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THEODORE F. McMILLAN. Prominent among the foremost citizens of Greer county is Theodore McMillan, of Mangum, who as head of the firm of McMillan & Busby is carrying on a substantial real estate business. He deals extensively in both city and farm properties, has charge of rentals and loans, and for many years has served as justice of the peace, having been first elected to the office while Greer county was under the jurisdiction of Texas laws. A son of John McMillan, he was born, March 26, 1846, in Mississippi, but was brought up in Texas. On the paternal side he is of thrifty Scotch stock, his grandfather, Neill McMillan, having been born in Scotland.
Emigrating to this country when a young man, Neill McMillan landed in New York, from there drifted southward to Florida, where, after his marriage, he was for several years engaged in handling fat cattle and horses, shipping them to convenient markets. Moving to Texas in 1848, he was a pioneer of Leon county, and for a number of years was engaged in farming, owning slaves. He subsequently dealt in real estate for a number of years. During the Civil war he was too old for service in the army, but his sympathies were with the Confederates. He spent his last years in Madison county, Texas, with his children, being retired from active pursuits, passing away at the age of four score and four years. A staunch Democrat in politics, he served in public office, for a number of years being notary public. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Agatha Ford, the following children were born: James, a physician, died in Louisiana; John, Daniel, Volney, Neill, who served as high sheriff; DeKalb, a saddler and harness maker; Mrs. Mary Pigford, Mrs. L. L. Chery and Mrs. Sallie Gibson.
     Born in Florida, John McMillan moved with his parents to Mississippi, and there began life for himself as a farmer. Moving to Texas in 1854, he engaged in farming and stock raising and dealing in lands in Leon county, remaining there six years. He was afterwards similarly employed in Johnson county, Texas, until after the breaking out of the Civil war. Enlisting then in the regiment commanded by Col. Mann, he was commissioned first lieutenant of his company, and with the Southwestern Department of the Confederate Army served until the close of the conflict, dCi1ing guard duty along the Gulf coast, and taking part in many engagements. Returning to his home in Johnson county, he resumed his stock and farm business, remaining there until 1891. Selling out in that year, he established a general store in Greer county, Texas, and was there successfully employed in mercantile pursuits until his death, in 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a strong Democrat in politics, but persistently refused public office, and was a worthy member of the old school Presbyterian Church. He married, in Mississippi, Anna Pigford, who was born in North Carolina, and they became the parents of thirteen children, namely: Theodore F., Mrs. Sarah Ross, Mrs. Luella Maguire, Mrs. Mary E. Atwell, Tommy died in childhood, Mrs. Lizzie Rogers, Mrs. Fanny Paxton, Robert, Owen, William, Ida, John and Tommie.
     But eight years old when he removed with the family to Texas, Theodore F. McMillan there grew to manhood. After his marriage, he began farming on his own account, and continued thus employed until 1889. Going then to Greer county, Texas,. he located one thousand acres of land under the Texas laws, began the improvement of a homestead, and engaged in diversified farming, sometimes

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having good crops, and sometimes very poor ones, depending largely upon the, amount of moisture that fell. Leasing his land in 1895, Mr. McMillan moved to Mangum, but continued to hold his homestead. In 1896, when the United States supreme court rendered its decision in favor of Oklahoma Territory, and established laws for the old homesteaders, he held one hundred and sixty acres of his farm, and bought, for $1.25 an acre, another one hundred and sixty acres, thus obtaining government title to three hundred and twenty acres which he has since sold. On coming to Mangum, Mr. McMillan established himself in the real estate business, and the same year, in 1895, was appointed justice of, the peace, to fill out an unexpired term. The following spring he was elected to the office, and has since been re-elected each term. In this capacity, Mr. McMillan has performed many wedding ceremonies, has had charge of many perplexing law cases, and in but one or two cases that have been appealed to higher tribunals have his decisions been reversed. When Mangum was first incorporated as a second class city, he was made a police judge, and served two terms, and he has also been a law and order regulator in two branches. After carrying on business alone for sometime, Mr. McMillan formed "a partnership with Mr. Busby, and under the name of McMillan & Busby, the firm is doing a very large and lucrative business, buying and selling real estate, renting properties, and loaning money.
     In September, 1866, in Texas, Mr., McMillan married Louisa Flood, a native of Louisiana. Her father, Thomas Flood, was born in New York, where he learned the carpenter's trade. He was married to Emma Stillwell in Georgia. He afterwards went to New Orleans, from there removing to Texas, and settling in Walker county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He became a large landholder, and conducted his farming operations with slave labor. He was too old to serve in the army during the Civil war, but he supported the Confederacy, and by the war lost heavily in slaves and other property. After the war, Mr. Flood removed to Limestone county, Texas, where he continued successfully to carryon farming until retiring from active work, when he lived with his children. He was an excellent man of business, prominent in social and fraternal circles, and was a prominent Mason, belonging to lodge, chapter and commandery. Both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Louisa, wife of Mr. T. F. McMillan; Lucian died during the Civil war; Bertie; Thomas, a Texas farmer; John, engaged in farming in Texas; Buchanan, deceased; Mrs. Anna Rigsby; Mrs. Kate Wheelis; and Minnie, deceased. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McMillan, six children have been born, namely: Minnie, wife of A. McMinn; Emma; Roy, a mechanic; and Lulu; Laura and Ernest are deceased.

