A History of the State of Oklahoma 1908

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pages 354 to 364
pages 332 to 341
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WILLIAM E. WINTER. The busy, thriving city of Mangum has a full quota of live, energetic and progressive business men, prominent among whom is William E. Winter, recorder of deeds for Greer county. He has taken an intelligent part in developing the agricultural resources of this section of the state, in whose future possibilities he has
much faith, and in the upbuilding of Mangum and its industries he has been a potent factor. A son of Francis S. Winter, he was born, January 22, 1876, in Mississippi, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His grandfather, Rev. Samuel Winter, was born in North Carolina, coming from thrifty German ancestry. Becoming a missionary of the Baptist church, he began his labors in Alabama, subsequently moving to Mississippi, from there going to Texas, where he spent the closing years of his life, dying at Alvord, Wise county. Active and enterprising he showed good business ability and judgment, and in addition to his missionary work carried on farming most successfully. To him and his wife, nine children were born, as follows: Elizabeth, Lina, Juda, Dolla, Nancy, Katie, Francis S., Nettie, John and Eliza, all of whom, with two exceptions, proved true to the religion in which they were born and bred, becoming members of the Baptist church.
     A native of Alabama, Francis S. Winter selected as his life occupation the one to which he was reared. Removing with the family to Mississippi, he carried on general farming and stock raising in that state until 1879. Moving then to Texas, he bought a large tract of land in Wise county, put much of it under cultivation, and for more than a score of years was there extensively and profitably employed in general farming and stock raising and dealing. In 1900 he came to Greer county, bought a farm and cotton gin at Hollis, and soon after made still further investments in real estate, buying a ranch in Collingsworth county, Texas. This he has stocked with a herd of well graded cattle, and there spends a part of his time, taking much pleasure and pride, as well as reaping a good profit, from its management. He has a pleasant home in Mangum, where his family enjoy the benefits of its graded schools, its churches, and its society. He is a stanch Democrat although not an aspirant for official honors; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Baptist church. He married Lou Givens, an Alabama girl, and they are the parents of eight children, namely: Mollie, wife of H. G. Musgrove; William E., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; Minnie, wife of J.W. McCutcheon; Lilla, wife of J. B. McReynolds; Maggie, Cora, Giles, and Ruby.
      Brought up on a farm, William E. Winter received excellent educational advantages, and during his earlier life taught school seven years. In 1904 he came to Mangum, and the following year was elected, on the Democratic ticket, as recorder of deeds for Greer county, a position which he has filled satisfactorily ever since, having been reelected in 1907. Mr. Winter has proved himself a man of excellent business ability, tact and sense, and is conspicuously identified with the industrial and agricultural development and progress of Greer county, being a stockholder in the Mangum Oil Mill, and in the City National Bank, and the owner of five good farms, which he rents. His investments are all good, and he is especially pleased with his farming property, as he considers Oklahoma a great agricultural country, well fitted for diversified farming, with cotton and alfalfa almost sure crops. Politically Mr. Winter is an uncompromising Democrat, influential in his party, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Knights of Pythias. Free from domestic cares and tribulations, having never married, Mr. Winter can devote his entire time to his official and personal interests, and this he surely does, proving the truth of what has been said that "the talent of success consists in doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do."


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WILEY C. SHADDEN. Prominent among the earlier settlers of Greer county is Wiley C. Shadden, who came here when the country roundabout was in its primitive wildness, buffalo, deer, antelope and wild game of all kinds roaming at will over the plains, while the Indians were the terror of all newcomers. Mr. Shadden has since been associated with the almost marvelous growth of this especial part of Oklahoma, and has personally contributed of his time and means in the development and advancement of Mangum, where he has served as postmaster for the past twelve years. A native of Tennessee, he was born October 18, 1846, a son of Alexander M. Shadden.

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     Jasper Shadden, grandfather of Wiley C., was born in North Carolina, of Irish ancestors, and when a young man located in Tennessee, where he improved a farm, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Whig in politics, and a Presbyterian in religion. To him and his wife six children were born, as follows: Alexander W., Newton, Thomas, Jane, Margaret and Anna.
     Born and brought up in Tennessee, Alexander M. Shadden followed farming and blacksmithing, in his occupations meeting with good fortune. In his earlier years he voted with the Whigs, but later espoused the cause of the Republican party, and for a number of years was postmaster in a Tennessee office. He was true to the faith in which he was reared, and was a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Katie McCuistin, a daughter of Joseph M. McCuistin, a veteran of the Mexican war, and a successful farmer of Tennessee. During the later years of his life he supported the principles of the Republican party, and was a Union man until his death, in 1862. He was a man of worth, and a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. He had, besides Katie, two other children, James and Elizabeth. Alexander M. and Katie Shadden became the parents of five children, namely: Joseph, living, on the old Tennessee homestead; Newton, a resident of Tennessee; Mrs. Eliza McKnight; Wiley C., and Ellen, who died at the age of seventeen years.
     Wiley C. Shadden was attending a boarding school when the tocsin of war, in 1861, rang through the land. Leaving his books, he scouted in the woods for three months, and in 1862, enlisted in the Federal army, joining the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, which was assigned to the Army of Tennessee, and remained in service until the close of the contest. He took part in many campaigns and battles, at Knoxvil1e being with Burnside's division. Receiving his honorable discharge in 1865, he returned home, and for three months again attended school. Engaging then in agricultural pursuits on his own account, he raised two crops in his native state. Then marrying, Mr. Shadden moved to Illinois, where for five years he was a tiller of the soil. Having at that time an attack of rheumatism that prevented his working, he went for treatment to the Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he recovered his health. Going South a short time later, Mr. Shadden worked four months for the government in cleaning the Red river. From there he went to Madrid, Missouri, where he was superintendent on a cotton plantation for two years, and the following year was employed in farming for himself. Migrating, in 1870, to Northern Missouri, he was employed on a stock farm four years, and from 1874 until 1875 had charge of a farm at Van Alstyne, Texas. Moving from there to the neighboring town of Sherman, he traveled two years in the interest of the Steam Marble works, and was subsequently engaged in the grocery business at Sherman for two years. Mr. Shadden then sold out his stock and moved to Denison, Texas, where for three years he was associated with the Singer Sewing Machine office as an employe. Coming to Greer county, Texas, now Oklahoma, in 1889, he took a claim under the Texas laws, improved a ranch, and for the next seven years was engaged in raising wheat, but without any very great success, the extreme drouth making farming a slow business in those days. Selling his three hundred and twenty acres of land in 1896, Mr. Shadden came to Mangum, purchased a block of ground, built a substantial residence, and succeeded to the office of Mangum's first postmaster, Mr. Sweet, who located the site and started the town of Mangum, then organized the postoffice of which he had charge from 1884 until his death. Mr. Shadden was appointed postmaster in 1896, by President McKinley, was re-appointed in 1900, and again, by President Roosevelt, in 1904. During the first three years that he had charge of this office it was a fourth class office, but under his supervision it has been brought up to a second class office, with four star routes, which is three less than it had before the completion of the railroad to this point, he having added two star routes after he took the position, making the number seven. He has also four Rural Free Delivery routes from his office, with annual receipts of $10,000, an amount that is increasing each year. Mr. Shadden has valuable interests in and about Mangum, being a stockholder in a two-story, stone business block, in which the Post Office, the Mangum National Bank, and other places of business are located, and has other city property. Rocked in a Whig and Republican cradle, Mr. Shadden has never swerved from the political faith in which he was reared, but

