A History of the State of Oklahoma 1908

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pages 443 to 453
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GEORGE T. WEBSTER. A cultured and highly talented man, well versed in all the intricacies of law, George T. Webster occupies a position of prominence and influence among the leading attorneys of Weatherford and vicinity, and is recognized as one of its most substantial and valued citizens. He was born, March 1, 1856, in Logansport, Indiana, a son of John P. and Margaret (Neft) Webster. His father resided in Logansport the greater part of his life, for a full half century carrying on a thriving business as a jeweler.
    After his graduation from the high school of his native city, George T. Webster attended Purdue University, in Lafayette, Indiana. Having a strong inclination for a professional life, he then read law in the office of McConnel & McConnel for three years. Subsequently opening an office in Sioux City, Iowa, he practiced there for four years, then went to Bismark, North Dakota, where he continued his law work for eight years, after which he spent seven years in Chicago, Illinois. Coming from that metropolis to Oklahoma in 1900, Mr. Webster located at Weatherford, which was at that time the terminus of the Rock Island Railroad, and a pretty lively town. He at once opened an office, and has since been successfully employed in the practice of his profession, having built up an exceedingly large and lucrative practice, and won a place of distinction among the esteemed citizens of the place his influence as a man of honor and integrity being felt throughout the community.
     Mr. Webster married Miss Ione Fraser, who was born in Washington, Iowa, a daughter of Dr. W. E. Fraser. She is a woman of refinement and culture, a brilliant scholar, who was admitted in Oklahoma, to the bar of the Supreme Court, and is now in partnership with her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are the parents of two children, namely: Hugh and John. Politically Mr. Webster is a Republican, and in 1903 served in the Council of the Territory. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is much interested in the Order of which he is a member.


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J. H. PYEATT. A man of push, enterprise and ability, J. H. Pyeatt is one of the foremost citizens of Custer City, and also one of the ablest and most prosperous business men of Custer county. He is essentially a self-made man, his education having been largely obtained by reading and studying outside of school, and being fond of books he has become well informed, and is thoroughly posted upon local, national and foreign happenings. A native of Arkansas, he was born, August 17, 1861, in Washington county, and was reared on a farm. His parents were William S. and Mary (Johnston) Pyeatt, who spent a large part of their lives in Arkansas, dying in Washington countv.
     Leaving the home farm when twenty-two years of age, J. H. Pyeatt located at Cherokee, Indian Nation, where he built a grist mill which he operated for a period of five years. Turning his attention then to agricultural pursuits, he farmed for himself and brother for about five years, but did not meet with very satisfactory results. Coming west to Custer county from Cherokee, Mr. Pyeatt located a claim at Seven Oaks in March, 1892, built a saw mill, and was there engaged in farming and milling for four years. He then traded that property for a grocery store at Independence, this county, and em-

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barked in mercantile pursuits. He was successful from the start, and subsequently built the first business house of that place, and leased it for business purposes. Prospering so well in his operations in that town, Mr. Pyeatt remained there until 1902, when, on the second day of October, he took up his residence in Custer City, and here opened a store of general merchandise. In 1904 he erected the large building which he is now occupying, and is now the leading grocer and general merchant of the place, his business being one of the best and most thriving of any of the kind in Custer county. This he has built entirely by his own efforts, as he was not only without capital when he settled in this county, but he was nine dollars in debt. He has since acquired a goodly share of this world's goods, and has won a position of prominence among the substantial, wide-awake business men of this part of Oklahoma.
     On October 1, 1885, Mr. Pyeatt married for his first wife Serena C. Young, a daughter of Jackson Young of Washington county, Arkansas. She died leaving six children, namely: Frederick S.; Mary; Della, a student at Epworth University, Oklahoma City; Robert; Lemuel; and Nora Belle. Mr. Pyeatt married second, in April, 1901, Livie Grow, and by this union he has two children, Pauline and John H. Politically Mr. Pyeatt is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and has served one term as councilman, and for three years was village treasurer. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, being an active worker, and for many years an official member.


