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J. H. WAGNER. One of the pioneer business men of Watonga, one who came here and made his start with the founding of the town, is J. H. Wagner, who has a fine establishment of ladies' and men's furnishings and also a general stock of dry goods. Mr. Wagner is an original Oklahoman, having made the run into the old territory with the opening of 1889. Kingfisher was his first objective point. Making his home there the first three years, he was employed in mercantile business and proving up the claim which he had purchased soon after the opening.
     With the opening of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe countrv in April, 1892, he came to the townsite on which has since grown up the county seat of Blaine county, and started his general store. Later he built a fine brick store building and an elegant home, and he has long enjoyed the reputation at being one of the leading merchants of the town.
Mr. Wagner was born in Virginia, June 7, 1858 and in boyhood moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He was reared there and during the eighties moved to Kansas, where he lived until the Oklahoma rush of 1889. In 1898 he was married to Mattie V. Prickett of Kingston, Missouri, who was also a Virginian by birth.

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cont.

THE TOWN OF THOMAS was opened August, 1902. Four thousand lots had been previously sold by the Oklahoma Railway Town Site Company, composed of the following named gentlemen from Trenton, Missouri: George H. Rice, Henry W. Roh, H. Wettstein, and R. M. Cook. No less than two thousand people came to the opening from the Northern states, bringing with them a brass band, and remaining a week. In a large tent a drawing was conducted, and during the week every person was given his lot or lots by chance. The town is now populated by about two thousand enterprising people. It has splendid churches and schools, water and electric light plants, and the finest flouring mill in the new state.
     When the town was opened, E. S. Bronson and N. A. Nichols, two newspaper men of Trenton, Missouri, started, in a wheat field, the Thomas Tribune. As long as the crowd remained these gentlemen issued a daily edition, and after that merged it into a weekly paper, which now has the largest circulation of any publication of the kind in Custer county. Great credit is given these gentlemen for promoting the town of Thomas, and Custer county. Mr. Bronson was managing editor of the Trenton (Mo.) Morning Tribune for some years, and was the first staff man to go to Oklahoma City. During 1900 he opened a News Bureau at Oklahoma City for the Kansas City Times and the Associated Press. Mr. Nichols is a graduate of an Eastern college, and came to Thomas when he was quite young. He is one of the best young newspaper men in the state.

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cont.

W. L. MCCLUNG. Among the men of enterprise and public spirit that have contributed towards the upbuilding of the town of Thomas is W. L. McClung, who has erected several buildings within its limits, three of them being substantial brick ones. He was born, December 19, 1862, in Nodaway, Missouri, a son of James B. and Margaret (Long) McClung. His father, who was a farmer and a blacksmith, lived for a long time in Missouri, but later in life removed to Nebraska, where he spent his remaining years.
     Brought up on the home farm, Mr. McClung received his early education in the public schools, after which he worked with his father both on the farm and at the forge. He subsequently embarked in mercantile pursuits, dealing for a time in hardware, but since 1889 has been engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor trade, being for eleven years located at Kingfisher, Oklahoma. From there he came, in 1902, to Thomas, and having erected one of the first buildings in the town has since resided here. During his entire residence in this state, Mr. McClung has been more or less interested in real estate, and has acquired considerable town property, and also owns a thousand acres of land lying near Thomas. He is an extensive dealer in stock.
     Wade L. McClung, Mr. McClung's only child, is now attending the public school in Thomas. A Democrat in his political views, Mr. McClung supports the principles of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is a [page 422] member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of the Knights of Pythias.

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D. V. MAYFIELD. Active, wide-awake, and full of energy and vim, D. V. Mayfield, a well-known druggist of Thomas, is one of Custer county's representative businessmen. An early settler of this locality, he assisted in laying out the town of Thomas, and has been an important factor in promoting its growth and prosperity, working earnestly and intelligently in its upbuilding, and generously encouraging all enterprises conducive to the public welfare. A son of the late John T. Mayfield, he was born, May 18, 1863, in Vermillon county, Indiana, near the city of Terre Haute. John F. Mayfield was for many years employed in agricultural pursuits in Missouri, going there from Indiana. He paid especial attention to stock raising and buying, and was an extensive shipper of cattle. In 1889 he migrated to Oklahoma, and was here a resident until his death, two years later, in 1891. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Masden, is at present living in Richmond, Missouri.
     After completing the course of study pursued in the common schools of Missouri, D. V. Mayfield attended the Kirksville, (Mo.) Normal School for two years, 1881 and 1882, after which he entered the State Normal School, at Warrensburg, Missouri, where he was graduated with the class of 1884. In 1889 Mr. Mayfield came to Oklahoma, located a claim at Norman, Cleveland countv, established himself in business as a druggist, and remained there busily employed for four years. Returning then to Missouri, Mr. Mayfield was there engaged in business for nine years, seven years of the time being employed as a druggist at Lawson. Coming back to Oklahoma in 1902, he helped to found the town of Thomas, and has since been intimately identified with its highest and best interests. He is a registered pharmacist, and as his education has been largely acquired by years of experience, is well versed in pharmaceutics. He has one of the finest drug stores in Thomas, and commands the leading trade of the vicinity in his line, the people having great confidence in his pharmaceutical knowledge and skill.
     Mr. Mayfield married, in 1892, Jessie B. Campbell, a daughter of Alexander and Matilda Campbell, who were neighboring farmers in Missouri, and they are the parents of two children, Lottie L. and Mabel. A stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, Mr. Mayfield takes a genuine interest in public affairs, and for two years was an alderman, and for the same length of time served as Mayor of the city. He is a member of the Commercial Club, and is now its treasurer.