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ever supports the principles of the Republican party.
     Mr. Shadden married first Martha Chaney, who was born in Tennessee, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Stubblefield) Chaney, life-long residents of that state. She was the youngest child of the family, her parents having had six children, as follows: William, living in Illinois; Henry died in Colorado; James, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Corbett; Amanda, living on the old homestead; and Martha, Mr. Shadden's first wife. The latter died in 1884, leaving five children, namely: William, of Dallas, Texas; Hugh, of Beaver county, Oklahoma; Mrs. Mamie Snitken, of Dallas; Anna, wife of J. E. Leaville; and Naomi, wife of H. Kimball, of Altus. She was a most estimable woman, and a conscientious member of the Methodist church. Mr. Shadden married second, in 1888, Mamie Renfro, one of the three children of the late John Renfro, the others being Mrs. Mary Hughes, and Christopher, deceased. Mr. Renfro, a farmer by occupation, and a lifelong resident of Kentucky, died in 1907. He was a strong Union man, and served in the Federal army throughout the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Shadden have one child, Ray, born in 1894. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shadden are members of the Catholic church.


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T. J. DODSON, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians and surgeons of Greer county is T. J. Dodson, M. D., who has a large and constantly increasing practice in Mangum, and holds an assured position among its citizens of integrity and worth. A son of William P. Dodson, he was born, September 23, 1862, in Coryell county, Texas, and was there reared on a farm. His grandfather, Dr. Jesse Dodson, was for many years engaged in the practice of medicine in Missouri, being a well known and skillful physician. He was twice married, by his first wife haying two children, Jesse and Samuel, and by his second wife three children, William P., James H., and Thomas C.
     A Kentuckian by birth and breeding, William P. Dodson went with his parents to Missouri in early manhood, and after his marriage began life as a farmer. Migrating to Texas in 1849, he took up land in Coryell county, and as a pioneer assisted in the development and growth of that section of the state. During the Civil war, he belonged to a Home Guard Company, and was active in protecting the people from the depredations of the Indians, who made frequent raids throughout that section, pillaging and murdering the inhabitants, and causing much distress. In 1879 he removed to the western frontier of the state, locating in Concho county, where he remained, a prominent and influential citizen until his death, in 1898. An active and popular member of the Democratic party, he filled many positions of responsibility and trust, serving as county judge for eight years, as county commissioner for a number of terms, and filling minor offices. He, with his wife, belonged to the Methodist church. He married Rachel Dunn, who was born in Missouri and died in 1907. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Mrs. Adeline Jackson; Jesse P., a carpenter; Mary J., deceased; John, a farmer and ranchman; Mrs. Sarah Oliver; T. J., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sophia Dozier; and Mrs. Lucy G. Davis.
     Reared on a Texas farm, in his youth living in a frontier section of the state, T. J. Dodson had but little opportunity at that time to obtain much book knowledge. But he took advantage of every offered opportunity to add to his stock of learning, and in 1887, when twenty-five years old, entered Centenary College, at Lampasas, Texas, where he was graduated in 1889. In the meantime he read medicine with Dr. Largen, one of the leading physicians of Lampasas, made visits to his patients with him, and subsequently attended the medical department of the University of Tennessee, from which he was graduated with honors in the spring of 1891, being chosen as valedictorian of his class. Having received his degree of M. D., Dr. Dodson began the practice of his profession at Bartlett, Texas, where he continued with. success until 1898, and in 1900 came to Mangum, Oklahoma, where he has since resided. Soon proving by successful practice his skill and ab1lity as a physician and surgeon, he has here built up a large and remunerative patronage. In 1904 he added still further to his attainments in a professional line by taking a post-graduate course in Chicago, Illinois, and he is still keeping abreast of the times by reading and studying the best known medical literature, taking the best medical journals, and having in his library both ancient and modern works on the science in which he is most interested. He is a member of the American Medical Society, the Oklahoma State Medical Society, and of the Greer County Medical Society, of which he is ex-president.

