A History of the State of Oklahoma 1908

home page
pages 322 to 332
pages 301 to 311
Vol. 2 site map

divider

-311-

WILLIAM H. CLEVELAND, one of the early pioneers of Oklahoma, and the present postmaster of Mountain View, was born in Lake county, Illinois, August 24, 1853, and is a son of John M. and Mary (Tyler) Cleveland, both members of families who have attained national fame in the United States. On the paternal side he is descended from three brothers who emigrated to this country from England and settled in the New England states. From these three brothers descends the Cleveland family in America. On the maternal side Mr. Cleveland is a distant relative of John Tyler ex-president of the United States, and of Governor Bradford. John M. and Mary (Tyler) Cleveland were born, reared and married near Kinderhook, New York, and there began the earnest struggle of life. Later moving to Penn Yan in Western New York he bought and conducted a farm there until he sold and went to Waukegan, Illinois, again buying and conducting a farm. He remained there until his death in 1887. He was both a Whig and Republican in his political affiliations, and was a great peacemaker in the settlements in which he lived, being often chosen as an arbitrator to settle the difficulties of his neighbors, always giving of his labor freely to save friendship. His wife survived him for ten years and died at the old homestead in Illinois in 1897. In their family were eleven children, namely: M. H., a Kansas farmer; George T., farming in Illinois; James E., also a Kansas farmer; Charles, one of the early business men of Oklahoma, and now an Indian trader at Anadarko; E. T., a farmer in Illinois; Maria L., wife of T. Dyte; Mary J., who has never married; Cornelia, who married a Mr. Druce and is now deceased; William H., the subject of this review; C. M., an agriculturist; and Edith, also unmarried.
     William H. Cleveland was reared to farm life, and received a good education in the common and high schools, remaining under the parental roof until his twentieth year. Deciding then to try the realities of life on his own responsibility, he drifted to different places prospecting, and in September, 1875, reached Wichita, Kansas, then the railroad terminus, from whence he went by stage to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, then in charge of Colonel S. McKinsey, and became a clerk for J. S. Evans, a post and Indian trader of note and influence in those days. He also served as assistant postmaster two years at Ft. Sill, later serving in the same capacity at Fort Reno for four years, remaining with Mr. Evans six years in an, and in that time became thoroughly familiar with the Indians and their customs and could speak the language of four of their tribes, the Comanches, Kiowas, Wichitas and Caddos. In 1882 he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles. A. Cleveland, and opened a trading store at Anadarko, but during Cleveland's presidential administration their license to trade with the Indians was taken from them, and they accordingly went to Greer county, Texas, where they could trade without a license, continuing in the business there for four years. They then returned to the old stand at Anadarko and resumed business as before, continuing successfully until the partnership was dissolved in 1896, the brother continuing the business

-312-

and in 1898 he was elected to the territorial legislature, the issue being the equalizing of taxes. He proved to be the right man for the place, and acquitted himself creditably and satisfactorily in the interests of the people.
     When the partnership was dissolved William H. Cleveland opened a store at the old town of Mountain View, but during the disastrous fire of 1901 his store and contents were destroyed, and he then turned his attention to real estate operations and prospecting for oil. On the 28th of June, 1906, he was appointed the postmaster of Mountain View, succeeding H. C. Huber. The office was established in 1898 with C. Benou as the first postmaster, and in 1902 it became a third class office, during the administration of Mr. Huber. The office now maintains one star route and rural free deliveries, and is creditably and efficiently managed by its present postmaster. Mr. Cleveland also takes a prominent and active part in the fraternal life of Mountain View. He was made a Mason at Lawrence, Kansas, attaining the Royal Arch degree, and after coming to this city he assisted in organizing the lodge here. He is also a member of its auxiliary, the Eastern Star, and of the Woodmen of the World.
     He has been twice married, first at Whiting, Kansas, in January, 1879, to Miss Etta Hutchins, who was born in that state, a daughter of Dr. Roland Hutchins, a prominent physician and surgeon of Wabash, Indiana, and a member of the Quaker faith. Both he and his wife died in Kansas. The Hutchins children are: Steven, an Indian trader at Anadarko; Naomi, Mrs. J. Renny; and Etta, who became Mrs. Cleveland. To Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland were born six children, namely: Vivian, the wife of Richard Mieth, a civil engineer and superintendent of the construction of iron bridges in Kansas; E. R., with the Polar Hohsah Grocery Company in Lawrence, Kansas; W. W., also of Lawrence; Nancy, Nellie M. and Eva, who are yet in school. Mrs. Cleveland, also a member of the Friends, died on the 27th of March, 1904, and on the 26th of October, 1907, at Mountain View, Mr. Cleveland married Miss Ida Lane, who was born in Iowa, but was reared and educated in Kansas, a daughter of Allen and Mrs. (Reddington) Lane, he of Ohio and she of England. Mr. Lane, an agriculturist, enlisted in the Federal army in Iowa during the Civil war, and going to the front serve his country faithfutly until the close of the conflict. He died in Kansas in 1875, and both he and his wife were Methodists. Three of their children, John, Anna E. and Ida, came to Mountain View, Oklahoma, where they established the newspaper Progress in 1901, but later death claimed the brother, and the two sisters then continued the publication for five more years, when the plant was sold. Anna E. then entered the official contest and was successful in the race for county superintendent of schools, her office being in Hobart. Ida became the wife of Mr. Cleveland in 1907, and is his assistant in the postoffice.