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C. A. GALLOWAY, vice-president and manager of the German National Bank of Weatherford, Custer county, was born in West Plains, Howell county, Missouri, on the 16th of March, 1879, son of James R. and Sarah A. Galloway. His father is an old merchant of that place, also interested in various banking enterprises. The son was reared in his native town, graduating from the college in West Plains during 1898, and soon afterward entered business as a bank clerk. In the year named Mr. Galloway became a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, becoming bookkeeper and later assistant cashier of the First National Bank. His next advance was to assume the cashiership of the First National Bank at Weatherford, which office he retained until March, 1904, when he sold his interest therein and organized the German National Bank, of which he was first chosen cashier and later vice president and active manager. Under his energetic and sound superintendency the institution has taken its place as one of the substantial and progressive banks of western Oklahoma. Mr. Galloway is one of the substantial citizens of Weatherford, his holdings consisting largely of bank stocks and real estate.
     Mr. Galloway is a Mason well in the advance, being a member of the lodge and council, a Knight Templar, of the thirty-second degree and a Shriner. His wife, to whom he was married in October, 1906, was formerly Clarice Lucille Ballard, of Dallas, Texas, and a graduate of St. Mary's College.


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REV. C. W. CLOWE. Few of the Oklahoma ministers have met with more success in their religious work than Rev. C. W. Clowe, of Thomas, who is spoken of by his brother ministers, and by all others who know him, as a man of earnest convictions, strong character, and deep consecration, bound heart and soul to the cares and duties of his chosen profession. He is an effective and pleasant speaker, both in the pulpit and out, a man of excellent executive ability, and since coming to the Reformed Church of this town has been influential in having a fine church building and parsonage erected.
Mr. Clowe was born, in August, 1868, at Glenville, New York, and was educated in Schenectady, being graduated from the Union University in 1893. Having a strong tendency toward religious thought and feeling, he was desirous of preparing himself for the ministry, and the following three years continued his studies at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church. Returning to New York, he had charge of a church at Delmar for three years, and was subsequently located for the same length of time at Shokan. Coming to Oklahoma in the interests of his chosen work, Mr. Clowe accepted the pastorate of the Reformed Church at Thomas, on January 1, 1906, and has since remained here. A faithful and hard worker, he has met with eminent success in his la-

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bors, and has had the satisfaction of seeing the membership of his church increase, and the enthusiasm of its workers aroused, his extreme earnestness of purpose awakening the religious zeal of his parishioners.
     Mr. Clowe married, in 1892, Mary Ober, daughter of John and Angelica (Van Wormer) Ober, and they are the parents of five children, namely: Wilson, Francis, Eve, Ruth, and Eleanor.


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J. P. JONES, M. D. Distinguished as one of the original settlers of the town of Clinton, Custer county, and as its first physician, J. P. Jones, M. D., has been identified with the best interests of the place from the time of its organization, and has contributed largely towards its development, progress and prosperity. A son of the late Dr. J. L. Jones, he was born, March 13, 1862, in Richmond, Virginia. His father migrated from Virginia to Limestone county, Texas, locating in Wesley, where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until his death.
     Receiving excellent educational advantages, J. P. Jones was graduated from the public schools of Wesley, Texas, where he was brought up, after which he entered the Tulane Medical College, at New Orleans, Louisiana, where he received the degree of M. D. in 1887. Returning then to Wesley, he was there engaged in the practice of his profession for thirteen years. In 1900 the Doctor, with characteristic enterprise, came to Oklahoma, and after spending a year in Greer county located at Arapaho, where he remained two years, successfully employed in his professional duties. Coming from there to Clinton at the time the town was opened up, Dr. Jones has since resided here, and has here gained a large and lucrative general practice, his natural talents, industry and skill classing him among the most successful physicians of this part of the state.
     Dr. Jones married, in 1899, S. E. Ford, a daughter of the late Dr. Ford, of Texas, and they are the parents of two children, Anderson and Ellen. Dr. Jones has met with financial as well as professional prosperity, accumulating some wealth, and being the owner of town property of value. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Woodmen of the World.