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cont.

NATHAN D. BINGHAM, now a substantial and honored citizen of Mangum, Greer county, has been for many years a strong factor in the agricultural and live stock development of southwest Oklahoma. He comes of a fine old Georgia family, which was transplanted to Mississippi through the paternal grandfather, who was a patriot of the war of 1812, and, like other ancestors for many generations, an honorable and successful tiller of the soil, and a citizen of most moral and substantial qualities. Mr. Bingham himself is a native of Chickasaw county: Mississippi, born on the 5th of March, 1856, and was reared to the pursuits of his forefathers. Although his education, as derived from books, was limited, his training from early boyhood prepared him for practical advancement in the real work which was to count in the development of the Southwest. He was among the paternal family which removed from Mississippi to Texas in 1868, being at that time a sturdy boy of twelve years, and he remained on the old homestead of the Lone Star state until his marriage in 1885. He then established an independent household, and engaged successfully in farming and the raising of stock, In 18S9 he moved to Ardmore, Indian Territory, now the chief point in Carter county, Oklahoma. At first he brought his Texas herd to range lands near that place, but continued Indian depredations induced him to sell his cattle and locate in the city proper, where he engaged in the hotel business. But with the increase of settlement and the establishment of more secure conditions, Mr. Bingham was again attracted to the soil, as instinctively as the typical savage is drawn toward the depths of the forests, He leased several tracts of land for farming purposes, first engaging in the raising of corn and cotton, and also of hogs, later he leased to others, and continued thus engaged with most substantial re-

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sults until the coming of statehood obliged him to relinquish his leases and his land. In 1900 he removed to Greer county, and bought the homestead title to a 320-acre tract of land, upon which was a small house, a barn and a windbreak. Only fifty acres of the tract were under cultivation. This crude commencement of homestead, under the industrious methods and skilled hands of Mr. Bingham, was soon transformed into a substantial and attractive country home, with an enlarged house and barn, a good orchard and 125 acres under the most thorough and modern cultivation. The farm was located about two and a half miles southeast of Russell, and after the first year of drought was a steady and profitable producer. Besides skillfully diversifying his crops, he commenced the raising of cattle rather early in the period of the four years during which he resided there. In order to place better educational advantages before his growing children than could be obtained in that locality, in 1905 he moved to Mangum, and during the following year sold his farm to good advantage, buying an improved piece of agricultural property, consisting of 160 acres near the city of his residence. This he also sold at an advance; and then purchased another 100 acres, one and one-half miles north of Mangum, upon which the improvements were very imperfect. He has since erected a good farm house upon it, placed 100 acres under cultivation and is making other permanent improvements. As this farm has living water, is near a good market for its produce, and is already rented to tenants, it is a very desirable piece of property. The owner expects soon to seed a good acreage to alfalfa, which has become one of the surest and most profitable of Oklahoma crops.
     Before locating in Mangum, Mr. Bingham purchased a house and five lots in the northern part of the city, as the basis for a residence. He has since remodeled the residence into a handsome and convenient home, surrounded by attractive grounds and a pretty orchard. He has also bought other property for renting purposes, is a stockholder in the Mangum National Bank, and is a citizen of broad activities and influence. Possessed of a growing estate, both in country and city, honored as a neighbor and a citizen, blessed with a sturdy, useful family—it would seem that Mr. Bingham can be safely classed with the fortunate ones of the world, and among those whose pride of unaided achievement is quite justifiable. He is a Methodist in his religious faith, and his fraternal connections are with the I. O. O. F. In 1885, Mr. Bingham was united in marriage with Miss Laura Robinson, who is a native of Monroe county, Tennessee, born in 1860. Her father, J. D. Robinson, was a native of Tennessee, and married Sarah Sanders, a lady of that state. Besides Mrs. Robinson, the other members of the Sanders family were: Jackson D., Thomas, Martha, Polly and Nancy. The maternal grandfather, James Robinson, was a South Carolina planter and slave owner, who migrated to Tennessee and, with his wife, passed his last years in that state. The mother also passed away in Tennessee. J. D. Robinson was a native of Loudon county, Tennessee, where he was reared and married, later removing to Monroe county, where he resided for many years preceding his death in 1891. He served faithfully in the Confederate army, and, notwithstanding the radical disarrangement of all his life plans caused by the Civil war, repaired his fortunes and died in honorable comfort. He served for a long time as justice of the peace in his native community, and enjoyed many evidences of the high honor which had been earned by a worthy life. His wife survived him until 1903, when she also breathed her last in the old Tennessee home. Both were devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Twelve children were born to them, as follows: James T., who died in Texas; Daniel, who also spent his last years in that state; Kate, now Mrs. Jones, who resides in Tennessee; Laura, wife of Nathan D. Bingham; Molly, Mrs. S. Bailess, of Texas; Minnie; Ella, who died young; William S., who is now living in southern Texas; Sally, Mrs. Clift; Georgia, Mrs. Ray; Omega, Mrs. Megriff; and Joseph, a resident of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan D. Bingham have become the parents of the following: Ernest, a farmer; Nathan L., who lives at home: Maud, Mrs. McKaton; Reuben, Myrtle and Luella, all attending school; and Minnie, who was born March 4, 1900. The parents are honored members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
     Mr. Bingham's parents were C. C. and Mary (Crawford) Bingham, natives of Georgia, who married in Mississippi where their children were born. The paternal grandfather, William Bingham, was a Georgia farmer and slave owner, who served throughout the war of 1812, remained in that state for many years