Return to top

-312-
cont.

HENRY E. CRAGGS, cashier of the Mountain View Bank, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, July 25, 1866, and was reared to farm pursuits and received a good elementary education in the common and high schools, with special courses at a commercial school. He is a son of John and Frances J. Leach Craggs, who were born and married in Illinois, and a grandson of John Craggs of England, where he was married and where some of his children were born. He was a cabinet maker and joiner, an excellent mechanic. His children were: Henry, John and Ann, the daughter being now Mrs. Vinsel. Mr. and Mrs. John Craggs were members of the Church of England.
     John Craggs, Jr., was born and reared in Illinois, and after his marriage he settled to farming there. He is a stanch Republican politically, filling many offices of his township and county, and during his term of county commissioner Macoupin county suffered bankruptcy, and the board was threatened with penalties of a fine and a jail sentence if they did not comply with some things which they deemed wrong, they refusing to levy a tax to payoff county bonds which were fraudulently issued by a Democratic judge. But they could not be forced. Mr. Craggs remained a useful factor there for many years, finally selling there and moving to Jackson county, Missouri, where he bought a valuable farm, but after a few years closed out there also and invested in Kansas City property. He soon became rapidly connected with the building up of that city, but during the panic of 1887 he closed out his possessions there and moved with his family to Anadarko, Oklahoma, then an Indian agency and the headquarters for the government in dealing with the Indians. Mr. Craggs secured a license to trade with the red skins, in which he continued successfully

-313-

for a number of years, becoming popular with both the Indians and white men. Through creditors and a fire which destroyed his store he lost heavily and retired from an active business life. He is now seventy-four years of, age and yet resides at Anadarko, where he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife died in the summer of 1907. She was also born in Illinois, but her father, Thomas Leach, was born and married in England, finally coming to this country and becoming actively connected with the farming interests of Illinois. In the mother country he was a member of the Church of England and in America, of the Episcopal church, and in his family were five children: Thomas, Alford, John, Mahala and Frances. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craggs: Henry E.; Fannie D., the wife of H. H. Little; Jessie B., who married a Mr. Hutchens; and Grace, the wife of R. L. Boake.
     Henry E. Craggs accompanied his parents on their removal from Illinois to Missouri and then to Oklahoma, and he remained in the parental home until 1889, assisting his father in his trading with the Indians. He proved a competent clerk, becoming well acquainted with the eventful life of Oklahoma in those days and he learned to speak three or four of the Indian languages. Before the steel rails crossed this part of the country it was a two-days' journey to a railroad, Mr. Craggs often making the trip alone and he at times brought home large amounts of money. He can now look back with satisfaction and pride from the Oklahoma that he first knew to its present state of development and culture, and he can also feel a just pride in the fact that he was an active agent in the transformation. He continued to assist his father in the business until he came, in 1889, to the old town of Mountain View, Where for three years he was engaged in the livery and transfer business, and during that time he bought stock in the State Bank. This institution was organized in 1901 with Henry B. Johnson of Chickasha as president and H. A. Earns as cashier, but on the 20th of November, 1901, the stock was purchased by Dunlap, Kobbs and Craggs, who reorganized with a capital of five thousand dollars, moved the bank to the new town of Mountain View and named it the Mountain View State Bank. The institution now has a surplus of eight hundred and twenty dollars, with five hundred and fourteen dollars of undivided profits and nine hundred dollars of unpaid dividends. Since the death of the president, A. J. Dunlap, the bank has been again reorganized, Mr. Kobbs becoming the president, S. E. Craggs the vice-president, and H. E. Craggs the cashier, and these gentlemen own the entire stock. The bank is among the solid financial institutions of southwestern Oklahoma. H. E. Craggs yet maintains his home at the old town of Mountain View, where he has a forty-acre tract of land and a commodious homestead. He is a member, of the Masonic fraternity.
     He married in 1893 Miss Sarah E. Buck, who was born in Maryland, June 21, 1874, a daughter of John E. and Josephine (Hood) Buck. They were also born in Maryland, were married there, and there his children were born. Mr.. Buck was a farmer in his earlier life and an influential factor in the Republican party, and through the influence and assistance of United States Senator George D. Day he was appointed chief clerk at the Indian agency at Anadarko, Oklahoma. He came to his new charge in 1891, remaining for a number of years at Anadarko and then returning to Washington, D. C., his present home. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church, and their three children are: Mannie, the wife of A. J. Osterly, a prominent railroad official; Sarah E., who became Mrs. Craggs; and John E., of Washington, D. C. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craggs: Myrtle Dell, born in 1894; John E., born in 1896; Nannie, who died at the age of four years; and Josephine, aged four years.


Return to top

-313-
cont.

