BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
From The
INDIAN TERRITORY
ITS CHIEFS, LEGEISLATORS, AND LEADING MEN
BY H.F. & E. S. O'BEIRNE.
Stidham, Hon. George Washington (pp. 185,
187) Biographical
Index
The deceased George W. Stidham was born in Alabama, November
17, 1817, son of Hopaychutke (which means white explorer). Hopaychutke
was by birth Scotch-Irish, and came to the United States, settling in Alabama
among the Creeks, while yet a young man. His adventurous disposition and
love of travel is supposed to have suggested his characteristic title.
George W., losing his father at the age of twelve years, and the opportunities
for education being rather limited at the time, was not a college graduate,
but, in spite of such disadvantages, he acquired great knowledge through
his own industry and early contact with the world; and this, notwithstanding
the fact that he did not learn to speak English until he was twenty years
of age. In 1837, or thereabouts, he emigrated to the Creek Nation, settling
at Choska, on the Arkansas River. His first office was that of agent's
interpreter, and about this time he married his first wife, in 1841, or
thereabouts. He was next appointed as national delegate to Washington,
and visited the capital in that capacity no less than fifteen times, from
year to year. It was during his stay in that city in the year 1855 or 1856,
that Mr. Stidham met Miss Thornsberry, a Virginia lady of great attraction,
and married her---his first wife being some time dead. During the war Mr.
Stidham was elected first chief of the Southern Creeks, but was counted
out, and therefore never took his seat. ON the return of the refugees after
the conclusion of the war, he was appointed Chief Justice, and was holding
that office when the present constitution was formed, in the year 1867.
After the adoption of the constitution he held the office for several terms
of four years, and was Chief Justice at the time of his death, March, 1891.
Mr. Stidham also represented his town, that of Hitchetee, in the House
of Warriors for several terms. When more recently elected to this office,
the people proposed to raise him to the House of Kings, but he preferred
the Lower House and remained there. Some time before the war Mr. Stidham
opened a mercantile establishment at the Creek agency, near Muskogee, but
was obliged to join the refugees, and went, with others, to Hopkins County,
Texas, where he purchased a section of land, and a tract of 6,000 acres
on the spot where Texarkana now stands. These lands were bought for him
through the instrumentality of General Albert Pike, but, unfortunately,
Mr. Stidham mislaid the deeds of the latter tract, and the official records
having been destroyed during the war, he was unable to establish his claim,
and lost this valuable piece of property. At the conclusion of the rebellion
the subject of our sketch returned to the Creek agency, resuming his former
clerk, became a partner in the store, purchasing Mr. Stidham's interest
three years later. Mr. Stidham then opened out a new business, which he
placed in the hands of J. G. Meagher, but finally sold out to Mr. J. Parkinson
in 1883 or 1884. The deceased, during those years, took an active interest
in agriculture, and may be said to have been the first man who planted
wheat in the Creek Nation. Importing a quatity of the seed, he distributed
it among the citizens of his neighborhood in the year 1855. He was also
the first to grow cotton in the vicinity of Muskogee, and was instrumental
in the introduction of the first threshing machine into the nation. In
company with C. C. Belcher, John Barnwall, J. McD. Coodey and two others,
G. W. Stidham was one of the first chartered members of the first Masonic
Lodge in the Creek Nation, and was made Master under the dispensation granted
to the first lodge. At the time of his death he was a Royal Arch Mason.
Mr. Stidham, by his first wife, has two living daughters, one of whom is
the wife of Captain G. W. Grayson. By his second wife he had a family of
five --- George, Mrs. Bailey, Albert, Mrs. Bennett and Theodore. The death
of Mr. Stidham, which occurred in March, 1891, cast universal gloom over
the Creek Nation. No citizen of the country was more highly esteemed; none
were more progressive or more useful in preparing the people for the the
great change that civilization was bringing about. His influence was great,
and his example such as will be long remembered by the rising generation.
It may be safely said that the name of George Washington Stidham will live
in the memory of his people until the last drop of Creek blood is merged
and lost in the irrepressible current of Anglo-Saxon blood.
Murphy, Rev. D. C. (pp. 381, 382) Biographical
Index
D. C. Murphy was born in Hickman County, Kentucky, the
son of James Murphy, of Cork, Ireland. Mr. Murphy was educated at the county
schools and soon after his father's death commenced laboring on his mother's
farm, where he remained until fourteen years of age. The twelve months
following he spent endeavoring to learn the printers' trade in Hickman,
Fulton County, Kentucky, but a certain wild vein in his nature conquered
his disposition to learn the trade and he ran off without a farewell, wandering
he cared not whither, and with no other object than the gratification of
a love for excitement and adventure. Mr. Murphy's life for the twenty years
following is, to use his own words, "better forgotten than recalled" ---being
wild and reckless in the extreme. He was virtually dead till his conversion
in 1869, which happened at a Methodist meeting in Henry County, Tennessee.
In 1871 he moved to Sebastian County, Arkansas, and in 1875 became a licensed
preacher, though he did not commence preaching until 1881, when he joined
the Claremont circuit under Rev. Y. Youing, presiding elder. After eighteen
months at this point, the subject of our sketch moved to the Caney circuit,
where he remained for four years. About 1885 he was ordained by Bishop
Granville, at Skulliville. When on mission work among the Osage Indians,
Mr. Murphy organized the first Protestant church ever established in their
nation. It was situated on Candy Creek, and had but seven members. Later,
in the town of Pawhusky, he established a membership of eighteen, seven
of whom were full-bloods. But the mission was not a success, as was proven
when the board ordered Mr. Belcher to supersede Mr. Murphy. The new incumbent
being a college graduate, the board concluded to try his educational experience
among the aborigines, but to no purpose, as the few converts made through
the agency of Mr. Murphy soon fell away, returing to their worship of the
Great Spirit. Soon afterwards the board abandoned missionary work among
the Osages. Mr. Murphy has been stationed for the past twelve months at
Eufaula, among the Creek Indians, whom he finds very susceptible to religious
training. They generally, however, fall in with the creeds of their parents,
or the first missionaries who happened to fall among them. Mr. Murphy has
been married three times. First to Barbara Pewitt, in Fulton County, Kentucky;
secondly to Adeline Pewitt, of Williamson County, Tennessee, by whom he
has eight living children, and lastly to Mrs. Lucy Lowry, who is now living.
Allen, Rev. David M. (pp. 455, 456)
Biographical
Index
Rev. David M. Allen was born April 25, 1840, at Denmark,
Tennessee, second son of Rev. D. J. Allen, a prominent member of the Memphis
conference; president of the Franklin Female College, Holly Springs, Mississippi;
and pastor of the Asberry Church, Memphis, Tennessee. David's mother was
a Miss F. Alison, and was married to Rev. D. J. Allen at Marion Court,
South Carolina. David attended public school until he was thirteen years
of age, when he went to Florence University, Florence, Alabama, where he
remained three years. He went to the Indian Territory in 1864, with General
Maxey, and in 1877 embarked in the cattle business, continuing the same
till 1885, when he became a convert, and at once began the work of elder
in the Presbyterian church. He was licensed the same year to preach, and
the following year (October, 1886) was ordained to the full gospel ministry.
The Rev. D. M. Allen's first Christian work was at Oowala, where he built
up a strong Presbyterian church, which is still upon the minutes of the
assembly. In 1887 he was transferred to Fort Gibson, where he worked for
three years, when the church grew from a membership of 31 to 97, and was
then the most prosperous church in the presbytery. In 1890 Mr. Allen was
sent, by order of the presbytery, to Vinita, at which place he has a flourishing
church, with an united membership and a large congregation. In connection
with his regular work, Mr. Allen has held evangelistic meetings throughout
the county, and has met with wonderful success. November 30, 1871, Rev.
David M. Allen married Miss Mary Price, daughter of Charles Price and Elvira
Nave, who was niece of Chief John Ross. Mrs. Allen is a lady of education
and refinement, lovable, charitable and an enthusiatic Christian worker.
Rev. Mr. Allen is about five feet eight inches, and weighs about 140 pounds;
is of gentelmanly address and intellectual appearance, with considerable
force of character. As a preacher he is classed among the foremost in the
territory; while he is also regarded as one of the most devoted of Christian
workers, whose example has not only in the past, but will in the future
lead many of his admirers to turn their minds more from things of the earth,
and build themselves a permanent mansion. Long may his influence be felt
among the people of Vinita and its surroundings.
Bertholf, Isaac W. (pp. 458, 459) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch is the fourth son of the late
Rev. Thomas Bertholf, the well-known Indian missionary, and Nancy Keys,
daughter of Isaac Keys, of Tahlequah district. He attended public schools
for some time, and completed his education at the national male seminary
in 1856. After some five years spent on the farm, Isaac joined the Confederate
service in 1862, under Stand Watie, and served in the battles of Cabin
Creek, Bird Creek, Honey Springs and other lessor engagements. At the outbreak
of the war, Rev. Thomas Berthold and Isaac's mother refugeed close to the
mouth of the Washita River, and on their return to the ranch on Bird Creek
in 1867, they found that Opothleyoholo's men had killed or driven off their
entire stock of cattle and destroyed the home by fire. Rev. Mr. Bertholf,
who had become missionary teacher at Asberry Mission in 1859, in 1867 returned
to that point, while Isaac assisted him on the mission farm till his father's
death, July, 1868. No good man was ever more sincerely or deservedly regretted
than Rev. Thomas Bertholf, whose name will be long cherished among the
Indian people. After his father's death, Isaac moved to Canadian district
for one year, and in 1869 opened a farm on the Arkansas River of 120 acres,
which he sold out in 1880, and moved twenty miles south of the head of
Elk Creek (or Durdeen Creek) and there cultivated a fine farm. In conjunction
with his brother-in-law, Stand Gray, they have a farm extending fully two
miles. Some of the land is immensely valuable, being underlaid with solid
iron ore thirteen feet thick, and in another spot coal three feet thick.
He has a good house, 200 head of cattle, 12 head of horses and mules and
a large stock of hogs. Mr. Bertholf was appointed tax collector in 1870
for four years, and in 1889 was elected auditor of the nation, which office
has just expired. His place is situated two and one-half miles from the
survey of a future railroad, and five miles from Checotah. Mr. Bertholf
is a man of excellent sense, and highly trustworthy in every respect. The
development of his iron claim will no doubt result to him in great wealth.
Stidham, George W. Jr. (p. 459) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born March 17, 1859, the
son of G. W. Stidham, deceased, who was the most prominent man of his day
among the Creeks. His mother was a Virginia lady -- a Miss Thornsbury --
of an old and highly respected family. Young George was sent to the neighborhood
school until the age of fifteen years, when he went to the Henderson Masonic
Institute, Henderson, Tennessee. Here he remained for five years, one year
in the interim being spent at home. After this he spent twelve months in
the School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, and from thence to the Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee, where he remained one year, after which
he returned home and commenced the practice of medicine. But he finally
concluded to discontinue his profession, and so entered the mercantile
house belonging to his father. Here he remained for five years, after which
he became a stockman, which business he carries on to the present day.
He is owner of 1,000 head of stock cattle, and has an enclosure of 1,200
acres, 200 of which are in cultivation. Mr. Stidham married Miss Bucknor,
daughter of Rev. H. F. Bucknor, the oldest missionary in the Creek Nation.
The issue of this marriage is: Ottie, born July, 1887; Lela, April, 1889,
and Sarah, 1891. Mr. Stidham was clerk of the supreme court for one term,
member of the board of education for one term, and executive or private
secretary under Samuel Checote and Ward Coachman during their respective
administrations. At present he is clerk of the upper House of Kings. Mr.
Stidham is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Eufaula, has held the office
of senior deacon for three years, and now holds that of senior warden.
He is a young man of superior education and business ability, possessing
an affable and gentlemanly address.
Gordon, William Frederick (pp. 190,
191) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in July, 1856, the
son of William Gordon, a half-breed Scotchman and Creek Indian. His parents
dying while he was quite young, William was carried North during the war,
and stayed at Osage, near the Sauk and Fox agency. At the conclusion of
the war he went to school at Drury College, Springfield, Missouri, for
two years. In 1879 he entered the mercantile house of his half brother,
Sam Brown, at Wealaka, with whom he worked for three years. After this
he took charge of his step-brother's cattle at Red Fork for one year, and
then moved back to the Sauk agency, where he clerked for J. B. Childs for
five months, at the end of which time he entered the employment of H. C.
Hall, at Red Fork. In 1883 he was elected to the House of Kings, and held
the office one term. His people might have well re-elected him, or done
a great deal worse, considering that, for a man so young and inexperienced,
he took a leading part in killing a bill that was introduced by a man named
Railey, of St. Louis, that provided for the fencing and inclosing of a
tract twenty-five miles square. This measure passed the House of Warriors
and was introduced to the Kings by a well-known citizen of Muskogee. Young
Gordon thereupon rose to his feet and told the assembled body that the
Creeks had no land to lease to the white men, and that the bill should
be tabled at once. It was done, and Railey returned to the bosom of his
family, a sadder yet a wiser man. Mr. Gordon has had some rough experience
during his life. When the notorious Belle Starr and her gang attacked the
store of Sam Brown, Gordon, while endeavoring to guard his step-brother's
property, received a blow on the head from a breech-loader which almost
stunned him. During the Esparhecher war he was clerking with two six-shooters
in his belt, ready, as he says himself, to fight for old Esparhecher till
the "crack of doom." Mr. Gordon married Lucy Pagoquay, a Euchee girl, but
they soon separated. By this marriage, however, he has one son, named Billy,
aged six years. Mr. Gordon afterward married Eliza Chiso, but she died
without issue, in twelve months after their marriage. William Gordon is
lightly built and nearly six feet high. He is quick and impulsive, like
all of his people, and courageous almost to a fault. In truth, it may be
stated that he does not understand the definition of the word fear. He
is well educated in the Indian languages, and speaks fluently the Creek,
Sauk and Fox and Euchee languages, while his knowledge of the English tongue
is very creditable to his scholastic opportunities.