-422-
cont.

E. H. COOKE, M. D. Devoted to his practice, which is a large and remunerative one, E. H. Cooke, M. D., of Thomas, Custer county, well deserves the reputation he enjoys of being one of the most skilful and faithful physicians of this part of Oklahoma. A son of Rev: Horace Nelson and Jane Ann (Foreman) Cooke, he was born May 5, 1844, in New York state, and was there bred and educated. His father, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal denomination, was for many years located in New York, filling pulpits in different places. He subsequently lived and labored for a while in Nebraska, but later removed to Herington, Kansas, where he remained until his death.
     After leaving the public schools, E. H. Cooke attended the Syracuse Medical College and the Syracuse University, at Syracuse, N. Y., receiving his degree of M. D. in 1881. Immediately beginning the practice of his profession in Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., Dr. Cooke remained there five years, being quite successful. Going then to Herington, Kansas, he resided there until 1889, when he came to Oklahoma, which was then being opened to settlers. Locating in Kingfisher county, he took up a claim adjoining the town of Hennessey, and was there actively employed in his professional duties for a period of five years. The Doctor then transferred his residence and practice to Weatherford, Custer county where he continued his labors until 1902. Since that time, Dr. Cooke has resided in the town of Thomas, and as a practicing physician has been eminently successful, having built up an extensive and lucrative patronage, in this vicinity, his professional skill being unquestioned, and his professional knowledge and judgment being recognized. The Doctor is a public-spirited citizen, and as a young man fought for his country during the Civil war, enlisting in 1861, in Company F., Seventy-Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, with which he served most faithfully until 1865, taking part in many engagments [engagements] of importance. He subsequently taught school for about three years before beginning his professional career.

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     Dr. Cooke married in 1868, Rosa. M. Wood, and they have three children, namely: Grace, Charles L., and Edna. In politics the Doctor is a sound Republican, sustaining the principles of his party by voice and vote. While a resident of Lyons, New York, he was coroner, and is now surgeon for both the Rock Island Railway Company, and for the Choctaw Railway Company, and is pension Examiner. He is likewise a school director. Fraternally Dr. Cooke is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. Formerly he was a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is prominent in professional circles, belonging to the State Medical Society, and to the County Medical Society, of which he is now the president.

-423-
cont.

WILLIAM J. OMER, M. D. Devoted to his chosen work, William J. Omer, M. D., makes a careful study of the various methods of treating the diseases brought to his observation, and during his active practice has gained knowledge, skill, and a wide experience that has made him a valuable member of the medical profession. He has achieved success, both financial and professional, through his own exertions, and is, in fact, a self-made man, having started out in life with nothing but youth, good health, and a clear, cool brain, in his favor. Making the most of these natural endowments, he has succeeded in his undertakings, and now, while in manhood's prime, is classed among the substantial and esteemed residents of Thomas, and is numbered among the most able physicians of Custer county. A son of Frank and Adelia J. (Bush) Omer, he was born, October 3, 1875, in Harrison county, Missouri.
     A farmer by occupation, Frank Omer was for many years employed as a tiller of the soil in Missouri. After leaving the farm, he lived a short time in Kansas City, Missouri, after which he spent some time in both South Dakota and Washington. He is now, however, a resident of Kansas City.
     Acquiring his elementary education in the public schools of Missouri and Iowa, subsequently attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Kansas City, working his way through the school, which he entered with but ten dollars to his name, Graduating from that institution in 1900, Dr. Orner began the practice of his profession in Decatur county, Iowa, after which he continued his labors for a brief while in Missouri. In December, 1900, a few months after receiving his degree, he removed to Hunter, Garfield county, Oklahoma, where for three years he was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine. Coming to Thomas in 1903, the Doctor has since been exceedingly prosperous, building up a very large and remunerative patronage, and winning a place of prominence in medical circles. He has been equally as successful in the improvement of his financial condition, having increased his capital, which consisted of but $5.25 when he landed in Oklahoma, many fold. Dr. Omer married, in November, 1901, Maude, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Scott) Montgomery, of Missouri, and they have one child; Ercel. Politically Dr. Orner is a loyal supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Knights of Pythias; and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also connected with various medical associations, belonging to the State, County, American, and Central Medical Societies.

-423-
cont.

G. A. SHAW. Among the active and enterprising business men of Thomas is G. A. Shaw, who, as one of, the stockholders, and the manager, of the Thomas Hardware Company, is prominently identified with its mercantile interests. He was born, February 13, 1860, in Ohio, a son of the late Hiram and Eliza (Ritchey) Shaw. His father was an educator, and for many years taught school in Ohio, where he and his wife spent the greater part of their lives.
     Receiving his early education in Indiana, G. A. Shaw was thrown upon his own resources when young, and has since availed himself of every opportunity offered for improving his finances. For two years he was employed in the sewing machine business as an agent afterwards served as a clerk, and for a few seasons carried on farming. In 1901, desirous of trying the hazard of new fortunes, Mr. Shaw came to Custer county, Oklahoma, and here embarked in the lumber business, being at first in Weatherford, and subsequently in Arapaho, remaining in the latter place three years, Having.
made money as a lumber dealer, he wisely invested it, buying stock in the Thomas Hardware Company, in 1904, and accepting a position as its manager. In this capacity,

-424-

he has proved himself eminently competent and worthy, the business under his supervision having been greatly increased and enlarged, and placed upon a most substantial basis.
     In 1889 Mr. Shaw married Mattie Deming, a daughter of John and Charlotte Demming and they have two children, Clifford and Deming. Mr. Shaw is a Democrat in politics, and although not an office seeker he has served as school director. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

-424-
cont.