J. V. MARTIN, the popular postmaster at Lone Wolf and prominently identified with the interests of Kiowa county since its opening to settlement in August, 1901, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, but was reared on a farm in Illinois and received an excellent education in the graded and high schools. He is a son of Henry and Emily (Dix) Martin, who were born and married in Indiana, and a grandson of William H. and Elizabeth (Dill) Martin, he of Virginia and she of Kentucky. They were married in Indiana and were among the early pioneers of the state. Later in life they closed their farming interests in Indiana and moved to Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives, dying as they had lived in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mattin was both a Whig and Republican in his political affiliations, a devoted church worker and loved and

-314-

honored for his sterling integrity and true worth. Their children are: John H.; Mary, the wife of Joseph McCormick; Henry C., who is mentioned below; W. S., a prominent physician in Tuscola, Illinois; Sophia, now Mrs. Wilson; and Nannie, who married a Mr. Jenkins. John H., the eldest son, a prominent attorney, was a Federal soldier during the War of the Rebellion, the major of his regiment, and he was at one time in the service severely wounded, but recovered. Returning from the War he engaged in the practice of his profession and in farming.
     Henry C. Martin was reared on a farm in Indiana, and after his marriage began farming in that state from whence he later moved to De Witt county, Illinois, and after ten years in that state to Eldorado, Kansas. During his second year in the Sunflower state the grasshoppers entirely devastated his crops, and leaving then he returned to Illinois and farmed for a number ofyears near Tuscola. Trading this farm for forty acres adjoining the town of Muncie, Indiana, he moved there and soon afterward discovered gas on his land, while later he platted Martin's addition to Muncie and sold lots. This proved a successful venture, and later he retired from active business to enjoy the fruits of former toil, dying at his home in Indiana, September 10, 1906. He was a fluent speaker and popular in the political campaigns of the state, also a recognized church worker of the Methodist faith, and the soul of honor and integrity. He is still survived by his wife, who resides at their old home in Muncie at the advanced age of seventy years, also a valued member of the Methodist church. Her father, John Dix, resided for over fifty years in Cloverdale, Indiana, a prominent farmer and a staunch Republican, and his death occurred at his old homestead there. His children were seven in number, namely: Pauline, who married J. Talbert, Charles W., a farmer; Alfred, a farmer and stockman; Elizabeth, who became the wife of R. Kerr; Emily, the mother of Mr. Martin; George, who served through the Civil war in the Federal army, participating in many of the hard fought battles of the war, and returning home remained with his father during his lifetime; and John, who also served through the war and is now a farmer. The political faith of the family is Republican, and all are worthy Methodists. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: William H., a real estate dealer in Anderson, Indiana; John D. an Indiana farmer; J. V., the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of J. Smith; Charles, a mechanic; Henry, who contracted a- severe fever from his services in the Spanish-American war, and after lingering for some time died at his home in 1905; Rose, the wife of William Tobin Frank, who also served in the Spanish-American war, a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana Regiment, and is now a dentist in Muncie; and Albert O., a dentist in Richmond, that state. This family are also Methodists and Republicans.
     J. V. Martin accompanied his parents on their various removals, and remained at home until his marriage in 1887, after which he farmed for one year in that vicinity. He left the farm then to become a merchant in Munci, after which he was in the real estate, insurance and loan business for one year, and then moving to Elwood, Indiana, assisted in building up that community and remained there two years. He was a member of the Commercial Club, of that city, and with it attended the great McKinley day at Indianapolis in 1891, where he served as secretary to the marshal of the day and also had the pleasure of dining with the president. Mr. Martin proved a valued factor in booming the oil and gas fields of Elwood and vicinity, in starting manufacturing and enhancing real estate values, but returning to Muncie in 1892 be resi4ed there until his removal to Joplin, Missouri, in 1899, where he invested quite extensively in the zinc and lead industry, investing in five different mines. He closed out his interests there in 1901 and came to Oklahoma, and as this was the opening of Kiowa county he drew claim No. 849, which he has improved to a high state of cultivation, and has erected thereon a, commodious house and barn. Since his location here the town of Lone Wolf has been platted on land adjoining his claim, and his residence is less than a mile from the business center of the town. He has one hundred and twenty acres in cultivation, forty-five acres of which are devoted to alfalfa, the most profitable of his crops. He was the first to engage in the real estate business in Lone Wolf, carrying on that business in connection with his farming until he was appointed the postmaster in 1904 when he abandoned his real estate business. He was appointed first by Cortelyou, and in February, 1907, was continued in the office by President Roosevelt. The office was estab-

-315-

lished at the opening of the town in 1901, with S. E. Dewes as the first postmaster, and he was succeeded by J. V. Martin in 1904.
     In Tuscola, Illinois, in 1887, he married Miss Laura McVicker, who was born in Danville, that state. Her father, A. McVicker, sold his farm in Illinois and moved to Muncie, Indiana, and in 1904 he came to Oklahoma, where he now resides at Apache, retired from all active labor. He served through the Civil war in the Federal army, proving a true and brave soldier, and he has since been a stanch Republican in his political views. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. McVicker were three children, namely: John M., a merchant in Roan, Indiana; George, who after graduating as a druggist was appointed by President Harrison to take charge of the medical department of the asylum at Kankakee, Illinois, and he is now a druggist in Apache; and Laura, who became the wife of Mr. Martin. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Martin is a son, J. Fred, born August 11, 1904.


Return to top

-215-
cont.