Fisher, William (pp. 214, 215, 216)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch is the son of Samuel Fisher,
two-thirds white, and a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation. His mother
was three-fourths Indian. William received his first schooling in Alabama,
and coming to this nation in 1847, was sent to the Shawnee Mission, Kansas,
where he spent about two years. In 1850 he married Miss Sarah P. Lampkins,
a white woman, from Tennessee, after which he commenced farming on a small
scale. By this marriage he had nine children, five of whom are living ---
Henry C., Emma, Martha, Samuel and Annie. In 1855 he commenced trading
in the mercantile business on a limited scale, and by the outbreak of the
war he had a large stock of goods, but, being obliged to desert his home,
he lost everything. He then joined the Confederate army, under Col. C.
McIntosh, and continued in the service until the close, holding the ranks
of sergeant-major and first lieutenant throughout the campaign. Returning
to his home, Mr. Fisher refurnished his store to a moderate extent, and
has been ever since increasing his stock of goods, until he now carries
$6,000 worth of general merchandise. He is also owner of about 2,000 head
of cattle, 60 head of horses, and a large bunch of hogs, besides a gin
and mill valued at about $2,000. Mr. Fisher's ranch is beautifully situated,
fifteen miles west from Fishertown, commanding a fine view. His residence
is furnished with all the modern comforts. His pasture is fully one mile
in circumference. Mr. Fisher is five feet eleven inches in height, of excellent
intelligence and superior business capacity, of which his record is a sufficient
evidence. Although part Indian, yet he shows a large preponderance of white
blood. He is popular and influential among his people, and served them
in the National Council for eight years, until 1879, when his increasing
business required him to forsake politics. During the years which followed,
Mr. Fisher refused several most important offices, among them that of Supreme
Judge.
Williams, Rev. Mason Fitch (pp. 191,
192, 193) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born February 18, 1851,
at Louisville, Kentucky, the only son of the late Rev. Mason D. Williams
and Caroline M. Fitch. Rev. Mr. Williams was organizer and pastor of the
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Louisville, and died in 1852. His son, Mason
Fitch, graduated from Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1871, and came
to the Creek Nation, Indian Territory. In 1875 he took his degree as doctor
of medicine from the University of Louisville, Ky., and commenced the practice
of medicine in Muskogee, Indian Territory. In 1881 he took charge of a
drug store at that place, the business being his own, and also continued
his professional practice until the fire of 1887, in which he lost his
stock of goods. After that he entered the ministry and took charge of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he is at present the pastor. Mr. Williams
married Mrs. Mary E. Worcester Mason, widow of Dr. Charles Y. Mason, of
Mississippi, March 9, 1872. By this marriage they had three children, two
of whom are living --- Henry Cummings, born October 4, 1873, and Leonard
Worcestor, born July 8, 1875. Mrs. Williams is the youngest daughter of
Samuel Austin Worcestor, D. D. (prominent in Cherokee history), and sister
of Mrs. A. E. W. Robertson, of Muskogee. Rev. Mr. Williams is a man of
fine physique, about five feet eight inches in height and weighing 175
pounds. His address is courteous and his manners refined and affable. His
education is varied and extensive. Before joining the ministry, his reputation
as a physician was such as to insure him the largest practice in the country,
while he undoubtedly was among the few most skillful practitioners in the
Indian Territory. Since taking charge of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Williams
has increased the membership from fifty to eighty-five. He has also been
instrumental in the many improvements and remodeling and seating of the
church. He is local surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad,
and his ministerial work covers a radius of about eight miles. His medical
practice is now chiefly confined to the poor, and to the inmates of the
Presbyterian school and United States jail.
Halsell, William Electra (pp. 193,
194) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born June 7, 1851, in
the State of Kentucky, fourth son of E. Halsell, Esq., who moved to Texas
at an early date. William attended public school until eighteen years of
age, when he started in the stock business and carried it on until 1882.
During those years, in partnership wiht his brother Glenn, they accumulated
a large herd of cattle, selling out for $300,000. Moving to Vinita, Cherokee
Nation, the Halsell brothers bought another large herd, and in the spring
of 1884 dissolved partnership. Glenn, going to California for his health,
died in 1886. William, the subject of this sketch, married Miss Alice Crutchfield
in January, 1872. She is daughter to John Crutchfield, at one time a leading
stockman in Wise County, Texas. By this marriage Mr. Halsell has four living
children. Willie Edna, born July 16, 1873, died July 11, 1884. To the deceased
little girl the Halsell College, at Vinita, is dedicated, the college having
been erected chiefly through the assistance and support of Mr. Halsell.
Ewing, the oldest surviving child, was born February 12, 1877; Eva, born
February 21, 1886; Clarence, born November 4, 1889; Mary, March, 28, 1891.
Mrs. Halsell is a lady of great refinement and superior education, and
one of the most hospitable and popular persons in Vinita. She is a member
of the M. E. Church South, and is president of the Home Mission Society,
Vinita. Mr. Halsell is a tall, dignified, commanding and intellectual looking
gentleman of great business ability, and ever ready in his generosity to
assist in forwarding charitable institutions of any kind. He now owns 30,000
head of cattle in the Territory besides 6,000 in Texas and 1000 head of
an improved grade of horses. His real estate in Texas is worth from $10,000
to $12,000, and he owns one hundred lots in the town of Vinita. He has
also some 1,000 or 1,500 acres of land in cultivation. His residence in
Vinita is one of the finest in the Indian Territory. Mr. Halsell is a Masonic
member of old standing.
McIntosh, Rev. William F. (pp. 194,
195, 196) Biographical
Index
William F. McIntosh was born near the line of Alabama
and Georgia, November 12, 1824, the second son of Chilly McIntosh, of great
reputation, and grandson of old General McIntosh. His mother was Miss Porter,
whose parents emigrated at an early day from Pennsylvania to Alabama. William
F. attended a neighborhood school when twelve years of age, and in 1837
went to Coweta Mission, where he remained one season, after which he commenced
assisting his father in agriculture, until he married Miss Eliza Ilands,
January 8, 1848, by whom he had six children, two of whom are living ---
Sarah and Samuel. His wife dying in 1862, he afterward married Miss Bettie
Bertholf, who was part white and Cherokee, by whom he had three children,
one of whom is living ---named Thomas. His wife dying in 1875, he married,
in 1881, Mrs. Grayson, widow of the late Tom Grayson. By her he had one
child, named Lena. On returning from a missionary or preaching tour in
the nation, he was appointed by the Government as commander of a company
organized by the Creeks to protect the border against Kansas Jayhawkers
and other illegal trespassers. He continued commander until the company
joined the regular army at the breaking out of the war, when, after one
year's service, they were mustered out. Mr. McIntosh then devoted himself
assiduously to the preaching of the gospel, reorganizing all the churches
in his district, which were in a very poor condition. When the new constitution
was adopted, Mr. McIntosh was appointed District Judge of the North Fork
District, now known as Eufaula. This office he held for a length of time,
but was suspended one month before the lapse of his term, in consequence
of some false reports being made to the first chief, Samuel Checotah. The
friends of Mr. McIntosh then called together the district members for investigation,
and, finding the imputations entirely false, the chief reinstated Judge
McIntosh, but he refused to again accept the office. In 1881 he was elected
prosecuting attorney, but owing to his religious scruples he would not
accept the office. In 1887 he was elected a member of the House of Warriors,
which office he held until 1891. Mr. McIntosh has been forty-two years
(or more) a preacher in the Baptist Church, which religious body he has
largely advanced throughout the country. He is highly thought of among
his people ---- a pure, devout Christian, setting all other considerations
aside to aid in the christianizing of his people. He is about five feet
nine inches high and weighs 140 pounds; of gentlemanly bearing, handsome
of feature, and would be taken for a white man in any country. As a hunter
he had some strange experiences, and it may be said that few, if any, Western
men have killed more deer than he has. He has been all over the Indian
Territory on hunting trips, and is, to the present day, recognized as the
father of the chase among his people.
Jackson, Clifford L. (pp. 196, 197)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in Dayton, Ohio,
in 1857, the fourth son of George Jackson, an Englishman, and Anne A. Gillis,
of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Cliffor obtained his education in the country
schools in Pettis County and in the private schools of Sedalia, Missouri,
and under private tuition. In July, 1878, he commenced reading law, and
in 1889 was appointed deputy circuit clerk of Pettis County. In 1880 he
was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of law in Sedalia,
Missouri, in 1882. In 1884 he was nominated as prosecuting attorney for
Pettis County, by the Democratic party, but was defeated by a majority
of 130 in a vote of 8,000. In 1886 he located in Soccorro, New Mexico,
and in 1887 was appointed district attorney of the Second Judicial District
of New Mexico by Governor E. G. Ross, and resigned in February, 1889. In
April, 1889, he moved to the Indian Territory and located at Guthrie, and
on the 1st of September, 1889, was appointed general attorney for the Missouri,
Kansas and Texas Railroad for the Indian Terriotry, and has been engaged
in law practice in Muskogee since that time. Mr. Jackson is a man of gentlemanly
appearance and address, highly educated, and possessed of great legal ability.
McCombs, Rev. William (pp. 197, 198,
199) Biographical
Index
William is the eldest son of Samuel McCombs and Susan
Stinson, and grandson of Zacharias McCombs, and was born July 22, 1844,
seven miles east of Fort Gibson. His father was one of the hundred State
Dragoons selected by the Government of the State of Tennessee to go West
and prepare for the emigration of the Indians. After serving in this department,
he remained in the employment of the Government at Fort Gibson until 1850.
Mr. McCombs was a Scotchman by birth, and emigrated at an early date. Mrs.
McCombs was a half Creek and white woman, of the Stinson family, prominent
in the nation. In 1855 the subject of this sketch was sent to a neighborhood
school, but, his father dying soon afterward, he was obliged to look after
his mother and sisters and work for them, until the breaking out of the
war, when he joined the First Creek Regiment, under Col. D. N. McIntosh,
and was mustered out as adjutant. The general was frequently heard to say
that if all his men were like McCombs, he would fear neither strength nor
numbers. Mr. McCombs married Miss Sallie Jacob, March 17, 1864, on Red
River. This lady was daughter of Tacosar Hargo, a prominent Creek Indian
of the Tulsa Canadian Town, being a great hunter and ball-player. In May,
1868, he was licensed and ordained as minister of the Baptist Church, which
calling he has followed until the present time. He has also served as moderator.
As a preacher of the gospel, he is looked upon as the most fluent speaker
of the aboriginal language in the Creek Nation. His Christian labors have
been largely devoted to the Christianizing and elevating of the full-blood
Indians. Whe he first went among them they were very backward in the knowledge
of Christ, but they have recently been advancing with great rapidity, owing
chiefly to his individual efforts. In 1871 Mr. McCombs was elected to the
House of Warriors, and served four years, and in 1875 became Superintendent
of Public Instruction, holding that office six years. In 1881 he was elected
to the House of Warriors, and re-elected in 1889, and is now serving in
that capacity. Mr. McCombs has seven children living --- Lizzie (Mrs. Colbert),
born August, 1865; Sudie, September, 1867; William Penn, November, 1873;
Susie (now Mrs. Ewing), April, 1879; Tooker, August, 1880; Bettie May,
1882, and G. W. Grayson, April, 1887. The oldest of Mr. McCombs' children
have been educated in the States, while the others are receiving the best
instruction that the nation affords. He has 120 acres in cultivation and
a good, comfortable home; is a gentleman of fine address and good personal
appearance --- about five feet eleven inches high and weighs 185 pounds.
He is one-fourth Creek Indian by blood. Although Mr. McCombs is self-educated,
yet he would pass in any society as a collegian. He is a member of the
Masonic Order (Eufaula Lodge, No. 1), and has been such since 1874.
Ross, Hon. Joshua (pp. 199, 202) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in 1833, at Wills
Valley, Alabama, the son of Andrew Ross, and nephew of the celebrated John
Ross, principal chief of the Cherokees for forty years. His mother was
Susan Lowry, daughter of Major George Lawry, a prominent Cherokee. Joshua
came to the nation with his parents in 1836, and was educated partly at
Fairfield and Park Hill Missions and Reilly's Chapel, after which he proceeded
to Ozark Institute, Arkansas, graduating in 1855 at the Male Academy, Tahlequah,
and at Emory and Henry College, Virginia, in 1860. For his education at
the last named institution he is indebted to Major George M. Murrell, of
Park Hill, Indian Territory, who sent him thither and defrayed his collegiate
expenses. Joshua commenced life as a teacher in the Female Seminary at
Park Hill, in 1861, but the war broke out in six months afterward, and
he went to Fort Gibson and clerked in the sutler's store until the close.
Here he married Miss Muskogg Yargee, daughter of Milly McQueen, of the
McGibbery and Francis family and a grand-daughter of the Big Warrior, by
whom he has five children living, viz: Rosa (now Mrs. Miles), Susie, Joshua
Ewing, John Yargee and Jennie Pocahontas. Mr. Ross first held office as
member of the Grand Council of the Five Tribes, held at Okmulgee, Creek
Nation. In this capacity he was appointed on five occasions as a representative.
In 1874 Mr. Ross was eleced Secretary of the Indian International Fair
Association, held annually at Muskogee. He continued in this office until
last year, when he became president of the institution. (The post of President
was formerly filled by F. E. Severs, R. L. Owen, Leo E. Bennett, P. N.
Blackstone and J. A. Foreman respectively). Mr. Ross has been for some
time attending to pension and bounty claims, as an accommodation for the
people. In April, 1891, he engaged in partnership with W. F. Seaver, opening
a law office in the court house building at Muskogee. As an instance of
the perseverance and energy of Mr. Ross, he won the annual bonus premium
given by the Journal of Agriculture in 1873 for the largest number
of subscriptions sent in, he having gained by a large majority, despite
the fact that he was living in a thinly populated country, and was compelled
to ride an immense distance to accomplish his purpose. Mr. Ross is a highly
educated man. While attending Emory College he came within one of winning
the medal for oratory and elocution; and at the Male College, Tahlequah,
carried off the first honors of his class. He is at present writing a history
of his cousin, W. P. Ross, and publishing his speeches in book form, the
proceeds of the sale to be used in erecting a monument to the memory of
that illustrious citizen.
Standiford, J. F. (pp. 202, 204) Biographical
Index
J. F. Standiford is a native of West Virginia, part of
his life having been spent in Illinois and Kansas. He came to Muskogee,
Indian Territory, in the spring of 1878, and there erected his art gallery
and residence, engravings of which will be found in the grouped illustration.