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M. L. LACY. The rapid development and almost marvelous growth of Custer county has been largely due to the energy and enterprise of a few of its earlier settlers, among whom M. L. Lacy, the subject of this brief sketch, holds a place of prominence. Public spirited and open-handed, he has contributed liberally of his time and means in aid or all movements for the benefit of town and county, and has been associated with many of its leading interests. A native of Iowa, he was born, in 1873, in Linn county, and there received a practical common school education.
     Beginning life for himself as a farmer, Mr. Lacy was for a while engaged in agricultural pursuits in, or near, Sioux City, Iowa. Leaving there in 1894, he came to Oklahoma, and settled in Arapaho, seventy miles from the nearest railroad. Taking up a claim, he proved up, and shortly afterwards sold it. He then embarked in mercantile pursuits, establishing a hardware business, and hauling his supplies from El Reno, seventy miles away. Meeting with success in his venture, Mr. Lacy continued as a hardware merchant until 1901, when he disposed of his Arapaho interests at a good profit, and removed to Clinton. Foreseeing in a large measure the future prosperity of the then undeveloped town, he conceived the brilliant idea of here erecting a hotel, and when the town was opened he had one in process of construction. This house, widely and favorably known as the Lacy Hotel, is one of the largest in this section of the county, having more rooms than any public house west of El Reno, and the very largest and most lucrative patronage. Clinton is most favorably located for the business in which Mr. Lacy is employed, being entered by three lines of railways, which are invariably well patronized. Industrious and progressive, Mr. Lacy has accumulated considerable property, all of which he has made since coming to Oklahoma, his financial success being well deserved.
     Mr. Lacy married, in 1898, Elizabeth Franklin Gordon, daughter of William J. Gordon, of Iowa, and they have two children, Nellie and Quinton. Politically Mr. Lacy is an active worker in the Democratic party, taking much interest in public affairs, and served as first mayor of Clinton. Fraternally. he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.


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WILLIAM THOMAS. Distinguished as one of the original settlers of the town of Thomas, Custer county, and as its pioneer merchant, and the first postmaster of the place, William

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Thomas has also another claim for distinction, the town in which he resides having been named in his honor. He was born, August 20, 1849, in Wales, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. His parents, John and Jane (Griffith) Thomas, lived in Wales many years after their marriage. Subsequently emigrating with their family to this country, they settled on a farm in Pottawatomie county, Kansas; where they passed the remainder of their lives.
     Brought up in his native country, William Thomas attended school but very little, obtaining his education chiefly by reading and studying by himself. At the age of twelve years he began working on a farm, and two years later entered the coal mines, in which he was there employed for five years. With the family, he then came, to America, which was then looked upon as the poor man's paradise, and settled in Kansas, where for many years he carried on farming and stock-raising. In February, 1893, Mr. Thomas came to Custer county, Oklahoma, and here took up a claim which was situated forty-five miles from a railroad. He began the improvement of his land, and, with characteristic enterprise and forethought, started a store on his farm in 1894, and in it a post office, to which the name of Thomas was given, was established, and was continued until 1902. The railroad which was extended through the county in that year was one and one-half miles from that place, so the town was changed to its present site, on the railway line, its name being retained. It has grown rapidly, and is now a prosperous and populous town of two thousand inhabitants. Mr. Thomas is still serving as postmaster, and is still engaged in mercantile pursuits. His first store building, on the site of the old town cost $20.00, and his present building, in which he carries an exceptionally choice line of general merchandise cost him $1,600. He now resides on the farm which he purchased from the government, leaving the management of his store and his mercantile interests to his son-in-law, Charles Ogden.
     Mr. Thomas married, in 1873, Clarinda Jay, who died in 1902. Their only child, Maggie Thomas, married Charles Ogden, who, as just mentioned, has charge of Mr. Thomas's store. Mr. Thomas is a stanch Republican in politics, and is a thirty-second degree Mason.


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WILLIAM B. WALKER, editor and publisher of the Custer County News, published at Clinton, is an active Democrat of Oklahoma and for fifteen years has been an enterprising and strong factor in the progress of that section of the present state. He is a native of Vernon, Indiana, born in the year 1870. He received his education chiefly at Tipton, that state, and cast his lot with the territory of Oklahoma in 1893, four years after it had been thrown open to white settlement and when its future was somewhat dubious. But his faith in its ultimate advancement has been fully sustained by the facts. For seven years Mr. Walker served as clerk of Custer county and was a popular leader of the Democracy before he assumed the editorship and business management of the Custer County News. Under his energetic and able promotion this journal has become one of the brightest and most influential weeklies in the state. The plant includes a well equipped job office, which makes a specialty of fine commercial printing.