J. S. HUSTON. The prominent, substantial and prosperous business men of Custer county have no better representative than J. S. Huston, of Thomas, a self-made man in every sense implied by the term, who has achieved his present high standing in financial circles through his own unaided effort. Capable and enterprising, he has ever been quick to realize, and take advantage, of offered opportunities for advancing his material interests, and as a financier has met with well-merited success. He is officially connected with several banking institutions, being President of the First National Bank of Thomas, Oklahoma; President of the Port State Bank, at Port, Wash ita county; Vice President of the Citizens' State Bank, at Sentinel, and of the Hammon State Bank, at Hammon, Custer county; and President of the Bank of Eagle City, which has recently been acquired.
     Mr. Huston was born, March 16, 1869, in Richland county, Ohio, a son of Milo and Sarah J. (Hersh) Huston. He was educated in Kansas, largely in Salina college, and after leaving school followed the profession of a teacher in that state for a number of years, subsequently being similarly employed in Colorado from 1896 until 1900. Coming then to Oklahoma, Mr. Huston settled on a claim near the town of Thomas, and has now title to four hundred acres of land in Custer county. He accumulated money, and when the First National Bank of Thomas was organized, having at the old town site been known as the Bank of Thomas, he was made its president, and has since served in this capacity. The new building which it occupies was erected in 1905, and is modern in its arrangements and equipments, being both a credit and an ornament to the town and county. This bank is one of the most prosperous institutions of the kind in this part of the state, having had, in August, 1907, a capital of $25,000, a surplus of $5,000, and undivided profits on hand of $9,864.94. It has a corps of most efficient officers, namely: J. S. Huston, president; J. W. Maney, Vice-President; E. D. Foster, Cashier; while the directors are J. W. Maney, J. S. Huston, E. D. Foster, G. L. Winters, M. Abernethy, and S. E. Keller.
     Mr. Huston married, in 1892, Emma Frye, and they have a fine family of children, five in number, namely: Milo, Carll, Gladys, LaVerne and Merle. Politically Mr. Huston uniformly casts his vote in favor of the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of the Order of the Eastern Star; and of the Knights of Pythias.

-424-
cont.

CAPT. J. B. NICHOLAS. A man of strong personality and keen perceptions, endowed by nature with high mental. powers and a fine physique, Capt. J. B. Nicholas of Arapaho has been very influential and active in promoting the development and progress of highest interests of town, county and state, and as a man and a citizen is held in high esteem. He has lived in various places, had a wide experience in public affairs, and is well and favorably known throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas. A son of David Nicholas, he was born, September 6, 1844, in Tennessee, but was brought up and educated in Missouri.
     David Nicholas was a farmer and mechanic, and during the earlier years of his life resided in Tennessee. There he married Amanda Bounds, a native of that state. and there his children were born. He afterwards removed with his family to Howell county, Missouri, and there spent the remainder of his life.
     Reared in Missouri in pioneer days, J. B. Nicholas laid a substantial foundation for his future education in the typical log schoolhouse of his times, remaining beneath the parental roof until the breaking out of the Civil war. Enlisting in the Union army in 1863, he served until the close of the conflict, going with Sherman to Atlanta, and guarding prisoners at different stations. Subsequently settling on a farm in Missouri he continued his military life, serving in 1868 and 1869 as captain of Company F, Seventh Arkansas Guards, which was detailed to watch the Ku Klux and guerillas, being under the command of Powell Clayton. Captain Nicholas was afterwards employed in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, living on his

-425-

farm until 1876. Going then to Denton county, Texas, he served as postmaster lit Denton under President Garfield, after which he went to Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory, taking with him a herd of horses. Two years later he went to Beaver county, Oklahoma, where he took up and improved three claims. Embarking then in mercantile pursuits, he operated a general store for about three years, when he was elected a member of the legislature of the provisional government of the territory, and also served as councilman.
     In 1892 Capt. Nicholas came to Arapaho, Custer county, Oklahoma, and settled on the claim that now includes the present site of the Frisco railway station, and of the original claim he still owns ninety-five acres. Interested from the first in the advancement of this section of the county, he has contributed largely towards the establishing and extension of the railroads of the county, giving more cash towards the enterprise than any other man in the county, in addition- donating sites for depots in different localities. A man of excellent business tact and ability, the Captain has proved up many places, assisted in the founding and building of a number of towns, and has dealt extensively in real estate. Purchasing the Argus, the principal Democratic paper of Arapaho, he converted it into a Republican journal, called it the Custer County Clarion, and, with the assistance of his son-in-law, Eugene Forbes. a most competent editor, managed it successfully.
     In 1866 Captain Nicholas married Mary M. Collins, a daughter of Rev. J. B. and Ruth Collins, who were born and reared in Tennessee, but died in West Plains, Missouri. Three children have been born to Captain and Mrs. Nicholas, namely: Abraham L., employed in a flouring mill at Custer City; Helen, wife of Eugene Forbes, a finely educated man, an ex-teacher and professor, and formerly editor of the Clarion; Byrd, who died when ten years old. A stanch Republican in politics, Captain Nicholas is prominent in party ranks, and has served in many positions of importance and responsibility. He was deputy district clerk four years; was sheriff two years, being forced to accept the office, as the bandits of the early day, which he subsequently captured, were much afraid of him; and was United States Court Commissioner for six years. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as commander of the first post organized in Oklahoma.
     In November, 1907, Mr. Nicholas moved the Clarion to Tucumcari, New Mexico, where he now resides.