Mr. Standiford is the only licensed photographer in the Indian Territory,
and has, without comparison, the neatest and best equipped gallery in the
nation. He is ably assisted in his work by his wife and sister, the latter
doing all the negative retouching, etc. A novel feature in the finishing
department is a revolving printing room, a most complete addition to his
gallery, and wholly an invention of his own, there being not another of
its kind in existence. Another original device --- his own recent invention
--- is an ingenious electric retouching apparatus, which is novel and useful.
Mr. Standiford is, unquestionably, one of the finest photographic artists
in the Southwest. A large number of the best engravings in this volume
have been made from photographs taken by J. F. Standiford.
Connell, Tamaya (pp. 204, 206) Biographical
Index
Born at Opocheaholo, Alabama, in 1829, the son of Naboktche,
a full-blood, who died about 1835, Tamaya and his mother emigrated to this
country with the last of the Creeks, settling down close to Fort Gibson.
His mother being without help, Tamaya was obliged to devote his time to
her support, and was therefore deprived of the chances of education. At
the age of twenty-four he was made chief of the Little River Tulsie
Town, which office he held four years, during the old constitution. At
the outbreak of the war he moved to Osage Mission, and in twelve months
joined the Federal army, under General Talsifixico, holding the rank of
corporal in Company I. He fought in five battles --- Kane Hill, Salt Creek,
White Water, Fort Gibson and Bird Creek, where he was wounded in two places,
escaping death in an almost miraculous manner, the buckle of his belt and
his cartridge-box breaking the force of the bullets and turning them aside
in both instances. Tamaya was married to a half-breed Spanish and Indian
woman named Hattie, by whom he had six children, named Martha, Mary, Moses,
Peter (dead), Ellie and Susan. His family are all married and doing for
themselves. Tamaya Connell has been a member of the House of Kings for
the past eight years, and has been just re-elected for the coming term.
He was prosecuting attorney, since the new constitution was adopted, for
a period of two years. He has also been a captain of Light Horse for the
same period, and is now captain of the Creek police during council term.
He is a man of good standing among his people, a lawyer by profession and
a fine speaker in the native language. He is five feet nine inches high,
and has a kindly and benevolent countenance, which is a true reflection
of his character.
Turner, Clarence W. (pp. 212, 214)
Biographical
Index
Born June 18, 1857, in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest son
of J. E. Turner, of Muskogee, and Julia Ayers. Clarence moved to Fort Smith
with his parents, September, 1867, where he attended a neighborhood school
until 1870. In 1874 he went to Jones' College, St. Louis, where he remained
three months. In 1870 he moved with his father to Okmulgee and assisted
him in the mercantile business. In the fall of 1875 he and William
Harveston bought out J. E. Turner, and they remained in partnership until
1880, when Clarence purchased Harveston's interest in the business and
conducted it until 1881, when he sold out to James Parkinson. In 1882 he
came to Muskogee and there purchased Mr. J. S. Atkinson's hardware store.
The following March Mr. Byrne bought an interest in the establishment,
the firm being known under the title of Turner & Byrne. In 1887 the
entire business portion of Muskogee was burned down, including the house
of Messrs. Turner & Byrne. After this they erected a fine two-story
and basement brick building, 52x100, at present the largest business house
in Muskogee. In November, 1889, Mr. Turner purchased his partner's interest
and is now sole proprietor of the establishment. He carries a stock of
about $45,000 of hardware, machinery, wagons, furniture and farming implements,
and does the most extensive wholesale business in the Indian Territory,
while his retail trade covers a large section of the country. He is the
owner of 3,000 head of cattle and a good improved farm of 500 acres, besides
a nice residence in Muskogee. In 1877 Mr. Turner married Miss Murray, a
Cherokee, by whom he had one child ---William D. ---born April, 1878. In
1884 he married Miss Tookah Butler, daughter of Ed. Butler, of old North
Fork Town and a merchant in that place. Mrs. Turner is part Cherokee and
a lady of superior education and many accomplishments. By this marriage
he has two children --Tooka, born August 3, 1886, and Clarence W., born
October 7, 1889. The subject of our sketch is five feet eight and a half
inches in height, and weighs 165 pounds. He is a man of gentlemanly address,
and is, undoubtedly, one of the best business men in the Indian Territory.
His great success is to some extent due to his popularity, as he is very
highly esteemed by all who know him.
Foreman, Rev. Stephen (pp. 216, 217)
Biographical
Index
The subject of our sketch was the son of a Scotchman
named Foreman, by a Cherokee wife. HIs father dying while Stephen was eight
or nine years old the boy was thrown, to a great extent, on his own resources.
Being very industrious, however, and exhibiting a good deal of ambition,
his friends aided him in procuring an education. During his youth he worked
pretty hard, and spent such money as he could accumulate on his schooling.
Dr. Worcester, the celebrated Presbyterian missionary, took him in charge
in his eighteen year and gave him a classical education. Stephen then went
to Richmond, Virginia, and there attended college for some years, after
which he completed his education at Princeton, New Jersey, and was soon
authorized and licensed by the Presbyterian Board to preach the gospel
among his own people. For many years Rev. Stephen Foreman was associated
with Rev. S. A. Worcester, and during the lives of these illustrious men
they translated the New Testament from English to the native (Cherokee)
language. When the Cherokees were removed from their old homes in Georgia
Rev. Stephen was given charge of 500 of their number, whom he conducted
safely to the new country about the year 1837 and '38. During his lifetime
Mr. Foreman filled in turn almost every public office but that of chief,
but he was especially devoted to religious and educational matters, and
was the first superintendent of public schools ever appointed in the Cherokee
Nation. After the war Mr. Foreman took charge of the missionary field discontinued
by the Presbyterians, and out of his meager and hard earnings erected a
church at Park Hill Mission which cost him $800. Not alone did this philanthropic
gentleman erect a fine house of worship, but he erected a temple of Christainity
in the hearts of the people. His labors unfortunately, however, came to
an end on the November 20, 1881. He died at Park Hill, and his dying request
was that if the Presbyterian Board desired the field which they had abandoned
during the war it should be given to them. The work so well commenced is
still being continued, and the remains of the loved and honored missionary,
Stephen Foreman, are laid away in the Park Hill Mission graveyard. He left
a family of five living children: John A., Austin W., Flora E., Minta R.
and Jennie L., now Mrs. C. McClellan.
Ellis, Jackson W. (pp. 217, 218) Biographical
Index
Jackson W. Ellis was born in Sweet Town, Cherokee Nation,
in 1859. In youth he attended the public schools, and as early as sixteen
years of age went to work on a farm. Jackson was the only son of the late
Edward Ellis, who, with his brother Samuel, was killed at Fort Gibson during
the war while corraling the horses of their company. At the age of twenty-one
he was appointed deputy sheriff of Tahlequah district, also sheriff of
commissioner's court; and later, in 1872, deputy warden of the national
penitentiary, and in the same year commissioner of the quarantine district.
In 1876 he went into the drug business until 1878, when he clerked for
the two years following in a mercantile house. In 1885 he was appointed
Deputy United States Marshal for Western District of Arkansas, and the
same year was apppointed on the Indian police force. He had not been employed
in this capacity over six weeks, when in self-defense, he shot down Bud
Trainer on the streets of Tahlequah. Jackson then moved to Fort Gibson,
where he was appointed city marshal. Here he shot and killed Dick Van,
who resisted arrest. Dick was the murderer of Captain Sixkiller, of the
Indian police, and a noted desperado. From thence he went to Atoka, where
he was appointed officer of the peace. During his four years here he shot
and killed Harry Finn, a desperado who had killed his father in Missouri,
and was following the business of whisky peddler. This was followed by
the shooting and capture of Charley Carter, a desperado and murderer, whom
the officer was tracing for some time. Jackson Ellis also shot and captured
Watson and Whitrock, both whisky venders and desperate men. In all these
instances Officer Ellis never outstepped the bounds of duty; such is the
public verdict, and all law-abiding citizens feel themselves indebted to
this fearless officer for clearing the country of so many "terrors to society."
In 1890 the subject of our sketch, in partnership with D. J. Folsom, commenced
the practice of law in Atoka, but the former was soon after appointed constable
for the second division United States court at South McAlester, under Judge
Shackelford, which office he is now holding. Jackson Ellis married Miss
Beatrice Becklehymer, by whom he had two children, neither of whom survived,
their mother following them to the grave in 1883. In 1885 he married Miss
Cordelia C. Smith, daughter of N. J. Smith, of Cherokee, principal chief
of the eastern band of Cherokees. Mrs. Ellis is a young woman of great
personal attractiveness, highly educated and possessing talents which,
in the social scale, place her on a footing with the most accomplished
of her sex. Jackson Ellis is fully six feet five inches in height, a fearless
determined man and a fine specimen of his race.
Archer, Thomas Jefferson (pp. 218,
219) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born March 17, 1861, the
seventh son of Dr. James Archer of South Carolina, a leading physician.
His mother was a Miss Key. Thomas attended district school until he was
fourteen years of age, when he went to Osage Mission Kansas, where he remained
one session. After this he went to Muskogee and there clerked in a hotel
until April, 1882, when he opened a small store on Verdigris River, twenty-one
miles east of Tulsa. When the Fisco was completed to Mingo he removed to
that point, and on its completion to Tulsa he followed the road there,
where he conducts a store at the present time. In 1887 he put up his present
store building, one of the finest in town. Mr. Archer is agent for the
Weir Plow Company, the Bain wagon and Buckeye machines, and carries a general
mercantile stock of about $7,000. In April, 1889, Mr. Archer married Miss
Annie Mobray, daughter of George W. Mobray, of Tulsa, who has recently
emigrated from England, and is pastor of the M. E. Church. By this marriage
they have one child, a daughter, named Mabel Grace, born June 18, 1891.
Mrs. Archer is a lady of refinement and education, and is an uncommonly
good musician. Mr. Archer is five feet eight inches in height, and weighs
150 pounds. He is a man of gentlemanly and intellectual appearance and
of good business capacity. He is owner of some 500 head of cattle and ten
to fifteen saddle horses.
Hardridge, Eli E. (pp. 219, 221) Biographical
Index
Eli E. Hardridge was born in February, 1858, the son
of Jonathan Hardridge (or Hardage), who was a son of Josiah Hardage, a
half-breed. His mother was a full-blood, named Lucy New. Jonathan Hardridge
came to this country and settled at the mouth of Cane Creek, where Eli
was born. The young man was at first sent to the Checotah neighborhood
school, and afterward went to Tallahassee Mission, where he remained nearly
five years, defraying the expenses of his own clothing and other incidentals
by laboring during vacation. For this Eli is entitled to great credit.
After leaving Tallahassee he was sent, at the expense of the nation, for
three years, to Wooster College, Ohio, where he went through his Freshman
course, but was obliged to leave before graduating, owing to the failure
of his health. Young Hardridge, with his mother, father, aunt and cousin,
John Berryhill, refugeed in Texas, south of the Red River line, at the
outbreak of the Civil War. His father built a log house and planted a small
patch of corn, which, with the assistance of game, was their main support
during the long years of exile. Eli's father at one time manufactured a
pair of shoes and traded them off to a United States citizen for a cow,
which they killed and ate. In 1866 the family returned to the Creek Nation
and settled at High Springs, near the old council grounds, and farmed for
some years, his father dying in 1868. In 1884 Eli was appointed clerk to
Judge Dick Bruner, at Tuskegee, which office he held one season. In 1885
he was elected by the council as janitor to both houses, and held the office
during the next year. In 1886 to 1887 he was appointed to do special work
for Judge Harlan at the Muskogee courts, and in 1888 filled the same place
under Judge George Sowers for a period of twelve months. In 1890 he was
called to fill the unexpired term of Cussetah Micco in the House of Kings,
and was one of the youngest members that ever served in that body. On September
1st he was elected to the House of Warriors, to represent Cussetah Town.
Mr. Hardridge has a farm in cultivation, which he tends himself. He has,
also, a small stock of cattle and ponies. His mother, who learned the English
language at Tallahassee is now residing at Okmulgee, while her son takes
charge of the farm. The subject of our sketch is a young man of intelligence,
is bright and ambitious, and speaks English fluently.
Martha, Hotulke E. (pp. 221, 223) Biographical
Index
The second chief of the Creek Nation was born two years
after the close of the Red Stick War. His father was General Bullet (in
the aboriginal language, Thecham Hargo), of the Okchaye Town. His mother
was Semarharke, a follower of Hoppercheaholo. Hotulke E. Martha and his
people belonged to the anti-McIntosh party, remaining in Alabama till from
1833 to 1836. The subject of this sketch entered into public life five
years after coming to this country (in 1841), and has been ever since a
lawmaker during the old, and since the establishment of the present constitution.
From 1867 to 1887 he was member of the House of Kings, and since then has
been second chief. During the war Hotulke E. Martha served as lieutenant
in the Confederate army under General Cooper. After this he devoted his
attention to farming and has 125 acres in cultivation. He belongs to the
Bear clan, is not a member of any church or secret society. He has a family
of three children, living: Wiley Bucknor, Marcia and Ida. Hotulke E. Martha
is a kind, good man and greatly beloved by his people.
Davis, Charles A. (p. 223) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born July 3, 1851, at
Clarksville, Arkansas, second son of Ben Davis, of Clarksville, Arkansas,
a prominent merchant before the war. Charles' mother was the daughter of
Charles Poston, of Springfield, Missouri, a trader at that point. Charles
went to Kane Hill College, Arkansas, for three years. Leaving there in
1871 he opened a livery business in Clarksville, Arkansas, and carried
it on until 1875. In that year he sold patent pumps in Texas, and in 1876
began farming and raising stock in the eastern portion of the Cherokee
Nation. In 1889 he opened a grocery house in Chelsea, which business he
still carries on. On October 30, 1877, he married Miss Alice V. Russell,
daughter of John Russell, a farmer and stockman. Her mother was a Miss
McClure, a part Cherokee. Mr.and Mrs. Davis have four children -- John,
born October 19, 1883; Lyta, born March 12, 1887; Arthur, born March 10,
1889 and Mabel, born January 31, 1891. Mr. Davis carries a stock of about
$1,500, is the owner of his building, an improved farm of 300 acres, some
horses and cattle, and a nice town residence. He is about five feet eight
and a half inches and weighs 137 pounds, is a pleasant, agreeable-mannered
man and possesses good business qualifications. He is a member of the Odd
Fellows' lodge.