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     In October, 1890, in Texas, Dr: Dodson married Della Pool, daughter of William Pool, a pioneer farmer of Texas, who lost his life while serving in the Confederate army. She died in January, 1894, leaving two children, Daphne, born in 1892, and Fay, who died in the same month that her mother did, at the age, of twelve months. She was a woman of much refinement and culture, and an esteemed member of the Baptist church. The Doctor married second, in 1896, Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Houston, Mississippi, a daughter of Benjamin R. and Carrie Smith, natives of the same state. Mr. Smith was a farmer by occupation, and spent much of his active career in Mississippi. He served as captain of a company during the Civil war, and was afterwards employed in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1904. He and his wife reared four children, as follows: Robert B.; William G.; Edward V.; and Elizabeth, now, Mrs. Dodson. The Doctor and Mrs. Dodson have two children, namely: Thelma, born in 1897; and Nioma, born in 1899. Politically Dr. Dodson supports the principles of the Democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to a number of organizations, and is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to local lodge and chapter, and Hobart Commandery and India Temple, Mystic Shrine, Oklahoma City, in the latter having served as high priest. Both the Doctor and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church.


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FRANK M. OVERTON. Widely and favorably known as the treasurer of Greer county, Frank M. Overton, of Mangum, has for several years been actively identified with the public affairs of this section of the state. He has ever taken a lively interest in town and county, and while watching their rapid growth and deve1opment has contributed largely towards their material progress. A native of Georgia, he was born November 8, 1873, a son of Horace L. Overton.
     On attaining his majority, Horace L. Overton left Alabama, his native state, going to Georgia, where he was employed in agricultural pursuits for a number of seasons. In 1885, yielding to the spirit of restlessness characteristic of the Americans, he followed the tide of immigration to Texas, where he lived five years. In 1890 he located in the Indian Territory, taking up wild land, and on the valuable homestead which he improved is still successfully carrying on his independent occupation as an agriculturist. He is an uncompromising Democrat in politics, and as loyal to the principles of his party as he now sees them as he was in 1861, when, as a beardless youth, he enlisted in a regiment of Alabama Infantry, and with the Eastern Department of the Confederate Army took part in many of the engagements fought in Virginia and Alabama. He was once wounded in battle, receiving a ball in his forearm, and was several times taken prisoner, each time on being exchanged again doing valiant service in the field with his old command. He married Sarah C. Barton, a daughter of John W. Barton, a life-long farmer and merchant of Alabama, who reared nine children, as follows: Sarah C.; Joseph, a soldier in the Confederate army, is now engaged in farming in Louisiana; Mrs. Celia Campbell; William died while in the Confederate service; Mrs. Martha Campbell; Thomas, a farmer; Reed; Fanny; and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Horace L. Overton were faithful members of the Baptist church, and reared their children in the same religious belief. Their family comprised seven, children, namely: Robert, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Oklahoma; William; Frank M., the special subject of this sketch; George, an Oklahoma farmer; Julia died, leaving three children; Elijah, engaged in farming and stock-raising in this state; and Mattie, now Mrs. Hale.
     Having received the rudiments of his education in the district schools of Georgia, Frank M. Overton moved with his parents to Texas when about twelve years of age, and five years later came with them to the Indian Territory. He assisted his father in the pioneer work of improving a homestead, near Ardmore, remaining beneath the parental roof-tree for a number of years thereafter. After reaching man's estate he attended school one year, and having completed his early studies began the battle of life on his own account, starting even with the world. Coming to Greer county in 1897, Mr. Overton located a claim, made some improvements on it, and these he afterwards sold, at the same time relinquishing his claim. He was subsequently variously employed until 1902 when, under Sheriff J. Nelson, he was made deputy sheriff, a position that he held five years. In 1907, urged by his host of friends, he made the campaign for candidate for county treasurer, won the nomination, was elected by a good majority, and on November 18, of that year, assumed

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the duties of his office. He found everything connected with the office in excellent shape, and has since managed aft airs in a manner reflecting credit upon his executive and financial ability, and in a way that has gained him the praise and commendation of the people of the county. He is also serving as tax collector, and in the performance of his many duties employs five clerks. The county has but one indebtedness, that connected with the building of the fine courthouse, which is to be paid in ten annual installments, the debt, with its interest, amounting in all to $140,000.
     Mr. Overton married, in 1899, Oma Smith, who was born in Texas, a daughter of J. W. Smith, who moved from Texas to the Indian Territory in 1893, and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Oklahoma. Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Baptist church. He has been three times married, and is now a widower. By his first marriage he had two children, Mrs. Myra White; and Thomas, deceased. By his second wife he had three children, Mrs. Pearl Thompson; Oma, wife of Mr. Overton; and Earl, living on the home farm. His third wife bore him three children, Sylvester, at home; Lester, at home; and Mrs. Minnie Martland. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Overton has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Lois, born September 27, 1900; Ivan, born June 22, 1902; Selden died when a year old; and Garland, born August 18, 1907. Fraternally Mr. Overton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously both he and his wife belong to the Baptist church.