-425-
cont.

WILLIAM R. HUGHES. A man of excellent business qualifications and ability, William R. Hughes, of Arapaho, is well known as ex-clerk of the U. S. District Court, and as an expert abstractor. A son of William Hughes, he was born, February 11, 1862, in Lawrence, Kansas, and was there bred and educated.
     A native of Wales, William Hughes came with his parents to America when a boy of ten years. Having attained his majority, he followed the tide of emigration westward to Kansas, locating about four miles east of the present site of Lawrence, in 1855, and there spent the remainder of his life, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was there living during the troublous times of the early days, witnessed the burning of Lawrence, and in common with the other pioneers of the place endured hardships and privations of which the people of this generation have no. conception. There, on the farm which he improved, he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1905. He married Ellen J. Robinson, whose parents, natives of Pennsylvania, migrated to Kansas prior to the Civil war, and they became the parents of two children, namely: William R., the special subject of this sketch; and Thomas, deceased.
     Having completed the course of study taught in the public schools of his native place, William R. Hughes took a full course in a business college. He was subsequently employed in agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he came to Custer county, Oklahoma, locating near Thomas, now a lively and prosperous town, where he secured a claim and was engaged in farming for two years. The following four years, Mr. Hughes served as county clerk, after which he was appointed clerk of the U. S. District Court, in which capacity he served until the coming of statehood, a length of time that bespeaks for him a good record for ability and fidelity. Since 1897 he has also been engaged in the abstract business, in which he employs the Rectigraph (reproducer), with which he is familiar. Successful in his undertakings, he has acquired considerable

-426-

wealth, and is owner of the proper1:y, in Arapaho, on which he lives.
     In 1886 Mr. Hughes married Kate Corel, daughter of J. P. and Susan (McGee) Corel. Her parents were born in Virginia, but moved to Kansas in 1854, settling in Lawrence, where they lived for many years. Her father is now living, a widower, in Kansas City, her mother having died a few years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are the parents of five children, namely: Eugene, attending college at Oklahoma City; Alfred; William; Ralph and Alice. Politically Mr. Hughes is identified with the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Veritas Lodge, No. 89, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Arapaho, of which he is (1908) master.

-426-
cont.

JESSE WILBER LAWTON. A man of culture and talent, Jesse Wilber Lawton, of Arapaho, is a brilliant and successful journalist, and is widely and favorably known throughout Custer county in connection with the Arapaho Bee. A son of Isaac and Ruth Lawton, he was born, September 11, 1863, in Paris, Edgar county, Illinois. He comes of substantial New England ancestry, his grandparents on the paternal side having been born and bred in Rhode Island, from there going at an early day to Ohio, where they assisted in making the first settlement. Isaac Lawton, following in the footsteps of his parents, trecked toward the West when ready to settle in life on his own account, going from Marietta, Ohio, to Edgar county, Illinois, where he bought land, and was subsequently employed in tilling the soil.
    Studious by nature, and a diligent scholar, Jesse W. Lawton obtained an excellent education when young, attending first the city schools of Paris, Illinois, afterwards being graduated from the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois. -Having received his diploma, he began when eighteen years old to teach school, and continued thus employed in Illinois for a number of years. Coming to Arapaho, Oklahoma, in 1892, Mr. Lawton was appointed the first county superintendent of the schools of what was then "G" county, a position for which he was well fitted. In 1893 he embarked in journalistic work, and has since been connected with the Arapaho Bee, one of the most wide awake and influential newspapers of Custer county, fearlessly championing all measures that are considered to be of benefit to the people. It upheld the Herd Law fight, at which time it was forced to guard its office at night to save it from being burned. More recently it vigorously fought the saloons, and assisted in making Arapaho a dry town. Several years before the establishment of prohibition, the wit and humor of the Bee, caused many personal fights with the cattle men and saloon men, all of whom feared its influence.
     Mr. Lawton married, January 28, 1895, in Arapaho, Oklahoma, Grace L. Watts, and unto them three children have been born, namely: Bert, Joe and Lucy. Politically Mr. Lawton is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and in Oklahoma politics is a great admirer of Hon. D. T. Flynn. He served as postmaster of Arapaho from 1901 until 1907. He is not affiliated with any fraternal or social organization, and is not connected by membership with any religious society, although he is. a liberal contributor to the local churches.

-426-
cont.