Willison, James Dandridge (pp. 223,
225) Biographical
Index
James Dandridge Willison was born in December, 1852,
the second son of J. W. Willison and Catherine McIntosh, sister to the
present Colonel D. N. McIntosh, one of the leading men of the Muskogee
Nation. James' father was a white man from Virginia, who settled in Jefferson,
Texas, at an early day, having emigrated with his father from England in
1704, being a member of Sir William Calander's family. The subject of our
sketch has the old family Bible, printed in 1585, which contains this record.
At the age of twenty-two Mr. Willison settled fifteen miles south of Muskogee,
and began farming and raising stock. Five years afterward he moved to Eufaula,
and in three years to Fort Gibson, where he remained until 1891, when he
returned to Muskogee and went into the hotel business. He is now proprietor
of the Elliott Hotel, on the east side of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas
Railroad track. Mr. Willison married Miss Mary Mackey , in June, 1879,
the eldest daughter of W. T. Mackey, ex-auditor of the Cherokee Nation.
By this marriage they have four living children --- Howard, Dandridge,
Irene Bowers and James Mackey. Mr. Willison has a pasture of 35,000 acres
south of town, in which he grazed for other parties 13,000 head of cattle
the season. He has 400 acres of farm, with a good residence situated thereon,
besides horses, oxen and a large stock of hogs. His freighting outfit cost
him $2,000. He has also been engaged for six years in the lumber business.
Mr. Willison is five feet ten inches high, and weighs 140 pounds. He is
a man of gentlemanly appearance, intelligent, and possessing sound business
judgment. Although Mr. Willison has refused political honors and remained
conservative in questions involving national interest, yet he is a man
of very considerable popularity, and would doubtless make a successful
politician, if he so desired.
Cobb, John O. (pp. 225, 227) Biographical
Index
Born June 4, 1842, the seventh son of Sylvester Cobb,
of Tennessee, the subject of our sketch attended public school until seventeen
years of age, when he commenced railroading, and continued the business
for three years, when the war broke out and he joined the Federal army,
holding the positions of private, second and first lieutenant, and finally,
captain of his company. After the close of the war he came to the Cherokee
Nation with Colonel John J. Humphrey, at that time agent for the Cherokees.
In 1867 he established a trading post at Webber's Falls, Canadian District,
under the firm name of Cobb & Hutton. Here he remained until 1874,
when he went to Gibson Station, where he sold goods, and in 1877 moved
to Claremore, where, in the same business, he had a large trade and a good
stock ranch. In May, 1880, he started in the livery business at Muskogee,
purchasing Hammer & Cunningham's interest. Here he remained until the
spring of 1882, when he again embarked in the cattle business, near Muskogee,
continuing the same until 1886. After the big fire in the before-mentioned
town, Mr. Cobb purchased Dr. Williams' old stand, where he erected a good
frame building and furnished it with a large and varied assortment of drugs,
school books, stationary, jewelry, paints, etc., together with a fine display
of toilet ornaments and other fancy goods. He carries on hand a stock of
from $7,000 to $10,000. Mr. Cobb owns a farm of 300 acres in cultivation,
with an orchard containing about 6,000 fruit trees, two and a half miles
from Muskogee. He is also owner of 150 to 200 head of cattle and about
forty-five head of stock horses of a superior grade, many of them bred
from his fine Hambletonian horse Felix, which stands sixteen and a half
hands and weighs nearly 1,500 pounds. Mr. Cobb married Miss Eudora Moffett,
March 4, 1869, eldest daughter of Robert Moffett, a white man, who married
a Cherokee citizen. By this marriage he has four living children, named
Henry, Lulu, Eudora and Belle. Mrs. Cobb died May 30, 1881, after giving
birth to twins, who only survived their mother a couple of months. Mr.
Cobb is a gentleman of refinement, highly educated, and a thorough business
man withal. He is five feet ten inches in height, and weighs 150 pounds.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
Thompson, William Presley (pp. 227,
229, 230) Biographical
Index
This promising and popular young lawyer was born in Smith
County, Texas, November 19, 1866, the son of James Franklin Thompson, of
Scotch-Irish parentage, and one-sixteenth Cherokee. His mother was Miss
Callie E. McCord, of South Carolina, and whose family are to-day influential
and wealthy landed proprietors in the northern part of Scotland. When but
three years old, William moved with his parents to Beattie's Prairie, Delaware
District, Cherokee Nation, from Smith County, Texas, and there attended
the public schools until he was fifteen years of age. In February, 1882,
he entered the Male Seminary, and in 1884 took the degree of B. S., at
the age of seventeen. He then received the appointment of teacher at Oak
Grove, in the Going Snake district, and taught for one year. In September,
1885, he entered the Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, and attended
the literary department for three years, acquiring a substantial knowledge
of the modern languages and classics. In 1888 he became a law student,
entering that department and graduating in June, 1889. Thus the subject
of our sketch completed a two-year course, obtaining his degree of LL.
B., in nine months' time. William's father dying while his son was but
eight years of age, he was, therefore, thrown upon his own resources in
boyhood, and for this reason is deserving of great credit for completing
his own education. In the summer of 1889 Mr. Thompson was admitted to the
Tennessee Bar, and, immediately afterward, to the practice in the United
States Courts at Muskogee, Creek Nation. In the same year he was elected
clerk of the Lower House of the Cherokee Legislature and served two terms,
until November, 1891, when he was elected clerk of the Senate, serving
but seventeen days until he resigned to assume the position of secretary
of the treasury, at a salary of $1,500 per year. Early in the campaign
of 1891 Mr. Thompson was called upon by the Mayes men to assume the charge
of the Indian Sentinel, the organ of the Downing party. It was then
that the subject of this sketch first exhibited his characteristic qualities,
combining the elements of a first-class journalist with the tact and shrewdness
of a thorough statesman. Incalculatable was the influence brought to bear
throughout this canvass by the Sentinel and its fearless editor,
who, laying aside all personal risk, "hewed to the line," until the chips
almost completely covered or obscured some members of the opposite faction.
Mr. Thompson was the first who ever brought about a joint canvass of the
country, the various candidates meeting and expressing their opinions upon
the issues of the day. At the close of the campaign Mr. Thompson resigned
his editorial seat on the Sentinel and returned to his law practice,
in conjunction with Messrs. Hastings and Boudinot. With the former he has
been in partnership since July, 1890, and with the latter since November,
1890. His connection with Mr. Hastings (now attorney-general) dates from
their school-days to the present, having been playmates, scholars, teachers,
and now, law partners. And it may be well said of the firm of Thompson,
Boudinot & Hastings, that none stand higher in the Cherokee Nation,
while few can boast of an equal reputation. Mr. Thompson's practice, as
a third partner, reaches to $2,000, or thereabouts, his work extending
to the United States Courts of Fort Smith and Muskogee, and the Supreme,
Circuit and District Courts of the Cherokee Nation. Mr. Thompson, while
at college, distinguished himself as a debater and a fluent speaker, as
well as a good essayist, and there are few in his country who can equal
him in these acquirements. He is owner of a farm of 200 acres in cultivation,
in the Delaware District, which is well stocked, while he has also a quantitu
of timbered land. His yearly income at present represents $4,000, which
is unusally large for a young man his age. To briefly sum up the characteristics
of our subject, Mr. Thompson appears before the world as a prepossessing
gentleman, with a polished address, genial and friendly in society, while
his education is far beyond the average. Beneath all this, however, he
possesses a force of character and a spirit of enthusiasm that are destined
to overcome great obstacles and render their possessor (with sufficient
ambition) an illustrious citizen of his country.
Davis, Wm. H. (pp. 232, 233) Biographical
Index
William H. Davis, familiarly known as "Kinney" Davis,
was born in the Flint District, April 8, 1838, the son of William A. Davis,
M. D., a Virginian of Welsh and Irish descent, and Mary Burns, daughter
of Arthur Burns, who married a Lowry. Dr. Wm. A. Davis was one of the delegates
that made the Ridge treaty, and happened to be present at the killing of
John Ridge, being called upon in his professional capacity to attend Mrs.
Ridge, who was then in bad health. Kinney's father settled in Flint district
in 1838, where the subject of this sketch attended public school until
fourteen years of age, when he entered the Tahlequah Male Seminary, and
graduated with Chief Mayes and Dr. William Campbell, they being the only
survivors of the graduating class of that season. Mr. Davis commenced teaching
after he left college, and continued until the outbreak of the war, when
he enlisted in Stand Watie's Cherokee Regiment and served until the end
of 1861. He next joined Bryant's Battalion, and afterwards was transferred
to the Second Cherokee Regiment under Co. W. P. Adair, where he served
as commissary of the regiment. He was recommended for brigade commissary,
but the war closed before he received his commission. After the campaign
Mr. Davis was recommended by Chief Thompson and elected by council as member
of the Board of Education. He was re-elected December, 1877, and in June,
1881 was again elected under Chief Bushyhead. In January, 1888, he was
once more called upon under the Mayes administration to fill the office
of member of the Board of Education, which office expired in 1890. He was
then apppointed principal teacher in the Cherokee Orphan Asylum, and held
that position until the fall of 1890. In 1870 Mr. Davis married Eliza Lowry,
daughter of Anderson Lowry, who was a son of Greorge Lowry, for many years
second chief of the Cherokees, and the only national celebrity whom the
Cherokees have ever honored with a monument, which is located in Tahlequah,
the capital. Mr. Davis has six children: Lowry, Percy, Kinney, Eugene,
Mary and Andrew Jeff Davis. Mr. Davis has been four times on the Board
of Education, and has been each time chairman. He is a modest, unassuming
gentleman, whose knowledge, nevertheless, is extensive and varied, being
deeply read on many subjects. His reputation for honesty of purpose and
action stands high, while his goodness of nature endears him to all of
his acquaintances. Mr. Davis resides close to Manard Post Office, Tahlequah
district.
Parris, E. P. (p. 234) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in Tahlequah District,
September, 1857, the son of Johnson Parris and Delilah Chicken, both half-breeds.
After having received his education in the Illinois district schools, he
was appointed deputy sheriff under R. M. French at the national prison,
which office he retained three years. In 1880 he entered the business establishment
of W. T. Rasmus, at Tahlequah, and there remained until 1884, when he was
employed by Messrs. Smith & French for two years, and later by John
A. French (after the dissolution of the firm) for three years. Mr. Parris
then went to work for Messrs. Laurence & Co., until his apppointed
as deputy United States constable for the Indian Territory, in 1890, which
position he resigned in the fall of 1891, being elected Sheriff for the
Tahlequah district over Jay Clarke and Naked Head, which office he holds
at present. Mr. Parris has been a suppporter of the National party for
fourteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Order and the "Palm and Shell,"
and is an ambitious, progressive and promising young man.
Ross, William P. (pp. 234, 235, 236,
237, 238) Biographical
Index
William Potter Ross was a native of the old Cherokee
Nation, and was born August 28, 1820, on the Ross ancestral farm, at the
foot of Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, on the Tennessee River. His
father came over the sea from Scotland. His mother was a Cherokee, and
a sister of Chief John Ross. In childhood he was trained at home, and in
youth was a bright and promising boy, of good deportment, which attracted
the attention of his uncle, who claimed the pleasure of bearing the expense
of his education, for his father's fortune of $10,000 was lost in the payment
of security for a defaulter. This rich and rare opportunity for travel
and mental cultivation was fortunately accepted, and improved. The love,
admiration and desire to advance the fortune of talent and merit in his
clan and young kin, thus manifested by the offer of John Ross, inspired
the will of Wm. P. Ross to develop his mental powers for the work of educated
manhood found in the fields of the Cherokee Nation. An educated man, he
loved his uncle, supported his administrations and defended the old man
to the end of his life. He was sent to the mission school in Wills Valley,
Alabama; Greenville, East Tennessee; Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and graduated
at Princeton College, with the honors of his class in 1842. While he was
pursuing his classical studies in the North, the reluctant Cherokee Indians
had left forever their mountain homes in the land of Alabama, Carolina,
Georgia and Tennessee, and, forced by the treaty of 1835, had emigrated
to the sunset hills of the Indian Territory, where they fortunately united
in one nation with the Western Cherokees of Tah-lou-teskee, near the mouth
of the Illinois River. They ran the lines and named judicial districts,
elected officers under a constitution formed from the act of union and
treaties; located Tahlequah, the capital, in 1841; accepted missions, opened
eleven public schools, and organized Bible and temperance societies. The
foundation of the Cherokee government was thus laid and the officers elected
for terms of two and four years ---- when William P. Ross, returning South,
to Lookout Mountain, followed the path of emigrated Cherokees West, and
found his father's house at Park Hill, in the summer of 1842. After teaching
the Indian children of Fourteen Mile Creek, in their log cabin school-house,
a Methodist church of Rev. John Fletcher Boot, and after hearing the wampum
explained by Assistant Chief Major George Lowry to the chiefs and warriors
of twenty-one nations and tribes, in a grand June council of peace assembled,
in the month of October, 1843, William P. Ross appeared for business at
the capital, under the council shed of Tahlequah. He was welcomed by the
Chief, presented and introduced to the Senate and Council. He was chosen
clerk of the Senate, and during that session of the National Council was
elected editor of the Cherokee Advocate. Its first number appeared
in September, 1844, with the significant motto: "Our Country, Our Rights,
Our Race." A leading aspiration of the national journal was to encourage
and stimulate the Indian mind in the cultivation of science, law, religion
and agriculture, and, next, to enlighten the world with correct information
and true Indian news. Its prospectus and editorials, in composition and
sentiment, were fine specimens of English literature and very able productions
of the accomplished young Cherokee editor. William P. Ross drafted many
acts found in the Cherokee code of laws, assisted council and chiefs to
build on the foundations laid in treaties and constitution, the schools,
seminaries and asylums of the Cherokee Nation, where many Cherokee youth
have been educated, who will read and learn in the history of the nation
that he was the firm friend of youth and a wise patron of schools for nearly
fifty years of his public life with the rulers of the Cherokee Nation.
