ITsketches3
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
From The
INDIAN TERRITORY
ITS CHIEFS, LEGEISLATORS, AND LEADING MEN
BY H.F. & E. S. O'BEIRNE.
McSpadden, James W. (pp. 324, 325, 326)
Biographical
Index
James W. McSpadden was born October 21, 1848, in Belcher
County, Alabama, the eldest son of Rev. T. K. B. McSpadden, who came to
the country and joined the Indian Mission Conference held at Fort Gibson
in 1870. The reverend gentleman devoted himself to Christian labors for
seven years and died in 1877 beloved and respected by all who knew him.
The subject of this sketch attended neighborhood school until 1861, when
he accompanied his father (a lieutenant in the Confederate army) all through
the campaign. After the war James was sent to the Phoenix Academy, North
Alabama, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he became clerk in
a store at Harrisonville, Missouri. Here he remained two years, coming
to Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, where his father was residing. After a short
time spent in the Cherokee capital, the subject of our sketch returned
to Missouri and there remained but twelve months, when he again visited
Tahlequah and married Miss Annie Thompson, daughter of Dr. J. L. Thompason,
April 18, 1872. Returning to Missouri, Mr. McSpadden purchased an interest
in a flouring mill, which he dispposed of in one year and returned to the
nation, where he worked at different points as salesman for nine years,
after which he and Mr. Evans purchased the Tahlequah Flouring Mills, and
in April, 1891, he purchased his partner's interest, and is now conducting
the business alone. Mr. McSpadden has four children---Florence Wilson,
Richard Vance, Mary Jane, and James W., junior. His wife died September
20, 1891. Mr. McSpadden is five feet ten inches in height and weighs 130
pounds. He is a man of good education and good business qualifications,
is very popular in the community. His mill property is worth about $6,000,
while his residence cost $2,000. He is also owner of town property to the
amount of $800 or thereabouts. Mr. McSpadden is a Mason in the Royal Arch
Chapter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Adair, Walter Thompson, M.D. (pp. 326,
327, 328) Biographical
Index
Walter Thompson Adair was born in December, 1834, near
the old Georgia gold mines, Georgia, son of George Washington Adair and
grandson of the well-known Black Watt Adair. In 1867 Walter moved with
his parents on the Arkansas line, twelve miles south of Cane Hill, his
father being principal chief of the treaty party at the time of their removal
from the old nation. His mother was Martha, daughter of Judge Martin, first
treasurer of the nation. Walter was placed in the national male seminary
until seventeen years of age, and began the study of medicine in 1855,
taking his first course of lectures in St. Louis, and graduating from the
St. Louis Medical College in the winter of 1857-58, the celebrated Dr.
Charles A. Pope being dean of the faculty at the time. Having graduated,
Dr. Adair commenced practice in the neighborhood of the orphan asylum,
and continued until the war broke out, when he became staff surgeon of
Stand Watie's command, being afterwards promoted to chief surgeon, first
Indian division, on the staff of Gen. D. H. Cooper, in 1864. Dr. Adair
served in all the engagements of the department. After the war he devoted
himself to private practice, until he was appointed medical superintendent
of the high school, in 1876, serving twelve years. In 1889 he became medical
superintendent of the Cherokee Orphan Asylum, and served until August,
1891. Dr. Adair has been married three times. His first wife was Mary Buffington
Adair, by whom he has two children---Mary Ellen (Wilson) and William Penn.
His second wife, whom he married in 1871, was Ruth Markham, daughter of
Le Roy Markham, who also left him two children, Joseph Franklin and Lola,
while his present wife is named Fannie, daughter of Val Gray, by whom he
has one boy, aged six years. Dr. Adair devotes his life to the practice
of his profession, and is widely popular in that capacity. HIs home is
at Cooy-yah, near Pryor Creek, on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad.
Dr. Adair is well-informed in the history of his people, and recalls distinctly
many important events which took place when he was quite a youth, among
them the assassination of Wash and Andrew Adair, and Boudinot and the Ridges.
Dr. Adair is a brother of the late William Penn Adair, one of the most
illustrious of modern Cherokees.
Poole, Charles Walter (pp. 328, 330)
Biographical
Index
Charles Walter Poole was born October 25, 1859, on the
Neosho River, Indian Territory, eldest son of John Poole, who married Sarah
Harlan, daughter of a prominent Cherokee, and who was killed on Lees Creek,
Indian Territory, during the war, by bushwhackers. John Poole was a Missourian
by birth. Charles attended public and high schools in the Cherokee Nation
until his eighteenth year, when he accepted a clerkship from W. C. Patton
& Co., at Vinita, with whom he continued until April, 1885, when he
came to Chelsea to engage in the mercantile business, which he now carries
on successfully. Mr. Poole married Miss Emma G. Musick, of St. Louis, daughter
of William R. Musick, a manufacturer of steel ranges in that city. Mrs.
Poole, prior to her marriage, was one of the first teachers at Worcester
Academy, Vinita. While there she first met her husband, and was wooed and
won. They have a bright, interesting little boy, born September 25, 1889.
Mr. Poole is related to many of the most prominent Cherokee families, the
Adairs, Starrs, Harnages, and others. He is an energetic, wide-awake young
man, with a good knowledge of business, being a pioneer merchant of Chelsea,
and a member of its council ever since the incorporation of the town. Mrs.
Poole is a highly cultured, educated lady, and has identified herself with
her husband's interests in the Territory, where she is very well known
and very popular.
Knight, Thomas Rogers (pp. 330, 331)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born in November, 1845,
in the Cherokee Nation, oldest son of Joshua Knight and Mary A. Rogers.
Thomas was sent to Attleberry Academy, Pennsylvania, in 1852, and there
remained three years, after which he went to Neosho and Newtonia, Mo.,
where he remained until 1858. Returning home he went to the Baptist Mission
School, and there studied until the outbreak of the war, when he joined
the Confederate army and served until the close. On his return home he
embarked in stock-raising and agriculture, and carried on the business
until 1884, when he moved to Vinita and was appointed on the United States
Indian police force. In 1888 he became a United States deputy-marshal,
but resigned in the fall of 1890. He is still, however, on the Indian police
force, being first lieutenant of that body. In April 1870, he married Miss
Rachel Sixkiller, sister of the celebrated Sam Sixkiller. By this marriage
he has six children---Victoria, Josiah S., Morris F., Thomas H., Fannie
and May. Mr. Knight is five feet ten inches in height and weighs 165 pounds.
He is a fine-looking, intelligent man, and well educated. As an officer
he has few equals, being brave, energetic and efficient. Officer Knight
is secretary of the Masonic Lodge at Vinita, where he has a nice home,
and is owner of a small herd of cattle.
Hitchcock, Isaac B. (pp. 331, 332)
Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born February, 1825, in
Pope County, Arkansas, son of Jacob Hitchcock, of Massachusetts, and Nancy
Brown, of East Hartford, Conn. Jacob Hitchcock, father to the subject of
our sketch, settled among the Cherokees in 1820, and died in Lee County,
Iowa, in July, 1865. Isaac, being a delicate boy, spent his youth at home,
deriving most of his knowledge from reading and parental instruction. In
1847 he commenced teaching, and taught at Fort Smith for a short time,
after which he attended Sequoyah national school for three sessions. Before
the war Mr. Hitchcock taught in the Cherokee and Creek Nations, being associated
with the Tallahassee Presbyterian Misson in 1854 and 1855. During the war
he went North with his family, and afterward re-commenced teaching at Fort
Gibson, and from thence taught at various points in the Cherokee Nation.
Mr. Hitchcock during his lifetime has disseminated knowledge in the States
of Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, and Missouri. In 1857 he married Miss Eliza
Ann Duncan, daughter of Rev. John Duncan, a leading Cherokee councilor.
She was a graduate of the Cherokee High School, and a lady of accomplishments.
By this marriage Mr. Hitchcock has two sons---T. B. Hitchcock and Iraeneus
Hitchcock---and a daughter named Etta, married to Mr. Samuel Burns. Mr.
Hitchcock was teaching at the national male seminary when it closed last
season. He is an excellent Cherokee scholar, and writes and sings in that
language with great ease, but his chief business is literature, he being
a correspondant for various papers and journals. Mr. Hitchcock intends
to travel through the States next year with a band of Cherokee singers
and lecture at various points.
Adair, John Thompson (pp. 332, 333,
334) Biographical
Index
John Thompson Adair was born December 22, 1812, the son
of Walter Adair, a half-breed, and Rachel Thompson daughter of William
Thompson, a white man. John was born on Painter's Creek, near Tulula Falls
and received his earliest education at the neighborhood schools until his
twentieth year, when he entered the Lawrenceville Academy, Georgia, and
there remained for five months. On leaving that institution he entered
a mercantile house, and after serving his time to the business, purchased
a stock of goods in New Orleans in 1837, and with them proceeded to the
State line, or eastern border of the Cherokee Nation, near Evansville,
Arkansas, where he commenced business and carried it on for two years.
In 1843 he was elected associate judge of the supreme court, and was re-elected
every four years for a term of thirty years. In 1853 he was sent to Washington
as National delegate, and there for the first time met with Hon. Sam Houston,
Governor of Texas. At the outbreak of the war he went to Rusk County, Texas,
and while there disbanded twenty-seven slaves, which he had owned for many
years. During his absence of four years he was appointed an overseer of
the negroes in the vicinity where he resided. On his return to the
Cherokee Nation he was re-elected associate justice and held that office
till 1877, being chief justice during the last term. In 1879 he was appointed
superintendent of the female seminary at Park Hill, which office he held
one term. Soon after his appointment had expired, the building was consumed
by fire, but, on its being re-built, he was re-appointed in 1889 and again
in the fall of 1891, and will continue superintendent until the end of
1893. In 1887, he was elected chairman of the court of citizenship for
two years. In 1840 Mr. Adair married Miss Penelope Mayfield, daughter of
Jesse Mayfield, part French and Cherokee. The issue of this marriage is
Louvenia, Oscar, Edward, Evarts, John Harrell, Samuel and Houston. Mr.
Adair has lived on his present place, and beneath the same roof, for 54
years. He has a farm of 100 acres of good land which is now rented out;
while he, himself, has taken up his abode at the national female academy.
Mr. Adair has over 400 acres of land near Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.
Although eighty years of age, the subject of our sketch does not look to
be over fifty-five. He is active and sprightly, with a fresh complexion
and unwrinkled face. He is a gentleman of pleasant address and is thought
well of by everyone.
[Since above was written, Mr. Adair took sick with lagrippe
and died December 24, 1891, sincerely and deservedly regretted.]
Miller, William W. (pp. 334, 335)
Biographical
Index
William W. Miller was born February 24, 1856, in Franklin
County, Missouri, the eldest son of J. W. Miller, a well known and prominent
farmer in his county. His mother was a Miss M. B. Bell. William attended
public school until sixteen years of age, when he entered Lone Hill Academy,
Franklin County, and there remained four years, when he graduated in mathematics
and returned to his father's home. Remaining there two years, William came
South and settled in Vinita, I.T., opening a livery stable, and continued
the same for two years. After this he embarked in farming and stock-raising,
and in 1885 purchased the hardware establishment of A. H. Goody Koentz,
in Vinita, and located on the main street, which business he still carries
on. Mr. Miller married Miss Ellen H. Blythe, daughter of James C. Blythe
and Jemima Rodgers. Mr. Blythe is one-fourth Cherokee, and has been postmaster
in Vinita for several years. By this marriage Mr. Miller has two children---Roy,
born May 18, 1881, and Ray, born October 15, 1883. Mr. Miller is a gentleman
of pleasing manners and good address, and is a first-class business man.
His establishment may be said to be the only exclusive hardware house in
the Cherokee Nation, and he carries a fine stock of about $15,000. Mr.
Miller has also 400 acres in cultivation and a beautiful residence in town,
besides two business lots. Mrs. Miller is a lady of superior education
and many accomplishments. She is kind and charitable, and greatly beloved
and respected by all who know her. Mr. Miller and his wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church.
Carr, David (pp. 335, 336) Biographical
Index
David Carr was the son of Elijah Carr, first cousin of
Paddy Carr and second cousin to Charles Weatherford, of Alabama, the latter
being son of the great warrior and hero of Fort Mimms, while the former
is well known in the history of his country. David Carr's mother was one
of the Grayson family, of high reputation among the Muskogees. The subject
of our sketch was born in 1841, and educated at the neighborhood schools;
but, his parents dying when he was still a boy, he was deprived of many
chances of enlightenment. He married, when scarcely twenty-one years old,
Angelina Grayson, an aunt to Captain G. W. Grayson. She died the following
year, and David married her sister, Caroline, by whom he had three children---Israel,
now aged twenty-one years, Emma and Liddie. David's father was the owner
of a large plantation and negroes near Fishertown, a part of which is now
the property of Mr. William Fisher, but the war destroyed the value of
the property, and David went on a small farm on North Fork known as the
Hobulchehoma place, which he has since sold (in 1887) to Pilot Grayson.
Mr. Carr entered politics through the doorway of the House of Warriors,
filling an unexpired term to commence with, after which he went to the
House of Kings by election for four years. He also occupied the honorable
and highly responsible position of surpreme judge for two terms, at different
periods. During his last term an occurrence took place that has no parallel
in the history of the Muskogees, and which, at the time, called forth almost
endless criticism. It was the inauguration, or swearing in, of two principal
chiefs within a period of one week. The election being over, J. W. Perryman
and his party called at the residence of Judge Carr, announcing the election
of the former and the necessity of the judge's official services. The party
accordingly repaired to the House of Kings, and J. W. Perryman was there
legally sworn in as first chief of his nation. Five or six days later Esparhecher
and his party arrived, demanding the services of Judge Carr, and claiming
that Esparhecher had a majority of the national vote. The judge could do
nothing less, or more, under the circumstances than submit to their solicitations,
and Esparhecher was also sworn in. The matter, however, was referred to
Uncle Sam, the contending parties visiting Washington, where the dispute
was decided in favor of Perryman, who accordingly took his seat as principal
chief. Although Judge Carr is not a man of extensive book knowledge, yet
he has gathered considerable good, practical experience, which, combined
with the natural quickness and shrewdness of the Irish race (which blood
predominates in him) renders him quite equal to emergencies on all occasions.
During his youth he traveled through the States and Mexico, coming in contact
with all classes of men. Mr. Carr has a farm of 100 acres in cultivation
near Okmulgee, and a ranch fifteen miles in the country, with 1,200 head
of cattle, besides horses and other stock. He is six feet high, of muscular
build and prepossessing in countenance. He is kind-hearted, charitable
and generous even to a fault, having a large host of friends among all
classes of men.
Couch, Marion Walker (pp. 337, 338)
Biographical
Index
Marion Walker Couch was born March 17, 1842, in Mississippi,
third son of John Couch, a prominent farmer and stockman. His mother was
a Miss George, of the well-known George family, of Tennessee. Marion had
no opportunity for education during his youth. From his fourteenth year
he accompanied his father to Texas, California and elsewhere until, in
the year 1861, he joined the Fourth Confederate Cavalry, and as a private
served throughout the war. After its close he moved to the Cherokee Nation,
and commenced farming and raising stock, which he still continues. In 1884
he established a mercantile business in Chelsea, and may well be considered
as the organizer of that town. In 1890 he sold his business to Mr. Poole.
In 1863 Mr. Couch married Miss Mary Wright, a Cherokee by blood, by whom
he has four children, named John Franklin, Jessie Thomas, Robert Lee, and
Nannie. Mrs. Couch died in 1876, whereupon in May, 1877, Mr. Couch married
Miss Victoria Riley, daughter of Samuel Riley, a Cherokee, of Coody's Bluff.