W. F. EllzeyWILLIAM E. ELLZEY. Kiowa county numbers William F. Ellzey among its pioneer citizens and business men. He was born in Pike county, Mississippi, June 12, 1842, a son of James W. and Nancy (Seals) Ellzey, natives respectively of Alabama and Mississippi. They married in the latter state, and James W. Ellzey farmed there until after the death of his wife in 1844;, and later, when the war with Mexico opened in 1846, he enlisted and went to the front under General Taylor, remaining at the seat of war until the close of the conflict, when he received his honorable discharge and returned to Mississippi. Moving to Louisiana soon afterward, he farmed there until the opening of the Civil war, when he became a member of the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Volunteer Infantry, and again faced the sword and musket. While on his way to take part in the siege of Vicksburg and just before it opened he was killed by a passing shot, from a gun boat and was buried at Vicksburg. He was a brave and loyal soldier, ever ready to defend his country, and he valiantly laid down his life on its altar. He was a stanch Democrat of the Breckenridge type, and a consistent and worthy member of the Baptist church, as was also his wife. Their children were: Joseph R., who served in the Civil war and fought at the battle of Manassas under Stonewall Jackson; Thomas C., who died at the age of eleven; William F., who is mentioned below; and Nancy, who married a Mr. McCulvin.
      William F. Ellzey was left motherless when but a babe of two years, and when his father left for the Mexican war the children were given over to the care of friends and remained separated until after his return. They moved with him to Louisiana, and when the Civil war opened, the older sons also responded to the call of their country, William F. entering the Twentieth Louisiana Infantry Regiment, under Colonel Thomas M. Scott, and was at Camp Moore, Louisiana, for three months drilling. They were then sent to the front at Columbus, Kentucky, and their first battle was with General Grant at Belmont, that state, the next at Corinth, on to Holly Springs and to Grenada, Mississippi, with General Villipique in command, thence to Fort Hudson and to Montgomery, Alabama. From there they returned to Ripley, where the command was mounted and started after Sherman in his march to the sea, but later this command was abandoned and instead they were marched to Vicksburg and put on out post duty near Raymond until after the battle of Jackson, Mississippi. They were then ordered to Vicksburg and to burn all bridges behind them, the siege beginning soon after their reaching that city and lasted for forty-eight days. Most of the time Mr. Ellzey with his command were in ditches, facing the terrible heat of the sun and battle, and for many days during this memorable siege he fired as many as eighty shots. After the surrender Of Vicksburg the command was paroled and Mr. Ellzey returned to his home in Louisiana, but soon afterward joined a Texas cavalry regiment and was stationed at Brownsville, that state. While there the last battle of the war was fought, May 18, 1865. They had captured a number of Federals, and their story of Lee's surrender was the first news this company had of the end of the terrible conflict. On the 20th of May they broke camp and all started for their respective homes, Mr. Ellzey arriving in Lavaca county, Texas and settled down to farming.
      In 1870 he started on the overland journey to California, but finding the Indians very troublesome he went instead to Kansas City, sold his outfit and continued the journey by rail. He remained in the Golden state until 1877, engaged in wheat farming, and then with his wife and four children returned by rail to Limestone county, Texas, where he bought land near Kosse, but in 1887 sold that farm to move to Greer county. He followed the stock business and farming there and in Wash-

-316-

it a county, Oklahoma, until the opening of Kiowa county in 1901, when he closed out his business in the former counties and came here. Mr. Ellzey had learned Civil engineering and did much surveying while in Washita county and located claims for emigrants. He came to Lone Wolf in December, 1901, and although the town had been platted not a. house had been erected, the few settlers living in tents. He at once engaged in the real estate and insurance business in connection with his son, Thomas V. Ellzey, they continuing very successfully until the son was elected the first treasurer of Kiowa county. Mr. Ellzey, the father, erected a commodious residence at Lone Wolf, beautified with fruit and forest trees, and he also owns a livery barn and other town property and seventeen acres adjoining the corporation. During a number of years after coming here he conducted a meat market and sold coal and ice, later giving up all but the ice business and he yet owns his meat market building. He has been active in organizing many of the industries of the town, and has been a prominent church worker for over thirty years, his membership being with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, in which he has served as steward for many years and also as the superintendent of the Sunday school.
     Mr. Ellzey married Miss Julia Force, in 1865 who was born in Texas in 1848, a daughter of Benjamin W. Force, who in an early day moved from his native state of Georgia to Lavaca county, Texas, where he became a prominent farmer and slave owner, but selling his possessions in the Lone Star state he came to Greer county, Oklahoma, and resumed his farming and stock raising interests and there spent the remainder of his active and useful life. He was a worthy member of the Christian church, and was three times married, his first wife dying during the period of the Civil war. His children by the first union were: Julia, who became the wife of Mr. Ellzey; Anna, who married a Mr. Bremen; Samuel, of Custer, Oklahoma; and Mattie, who became Mrs. Herd. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellzey, namely: William F., Jr., who at his death left one son; Maud, the wife of W. P. Brown, Jr.; Emma, wife of J. F. Houston; Julia, wife of C. G. Buley; Thomas V., who is mentioned below; Mattie, who died at the age of six years; Frank, a farmer; Lucile, at home; and James W., attending Ft. Worth College. The children are all active and earnest church workers. Mr. Ellzey upholds the principles of the Democratic party, and has filled many public offices, including that of justice of the peace in Washita county and Lone Wolf, having been continually in that office here since the first election. He is also the acting mayor of the town and a justice of the township.
     Thomas V. Ellzey was elected, as above stated, the treasurer at the first county election of Kiowa county, but after a year and a half resigned the office to take up international Sunday school work, and is an enthusiastic worker. Following his resignation from the treasurer's office he was made the superintendent of the International School for Kiowa county, and through his earnest and zealous work he placed the county in advance of any county in the state in the work. Later the Louisiana State Society made him state secretary of the Louisiana work, and he now maintains his headquarters at New Orleans and visits all the towns and schools of the state. He is a fluent speaker and is doing a great and good work. He is also the editor of a paper called the Louisiana Success, which has an extensive circulation. He has been an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, since his boyhood days.