Often, from 1846 to 1886, he was the peer of eminent Indian delegations
to Washington City. His arguments before the Interior Department and Congressional
Indian committees disclosed his perfect knowledge of Indian treaties and
proclaimed him an Indian master of English composition and American eloquence
--- a writer, orator and statesman. Diligence, ability and fidelity won
him the respect and friendship of learned statemen. He wrote the amendments
to the constitution required by the treaty of 1866, which the people, in
convention, adopted after he was made principal chief by the National Council,
to fill the vacant seat of John Ross, who died in Washington City in the
summer of 1866, and was buried at Park Hill, Cherokee Nation --- the inscription
on the granite monument is: "Chief John Ross." In 1870 Wm. P. Ross represented
the Cherokee Nation at Okmulgee, in the grand Indian council provided by
treaty for the Indian Territory, and there his voice was heard with admiration
and confidence, as that of an elder brother, by the Indian delegates from
other nations and tribes. In 1874 the National Council seated him in the
vacant chair of the lamented Chief Lewis Downing. After administering the
laws for the two unexpired terms of the illustrious dead chieftains with
impartial ability and great satisfaction to his people, W. P. Ross retired
to private life, but was soon called from his vineyard, farm and orchard
to fill the editorial chairs of the Indian Journal at Muskogee,
the Indian Chieftain at Vinita, and the Indian Arrow at Fort
Gibson and Tahlequah, newspapers owned and operated by stock companies.
He was stockholder and Cherokee Vice-president of the Indian International
Fair Association and Agricultural Society, at Muskogee. Again called to
public service by his national friends, he was made President of the Board
of Education. A judge of the court on citizenship claims, he dispatched
business will fidelity and intelligence, being an able and experienced
attorney at law. In 1890 he represented Illinois district in the Senate,
and was made chairman of the Cherokee committee appointed to navigate six
million acres of land west of Meridian 96 with the United States Commission.
No agreement was reached and the commission was recalled, and retired,
with thanks and compliments to the venerable chairman for his respectful
management of the business. His last important speech in the Senate of
the Cherokee Nation was on a bill to operate, sustain, continue and endur
the Cherokee Male and Female Seminaries. Education will teach the Cherokees
to improve their homes and impart the influence of power to protect their
lands forever. Such were the sentiments of William P. Ross in the closing
speech of an honored public life, prolonged to nearly fifty years of active
and eminent service rendered his people of the Cherokee Nation. His life
is a part of the Cherokee history. Full of years and honors, William
P. Ross died a senator of the Cherokee Nation, Monday morning, July 28,
1891, aged seventy-one years. In conversation, on Sunday, he said to his
wife Mrs. Mollie Ross, that he never did an act of which their children
would ever be ashamed; that he believed in the great hereafter, rewards
and punishments, death and immortality, eternity and God. He knew the Way
of Life and was a Christian. Under a meridian sun, Tuesday, July 29, 1891,
the remains of William P. Ross were laid to rest by the hands of his kin,
his neighbors, his Presbyterian friends and his Masonic brothers from Tahlequah,
Fort Gibson and Muskogee, in the Cherokee National Cemetery, on the prairie
hill near Fort Gibson, the town of his home, under the green branches of
the cedar planted there by himself. That evergreen is an emblem of the
immortality of a well-spent life. The name and virtues of William P. Ross,
loved in life and lamented in death will go to posterity through traditions
and history as a Cherokee writer, orator and statesman.
Kinney, John V. (pp. 247, 248) Biographical
Index
John V. Kinney was born February 14, 1828, in Girard,
Pennsylvania, the eldest son of Sidney Kinney, a farmer and stock-raiser.
His mother was a Miss Tower, of German descent. John attended public school
until he was about eighteen years of age, when he assisted his father for
one year on the farm. When nineteen years old he went to Michigan, and
was there connected with the livery and stage business for some years,
when he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, and became a wagon-master for the
government on the plains, and continued in that capacity until 1862. Joining
the Federal army, under Col. Moonlight, he remained in the service until
the end of the war, and, after its close, commenced farming in Leavenworth
County, where he remained until 1868, when he went to the Cherokee Nation
with the Delaware tribe. On his arrival he once more commenced farming
and stock-raising, and continues the business to the present day. In August,
1858, he married Miss Eliza Ketchum, daughter of the Rev. Charles Ketchum,
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North, who was three-fourths Delaware,
and highly revered and beloved by his people. He was well known in Washington
City, where he served as a delegate for his tribe on several occasions.
Rev. Charles Ketchum was also second chief of the Delawares, and filled
other responsible positions. Mrs. Kinney is a lady of good education and
refinement, and is greatly respected by everybody. Mr. Kinney is a man
of fine physical form and intellectual appearance, with a good practical
education and business ability. He is generous and hospitable and therefore
quite popular. His property consists of 650 acres of land in cultivation,
near Lenopah Station, and a good residence, with orchard and gardens. His
farm is known as the Hickory Creek Springs. He has also 35 head of cattle,
20 head of horses and about 100 head of hogs.
Wilson, John Franklin (pp. 248, 250)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born August 21, 1861,
in Quitman, Wood County, Texas, the only son of John W. Wilson and Ellen
Thompson, a Cherokee by blood. After his parents died in 1869, he was sent
to school in the neighborhood for four years, and in 1878 went to Alexander
Institute, Kilgore, Texas, where he remained one year. Returning to Wood
County he commenced farming, and continued it for two years, after which
he attended bar for Col. G. W. Haines, of Quitman, for about the same length
of time. Moving to Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, he accepted a position as
clerk for Johnson Thompson, of that place, for twelve months, after which
he entered R. M. French's establishment, remaining in that position but
seven months, until he purchased the livery stable built by Mr. Alberty,
and embarked in the livery business, in which he still continues. Dr. Wilson
married Miss Ida Jeffers, of Berryville, Arkansas, July 29, 1889, a daughter
of John Jeffers, a white man, and brother of Drs. Captain Adair, of Tahlequah.
By this marriage they have one child, born May 7, 1890. Dr. Wilson's stable
consists of sixteen horses, four buggies and five hacks, while his building
and lot is valued at $2,500. He is also owner of a farm of 250 acres, two
miles west of town, sixty acres of which is in good cultivation, and as
small stock of cattle, hogs, etc. Dr. Wilson is six feet high, weighs 195
pounds, and is a man of fine intellectual appearance, full of energy and
enterprise and very popular.
Smith, Charles Scott (pp. 252, 255)
Biographical
Index
This gentleman was born in September, 1849, the eldest
son of Rev. J. G. Smith, a Baptist minister of Eufaula, and of the Creek
tribe of Tuckabatche Town, and a very prominent man among his people. At
six years of age Charles commenced attending neighborhood school, and continued
until 1862, when he went to Fort Smith to complete his education. But at
the outbreak of the war he returned to his father's home, and with others,
joined a band of refugees that sought safety on Red River, Chicksaw Nation.
Here he remained until 1866. Two years later he went to the Buchanan School,
Cane Hill, Arkansas, where he remained four months. When the new Cane Hill
college was built young Smith attended during two terms, leaving that institute
in 1870, at his father's death, and assuming charge of the family until
1873, when he married Miss Lou Grayson, daughter of Jim Grayson, of Eufaula.
By this marriage he had three children --- Ada, aged twelve years; Jay,
ten years, and Horace Greeley, six years. In 1871 Mr. Smith was elected
clerk of the House of Representatives, serving one term. In 1875 he became
one of the associate judges of the supreme court, holding that honorable
position until 1887, when he concluded to resign from judicial and political
life. Mr. Smith has 800 acres of farm land, 300 of which is in pasturage.
He has also a small stock of cattle, horses and hogs. Mr. Smith is a man
of superior judgment, good education, and is very popular. He is about
five-eighths Indian, but would pass anywhere for an Anglo-Saxon.
Robison, William (pp. 255, 257, 258)
Biographical
Index
Born, Feb. 8, 1833, near Muskogee, Creek Nation, the
eldest son of Dr. Alexander Robison and Elizabeth Reed. Dr. Reed was a
white man from Columbus, Ga., and government physician by appointment for
the Creeks during their emigration West. He married in 1832, the daughter
of a United States citizen known by the name of Long Reed, who married
a full-blood Creek of the Thlopthlocco or Deer clan. The subject of our
sketch went to a neighborhood school near the mouth of Little River at
the age of nine or ten years, and at about fifteen went to Shawnee Mission,
two and a half miles from Westport, Mo., where he remained one year, moving
to Asberry Mission, when, after one session he left for Alabama, sojourning
two years at the Warrior Stand Academy. William's father, being a practical
man, induced his son to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he did, devoting
more than two years to its accomplishment. But on returning home, young
Robison found that he could make a living much easier than with an anvil
and so became a clerk for G. F. McClish, a Chicksaw, who had a store at
the mouth of Little River. About this time, 1856, he married Miss
Adeline McClish, oldest daughter of Judge Jas. McClish, of Tishomingo,
and first judge of that nation after the completion of the Chicksaw constitution.
By this marriage they had six children, five of whom are still living,
viz.: Josephine, born December, 1856; Alina R., born 1857; George F., born
1861; William R., born 1864; and Amos R., born 1870. When the war broke
out Mr. Robison joined the Confederate service under Col. John Jumper --Seminole
battalion. In this service he was elected first lieutenant. At the first
re-organization he was elected captain, and when they re-organized into
a regiment, Mr. Robison was made lieutenant-colonel, which post he maintained
with honor until the surrender. After the war he opened a mercantile business
at the mouth of Caddo Creek, after which he moved his business to the Creek
Nation, and was elected district judge of Deep Fork, serving a term of
two years, when he was elected member of the House of Warriors, and afterward
school superintendent. After serving one year in this capacity, he became
interpreter to the House of Kings for four years, and afterwards member
of that body, which office he held for twelve years. In 1891, he was appointed
superintendent of Wetumka National Labor School, which institute he is
now in charge of. Nov. 1, 1872, he married Mrs. Cherokee Barnett, widow
of Washington Barnett, brother to Timothy Barnett, national treasurer.
By this marriage he had two boys, Ellis Edwin, born July, 1873, and Robert
Clem, born October, 1874. During the Esparhecher rebellion, Colonel Robison
was appointed by Samuel Checotah as commander of the national forces, with
headquarters at Okmulgee. The first fight took place at Rock Fork Creek,
near Springfield, Col. Robison having seven of his men killed, they being
taken by surprise when in camp. The Colonel, with one thousand men followed
Esparhecher for forty miles, until overtaken by Agent Tuft, who requested
Col. Robison to return to Okmulgee, that he would endeavor to make peace
with the disaffected parties, which was afterward accomplished. Col. Robison,
however, had to move from his home place, as it was in the enemy's settlement;
so he opened a livery stable in Muskogee and continued the same for four
years, when he sold out and moved to his present home on Van's Lake, between
the Arkansas and Verdigris. The subject of our sketch has 150 head of cattle,
25 horses, and 200 acres under fence, 150 of which is in cultivation, with
a good house, garden and orchard. He has also a fine residence and other
property in Muskogee. Col. Robison is 6 feet 2 inches high, and weighs
150 pounds. He is of good appearance and good address --- a man of wide
knowledge and sound judgment. No man in the nation is more widely and favorably
known, and he has a host of friends among all races and color. Col. Robison
has nine children living.
Daniels, Robert Buffington (pp. 259,
260) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born January, 1815, the
eldest son of Judge James Daniels, a prominent Cherokee. Robert was educated
in the States, and at twenty-one years of age married Miss Ann Taylor,
second daughter of Richard Taylor. After the marriage they settled on Bates
Prairie, Cherokee Nation, where he followed farming until the outbreak
of the war, when they refugeed in the Choctaw Nation until 1865. The war
being at an end, Mr. Daniels and his family returned to their home on Bates
Prairie, but, being penniless, with difficulty managed to secure a living
until appointed a member of the supreme bench, which office he held one
term, when he became chief justice of the nation. In August, 1871, he was
elected second chief, and on the following January 16th (his birthday)
he died, deeply regretted by the entire Cherokee people. He was a man of
good practical education and force of character. In 1882 Mrs. Daniels moved
to Vinita after her daughter's marriage and her son's death, and is now
living in a nice residence. She is seventy years old, though she appears
much younger. She is kind and charitable and much beloved and respected.
Belcher, Christopher C. (pp. 264, 266)
Biographical
Index
Christopher was born in Abington, Va., September 10,
1830, the only son of G. W. Belcher of the same town. His mother was a
Miss Eliza De Noyle, of French descent. Christopher first went to school
in Virginia, and from thence to his uncle L. C. De Noyle, of Nashville,
Tenn., where he remained till seventeen years of age, going to school at
the academy there for a time and from thence to the State University, where
he remained about four years. After this he moved around for a time until
1848, when he came to the Cherokee Nation, and from thence after a year,
to the old Creek agency in the Creek Nation. He then commenced clerking
for John A. Mathews, general merchant, of that place, and remained with
him for two years. In 1851, he went to Briartown, Cherokee Nation, where
he took charge of the store of John Barnwall, general merchant, of that
place. Here he remained for fifteen months, when he went to Missouri, spending
nearly two years in that State, until his former employer, Mr. Barnwall,
wrote for him to return and take charge of his mercantile interests, which
he did for a term of three years, finally becoming a partner in the
business and retaining the same for five years. At the outbreak of the
war he joined the Confederate service under General Pike as a captain,
remaining with his company till the end. In 1865, he came to Okmulgee and
settled on a farm until 1867, when he moved to Shieldsville, five miles
north, to assume charge of Parkinson & Co.'s store at that point. Before
long Mr. Belcher purchased the business himself, moving to Okmulgee---which
town was just established. Here he remained until 1873, when he sold his
stock and trade to a Mr. Parkinson, turning his attention to farming and
stock-raising, which he still continues. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster
at Okmulgee, retaining the office until the present time. Mr. Belcher was
married to Mrs. Kiney (widow of George Kiney), a Creek lady and a niece
of the celebrated Paddy Carr, by whom he has no family. In 1855 he was
adopted by the Creeks, by a special act of council---an honor and mark
of favor never before or since bestowed, except in one other instance.