Mrs. Couch's mother was a Miss Rider, sister of B. W. Rider, a leading
farmer and stock-raiser, and also a Cherokee. By this marriage there are
five living children---Mary, Clara, Cherokee, Marion and James, ranging
in ages from eleven years to twelve months old. Mr. Couch has 600 head
of cattle and 300 acres of farm in cultivation. He has also a fine two-story
brick store and three residences (besides his own) in Chelsea, which he
rents out, and some fifty town lots. Mrs. Couch is a lady of superior education,
is kind and charitable, and a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Couch is six
feet in height, a man of fine business qualifications, and wholly self-educated.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Home Mission
Society. He is also a Mason of old standing, and is now a Master Mason
in the Vinita Lodge, No. 10
Chouteau, Benjamin C. (pp. 345, 347) Biographical
Index
Benjamin C. Chouteau was born in 1835, in Johnson County,
Kansas, the only son of Cyprian Chouteau (of French descent), who was an
Indian trader. Benjamin's mother was Miss Rogers, a full-blood Shawnee
and sister to Graham Rogers, at one time second chief of the Shawnees.
Benjamin attended public school until his sixteenth year, after which he
went to California and followed mining, at which he was not very successful.
He spent twenty-five years of his life traveling in British Columbia, Oregon,
Idahao, etc., and in November, 1877, arrived back in Vinita, Cherokee Nation.
Here he purchased a small place south of town and went to farming, which
business he now continues. In 1885 he was elected member of the Cherokee
Council, which office he held for two years. In February, 1891, Mr. Chouteau
started in the general mercantile business in Vinita, and in the same year
associated himself with Mr. Thomason, the firm being known by the name
of Chouteau & Thomason. These gentlemen carry a stock of about $16,000
in general merchandise. Mr. Chouteau owns about 400 acres of improved farm
ten miles from town, and 40 head f cattle, besides horses and mules. In
1880 Mr. Chouteau married Mrs. Shaw, daughter of Charles Tucker, once chief
of the Shawnees, the most prominent man of his day amongst his tribe, and
one of three who made the treaty with the Cherokees. By this marriage he
has four children---Benjamin C., Edgar G., Albert C. and Blanche, ranging
in ages from twelve to five. He has also a step-daughter of eighteen or
nineteen years of age, named Corea Shaw, who is living with the family.
Mrs. Chouteau is a lady of good education. She is kind and charitable,
and has a host of friends. Mr. Chouteau is fully six feet in height, and
is a gentleman of fine appearance, with a good address and a thorough practical
business education. He is half Shawnee by blood. His sister married Carl
Guinnette, a leading architect in Kansas City, Missouri.
Wyly, Robert F. (pp. 347, 348) Biographical
Index
Robert F. Wyly is the son of W. C. Wyly, a Georgian,
and grandson of General James R. Wyly. His mother was Elizabeth Starr,
of Green County, Georgia. Robert F. was born September 15, 1827, in Habersham
County, Georgia, and attended school in Cedartown, same State, between
the years 1844 and 1849, after which he began mercantile business at old
Cassville, Georgia, and married Miss Amanda C. Williams, daughter of Major
Lowry Williams, of Cherokee extraction, in 1850. By this marriage he had
two children---Oliver L. and Florence S. (Mrs. Rogers). Robert F. came
to this nation in 1857, and settled on Beattie's Prairie, near the Arkansas
line. February, 1858, he married Miss Mary J. Buffington, daughter of Joshua
Buffington, and step-daughter to John A. Bell, Hooley Bell's father. By
this marriage he had seven children---Percy, Robert Lee, Julia (Mrs. Johnston),
Capitola V. (Mrs. McSpadden), Albert Sidney, Buffington and Zoe. Mr. Wyly
took his negroes to Smith County, Texas, in 1858, where he had a large
plantation, and grew cotton extensively in Smith and Rusk Counties until
1862, when he joined Walker's division of infantry, Confederate service.
Before entering the army Mr. Wyly was present at the Oak Hills fight, August
10, 1861. Eager to experience the shock of battle, he persuaded old Kilgore,
father to the well-known Buck Kilgore, to permit him to mount his (Kilgore's)
horse, and take the veteran's place in the line of fight. The old gentleman
did so, while young Wyly "rushed into the field," and when the battle was
over returned without a scratch. Not so with old Kilgore, who, although
comparatively in the rear, must have been shot dead and so trampled and
mutilated that his body was unrecognizable amid the wounded that lay upon
the field of blood. Strange incident, that he who sought danger should
find safety by the very act of exchanging places! Mr. Wyly soon became
captain of a company, and was engaged in the battles of Mansfield, Ducksport,
above Vicksburg, and Jenkin's Ferry. The colonel, lieutenant-colonel and
major being absent at the latter fight, Captain Wyly took command of the
regiment and led them gallantly to the front. In 1868, on the restoration
of peace, Captain Wyly returned to the Cherokee Nation. IN 1877 he was
elected district judge, Delaware district, being the first white man ever
elected by public vote among the Cherokees. He held the office eight years,
by re-election, and on its expiration he ran for the senate, but was defeated
by a few votes. During the Bushyhead administration he was appointed attorney-general
to represent the nation on citizenship, and served two years, until 1888.
He also served on special occasions as circuit and supreme judge. In 1889
he was appointed editor of the Advocate, the national organ, and
held the office until the fall of 1891. Judge Wyly was chief justice of
the superior courts of Georgia in 1856 and 1857. The subject of our sketch
had three ancestors in the battle of King's Mountain, viz., Colonel Ben
Cleveland, Colonel John Sevier and Colonel William Clarke. Judge Wyly is
a tall, handsome, stately-looking gentleman, highly educated and intellectual,
and possessing great force of character. Politically, as he says himself,
he is a "dyed-in-th-wool" Democrat, which phrase is sufficiently expressive
to suit the occasion.
Benge, George W. (pp. 349, 350) Biographical
Index
George W. Benge was born in Sequoyah district in 1850.
The families from which he is descended, are noted in history for their
intelligence and patriotism. He received a good education in the public
and private institutions of the country. His first entree to public life
was in 1873, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Illinois district,
in which capacity he served for two years. He was then elected clerk of
the same district for two years. In 1881 and 1883 he was elected national
auditor, serving four years in that office. During these years he showed
his peculiar fitness for public trust. The law provides that if any district
clerk shall fail to perform his duties with regard to reports and the collection
of revenues, the auditor shall withhold part of his salary, for such failure.
The promptness with which Mr. Benge enforced this law, marks a period of
history of the treasurer's office, in which a delinquency cannot be found,
that is not fully accounted for. Mr. Benge removed to Tahlequah in 1885,
and was elected solicitor of that district. In 1887 he was elected judge
of the northern judicial district, which office he is filling at present.
In 1891 he was nominated by the National party for the office of principal
chief, but was defeated by his opponent J. B. Mayes. Mr. Benge, in July,
1877, married Miss Fannie Barnes, daughter of Thomas Barnes and Miss Foreman,
sister of Stephen Foreman, a prominent religious teacher among the Cherokees.
By this marriage he has eight children---Jessie, Alexander, Mamie, Fannie,
George, Abbot, Houston, and Eliza. Mr. Benge is owner of 150 acres of good
farm land, and has a fine residence in Tahlequah, besides some other town
property. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and bears
an enviable reputation for honesty, sobriety and other good qualities.
He is also a legislator of great ability, and is heart and soul devoted
to the National party.
French, Robert M. (p. 350) Biographical
Index
Robert M. French was born July 28, 1848, in Flint district,
Cherokee Nation, second son of Robert M. French, and Margaret W. Fields.
His father was a Virginian, and came to the Cherokee Nation in 1833 or
1834. He afterwards went West with Colonel Coffee, to trade with the Western
Indians, and located on Red River, at what is now known as Coffee's Bend.
His wife (Robert's mother), was a member of the celebrated Fields family.
Robert attended district school until twelve years of age, and at the outbreak
of the war was employed as despatch bearer by General Cooper. At the conclusion
of the war he became a cowboy, and continued in this capacity for many
years. In 1872 he was appointed deputy marshal, under General Fagan, which
office he holds to the present day. In 1879 he was elected high sheriff
of the Cherokee Nation, and continued in that position for four years.
In 1891 Mr. French was appointed as constable by Judge Shackleford, which
office he now holds. Mr. French married Miss Jane Annie Thompson, December
8, 1880, eldest daughter of Johnston Thompson, one of the oldest
and wealthiest merchants in the Indian Territory. By this marriage they
had five children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Johnston Thompson,
born September 2, 1881; Thomas Fox, born July 9, 1883; Joseph A., born
April 3, 1887; Richard T., born January 19, 1889. Mr. French's residence
is one of the finest brick houses in the Territory. It is two and a half
stories with a basement, finely finished and corners of blue granite. It
is located on the edge of town, where Mr. French has about 40 acres of
land in cultivation. The subject of our sketch is five feet ten inches
in height, and weighs 130 pounds. He is a man of good appearance, intelligent
and enterprising. As an officer he is widely known, having the greater
potion of his life held the position of deputy marshal. Mr. French is almost
entirely self-educated, having left school when not quite twelve years
old.
Carter, John R. (pp. 351, 353) Biographical
Index
John R. Carter was born August, 1834, near Tahlequah,
the son of David Carter, who came to the present nation at an early day
and settled on the Barren Fork, Tahlequah district. His mother was Jane
Reilly, daughter of Richard Reilly, a half-breed and a prominent man in
the old nation. The subject of our sketch went to the Essex Indian School,
near Tahlequah, at six years old, and afterwards to Reilly's Chapel, finishing
his education at the national male seminary after two and a half years'
study. In 1854 he went to California, crossing the plains to Stockton with
a herd belonging to Richard Keys and Martin Scrimscher. On his arrival
he went in search of gold to Mariposa, and was lucky enough on one occasion
to strike a nugget that sold for $400. But he and his party being rather
extravangant, they did not save any of their earnings. On their Westward
trip
the party had several narrow escapes from the Cheyenne Indians. They had
to keep nightly watch, and their pickets were several times run into camp
on the Pawnee Fork of the Arkansas. On their return homeward they took
shipping, and their vessel was captured off the coast of Nicaragua, during
the Walker invasion. He and his friends were sent to Greytown December,
1857, from whence they returned to the nation via New Orleans. IN 1858
Mr. Carter married Miss Sarah, daughter of Charles Rogers, ex-judge of
Coowescoowee district. During the war he was in Colonel Stand Watie's command,
First Cherokee Regiment. He was detached as guide to Colonel McIntosh,
but taking sick en route to the Opothleyoholo fight, was carried back to
Fort Davis. After his recovery he fought at Honey Springs and the Bayou
fight, and was the last of the rebels that saw Colonel Taylor alive. This
brave man is supposed to have been killed, after capture, by a Pin Cherokee.
Mr. Carter, in the latter fight, had a hole shot through his hat close
to his forehead. In August, 1891, the subject of our sketch was elected
member of the national council for Coowescoowee district. He is now living
in Sequoyah, where he opened a general mercantile business in the fall
of 1888. He has also charge of the United States postoffice, has 300 acres
of land in cultivation, 200 head of stock cattle and 30 head of horses.
About three years ago, while absent from home, his residence was burned
to the ground. Four hundred dollars in cash being laid away within the
building, suggests the probability of incendiarism, as none of the gold
could be found among the ruins. Mr. Carter is a gentleman of good appearance
and address, affable and kind-hearted, but without any disposition to push
himself into public prominence. He is brother to Judge Ben W. Carter, a
leading citizen in the Chickasaw Nation.
Barritt, Henry Clay (pp. 353, 355)
Biographical
Index
Henry Clay Barritt was born in Champaigne County, Ohio,
September 1, 1830, second child of Captain Abner Barritt of the United
States army during the war of 1812, and originally from Maryland, but who
went to Ohio at an early age, and there became a prominent pioneer. Henry
Clay's mother's maiden name was Rebecca Diltz, of Green County, Ohio, a
well known family in that part of the State. Mr. Barritt received his education
in the public schools of the county, and attended the Wittenburg College,
Springfield, for a short time. His father dying when he was only fifteen
years of age, he was forced to provide for himself by earning his living
on a farm for six years. In September, 1852, he married Miss Elmira R.
Reighart, daughter of John Reighart, of Huldesburg, Pa., member of a leading
Dutch family. In 1852 they moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, where Mr. Barritt purchased
a large farm. Here they remained till 1864, when they moved to Powsheek
County, and in 1876 to Montezuma, Iowa, where Mr. Barritt engaged in the
hotel business. In 1877 they moved back to Ottumwa, from thence to Crawford
County, Kansas, from thence to Litchfield, Kansas, and in 1880 to Lamar,
Missouri. Remaining there eighteen months, they moved to Golden City, Missouri,
Appleton City, Missouri, Clinton, Missouri, and from thence to Savannah,
Choctaw Nation, in all of which places Mr. Barritt conducted the hotel
business. In August, 1886, he moved to Vinita, Cherokee Nation, and there
took charge of the old Frisco House for three years. In April, 1891, Mr.
Barritt assumed charge of the Cobb House, just then completed. Mr. and
Mrs. Barritt have eight living children, viz.: Jerome, born July 29, 1857;
Mary, July 12, 1859; George J., April 16, 1863; Frank, March 24, 1865;
Kate R., December 24, 1867; Charles F., December 23, 1869; Julia P., August
31, 1871; Ernest G., September 6, 1874. Mr. Barritt in his recent career
has had a great many ups and downs, but he is now well situated, and doing
a promising business in one of the best hotel buildings of the territory.
Besides his hotel fixtures, Mr. Barritt has three lots in the city of Houston,
Texas, and other property. Mr. Barritt is a fine, energetic man, six feet
high, and weighing 215 pounds. His wife is a lady of good education and
highly thought of by all.
Duncan, James W. (pp. 355, 356) Biographical
Index
James W. Duncan, born in 1861, is the son of Morgan H.
Duncan, a white man, and Penelope C. Craig, a Cherokee descended from Granny
Ward, one of the most remarkable women of her time. Young Duncan came with
his parents to the Cherokee Nation in 1869, settling in the Delaware district,
near the line of Chetopa, Kansas, on the Neosho River. He attended the
neighborhood schools until seventeen years of age, after which he went
to the Vinita school, and at the age of twenty-three years entered the
national male seminary, Tahlequah, graduating from there in 1885. Immediately
afterward he was appointed to teach at Carey's Ferry, and after one term
became principal of the Vinita school, having two assistant teachers and
one hundred sixty-nine pupils. Mr. Duncan, however, resigned his position
before he had taught quite one year, in order to enter Emory College, Oxford,
Georgia, where he remained four years, graduating with his B.A. degree
in 1890. On his return he was elected professor of English and history
in the Cherokee Male Seminary, and taught until the close of the term.
Mr. Duncan, during the last general election in his country, took an active
part in the defense and support of the National party, speaking publicly
at the meetings in Delaware and Coowescowee districts. In these addresses
he spoke long and fluently in behalf of education----a subject upon which
there are few young men in his country as well able to converse. Mr. Duncan
is a gentleman of far more than ordinary ability, with a thorough English
and classical education, and fitted to occupy a professorship in a college
of high standing. But the salaries paid by a nation to first-class teachers
are not sufficient to retain their services for any length of time, and
the young man educated for the professor's chair soon becomes a clerk or
a farmer, or something else calculated to lead to a better remuneration.
Mr. Duncan is a single man, and lives at Tahlequah, but has a farm of 300
acres in Coowescowee district.
Wolfe, Thomas Leroy (p. 356) Biographical
Index
Thomas Leroy Wolfe was born in Tahlequah, April 12, 1871,
the son of John W. Wolfe and Belle Gibson, daughter of Leroy Gibson, a
white man. His grandfather, Thomas Wolfe, was one of the old settlers,
and in conjunction with Blue Jacket, built the first house in Tahlequah.
