profession in the state.
William Mansfield Wallace was born at Lexington, Kentucky, January 20, 1874, a son of William A. and Margaret Lavina (Franklin) Wallace. His grandfather was a native of England, came to the United States in young manhood, and located in Illinois, where William A. Mansfield was born. The latter subsequently removed to Fayette County, Kentucky, and was one of the pioneer physicians there. Margaret Lavina (Franklin) Wallace was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, and her father was a pioneer settler in Arkansas, a native of Illinois, and in the early days taught school in and around Bentonville, Arkansas.
Doctor Wallace received his early education in the high school at Louisville, Kentucky, where he graduated at the age of fourteen. From that time until the age of twenty he worked in a drug store and read medicine in his uncle's office. He was a student by inclination, and while his ambition has been steadily directed toward successful attainment in his chosen profession, he has also from an early age been a devotee of literature. As a young man he read and made a part of his mental equipment the great works of Shakespeare and other classic authors, and these associations brought out the latent talents within himself, so that for years his own pen has been more or less active in literary productions. Safely stored in the archives of his home and office are stacks of manuscript both in prose and verse that represent his varied efforts in the field of literature. Many of these productions have appeared in newspapers and magazines, and although urged by publishers to compile and issue them in book form, he has so far failed to do so. While his broad acquaintance with classic literature has caused his own writing to follow the classic form and methods, he has individuality and force of his own in literary matters, and those who have read his compositions will readily recall the facile and charming style that pervades all his work.
Doctor Wallace was graduated M. D. in 1896 from Tulane University at New Orleans. He had previously begun to practice medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of twenty-one, being authorized to practice after examination. For three years following his graduation he was associated with his uncle, Dr. W. A. Wallace, in practice at New Orleans, and then came to Hugo, Oklahoma, as local surgeon and physician for the Frisco Railway Company. Doctor Wallace stayed in Hugo three years, for a similar time was located at Sulphur Springs, and while there established the Wallace Sanitarium, a popular institution still in existence.
In 1907 Doctor Wallace removed to Oklahoma City, where he was at once recognized among the leading members of the profession as a man worthy of their friendship and confidence and by the public as a conscientious gentleman and scholar. He is often honored by invitations to lecture before medical bodies, and no small part of his professional activity is in consultation practice and surgical operations. He has been peculiarly successful as a surgeon, and has the entree of all the leading hospitals of Oklahoma City.
Doctor Wallace is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Khorassan, the dramatic order of the Knights of Pythias. At San Angelo, Texas, May 20, 1890, he married Miss Callie Ottre Musick, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Neal) Musick, both of them natives of Texas. They have one son and one daughter: Grace, born June 24, 1896; and Earl Ingersol, born May 4, 1900. Doctor Wallace and family reside at 1736 West Eighth Street, and his offices are" at 132 1/2 West Main Street in Oklahoma City.
[A Standard History of Oklahoma, and was written by Joseph B. Thoburn and is published by the Historical Society in 1916 -- Transcribed by Cathy Ritter]
WILSON, ROBERT H., state superintendent of schools, Chickasha (legal residence), Oklahoma City: born Scottsville, Ky.. August 26. 1873; son of J. A. and Mary E. Wilson. Educated in common schools of Kentucky, worked way through college, and finished in spring of 1898. Is a Democrat. Was superintendent of schools of Grady county, Okla., 1907-11: member Board Education Chickasha, 1908-11; state superintendent schools 1911 to present time. Member I. O. O. R, B. P. O. E., W. O. W., K. of M.; member Oklahoma Educational Association and National Educational Association. [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
WILSON, W. FRANK, lawyer, Oklahoma City; born Oak Ridge, Mo., July 11, 1875; son of William T. and Oathrine (Liunbaush) Wilson. Academic education; graduated in Jaw from Missouri University, Columbia. Is a Democrat. Was married to Miss Gertrude Ammerman, January 30, 1901, at Columbia, Mo. Three children. Came to Oklahoma after leaving school in 1901, and soon thereafter published "Wilson's Digest." In 1903 he published "Wilson's Annotated." [Men of Affairs and Representative Institutions of Oklahoma, 1916 - Submitted by Vicki Hartman]
CUNNINGHAM, Max L., Empire Bldg., Oklahoma City or 2539 Federal Rd., Tulsa; residence 1133 East 23rd St., Oklahoma City, Okla. Civil Engineer) born Zanesville, Ohio. The son of William Howard and Hinda W. (Dye) Cunningham; Education Zanesville (Ohio) High School; Married in Shawnee, Oklahoma on Feb. 5, 1904 to Nina A. Clark (d. July 4, 1920); children: Phillip Clark, Margaret Louise, Virginia Lee. Track apprentice to bridge designer, ry operation, Ill. Central R. R, 1898-1902; Topographer, Transit man, Resident Engineer, RV. Construction, M.K. &T. Railroad 1902-05; City Engineer, Oklahoma City, Okla., 1905; ry and locating engr, 1906; Construction Superintendent for various paving and sewer contractors, 1906-08; Construction Engineer since 1908, with the exception of 1916-20, when State Engineer of Oklahoma. President of Tulsa Stone Co.; V. P. Municipal Excavator Co.; V. P.-manager Vibrolithic Service Co., Top Rock Co. Member of the Council National Defense, Washington, 1918. Member of A.A.E., Am. Soc C.E., Oklahoma, Society of Engineers, Mason, Shiner, Elk. Clubs: Engineers (Chicago); Engineers (Oklahoma City). Democrat. Episcopalian.
[Source: "Who's who in Engineering", Volume 1, 1922, edited by John William Leonard, Winfield Scott Downs, M. M. Lewis – Submitted by Max L Cunningham]
Cunningham Home In Tecumseh, Oklahoma, c. 1915
Nina, Phillip and Margaret Cunningham
Nina and Phillip Cunningham c. 1908
Nina (Clark) and Philip Cunningham c. 1905 Margaret and Philip Cunningham c. 1915
John Clark Home in Tecumseh, Oklahoma
 & Phillip Cunningham c. 1905.jpg)