Return to top

-316-
cont.

DR. JAMES R. BRYCE, prominent among the physicians of Kiowa county, was born in Georgia, September 1, 1875, a son of F. S. C. and Susan (Wynne) Bryce, both also natives of that state, and a grandson of James Bryce. The last named was born in Georgia, and was a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, a man of note in his day. He died in his native state of Georgia, and in his family were seven children: Bascomb, James, John, F. S. G., Ellen, Henrietta and Purthena.
     F. S. G. Bryce married in Georgia and there began the earnest struggle of life for himself, finally becoming a minister in the church of his father. During the '70s he moved to Texas, and soon afterward located in Greer county, now in Oklahoma, and engaged in farming and stock raising, at the same time spreading the gospel and assisting in the moral development of the new country. He now resides at Altus, this state, in the full enjoyment of a useful and well spent life. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bryce are: James R., who is mentioned below; Fulton, a business man in Altus; Erasmus, of Okla-

-317-

homa City; Alma and Willie, at home; and Eugene, Ethel and Eudora, who are in school.
     Dr. James R. Bryce after attending the common schools entered the Dixon Normal College of Tennessee and later the Oklahoma State Normal at Edmond. After completing his education he taught school for three years and also read medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. E. Fowler of Altus and clerked in a drug store. Dr. Fowler continued as his preceptor four years in all, and in 1899 he entered upon four courses of study at the Medical College of Memphis, Tennessee, but after the first course he began practicing in his home town of Altus and continued practice each year between medical sessions until his graduation in 1903. At the opening of Kiowa county to settlement, Dr. Bryce came to Mountain Park, where he was among the first to arrive and staking his tent was soon ready for business. Soon settlers came in great numbers, the settlement receiving the name of Ragtown on account of its numerous tents, and it was not long until Dr. Bryce was ministering to the sick and establishing a large practice. But in the meantime he did not neglect his medical studies at Memphis, where he completed the four courses, and also pursued a special course in surgery, thus gaining a keen insight in all work connected with the profession.
     During this time the town of Snyder had been organized, and after his graduation in 1903, Dr. Bryce located here, and his constantly increasing practice stands in evidence of his ability. His skill and energy were tested when the cyclone struck this town on May 10, 1905. The two other physicians here were injured and for five or six hours, Dr. Bryce labored alone, until the trains brought assistance from other towns. He soon established a temporary hospital, and for forty-eight hours he neither ate nor slept, while for twenty-one days and nights he kept up his vigilant care and work, leaving nothing undone that he could possibly do to relieve the sick and suffering. Although many of those who were injured recovered, some were maimed for life and one hundred and seventeen met death, the most of whom were buried at Snyder. As soon as practicable the town began rebuilding, and is now much larger than before, containing railroads, churches, schools, all kinds of business and many modern improvements. During his work here, Dr, Bryce has had remarkable experiences in his practice of medicine and surgery, and one in particular was that of a woman who was suffering with a disease of the spleen, and having exhausted the skill of the community was lying at death's door when the Doctor was called. After an operation in which he removed the spleen, weighing four and one half pounds, the cure was complete. He has an excellent library and a well equipped office, and is prominent in the medical fraternity of Kiowa county. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he has served his adopted city of Snyder as its mayor for two terms. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
     On the 4th of August, 1904, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Lenna L. Holmes, a member of a pioneer family of Texas, her birthplace. Her father was a railroad man, and was last located at Shawnee, Indian Territory, where his death occurred. His wife later married P. E. Griffin, and now lives in Snyder. The Holmes children are: Lenna, who became the wife of Dr. Bryce; William, a druggist in Snyder; and Florence, a student at Oklahoma City. Mrs. Bryce is a member of the Presbyterian church.


Return to top

-317-
cont.

W. W. MILLER, M. D. Among those who have attained success in the practice of medicine and surgery in Kiowa county, Oklahoma, is numbered Dr, W. W. Miller, of Gotebo. He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, July 7, 1866, a son of Reuben T. and Rachel A. (Willetts) Miller, the mother also a native of Illinois. The father, of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, was born in the Keystone state, and for many years of his life has been engaged in merchandising, a portion of the time in Illinois. He moved to Brookfield, Missouri, in 1868, where his wife died, and soon afterward he became a merchant at Avalon, that state. Returning to Illinois, he opened a branch store at Joy, but after some time he closed out his business there, and has since confined his efforts to his store in Avalon. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church, as was also his wife, and in their family were three children: Harry E., a merchant at Bogart, Missouri; Lillie J., the widow of G. D. Alexander; and William W. The mother of these children died in 1868, and later, in Missouri, Mr. Miller wedded Miss Allie A. Washburn, who was born in Ohio, and her father, John Washburn, died in Missouri. Four other children were born