This fact is a pretty good proof of Mr. Belcher's great popularity among
the Indian people. Mr. Belcher was among the first few charter members
of the Masonic order in the Creek Nation, his connection with the order
being cotemporneous with the late G. W. Stidham, who was the first Master
Mason in the Creek country. The subject of our sketch is owner of a fine
farm, as well as 300 head of cattle, horses and hogs, and a comfortable
residence in the town of Okmulgee. Mr. Belcher is five feet six inches
in height, gentlemanly and prepossessing in manner, and a universal favorite
with all classes of men.
Boudinot, William P. (pp. 266, 267,
268) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch is brother of the late E.
C. Boudinot, a well-known man, not only in the Indian Territory, but throughout
the United States, and whose sketch is elsewhere given in this volume.
W. P. is four years the senior, being now sixty-one years of age. The lives
of both ran very much in the same groove until their return to the nation
upon coming of age. W. P.'s Eastern education qualified him to fill various
subordinate positions in the Cherokee Government, beginning with the clerk
of the Senate, or "National Committee," as it was then called in 1851-52,
and ending with delegate to Washington City in 1887. At times during the
interim he edited the national journal, the Cherokee Advocate, assisted
to compile and revise the laws of the nation several times, supervised
the public schools, and served as one of the secretaries of the executive
department. While not engaged in official work he practiced law in the
local courts. W. P. Boudinot, like his deceased brother, is a man of ability
and talent. He is a natural musician and a forcible writer, and while he
does not claim to be a poet he has written verses of undoubted merit. Being
as he is a native Cherokee Indian, some readers may be curious to know
how one of the race has succeeded in a field of literature where so many
have failed, therefore we have obtained his permission to publish the following
poem, which we have especially chosen for its picturesque wierdness---a
quality characteristic of most of the poetry and music of the Indians.
It was only after great persuasion that we prevailed upon the writer to
favor us, as Mr. Boudinot is the most modest and unpretentious of men.
The verses, we are told, were written when he was a mere boy. The idea
in his mind seems to have been that human beings are all followed from
cradle to the grave by a relentless and ever-present doom.
The Spectre
by W. P. Boudinot
There is a spectre ever haunting
All the living ones on earth;
Like a shadow it attendeth
Every mortal from his birth,
And its likeness is a demon's,
Horrible with mocking mirth.
And it never sleeps an instant,
Never turns away its eye,
Which is always fixed and greedy
Gazing on us ardently;
When at night we sleep it watcheth,
At our bedside standing by.
Low it crouches by the cradle
Where the new born infant sleeps,
Watching with the watchful mother
When it smiles and when it weeps,
Unseen, silent, absent never,
'Round the dreaming babe it creeps.
Thus from life's fist faint beginning,
Till the dreaded close appears,
Does this still, unknown companion
Dog us through our flying years;
And it mocks our silly pleasures
As it mocks our useless tears.
[Thus attended the unconscious mortal grows up and enjoys
life, until he begins to notice the passage of time, and the coming sunset.
Then he perceives that something is half following, half
urging him along.]
And we feel its icy fingers
Tracing wrinkles on the brow,
While its breath, so cold and deadly,
Turns the raven hair to snow,
As we hobble on our journey
With a stumbling step and slow.
[The mortal, now an old man, is anxious at last to know where he is being led or driven to.]
Whither, pleads the weary traveler,
Whither, whither do we fly?
But the darkness now descending
Shuts the scene from human eye;
Still is heard the faint voice pleading---
Never cometh a reply.
[Save that which the poet himself gives us.]
On the footsteps of each mortal
From his first to latest date,
When he joys, or loves, or sorrows,
Wretched, happy, humble, great,
Mocking glides the silent phantom---
Child of clay it is thy fate.
That a boy of fourteen or fifteen years of age, and an
Indian boy at that, should have written such verses as the above, is an
interesting fact, and indicates the possession of a vivid poetic imagination.
It will be observed that but few words of more than two syllables are brought
into use, and if poverty of expression be urged by the critic, the young
writer's surroundings and opportunities should be considered, as well as
his tender years. We should like to here produce one of Mr. Boudinot's
later and consequently more mature poems, but being circumscribed, are
therefore obliged to refrain from that pleasure. It is to be hoped that
before very long he will collect together the fugitive children of his
brain and give them to the world in book form.
Adams, John (pp. 268, 270) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born October 16, 1844,
at Cleveland, Ohio, the second son of Ezekia Adams. At the age of seventeen
years he began railroading, becoming a conductor on the Missouri, Kansas
and Texas Railroad and other roads for twelve or fifteen years. He also
spent eight or nine years in the eating-house and hotel business. In 1889
Mr. Adams moved to Muskogee from Eufaula, where he was located six years.
Here he bought out the M. K. and T. House, which he conducted during the
building of the Hotel Adams. On its completion, January 17, 1890, he assumed
its management, and on this day the grand opening of the hotel was celebrated,
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad running special trains at reduced
rates from Missouri, Kansas and Texas, bringing in fully 350 persons, who
were banqueted in a sumptuous manner. This fine hotel has a dining-room
with seating capacity of 185 persons, fine offices, waiting-room, lunch-room,
ticket office, barber shop and bath-rooms. The parlor---an elegant room----is
richly and tastefully furnished. There are fifty guestrooms, funished in
a most tasteful manner, some with folding-beds and others in antique oak
suites, and again others in the XVI Century style. There are few hotels
in any of the States so thoroughly and elegantly equipped. The dining-room
funiture will contrast favorably with the rest of the establishment, while
the attention afforded to guests is highly satisfactory. The building is
steam-heated throughout and lighted with gas, and has a fine water and
sewerage connection. The former is supplied by a four-inch pipe connected
with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas engine-room, which serves as a great
protection in case of fire. The building is also supplied with fire-escapes.
Muskogee being the end of the division, the Hotel Adams feeds all the passenger
train guests, and is doing a surprisingly large business.
Mr. Adams, the principal and manager, is especially adapted
to that position. His long experience in the business, combined with his
courtesy and affability of manner, renders him exceedingly popular, so
that under his supervision the hotel will no doubt continue to be a resort
of great popularity among those who visit the Indian Territory. The building
cost $40,000.
Cobb, Samuel S. (p. 270) Biographical
Index
Samuel S. Cobb was born December 12, 1865, in Bradley
county, Tennessee, the youngest son of J. B. Cobb, a citizen of the nation
by marriage and one of the largest farmers in that country. Samuel's mother
was a Miss Eva Clingan, of the Fields and Blythe families. He attended
school at home until he was sixteen, when he entered the Cherokee Male
Seminary and there remained two years. In 1884 he became a pupil of the
State Agricultural College, Manhattan, Kas., graduating after four years'
study in 1889. Coming to the Indian Territory, he went to work in the office
of The Brother in Red, a weekly paper published at Muskogee. Here
he remained one year, till July, 1890, when he opened a drug store at Wagoner,
and on the 6th of August in the same year was appointed postmaster, which
position he still holds. Mr. Cobb has a drug stock worth about $2,500,
and with his uncle, S. S. Cobb, of Vinita, is owner of the building as
well as the business conducted therein. The subject of our sketch is six
feet one inch in height, weighs 190 pounds, and is a young man of prepossessing
appearance, affable and courteous in manner and well educated.
Skinner, Nathaniel (pp. 271, 272, 273)
Biographical
Index
Nathaniel Skinner was born April 8, 1851, at Harrison
county, Kentucky, third son of Nathaniel Skinner, of that county. His mother
was a Miss Cleveland. Nathaniel attended public school till fifteen years
of age, completing his education at Sedalia after one year's schooling
in that city. His family moved from Kentucky to Cooper County, Missouri,
in 1856, Nathaniel went to western Kansas and thee embarked in the cattle
business, remaining till 1871, when he moved to Vinita in the Cherokee
Nation, and there carried on the business, buying and shipping cattle to
Northern markets. In 1878 he opened a stock ranch and still carries on
the trade.
In March, 1879, Mr. Skinner married Miss Nannie Kell, daughter of Louis Kell, a prominent Cherokee and at his death a member of the National Council. Mrs. Skinner was a half-Cherokee, a beautiful and accomplished woman, but unfortunately died on her twenty-eighth birthday, January 28, 1889. At the time of her death Mrs. Skinner was treasurer of the Methodist Home Mission Society, and a good Christian, ever ready to extend a helping hand in poverty and sickness. By this marriage Mr. Skinner has three children---Louie, John and Ray.
Messrs. Skinner & Radcliffe have a large mercantile
house in Vinita and do an extensive business. Mr. Skinner has 4,000 head
of cattle, and in 1891 handled 10,000 head, shipping 6,000 to market. He
has also 700 acres in cultivation and six building lots with fine store
building and residence in Vinita, where he resides. Mr. Skinner is about
five feet eight and a half inches and weighs 150 pounds, a gentleman of
good appearance and address and deservedly popular with all classes. As
a business man he has few superiors, having great force of character and
decision, while his courteous manner gains him many friends.
Scott, John S. (pp. 273, 276) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson County,
Ohio, in April, 1837, the second son of Merchant Scott, of Jefferson County,
Ohio, of Irish and Scotch descent. His mother's name was Mary Stringer,
of Irish descent. John attended school in Jefferson county, Ohio, until
fourteen years of age, and moved with his family to Humboldt, Kansas, in
1857. Three years later he commenced business on his own account, and continued
it until the town was burned by Confederate bushwhackers, after which he
immediately recruited a company of Indians and entered the Federal service
in May, 1862, as first lieutenant. In June of the same year he was captured
and incarcerated at Fort Smith, and in August following he was exchanged
at Cassville, Missouri, and returned to his regiment. In October, 1862,
he was mustered out by Major Van Antwerp, General Blount's adjutant-general.
In the same year he commenced the sutler business, at Bentonville, Arkansas,
for the Second Indian Regiment, and moved with them to Fort Gibson in the
spring of 1863, continuing in that department until 1865, when he was mustered
out. After the war he went to Kansas, and returned to Fort Gibson in 1871
and there established a small store, with a limited stock of general merchandise.
In the same year he married Miss Margaret Coody, daughter of Daniel Coody,
a Cherokee and niece of General Ruecker's wife. By this marriage he has
one boy, Walker, born August 14, 1872. Mrs. Scott dying in 1873, he married
Miss Belle Harnage, daughter of John G. Harnage, a noted man among the
Cherokees, having filled almost all the principal national offices. By
this marriage he has four children, viz.: Gibson R., born October 19, 1877;
Emma, born August 16, 1881; John S., born June 21, 1883, and Raphael, born
September 11, 1889. Mr. Scott at present carries a stock of $18,000 to
$20,000 in general merchandise. He has a fine two-story brick building,
fifty by seventy-five feet, an engraving of which will be found in this
volume. Mr. Scott handles a great deal of cotton annually, he has considerable
farm interest, and a fine two-story residence, barns, gardens, orchards,
etc. He is a man of gentlemanly bearing, five feet ten inches in height
and weighs 150 pounds. He is cheerful and affable in manner and very popular.
As a business man he has few superiors, possessing as he does the full
confidence of the public, and the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Mr. Scott is also postmaster at Fort Gibson.
Whitmire, Eli H. (pp. 276, 277) Biographical
Index
Eli H. Whitmire was born June 13, 1859, the son of George
Whitmire and Elizabeth Faught. George Whitmire settled in the Going Snake
district in 1828, being one of the early settlers. He was for some time
judge of his district, and gave his name to the school where his son received
his early education ---- viz., the Whitmire Primary School. Here Eli attended
until old enough to go to the Male Seminary in Tahlequah, where he studied
for some time, leaving that institution to enter the Indian University,
where he remained from 1876 to 1880. Having received an excellent education,
Mr. Whitmire devoted himself to teaching his first school being that of
Tyler's Valley and the next the Whitmire school, above referred to, where
he taught for seven years. In 1886 he married Mary, daughter of Elias Wright.
After clerking in a mercantile house in Cincinnati for one year, Mr. Whitmire
returned to the Whitmire school, where he taught for a term and a half.
In 1887 he was elected to the Senate, and during his office term of two
years rendered himself remarkable (in conjunction with R. W. Lindsay) by
holding out for a high price of lease for the grazing privileges of land
west of 96, always sustaining the chief in his various vetoes on that occasion.
By this effort the amount was raised from $125,000 to $200,000. At the
expiration of his term Mr. Whitmire was elected secretary of the Board
of Education. During the past year he has not sought an office, although
he takes a lively interest in politics, having done so ever since he left
school. Mr. Whitmire was probably the youngest man that ever obtained a
seat in the Cherokee Senate, and he secured a larger majority than anybody
else in the district. He has a farm of 100 acres in cultivation, on the
Barren Fork. Mr. Whitmire is a Master Mason, and belongs to the Flint Lodge.
He is a gentleman of good appearance and address---quiet, dignified and
well educated. He is very popular, and calculated to make a success in
public life, although he has no political ambition at present.
Trott, William Lafayette (pp. 277,
279) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born March, 1844, in Woodberry,
Tennessee, third son of Rev. J. J. Trott, a noted missionary among the
Cherokees, and who was arrested with Rev. Worcestor and others by the Georgian
Guard, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to Georgia. William's
mother was a Miss Rachel P. Adair. The young man attended Franklin College,
Nashville, Tennessee, for five years, when, with his father's family, he
removed to the Cherokee Nation. Rev. J. J. Trott, however, did not move
wiht the emigration to the new country, but remained in Tennessee until
1857, and then came to the present Cherokee Nation. At the outbreak of
the war the family moved North, except William and his brother Timothy,
who joined the Confederate army, while their brother, James C., joined
the Federals. William was one of the first settlers in Vinita, going there
in 1868 and establishing a livery business. In 1884 he became a lumber
merchant, which business he is still pursuing. Mr. Trott has always been
a progressive man. In 1891 he competed for the senatorial seat in the representation
of Coowescoowee district on the issue of allotment, and, strange to say,
was only defeated by a small majority. Mr. Trott will advocate the measure,
as he considers it the only salvation of his people. He has been superintendent
of Sunday-school (Presbyterian) for the past seven years. Mr. Trott married
Miss Lue J. Moore, a Missouri lady, the issue of the marriage being three
children, two of whom are living, named William Henry, born December 4,
1877, and Dott Fay, born March 13, 1884. He has also adopted and raised
a niece of his wife, a Miss Nannie Stafford, who is residing with the family.