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FLOYD McNEILL, county clerk of Greer county, and a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Mangum, holds a substantial position among the active and persevering men that have been prominent in bringing Greer county to its present flourishing condition, with its many rich and productive farms, magnificent churches and public buildings, and its large number of substantial business enterprises. A son of Alfred C. McNeill, he was born, August 16, 1874, near Corinth, Mississippi. He comes of good old New England stock, his paternal grandfather, Thomas P. McNeill, having been born and bred in Vermont, his birth occurring in 1800.
     Thomas P. McNeill was the descendant of an old and honored Scotch-Irish family that settled in New England in colonial days. On attaining his majority he left the rugged hills and rocks of his native state, going to South Carolina, where he followed his trade of a carpenter and builder. He was a typical pioneer carpenter, securing his materials for building in the forests, felling the trees himself, and erecting buildings, as one may say, from the stump. Diligent and thrifty, he made a good living, and continued a resident of that Southern state until his death. He married there, and there reared his six children, namely: Charles W., Marion and Warren, all killed while serving in the Confederate army; Alfred C., who would have enlisted in the Confederate service had he been old enough; John E., of Mississippi; and James L., of Fort Worth, Texas.
     Born in South Carolina, Alfred C. McNeill migrated to Mississippi when a young man, bought land, and was successfully employed in tilling the soil until 1885, when he moved with his family to Texas. Buying land in Hays county, he there continued as a farmer and stock-raiser until his death, June 4, 1890. He was a man of resolution and force, an able farmer, and a faithful and highly respected citizen. He married Lozier Floyd, who survived him, and the year following his demise came, in 1891, to Greer county, Texas, with her little family. Homesteading a section of land under the Texas laws, she engaged in stock farming, superintending the management of her property most successfully until selling out at an advantage. She subsequently married George W. Baine, who was born in Kentucky, and there reared. He migrated westward when young, going first to Colorado and then to Wyoming, in both places prospecting for gold, silver and copper. He subsequently took up a homestead claim in Jackson county, Oklahoma, where he is now engaged in farming and stock-raising with excellent pecuniary results. By her first marriage, Mrs. Baine had four children, namely: Floyd McNeill, the subject of this sketch; Budie, wife of J. H. Reagan; Ollie, who after the death of her first husband, W. J. Atchison, married Mr. Bun Byrd; and Dakie, wife of W. B. Love. Of her union with Mr. Baine she has two children, Belle and Rufus.
     After the death of his father, Floyd McNeill came with his widowed mother to Greer county, and as the oldest child, and only son, assisted her in improving a farm. He was afterwards engaged in the cattle business both in western Texas and in

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Oklahoma, continuing successfully until 1898. Returning then to Greer county, Mr. McNeill took up a homestead at Cora Lea, and began the improvement of a farm. He erected all the necessary farm buildings, fenced the land, and was very active in the upbuilding of the town. He was instrumental in securing a Post Office, which he named Cora Lea, was its first postmaster, and had a star route, which is still existing, established. He served as postmaster five years, and in the meantime, in addition to his farming operations, erected a building, in which he conducted a store of general merchandise. He was successful in both industries, raising fair crops of wheat, oats, corn and Milo maize, and building up a lucrative trade in groceries and dry goods. One of the foremost men in the Democratic party, he filled the various offices within the gift of his fellow-townsmen, serving as town clerk, road overseer, school director; was notary public; issued all the legal documents of the township, keeping blank deeds, law books, etc., on hand, and made himself generally useful to the people of that vicinity, being their advisor and counselor in all matters.
     Disposing of all of his interests at Cora Lea, Mr. McNeill located in Mangum in January, 1902, and a few weeks later, in February, 1902, was appointed by S. E. Echols, deputy county clerk. In 1904 he was elected county clerk of Greer county, and served with such ability and fidelity that at the first state election, held in November, 1907, he was re-elected to the same position. In all offices of public trust and responsibility, Mr. McNeill has proved himself eminently capable and trustworthy, and may, perhaps at no distant day, be called upon by the people to represent them in a more lucrative office. Fraternally Mr. McNeill is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
     In December, 1894, Mr. McNeill married Lucy W: Richardson, who was born in Alabama, a daughter of J. C. and Jessie (Greenhill) Richardson. Her parents migrated from Alabama to Western Texas, took up land, and have since been there profitably employed in farming and stock-raising and dealing, having improved a valuable agricultural estate. They are people of honest integrity and sterling worth, and are consistent and active members of the Baptist church, while Mr. Richardson is well known in fraternal circles, being identified with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. To him and his wife, eight children have been born, as follows; John; Joseph; Lucy, wife of Mr. McNeill; Alice, wife of F. D. Dulaney; Dan; Willie, now Mrs. Horton; Robert; and Clara. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McNeill has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Whitten, born March 15, 1896; Oscar, born May 30, 1898; Bruce, born March, 1901; and Vera, born March, 1904. Mrs. McNeill is a pleasant and most estimable woman, and a conscientious member of the Methodist church.


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HARRY D. HENRY. The legal fraternity of Greer county has no abler or better representative than Harry D. Henry, a well known lawyer of Mangum, and county attorney for Greer county. An intelligent student, and endowed by nature with keen mental gifts, he is exceptionally well equipped for the various duties devolving upon him in his official capacity. Possessing a fine sense of justice, he endeavors to deal squarely and honestly with all cases brought before him, and his decisions are deservedly held in high esteem by bench, bar and people. A son of Mark S. Henry, he was born, November 26, 1876, in Tennessee, reared on a farm, and received his elementary education in the district schools. He is of Irish descent, the emigrant ancestor having come from Ireland to America in colonial times, settling in Virginia, where he and his descendants lived for many years, some of them taking an active part in the memorable struggle for independence.
     Born and bred in Virginia, William Henry, the grandfather of Harry D. Henry, was an adventurous youth, and while yet a young man crossed the Appalachians, going into the wilds of Tennessee, where he bought land, improved a farm, and with the help of slaves subsequently acquired a substantial property. Very prominent and influential in public affairs, he took an active part in the Civil war, raising a company, and as its captain going to the front with the Confederate army, in which he fought until the close of the conflict. Returning then to his home, he reorganized his business, and continued his agricultural labors until his death. He reared five children, as follows; Mark S.; John F.; Moses S.; William B.; Mrs. Anna W. Wilks, of Garden City, Kansas; Mrs. Cloie Harper, Scottsville, Kentucky.