A. H. LATIMER was born in Tennessee, raised in Texas: thus will be written the life record of one of Arapaho's honored and respected citizens, widely known as a skillful lawyer, and as judge of Custer county. His father, Daniel Latimer, a life-long resident of Tennessee, married Cynthia Henderson, a native of Tennessee. She survived him many years, and after his death moved with her family to Texas, where she spent her remaining years, dying in 1877.
     A young man of much intellectual ability and force, A. H. Latimer studied law, and after his admission to the bar settled as an attorney at Belknap, Young county, Texas. When but twenty-one years old he was elected judge, being the youngest man in the state ever chosen to that office. He became very prominent in public affairs, representing his district in the twentieth session of the State Legislature, and was reading clerk of the convention that, in 1875, adopted the present Constitution of Texas. The Judge was, also, at one time collector of the Confederate war tax, and postmaster at Belknap. When the Civil war broke out, he resigned his offices as judge and postmaster to enlist in Company A, Nineteenth Texas Cavalry, in which he served for three years and four months. Returning home at the end of that time, Judge Latimer resumed the practice of his profession, and remained in Texas until 1893. Coming then to Okla-

-427-

homa, he secured a claim near the town of Arapaho, where he has since resided. For about seven years after locating here, he continued the practice of law, and while the Democrats were in power he served as district clerk of Custer county. Recently he was elected judge, so has now the distinction of having been the youngest to serve in that position in Texas, and the oldest to be elected to it in Oklahoma. Possessing excellent business ability, he has dealt successfully in real estate in Arapaho, and has here title to several rentable properties of value. Public-spirited and progressive, he is always among the foremost in forwarding enterprises conducive to the general welfare and advancement of town and county.
     Judge Latimer has been twice married. He married first Mattie J. Warren, daughter of Rev. Henry B. Warren, of Tennessee, a Presbyterian minister. He married second Tennessee Britton, daughter of Joseph and Mary Britton, also of Tennessee. Of his marriages seven children have been born, namely Osborne S., living in Oklahoma; B. H., deceased, was a stockman; Mattie P.; Cynthia L.; Henry W., deceased; Laura, living at home and keeping house for her father; and Emma, wife of C. A. Schwab, a merchant in Arapaho, Oklahoma.

-427-
cont.

ROBERT MCCULLOUGH, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians and surgeons of Custer county is Robert McCullough, M. D., a man of keen intelligence, broad culture, and high mental attainments, who is meeting with unquestioned success in the practice of his profession in Arapaho. A son of the late John McCullough, he was born, December 23, 1860, in Kingston, New York.
     John McCullough was born in Ireland, of substantial Scotch ancestry, and when a young man came to America, hoping in this country to improve his financial condition. Settling in Kingston, New York, he there married Mary McLean, a native of the Empire state. She survived him, and still resides in the place of her birth.
     A diligent student and an apt scholar, fond of his books, Robert McCullough received excellent educational advantages when young, attending first the common schools of Kingston, then the Kingston Academy, and took his collegiate course at. Hamilton College, New York, after which he was graduated from the Medical Department, University of Vermont. Having received the degree of M. D., Dr. McCullough spent three years in India as a physician, going there to broaden his knowledge of medicine and to obtain a good practical experience in the practice thereof. In 1893 the Doctor located in Arapaho, Custer county, where he has since met with most flattering results in the exercise of his profession, his skill and ability winning him an extensive and lucrative patronage. He is influential in medical circles, belonging to both the State and the Custer County Medical Associations. Until this present year, 1908, he has always been identified with the Republican party. He takes much interest in local affairs, and for a number of years has served as justice of the peace.
     While living in India, Dr. McCullough met and married Margaret M. Rumsey, who was then a missionary in that country. Her father, Charles Rumsey, married Melissa Wason, who was born on the Isle of Malta, and was the daughter of a missionary. The Doctor and Mrs. McCullough have one child, a son named Henry Wilson, who is now in school.

-427-
cont.

RUFUS P. PHILLIPS. Noteworthy among the leading citizens of Custer county is Rufus P. Phillips of Arapaho, a prominent member of the legal fraternity, who, as owner of one of the best farming estates in this section of the country, is actively identified with its agricultural growth and prosperity. He was born, March 4, 1862, in Grant City, Worth, county, Missouri, a son of J. L. and Mary (Barnes) Phillips, who came from that state to Custer county, Oklahoma, in 1899, and have since made this their home, living on a farm.
     Brought up in the city of his birth, R. P. Phillips acquired an excellent education when young, and after taking a course in law was admitted, in 1895, to the bar. Previous to this time, however, in 1892, Mr. Phillips had located on a claim in Custer county, and acquired more land so that now his farm embraces 346 acres, and for a time he was employed in cattle raising and dealing. This farm, which is highly improved, he still owns and on it he has made exceptionally fine improvements, the commodious dwelling house being conveniently arranged, while the outbuildings are well fitted for agricultural purposes. Mr. Phillips has lived in Arapaho for a number of years, and in the practice of his chosen profession has met with marked success, in 1906 having

-428-

been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.
     Mr. Phillips married, in 1888, Bertha B. Bressler, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Seimiller) Bressler, who were natives of Pennsylvania and who died in Missouri. Four children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, namely: Mary L, Leon C., Wesley, and Bertha. Politically Mr. Phillips is a staunch Republican, and for two years served as deputy county attorney. Fraternally he is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 89, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

-428-
cont.