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A. A. CROWELL, a prominent architect of Enid was born in New York City, July 21, 1865, his parents were also born in that city, his father residing there at the present time.
     At the usual age Mr. Crowell entered the public schools and in time completed the course and subsequently entered the New York University, taking up the study of architecture as a preparation for a life business. He was afterwards in the offices of various prominent architects of New York City and later engaged in practice on his own account in New Jersey.
     In 1898 on account of ill health he came west, the country proved so pleasing and the outlook and prospects were so good for his profession that he decided to make Enid his future home and opened an office there in 1902.
     The buildings constructed from his designs dot the city. everywhere and are conspicuous for good taste whether it be his imposing court house erected in the public square or some modest cottage; among the most prominent buildings in Enid beside the court house are the Stephenson building, the Oklahoma State Bank building, the Garfield Exchange Bank building, the Presbyterian church, the Jefferson school, the St. Joseph's Institute, and among the finer residences are those of A. E. Stephenson, Edmund Frantz, J. B. Ferguson and many others. He has also done considerable work in connection with making plans for schools, churches, banks and other buildings outside

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of Enid and his standing in the profession is indicated by the fact that he was chosen as the first president of the Oklahoma State Association of Architects, which office he still holds.
     In 1892, Mr. Crowell was married to Miss Ethel L. Worden of New York. They are well known socially and have won many friends during their residence in Enid. Mr. Crowell is a member of the Masonic lodge of Enid, and of the Chamber of Commerce and is always to be found doing all he can for the advancement and improvement of his adopted city.
     Mr. Crowell has a fine private library and is studious in all matters and especially his profession. He has learned to correctly value life's contacts and its experiences and is known as a man of well balanced capacity and powers.


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HOUSTIN JAMES. There is perhaps no calling in which success depends so largely upon individual merit as does the profession of the law and he who enters upon this calling must possess not only strong mentality but also a rare combination of learning, tact, patience and industry. Well qualified for the work which he has chosen, Houstin James has made a creditable reputation as a successful lawyer of the Garfield county bar. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, December 18, 1844, and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent in that state, while its public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He laid the foundation for domestic happiness in his marriage in March, 1867, to Miss R. Leo Marquis, and unto them have been born three children, of whom the two daughters are married and now reside in Chicago, while the son, Marquis Elliott James, is at home.
     At the time of the Civil war Houstin James espoused the Union cause and enlisting with the boys in blue became captain of Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving with that rank for one year before he reached the twentieth anniversary of his birth. During that period he participated in the battle of Nashville in command of his company and did other important service in military lines which contributed to the victory that finally crowned the Union arms.
It was after the close of the war that Mr. James began preparation for the legal profession, becoming a law student in his native state with George D. Cole, of Waverley, Ohio, as his preceptor. He later matriculated in the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1868 and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, on the 11th of June, of that year. In the meantime he was married and established his home at Waverley, Ohio, where he commenced practice, continuing as a member of the legal profession at that place and in Hamilton, Ohio, until 1886, when he removed to the west, settling first at Springfield, Missouri. There he soon demonstrated his possession of those qualities which are indispensable to the lawyer—a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense and a ready capacity for hard work. He soon built up a good clientage there and continued in active practice in Missouri until 1893, when with thousands of others he made the famous run on the opening of the Cherokee strip in Oklahoma in 1893. He rode seventeen miles in fifty-eight minutes and located a claim a half mile west of Enid. Then opening an office in the new city which sprang up as if by magic he has since been prominently connected with the legal profession here and has now a good clientage, connecting him with much important litigation. tried in the courts of this district.
     Mr. James is an ardent Republican and though not an office seeker, is now filling the office of city attorney. He prefers to devote his time and energies to his professional interests and his thorough grasp of the law and ability to accurately apply its principles are factors in his effectiveness as an advocate.