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thereafter, and removed with his family to Mississippi, where he died in 1865. Although too old for service in the Civil war, he was an enthusiastic and influential Confederate, and lived to see his slaves set free and his estate sadly depleted. His children were: C. C., father of Nathan D. Bingham; Sallie, who died unmarried, and William, who was a resident of Texas. C. C. Bingham was a young man when he accompanied his parents to Mississippi, and there continued as a progressive planter until the opening of the war, when he went to the front in the cause of the Confederacy, and fought bravely in the ranks until the conclusion of hostilities. He then returned to Tennessee to re-construct his farm and repair his disorganized business, continuing at the old homestead until 1868, when he disposed of his property for the purpose of his Texas venture. He bought land in Titus county, of that state, improved it as a farm and also raised considerable stock, his many years of industry and able management in these lines bringing him a competency with which he retired to pass the last years of his honorable life among his children. After the death of his wife in Texas in 1864, Mr. Bingham never married, and his own death occurred in Texas in September, 1891, at the age of sixty-two years. Both were life-long adherents to the faith of the Baptist church. Mrs. C. C. Bingham was the daughter of Robert Crawford, a leading planter of South Carolina, who moved to Mississippi at an early day and died during the Civil war in which he was an active participant. His faith was also of the Baptist church. The children of the Crawford family were: Nancy; Mary, mother of Nathan D. Bingham; Lizzie, Sarah; N. B., a Democratic leader, who served in the Mississippi legislature; Benjamin, Samuel; John, whose financial ability enabled him to amass a fortune; and William. Nearly all of the sons were farmers, and substantial citizens. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Bingham became the parents of the following: William, who served the Confederacy in the Civil war and died in the hospital: Frank, who survived the battles and hardships of the four years; Polly, Mrs. Springer; Bitha, who became Mrs. Gallup: Thomas, now an Oklahoma farmer; John, engaged in agriculture in New Mexico; Sally, Mrs. Pettit; Michael, a farmer of Hopkins county, Texas; Beulah, now Mrs. Flippin; Nathan D., of this sketch; Nannie, Mrs. Rawson, and Napoleon, also a Hopkins county farmer.

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cont.

SAMUEL D. RUDE. Numbered among the active and successful business men of Mangum is Samuel D. Rude, head of the firm of Rude & Pigg, cattle buyers, feeders and shippers, and owners and managers of one of the leading meat and provision markets of the city. A son of Isaac Rude, Jr., he was born, December 22, 1865, in Farmersville, Collin county, Texas, of French ancestry. His great grandfather on the paternal side emigrated from France to America, bringing with him his family, which included his son, Isaac, who was his youngest child. Settling in Kentucky, he took up land that is now included within the corporate limits of Bowling Green, and there spent the remainder of his life as a farmer.
     Isaac Rude, Sr., a native of France, grew to manhood on the Kentucky homestead, assisting in its improvement. He was very patriotic, serving in the war of 1812, and subsequently, having removed to Illinois, took an active part in the Black Hawk war. He settled permanently in Illinois, taking up land that was in its primitive wildness from the prairie lands clearing a farm, on which he resided until his death.
     Born at Bowling Green, Kentucky, Isaac Rude, Jr., was but a child when his parents removed to Illinois, where he was brought up. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, bravely doing his duty in camp or field, and at its close returned to his Illinois home. Subsequently entering the employ of Estes & Co., manufacturers of fanning mills, he was for years salesman of that firm, traveling through Illinois and Tennessee. After his marriage, he began farming in Illinois, but not quite content with the results of his labor, fitted out an ox-team, migrated to Texas, locating in Collin county. Subsequently having an attack of the gold fever, he started with an ox-team for the Arizona mines, taking his family with him. Arriving at El Paso, Texas, he changed his mind, stopped there, and took employment with the Overland Stage and Mail Company. Erecting for that firm a stone station house, he had charge of it for a year and a half. Returning then to Collin county, he purchased land, and for twenty-three years was there employed in farming and stock-raising and dealing, likewise being interested in the grocery and the lumber business. Removing then to Johnson county, Texas, he remained there four years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1889 he trecked to Greer county, then a part of Texas, and