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     Mark S. Henry was born in Tennessee, October 8, 1842. At the age of sixteen years, fired by the same patriotic zeal that characterized his ancestors, he entered the Confederate service, and as a cool courageous soldier served until the close of the war. He was wounded, receiving a ball, in his left shoulder, and was once taken prisoner, and confined at Camp Chase until exchanged. He belonged to a cavalry regiment and as a cavalryman assisted in opening and dosing all of the battles in which his command participated. Soon after returning home, he married, and has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Tennessee, being now a resident of Sumner county, where he owns, and manages a large stock ranch. He married Lue M. Carr, daughter of Robert Carr, a prominent planter, slave owner, and extensive landholder of Tennessee. He was very successful as a tobacco raiser, accumulating considerable wealth. He was a strong secessionist, and served through the Civil war in the Confederate army. Politically Mr. Carr supported the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. His children, six in number, were Mrs. Ellen Burnley; Douglas, a farmer; Rufus, of Cleburne, Texas.; William, of Plano, Texas; Mrs. Margie Kirley, also of Cleburne; and Lue, wife of Mark S. Henry.
     The only child of his parents, Harry D. Henry was given excellent educational advantages, and after being graduated from the local high school began the study of law at the Southern Normal School, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Subsequently continuing his studies at Gallatin, Tennessee, he was admitted to the bar in 1901, and the next year opened a law office in Mangum, Greer county, having decided that a young, progressive city was a much more desirable location than one that had been long established. He met with success from the first, his talent and ability being recognized and appreciated, and a few months after his arrival he was made assistant county attorney, an office that he fined most ably and satisfactorily from July, 1902, until November, 1907. Then, at the first state election, Mr. Henry was elected county attorney, an office that he is filling in a praiseworthy manner. A cultivated and highly talented man, pleasant and, courteous to all, with a sound knowledge of the many intricate points of law, he is eminently fitted for his high position, and is deservedly popular in social and po1itical circles. True to the religious faith in which he was reared, Mr. Henry is a consistent and highly esteemed member of the Methodist church.


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JUDGE JARRET TODD. Conspicuous among the foremost citizens of Mangum is Judge Jarret Todd, county judge of Greer county, who is distinguished as an, early settler of this part of Oklahoma, as an able attorney-at-law, and as a veteran of the Confederate army. A son of the late Jarret W. Todd, he was born, April 16, 1849, in Platte county, Missouri, coming from English ancestry, his grandfather, Joseph Todd, having emigrated from England to the United States at an early day. Very soon after coming to this country, Joseph Todd settled in Virginia, but subsequently moved to Kentucky, where he became active and prominent in business; politics, and all social circles. He reared nine children, namely: Joseph, Robert, John, Jonathan, Green, Anna, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Jarret W.
     Born and bred in Kentucky, Jarret W. Todd started westward when a young man, following the march of civilization to Missouri, which was then a frontier country, the hunting ground of the Indians. When ready to settle permanently, he bought land, and began the improvement of a farm. During the Civil war, he raised a regiment for the Confederate service, was commissioned colonel, and as a part of the Army of Tennessee took an active part in many campaigns and battles. Subsequently when visiting his home, and busy in recruiting a company of soldiers, he was captured, and conveyed to the Gratiat Street prison, St. Louis, where his death occurred in 1863. He was a brilliant soldier, enthusiastic in his belief that he was in the right, and was well known, and everywhere respected for his integrity and upright character. He was a Democrat in politics, a member of the Christian church, and was prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to lodge, chapter and commandery. He married, in Missouri, Matilda Elliott, a daughter of John Elliott, a prominent Kentucky farmer, by whom he had seven children, of whom Jarret, the subject of this sketch, is the only survivor the others having died in childhood. She died before the breaking out of the Civil war and he married Martha Elliott a sister of his first wife and they reared two children, James

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W. and Matilda, both of whom are living in Missouri.
     Brought up on the home farm Jarret Todd obtained his elementary education in the district schools subsequently pursuing his studies at the college in Platte City Missouri. In 1863 he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry, which as a part of General Shelby's brigade was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department. He took part in many hotly contested engagements with the enemy, his first battle having been at Newtonia, Missouri. He was with his command in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, at the time of Lee's surrender, being in Rockwall, Texas. He then went with General Shelby to old Mexico, but shortly returned to Texas, was paroled at Indianola, after which he visited New Orleans, and on coming back to Texas located in Dallas county. Securing employment on a farm, he continued his studies for awhile, and subsequently taught school a few terms. In the meantime, with R. P. C. Wilson, attorney-at-law for a preceptor, he studied law, and on his return to Missouri, in 1886, was admitted to the bar. Immediately locating in Mangum, Greer county, Mr. Todd opened an office, and was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession until 1888, where he was elected county attorney. In 1892 he was elected county judge, and continued in the office until March, 1896, when the United States supreme court handed down the decision settling the title of Greer county, Oklahoma. The Judge was then authorized to continue his judgeship until the next January. Therefore, on January 1, 1897, he resumed his professional labors, and practiced successfully in all of the courts until November, 1904. He was then elected county judge of Greer county for the second time, was re-elected in 1907, and is still filling the office with dignity, and in a manner reflecting credit upon himself, and honor to his constituents.
     Since coming to Greer county, in 1888, Judge Todd has seen it grow from a sparsely settled country, devoted principally to the feeding of stock, to a prosperous agricultural region, producing grain of all kinds, corn and cotton. Cities and towns have sprung up as if by magic, and in the grand transformation scene he has well taken his part. The Judge was for some years interested in agriculture, and as head of the firm of Todd & Britton was interested in its mercantile business. He was one of the promoters of the Mangum Oil Mill, and in other ways has assisted in the upbuilding of the town and county, at all times lending his aid and influence toward the establishment of beneficial enterprises.
     Judge Todd has been twice married. He married first, in 1874, in Texas, Laura Reeves, who was born in Tennessee, a daughter of W. J. Reeves, being one of a family of seven children, as follows: Ella, wife of W. T. Sanz, of Tennessee; Laura; James W.; Nancy; Cassie; Elijah W.; and Helen, wife of R. M. Blaine. Mr. Reeves moved from Tennessee to Texas, served in the Confederate army during the Civil war, and is now engaged in farming in Greer county, his homestead being about two miles from Mangum. The Judge's first wife died in 1886, leaving two children, namely: Missouri, wife of C. P. Hamilton, a prominent merchant of Mangum, dealing in hardware and farm implements; and Jesse J., an attorney at-law, successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Mangum. In October, 1907, the Judge married for his second wife, Mrs. Alice Young, a woman of culture and intelligence, and excellent business qualifications. She was born in California, and brought up in Texas, being a daughter of W. D. and Martha (Terrell) McFarland, who were natives of Tennessee, early settlers of both Texas and Missouri, and pioneers of Greer county, Oklahoma. Locating on a farm, both spent their closing years in this county, dying in Olustee. They were people of worth, and esteemed members of the Presbyterian church. They were parents of four children, namely: Warren; William; Laura, wife of George W. Winborn; and Alice, wife of Judge Todd.