Mrs. Trott is a lady of education and charitable and kind mother. The subject
of our sketch, William Trott, is a man of fine intellectual appearance,
a good business man and a true Christian, if it be given men to judge each
other correctly. He is very popular, and has the interests of his country
at heart. Mr. Trott, besides his lumber yard, is also interested in farming
and fruit growing, and has taken a pominent part in the progress of his
town, so much so that the people of Vinita elected him as their mayor,
which office he has honorably and creditably held for three terms.
Teague, William W. (p. 279) Biographical
Index
William W. Teague was born December 23, 1864, at Hagerstown,
Ind., the son of W. R. Teague (a man of prominence in his country) and
Emily E. Hendricks, a North Carolinian. William attended public school
until fifteen years of age, after which he went to school in Kansas until
eighteen years old. In 1879 he moved to Muskogee, Creek Nation, where he
entered the employment of Cass Bros., merchants, with whom he remained
until 1887, when he went to Wagoner and took charge of Miller & Co.'s
mercantile store. Here he worked two and a half years, when he was made
postmaster and held that office the same length of time. In April, 1891,
in conjunction with Mr. McQuarie, he opened a mercantile establishment
at Wagoner. These gentlemen carry a stock of, say, $6,000, and are owners
of their stone building, while Mr. Teague has a nice residence in town.
In 1891 he married Miss Georgia Hubbard, daughter of Colonel H. H. Hubbard,
a Cherokee by blood. Mr. Teague is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows'
lodges, is a gentleman of pleasant address, well educated and very popular.
Strange, William J. (pp. 280, 281)
Biographical
Index
The subject of htis sketch was born September 29, 1860,
in Walker County, Georgia, second son of William Strange, a stockman and
ex-sheriff of Walker County, having served eight years in that capacity.
William's mother was the daughter of Henry Boss, also a stock raiser of
Walker County. William, after attending public school till seventeen years
of age, entered the mercantile business at Ringgold, Georgia. Selling out
three years later, he moved to Vinita, Indian Territory, and began clerking
for W. C. Patton & Co. Here he remained five years, till 1885, when
he moved to Chelsea, and there embarked in the mercantile business on his
own account, and is conducting it at the present time. In 1886, he was
appointed postmaster, and still holds the office. In October, 1887, Mr.
Strange married Miss Mary, daughter of A. C. Raymond, then a merchant at
Vinita. Mr. Strange carries a stock of $2,000 in general merchandise, and
owns about 1,000 head of cattle, 50 head of horses, and a farm of 600 acres,
350 of which is in cultivation, near Chelsea, besides some real estate
property. Mr. Strange is nearly six feet in height, weighing 185 pounds.
He is a man of intelligence and good business ability, is kind and courteous
in manner, and much respected in the community. He is a member of the Methodist
Church and a Master Mason of Vinita Lodge, No. 5. His wife, Mrs. M. Strange,
is a graduate of Worcester College, Cherokee Nation, and is a lady of refined
and attractive manners, exceedingly popular among all with whom she is
acquainted; she also is a member of the Methodist Church.
Hildebrand, Joseph M. (pp. 281, 282)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born November 22, 1822,
in the old nation, East Tennessee, the third son of Michael Hildebrand,
of Knoxville, Tennessee, of German descent, and who married a daughter
of U. S. Indian Agent, Joseph Martin. She was one-fourth Cherokee, and
grand-daughter of the celebrated Granny Ward of national fame. Joseph received
his education by private tuition, and emigrated West in 1842. In 1845,
he began farming and raising stock in the Cherokee Nation, and continues
that business at the present time. In 1867, he was elected judge of Coowescoowee
district, and held the office four years. This was his last official position,
as he never would again mingle in politics, no matter to what extent pressed
or encouraged by his people; although he is, notwithstanding all this,
a very true and devoted friend of the Cherokee people. In 1843, Mr. Hildebrand
married Miss Lucy Starr, daughter of Tom Starr, of Flint district, a man
of considerable prominence in his country. By this marriage they had three
children, named Resea, Josephine and Alice. In 1852, Mr. Hildebrand married
Miss Levaca Patterson, daughter of John Patterson, of Poke County, Tennessee,
a prominent man in his country. In 1855, he married Miss Gentry, of Fort
Gibson, who died in 1872 without family. In 1870, Mr. Hildebrand married
Miss Mary King, who had one daughter named Ellie, born in 1871. Mrs. Hildebrand
leaving her husband soon afterwards, he again married July 16, 1874, this
time to Miss Martha Fields, a Cherokee, who died in 1890. In 1891, Mr.
Hildebrand married Mrs. M. Cory, widow of the late Dr. Cory, of Silver
Springs, Arkansas, with whom he is now living. Mr. Hildebrand is five feet
eleven inches in height and weighs 175 pounds. He is a fine, handsome looking
man, of good address, and is kind, charitable and true in his contact with
his fellow-men. Mr. Hildebrand is looked upon as a good Christian, and
is popular wherever he is ____. He has 90 acres of land in cultivation,
50 head of cattle, ____ some 7 head of horses, and a stock of hogs. He
owns a good comfortable home wherein peace and harmony prevails.
Parkinson, Terry A. (pp. 282, 283)
Biographical
Index
Terry A. Parkinson was born May 12, 1866, in Coffee County,
Kansas, and is the eldest son of James Parkinson, a merchant of Okmulgee,
Creek Nation, and Red Fork. His mother was a Miss E. J. Randall, of Missouri.
Terry attended the public schools until fourteen years of age, after which
he spent two years in the Missouri College, completing his education with
a business course of two months' duration in St. Louis. After this he became
book-keeper for his father at Okmulgee for one year, and then moved to
the Red Fork store, where he remained four years. In the fall of 1888 Mr.
Parkinson purchased 1,000 head of cattle (steers) and grazed them on the
Cherokee strip, marketing them the following summer. In 1890 he went to
Wagoner, and there purchased a half interest in the mercantile business
of Miller & Co. In February, 1891, his father purchased the old half,
and the firm is now known by the name of Parkinson & Co. They carry
a stock of general merchandise amounting to about $10,000. On June 4, 1891,
Mr. Parkinson married Miss Addie Cobb, daughter of J. B. Cobb, a Cherokee.
Mr. Parkinson is an intelligent gentleman and a good business man, and
is highly thought of in the community. Mrs. Parkinson is a lady of great
refinement and amiability, and is generally looked upon as one of the prettiest
women in the country.
Taylor, John M. (pp. 283, 284) Biographical
Index
Born August 14, 1860, at Murphy, North Carolina, he is
the second son of James Taylor and Addie Manchester. James Taylor was the
representative of the eastern band of North Carolina Cherokees, and removed
with his family to this country in 1880. He assisted the Cherokee Nation
to defeat the suit brought by the eastern band of North Carolina before
the Supreme Court of the United States. John's mother was a daughter of
Wm. H. Manchester, an Englishman who settled in North Carolina at an early
day. John was sent to school at the public institutions of the nation until
his fifteenth year, after which he spent three years at Louden College,
East Tennessee. Afterward he joined a party of civil engineers under Colonel
M. H. Templeton on a government surveying expedition in North Carolina.
For three years he continued in this employment, until 1880, when he went
to Chouteau, Cherokee Nation, where he worked on a cattle ranch, remaining
there one year and a half. After that he worked on a farm for two years,
and in 1884 began interesting himself in Cherokee politics, taking up the
National party. In 1885 he became a practicing lawyer, and still continues
the practice of the profession. When the United States courts were opened
in the Indian Territory, Mr. Taylor was admitted to practice, and was the
first Indian by blood appointed United States Commissioner, which office
was conferred upon him by Judge Isaac C. Parker, and which he is holding
at the present time. In November, 1890, Mr. Taylor was appointed postmaster
at Claremore, Indian Territory. He is also mayor of the town and United
States deputy marshal, as well as assistant prosecuting attorney and deputy-sheriff
of Coowescoowee district. Mr. Taylor is a gentlemanly-looking man, bright,
witty and intelligent. His father is still living in Murphy, North Carolina,
where he owns 22,000 acres of land, and is one of the most influential
and popular men of his country.
Starr, Caleb W. (pp. 289, 290) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in Going Snake district
in 1858, son of Joseph Starr and Lilah Adair. Caleb was but five years
of age when his parents died, and therefore was denied the educational
advantages he would have otherwise enjoyed. During the war he refugeed
at Boggy Depot, in the Choctaw Nation, and afterward went to school at
Cane Hill, Arkansas. Caleb went farming and raising stock for several years
after the war, and then entered the Western Independent printing office
at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Having learned the trade, he devoted his services
to the typographical department of the Indian Progress, published
by Boudinot & Co., Muskogee, and later worked for the Cherokee national
organ (published at Tahlequah) for six years. Mr. Starr acted as deputy
sheriff under special appointment for six months. In 1884 he was appointed
deputy high sheriff, and held that office until 1886, after which he became
high sheriff, and held that office until 1888. At this time he was also
a member of the Indian police. In August, 1891, Mr. Starr was elected a
member of the senate for Tahlequah district, and is holding that office
at present. He is a tall, erect and dignified-looking young man, of quiet
disposition, steady and attentive to business and strictly temperate, using
neither alcohol or tobacco.
Drew, John T. (pp. 290, 291) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born January 18, 1850,
son of John Drew, one-half Cherokee and colonel in the Confederate army,
who died in 1865. His mother was a sister to the present Judge Scales,
of Webber's Falls ---Charlotte Scales. John T. was partly educated at McKenzie
College, Texas, and completed his education at Cane Hill Academy, Arkansas.
During the war he was a refugee in the Chickasaw Nation, and after its
close devoted himself to farming, in the neighborhood of Webber's Falls,
Cherokee Nation. In 1877 Mr. Drew was appointed district attorney, and
held the office one year. In 1878 he was clerk of the Senate, and in 1879
was elected attorney general of the antion. In 1884 Mr. Drew was elevated
to the honor of supreme judge, and was chief justice on three special occasions.
Having served three years on the supreme bench, Judge Drew was appointed
secretary of the treasury in 1891. On December 7, 1891, on the appointment
of a new mayor for Tahlequah, Mr. Drew was elected town clerk, and is now
filling that appointment.
In 1877 Mr. Drew married Miss Mollie McCoy, daughter of
James McCoy, by whom he has five children. Mr. Drew is a member of the
Nationals, and a man of considerable ability and influence with his party,
as will be seen by the number of important positions which he has occupied.
Mills, William Richard (pp. 291, 292)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born July 4, 1855, the
son of James Lloyd Mills, a white man, and Elizabeth Fields, daughter to
Richard Fields and grand-daughter to the well known Dick Fields, who was
murdered by Bowles in the State of Texas. Mr. W. R. Mills was born in the
neutral strip, and refugeed with his mother and brothers during the war
at Boonsborough, Ark., while his father was serving as lieutenant in Stand
Watie's command. After the war his father settled on the west side of Grand
River, having had all his property in the strip confiscated during his
absence. William first attended school in the Coowescoowee district, and
from thence went to the National Male Seminary, Tahlequah, where he completed
his education in 1881. In the fall of 1883 he married Miss Laura McClelland,
daughter of the late White McClelland, a merchant of Boonsville. By this
marriage he has two children: Eddie, five years, and Annie, three years
old. Mr. Mills was elected a member of Coowescoowee district August, 1891,
and is at present holding that office. He has a farm of 160 acres, a stock
of cattle, and a good house and orchard within five miles of Pryor Creek
Station, on Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. Mr. Mills is a gentleman
of good address and prepossessing appearance, with plenty of good sense
and ambition. His father is still living and in good circumstances. On
his mother's side he is connected with some of the leading families in
the nation.
Bynum, Robert Newton (p. 292) Biographical
Index
Born February 17, 1858, in Jackson County, Alabama, is
the second son of J. M. Bynum and Mary Proctor, a daughter of Samuel Proctor,
of Alabama. Robert attended public school until sixteen years of age in
the State of Arkansas, whither he had moved in 1867 with his parents. He
remained at home until 1874. After which he began farming and stock-raising
on his own responsibility; in 1888, he sold out and removed to Tulsa, Creek
Nation. Here he purchased the mercantile stock and premises of H. W. Reed,
and started in that business, which he still continues. In 1878, he married
Miss Electra B. McElroy, daughter of John H. McElroy, of Tulsa. By this
marriage they have four children --- Arthur H., born September 17, 1879;
Willie, born August 1, 1883; May, born march 5, 1886; and Zella, born December
11, 1889. Mr. Bynum is five feet eleven inches in height and weighs 165
pounds. He is an intellectual looking man, well educated and of excellent
business qualifications. He carries a stock of $7,000 in merchandise, having
sold over $38,000 worth of goods during the past year. Mr. Bynum is also
the owner of a good residence and a small herd of cattle, besides horses,
hogs and other property.
Starr, John Caleb (p. 293) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in Flint district,
Cherokee Nation, October, 1870, the son of James Starr, born in Georgia,
and Emma Rider, daughter of John Rider, a prominent Cherokee during the
Tom Starr war. John Caleb --- or Cale, as he is usually named--- was sent
to school at the Olympus and Saga public institutions, and graduated at
the Male Seminary, Tahlequah, obtaining the degree of bachelor of science
December 12, 1890. After this he entered the commercial college at Fort
Smith, and there graduated May 28, 1891. On leaving Fort Smith Caleb became
a bookkeeper for a short time, and afterward taught in the Saga public
school, leaving that position to fill a clerkship on the senatorial committee,
to which office he was elected by a unaminous vote in November, 1891. The
subject of our sketch is a young man of great promise, who by steadiness
and perserverance will no doubt attain to eminence among his people. He
is connected with the late illustrious Tom Starr, of whom so much falsehood
has been written, and is a first cousin to the present senator, Charles
W. Starr. His father is an extensive farmer, having 1,200 acres of land
in cultivation on Grand River, near the Missouri line.
Robinson, Jefferson (pp. 293, 294)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born August 10, 1849,
son of Watie Robinson and Diana Conrad, daughter of Hair Conrad, the first
signer of the Constitution of 1839. Jefferson was educated at the public
school in Tahlequah, and during the war served in the Federal army under
Colonel Phillips, of the Indian Home Guards, being present at the battle
of Cabin Creek and other engagements. At the conclusion of the war he followed
lead mining for a livelihood for eight years, at Joplin, Mo. In 1875 Mr.