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for awhile continued in his earlier occupation. Subsequently, with a small capital to begin on, he took a partner, and embarked in the hardware business, under the firm name of Rude & Hamilton, he putting in the most money, but his partner having an equal share of the profits. Commencing on a modest scale, the firm rapidly increased its trade, from time to time adding to its stock until it carried a full line of everything found in a well furnished hardware house, and met with excellent success, their annual sales aggregating $165,000. Selling out to his partner in 1900, Isaac Rude, Jr., removed to Claude, Texas, purchased land, erected a commodious residence, and began the raising of thorough-bred stock, a pursuit which he continued until his death, July 10, 1902. In 1860 he was a strong Union man, but when Texas seceded he remained loyal to his state, enlisted in the Confederate army, was assigned with his regiment to the Trans-Mississippi department, and being detailed as wagon master served in that capacity until- the close of the conflict. For thirty-five years he was a faithful member of the Methodist church, and he belonged to the Masonic fraternity, being active in the work of his lodge. He was very popular with everybody while living in Greer county, in Mangum being familiarly known as "Daddy Rude." His wife, whose maiden name was Isabel Alexander, was born and reared in Tennessee, and is now living in Claude, Texas. Her father died when she was a child, so little is known of her family history, although she is connected with the Ewings and Stevensons, families of prominence in the nation. She reared seven children, as follows: Emma, wife of S. J. Jones; Joseph, a farmer and stockman in Greer county; Samuel D., the subject of this sketch; Ida, wife of C. Holden; Gilla, wife of John Tyatt; Alvis, a farmer and stockman: and Mantie, wife of William Fox.
     Remaining beneath the parental roof-tree until after attaining his majority, Samuel D. Rude lived in different places, helping his father in his various undertakings, arid coming with the family to Greer county in 1889. For two years thereafter he was employed as a clerk in Mangum, at the same time assisting his father somewhat. In 1892 he went to the opening of the Cheyenne country, secured a claim, and for seven years was there successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. Closing out in 1899, Mr. Rude returned to Mangum, and has since been identified with best interests. Although brought up from boyhood in the saddle, associating largely in his earlier life with cowboys, often going with the crowd when it "painted the town red," he had not only the "Rude head," but the "Rude" force of will and character, and would not be led into anything of a rough nature, contracting neither the drink nor any other bad habit. For a while after coming back to this city, Mr. Rude operated a meat market, but subsequently sold out, and for six years carried on a successful business as a furniture dealer and undertaker. The former business he then sold out, but retained the undertaking, for which he is especially fitted, being an experienced and skilful embalmer. Subsequently forming a partnership with Mr. Pigg, Mr. Rude. bought out the plant, building, stock and good will of a meat market, and this enterprising firm, under the name of Rude & Pigg, is carrying on a substantial business. They handle many cattle, buying and shipping, and during the winter of 1907-8 have fed over 1,200 cattle; and have shipped many grass cattle and fat hogs. Politically, Mr. Rude is an adherent of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World, and to the Modem Woodmen of America.
     Mr. Rude married, in Johnson county, Texas, Sallie Pyatt, who was born in that county, a daughter of John H. and Sarah (Maxwell) Pyatt. Her father served in the Confederate army during the Civil war, at its dose returning to Johnson county, where he was profitably employed in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife survived him but a few years, dying on the old homestead. They were people of sterling worth, and valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pyatt were as follows: William, Phineas, Charles, James, John, Sallie, Benjamin, Edward, Mollie, wife of C. Nanie; Mattie, wife of Dr. E. L Minifee of Granbury; and Jane, wife of H. Gatewood. Into the household of Mr. and Mrs. Rude five children have been born, namely: Hester M., a student at Enid, is a fine artist: Lela, also attending the Enid University; Isaac, Myrtle L. and Dorothy.

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cont.