His father, John W. Wolfe, was district judge for some time, and at present
resides within one-half mile of the capital. The subject of this sketch
is the eldest of three sons. He was sent to the Tahlequah public school
in 1879, and there continued till 1883, when he began work in the office
of the Cherokee Advocate, devoting his time to the newspaper business
for two years. In 1885 he entered the Indian university and completed a
collegiate course in 1887, after which he joined the staff of the Advocate
for a short time. Later he became a clerk in the mercantile establishment
of R. C. Adams, as well as assistant postmaster at Viau, Illinois district.
Leaving there at the end of one year, he took a position in W. T. Culbertson's
store, Savannah, Choctaw Nation. Later on Mr. Wolfe traveled for the
Arrow, Telephone and Advocate, three Cherokee newspapers, and
was special reporter for the first named paper during the election campaign
of 1891. Mr. Wolfe is an intelligent, well educated young man, and quite
popular with his acquaintances. Like most of his name in this nation, he
is a member of the national party.
Canard, Thomas (pp. 356, 358) Biographical
Index
Thomas Canard was born at Cane Creek in the year 1841,
the third son of Yahartostanuggee, a full-blood Indian and king of the
Eufaula Town. His mother's name was Polly, daughter of a white man. Thomas
went to Asberry Mission for eight years, leaving that institution in 1857
and remaining at his home until 1861, when he married Miss Negaya, daughter
of the king of the Thlopthlocco Town, and thus started in life on his own
responsibility. By this marriage he had one child---Wisie, born March 18,
1865. In the meantime he joined the Confederate service as sergeant, and,
after the usual experience, returned to his home. After the death of his
first wife he married Yanar, grand-daughter of Thalarth-hayo, king of the
Kealiger Town, by whom he has five children---Jefferson, born June, 1870;
Lucy B., April, 1873; Louisa, November, 1875; Felix B., December, 1879,
and Lolie B., March, 1885. In 1867 Thomas was elected as light-horseman,
which office he held four years. Soon afterward he was elected district
judge of Weanoka, which office he holds at present, and has been re-elected
for the coming term. Mr. Canard has 100 head of cattle, 100 acres of farm
in good cultivation, and horses and hogs sufficient for his own use. He
is a member of the Methodist Church, has a good education and a kind disposition,
which renders him very popular among his people. Mr. Canard is about two-thirds
Indian, is five feet nine inches in height, and weighs 160 pounds.
Moore, Mrs. August R. (pp. 358, 359)
Biographical
Index
This gifted lady is the eldest child of W. S. Robertson,
principal of the Tallahassee Mission School, and was born at the Mission
in October, 1851. She was educated and graduated at Dayton, Ohio, in June,
1870, after which she returned to Tallahassee and taught under her father
for ten years, until the school building burned down in 1880. The school,
however, was continued for some time in a portion of the building with
a small number of pupils. On her father's death, which took place the following
spring, Miss Robertson was appointed principal pro tem., after which
she received the appointment of superintendent, which she held for one
year, when the institute was rebuilt for the colored people. Miss Robertson
married Mr. J. H. Cregg in 1877, the issue of their marriage being one
girl, which died in infancy. In 1882 she married Mr. N. B. Moore, who was
judge of the supreme court at that time. They were married in Oswego, Kansas,
November 20, 1882, after which they went to live on the Arkansas River,
twenty miles west of Muskogee. About two years afterward Mrs. Moore was
appointed as principal and superintendent of the Nuyaka Mission, which
office she has held to the present day, with the exception of one years
--- September, 1888, until September, 1889. Mrs. Moore is grand-daughter
of Rev. S. A. Worcester, D. D., of the Cherokee Congregational Mission.
She herself is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church. During her first
ten years under the Presbyterian Foreign Board, her salary was paid by
the Rev. T. K. Beecher, of the Congregational Church, Elmira, New York.
Wisdom, Colonel Dew Moore (pp. 363,
364) Biographical
Index
Dew Moore Wisdom was born February 3, 1836, at Medon,
Madison County, Tennessee, being the eldest son of William S. Wisdom, the
leading merchant and landowner of McNary County, Tennessee, and widely
known throughout the State. His mother was a Miss Jane Anderson, of an
old family, from the eastern part of Tennessee. Dew studied at the neighborhood
schools until sixteen years of age, when he went to Cumberland University,
Lebanon, graduating and securing his B. A. degree in 1857. Soon afterward
he commenced the practice of law in Purdy, Tennessee, and there remained
until the outbreak of the war, when he was elected captain of Company F,
Thirteenth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate service. Early in the war Captain
Wisdom was twice wounded, once in the mouth and once in the face---a bullet
knocking out his front teeth at the battle of Belmont. At Shiloh he was
wounded in the left thigh, and at Pittsburg Landing was further disabled
so as to render him unfit for infantry service. Accordingly he joined the
cavalry, and was for fourteen months lieutenant-colonel of what was known
as Julius' Battalion, under General P. D. Roddie. When General N. B. Forrest
took charge of the West Tennessee and North Mississippi departments, Mr.
Wisdom was apppointed to the colonelcy of the Nineteenth Tennessee Regiment,
and served in this rank until the close of the war. While with General
Forrest he was four times wounded, receiving in all seven wounds during
his entire service. After the war Colonel Wisdom resumed the practice of
law in Mississippi and as soon as the reconstruction period was over was
elected to the State senate, State of Mississippi, from Tishomingo County.
He served in this office for one term, and moved to Jackson, Tennessee,
where he became proprietor of the Tribune, a weekly, devoted to
the grand old Democratic party, which paper he was identified with for
fourteen years. In 1871 he as appointed clerk and master of chancery court
for Madison County, which office he held for twelve years, or two terms,
having been re-elected. In 1882 Colonel Wisdom engaged in the publication
of the Fort Smith Herald (having moved to that town), but sold out
his interest in 1883, when Cleveland was elected President, and was appointed
chief clerk of the Union Agency, Muskogee, serving four years until removed
from office by Benjamin Harrison, since which time he has been practicing
law in the United States courts, Muskogee. Colonel Wisdom married in January,
1862, at Inka, Mississippi, Miss Anna Terry, a young lady of great accomplishments
and superior conversationalist. By this marriage he had four children---William,
aged twenty-seven; Lucille, aged twenty-two (now Mrs. Eberle); Fentress,
aged twenty-one, and Terry, seventeen. Colonel Wisdom is five feet inches
in height, weighs 250 pounds, and is a man of intellectual and gentlemanly
appearance. He is highly educated, and as a lawyer ranks far above the
average. Few professional men are more widely or more favorably known throughout
the Indian Territory than Colonel Wisdom, while his attachment to the lost
cause, and the sufferings he has endured on many a battle-field, render
him dear to every loyal Southerner.
Dick, John Henry (pp. 364, 366) Biographical
Index
John Henry Dick was born January 1, 1869, in the Flint
district, Cherokee Nation, the second son of Charles Dick, a member of
the Grand Council in 1875. His mother was Margaret Tickaneskie, a full-blood,
whose father was one of the party that killed Ridge, one of the signers
of the treaty in 1835. John was educated at the Indian University, Tahlequah,
and on its removal to Muskogee attended at that point, spending four years
in the institution until 1888, when he was elected to the office of assistant
interpreter of the lower house. In 1890 he taught school in Coowescowee
district for a short time, till in the fall when he served as interpreter
on one of the house committees. In 1891 he took the place of Charles Tehee,
translator of the Cherokee Advocate, the national organ, and at
the general election in August, 1891, was elected to the office of district
attorney for Tahlequah district. The subject of our sketch is a bright,
intelligent and promising young man, prepossessing in appearance and highly
esteemed. Mr. Dick is by nature a snake-charmer, possessing an extraordinary
power over these reptiles, which enables him to carry them about his person
without danger from even the most venemous of the species. His present
home is in Tahlequah, and he is unmarried.
Bailey, Ward Howard, M.D. (p. 366)
Biographical
Index
Ward Howard Bailey was born May, 1848, at Waldon, Scott
County, Arkansas, the second son of Dr. W. H. Bailey, who was appointed
physician of the missionary schools of the Creek Nation, and moved to the
country with his family in 1852, remaining till the outbreak of the war,
when he returned to Fort Smith in 1862. Young Bailey, who was educated
in the Kentucky School of Medicine, first commenced practice at old North
Fork Town, in the Creek Nation. When the railroad was built he removed
to Eufaula, and in 1878 married Miss Ella Stidham, eldest daughter of Col.
G. W. Stidham by his second wife, Miss Thornberry, of Washington City.
Col. Stidham was the most prominent man of his day among the Creeks. By
this marriage Dr. Bailey had two children---Georgia Ella, aged six years,
and Ward Howard, aged three years. The doctor is a man of superior education,
and a fine physician, having had twenty-one years' experience among the
Creeks, among whom he is exceedingly popular.
Daugherty, Mathew (pp. 366, 367, 368)
Biographical
Index
Mathew Daugherty was born September 24, 1839, in the
State of Arkansas, third son of James Daugherty. He attended school till
he was ten years of age in Texas County, Missouri, after which (in 1849)
he moved with his father to Denton County, Texas, where he went to the
neighborhood schools till 1854, after which he entered McKenny College,
Clarksville, Texas, and in 1857 commenced the study of law, which he continued
until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Choctaw and Chickasaw
mounted rifles. After the close of the war he admitted to the bar, and
elected to the office of county judge, which position he held till 1868
and resigned. Since that time he has been practicing his profession in
Denton County, and at this writing is contemplating a removal to the Cherokee
Nation, of which he is a citizen, and intends settling in Tahlequah, where
he will practice in the courts of that district. In November, 1868, Mr.
Daugherty married Miss Josephine Stimler, daughter of John Stimler, a merchant
of Denton, by whom he has four children---Stimler, Mathew, Lawrence and
Mosby. Their mother died in 1873, at Granbury, Hood County, Texas. Mr.
Daugherty owns property to the amount of about $4,000, in town; a fine
residence and 1000 acres in Wise County, Texas, together with 500 acres
in Denton, Texas. He is five feet, seven inches high, weighs 145 pounds,
and is a man of deep and varied knowledge, having a profound mind which
he still continues to cultivate in the various branches of learning. Mr.
Daugherty is also an excellent lawyer, and is very popular in Denton County.
Wolfe, Rev. J. Edward (pp. 368, 370)
Biographical
Index
J. Edward Wolfe was born September 12, 1849, at Hampton,
Adams County, Pennsylvania, oldest son of Jacob Wolfe, a popular merchant
of the same place, and Mary Connor, of Scotch and Irish descent. Edward
attended public school until the outbreak of the war, when he became an
apprentice to the printer's trade in the Gazette office, Hanover,
York County, Pennsylvania. Here he remained several years, attaching himself
for a while to the Carlisle Volunteer, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Later he held a position in the government printing office, at Washington,
D. C., after which he was led into evangelistic work through the Rev. E.
P. Hammon, with whom he went to Philadelphia and Newport, Massachusetts.
At this point he was city missionary, and remained for one year. During
this time he had many rough and strange experiences. In order to aid him
in his battle against rum, he established a newspaper, which soon stirred
the ire of the whisky-sellers, and he was prosecuted for libel by a notorious
rum-seller. Being refused bail, he was imprisoned for three days, and during
this time the paper was issued from the jail. The consequence was that
on December 11, the election day, the temperance party carried the day
by a plurality of 929. On this day he was assaulted by a cowardly, prize-fighting
rum-seller, who knocked him down and treated him in a brutal manner. But
this did not in any way weaken the courage of Brother Wolfe who, after
this event, had many friends to assist him in his good work. In 1878 he
moved to Quincy, and from there to Uxbridge, Mass., from thence to Bethel,
Providence, Rhode Island, and on to Washington, D. C., where he engaged
in evangelistic work. In 1881 he moved to York, Pennsylvania, where he
remained three years, taking a trip to Mexico through the Indian Territory,
where he remained a short time, holding meetings at various points along
the line. He was soon afterward made Presbyterian evangelist for Texas,
and in 1888 settled in Vinita, Indian Territory, as independent evangelist,
where, in connection with his wife, he opened an Indian orphanage based
upon the "faith and work" system. In this school he now has a number of
orphan children, who are being educated and taught different trades, while
cared for and supported by Evangelist Wolfe and wife, through the occasional
assistance of friends interested in the work, and partly by products from
the orphanage farm, situated about five miles from Vinita, Indian Territory.
Mr. Wolfe married, in 1874, to Miss Kate Timberlake, daughter of A. W.
Timberlake, at one time president of the board of education. Mrs. Wolfe
is connected with some of the leading Cherokee families. By this marriage
they have two children. Evangelist Wolfe is about the middle height, heavily
built and fair-complexioned, with great force of character written upon
his countenance. His manner is cheerful and sympathetic; his language is
fluent, rising at intervals to the very summit of oratorical grandeur.
What matters if he has his faults, so long as Brother Wolfe has it in his
power, and uses that power, to lead men to Christ and wean them from the
world, which he has undoubtedly succeeded in doing, as the writer of this
biography can cheerfully testify. "The good that a man does outlives him,"
and begets such good that virtue continues to be immortal. Rev. Mr. Wolfe
is conducting a religious paper entitled John 3, 16, which is having
a large circulation.
Adair, Arthur F. (p. 371) Biographical
Index
Arthur F. Adair was born August 28, 1858, at Mayesville,
Cherokee Nation, son of John L. Adair and Mary J. Jeffreys. In early boyhood
he was sent to the primary schools, and completed his education at the
national male seminary, Tahlequah, about 1883. Arthur commenced life as
a school teacher; receiving charge of the Blue Springs school, ten miles
from the capital, which he taught for five months. After this he went to
Webber's Falls and taught the Prairie Grove school for ten months, which
was followed up by two sessions spent likewise in the Coowescowee district
institutions. The subject of our sketch then accepted a clerkship in the
store of Messrs. Rasmus & French, but soon afterward was employed by
Chief Bushyhead, through special act, to arrange the census rolls. In September,
1885, Arthur Adair married Mollie E. Miller, daughter of Louis Miller,
part Irish and Cherokee, by whom he had three children, only one of which
is living---Arthur Lynch, seven months old. The eldest a little girl, two
and a half years of age, unfortunately died of membraneous croup. Mr. Adair
after spending some time farming, taught several sessions in the Flint
and Going Snake districts, and was apppointed to the Tahlequah public school
for ten months, and one re-appointed. For some time he has been connected
with the firm of J. L. Adair & Son, being manager for his father who
devotes little of his time to the business. Mr. Adair lives in the north-east
end of Tahlequah, where he has a dwelling house and six acres of land.
He is also owner of some very promising mineral claims, which with others
are undeveloped. Mr. Adair like his father, is a gentleman of education
and refinement, generous and liberal, and in consequence is popular with
everybody.
Simpson, John F. (p. 372) Biographical
Index
John F. Simpson was born December, 1824, in Prince William
County, Virginia, the son of J. W. Simpson, of Bardstown, Kentucky, who
is now ninety-two years of age. John F. came to Kentucky at the age of
twelve, and was educated at the public schools. After a residence of some
ten years in Louisville, he moved to Eufaula in the Creek Nation (in 1872),
and in the year following embarked in the hide and fur business, which
he continues until the present day. In 1870, Mr. Simpson, while in Arkansas,
met Miss Susan Crabtree, daughter of the late Mr. William Crabtree, a prominent
citizen of the Creek Nation, and they were married the same year in that
State. Soon after coming to Eufaula he commenced improving land, and now
owns 60 acres close to town, as well as 115 acres two miles further out.