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WINFIELD SCOTT. Many years ago one Winfield Scott, gained distinction in military lines. He whose name introduces this review followed that illustrious example when the nation became involved in war with Spain and went to the Philippines in defense of American interests, although not yet eighteen years of age. Enid is proud to number him among her citizens because of his creditable military record and also because of his activity in business circles. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 10th of April, 1879. His father, H. F. Scott, was a resident of the same state and still resides there. He represents one of the old families of Pennsylvania, his great-grandfather having located in Greene county, that state, about 1796. H. F. Scott is now and has for eight years been the efficient and popular

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postmaster at Rogersville, Pennsylvania, and is an active, influential Republican of his community. His wife in her maidenhood bore the name of Susan Church and is also a native of the Keystone state.
     As boy and youth Winfield Scott attended the public schools and eventually enjoyed the advantages offered by a course in Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania. He took up the study of law in Northern Indiana Law School and was graduated in 1904. Before completing the course he was looking about for a favorable location and the reports which reached him concerning Oklahoma influenced him to select Enid as a place of residence. Three days after his graduation therefore he reached this flourishing city and here entered into partnership with Charles West, now the first attorney general of the state of Oklahoma. Mr. Scott is not a politician nor an office seeker but is pre-eminently a studious, careful and conscientious lawyer, whose devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. Whatever he does is for the best interests of those whom he represents and for the honor of his profession, and he has gained the admiration and respect of all who know him.
     As indicated, however, Mr. Scott has a creditable military record and for the past year has been captain of a local military company. At the breaking out of the war with Spain he was a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania and joined the Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which regiment went to the Philippines, where he remained for sixteen months in active military service, although not eighteen years of age. He did faithful service in that tropical country in defense of the stars and stripes and was mustered out at the Presidio in California, in October, 1899. He votes with the Republican party and his interest in politics is that of a public-spirited citizen who has, however, no desire for office as a reward for party fealty.
     In 1900 Mr. Scott was married to Miss Etta Florence Smith, a daughter of John Smith, of Greene county, Pennsylvania. Their three children are Winfield, Vivian and John Harvey. Mr. Scott is loyal to the teachings of the craft, belonging to the Masonic lodge at Enid and is also a consistent member of the Church of Christ.


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JOHN C. MOORE. From the establishment of Enid John C. Moore has been prominently and actively associated with its interests. He was the first mayor of the city and is prominent in the practice of law, being recognized as an able and learned member of the Garfield county bar. He was born January 22, 1846, in Ohio. His father, David Moore, was a native of Pennsylvania and served throughout the Civil war and for a year and a half afterward in the Union army, entering the service at the beginning, July 4, 1861, as Colonel of the First North East Missouri Home Guards which afterward became the Twenty-first Missouri Infantry of which he became the first colonel. At the battle of Shiloh his leg was shot off on the first day, and he was sent to hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. On recovery he raised the Fifty-first Missouri, becoming its colonel. While in the service he was breveted brigade general, and placed in important command, but in the active service. At the close of hostilities he was placed in command of the post at St. Louis, Missouri, which position he continued to occupy until December, 1866, when he was mustered out. Soon thereafter he was elected to the senate of Missouri, serving in the twenty-ninth general assembly. He was twice married, first, in his younger days to Miss Diadamia Schnable, of Pennsylvania, from which marriage the subject of this sketch was born. At the close of the war his wife died, and later he married Mrs. Mary Carnegy, of Canton, Missouri, who survives him. His death occurred in July, 1893, when he was in his seventy-sixth year.
     John C. Moore pursued his education in the public schools of Missouri. He entered the Confederate army in 1862 when but sixteen years of age, joining the Seventh Missouri Regiment and was taken prisoner at Helena, Arkansas, July 4, 1863. He was then detained at Alton, Illinois, for fourteen months as a prisoner of war and when being transferred to Chicago made his escape by jumping from the car window. Following the war he taught school in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri until 1882 and proved an excellent educator both in the matter of instruction and discipline. In the meantime, however, he made preparation for the bar and following his admission to practice in 1882 he was located in Memphis, Missouri. There he remained in successful practice for about eleven years, when in 1893 at the opening up of the Cherokee strip he came to Enid. Since that time he has been closely

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associated with the affairs of this rapidly growing and beautiful modern city. He organized the city government and was elected the first mayor of Enid. Since his retirement from the office he has given his attention in undivided manner to his law practice and his son, Charles L., is now associated with him as junior partner of the firm of Moore & Moore. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, presents his cause with clearness and force, is logical in argument and strong in his deductions. He has been accorded a large clientage that has connected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of this district and his business is now extensive, while his position in legal circles ,is among the foremost in that part of the state.
     In 1867, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Freeman, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Alexander Freeman. Her death occurred in 1878, and Mr. Moore has since wedded Miss Mary B. Smith. He is well known as a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a valued visitor at the lodge rooms. His name is an honored one in Enid and this part of the state, for he has ever displayed those qualities which make him known not only as an upright, honorable man but also as a progressive, helpful citizen.