-318-

to John Washburn: Jewel, Mrs. Vanwermer, of California; Jennie, Mrs. Berry and a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri; William, who is farming in that state; and Frank, also a resident of Missouri. Three children were born to R. T. Miller by his second marriage: Lara E., Vivian and Clyde. The latter two died of starlet fever in 1883.
After attending the graded and high schools of his home town, Dr. W. W. Miller entered upon a seven years college course at Avalon, and graduated with the degree of A. B. After this he spent four years in the University Medical College and Hospital of Kansas City, in which he graduated with the class of 1901, and later in the same institution he took a clinic course and one term in the hospital. He was then able to begin the practice of his chosen profession, remaining successfully in Kansas City until failing health compelled a change of climate, and coming to Oklahoma in 1901 he located first at Union City, and thence in 1902 in Gotebo, where he now practices over a wide field. During June and July of 1907 he took post graduate courses in the New York Post Graduate Medical School and then returned to his practice in Kiowa county. He has an excellent library of ancient and modem works, and is a daily student. Soon after coming to Gotebo he bought a drug store, which he conducted until his growing practice compelled his entire attention and he sold his store. He is the vice-president of and a stockholder in the Telephone Company, and also owns some valuable farms, which he rents. He is a member of the American, the Southwestern and the Kiowa County Medical Associations, and of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows fraternities. As a Knight of Pythias he has served as regimental surgeon for the state of Missouri, has filled all the offices of the local order, has attained the uniformed rank and has drilled at the national encampment in Washington, D. C. He is also a member of the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows and of the Royal Neighbors.
     In Union City, Oklahoma, in 1903, Dr. Miller married Miss Clara E. Legg, who was born in Edgar county, Illinois, in 1880, a daughter of Scott and Deborah (Littlefield) Legg, he of Illinois and she of Maine, and they were married in Illinois. The father moved with his parents to Ohio and later to Illinois, where he grew to manhood's estate, married and settled to farming and the stock business, but in March, 1901, he sold his possessions there and came to Oklahoma, locating near Union City, where he and his wife yet reside. Of their two children, Mrs. Miller is the elder, and her sister, Olive E. is now Mrs. Slusher. One child has blessed the union of Dr. and Mrs. Miller, a son, William Morgan.


Return to top

-318-
cont.

CLARENCE N. GRIFFITH, president of the Lone Wolf State Bank, was born in Floyd county, Iowa, July 25, 1872, a son of A. S. and Adaline (Rice) Griffith, the father born in Ohio and the mother on the present site of Zion City near Chicago. When young, A. S. Griffith moved with his parents from Ohio to Iowa, where he grew to manhood, married and engaged in merchandising at Floyd. After a successful mercantile career there of thirty-four years he retired, and his time is now devoted in looking after his property interests and loaning money. He entered the Federal army in Iowa during the Civil war, and after the close of the conflict returned home and resumed his mercantile business. He is a stanch Republican and has held many local offices, having served his county for fourteen years as a commissioner, a prominent and popular man. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Griffith, who died in May, 1904, was a daughter of Andrew Rice of Illinois, who during the gold excitement of 1849 went to California and spent a short time in search of the precious metal; returning then to his home in Illinois. He later moved to Kansas, but not satisfied with that location he returned to Iowa and died at his home there many years afterward. He was a member of the Methodist church and a Republican politically, and in his family were five children: Adaline, Andrew, James, William, Angeline and Nettie. Mr. Griffith was one of a family of five children: Henry (deceased), A. S., Sarah, Almira and Libbie. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith: Clarence N., of this review; Lillian, now Mrs. Wodtke; and Tracy M., who died young.
      Clarence N. Griffith received an excellent education in the common and high schools and in a business college, and he remained at home and assisted his father in business until the age of twenty-three, On account of failing health he then accepted a position as traveling salesman for a shoe manufacturing company of Dubuque, Iowa, and continued on

-319-

the road for seven years. While with his father, who was both a merchant and banker, he had gained a valuable banking experience, and in 1899 he came to Wapanucka, Indian Territory, and organized the First National Bank, but in 1903 he sold his interest in that institution and came to Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, where he assisted in organizing the Lone Wolf State Bank in 1903, capitalized at fifteen thousand dollars. The bank was organized with C. N, Griffith the president, A. S. Griffith, vice-president, and H. C. Griffith, cashier, the present officers. This bank is one of the solid financial institutions of southwestern Oklahoma. Mr. Griffith has also invested quite extensively in Oklahoma farms and he now owns five valuable tracts, which he rents.
     He married in Iowa, in 1896, Miss Hettie Teape, a native of that state and a daughter of T. S, and Mary E. (Montrose) Teape, both of whom were also born in Iowa, where Mr. Teape is a railroad engineer of long experience. His children are: Hettie, who became the wife of C. N. Griffith; Marian, now Mrs. Krouger and a resident of Indian Territory; Edith, now Mrs, Babcock, of Oklahoma City; John, cashier of a bank at Chattanooga, Oklahoma; Ida, now Mrs. Loomer; Erma, assistant cashier of the Lone Wolf State Bank; and Blanch. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are members of the Congregational church.


Return to top

-319-
cont.