RALPH L. THOMPSON, superintendent and manager of the Farmers' Warehouse of Mangum, an early settler of Greer county, and a leader in its public affairs, has long had a prominent identification with the agricultural interests of this section of Oklahoma. He was born in Franklin county, Missouri, on the

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7th of June, 1863, and is descended from an old Virginia family of Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather planted the family in the state of Missouri in 1834, and. our subject has founded a branch of it still further to the southwest in the vigorous young state of Oklahoma. Ralph L. Thompson remained on his father's farm until he was nineteen years of age, having had charge of it for a number of years even then. Wishing at that time to embark in the cattle business in Montana, with his father's consent he left the place in charge of a brother and in 1882 secured employment on a ranch in that state, remaining thus employed for about one year and a half. The marriage of the brother mentioned made his return to the Missouri farm again necessary, and for the following three years he continued its superintendence. In November, 1885, he himself married, remaining on the old homestead until 1890, when he located in Childress, Texas, and opened successively a meat market and a hotel. In 1892 he removed to Greer county, where he occupied half a section of land and improved it as a farm, selling this property later in order to engage in the manufacture of salt at Salton. A two years' experience in that field convinced him that lack of transportation facilities was against a pronounced development of the industry in that section and he therefore sold his plant and moved to Francis, where he again took up a homestead claim of 160 acres, not only cultivating it as a farm but planting an orchard and making other modern improvements calculated to bring it to the standard of an up to-date country home of the southwest. He was the first in his section of the state to make the experiment of raising cotton and alfalfa together, and made both a sure and profitable crop. He was also a pioneer in the production of kafir corn, and both in Texas and Oklahoma has been a leader in the development of the agricultural field of the southwest, as well as a successful farmer from a financial standpoint. In 1907 he rented his farm at Francis, and removed to Mangum, at which point the farmers of Greer county erected a warehouse near the railroad depot, 94 by 140 feet. A controlling company was incorporated, with W. O. Byers as president; J. E. Taylor, secretary and treasurer, and R. L. Thompson, superintendent and manager. The Farmers' Warehouse has a capacity of 3,500 bales of cotton and other farm products, with large yards for handling not only such articles, but for dealing in coal. Office, scales, and all other appliances and conveniences are modern, and bespeak the prosperity and advancement of a sturdy agricultural community. The business has been ably managed by Mr. Thompson, who has also other interests at Francis besides the fine farm mentioned. He there owns a drug store, is interested in a cotton gin and is a director in the State Bank of Francis, of which he is one of the founders. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat; has served as justice of the peace at Francis and commissioner of Greer county, and is in every way a citizen of enterprise and honorable advancement. John Thompson, the paternal grandfather, already mentioned, was a Virginian of Irish ancestry, who came to the Old Dominion at an early day, and, with relatives, participated in the Revolutionary war. He afterward married, became a prominent planter and slave owner, sold his property and migrated to Alabama, and thence, in 1834, went to Missouri as one of its pioneers. There he continued his avocation of farmer and stock-raiser, and also for years was widely known for his ministrations as a Primitive Baptist clergyman. To these trusts he was faithful, and although a firm Democrat, always ready to give a reason for his political as well as his religious faith, he never held office and never aspired to it. His children were: William J., the father of our subject; David, John, Millie, Mary, Susan and Jennie.
     William J. Thompson, the father, was born in Virginia in 1818, and was about seventeen years of age when the family came to Missouri, where he reached manhood and married Susan E. Wood, also a native of that state. He improved a farm, raised com and live-stock, and was in a prosperous condition when the Civil war called a halt upon his labors. A victim of chronic rheumatism, his proffered services in defense of the Confederacy were rejected, but the war, notwithstanding, caused him heavy losses. During his mature life he was an earnest Primitive Baptist, dying strong in the faith and upholder of a true Christian character, in February, 1904. His widow, who was born in 1821, resides in Missouri with a daughter. Her father, David Wood, while a resident of Virginia lived near the Thompson homestead. He migrated to Missouri in 1833, and a few months afterward the Thompson family settled in his neighborhood. Thus the young people were continually thrown together, with the usual result of

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marriage. David Wood the founder of the Missouri branch of the family was a farmer, a strong Democrat, and an honored citizen until death claimed him on the old Missouri homestead. His children were as follows: Fred, Charles, Lue, Stephen, Susan (mother of Ralph L.) and Joseph. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Thompson, the following: Emily, Mrs. C. O. Field; Susan E., Mrs. George Givens; John; Virginia, Mrs. George W. Gardner; David W., William B. and Ralph L. Thompson. The last named married Miss Lillie F. May, born in Missouri, in October, 1865, and a daughter of William H. and Judith A. Franklin May, both of Virginia. Although a strong Democrat, during the Civil war Mr. May was also a stanch Union man and served in the Federal army as a member of the Home Guards. He was a plain, intelligent, honorable. citizen, and the father of the following: Molly E., now Mrs. J. H. Jeffries; Robert and William, who died young; Mattie, Mrs. C. B. Wood; James H., a contractor and builder; Lillie F., wife of our subject and Nannie, Mrs. De Horsley, of Francis. Seven children have been born into the household of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, viz.: Theopholis, May, Robert L. and Mary, all attending school, and Irene, Franklin, deceased, and a baby (born in June, 1907. The parents are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist church, and Mr. Thompson is identified with the Modern Woodmen of the World.