Mr. Simpson and his father-in-law were the first who ever grew cotton in
the Creek Nation, having hauled a wagon load of the seed from a gin in
Texas, situated on the spot where now stands the City of Texarkana. The
first crop was a complete failure, owing to an early September frost. This
occurred in 1873. Afterwards Mr. Simpson bought and shipped the first bale
of cotton ever ginned in the Creek country. The subject of this sketch
has seen some active service under General Taylor in the Mexican war. He
joined the first regiment that enlisted for a twelve months' service on
that occasion, which regiment was the First Kentucky, under Colonel Ormsby.
During these twelve months he served at the battle of Monterey, and other
engagements of lesser note. Mr. Simpson has a family of six children---Hattie,
aged eighteen years; Robert Lee, aged seventeen years; John, aged fourteen
years; Kate, aged twelve years; Mary, aged ten years, and James, aged eight
years.
Adair, Roland Kirk (pp. 372, 374,
375) Biographical
Index
Roland Kirk Adair was born November 17,1855, in Saline
district, Cherokee Nation, son of B. Adair, who before the war was a prominent
merchant at Locust Grove. His grandfather, Washington Adair, was one of
the leading men in the Cherokee Nation. Mr. Roland Adair was educated at
the public schools until 1874, and in the autumn of the same year entered
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, graduating with honors in 1877. Roland
Kirk followed the career of a teacher from that time until 1881, when he
married Miss Rachel Landrum, daughter of D. D. Landrum, of Delaware district,
a prominent citizen. He then began farming five miles north of Chelsea,
Cherokee Nation, and continued agriculture till April, 1891, when he disposed
of his farm and began merchandising at Chelsea. Prior to his removal there,
he was appointed to the board of town commissioners of Chelsea, which position
he held for two years, and in December, 1891, was elected mayor of the
town. By his marriage with Miss Landrum, he has five children---Charles
B., born February 19, 1883; Robert McLeod, born July 4, 1884; David William,
born December 6, 1885; Sue T., born January 6, 1886; and Sadie Kirk, born
July 6, 1889. Mrs. Adair is an intelligent, cultured lady, of a liberal
disposition, and very popular among her friends. Mr. Adair's mother was
a Miss McNair, daughter of Nicholas McNair, a citizen by marriage. Mr.
Adair besides his store, owns a farm of 150 acres, 50 acres of which are
in cultivation, 100 head of cattle and other property. He is a wide-awake,
progressive and energetic man, and educated far above the majority, and,
it may be added, that he is one of that type of men whose example invariably
stimulates a new country, or a young settlement, to rapid development in
civilization.
Harris, Colonel Johnson (pp. 375,
376) Biographical
Index
Johnson Harris, was born April 19, 1856, the youngest
son of William Harris, a white man, and Susan Collins, daughter of Parker
Collins, a half Cherokee. Johnson attended neighborhood school until 1876,
when he entered the male seminary, Tahlequah, and there remained for one
year, when he commenced teaching in the public schools. In 1881 he was
elected member of the senate to represent the Canadian district, and filled
the same office three different terms. In 1887 and 1889 he was elected
as national delegate to Washington. After the inauguration of Chief Mayes,
Colonel Johson Harris was appointed executive secretary, and held that
position until 1891, when he was elected national treasurer in place of
Henry Chambers. In 1877 he married Miss Nannie Fields, daughter of Richard
Fields, by whom he has three children, a girl and two boys. Colonel Harris
again married, this time to Miss Mamie Adair, daughter of William Penn
Adair, March 4, 1891. Mrs. Harris is a lady of many accomplishments, among
them that of art, her attainments in that field being quite considerable.
She graduated at the Kirkwood Seminary, in Missouri. On the death of Joel
Mayes, principal chief, December, 1891, Colonel Harris was put in nomination
as his successor, and was elected, by a large majority, by the council
then in session, as chief executive of the Cherokees. Few men have ever
attained to such a high position so early in life. Mr. Harris having served
the people only ten or eleven years. Governor Harris resides in Tahlequah.
He is the owner of a considerable herd of cattle and a fine farm. Personally,
he is a handsome, intellectual looking man, six feet high and weighing
210 pounds. His education is far above the average, being well read on
most subjects and a good conversationalist. Few men can boast of such a
wide spread popularity as Governor Harris.
Jacobs, Judge Isaac (pp. 376, 377)
Biographical
Index
Isaac Jacobs was born January 26, 1854, in Sculliville
County, Choctaw Nation, oldest son of S. L. Jacobs and C. Belvin, both
of Choctaw origin. Isaac attended public school until the age of fourteen
years. At seventeen he commenced farming, which, in connection with stock-raising,
he continues until the present day. In October, 1889, he started in the
mercantile business with his brother, W. F. Jacobs, at Muldrow, and they
are now doing a very fair trade. Mr. Jacobs married Miss Amanda Pettit,
of Sequoyah district, daughter of Thomas Pettit, a prominent Cherokee in
his neighborhood. Mrs. Jacobs died in August, 1880, without family, since
which time Mr. Jacobs has remained single. In 1887 he was appointed deputy
clerk of Sequoyah district, and August, 1889, was elected district judge.
In August, 1891, he was re-elected for a second term, and is filling his
office to the satisfaction of all. Judge Jacobs is five feet six inches
in height and weighs 140 pounds. He is a man of strict integrity, and highly
respected in the country, having a host of friends among all classes. Judge
Jacobs owns 125 acres of land in cultivation, a small herd of cattle, and,
in connection with his brother, carries a stock of merchandise to the value
of $2,000. They also own the store building, while the judge is owner of
a nice residence in Muldrow. Judge Jacobs is a member of the Masonic Lodge
No. 29, Walnut Grove.
Alberty, Ellis C. (pp. 377, 378) Biographical
Index
Ellis C. Alberty was born July 20, 1860, the eldest son
of James Alberty and Martha Wright, a daughter of Cornelius Wright, who
held some prominent offices in his nation. His father was a leading farmer
and stock-raiser, and one-half Cherokee by blood. Ellis attended public
school until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to the male seminary
at Tahlequah, and there remained five years, after which he spent three
years at college in New Hampshire, where he graduated, and returned to
his home in the Cherokee Nation. In 1885 he became a teacher in the male
seminary, Tahlequah, and held that position for three years, afterward
taking the post of first assistant at the orphan asylum, where he also
taught for three years. On leaving there he began farming at Chouteau.
In July, 1877, he married Miss Sue M. Eaton, daughter of Richard Eaton,
of Going Snake district. By this marriage they had two children---Cecil,
born April 23, 1888, and Lizzie, born October 10, 1890. In August, 1891,
Mr. Alberty was elected prosecuting attorney for Coowescowee district,
which office he still holds. Mr. Alberty owns about 20 head of cattle,
a stock of hogs, some mules, and 75 acres of land in cultivation on Grand
River, besides several town lots in Chouteau and a good residence on his
home place. Mr. Alberty is a fine, tall, intelligent-looking gentleman
of good manners and address. He is well educated and as a prosecuting attorney
has given every satisfaction, gaining the confidence and respect of his
people. Mr. Alberty is a member of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Alberty
was a teacher in the nation's public school for over six years. She is
a lady of refinement and culture, a good wife and a loving mother.
Thompson, Johnson (pp. 378, 380) Biographical
Index
Johnson Thompson was born February 10, 1822, in Cass
County, Georgia, the third son of James Allen Thompson, a white man, and
Martha Lynch, a Cherokee, daughter of Geter Lynch, a United States citizen,
who was a brother-in-law to Judge J. Martin, of considerable prominence
in the Cherokee Nation. Johnson attended missionary and private schools
until he was fifteen, when his father emigrated to the present Cherokee
Nation with the Boudinots, Adairs, Mayes and Ridge families, after the
treaty of 1835. Here he went to school in Viniard Township, Arkansas, and
later to Bentonville in the same State, until he was eighteen years of
age, when he entered J. M. Lynch & Co.'s establishment as a clerk,
Mr. Lynch being his uncle. Here he remained until he was twenty-one years
of age, when he married Miss Eliza C. Taylor, January 5, 1843, daughter
to Richard Taylor, who was second chief of the Cherokees. Her mother was
daughter to George Fields, prominent in the capacity of United States officer,
and who drew a government pension till his death. Mr. Johnson Thompson
embarked in the mercantile line, in the winter of 1846 and 1847, in which
business he has been engaged up to the present, except during the war.
When the campaign commenced, he joined the Confederate service, in the
capacity of quarter-master of the First Cherokee Regiment, after which
he got a certificate of disability, and retired to a farm which he had
purchased in the Chickasaw Nation, on Red River. After the war he began
farming on Grand River in connection with his mercantile business, and
there remained until 1868 or 1869, when he removed to Vinita. Leaving Vinita
in 1876, he settled in Tahlequah, and resumed the mercantile and stock
business, which he is still pursuing. He carries a stock of from $12,000
to $15,000, including boots, shoes, dry goods, hardware and farming implements.
He owns about 200 acres of improved farm lands at different points, and
about 100 head of stock cattle, as well as the stone building in Tahlequah,
in which his business is carried on. He has five children---Thomas F.,
James A., Robert J., Joe M., and Jane Annie (the wife of R. M. French,
high sheriff of Tahlequah.). Joseph M. is practicing physician and medical
superintendent of the male and female institutes at Tahlequah, and is a
graduate of the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis. The subject of our
sketch is five feet ten inches high, and weighs 200 pounds. He is a man
of good appearance, sound education and business ability. Mr. Thompson
is one of the oldest merchants now living in the Cherokee Nation, who is
still in business. He is also one of the first members who joined the Masonic
lodge in the Cherokee Nation, after the first lodge was organized; he has
taken the degrees in the Chapter. Mr. Johnson Thompson is good hearted
and charitable, and has done many a kindly act for the needy and destitute.
Neilson, Francis Alexander (pp. 382,
384) Biographical
Index
Francis A. Neilson was born in Oxford, Mississippi, June
2, 1860, eighth child in a family of twelve of W. S. Neilson, a prominent
merchant of Oxford, and before the war a very wealthy man. Francis A. received
his education at the State University, leaving his sophomore year at the
age of twenty-one, after which he began a mercantile life as book-keeper
in a large general merchandise store in Oxford, and remained in this occupation
for three years. In 1885 the subject of our sketch went West to Arkansas
City, Kansas, and there formed a partnership in the hardware business,
but this becoming uncongenial Mr. Neilson went to Bartholsville, Indian
Territory, and entered the employment of J. H. Bartles, as book-keeper,
and remained three years. In March, 1888, he was married to Ella May Pratt,
step-daughter to J. H. Bartles, and immediately moved to Claremore, where
he engaged in the mercantile business, which he still continues successfully.
Mrs. Neilson's father was Lucius B. Pratt, eldest son of Rev. John G. Pratt,
of an old Boston family, and many years agent to the Delawares. Her
mother was Miss Nannie May "Journey Cake," daughter of Rev. Charles J.
Journey Cake, present chief of the Delawares. Mrs. Neilson is a highly
educated lady, and is accomplished and refined above the average of her
sex. By this marriage Mr. Neilson has two children---Nonie, born March
12, 1889, and Ada May, born May 8, 1891. Mr. Neilson's mother was a Miss
Mary C. Bowen, of East Tennessee, and a member of a very wealthy and aristocratic
family. Mr. Neilson has, in addition to a large stock of merchandise, two
farms aggregating 1100 acres, 700 of which are in cultivation, with good
buildings and orchards thereon. He also owns 90 acres of land near Kansas
City, valued at some $20,000, also 320 acres in the Texas Panhandle, 50
lots in Caney, Kansas, and 31 lots and 11 buildings in Claremore, making
him one of the wealthiest men in the Cherokee Nation, while his mercantile
business alone, successfully conducted of itself, is capable of yielding
a comfortable competence. Mr. Neilson is six feet high, weighs 165 pounds,
and is an active, energetic, brainy man, calculated to make a very decided
mark in the world.
Robb, A. W. (pp. 384, 386) Biographical
Index
A. W. Robb was born January, 1840, in Vera County, Pennsylvania,
the fourth son of William A. Robb, of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Young
Robb attended neighborhood schools until thirteen years of age, when he
went to Washington College, Iowa, where he remained one year. Most of his
time was spent upon a farm until he arried at twenty years of age. In the
fall of 1860 he went to Kansas, and in the following year entered the Federal
service (militia force). Soon, however, he joined the regulars, and in
July, 1862, became a first lieutenant, Company F, Third Indiana Horse Guards.
He thus served until 1865, when he was mustered out. Mr. Robb commenced
filling government contracts in 1866, and finished in 1869. Then he entered
mercantile business at Baxter Springs, and there remained until 1871, when
he opened out in Muskogee under the title of Atkinson & Co. He continued
the partnership with Mr. Atkinson until 1875, when he sold to Smith &
Angier. Attaching himself to Mr. Patterson's business for some time, he
finally formed a partnership with that gentleman in 1876, and has been
ever since his partner and business manager of that wealthy and prominent
firm. The establishment carried a general stock of goods, worth about $40,000,
when it was burned down in 1887. Then the present building, a fine two-story
brick, was erected. This establishment carries as large a stock as the
old house. In Wagoner, Creek Nation, Messrs. Patterson & Robb have
a branch house stocked with goods to the amount of $25,000 iin general
merchandise, and commanding a large trade. Mr. Robb married Miss Martha
Requa, January 23, 1864, daughter of George Requa and Mary Austin. Mr.
Requa came to the Union Mission, Indian Territory, in 1825, where he remained
until the Osages moved North. Mrs. Robb was born in Bates County, Missouri,
in 1841. The issue of their marriage was four children, three of whom are
living --- Mollie (now Mrs. Sampson), born October 2, 1865; Kate, born
September 29, 1870 (now Mrs. Evans, wife of Rev. A. G. Evans, Presbyterian
minister in Pendleton, Oregon), and Jessie, born December 13, 1872. In
height Mr. Robb is six feet two inches, and weighs 195 pounds. He is a
man of fine physique, pleasant and affable in manner, with a great deal
of personal magnetism, and possessed of business qualities far above the
average. He is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and a charter
member of the Masonic lodge of Muskogee, in which he is a Master Mason.
Tarvin, George Washington (pp. 386, 387)
Biographical
Index
George W. Tarvin was born December 14, 1828, a son of
Elijah Tarvin, of Baldwin County, Alabama, and Elizabeth Tate. His grandfather,
William Tarvin, came from England at an early day, settling in Buck County,
Georgia, and afterward marrying Mary Miller in Pensacola, Florida, in 1783,
where he opened a trading house. Mr. G. W. Tarvin's mother, Elizabeth Tate,
was second daughter to David Tate, and granddaughter to Colonel John Tate
and Sehoy McGilleroy, and great-granddaughter to General Alexander McGilleroy,
who came from Scotland in 1735 and amassed a large fortune in this country.
He was colonel in the British army in 1776 and 1790, and was commissioned
by George Washington as brigadier-general. He was a highly intellectual
man. George Washington Tarvin, his great-grandson and subject of this sketch,
was born in Baldwin County, Alabama, and in 1852, with his mother's family,
moved to Fort Bend County, Texas, bringing with them seventy negros, and
starting in agriculture in the Brazos bottom. Here he remained until the
outbreak of the war, when he joined the Confederate service under Colonel
Elmore, Second Texas Infantry. After two years he returned home to assist
his mother, who was alone on the plantation, and, procuring a substitute,
remained with her until the close of the war, when he left for Mexico,
and there took up his stay ten years, devoting his time to the mercantile
business. Returning from Mexico, he began clerking in a store in Texas,
and in 1870 or 1871 went to San Angelo (same State), where he clerked for
a Mr. Withers for some three years. In 1885 he moved his family to Muskogee,
and remained a short time at this place, moving out on the Verdigris River,
where he farmed for one year, after which he moved, on account of his daughter's
health, to Vinita, Cherokee Nation. From thence he went to Red Fork, and
from that place to Okmulgee, in 1888. Mr. Tarvin was married November,
1855, to Miss Phoebe Harris, of New York, by whom he had one girl, born
1857 and now Mrs. Thomas, of Okmulgee. His wife died July 7, 1858, and
he remained single until December 26, 1872, when he married Mrs. M. B.