ALLAN W. TRAIN, On the 16th of March, 1901, there arrived in the old town of Mountain View, Oklahoma, one who was destined to play an active part in the subsequent history of the community, and from that time to the present the name of Allan W. Train has been prominently associated with the varied interests of Kiowa county. He is descended from the Train family who located in Massachusetts in 1623 and helped organize the moral and physical development of the new world, and from them many statesmen and men of prominence have sprung. The family have numbered among its members such men as George Francis Train, at one time the largest vessel owner in Massachusetts and a world-wide reputation, and Charles R. Train, attorney general of Massachusetts.
     Roswell Train, a farmer and blacksmith in that state, became the grandfather of Allan W., whose father, Horace Train, as a contractor and builder did a great deal of railroad work for different companies. He never desired the honors or emoluments of public office. To Horace and Martha M. Brown, his wife, were born the following children: George N.B., who served in the Federal army during the Civil war and is now a contractor; Mary, the wife of John Jones; Addison, of Hartford, Connecticut, and Ida, who died before marriage. The father was twice married, but there were no children by the second union.
     Allan W. Train was born in Massachusetts April 16, 1847, and when seventeen years of age he left home to enter upon a four years apprenticeship to the stair builder's trade, but after its completion he engaged instead in the mercantile business, continuing this for a number of years, first in Boston, then in Chicago from 1873 until his removal to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was in business for six years. He then withdrew from mercantile interests, and going to Nashville, Tennessee, received the contract and erected a large rolling mill for the state penitentiary. From there he went to Birmingham, Alabama, and erected a large rolling mill there, went then to Fort Payne, Alabama, organized a stock company and erected a $365.,000 steel and iron rolling mill and, plant, and also assisted in the building up of the new south. As a member of an organization he went to Boston and procured the names of many investors, to whom he mailed a letter after his return setting forth the facts pertaining to the advantages of investing in the south, also stating that at a certain date a train of Pullman cars would convey at a nominal price all who wished to view the prospect. At the date named a train of ten cars was filled and the project carried out to the letter, resulting in the investment of a million dollars and the building up of a large town. But the panic incident to Cleveland's last election ruined the business, and before the tide had turned the company had been obliged to surrender. In 1895, Mr. Train went to Chicago and arranged with the Union Carbide Company to handle their goods at Kansas City, he having been the first to handle that line of goods in the west, and was finally bought , out by the Union Company.
     It was then that he came to Oklahoma where he soon became connected with the townsite company of Cloud Chief, known as the Southwestern Mutual Townsite Company of Oklahoma. They sold certificates entitling the holders to a lot in the town of Harrison, then platted on the railroad. but yet in the hands of the government. The quarter section platted was No. 71, and the man holding

-320-

this government number, who would be entitled to the land at the drawing, lived at El Reno. The organization sent a committee there to complete the arrangements for a title to the land, and the man drew the land and allowed the town to be started, resulting in the erection of several buildings, but he finally went back on his contract, and this caused an expensive law suit, which he finally won, resulting in all having to buy their lands a second time. Mr. Train had purchased one hundred and fifty certificates and had sold one hundred to friends in Kansas City, and wishing to protect their interests accepted the position of director of the townsite company, but his hope of clearing the title was in vain. The second addition to Gotebo is a quarter section west of the original plot, and was drawn by Alice Jones, who had left her husband and could not thus lawfully hold the land. Her claim was contested by three different parties, none of which were won, and the town board of Gotebo had concluded with the government to allow the land to be used by the board for townsite purposes, but soon after the last contests and before arrangements were completed another party contested, but the government has now issued a patent for the land. This addition is well built over and contains some of the most desirable residences in the town.
     After the loss of all his lots, Mr. Train engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and he soon assisted in the organizing of a state bank with a capital of five thousand dollars, becoming a stockholder and director. The bank continued successfully in business until the memorable fire of July 4, 1902, which wiped out the business portion of the town, including thirty-two business houses. He yet holds the charter, and has since been engaged in closing its affairs. He helped organize and became the president of the Harrison Gin Company, the first industry of its kind in Gotebo, and also raised the bonus of the establishment here of a merchant flour mill. He was also instrumental in the erection of the largest stone block in the town and superintended its building, was the first trustee of the township, appointed by Governor Jenkins, and was made a member of the school board. His connection with that organization was a difficult and arduous one. It was then illegal to issue warrants for building school houses, but legally right to issue them for paying rent, and in order to give to the people the school house they so much desired he raised the money and built the school and then rented it until the debt was wiped out. During all these years he has served as a notary public and has continued actively in the real estate business, buying and selling property of all kinds, and he has located many farm homes for successful Oklahoma agriculturists. He owns some business property in the town, and in January, 1902, bought a claim of one hundred and six acres adjoining the corporation limits, where he has his residence and is extensively interested in the raising of fine registered hogs. He also has a fine herd of cattle, and is gradually drifting into the raising of alfalfa. He is also interested in another farm, which he rents. The town of Gotebo, like the Phoenix bird, has risen out of its ashes, and is now a flourishing business center and trading point. Mr. Train has from the first been one of its enthusiastic supporters, and although he has had many difficulties to overcome in his work of development he has been equal to the occasion and deserves to be classed among the builders of Greater Oklahoma.
      He was married in Massachusetts to Miss Ann G. Norris, who was born in that state, a daughter of Lewis T. Norris, long connected with a large print works at Fall River, Massachusetts. Three children were born of this union, namely: Lillian, the wife of William J. Rainey, a lumberman of Detroit, Michigan; Lulu, the wife of W. J. Peck, in the automobile business at St. Louis, Missouri; and Ethel, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Train is also deceased, dying in Massachusetts, an earnest member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Train is a leader in the ranks of the Republican party in Oklahoma, and is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.


Return to top

-320-
cont.