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cont.

SAMUEL H. TITTLE. As ex-sheriff of Greer county, Texas, and sheriff of Greer county, Oklahoma, Samuel H. Tittle, of Mangum, has for more than a quarter of a century been actively identified with the development and material progress of this section of the state, contributing to its industrial interests, and gaining for himself the reputation of one who deserves the confidence and trust of his fellow citizens. A son James B. Tittle, he was born, November 30, 1857, in Cherokee county, Texas, where he obtained a practical common scho61 education, and a knowledge of the various branches of agriculture.
     James B. Tittle was born in Mississippi, but in early manhood removed to Texas, where for a number of years he taught

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school. Marrying, he settled on a farm in Cherokee county, where he continued teaching during the winter: seasons, but worked on the farm at other seasons. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, he enlisted in his country's defense, and with Walker's division was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department. He was at the front in several engagements, and at the battle of Mansfield, in Louisiana, was killed. His widow, whose maiden name was Jennie Findley, was a teacher before her marriage, and after the death of her husband she bravely took up the work again, and succeeded in keeping her little family together, and giving them a good education. One of her children, Cora, the only daughter, died when young, but her sons are still living, one being Samuel H., the subject of this sketch, and the other Lewis W., a merchant in Texas, and clerk of his county. She passed to the higher life in 1874. She was a woman of rare Christian character, and a devoted member of the Baptist church.
     Remaining at home during his youthful days, Samuel H. Tittle rendered his mother all the assistance possible, and after her death began his active career with a cattle firm, having charge of stock running on the range. While thus employed, he came, in 1880, to Greer county with a bunch of stock, coming here before ever the soil had been disturbed by the plowshare, ere the buffalo, antelope and deer had fled before the advancing steps of civilization, but, with the dusky savage, inhabited the vast plains. Mr. Tittle continued with his employers until 1887, when he was appointed sheriff of the county. Greer county was organized in 1886, and at the first election Mangum was made the county seat. The man elected as county sheriff could not qualify, and Mr. Tittle was appointed by the commissioners to fill his place among the county officials, and to this position he was subsequently four times elected or re-elected. When, in March, 1896, a telegram containing the decision of the United States supreme court settling the title of Greer county was handed to Judge Brown, in the court-room, at Mangum, he dismissed the court, even though a witness was on the stand, and everything was laid over until the next territorial election, appointees taking charge of matters. During his many years of service as sheriff, Mr. Tittle was also tax collector, deputy United States marshal, and register of deeds, in each and every office serving creditably to himself and satisfactorily to the people. Brave, fearless and alert to every danger, he proved a most efficient officer, dealing with the rough element that he had to contend with in a masterly and tactful way, as a general thing bringing in his prisoner without the aid of a bullet, the men usually capitulating after a talk with Mr. Tittle. He is much interested in the advancement of Mangum, and of Greer county, in whose future greatness he has unlimited faith. By his own industry and forethought, he has accumulated a good property, and has stock in the Mangum Oil Mill, and owns a fine residence in the city. He is a charter member of Mangum Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has the honor of having been the first man initiated into this organization.
     Mr. Tittle married, in 1887, in Texas, Laura Hinsley, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of L. J. Hinsley, who is now a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser in the Panhandle of Texas. During the Civil war Mr. Hinsley served in the Confederate army, seeing with his comrades much hard service. He is a stanch Democrat in his political affiliations, and is now county treasurer of his county. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs, as does his wife, to the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Hinsley have four children, as follows: James, a farmer; Arthur, engaged in the livery and stock business; Luther, a stockman; and Laura, now Mrs. Tittle. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Tittle has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Lewis, born in December, 1887; Lemuel, born in 1892; Leo, born in 1896; and Jennie, born in 1900. Mrs. Tittle is an active and valued member of the Methodist church, toward the maintenance of which Mr. Tittle contributes liberally.


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cont.