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cont.

JAMES E. PACE. A man of industry, energy and enterprise, James E. Pace, of Greer county, is actively identified with the advancement of the manufacturing interests of Mangum, owning and operating; in company with his two sons, a large ice manufactory and a cotton gin. A son of Albert G. Pace, he was born, September 26, 1848, in Fannin county, Texas, coming from honored pioneer stock.
     T. T. Pace, the grandfather of James E. was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in his earlier life was extensively engaged in his chosen occupation in Alabama, with the aid of slaves carrying on a large plantation. Migrating with his family to Texas in 1844, he became a pioneer settler of Fannin county, where he carried on a substantial business as a farmer and a stock raiser, living there, an esteemed and valued citizen until his death, in 1850. He married and became the father of seven children as follows: Alfred E., John F., Narcissus E., Emily, Joseph E., Ashley E., and Albert G.
     A native of Alabama, Albert G. Pace moved with his parents to Arkansas, from there going, in 1844, as previously mentioned, to Texas, here he assisted his father in the improving of a homestead, remaining beneath the parental roof-tree for a few seasons. After his marriage he settled in Fannin county, Texas, where he continued in the occupation to which he was reared, carrying on general farming and stock raising with excellent pecuniary results. He was a slave owner, and with their help managed a large plantation. He became prominent in public affairs, being very influential in Democratic ranks, and served as district clerk for two terms, that being all of the time that he could afford to spend in office. When the Civil war began, he assisted in raising a company of Taylor's Cavalry, of which he was first made lieutenant, but was afterwards promoted to captain. This regiment of cavalry was assigned to the Mississippi department, and Mr. Taylor was commissioned general, while Stevens was made colonel of the regiment. With his command, Captain Pace went through many campaigns and hard fought engagements, ,being in service in southern Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. He was a valiant soldier, true to the cause in which he was engaged, and although taking part in so many battles he was never wounded nor taken prisoner. Returning to his home at the close of the conflict, he resumed the management of Iris farm, carrying it on until his death, April 15, 1901. He was prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to lodge and chapter, and was an active worker in the Methodist church, of which be was a faithful and consistent member. He married Mary Hardaway, whose father, Thomas Hardaway was a pioneer farmer of Grayson county, Texas, where their marriage was solemnized. Mr. Hardaway was born in Georgia, migrated to Grayson county, from there going to Cherokee county, Texas, where he spent his remaining years. He, too, was a slave owner, and was also a slave trader to some extent. He reared four children, Marcus Hardaway, who died in the Mexican war; Sophronia; Effie; and Mary, who became the wife of Albert G. Pace. Albert G. and Mary Pace became the parents of six children, namely: James E., whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; Sally E., wife of J. D. Johnson; Mrs. Eppie