MARION L HOLCOMBE. Well versed in legal lore, and the possessor of a well-trained mind, Marion L Holcombe, of Clinton, Custer county, is meeting with excellent success in his professional labors, and is rendering satisfactory service as attorney of this county. A son of A. J. and Louisa (Byers) Holcombe, he was born December 9, 1872, in Haywood, North Carolina. His father was a native of South Carolina, and during the Civil war served as a soldier for four years. In 1907 he came with his wife to Clinton, Oklahoma, where they now reside, making their home with their son, M. G. Holcombe.
     Receiving his elementary education in the public schools of his native town, M. L Holcombe was graduated from the Haywood High School, after which he completed the full course of study at Weaverville (North Carolina) College. Desirous of further fitting himself for a professional career, he afterwards attended a law school at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and in 1893 was admitted to the bar. The ensuing ten years Mr. Holcombe was successfully employed in the practice of his profession in North Carolina, and then, in 1902, came to Custer county, Oklahoma, locating at Arapaho, where he continued in his chosen occupation. His skill and ability as a lawyer soon made itself evident, and in the fall of 1904 he was elected county attorney. Assuming his office in January, 1905, Mr. Holcombe removed to Clinton, where he has property, and has since been a resident of this place.
     On March 30, 1897, Mr. Holcombe married Addie Grace Bowen, a daughter of Nelson and Margaret (Garrott) Bowen, of Tennessee, and into the household thus established one child has been born, a son, named Guy. In politics, Mr. Holcombe uniformly supports the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

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cont.

G. T. DULANY. Conspicuous among the men who have been influential in the upbuilding and advancement of the town of Clinton, Custer county, is G. T. Dulany, a far-sighted, keen, business man, enterprising and progressive, who has contributed his full share towards promoting the educational and financial interests of this section of Oklahoma. A son of W. H. and Ellen R. (Tydings) Dulany, he was born, February 26, 1854, in Monroe county, Missouri. His father, who was a tiller of the soil from choice, spent his entire life in Missouri, living on the same farm the entire time.
     Having obtained the rudiments of his future education in the common schools, G. T. Dulany attended the State Normal School in Missouri, for two years. Thus fitting himself for a professional career, he subsequently taught school for twenty-three consecutive years, after which he served for four years as superintendent of the Custer county schools, as an educator being very popular and successful. Locating at Arapaho, Custer county in 1893, Mr. Dulany remained a resident of that place for three years, after which he settled in Weatherford, where he founded the Custer County Chronicle, now known as the Clinton Chronicle. In 1899 he embarked in the real estate business at Clinton, and in his undertakings has been very successful, acquiring several pieces of most desirable property within its limits. He has been very prominent in town matters, and has the distinction of having built the first residence in the place; of having sold the first houselot; of having been the first real estate dealer in the town; while one of his children was the first white child born in Clinton.
     Mr. Dulany married, in 1896, Anna Rice, daughter of George and Frances (Tucker) Rice, formerly of Iowa, but now residents of Custer county, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Dulany are the parents of six children, namely: Harry, Frances, James, Carl, Stanley, and Helen. In his political affiliations, Mr. Dulany is a steadfast Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to Clinton Lodge, No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

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cont.

E. W. WILCOX. Among the leading and prominent citizens of Clinton, Custer county, is E. W. Wilcox, well known as a sound and able lawyer, who has the confidence of the

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court, of his associates at the bar, and of his large clientage. He was born, January 14, 1863, in Linn county, Missouri, a son of Dr. E. R. and Elizabeth (Barton) Wilcox. His father moved from his native state, Kentucky, to Missouri, and for many years was successfully employed as a physician at Linneus, Linn county, living there until his death. His wife survived him, and is still a resident of that place.
     After his graduation from the common and high schools of Linneus, E. W. Wilcox, desirous of entering the legal profession, read law with his brother, the late J. B. Wilcox, who was then probate judge. On the death of his brother, Mr. Wilcox succeeded him as judge of the probate court, and served in that capacity the ensuing eight years. Coming then to Oklahoma, he located at Weatherford, Custer county, where for two years he practiced law. Being then elected county attorney, Mr. Wilcox took up his residence in Arapaho, and served in that office until 1904, two terms. Locating in Clinton in 1906, he resumed the practice of his profession, and is here fast building up an extensive and lucrative law business, being a skilful and successful attorney, with a thorough legal knowledge. Politically Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Knights of Pythias; and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

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cont.

WALTER J. AYCOCK. Prominent among the useful and valued citizens of Clinton. Custer county, is W. J. Aycock, who is well known in business and financial circles as cashier of the First National Bank of that place. A son of George T. and Mary L. (Buchanan) Aycock, he was born, January 13, 1870, at West Point, Mississippi, where his father, now a resident of Lebanon, Missouri, was then engaged in mercantile pursuits.
     Brought up in Lebanon, Missouri, W. J. Aycock obtained a practical education when young, being largely self-taught. Leaving home in 1900, he came to Oklahoma, locating at El Reno, where he accepted a position as bank bookkeeper and assistant cashier respectively, remaining there four years. In 1904 Mr. Aycock came to Custer county, and since that time has filled the office of cashier of the First National Bank of Clinton. This bank was organized in 1902, as the Clinton State Bank, with a cash capital of $10,000. This capital was subsequently increased to $25,000, and became the First National Bank. The bank was organized by T. J. Nance, founder of the town of Clinton, who served as its president from the time of its opening until 1907, when he and Mr. Aycock sold their interest to Therman Brothers, of Elk City. Mr. Aycock retired as cashier the first of January, 1908, and was appointed by Gov. Haskell as one of the Bank Examiners of the state. March 5, 1908, he organized the Oklahoma State Bank at Clinton with capital of $25,000.00 under the New State Guarantee law, "Deposits Guaranteed."
     Mr. Aycock married Mamie Demuth, of Lebanon, Missouri. Mr. Aycock has been very successful in his business career, and owns property of value in Clinton, which is one of the most prosperous and progressive towns of the county.