WILLIAM H. WASLEY, of Mangum, Greer county, now retired from his successful and honorable agricultural labors, is one of the early settlers of this section of Oklahoma and has been a factor in its remarkable development since he reached the years of young manhood. He comes of an old family of North Carolina, in which state he was born on the 28th of November, a son of B. L. and Abasha (Lukabee) Wasley. For several generations his family was chiefly identified with the management and development of the North Carolina and the earlier members participated in the

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Revolutionary war. The father was born, reared, married and died in the Pine Tar state, passing away from his useful and honorable labors when his only child, William H. Wasley, was quite young. The old world members of the family came from Germany, and until the migration of the widow and son of B. L. Wasley its members remained within the limits of North Carolina. Besides Abasha, the fourth child of the Lukabee family, who is the mother of our subject, were the following: Jacob and Frank, who served as soldiers of the Confederacy, and Polly, who is now Mrs. Morgan, of Texas. After the death of B. L. Wasley, the widow remained on the North Carolina homestead with her son until 1866, when they removed to McClellan couny, Texas, and later to Coryell county, where Mrs. Wasley bought a farm and reared the son to a respectable and strong manhood. In 1878 the property was sold and mother and son removed to Greer county, where they have since resided.
     When the family homestead was removed to this locality William H. Wasley was twenty years of age, and as the two had virtually made their improvements alone the son had been able to devote a very meager portion of his time to mental pursuits. But although his education was small, his muscles were hard, and he had an intimate familiarity with the things and the needs of the country which was of more value to him than the knowledge derived from books. At his coming into Greer county he brought a drove of cattle to range over an open country under Texas jurisdiction. The family homestead was located on a fine section of land, which was partially cultivated for stock feed and the raising of vegetables for domestic use. Kaffir corn and Milo were raised principally for feed. As the grass and water upon the open range were also abundant, the change was soon the means of greatly improving the family prospects, and both of the principals have prospered thereby up to the present. When they first entered the country, however, conditions were indeed primitive; but they have lived to see cotton and alfalfa become standard and profitable crops horticulture developed into a flourishing industry and the rich development of the country from a virtual wilderness; and in this growth William H. Wasley has become an especially strong element. He remained on the original farm until the United States supreme court settled the title of Greer county in favor of Oklahoma, when both himself and mother obtained a full section, under the homestead laws, also retaining the first tract upon which they settled. He remained on the latter ranch until 1900, when he bought land in Mangum, erected a commodious house thereon, and retired with his wife, son and mother, to enjoy the comforts which his years of hard and honest work, so intelligently directed, had fairly earned him. He has not relinquished all his cattle interests, and cultivates a portion of his land to diversified crops of cotton, corn, oats and maize. He has four tenant operators, with whom he works his land on shares, so that although he claims to be retired his pursuits would still be called active by many. A strong Democrat, he is also filling the office of city councilman, and is deeply interested both in the general agricultural development of the country and in the progress of Mangum as a city, In 1881, William H. Wasley married Miss Lizzie West, a Tennessee lady born in 1859, and daughter of John West, a Kentuckian who married in Tennessee and moved to Missouri in 1878. He served throughout the war as a Confederate soldier, and thereafter was a Tennessee farmer until he removed to, McClellan county, Texas, and later to Coryell county, where he remained for many years. He then removed to Wise county, Texas, where he at present resides, an honorable farmer citizen. The first wife of John West died when the following children were small: Lizzie, now the wife of our subject; Zada, now Mrs. Lynch, of Wise county, Texas; Eda, Mrs. Carpenter, also of that place, and Elza, now a farmer of Johnson county. Texas By his second marriage Mr. West had one child. Amanda, now Mrs. Blankenship. Mr. and Mrs. Wasley are the parents of James H. Wasley, who is an industrious young man, living at home and working at the tinner's trade.


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cont.

J. HORACE SIMPSON. Noteworthy among the men of enterprise and public-spirit that have been intimately identified with, the development of Greer county, and the advancement of its welfare, is J. Horace Simpson, an esteemed and valued resident of Mangum. Coming to this part of Oklahoma in the early period of its settlement, he assisted in its agricultural and mercantile development, and afterwards was an important force in rais-

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ing the educational standard of its public schools, serving as teacher and superintendent. He was born, November 12, 1860, in McLennan county, Texas, a son of Robert T. and Tanzada (West) Simpson, who reared three children, namely: B. Frank, J. Horace, and Emma, wife of Dr. G. P. Cherry, of Rhone, Texas. A more extended parental and ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this volume, in connection with the sketch of B. Frank Simpson.
     In early manhood, while yet a member of the parental household, J. Horace Simpson had taken up a homestead claim of one section of land under the Texas laws, and had begun the improvement of a farm. After his marriage, he located in Mangum, and the two following years, from 1892 until 1894, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Being then elected superintendent of the Mangum schools, he served in that position two years, filling the office most ably. Turning his attention then to agriculture, he moved to his farm, and for ten years devoted his entire time and attention to its improvement, and as a farmer and stockraiser carried on an extensive and profitable business. In the meantime the government had divided the lands, and he retained his allotment of half of his land, and in addition has now title to his mother's homestead. Mr. Simpson owns seven quarter sections in Greer county, a portion of which he superintends, employing a man and his wife to assist in the farm work. He has several tenant houses on his farms, and other conveniences required on a modern agricultural estate, and from these, and the one which he manages himself. .receives a good annual income diversified farming proving remunerative in this country. He has a most pleasant and attractive home in Mangum, his commodious two-story residence being located on a natural elevation of land, and he owns, also, other property of value in the city, having thirty-four vacant lots that he will improve whenever needed.
     Mr. Simpson married, in 1892, Annie E. Whatley, who was born, January 22, 1870, in Palo Pinto county, Texas, a daughter of the late R. E. Whatley. Mr. Whatley moved from Alabama, his native state, to Texas when quite young and was there prosperously engaged in business, either as farmer, stock-raiser or merchant, until his death, in 1905. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Graves, was born in Louisiana, was married in Texas, and now is making her home with her children, of whom she has five, namely: Kate, who first married J. W. Logan, and married second John M. Rimmer; Annie E., wife of Mr. Simpson; Mrs. Lula B. Green, of San Antonio. Texas, Mrs. Hazel Pollard; and Mrs. Blanche McMaster. Mr. Simpson has always taken an active and prominent part in politics, being a leader in Democratic ranks, being an excellent organizer, and a wide-awake campaigner. He has filled various positions, and has served in county offices of minor importance. His friends urged his nomination as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, wherein he should represent the Fiftieth district, but Mr. Simpson, refusing to pledge himself to the wants of a certain faction, lost the nomination by a few votes. As a man and a citizen, Mr. Simpson is highly respected, and his influence is felt throughout the community, whose best interests he has at heart, and for the welfare of which he is ever laboring.