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Hutchens; Mary died at the age of fourteen years; Mrs. Mattie Perkins; and Alfred S. The latter now engaged in the furniture business at Shawnee, Oklahoma, is married, and has five children, Rolla I., Lucile, Bryan, Burfort, and Clark.
     Leaving home when he became of age, James E. Pace engaged in cattle raising on his own account, first in Fannin county, and later in Coleman county, Texas, in the latter place carrying on ranching with excellent success for twenty years. Disposing of his Texas interests in 1901, he came to Greer county, Oklahoma, locating in Mangum, where, shortly after his arrival, he began the erection of an ice plant, choosing as its site land lying on the switch of the Rock Island Railway. With characteristic energy and enterprise, he soon had a plant with a capacity of ten tons daily, in running order, and, with his partners, operated it successfully for three years. Finding that investment profitable, the company then built a cotton gin plant, which has four stands, and is equipped with the most modern machinery including a boll thresher, and employs six hands. These two plants are points of busy industry, stimulating the business activity of the town and its suburbs. One of the organizers of both, Mr. Pace from the first owned a controlling interest in the stock company, which was incorporated under territorial laws. He subsequently bought out the other two members of the firm, becoming sole owner of all the stock, and then reorganized the company, admitting to partnership his two sons, John C. being made vice-president, and Martin H. secretary and treasurer, with Mr. Pace, himself, as president of the company, this large business being now entirely owned by the family. These gentlemen also own a cotton gin at Burtenna, about twenty miles north of Mangum, and have there established an extensive business. Mr. Pace was one of the very first to introduce a boil thresher into his works, and this machine has increased his business many fold, at times having as many as seventy-five wagons in his yard awaiting their turn, and being obliged to run the plant night and day in the busiest seasons. The firm is now busy remodeling the ice plant, being forced to double its capacity, making it twenty tons a day, in order to supply the demands of their numerous customers. Mr. Pace is also connected with the upbuilding of Mangum in other ways, having at first erected for himself and family a dwelling house convenient to the plant, but has since erected a more spacious and more modernly constructed residence On one of the best streets of the place, and in addition to this has built several houses for rental.
     Mr. Pace married Clara Terry, who was born in Fannin county, Texas, a daughter of J. F. and Katie Terry, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Terry were married in Illinois, but from there went, in 1844, to Fannin county, Texas, later establishing themselves permanently in Hunt county, the same state, on a farm, where they spent their remaining years. They were people of worth, and consistent members of the Christian church. Their family consisted of ten children as follows: Anna, Zerelda, James, Jennie, Clara, John, Clinton, Mattie, Jodie and Michael, who died in early manhood. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pace three children, have been born namely: John C., Katie, and Martin H. Both sons are up-todate business men, having inherited to a marked extent the vim, ability, good sense and keen perceptive faculties so apparent in their father's business operations. Both are married and have families, John C. having three children, and Martin H. two children. Katie, the only daughter, died July 25, 1903. She was three times married. Her first husband, Cornie Stroube, was killed by a railroad accident at his death leaving her with two children, Reynaud and Cornie, Her second husband, Frank McNally, was, also, killed by an accident on the railway. By that union she had one child, Frank McNally, Jr. She married for her third husband Jesse Rice. Her three children are now living with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Pace, and it is needless to say will always have a good home, and receive every possible advantage during their lives. Politically Mr. Pace is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, his varied business interests demanding his entire time and attention. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Religiously both he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist church.

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JASPER LEADBETTER. The substantial and progressive business men of Mangum have no more worthy and honored representative than Jasper Leadbetter, who, as president of its school board, is an important factor in advancing its educational interests; as the owner of much land is actively assist-

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ing in developing the agricultural resources of Greer county; and as one of the organizers, and the manager, of the Oklahoma Home Lumber Company is contributing his whole share in promoting the industrial, manufacturing and mercantile interests of the city, town and county. The descendant of an early and honored New England family, he was born, January 7, 1876, in Cass county, Missouri, a son of Edward G. Leadbetter.
     A native of Maine, Edward G. Leadbetter was born, in 1844, on Fox Island, where, six years later, occurred the birth of Frances Brown, whom he afterward married. There during his early years, he followed the occupation to which he was reared, that of fishing, remaining on the island until after his marriage. In 1868, ambitious to try a change of scene and occupation, he migrated with his family to Cass county, Missouri, where he purchased land, improved a good homestead, in his efforts meeting with such eminent success that he accumulated considerable wealth. Investing his surplus money most judiciously, he bought other tracts of land, and has now four highly improved farms in that state, all being good pieces of property. A man of upright character and sterling integrity, he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends, and for fourteen years has served as deacon of the Baptist church, to which both he and his wife belong. They have four children as follows: Adelbert, engaged in farming in Missouri; Ella, wife of Eugene Anderson; Jasper, and Everett, a prosperous merchant in Mangum. This family is particularly fortunate, death having never invaded the home circle in all of these years.
     Completing his early studies, Jasper Leadbetter began life on his own account by teaching school for three years. He was subsequently employed in various occupations, including bookkeeping, until August, 1900, when he came to Oklahoma in search of a favorable business opening. Locating at Mangum, he soon formed a partnership with H. C. Garnett, and, with a limited amount of money to invest, established a general merchandise business, beginning operations on a modest scale. Fortune smiling on their venture, both capital and stock were soon increased, and the firm carried on a large and successful business for four years. The ensuing three years Mr. Leadbetter was engaged in various enterprises, and in the fall of 1907 assisted in organizing the Oklahoma Home Lumber Company, which is regul!:1crly chartered, and has a large paid up capital. It is purely a home institution, its stockholders, of whom Mr. Leadbetter is one of the largest, being residents of Greer county, if not of Mangum. The company carries a large and varied stock in which may be found everything carried in a first class lumber yard. Under the management of Mr. Leadbetter an extensive business has been built up, and its sales are rapidly increasing. In 1904 Mr. Leadbetter was elected a member of the Mangum School Board, and by his associates was made its president, a position which he has since retained, his work in that capacity meeting the hearty approval of everyone connected with the schools and their management. During the same year this board secured the services of Dr. J. A. McLauchlin as school superintendent, in their selection making, as has been well proved no mistake. Dr. McLauchlin is a man of superior ability and talent, an excellent instructor and a most capable organizer, and has done much toward placing the Mangum schools a1noug the very best in Oklahoma. Entire credit, however, should not be given to the Doctor for this condition of things, for without the co-operation of the school board it would scarce be possible for anyone man to so stimulate action in regard to educational matters, The personnel of the board is much the same as four years ago, the official members of it being J. Leadbetter, president; E. C. Moore, vice president; Lee Hawkins, secretary; and A. M. McKinney, treasurer. The board and the superintendent have the cordial support of all patrons of the schools, and are justly proud of their superior school system. A brief account of the school buildings and the school work may be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of Dr. James A. McLauchlin.
     In December, 1896, in Missouri, Mr. Leadbetter married Nannie Curtright, who was born in that state, a daughter of Samuel C. Curtright. Her father, a successful agriculturist, was highly respected for his manly virtues, and was a valued member of the Christian church, and a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. To him and his wife, nine children were born, namely: C. G. Curtright, a farmer and stockman; Nina, wife of G. W. Waller; Lizzie, now Mrs. Hawkins; Susie; Jennie, wife