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cont.

MILTON G. BENJAMIN. Prominent among the successful and well-known business men of Arapaho for a number of years was Milton G. Benjamin, a man of education and talent, who organized the first public schools of that vicinity, and was actively associated with their management. A son of D. C. Benjamin, he was born in Ohio, June 15, 1862. His father, a native of Athens, Ohio, married Miss L. M. Gatch, who was born and bred in Mulberry, Clermont county, Ohio. He is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal denomination, now having charge of a church in Carthage, Indiana, where he is also serving as justice of the peace. His wife died in Indiana, leaving six children.
     After leaving the public schools, Milton G. Benjamin continued his studies at the Central Normal School, in Ladoga, Indiana, being graduated from that institution in 1886. He subsequently commenced his professional career as a teacher in the schools of Rush county, Indiana, remaining there twelve years. Coming, in 1898, to Custer county, Mr. Benjamin located in Arapaho, and here founded the first public school system of this part of the country, being for four years principal of the Arapaho schools, and since 1903 having rendered excellent service as school superintendent. For one year since settling in this county, Mr. Benjamin was editor of the Clinton Chronicle, but at present is in the abstract business, in which he is an expert, his set of abstract books being, it is conceded, the best in this part of the state. Enterprising and far-sighted, he has used excellent judgment in advancing his financial interests, and now owns good pro-

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perty in both Arapaho and Clinton, and a farm in Custer county. On first coming to this county, Mr. Benjamin and his wife entered land, and while holding down the claim taught school, the latter teaching here for seven years and she is considered one of the best primary teachers in the state.
     Mr. Benjamin married, in 1891, Emma J. Hill, daughter of Milton and Amanda (Hobbs) Hill, of Rush county, Indiana, where Mrs. Hill, now a widow, was born and reared. Mr. Hill was a man of education and culture, and for many years prior to his death was a member of the legal fraternity, being a successful attorney-at-law. Fraternally Mr. Benjamin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Modern Woodmen of America; and of the Knights of Pythias. He now resides in Clinton where on November 20, 1907, he established a: meat market, and is also a member of the Town Site and Investment Company of Clinton.

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cont.

JAMES ROBERT CAMPBELL. Prominent among the leading educators of Custer county is James Robert Campbell, of Weatherford, formerly president of the Southwestern Normal School, who, by reason of his superior talents and scholarly attainments was eminently qualified for the important position which he held. Coming from substantial and honored Scotch ancestry, he was born, August 17, 1850, in Cambridge, Ohio. His parents, Robert J. and Rachel A. Campbell, were natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and his grandfather Campbell, a finely educated man, was for nearly thirty years president of a college in that state. The Campbell family originated in Scotland, emigrating from there to the United States in colonial days, three brothers of that name landing in Boston after crossing the Atlantic. They settled in different places, one branch going to Virginia, one to Tennessee, and one to Pennsylvania, the latter being the one from which James R. Campbell, of whom we write, was descended. His descendants were many of them professional men, among the number being lawyers, physicians and educators. The Campbells were citizens of great worth, loyal to the country of their adoption, a number of the descendants of the three brothers above mentioned taking an active part in the struggle for American liberty.
     Receiving his preliminary education in the common and high schools of Cambridge, Ohio, James R. Campbell took a classical course at Muskingum College, in that state. He subsequently took a post graduate course at the University of Chicago, where he has several credits for an advanced degree. There he completed a thorough mathematical course, and has done a large amount of work in all the sciences, including a study of the ancient languages, making specialties of History, Civics, Psychology, and Education. Completing his college work, Mr. Campbell went to Kansas, where for twelve years he was school superintendent, serving in that position at Garnett for three years, at Hutchinson two years, and at Newton for seven years. He was subsequently engaged in the practice of law in that state for five years and then went to California, where he spent two years in gathering material for Bancroft's "History of the Pacific States." Returning then to Kansas, he was for five years superintendent of the Fredonia city schools. At the end of that time, Mr. Campbell came to Oklahoma, and the ensuing five years was superintendent of the schools in the city of Guthrie. Being then elected to the position of president of the Southwestern Normal School, he filled the office in a most creditable manner, winning the approval of all concerned. A man of strong personality, warm-hearted, social and very. just, he has great regard for young men and women, inspiring the students to put forth their best efforts on all occasions. He is especially the friend of "a boy," claiming that he should ever be treated with the same consideration given to those of the opposite sex.
     In Cambridge, Ohio, September 2, 1872, Mr. Campbell married Ruth, daughter of Isaac McMullen. She died in Newton, Kansas, May 9, 1892, leaving three children, namely: Hattie May, born May 20, 1873; Lillie Belle, born April 27, 1875; and Juanita, born March 25,1877. Mr. Campbell married second, on August 27, 1895, Mrs. Daisy W. Vestal, and they have one son, Walter Stanley, a senior in the Southwestern Normal School. In the spring of 1908 he passed the examination for the Rhodes Scholarship —Oxford—and will leave for England in September, 1908.
     Although taking no active part in political matter, Mr. Campbell votes the Republican ticket, and in 1886 and 1887, while a resident of Harvey county, Kansas, was judge of the Probate Court. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonic circles, and is devoted to the