JAMES B. TOSH, proprietor of Elk Horn Farm, the banner farm of Kiowa county, and also a member of the State Constitutional Convention, has been prominently identified with the interests of Oklahoma since an early day in its history. He was born in Hancock county, Indiana, November 13, 1856, a son of John L. and Jane (Bennett) Tosh, both natives of Virginia, and a grandson of George Tosh, who was from Pennsylvania and of German descent. On attaining his early manhood he located in Virginia, where he became a farmer and slave owner, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in the Old Do-

-321-

minion state, and in his family were the following children: John L., who became the father of James B. Tosh; George and Dan, both farmers, the latter residing in Indiana; and Bettie, who became Mrs. Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Tosh, the parents, were members of the Methodist church.
     John L. Tosh was born, reared and married in Virginia, and after the birth of his first child he moved to Indiana and became a landowner and farmer there. In 1867 he sold his property in Indiana and moved to Jefferson county, Kansa$, where he bought land and made another good farm, continuing actively in business until advancing age compelled his retirement, and he died at the home of a daughter in that state, October 7, 1907, aged eighty-three years. His wife died February 22, 1906. She was a member of a Virginia family, where her father, a planter and slave owner, lived and died a pious Christian gentleman. John L. Tosh and his wife were Methodists, and he was a Democrat politically. Their children numbered seven, namely: George L., whose home is in Day county, Oklahoma; Rebecca, wife of John Strawn; James B., who is mentioned later; Catherine, wife of R. Ferrell, of northeastern Kansas; John H., an agriculturist; Elizabeth J., wife of William Capus; and Jessie, who married a Mr. Fallas.
     When a lad of ten, James B. Tosh moved with his parents from Indiana to Kansas, and in 1881 he located on a farm of his own and continued as a farmer and stock raiser there until 1893. In that year occurred the opening of the Cherokee Strip, and Mr. Tosh with a good team kept in the lead in the rush to this locality and secured a choice claim. Returning then to Kansas he sold his possessions there, and moved to this claim in Kay county, succeeding in time in bringing his land to a high state of cultivation, and in 1901 he sold it for a good price and came to Kiowa county. Here he selected a school section in the valley of Elk Horn creek, paying one thousand dollars to secure his claim, and he now has an entire section under fence and cross fenced, improved with a commodious residence and barns, and has an orchard of fine fruits of many varieties, Over four hundred acres of his land is in cultivation and he also has Indian lands leased and cultivated, farming in all over five hundred acres. He at one time raised the largest crop of cotton in the county, but has abandoned this altogether. In 1906 he raised and shipped over twenty thousand bushels or grain, and he also has two hundred acres planted to alfalfa, which he cuts four times in the year.
     Mr. Tosh is Democratic in national politics. and reserves the right to vote for the man of his choice at local elections. He is broadminded in his views, and has been called upon by his fellow citizens to fill some important public positions which he has done creditably and satisfactorily. During his residence in Kay county he served as a justice of the peace, and in Kiowa county, without his consent, he was made a delegate to the state constitutional convention and won the race by a large majority. He served over one hundred days and acquitted himself with honor, having been a member of five committees, namely: Chairman of the legislative department and school lands, the printing of contracts, the liquor traffic, convention accounts and the auditing committee of expenses and coal lands, on which he was continued indefinitely. He was an active member of that august body. Mr. Tosh is president of the Farmers Gin Company of Hobart and the Farmers Elevator Company, and was the first to secure a charter in Oklahoma for an elevator. He has been active in looking after and promoting the farmers' interests, and has been the means in blocking for them many grafts and party grabs.
     Mr. Tosh was married in Kansas to Miss Luella Sills, who was born in that state May 15, 1857, a daughter of John and Henrietta Cain Sills, he of England and she of Virginia, and they were married in Illinois. The father was a son of William Sills, who came from England to America after the birth of his children and followed plastering during the active years of life, dying at Topeka, Kansas. He was a member of the Church of England. His children were: Thomas, of Dakota; John; Edwin, a resident of Topeka, Kansas; George, who was killed in the Federal army during the Civil war; and Sarah, who married a Mr. Neill and resides in Hobart. John Sills also became a plasterer, which he followed in connection with farming; He filled many minor offices, justice of the peace, township trustee, etc., and is a Republican in politics and a member Of the Methodist church. He yet resides at Valley Falls. Kansas, but his wife died in 1890, a Baptist in religion. In their family were six children: Jane, who became the wife of George Tosh; Luella, the

322-

wife of James B. Tosh; George, a resident of Denison, Kansas; Warren, a farmer in Kansas; Anna, the wife of George Elling; and Jesse, a merchant in Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Tosh have been born two children, Harry B. and Ella O. The son is a graduate of the Oklahoma Normal, and is now the bookkeeper for the Farmers National Bank at Hobart. The daughter is attending school.


Return to top

Next

 

Mardos Memorial Library

More Historical Books online

AHGP logo

This nonprofit research site is an independent affiliate of the American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP),, and proud to be hosted by USGenNet, a nonprofit historical and genealogical Safe-Site Server™ solely supported by tax-deductible contributions. No claim is made to the copyrights of individual submitters, and this site complies fully with USGenNet's Nonprofit Conditions of Use

divider

 

Copyright © 2000 - 2002 D. J. Coover All Rights Reserved Webmaster: D. J. Coover - ustphistor@usgennet.org