Hammett, widow of the late Charles Hammett, of Galveston, Texas, in the
hardware business at that town. Mrs. Tarvin was second daughter of Jacob
Kates, of Wimmerton, Delaware, well and favorably known in that country,
and whose father came over when the Swedes first settled in that place.
By this marriage he has one daughter, named Annie, born April 9, 1876.
Mr. Tarvin is grand-nephew of William Weatherford, a man who was of great
prominence in the Creek Nation, and the hero of the fight at Fort Mimms.
Mr. Tarvin is five feet eleven inches in height, and weighs 160 pounds.
He is quiet and reserved, having all the traits of a true Southern gentleman,
and is very popular.
Knight, Robert D. (p. 388) Biographical
Index
Robert D. Knight was born March 25, 1846, at Chouteau,
Cherokee Nation, the youngest son of J. S. Knight, a Marylander, and a
Cherokee lady, daughter of William Rogers, one of the old settlers. Robert
attended several schools in the State of Pennsylvania, after which he spent
three years at the academy in Bridgeton, New Jersey, finishing his education
at Newtonia, Missouri. Leaving school in 1861, Robert entered the Confederate
service, and served until the close of the war. After devoting ten years
to farming, Mr. Knight moved in 1876 to Vinita, and there began the business
of architect, contractor and builder, which employment he still pursues.
In 1890 he opened a planing mill and factory in his town, putting up the
first gasoline engine ever introduced in the Indian Territory. The factory
is fitted with all modern improvements. Mr. Knight was superintendent of
construction (on the part of the nation), of the Cherokee Female Seminary,
a building which cost $65,000. He erected the national colored high school,
near Tahlequah, which cost $10,000, as also the brick work of the Halsell
Institute. In April, 1875, Mr. Knight married Miss Louisa West, daughter
of W. West, of Greenville, Missouri, by whom he had one living child, named
Herman. Mr. Knight is over six feet in height, and weighs 190 pounds. He
is a fine, intelligent looking man, of first class business qualifications
and is very popular. His factory and stock are valued at $3,000, while
he has about ten town lots, and a few houses rented in Vinita, besides
his own home and 160 acres of farm land in cultivation. He is also owner
of the Vinita World, a paper established in 1890. [We have recently
learned that the title of that paper has been changed to the Vinita
Globe.]
Ratcliffe, Edgar N. (pp. 388, 390)
Biographical
Index
Edgar N. Ratcliffe was born March 5, 1857, at Hillsborough,
Texas, the fourth son of James T. Ratcliffe, a leading lawyer of Hillsborough,
and Miss Whiteside, daughter of Mr. Whiteside, a well known merchant and
silversmith of Ashville, North Carolina. Edgar attended public school until
fifteen years of age, after which he entered Trinity University, Tehuacana,
Texas, where he remained until eighteen years of age, when he became a
clerk for Alfred Young, of that town, remaining until he was twenty, and
then established a mercantile business for himself, which he conducted
until 1884, and, selling out, removed to Vinita, Indian Territory, where
he started a grocery store, and in 1888 extended his business to general
merchandise, which he carries on at present. In September, 1881, Mr. Ratcliffe
married Miss Era Foster, daughter of Robert Foster (a large stockman from
La Grange, Bastrop County, Texas) and Jane Fields, of a leading Cherokee
family. By this marriage they have four children---Fred Foster, born May
28, 1884; James Wilton, born September 23, 1886; Robert Furnis, born June
23, 1889, and Mary Era, born September 25, 1891. Mrs. Ratcliffe is a graduate
of Trinity College, Tehuacana, Texas, and is a lady of many accomplishments.
Mr. Ratcliffe carries a stock of $18,000 in general merchandise, and does
the most extensive business at the present time in Vinita. The store building
is also his property, besides 200 acres of farm in cultivation. He owns,
in partnership with Mr. Skinner, the Vinita roller mills, and he is also
owner of five business and residence lots, a fine residence and a good
deal of land in Texas. He is vice-president, and was chief organizer of
the First National Bank of Vinita, capital $50,000. Mr. Ratcliffe is a
man of fine intellectual appearance, gentlemanly in manner and address,
and is possessor of rare business qualifications. He is a progressive man
in the proper sense, and very popular in Vinita.
Small, James, M.D. (pp. 390, 392)
Biographical
Index
James Small was born October, 1841, in McMinn County,
Tennessee, seventh son of Rev. James Small and Mary A. Wallace, of Scotch
descent and from Wane County, Kentucky. James Jr. attended neighborhood
schools until 1861, when he joined the Federal army, enlisting in the Second
Kansas Infantry, and from that entered the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry,
in which he served till the close of the war. In 1864 he married Miss Mary
Noe, of Lee County, Virginia, by whom he had five children---Mary J., born
April 3, 1866; Amy A., March 23, 1868; Nellie A., June 23, 1872; Robert
Walter, July 19, 1878, and James Arthur, January 12, 1884. After the close
of the war, James took charge of the old homestead, his father being dead.
Remaining two years, he began reading medicine with Dr. E. H. Moore, of
Ash Grove, Missouri. The following year he moved to Yellville, Arkansas,
where he studied with Dr. U. M. Noe, his brother-in-law. After remaining
with him three years, in 1871, he began the practice of his profession
in Isabella, Missouri, and there continued until 1879, when he went to
the American Medical College, St. Louis, where he graduated in 1880. After
a short practice in Isabella, Missouri, he moved to Marion County, Oregon,
remaining until 1882, when he returned to Oakland, Arkansas, at that time
a small place, but which, with the assistance of the doctor, soon became
a flourishing little town. He was postmaster in Oakland, and gave it the
name which it bears at present. In 1887 he moved to Douglas, Missouri,
where he had an extensive practice, and was appointed postmaster at Smallett,
in the same county, where his home is; the office is now in charge of his
wife. In September, 1891, he moved to Okmulgee, Creek Nation, and in October
was appointed resident physician to the Nuyaka Mission, which position
he now holds. Dr. Small, at his home place, owns a fine farm of 120 acres,
and some cattle, horses, and other stock, besides a comfortable residence,
orchard, garden, etc. He is six feet high and weighs 190 pounds, is intellectual
and highly educated, having a natural talent for the profession which he
represents so creditably, being only too well qualified to fill the responsible
position which has been recently offered him.
Springston, John L. (pp. 392, 394)
Biographical
Index
John L. Springston is the son of Anderson Springston,
half-breed, and Sallie Elliot, daughter of Jack Elliot, a white man, who
married a quarter Cherokee. Anderson Springston was born in Tennessee,
and after coming to this nation practiced law in the Delaware and Tahlequah
districts. John L., the subject of this sketch, was born October, 1845,
and educated at the public schools, Delaware district. About the time he
was ready to enter the Upper Alton Academy, the war broke out, and he joined
the Indian Home Guards, Third Regiment, Company I, under Col. M. A. Phillips,
Federal army. He entered the service January 1, 1863, and served until
May 31, 1865, during which time he was at the battles of Cabin Creek, Honey
Springs, and other engagements of the kind. While attending school in 1859,
he was appointed clerk of the supreme court of his district, and served
in the various courts in the same capacity until 1872, when he was elected
sheriff of Saline district for two years. In 1874 he became executive secretary
under Chief W. P. Ross, and also held the office of interpreter. From November
1875 to 1879, he was Cherokee translator of the Advocate, or national
organ, and in 1879 was re-appointed to that office by Chief Bushyhead,
and held it until 1887. During the first two years of Bushyhead's administration,
he was clerk of the senate, and national (or executive) interpreter throughout
the entire administration. He also acted as interpreter of the special
commission on citizenship. In 1859 Mr. Springston began the practice of
law, and has, since the advent of the Mayes administration, devoted the
best part of his time to attending to pension and other claims. He is also
attorney of record at the United States court, Fort Smith, as well as the
different departments of the United States Government at Washington. Mr.
Springston was first married in 1867, to Sarah Eliza Mosely, granddaughter
to George Fields, of Saline district, by whom he has two daughters--Ruth
and Elizabeth. By a second marriage he has also two daughters, Viola Dacre
and Wenona. In 1885 he married Miss A. C. Gray, daughter to Adolphus Gray,
a white man, from North Carolina, by whom he has one son, five years old,
named W. P. Boudinot. Mr. Springston is six feet high, weighs 236 pounds,
and is a splendid specimen of his race, of excellent address and considerable
force; he is capable of strongly impressing a jury. He is very popular,
and a loyal adherent to the national party.
Mitchell, James F. (pp. 394, 395)
Biographical
Index
James F. Mitchell was born November, 1856, in Green County,
Indiana, being the eldest son of James H. Mitchell, of Muskogee, Indian
Territory, formerly a stock-raiser and agriculturist, who recently retired
from business, owning to ill health. His mother was Miss M. G. Crabtree,
whose family were from Ohio, and who moved to Indiana when quite young,
and married Mr. Mitchell in 1836. James F. attended district school until
the age of seventeen, moving West with his parents, he then followed school
teaching until he was twenty-two years of age, after which he attended
normal school at Fort Scott, where he completed his education July 1, 1881,
at the age of twenty-five years. Mr. Mitchell commenced teaching in the
public schools of Kansas soon afterwards, and was appointed deputy registrar
of deeds of Butler County, under the administration of Dr. J. McGuinness.
Since that time he has had charge of the Bloomfield Academy, a graded school
in Bloomfield, Arkansas, on the Indian Territory line. In 1889, he moved
with his parents to Muskogee, Indian Territory, and in September, 1891,
was given charge of the public school in Eufaula, Creek Nation, which appointment
he now holds. The subject of this sketch is a young man of excellent education,
full of energy and thoroughly devoted to his mission. His mother, now fifty-five
years of age, is corresponding secretary of the W. C. U. Association of
the Indian Territory, and missionary supervisor of jails.
Brewer, James Richardson, M.D. (pp. 395, 396)
Biographical
Index
James R. Brewer was born in February, 1849, at Black
Forest, Gibson County, Tennessee, seventh son of Dr. James M. Brewer, of
Tennessee, and grandson of Sterling Brewer, who for twenty years was speaker
of the Senate of Tennessee. Dr. Brewer is brother to the Rev. T. F. Brewer,
superintendent of the Harrell International Institute, of Muskogee. In
1859, the subject of our sketch entered Yorkville Academy, Tennessee, where
he remained until 1865. During 1867 and 1868 he attended Andrew College,
Trenton, Gibson County, Tennessee, after which he attached himself to the
mercantile business until 1873, in Columbus, Kentucky. In 1874 he began
the study of medicine with Dr. Sale, and later with Dr. J. M. Taylor, of
Corinth, Mississippi. Attending a course of lectures at Vanderbilt University,
Nashville, Tennessee, he commenced practice in the summer of 1876, and
continued the same in Franklin and Washington Counties, Arkansas, until
the fall of 1877, when he returned to the above mentioned university and
completed his course of lectures. Afterward he resumed practice in Washington
County, Arkansas, moving to Columbus, Kentucky, in 1879, and from thence
to Franklin County, Arkansas, in 1880. Three years later he came to Muskogee,
Indian Territory, and in November 1886, moved to Pierce City, Arkansas,
where he remained five months. Going from thence to South West City, Missouri,
he located there until 1888, when he returned to Muskogee, Indian Territory,
where he is now residing. In March, 1878, he married Miss Ella Lee Cook,
daughter of William Cook, a leading man in Columbus, Kentucky, and teasurer
of that city for forty years, as well as treasurer of the Mobile and Ohio
Railroad. Mrs. Brewer is a lady of superior attainments and many accomplishments.
Dr. Brewer is five feet seven inches in height, and weighs 135 pounds.
He is gentlemanly in appearance and affable in manner, highly educated,
and stands in the front rank in his profession. He has a large practice
in Muskogee, where he has many friends.
Wolfe, Richard M. (pp. 400, 402, 403)
Biographical
Index
Richard M. Wolfe was born November 16, 1849, the son
of J. H. Wolfe and Elizabeth Saunders, daughter of D. Saunders, a prominent
Cherokee. When Richard was but five months old, his father left for California
to search for gold in order, as he said himself, to properly educate his
son, but unfortunately he never returned. At the age of seven Richard went
to school for three months, and then again in two years later, passed five
months at a public school. From the outbreak of the war till its ending
he remained at home to take care of his mother and in 1865, when he had
almost forgotten the book learning he had acquired, attended school for
three terms, dropping off at McGuffy's fourth reader. He was then 21 years
of age, and the only support of his mother and grandmother, so that he
was obliged to work in the fields and snatch the brief intervals between
crop times to educate himself. Despite his limited opportunities, he was
enabled to teach the public school at Tyners' Valley soon after he became
of age, and the year following became mission teacher at the Moravian Mission,
Spring Creek, which institute had but five pupils at the commencement of
the term, but increased to fifty-six, before he resigned, in twelve months
from the date of his appointment. The refusal on the part of the board
to increase his salary, was the cause of Mr. Wolfe's resignation. He, therefore,
devoted his attention to farming for some time, and in November, 1872,
married Susan E. Shelley, daughter to L. W. Shelley, a district judge,
Tahlequah district. He soon, hosever, returned to teaching at the Tyners'
Valley school, and remianed there for two years. In 1875 he was elected
clerk of the lower house, but during the same session, being appointed
as interpreter, he resigned the former office, and held the latter for
four years, till 1879---being once re-elected in the meanwhile. Afterwards
he was elected to the senate, and during the term was commissioned to go
to Washington as a national delegate. While absent with Chief Bushyhead
at the capital, Mr. Wolfe's mother died (December 23, 1879). He returned
in seven months, and was elected to again visit Washington in the years
1881, 1882, and 1890, besides once on a special mission in 1883. In 1880,
or thereabouts, Mr. Wolfe was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge
Rufus Adair on the supreme bench, and received the commission of chief
justice. In 1887 he was elected to the senate from Going Snake district,
and was re-elected in the fall of 1891. In 1889 he served as attorney for
the nation on the citizen commission, until the dissolution of the same.
Mr. Wolfe has a family of five children, Jesse B., Mitchell W., Mary J.,
Alice, Richard and Thomas. He is the owner of 130 acres in cultivation,
100 head of stock and 10 head of horses. He is an able lawyer and practices
in the United States courts, as well as the courts of the Indian Territory.
Although but forty-two years of age, there are few men in the legislative
department of the Cherokee Nation who possess such influence as Senator
Richard Wolfe. Yet, withall, in manner and address he is quiet and subdued.
Without any apparent aggressiveness, bombast or display, his words weigh
heavily and sway many an older member of the senate. It is very possible,
therefore, that Mr. Wolfe will fill the highest office in the nation at
some future period. The Tahlequah Capital Daily News of November
14, 1891, says: "Mr. Wolfe is an orator who has few equals in his country;
he is intellectual and versatile, a profound reasoner and, in the senate,
an antagonist worthy of any foe."