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of J. James; Emmett, a farmer; Nannie, wife of Mr. Leadbetter; Iva, who married D. B. Holcomb, died in early womanhood, leaving a son; and Benjamin B., engaged in farming in Missouri. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter, 0akley G. Leadbetter was born December 25. 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter are consistent members of the Christian church, in their daily lives exemplifying its teachings.

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PORTER NORTON, M. D. Prominent among the rising yong physicians and surgeons of Mangum is Porter Norton, M. D., who is fast winning for himself an honorable name in the medical fraternity of Greer county, and as junior member of the firm of DeArmond and Norton is building up an extensive practice. A son of John and Margaret (Ramsey) Norton, he was born, January 9, 1885, at Plano, Collin county, Texas, where he spent his early childhood.
     John Norton was born in Tennessee, but lived in Arkansas until after his marriage. Settling then in Collin county, Texas, he bought a tract land near Plano, improved a ranch, and lived there until 1889. Coming then with his family to Oklahoma, he purchased land near Olustee. Greer county, and on the fine farm that he has improved is successfully employed in agricultural pursuits. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, active in the management of local affairs, and for four years rendered the county excellent service as county treasurer, during which time he resided in Mangum. He is widely and well known as a man of sterling integrity and worth, and has the respect of his fellow men. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. They are the parents of twelve children, namely: Alice, a bookkeeper; James M., cashier of the First National Bank of Olustee; Minta, wife of A. P. Pierce, cashier, of the Mangum National Bank; Maud; Porter, the subject of this brief sketch; Henry; Nellie, wife of H. A. Cobb, a contractor of concrete bridge work for railroads; De Witt T., Eva, Wilse, Edith, and John, Jr.
     Brought up on the home farm near Olustee, Porter Norton laid a substantial foundation for his future edu<:ation in the common and high schools of Mangum. In 190.2 he entered the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, at Louisville, where, four years later, after completing the course of study, he received the degree of M. D. His natural ability, fondness for study and close application to his work won for him at the time of his graduation, July 4, 1906, at the head of his class. Returning home, Dr. Norton began the practice of his profession in Mangum, until March 1, 1907, when he formed a partnership with Dr. DeArmond, who has had several years of practice, during which he has gained a leading position among the more successful men of his profession, and as junior member of the firm of DeArmond & Norton is rapidly building up a large and remunerative patronage. This wide-awake firm has a finely equipped office, with all the modern appliances used in medicine and surgery, and by observation, reading and hardy study keep themselves fully informed with the newer phases of their profession.
     Dr. Norton married, in 1907, at Ft. Worth, Texas, Myrtle Beauchamp, who was born at Plano, Texas, in 1890. She is a woman of culture and refinement, and is liberally educated, having for two years attended a Catholic convent at Ft. Worth, after which she was graduated from a Polytechnic school Her father, W. H. Beauchamp, a native of Texas, was for many years a successful business man of Ft. Worth, and very active in political ranks, being a leading; Democrat, and filling many county offices. Subsequently removing from there to Bowie, Texas, he was equally prominent and successful, and for a number of years there served as county treasurer of Montague county. He died in 1902, his death being a loss to the community in which he resided. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist church. His wife, whose maiden name was Minnie Cummins, now resides in Mangum. Her father, S. Cummins, was a well known merchant of Howie, Texas, for a number of years, and accumulated considerable wealth, especially becoming a large land owner. He is now living retired from active pursuits. He saw hard service during the Civil war, serving as a soldier in the Confederate army. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cummins are members of the Methodist church. They are the parents of four children, namely; Minnie, now Mrs. Beauchamp; Frances; Maggie, wife of George French; and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp have had three children, Myrtle, wife of Dr. Norton; Burt, died in infancy; and Jack, born in 1899.