Robinson married Miss Lou Rountree, by whom he had one son named Evans,
born in 1880. In 1887 he married Annie O'Reilly, of Irish descent, daughter
of John O'Reilly. For many years Mr. Robinson worked in and around Tahlequah,
supplying water to the citizens and otherwise employing his time to the
best advantage, conducting himself honorably and soberly throughout. The
citizens of Tahlequah, to show their appreciation of Mr. Robinson's diligence
and usefulness, appointed him mayor of their chief town in December, 1891,
which office he is now filling to the satisfaction of the citizens.
Moore, William P. (pp. 294, 295) Biographical
Index
Born July 8, 1833, at Waterloo, Ill., third son of James
B. Moore, who was a son of Eric Moore, the first American born in the State
of Illinois. William's mother was a Pinckhard, of Illinois. The young man
attended public school, and at the age of twenty went into the mercantile
business, there remaining until the outbreak of the war, when he joined
the Federal army, and was mustered out as colonel of the Forty-ninth Illinois
Infantry. After the war he went to Texas and engaged in the cattle trade.
In 1871 he moved to the Creek Nation, where he began selling goods. Remaining
in that business four years, he, in connection with others, engaged in
purchasing and shipping live stock. This he continued until 1885, after
which he devoted most of his time to farming and stock-raising. In May,
1891, Mr. Moore was appointed postmaster at Tulsa, which office he now
holds. In January, 1871, he married Miss M. J. North, daughter of A. North,
of Butler, Bates County, Missouri. By this marriage they have four children---James
A., Laura L., Jennie B. and May. Mr. Moore is six feet two inches and weighs
200 pounds. He is a fine, intellectual-looking man, of good business capacity
and pleasing manners and address. He owns a comfortable home in Tulsa,
and the postoffice building.
McQuarie, John Harold (pp. 295, 296) Biographical
Index
John Harold McQuarie was born March 4, 1852, in the Dominion
of Canada, the second son of George McQuarie and Sarah Brown, of the same
country. John attended public school until fourteen years of age, after
which he went to the Wyoming Plains, where he worked for the Union Pacific
Railroad as check clerk for two years. Leaving there, he went to Wilson
County, Kansas, where he purchased land, and farmed for one year, after
which he moved to Texas. Remaining but a short time in the Lone Star State,
he went to the Creek Nation, and there managed a farm for D. M. Hodge,
a prominent ploitician. His next move was to enter the employment of F.
B. Severs, being employed on his ranch and in his business house for about
five years, after which he opened a hotel at Muskogee. Here he remained
until May, 1888, when he came to Wagoner and went into business with Miller
& Co. (a mercantile firm). Mr. Miller selling out soon after to Terry
Parkinson, Mr. McQuarie sold his interest to James Parkinson. In 1891 he
opened in the same business with Mr. Teague, and is now conducting it successfully.
February 24, 1883, Mr. McQuarie married Miss Alice Atkins, cousin of General
Pleasant Porter. By this marriage he has one boy, born December 1, 1884,
named Ray. After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Mary Spriggs,
daughter of John Spriggs, a Cherokee living some miles from Vinita, but
unfortunately the lady died October 31, 1891, leaving him a widower for
the second time. Mr. McQuarie's business house carries a stock of $6,000,
or thereabouts; he has also a small herd of cattle, a fenced pasture (one
mile square), two houses in Wagoner, and a farm near Chouteau, Cherokee
Nation. Mr. McQuarie is a pleasant, popular man, of good business ability.
He is a member of the Masonic order and Knights of Pythias.
Gibson, Charles (pp. 296, 297, 298)
Biographical
Index
Charles was born March 20, 1846, and went to Asberry
Mission School at the age of ten, where he remained for three years. Leaving
there he returned home and commenced farming with his father, John C. Gibson,
a white man, who married the niece of Opothleyoholo, one of the most intelligent
of the Creek Indians, and a leading man and chief for many terms. Charles
remained with his father until the end of 1865, when he joined the Confederate
army, in which service he spent six months. On December 20, 1868, he married
Miss Susan Williams, grand-niece of the celebrated Tom Starr, of Cherokee
fame. By his marriage he has no issue, but such is the kindness of himself
and wife, that they have partly raised thirty orphan girls. If this is
not good evidence of generous hearts and true charity, works are of little
avail. In 1869 Mr. Gibson commenced clerking for Mr. Fisher, of Fishertown,
with whom he remained two and a half years. After this time he went to
work for the Messrs. Grayson Brothers, of Eufaula, in whose employment
he still remains. At one period he was a member of the firm, but owing
to the unsuccessful cotton speculation he had to sell out. On several occasions
his people requested him to run for representative of his district, assuring
him of success, but having no desire to enter into politics he invariably
refused. Charles has been a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and was master
of the same for two terms. He is a man of sterling worth, while his integrity
and honesty is universally known among his acquaintances.
Secondyne, Simon (pp. 302, 303) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born June 15, 1854, in
Wyandotte County, Kansas, third son of James Secondyne, who was chief of
the Delaware tribe at the time of his death, in 1859. Simon's mother was
named Sallie Hill; she was a half-breed Delaware. Simon attended the Delaware
Mission School until 1867, and then moved with his mother to the Cherokee
Nation, where he again went to school in the district institutions until
the age of nineteen, when he commenced farming and stock-raising, which
business he still carries on. Simon married Miss Ruth Lyons, September
25, 1881, daughter of a white man named Lyons (who died in Kansas while
his daughter was quite young) and sister to "Sarcoxie," a prominent Delaware.
By this marriage they have three children---Mary, born July 23, 1883; James,
born January 13, 1887, and Alfred, born August 25, 1891. Mr. Secondyne
has 400 acres of land under fence, 200 of which is planted in wheat. He
has also about 80 head of cattle, 20 head of horses, and a good stock of
hogs. He has a good comfortable residence on his own property. Mr. Secondyne
is six feet high and weighs 258 pounds. He is a pleasant, cheerful-mannered
man, and by nature intellectual and observant. Naturally kind-hearted and
charitable, he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances, by all
of whom he is greatly respected.
Harris, William L. (p. 303) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born December 21, 1852,
in Bedford County, Virginia, the oldest son of J. L. Harris, a well known
citizen of that county. His mother was a Miss Elma Anthony, a Virginian.
William attended public school until sixteen years of age, when he went
to college at Jackson, Tenn. At the age of eighteen years he began the
duties of a clerk in the State of Mississippi, and continued the same until
twenty-two years of age, when he spent two years more bridge-building in
different portions of the country. In 1880 he went west of the Mississippi
and, traveled, following various avocations until 1889, when he settled
in Wagoner, Creek Nation, and there went to work as a contractor, which
occupation he is now following. In January, 1890, Mr. Harris married Mrs.
Amelia Percival, widow of the late William Percival, a Cherokee. Mrs. Harris
is daughter of Daniel E. Ward, a white man from New York State, his mother
being Elizabeth Hildebrand, descended from an illustrious Cherokee stock.
She is great-grand-daughter of the celebrated Granny Ward, the most celebrated
woman of her day among the Cherokees. Mrs. Harris is proprietress of the
Valley House, the chief hotel in Wagoner, which is well kept and furnished
with every accommodation. She is a lady of refinement and culture, and
is remarkable for her kind and charitable disposition, while her husband,
the subject of this sketch, is regarded as a most popular landlord, being
attentive to his guests and altogether adapted to conduct a hotel successfully.
Mr. Harris is a man of prepossessing appearance, about six feet high and
weighing 160 pounds. He is a thorough sportsman, and delights in his gun,
dog and fishing tackle.
Foreman, Austin Worcester (pp. 304,
305) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born August 18, 1855,
at Park Hill, five miles south of Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, the youngest
son of the well-known missionary, Rev. Stephen Foreman, and Sarah E. Reilly,
a Cherokee. Austin was sent to the public schools until his thirteenth
year, after which he went to Cane Hill College, Arkansas, where he spent
five years. On leaving school he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he
studied medicine for three years, and in 1876 graduated at Louisville Medical
College. In the same year he went to Virginia, where he remained about
twelve months, afterwards settling in Vinita, where he has been practicing
his profession ever since. January 13, 1880, he married Miss Emma Ridenour,
A Missourian, by whom he has one living child, named Ermina, born November
6, 1881. Dr. Foreman has a fine farm near Vinita, containing 640 acres,
a large orchard, and home buildings that cost him $1,200, besides a small
stock of cattle, horses, and mules. His handsome residence in Vinita is
worth $3,000 while he has a good deal of property which he rents. Dr. Foreman
has been practicing in Vinita for fifteen years, and stands among the highest.
He has been one of the examining board of physicians for the past two years,
also examining physician for several of the leading life insurance companies
in the United States. Dr. Foreman is a member of the Methodist Church,
and is a benevolent, charitable and good Christian. At one time he was
an elder in the Presbyterian Church, but being persecuted for his belief
in a certain religious rite by one of the brethren, he felt that he could
do better Christian work elsewhere, and therefore joined the Methodists.
Fortner, Benjamin F., M.D. (pp. 305,
306, 307, 308) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born August 15, 1847,
third son of M. F. Fortner, who resides eight miles north of Dallas, and
is one of the few living who first settled in that country from Kentucky.
Benjamin's mother was Miss Hall, of Simpson County, Kentucky, daughter
of a prominent farmer in that State. Mr. Fortner attended private and public
schools in Texas until his seventeenth year. In 1864 he volunteered in
the Confederate service, and served until the close of the war, after which
he returned home, and again went to school until 1866. That year his parents
moved to Cane Hill, Arkansas, wher Benjamin became a student in the Cane
Hill Academy, then under the management of Professor A. H. Buchanan, now
President of the University of Lebanon, Tennessee. At this time young Fortner
began teaching a private school, and continued it until 1868, when he entered
the office of Dr. W. B. Welch, a leading surgeon of that State. Remaining
with him until 1872, he graduated from the medical department of the Vanderbilt
University, having attended a course of lectures in the winter of 1870-71
at the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis. In 1872 Dr. Fortner, in connection
with his old preceptor, Dr. Welch, commenced the practice of medicine at
Cane Hill, but in the same year moved to Siloam Springs, Ark., where he
remained until the end of 1876. Moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, he then
entered into partnership with Dr. Thomas J. Pollard until 1879, when he
located near Claremore, and embarked in the stock business, in connection
with medicine. In 1882 he returned to Fayetteville, and there entered into
partnership with Dr. Clinton S. Gray, one of the most prominent physicians
in the State. Here he remained until 1884, when he removed to Vinita, Cherokee
Nation, and there he resumed practice which he continues until the present.
In 1886 Dr. Fortner associated himself with Dr. Bagley, of Vinita, and
they are now in partnership. In the winter of 1890 Dr. Fortner took a post-graduate
course in New York. He was married in October, 1874, at Siloam Springs,
to Jennie, daughter of C. D. Gunter. Mrs. Fortner is a lady of good education
and pleasing address. The doctor is five feet ten inches in height and
weighs 190 pounds. He is a fine-looking, dignified gentleman, and as a
physician ranks among the highest in the profession, while his reputation
as a surgeon has reached over a wide field of operation in the Indian Territory
and adjoining States. Dr. Fortner is surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas Railroad. He has been president of the Medical Association of Railway
Surgeons. He has also served two terms as president of the Indian Territory
Medical Society, the first Indian medical association ever started on the
continent, and now composed of some seventy-five regular graduates. Aside
from his professional character, he is pre-eminently a citizen, the patron
of education and morality, is connected with all educational institutions
of his community, including Willie Halsell College and Worcester Academy.
From a heavy practice he has found time to superintend a single Sunday-school
for seven consecutive years. He is a Freemason of high degree, and a member
also of the Knights of Pythias, and similar secret orders. Dr. Fortner
is a man of great popularity in the Cherokee Nation, and, it may be added,
would be so in any community where he pleased to reside. This may be readily
surmised by the number of important offices which he is called upon to
accept.
Clinkscales, Albert Marshall (pp. 308,
309) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born April 15, 1855, at
Starrville, S__ County, Texas, third son of John B. Clinkscales (one a
___ planter in South Carolina) and Jane Kay. Albert obtained his literary
education at the Academy of Starrville, and commenced the study of medicine
with Dr. W. H. Clement, of Mount Carmel, Tex., taking his first course
in medicine at the Louisville Medical College, Kentucky. Returning to his
medical preceptor, he practiced with him until the following fall, going
from thence to Jefferson Medical College, Philadephia, where he received
his diploma March 10, 1877. He then returned to Texas and practiced his
profession for nine years, and finally in May, 1891, located in Vinita,
Cherokee Nation, where, besides his profession, he engaged in stock-raising
and agriculture, which he still continues. In November, 1883, he married
Miss Annie DuPree, daughter of Dr. W. J. DuPree and Charlotte Bell (daughter
of John Bell, descendant of the Bell family of revolutionary days and the
Black Hawk War.). By this marriage Dr. Clinkscales had four children, two
of whom are living --- Lewis D., born September 12, 1884, and Lucille,
born March 18, 1891. Mrs. Clinkscales is a lady of refinement and superior
education. The doctor is a gentleman of good appearance, courteous and
affable and possessed of a liberal education, while as a physician he ranks
among the highest in his profession. Dr. Clinkscales is at present somewhat
extensively engaged in stock and agricultural pursuits, and owns a neat
residence together with other property in Vinita.
Berry, Virgil M.D. (pp. 309, 310) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born March 14, 1866, in
Washington County, Indiana, the oldest son of Rev. Joseph M. Berry, of
North Carolina, and Miss J. Lockenborn, of German descent. Virgil attended
the Peabody School, Arkansas, until nineteen years of age, when he went
to Springfield, Mo., and there studied medicine for four years under Dr.
L. Coon, of that place. Afterward he spent two years at the Medical Institute,
Chicago (Cook County Hospital), where he graduated in the spring of 1891,
going to Wagoner, I.T., where he is now practicing his profession. October
22, 1891, he married Miss Emma K. James, daughter of Wm. James, a well
known citizen of Cornersville, Tenn. Dr. Berry is a gentleman of good appearance
and address, is highly educated and stands high in his profession, both
medical and surgical. He owns a nice house and lot in town and an office
on the main street.
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