Thompson, Joseph M., M.D. (pp. 403,
405) Biographical
Index
This popular young physician was born February 8, 1865,
near Red River, Chickasaw Nation, during the ar, and whilst his family
were amongst the Cherokee refugees. He is the son of Johnson Thompson and
Eliza C. Taylor, both Cherokees. In 1866 his parents went to Grand River,
east of Vinita, Delaware district, where at eight years, Joseph was sent
to a neighborhood school. At the age of fifteen years he went to the male
seminary, and there remained three years, graduating a short time afterward
at the Indian University, then located at Tahlequah. From this he began
reading medicine under Dr. Allen, which was followed up by a three years'
medical course at the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, from which institution
he graduated in 1885. Dr. Thompson commenced practice the same year in
Tahlequah, and in 1887 married Lulu Elliott, daughter to George W. Elliot,
a white man. By this marriage he has two children---Christine, two years,
and Eddie, three months old. In the fall of 1888, Dr. Thompson, although
but twenty-three years of age, was appointed by the council as medical
superintendent of the public institutions of the Cherokee Nation, a most
arduous and responsible position, for which there were five candidates.
These public institutions comprise the male and female seminaries, national
jail and insane asylum, for which services he receives an income of $1,500
per year, the commission hlding good for four years. Reference is made
to the asylum and other public institutions elsewhere in this volume. Dr.
Thompson has a farm of 70 acres in cultivation within ten miles from town,
and a handsome residence in Tahlequah. Despite the fact that his time is
almost entirely occupied in discharging his duties to the nation's wards,
he is sought after in private practice to such an extent that he is forced
to refuse many calls. Though kept busy, Dr. Thompson occasionally finds
leisure for a few hours with dog and gun, and on such occasions makes fur
and feather fly. He is a good sportsman in the true sense, but no participant
in gambling, whisky drinking, or even the use of tobacco. Dr. Thompson
is a courteous, refined gentleman, and as a physician is skillful beyond
his years. He has undoubtedly a bright future before him.
Hicks, Richard Watson (pp. 405, 406)
Biographical
Index
Richard W. Hicks was born in 1855, the son of the late
ex-Judge Jay Hicks, of the Flint district, who died in 1869. Richard's
mother was a Miss Kate Levi, a full-blood Cherokee. Although a most successful
school-teacher, Richard Hicks' education was confined to the neighborhood
school at Pleasant Valley, which he attended for about four years. In 1886,
at the age of thirty, he commenced teaching in Sequoyah district, after
which he taught two terms at Rabbit Trap, Tahlequah district. He was next
sent to open the Hickory Creek School, in Coowescowee district, and proved
his adaptability for his calling by successfully taking charge of sixty-nine
pupils. He held this position for five years. During the last term he taught
at Four Mile Branch School, in Tahlequah district, and is at present (during
vacation time) looking after his farming interest twelve miles west of
the capital, where he has forty acres in cultivation and some cattle, horses
and hogs. Mr. Hicks married Miss Emma Dora Scovell, daughter to Thomas
H. Scovell, of Illinois, in September, 1890. By this union he has one child---Claude
Jay, born October 7, 1891. Mr. Hicks, although an active supporter of the
Downing party, has never offered himself as a candidate for office, although
well fitted to represent his people in the legislature. He has had great
success teaching, and is a straightforward, reliable man, quiet and unpretentious
in disposition.
Rucker, George R., M.D. (p. 408) Biographical
Index
George R. Rucker was born in Randolph County, Missouri,
in March, 1862, the son of J. M. Rucker, of Muskogee. He was educated at
the public schools until 1881, when he took a course in the industrial
university, Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 1882 he entered the Missouri Medical
College, St. Louis, and studied for two terms, graduating in 1887. He then
commenced practice in the Cherokee Nation, and the following year moved
to Eufaula, Creek Nation, where he resides at present. Dr. Rucker is local
surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, and is insurance examiner
for the Mutual and Equitable companies. He is also secretary for the Creek
Medical Examining Board. Physicians practicing in this nation, who have
not secured diplomas in the States, are required to stand examination by
the board, and pay $25 license; while those who have diplomas, are only
called upon to register and pay a fee of $5 each. Dr. Rucker pronounces
the Creek Nation very healthy, there being very little sickness beyond
the ordinary light malarial attacks. The doctor married Miss M. Hampton,
daughter of J. M. Hampton; his wife is a Creek Indian by blood on the mother's
side.
McClellan, William Peter (pp. 409,
410) Biographical
Index
William P. McClellan was born December 28, 1855, in Boonesborough,
Washington County, Arkansas, fourth son of E. W. McClellan, a white man
of Scotch and Irish descent and a native of Alabama, who emigrated to Western
Arkansas in 1833 and embarked in merchandise; he married Miss Sarah J.
Truesdale, of Indian. William Peter went to Cane Hill College, Arkansas,
at thirteen years of age, and, after five years' schooling, commenced clerking
for his brother, Charles M. McClellan, a merchant and stock-raiser at Tahlequah,
for whom he worked five years. In October, 1877, he married Miss Rachel
L. Adair, daughter of J. L. Adair, one of the leading men in the nation.
Mrs. McClellan is a lady of many accomplishments, and of a gentle and lovable
disposition. In 1880 he moved to Coowescowee district where he commenced
farming and stock-raising in 1889. Disposing of his interest there, he
returned to Tahlequah and became a clerk for J. L. Adair, which position
he held until November, 1891, when he was elected superintendent of the
male academy, which office he holds at present. Mr. McClellan has five
children---Mary E., Pearl, Edward W., William A., and Charles T. He is
six feet two inches in height, and weighs 189 pounds---a gentleman of prepossessing
appearance, courteous and pleasant in address. Mr. McClellan is an educated,
reading man, and ambitious and energetic. He is quite popular in the country
in which he is an adopted citizen.
Buffington, J. D. (p. 410) Biographical
Index
J. D. Buffington was born March 26, 1846, the son of
Ezekiel Buffington and Louisa Newman, daughter of Jonathan Newman, county
judge of Washington County, Arkansas, for eighteen years. J. D. attended
school in Going Snake district, until the outbreak of the war, when he
and his family refugeed in Fannin County, Texas, until 1866, when he returned
to the nation and devoted his time to farming. In 1876 he married Miss
Fannie Morris, daughter of Isaac Morris, a white man; her mother was a
Daugherty, a family prominent among the Cherokees. By this marriage Mr.
Buffington has five children---Stella, Etta, Grover, Vada, and J. D. In
1884 he was elected to the senate for one term, and in 1891 to the house
of representatives, which office he is now holding. He has 150 acres in
cultivation in Going Snake district, near Cincinnati, Arkansas. Mr. Buffington
is a quiet, pleasant mannered gentleman, honorable and reliable, and greatly
respected by all who know him. He is connected with some of the first families
of the nation.
Perryman, George B. (pp. 410, 411,
412) Biographical
Index
George B. Perryman was born April 17, 1847, on the Verdigris
River, eighteen miles east of Tulsa, the third living son of Lewis Perryman,
a prominent Creek politician. George was chiefly educated at his home,
and at the age of eighteen began farming and stock-raising, which business
he still continues. George has always avoided politics, although several
times requested to accept preferment by his people. In 1868 he married
Miss Alex, a full-blood Creek, by whom he has six children---Moses S.,
born July 14, 1870; Ella L., May 14, 1874; Emeline, February 14, 1875;
Ebenezer G., August 19, 1978; Mamie E., September 15, 1880, and George
B., March 13, 1884. Mr. Perryman has about 3,000 head of cattle and about
1,000 acres of farm land in cultivation, also 200 head of horses, some
of which are of an improved grade. His residence in Tulsa, is one of the
handsomest in the Cherokee Nation. In this town he has a number of residence
lots. Mr. Perryman weighs 210 pounds, and is over six feet in height. He
is a fine looking man, with a thorough business head, while like his brother,
Chief Legus Perryman, he is affable in manner, and charitable and kind
to all with whom he comes in contact. Mr. Perryman is a member of the Presbyterian
Church; he is, however, liberal and progressive in all his ideas.
Scott, James A. (pp. 412, 413) Biographical
Index
James A. Scott was born July 15, 1847, at Elk Mills,
McDonald County, Missouri, third son of James A. Scott and Fannie M. Thompson.
James A., Sr., was State senator for Crawford and Franklin Counties, Arkansas,
for several years, and a very well known and highly reputable man. Young
James, the subject of our sketch, at fourteen years of age, went to work
for his uncle, a merchant of Little Rock, until 1868, when he entered the
employ of the Memphis and Arkansas River Packet Company, remaining with
them until 1871, when he went into farming and stock business in Missouri.
In the fall of 1873 he came to the Indian Territory, and remained until
1878, when he became a commercial traveler for a Neosho, Missouri, wholesale
house, and remained with that firm until they closed out in business, after
which he took a position with the Alkire Grocery Company, St. Louis, and
traveled for them through the Indian Territory, Arkansas and Texas, remaining
with them until 1886, when he moved to Muskogee, Indian Territory, and
became connected with Lewis & Moss, of that town, which position he
is holding at present, the firm being known by the title of Moss &
Co. They carry a stock of general goods, from $10,000 to $12,000, and do
a lively business. J. W. Scott was married in December, 1874, to Miss Sallie
M. Anderson, of Nashville, Tennessee, a lady of many accomplishments and
personal attractions. By this marriage there are five children---a boy
and four girls. Mr. Scott is a pleasant gentleman, very popular, and although
self-educated, none would recognize the fact, as he is a ready conversationalist
on various subjects, and an excellent business man.
Crabtree, William F. (p. 413) Biographical
Index
William F. Crabtree was born October, 1846, in Lafayette
County, Arkansas, and moved to Eufaula in 1873. He was sent to school at
Rondo, Arkansas, just before the war, but soon joined the Confederate service,
attaching himself to the courier battalion whose headquarters were at Washington,
Arkansas. After the war, in May, 1866, he married Miss Hattie Carter, daughter
to Dr. T. A. Carter, of Ozark, Arkansas, by whom he has four children---Bettie,
Hattie, Fount and Anna. The former young lady, aged fourteen years, is
by nature an artist, having given convincing proofs of this fact through
several oil paintings, which contain great merit, considering the age of
the artist. Mr. Crabtree spent six years in the mercantile business at
Eufaula, and moved to Muskogee in 1885. Since 1881 he has devoted his attention
chiefly to the purchase and shipment of stock. In 1889 he was appointed
by the Creek council as national tax collector, which position he still
holds. He owns a nice residence in Muskogee, and a business building, together
with 15 acres of land, in town. He has also a large pasture and 100 acres
of farm on the Arkansas River. Mr. Crabtree is a pleasant, hospitable gentleman,
and very popular.
Shepard, Harrison O. (pp. 413, 414)
Biographical
Index
Harrison O. Shepard was born in December, 1865, at Mount
Vernon, Indiana, the sixth son of Joseph W. Shepard and Mary E. Barter,
an English lady by nativity. Harrison went to the public schools until
sixteen years of age, and commenced the study of law at nineteen with Grove
& Sheperd, of Anthony, Kansas. He remained with that firm for two years,
and was admitted to the bar in January, 1887, when he became a partner
with the above named firm, and practiced until the establishment of a United
States court in the Indian Territory in 1889, since which time he has been
located at Muskogee, in charge of the firm's branch office. In 1889 he
married Miss Mary Eugenia Mott, daughter of John Mott, Sr., of New Harmony,
Indiana. By this marriage they have one child, named George Mott, aged
two years. Mr. Shepard is a young man of gentlemanly appearance and courteous
address, with an excellent education; and is enjoying a very fair practice
in the United States Indian courts, and has a good prospect before him.
His office in Muskogee is finely equipped, and contains an extensive library;
he also is connected with the firm of Sheperd, Cherry & Sheperd, Salt
Lake City.
Patterson, J. A. (pp. 414, 415, 416)
Biographical
Index
This prominent and wealthy citizen of Muskogee, was born
in September, 1819, at Lincoln County, Tennessee, the second son of William
Patterson and Annie Newberry, of the same place. He attended neighborhood
school until thirteen years of age, when his father moved to Cherokee County,
Alabama. Here the young man assisted his parents until his father's death
in 1848, when he assumed the responsibility of taking charge of his mother,
sisters and brothers. In 1854 he came to the Creek Agency in the employment
of Colonel Garrett, the agent, and afterwards became teacher of a Creek
school for two years. In 1856 he entered the general mercantile store of
Stidham & Bright, at the agency; with these gentlemen he remained until
1860, when he opened business with D. W. Stidham, at Shieldsville, and
here continued until November, 1861, when the war broke out, and they removed
their stock of goods back to the agency. Soon afterwards he became sutler
for the refugee Creeks, at Fort Washita, which position he retained until
the close of the war, after which he went into business with Major J. Harlin,
in cattle trading and merchandise, at Tishomingo, Chickasaw Nation. Closing
out in twelve months, Mr. Patterson returned to the agency, and in 1867
again connected himself with Judge Stidham in the mercantile trade, doing
an immense business all over the nation, and continuing the same for at
least six years. In 1873 he opened at Muskogee, and later on took A. W.
Robb as a partner in that place. Soon afterwards he opened a branch house
at Eufaula, and appointed C. E. Foley as manager, giving him a share in
the profits of the establishment. Messrs. Robb & Foley had both clerked
for him previou to this time. Mr. Patterson's establishment in Muskogee,
is one of the finest buildings in the Indian Territory, and contains a
stock of $45,000 or upwards, while the Eufaula building is one of the largest
in that town, and contains a stock of $30,000 or over. Mr. Patterson is
also interested in the establishment of T. O. Boyer & Company, Wagoner,
Indian Territory. He is one of the oldest white residents in the Creek
Nation, coming at the same time as Captain Belcher, Mr. Whitlaw, L. P.
Job, and Shelton Smith. No business man is more universally known in the
Indian Territory; his success from the outset until the present has been
something remarkable, and it is said by some that he never made a failure
in his life. He is a man of fine business qualifications, gentlemanly exterior,
and pleasant manners. Mr. Patterson is five feet ten inches in height,
and weighs 140 pounds.
Starr, Ellis (pp. 416, 417) Biographical
Index
Ellis Starr was born June 17, 1853, on Lee's Creek, Cherokee
Nation, the only son of Leroy Starr, of Flint district. Ellis' mother was
a Miss Vann, daughter of Andy Vann, who died in Cuba many years ago, and
who was second chief at the time of his death. Ellis' grandfather, Ezekiel
Starr, was one of the most prominent men in the nation, and died while
in Washington, D. C., serving as delegate for his people, about the year
1847. Ellis attended public school until he was nine years of age, and
at the close of the war went to Evansville Academy, Arkansas, where he
remained two sessions. After having spent eight months in Texas, Ellis
again attended school until his eighteenth year, when he entered the mercantile
store of E. E. Starr, and there clerked three years. At the age of twenty-two
he again devoted himself to study, entering the national male academy,
where he remained ten months. In 1879 he was elected interpreter of the
national council, which office he held for two years, and in 1881 was elected
sheriff for Flint district, which office he held for two years. In 1885
Ellis Starr was elected district prosecuting attorney, and was re-elected
in 1887 and 1889. In 1891 he was defeated by twelve votes out of 460 in
the district. He is still practicing law, and has a large practice in his
community. In 1872 he married Miss Martha Locust, a full-blood Cherokee
from North Carolina, who came to the nation in 1871. By this marriage he
has seven children, six of whom are living --- Mary, born November 19,
1873; Maggie, December 11, 1876; Daisy, May 1, 1879; Dora Ann, August 31,
1883; Florence, January 24, 1886; Charles Caleb, January 18, 1890. Mr.
Starr has about 100 head of cattle, 8 head of horses and mules, a good
stock of hogs, and three farms (comprising in all about 250 acres in cultivation),
a good home, orchard, garden, etc. Mr. Starr is above the middle height,
weighing about 145 pounds. He is quick, vivacious and intelligent---well
educated, a good lawyer and an excellent all-around business man, reliable
and popular among his people. Mr. Starr is a member of the Masonic order.