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highest interests of the order. In the early 80's he joined the blue lodge, and within the next four years went through the chapter, council and commandery, during which time he filled several offices of importance in those bodies. In 1906 he took the Scottish Rite degrees. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Congregational church, and in his religious views is a thorough believer in a "square deal," and in honesty in dealings of all kinds, including politics, especially despising a political trickster and bribe-taker, or bribe-giver.

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cont.

ROBERT X. WADE. Holding a high position among the foremost physicians and surgeons of Custer county is Robert X. Wade, M. D., of Weatherford, a man of much professional wisdom and knowledge, whose skill in diagnosing and treating difficult cases entrusted to his care has gained for him the confidence of the community, and won for him a large and remunerative practice. A son of Dr. William H. and Margaret (Dunbar) Wade, he was born, September 24, 1845, in Dublin, Ireland.
     Dr. William H. Wade, a native of Ireland, emigrated when young to the United States, settling, in 1818, in Boone county, Missouri. He purchased land, cleared and improved it, and having entered the medical profession was there engaged in business as a farmer and a physician the greater number of his remaining years. In 1855, accompanied by his wife, he made a business trip to Dublin, Ireland, going to that city to help settle an estate, and while there his son Robert was born. He belonged to a family noted for its longevity, and he, himself, attained the age of eighty-seven years. His wife, a woman noted for her physical and mental vigor, survived him, and at her death, when ninety-four years old, looked, so it is said, scarce older than some women of half her years.
     The youngest of a family of eleven children, of whom seven are now living, Robert X. Wade received his rudimentary education in the common schools of Boone county, Missouri, which he says were very common, after which he attended the Louisville Medical College, in Louisville, Kentucky, the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and the American Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, being graduated from the latter institution, with the degree of M. D., In 1874. He was familiar with medicine from boyhood, his father being a physician, and he has since had a wide and valuable experience, having been engaged in the practice of his profession in Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Toronto, Canada, at Fort Scott, Kansas, and in Oklahoma. His mind has also been broadened by travel in many parts of the world, having been in forty-three different states, and having visited various points of interest abroad, including among other places the university at Heidelberg, Germany. Leaving Kansas City, Missouri, in 1900, Dr. Wade came to Oklahoma, and on July 13 located at Weatherford, which was then a cornfield, being one of the first physicians to settle in this vicinity. He has been eminently successful, winning a fine position in the community, not only as a physician and surgeon, but as one of the most popular and esteemed citizens of the town.
     Dr. Wade has been twice married. He married first, in 1880, Ella Martin, a native of Ohio; she died in 1897, leaving two children, Corrinne and Gurtrude, both living at home. The Doctor married second Lillian Martin, a cousin of his first wife. Dr. Wade has never taken an active part in local political affairs, but for two years was superintendent of health for Custer county. He is well known in medical circles, and belongs to the Oklahoma Eclectic Medical Association. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America; of the Woodmen of the World; of the Select Knights; of the Knights of Pythias; and of the Knights of the Maccabees. Religiously he belongs to the Christian church.

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cont.

WALKER MOORE. Prominent among the active and progressive business men of Weatherford, Custer county, is Walker Moore, whose energy, ability and push have been important factors in winning him success in his undertakings. He was born, June 15, 1861, in Texas, and was there bred and educated. His father, B. W. Moore, was born in Tennessee, and his mother, whose maiden name was Emma Potts, was a native of Pennsylvania. After their marriage they settled in Red River county, Texas, where they spent the remainder of their lives, being engaged in agricultural pursuits.
After completing his studies in the district schools, Walker Moore lived for ten years on the home farm, and then migrated to western Texas, where he engaged in cattle raising on an extensive scale. He was subsequently employed as a ranch man in that vicinity, and in Arizona, until 1897, meeting with good success. Returning to Vernon, Texas, he remained there a short time, and

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then went to Indian Territory in search of a favorable location. Not satisfied with the outlook in that place, Mr. Moore came to Washita county, Oklahoma, where he remained as a cattle dealer until 1899. Coming then to Weatherford, Custer county, he here established himself as a live-stockman, and carried on a successful business as such for about five years. Selling out in April, 1904, Mr. Moore went to Mexico to speculate in gold and silver mines. A year and a half later he returned to Weatherford, resumed his former business, and is now one of the best-known and prosperous stockmen in this part of the state. He has made money in his operations, and is the owner of considerable town property in both Weatherford and Clinton, his investments in real estate being judicious.
     On February 22, 1884, Mr. Moore married Mollie Turner, daughter of John L. and Emma (Campbell) Turner, of Mo.unt Vernon, Texas, where Mr. Turner is a prosperous merchant. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, namely: Florence, attending the Normal School at Weatherford; Madge; and Irene, who died at the age of fourteen years. In politics Mr. Moore is an uncompromising Democrat, and is active in the management of local affairs, having served at one time as mayor of the city, and for two years having been a member of the Town Council.