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cont.

RUFUS C. ECHOLS. Public-spirited and progressive, gifted with quick perceptions and an intelligent mind, Rufus C. Echols, mayor of the city of Mangum, and editor of the Mangum Star, is a man of mark and of recognized worth as a citizen, his business ability being unquestioned, and his character above reproach. He is keenly alive to the needs of this rapidly growing city, and lends his influence to the establishment of beneficial measures and enterprises. A son of Elijah C. Echols, he was born, March 13, 1864, in Alabama, but was reared and educated in Texas. He comes on the paternal side of English ancestry, the founder of the Echols family having emigrated from England to the United States in colonial days, settling in Virginia, where Darius Echols, grandfather of Rufus C., was born. He was a large plantation owner, carrying on his work with slave labor, and a leading member of the Democratic party.
     Elijah C. Echols, the youngest of a family of thirteen children, was born in Georgia, and as a young man settled on a plantation in Alabama, where, with the help of his slaves, he was engaged for several years in agricultural pursuits, at the same time being engaged in milling and mercantile employments. When the Civil war broke out he ran his mill for a time in the interest of the Confederacy, and served for some time as a soldier in the Confederate army. Subse-

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quently, owing to financial losses and embarrassments caused by the war, he sold his Alabama property, and moved to Robertson county, Texas, locating near Hearne, where he purchased land was a tiller of the soil for about fifteen years. Selling out in 1883, he purchased a farm in McLennan county, fourteen miles from Waco, and managed his estate there until 1890, when he retired from active labor and thenceforward until his death, in 1900, made his home with his son, Rufus C. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist church. He married Martha, J. Murphy, who was born in South Carolina, and died in Oklahoma, aged seventy-two years. Her father, James Murphy, was for many years a prominent figure in the political circles of Alabama, serving three terms in the state legislature, and being justice of the peace for more than twenty years. During his earlier years he took part in the Indian wars of the South. He was widely known among the leading men of his state, and was closely allied with men of prominence, among his more intimate friends having been Yancey and Pue. At the close of the war, he sold his Alabama plantation and moved with his family to Texas, where he remained until his death, at a ripe old age. His daughter Martha J. was the seventh child in a family of thirteen children. He was a lineal descendant of Robert Murphy, who came from Ireland to this country before the Revolution, and settled, in Virginia, near the home of the Echols family, and was for several years engaged in teaching school, having for his pupils children from some of the most prominent Virginians. Elijah C. and Martha J. Echols reared three children, as follows: Samuel E., of Altus, Oklahoma, Rufus C., and Lula, wife of Rev. D. L. Dickey.
     Moving with his parents to Texas when a small boy, Rufus C. Echols remained on the home farm, assisting in its care, until 1889. Coming then to Greer county, he homesteaded three hundred and twenty acres of land, and engaged in farming and stockraising, his crops being grain rather than cotton. Obtaining a government title to his land, he retained it until 1906, when he sold out at a good price. In September, 1900, Mr. Echols bought a residence and business property in Mangum, and in the fall of that year purchased an interest in the printing establishment of the Mangum Weekly Star, of which having bought out his partner, he was sole owner and manager until he sold it. He greatly improved the plant, adding up-to-date machinery and appliances, equipping it for all branches of job work excepting that of book binding. The Star is one of the oldest papers in Oklahoma, having been in existence over twenty years, one of the leading Democratic organs of the state, its circulation being one of the largest of any journal published in Oklahoma. He sold the paper April 1, 1908
     In 1906 Mr. Echals was elected mayor of Mangum at a special election held in the fall of that year, and upon its incorporation as a city, in the following spring was re-elected. In the discharge of his duties in this position, he has shown great good judgment, putting forth his highest endeavors to place the city upon a solid foundation, equaling in every respect its sister municipalities. The city has now a bonded indebtedness of $100,000; $50,000 has been spent for waterworks; $25,000 for the sanitary system and the extension of sewers; and other necessary expenditures, and $25,000 for street improvements. The city has surveyed and established grades and five miles of cement sidewalk have been laid. All of these improvements have been of inestimable value to Mangum, and bear visible evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of its citizens. It is the terminus of the Rock Island railway, and has among other things an oil mill, five cotton gins, electric tights and water works, a paid fire company, a good high school, seven churches, three national banks, wholesale and retail mercantile establishments, an ice plant, cold storage plant, bottling works, etc., etc., rendering it the best commercial center in this part of the state, drawing trade from a distance of forty miles.
     On March 20, 1901, Mr. Echols married Sally E. Springer, who was born, November 24, 1880, in Montgomery county, Texas, which was also the birthplace of her father, Charles Springer. Mr. Springer was a successful farmer in Texas, well known as a stanch Democrat, and was at one time marshal of Marlin, Texas.
     Mr. and Mrs. Echols have three children, namely: Ima, born March 8, 1902; R. C., Jr., born November 25, 1904; and Ora, born May 30, 1906. Fraternally Mr. Echols is a member of the Knights of Pythias; of the Modern Woodmen of the World; of the Order of Eagles; and of the Improved Order (page 354) of Red Men. Mrs. Echols is a member of the Methodist church.


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