Porter, John S. (pp. 417, 418) Biographical
Index
John S. Porter was born August, 1853, the son of Porter,
a white man who was raised among the Indians, and came to the Creek Nation
with the first settlers. John was sent to the Asberry Mission School and
there remained for four months, after which he studied at Cane Hill College,
Arkansas, for some time, marrying while yet a young man. He was united
to Miss John, a Creek citizen, and soon afterward accepted the position
of clerk to Mr. Severs, of Okmulgee, which office he retained for two years.
In 1877 he commenced farming and stock-raising, and has now accumulated
1,000 head of stock cattle, some of them highly graded. His farm consists
of 475 acres in cultivation, which is chiefly rented out, but he retains
125 acres which is cultivated by hired hands. In 1879 Mr. Porter was sent
to the House of Warriors to represent the Cussetah Town, which office he
held for four years, but declined to run for the second term. Meanwhile
he was elected by the council to the office of national auditor for four
years, after which he was called upon to fill the unexpired term of John
Micco, in the House of Kings, which office he is now holding, having been
re-elected in September, 1891. Mr. Porter has served on the Indian police
force for twelve years, and is, perhaps, the oldest officer except Captain
C. La Flore. During the Esparhecher war he was appointed captain of the
home guard. Throughout Officer Porter's service he has been a strong factor
in preserving peace in this country, and has done some efficient work in
capturing and ridding the nation of thieves and desperadoes. Among those
who were captured by him, was Wiley Bear, who is now in prison on several
muder charges. The unfortunate Wesley Barnett was killed by deputy marshals
at Mr. Porter's house in 1889. The subject of our sketch has a family of
three children; Nathaniel, aged sixteen years; Benjamin, aged eleven years,
and Lucy, aged six. The eldest son is now being educated at the Indian
University, Muskogee. Mr. Porter is first cousin to General Pleasant Porter,
and is a man of great popularity among the Creeks.
Hutchings, William T. (pp. 418, 420)
Biographical
Index
Wm. T. Hutchings was born in September, 1858, in Pittsylvania
County, Virginia, the third son of Dr. John M. Hutchings, a man of considerable
prominence in his State. His mother was a Miss Sallie White, daughter of
Dr. Richard White, of Chatham, Virginia. After a preparatory education
at a village school, William was sent to Bingham School, North Carolina,
at the age of fourteen years. Here he remained two years, when he went
to Richmond College, Virginia, and studied at that institution for two
and a half years, but was obliged to leave during the middle of a session,
owing to ill health. Shortly after his return home he began reading law
in the office of E. E. Boulden, at Danville, Virginia, and there remained
two years. In 1880 he went to Eastman's National Business College, at Poughkeepsie,
New York, and, graduating, entereed at Yale, New Haven, where in June,
1881, he graduated in law. Immediately afterwards he began the practice
of his profession, at Danville, Virginia. In February, 1886, he was elected
index clerk of the House of Representatives at Washington, which position
he held until December, 1887, when he returned to Danville, and continued
the practice of law. Remaining there until 1880, he moved to Fort Smith,
Arkansas, and practiced in that city till 1889, when he came to Muskogee,
Indian Territory, where he is at present located. Mr. Hutchings was married
in May, 1885, to Miss Mary E. Key, second daughter of Dr. John P. Key,
a leading physician, of Brenham, Texas. By this marriage they have two
children, Nellie Blair, aged over five years, and Mamie, aged three. Mr.
Hutchings is about five feet ten inches in height and weighs 140 pounds,
is a man of fine education, and, as a lawyer, is rapidly making his mark.
He has a good practice in the United States courts, which practice is considerably
on the increase. Mr. Hutchings is pleasant and affable and quite popular
with the profession.
Paschal, Ridge (pp. 420, 421) Biographical
Index
Ridge Paschal was born July, 1845, at Van Buren, Arkansas,
the second son of George W. Paschal, supreme judge at Arkansas, and author
of Texas Digest of Decisions and Texas Digest of Laws, besides other legal
works. Ridge's mother was Sallie, only daughter of Major Ridge, and sister
of John Ridge, prominent Cherokees. His father came to the old nation in
1833, being at that time an officer attached to the staff of Scott and
Wolfe. When the Cherokees moved West, he went to Van Buren, Arkansas, and
resumed the practice of law, becoming attorney for the treaty party of
the Cherokees. The subject of our sketch attended Wharton College, Austin,
Texas, until 1860, when he was sent to the Virginia Military Institute,
where he remained until 1861. Ridge, like the other members of his family,
was devoted to the Union, therefore identified himself with the Federals
until the close of the war in 1865, when he went to Galveston, Texas, and
became editor of Flake's Bulletin, the organ of the Republican party
in that State. Afterwards he entered the law office of J. R. and George
W. Paschal, at San Antonio, Texas, and while studying, was the associate
editor of the San Antonio Express. His brother dying soon afterward,
he entered into partnership with his father, and retained charge of the
firm's business from 1868 to 1874. In 1868, he was admitted to the bar,
and 1869 became United States commissioner for the Western district of
Texas, with offices at Austin. In 1869 he was appointed clerk of the Supervisor
of Internal Revenue of the district of Lousiana, Texas, and Arkansas, which
office he gave up in the summer of 1869 to become district attorney of
the second or capital district of Texas, which he held until 1870. In 1872
he became a delegate for the Liberal Republican party that nominated Horace
Greeley. Mr. Greeley he believed to be the best representative of the American
doctrine of protection. In 1874 Mr. Paschal was honored with a special
appointment by President Grant, of customs collector for the district of
Corpus Christi, embracing the Gulf and 150 miles of Rio Grande frontier,
which office he held for four years, after which he returned to Laredo
and resumed the practice of law. About 1880 Mr. Paschal purchased and edited
Los
Dos Laredos, a paper printed partly in Spanish and partly in English.
In the same year he became United States commissioner at Laredo, and soon
after, delegate to Texas Republican convention, where he led the party
that carried for Grant over the combined influences of the opposition.
Although Mr. Paschal had supported Greeley in 1872, yet Grant appointed
him to office afterward, which action so impressed Mr. Paschal that nothing
would induce him to go back on the old general. However, when Garfield
got the nomination, Ridge supported him warmly. In 1884, the subject of
our sketch came to the Indian Territory, and settled at Vinita, where he
practiced in the home courts and the federal courts at Fort Smith. In 1877
he went on the editorial staff of the Cherokee Advocate, and in
1889, when the United States Court was established at Muskogee, Judge Shackleford
was confronted with the fact that, though there were lawyers from every
section of the Union presenting him with licenses, none but Paschal's bore
the broad seal of the United States Supreme Court. In 1890 the said judge
appointed him United States commissioner for the first division, with office
at Tahlequah, Indian Territory. Mr. Paschal married Mrs. Virginia Casman
in August, 1880. She is the daughter of Colonel Anthony Winston, of Texas,
a man of considerable prominence in the Confederate service. The subject
of our sketch is five feet nine and a half inches, weighs over 170 pounds,
and is remarkably active and muscular. His education, professional and
otherwise, is far beyond the average. As a Republican politician, he is
widely known throughout the State of Texas, where he has always taken a
front seat among his partisans. Mr. Paschal is also a powerful and effective
writer.
Perryman, Thomas Ward (pp. 422, 424)
Biographical
Index
Thomas W. Perryman was born July 24, 1839, at Big Spring
Town, on the Verdigris River, second son of Lewis Perryman and Hattie Ward.
Thomas is a half-brother to Chief L. C. Perryman, now governor of the Creek
Nation. He was sent to Tallahassee Mission School about the year 1849,
where he remained until 1858, when he returned to his father's home and
assisted him in the stock business until the breaking our of the war, when
he joined the Federal army, enlisting at Burlington, Kansas, as a private
in the First Regiment of Home Guards, and serving until the conclusion
of the war. After this he opened a mercantile business at Choska, in partnership
with his brothers. In this he continued for about three years, when he
opened out a farm and commenced stock-raising on a small scale. In about
1858 he taught the public school at Broken Arrow, Creek Nation, after which
he clerked at Fort Gibson, returning to Tallahassee Mission in a short
time, and studying theology under the Rev. W. S. Robertson for three years.
During his stay he married Miss Ella Brown, one of the teachers in that
institute, by whom he has four living children--Ida B., born September,
1876; Tommie and Arthur (twins), born July, 1879, and Walter Lewis, born
February, 1885. In 1871 he was elected district attorney, and served six
years. In 1883 he was elected to the House of Warriors as member, where
he served as chaplain. In 1887 he was re-elected, and in 1891 went to the
House of Kings, which office he holds at present. In the fall of 1875 Mr.
Perryman was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery of Neosho,
Kansas, and in 1876 was ordained by the prebytery of Kansas at a special
meeting at Wealaka, Creek Nation. A short time afterward he was placed
in charge of the Western district, which was almost entirely composed of
full-bloods. Mr. Perryman's zeal was such that he soon improved the condition
of things. He was also accessory to the building of a missionary school
among these uneducated people. But at present there are some good scholars
and a number of good Christians at the Nuyaka Mission. Soon after its opening,
Mr. Perryman had charge of one of the girls' colleges, and held the office
five years, and Rev. Mr. Perryman was pastor of the institute. The subject
of our sketch owns about 600 head of cattle, 200 acres of farm land and
600 acres in pasturage. He has a comfortable home at Broken Arrow, eighteen
miles from Tulsa. Mr. Perryman is a man of good education, and has always
been an industious scholar. He assisted Mrs. Robinson in the translation
and revision of the greater part of the New Testament into the Creek language.
Mr. Perryman went as delegate to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church of America, which met at New York in 1889, and from thence visited
the City of Washington. He is looked upon as one of the most useful men
in the ministry throughout this nation, while his exemplary Christian life
is a worthy example to his people.
Dickson, Thomas Benton, M.D. (pp. 424,
425) Biographical
Index
Thomas B. Dickson was born February 14, 1863, at Adairsville,
Georgia, the third son of Thomas Dickson (a leading farmer and stock-raiser),
and Tillie Stallings, daughter of Rev. Mr. Stallings, a Baptist minister,
of Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas attended public schools until the age of twenty-one,
moving from Georgia to Collinsville, Alabama, about 1875. While completing
his education in Memphis, Tennessee, the subject of our sketch, determined
to become a physician, and, attended the Memphis Hospital Medical College,
in 1886. After practicing nearly three years in the State of Arkansas,
Dr. Dickson came to Chelsea, Cherokee Nation, at the end of 1889, and is
still located at that point. On March 25, 1891, he married Miss Cynthia
Parrott, daughter of William Parrott, a prominent Cherokee during the War
of the Rebellion. Mrs. Dickson's mother was a Miss Carter, sister of John
Carter, representative in the national council. Mrs. Dickson is a kind,
gentle lady, as well as being refined and accomplished. Dr. Dickson is
nearly six feet in height, and a man of fine, intellectual appearance;
he is well educated, and, as a physician, has the confidence of his people;
he is both generous and charitable, and therefore exceedingly popular.
Dr. Dickson has 350 acres of farm, 175 of which is in a good state of cultivation;
he also has four lots in Chelsea, and a small, but neat residence.
Kinney, John (pp. 425) Biographical
Index
John Kinney was born March 31, 1853, near Lawrence, Kansas,
son of Denny Kinney, a full-blood Cherokee. John attended public school
till 1865 and in 1867 moved to the Cherokee Nation. For the first year
John did little more than enjoy himself hunting and riding around, after
which he began farming. In 1875 he commenced learning the carpenter's trade,
which trade he still continues, in connection with farming. Mr. Kinney
married Miss Niday, February 14, 1888. She is the daughter of Jacob Niday,
a white man. Mr. Kinney has 60 acres of farm in cultivation, a good, comfortable
residence, four head of horses and a stock of hogs. He does considerable
business at his trade. Mr. Kinney is above the middle height, and is a
man of intelligence and good, practical education. He is a member of the
Baptist Church, and looked upon as a good, charitable Christian, and is
very popular.
Fuller, J. S., M.D. (pp. 425, 426,
427) Biographical
Index
J. S. Fuller was born November 19, 1850, in the State
of Arkansas. He is the third son of W. A. Fuller, of Tennessee, and Miss
M. Morgan of the same State. James attended county schools until he was
twenty years of age, when he went to Cane Hill College, and Cincinnati,
Arkansas. He began the study of medicine in 1883, and attended the medical
college in St. Louis, since which time he has been practicing in Fort Gibson,
while he is also in the mercantile and drug business. In October, 1888,
he married Miss Rosa Percival, daughter of William Percival, one of the
oldest merchants in the nation, and an adopted citizen. By this marriage
he has one child---Nell, born February 18, 1890. In his mercantile business
he carries a stock of $16,000, and in his drug business about $3,000. He
is the owner of a gin, valued at $3,000, 160 acres of farm, 20 head of
stock horses, and a nice residence on the edge of town. Dr. J. S. Fuller
is about five feet ten inches in height, 140 pounds in weight, and of gentlemanly
appearance and address. As a citizen he is most popular, and as a physician
has a large practice and considerable experience.
Morgan, Gideon (pp. 427, 428) Biographical
Index
This well-known citizen of Tahlequah was born April 3,
1851, in Athens, Tennessee, the son of Major William Morgan and grandson
of Colonel Gideon Morgan, of Stonewall Jackson's army. His father was an
officer in General John H. Morgan's command, and was killed at the battle
of Lexington, Kentucky, in 1862. The Morgans originally came from Wales.
Colonel Gideon Morgan, already referred to, married Margaret Sevier, a
granddaughter of General Sevier, who was half Cherokee, through his family
connection with the Lowreys. Martha Mayo, daughter of G. W. Mayo, a white
man, was mother to the subject of our sketch. He was educated by a female
tutor, Miss Bettie Messimer, of Monroe County, Tennessee, until his twentieth
year, when he came to Fort Gibson (in 1871), and in three years afterward
married Mary Llewellan Payne, the most beautiful young woman of her time,
and equally accomplished. Since then Mr. Morgan has spent most of his time
farming, and at the present owns 70 acres of land on the edge of Fort Smith,
one acre of which he has sold for $370. His ranch, twelve miles from the
capital, contains 100 acres in cultivation, and a fine orchard. He also
owns the Capital Hotel and a residence with four acres of land, beside
the Baptist Mission House, in Tahlequah. In 1879 Mr. Morgan was a strong
supporter of the National party, but declined a nomination for the senate.
In 1891 he ran for circuit judge on the Liberal ticket, and was defeated;
this is the only office which he ever sought. Mr. Morgan is a progressionist,
and believes in allotment---never failing to speak out his opinion. In
1889 he was secretary of the building committee for the female seminary,
and was associated with Jas. S. Stapler, the banker, and Johnson Thompson,
the merchant prince of the nation. These gentlemen donated more to the
grounds upon which the seminary is erected than they ever drew in salary
for the time and labor bestowed on the enterprise. Yet it is no doubt an
honor to be connected with the erection of such a beautiful structure,
and with such a good object in view. The building, which is described elsewhere
in this work, cost the sum of $63,000, less $13 turned over to the treasurer
by Mr. Morgan. Mr. Morgan has a family of six children, viz.: Houston M.,
Mary L., Martha L., Margaret E., Emanda P., Sallie M. and Gideon, who died
one year ago. Mr. Morgan is a pleasant, sociable gentleman, who devotes
much of his time to home and its associations, and, until quite recently,
taking no hand in politics. He can, however, and probably will, in future,
take an active part in the all-absorbing question of allotment, in which
he appears greatly interested.
Gunter, John T. (pp. 428, 429, 430)
Biographical
Index
John T. Gunter was born October 8, 1855, at Hico, Benton
County, Arkansas, the oldest son of C. D. Gunter, a Tennessean. His mother
was a Miss Ward (one-eighth Cherokee), from Georgia, her father, James
Ward, having come to this nation with the first Cherokee settlers. After
having attended public school until seventeen years of age, John entered
the Cincinnati Academy, Arkansas, and there remained until his twentieth
year. Returning home, he embarked in the stock business, and is still carrying
it on. In 1879 John moved to Sequoyah district, and opened a mercantile
house, but traded it for cattle in six months. In 1880 he moved his stock
to Byrd Creek, Coowescowee district, and starting a ranch remained
for five years. In 1885, selling out ranch and stock, he went to Grand
River where he had purchased a farm, and there continued farming and stock-raising
until 1888, when he moved to the town of Vinita, and established a livery
stable, which he now carries on. In December, 1880, he married Miss Alice
Heath, daughter to John Heath, of Benton County, Arkansas; her mother being
a daughter to Mr. Kilgore, of Huntingdon, West Virginia. By this marriage
they have but one surviving child, named Mabel, born October 13, 1888.
Mr. Gunter owns a farm of 300 acres in cultivation, 130 head of cattle,
and 41 head of horses and mules, improved stock. His livery stable in Vinita
consists of eighteen horses, seven buggies and hacks, and a good building,
besides his town residence and a lot covering 20 acres. Mrs. Gunter is
a lady of refinement and culture, yet few men can surpass her handling
"the ribbons," it matters not how young or fresh the horses. At one time
when her husband was absent, she took charge of 150 head of cattle driven
on the ranch from Texas, and by herself, for three months, herded and cared
for the stock. In the saddle, this lady is as much at home as sitting in
her drawing-room, a position which she is eminently fitted to grace. Mr.
Gunter is a man of fine appearance, a first-class business man, and pleasant
and agreeable in manner.
Canup, W. T. (p. 430) Biographical
Index
This promising young literary man was born February 17,
1866, in Cherokee County, North Carolina, the son of F. M. Canup, a Frenchman,
and Elizabeth Payne, one-sixteenth Cherokee. He was educated at Tehuacana
University, Texas, and through the influence of R. M. Kimbrough, a congressman
of Dallas County, became associated with the Dallas Herald, where
he worked two years, after which he became an attache of the Dallas
News. After the death of Stone, proprietor of the Tahlequah Telephone,
Mr. Canup, who was at Vinita, came to Tahlequah and took charge of that
paper for two years, after which he sold it to a stock company. Soon afterward,
at Webber's Falls, he started the Indian Sentinel, which, after
twelve months, he moved to Tahlequah, and sold to a stock company three
months later. Though still connected with the Sentinel, Mr. Canup
is special correspondent for the Dallas News, Fort Worth Gazette, Cincinnati
Post, Sun (New York), Atlanta Constitution, Post-Dispatch (St.
Louis) and Kansas City Journal. Mr. Canup is author of "Allumee,
the Cherokee Maiden," and "The Fate of William Grimmett," both popular
stories and extensively copied by the leading periodicals. He is now writing
a history of the celebrated Tom Starr, which is calculated to upset many
of the damaging reports concerning that illustrious Cherokee.
Cobb, Joseph Benson (p. 431a) Biographical
Index
Joseph B. Cobb was born in East Tennessee, February 21,
1863, the son of Joseph Benson Cobb and Evelyn Clingan, daughter of Aleck
Clingan. Joseph's parents came to this nation in 1870, and settled on Grand
River. The young man was sent to school in the Coowescowee district, and
afterward completed his education at the Tahlequah Male Academy in 1881.
In August, 1891, he was elected member of the lower house to represent
Coowescowee district, which office he is holding at present. Mr. Cobb has
300 acres of good land in cultivation on the west side of Grand River,
besides a herd of cattle and some horses. He is a fine-looking man, tall
and well built, and has an excellent reputation in his country. Mr. Cobb
is unmarried, and his parents are still living.
Starr, Judge Walter A. (pp. 431, 432)
Biographical
Index
Walter A. Starr was born in Washington County, Arkansas,
March 26, 1845, son of Joseph M. Starr, a prominent Cherokee citizen, who
served several terms as judge of Going Snake district, and was afterward
a senator. Walter's mother was a Miss Delilah Adair, and her marriage to
Joseph Starr took place in the old nation. The subject of this sketch attended
the territory schools until the age of sixteen years, and , when the war
broke out, entered the Confederate service, serving first under his brother,
Captain George H. Starr, until the latter's death, when he was in Captain
E. M. Adair's company (Colonel W. P. Adair's regiment), with whom he remained
until the close of the war. Returning to the old homestead, he was married
in 1869 to Mrs. Ruth A. Albany, widow of Cornelius Albany, and daughter
of William and Bessie Thornton, well known Cherokee citizens. Remaining
in Going Snake district one year, Judge Starr moved to Coowescowee district
and improved a farm, which he sold in a year and opened another place sixteen
miles east, which he sold in six years, after having been employed as deputy
sheriff of the district three years and acted postmaster at old Claremore
for a good part of his sojourn in that neighborhood. Whe the postoffice
was removed to the present site of Claremore, judge moved to where he now
resides, five miles north of that town. By his marriage Judge Starr has
five children, viz.: Emmett McDonald, born December 12, 1870; George Colbert,
born June 17, 1877; Mary Bell, born September 1879; Lettie J., born December
24, 1881; Joseph M., born December, 1885. Mrs. Starr is a lady of fair
education and a good housewife and mother, caring chiefly for home and
children, although of a kindly, sociable nature. When the war was over
Judge Starr was reduced to a horse and saddle, but by hard work he accumulated
more than a comfortable competence. He owns a farm of 160 acres in good
cultivation, with good residence and out-door buildings; 30 head of horses
and mules, 200 head of cattle and sufficient modern machinery to run his
farm. He is a man of strong characteristics and individuality, and, in
appearance, is a good representative of the higher class Cherokee. He is
six feet two inches in height, and weighs 205 pounds. Judge Starr was executive
councilman from 1883 to 1885, under Chief Bushyhead. At the end of his
term he was elected district judge of Coowescowee district, which office
he has held ever since.
Lawrence, J. A. (pp. 432, 433) Biographical
Index
J. A. Lawrence was born October 18, 1856, in Smith County,
Texas, and attended public school until eighteen years of age, after which
he went to the Methodist Institute, Sulphur Springs, Texas, where he remained
one year. Later he studied twelve months at the high school in Smith County,
and commenced teaching the public school in Wood County, in 1878. In 1879
he began the study of law in Tyler, Texas, and in 1880 was admitted to
the bar. In 1881 he located at Quitman, Wood County, and practiced law
for a couple of years, when he was elected prosecuting attorney, which
position he held for four years, having been re-elected in November, 1884.
In 1886 he moved to Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, and opened a general mercantile
store, which he is still conducting. December 3, 1884, he married Miss
Dora Wilson, a Cherokee, daughter of Ben Wilson, and related to the Thompsons,
Adairs and Mayes families. Mr. Lawrence carries a stock of about $8,000
to $10,000, and does about $30,000 cash business per year. He has an improved
farm of about 200 acres on Prior Creek, and a nice residence in Tahlequah.
Mr. Lawrence is five feet eleven inches in height, and weighs 160 pounds.
He is a gentleman of good address and pleasant, affable manners, and possessed
of a good education, which he knows how to turn to the best possible advantage.
Howie, Thomas (pp. 433, 435) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born July 17, 1828, at
Portobello, Scotland, son of William Howie, a merchant, by a Miss Jameson,
niece of Sir John Jameson, of County Wexford, Ireland. Thomas attended
public school in London until twelve years of age, when he ran away to
sea. In 1845 he was in the Mexican war and served throughout. He was afterward
one of the 1,400 volunteers who went from New Orleans to Yucatan to suppress
the rebellion, only 300 of whom returned. He then served until 1853 on
the north-western frontier carrying government dispatches, after which
he went to Melbourne, Australia, via London. Turning his attention to mining,
he remained in Australia and New Zealand until 1863, after which he went
to San Francisco, and from thence into government service at Fort Leavenworth.
After the war he settled in the Solomon Valley, organized Mitchell County,
and was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Samuel J. Crawford,
but, owing to the raids of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, he had to leave
that country in 1870, and came to the Cherokee Nation, where he now resides,
devoting his attention to farming and stock-raising. In April, 1870, he
married Mrs. Mary Tiger, originally from Georgia. Her father was a white
man, and her mother was a Miss Adair, niece of Judge Thompson Adair, of
Tahlequah, and a cousin of ex-Chief Mayes. Mr. Howie has 200 acres of farm
land and 75 head of cattle, besides mules and horses, a flock of sheep
and Angora goats, and a stock of hogs, with a good home residence, orchard
and garden. Mrs. Howie is a finely educated woman, of a kind and lovable
disposition. Mr. Howie is about the middle height and weight, of good education
and remarkable literary talents. He is Scotch-English, and of great energy
and force of character. Few men have had an equal opportunity of seeing
life and character in its every phase as has Mr. Howie.
Adair, Hugh Montgomery (p. 435) Biographical
Index
Hugh M. Adair is the son of Walter Scott Adair and Nancy
Harris, daughter of Captain Harris, who had charge of the emigration party
from the Dahlonega region in 1839. Hugh was born January 30, 1840, in Flint
district, and went to neighborhood school until 1855, and later to Tahlequah
Male Seminary until that institution closed in 1857. Soon afterward he
entered Cane Hill College, and there remained two years. In 1859 Mr. Adair
taught school until the outbreak of the war, when he joined Stand Watie's
regiment and served until discharged by the medical faculty in 1862. He
next moved to Rusk County, Texas, with his mother and brothers, and in
1866 married Miss E. J. Hurst, daughter of W. W. Hurst, by whom he has
three children---E. H., James W., and Mary Luella. Returning to Flint district
in 1866, Mr. Adair commenced school-teaching, and pursued that avocation
until 1889. His wife dying, he married Miss Martha Johnson in 1880, by
whom he has one child, Timothy Meigs. On the death of his second wife,
Mr. Adair married Mrs. Phoebe Morris, in 1884. For some years Mr. Adair
has devoted much time to farming. He is the owner of a farm containing
90 acres in cultivation and a small herd of cattle, hogs, etc. On November
16, 1891, he was appointed editor of the Cherokee Advocate, the
national organ of the Cherokees, which office he will hold for two years.
Mr. Adair is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, kind-hearted and benevolent,
and possessed of a sound and thorough education. He will, no doubt, render
the Advocate a most interesting publication and add to its circulation.
Madden, William Arthur (pp. 436, 440)
Biographical
Index
William A. Madden was born in April, 1853, at St. Mark's,
Canada, and moved from there to New York in 1868, where he learned the
profession of builder and architect. He left New York in 1871, and moved
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he followed his profession until 1880, when he
went to Kansas City. Leaving there in 1882, he located at Muskogee, Indian
Territory, and in 1885 built a factory 36 x 76 feet, which he added to
in 1888 until it now measures 108 x 206 feet. This establishment contains
a tin shop, a plumbing shop and a paint shop, besides a planing mill not
only the most extensive in the Indian Territory but larger than the vast
majority of such mills in the United States. Mr. Madden transacts an immense
business in the various branches of building. In his factory and out-doors
he employs from 50 to 200 men, haivng in his employment the most skillful
artisans that can be secured. This fine factory occupies two acres of ground
close to the depot, with a good water supply. It is lighted with gas and
equipped with the latest improved machinery. Mr. Madden, who is a natural
musician, organized a band in Muskogee named Madden's Mechanics', consisting
of twelve members, of which he is himself president and manager. The members
are furnished with a handsome uniform (see engraving on another page).
Mr. Madden deserves great credit for his energy and enterprise, which has
been the means of giving employment to so many, and helping the growth
of Muskogee.
Bullette, John L. (pp. 443, 445) Biographical
Index
John L. Bullette was born April 10, 1852, in Wyandotte
County, Kansas, third son of George Bullette and Eliza Connor. His father
was of French descent and his mother of Irish descent, both possessing
Indian blood. His grandparents on both sides intermarried into the Delaware
tribe. In 1859 John L. attended the Baptist Mission School in Wyandotte
County, where he remained until 1861, when the war broke out, and he removed
with his people to the Cherokee Nation. This move was agreeable to a contract
made between both tribes, wherein the Delawares purchased a right and title
to the lands and funds of the Cherokees, placing themselves on an equal
footing with the latter. John L. commeced farming on a small scale, and
for about four years employed his time clerking at various points, until
1875, when he accepted a permanent position with J. H. Bartles, a general
merchant of Bartlesville, where he continued for four years as chief clerk
in the establishment. After parting on amicable terms with his employer,
John L. commenced buying and shipping cattle on a small scale, and followed
the business until 1880, when he engaged in the mercantile line on his
own responsibility at Claremore. In the same year he married Miss Nellie
Conkle, daughter of Captain Conkle, of steamboat fame. In 1881 he was nominated
and elected clerk of Coowescowee district for two years, and became deputy
clerk in 1883 under his successor. In 1885 he sold out his interest in
merchandise, and accepted the position of executive secretary under Chief
Mayes, which office he holds at the present date (November, 1891). Mr.
Bullette has three children---Mabel Zoe, Grover George and Mary A. He is
about five feet eight inches in height, and weighs 146 pounds. He is a
man of gentlemanly appearance and address, pleasant and affable in manner,
and well educated, possessing good business qualities and plenty of live
business ambition. He is owner of a fine farm of 350 acres of well improved
land, and a residence at Tahlequah, where he now resides. He also owns
town property at Claremore, where he expects to make his future home.
Baldwin, John W., Rev. (pp. 445, 446,
447) Biographical
Index
The subject of this sketch was born May 28, 1865, in
Benton County, Missouri, the eldest son of Rev. William M. Baldwin, who
was deputy sheriff of Benton County under his father, who was sheriff for
a number of years. The Rev. John Baldwin's mother was a Miss Elizabeth
Haines, originally of Indiana. When a boy John moved with his father's
family to Mountain Home, Baxter County, Arkansas, and afterwards to Yellville,
Marion County. Until nine years of age he attended public schools, and
was then sent to the Mountain Home Academy, where he remained for one term.
Entering the Yellville High School and there studying for one session,
he returned to his home and devoted himself to the study of the higher
branches, classical and mathematical, through private tuition. Afterward
he joined his father in the publication of the Marion County Vidette,
which they moved to Madison County under the title of the Madison County
Democrat, and sold out in October, 1885. Mr. Baldwin then purchased
the Ladonia News, of Fannin County, Texas, and conducted the paper
one year, returning to Benton County, Arkansas, in 1888. Here he entered
the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, joining the annual
conference held at Fort Smith. On November 23, 1888, he married Miss Belle
Maxwell, daughter of Lee Maxwell, a well-known citizen of Benton County.
Rev. Mr. Baldwin was sent to the Illinois circuit, after which he was chosen
for the Chester station, remaining in each district one year, until he
was sent to succeed his father in the Prairie View circuit. In June, 1891,
by action of the publishing committee of the Indian Mission Conference,
he took charge as business manager and assistant editor of the Brother
in Red, published in Muskogee, Indian Territory, which office he now
retains. Mr. Baldwin has a family of three children---Charles E., Maud
and Mabel. He is a young man of great promise, possessing uncommon literary
talent, while as a preacher of the gospel he has an excellent reputation
for his years. Having spent much of his spare time in study, he has conquered
Latin and Greek, as well as several of the modern languages. Rev. Mr. Baldwin
has doubtless a bright prospect before him.
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