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CHARLES L. MOORE, the junior partner of the well known law firm of Moore & Moore of Enid, was born, in Fulton county, Illinois, June 2, 1868, and his prominence and success as a representative of the legal profession is indicated by the fact that he was the recent Democratic nominee for district judge of the twentieth judicial district of the new state of Oklahoma, comprising the counties of Garfield, Alfalfa and Major. Reared under the parental roof, he determined to follow in the professional footsteps of his father and became a member of the bar. After a careful, thorough preliminary preparation he was admitted to the bar of Missouri in 1891 but desiring to still further qualify for his chosen calling he entered the Albany Law School at Albany, New York, from which he was graduated in 1892. The following year he located at Enid, where he has since remained in practice and at the present writing he is serving as president of the County Bar Association. He has been admitted to practice in the United States supreme court and is a capable and able lawyer, who has displayed marked ability in handling the intricate problems that appear before the courts.
     In June, 1898, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Clara L. Pitkin, the wedding being celebrated at Memphis, Missouri, He is in hearty sympathy with the principles of Masonry and is identified with the craft. His political allegiance has always been given to the Democratic party and when he was nominated on that ticket for judge of the twentieth judicial district, the Daily Wave said of him: "He has never held an elective office except that he was twice city attorney of Enid, and a delegate to the constitutional convention." In the constitutional convention he was chairman of the committee on federal relations and as such prepared and reported Article 1 of the proposed constitution; he was also on the sub-committees of the judiciary, judicial apportionment, ordinance and county government committees and assisted in drafting the reports of such committees, which were adopted by the convention; he was one of the legal advisory committee to whom all mooted legal questions in the convention were referred; he was also one of the committee on revision, style and arrangement, which put the finishing touches to the constitution, During the recess of the convention he was sent as one of three commissioners to confer with President Roosevelt and Attorney General Bonaparte as to those legal phases of the constitution which have to do with the relations of the new state to the federal government; and upon his return home assisted in meeting the objections raised by the attorney general, by such changes in the proposed constitution as would leave no question of doubt.
     Mr. Moore was also appointed as one of a committee of five to investigate the original legislative apportionment; the report of this special committee was adopted at the final session of the convention, and resulted in Garfield county being given an additional representative in connection with Kingfisher county, and Alfalfa county an additional representative in connection with Grant county, also in Alfalfa and Major counties alone being allowed one senator, while under the original apportionment such senatorial district also embraced the county of Blaine.


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DR. M. A. KELSO, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Enid, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, June 6, 1857, His father, Levi B. Kelso,

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was also a native of the Buckeye state, born in Licking county, July 16, 1832. He was a farmer and stockman who on leaving Ohio removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1869. There he lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease. During the period of the Civil war he served his country as a soldier of the Union army with the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, with which he continued until the close of hostilities. He married Miss Melissa Ashbrook, who was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, born December 9, 1836. She came of German French ancestry who came to this country at an early day. The Kelsos were of Scotch descent and the first representatives of the name in America settled at Norfolk, Virginia.
     Dr. Kelso, whose name introduces this review, was a young lad at the time of the family's removal from Ohio to the middle west. He pursued his education in the schools of Missouri and in Amity College of Iowa and early in his business career was connected with newspaper interests at Rockport, Missouri, establishing what is now the Atchison County Mail. He afterward founded the Democratic Mail and was the youngest Democratic editor in Missouri at that time. He conducted the paper for a year and in 1880 established the Tarkio Blade, which he also published for a year. Thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, however, than a journalistic career he took up the study of medicine in 1883 and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Nebraska in the class of 1887. His preparation for his profession was therefore thorough, and with broad and comprehensive knowledge he began to put his theoretical training to the practical test, establishing an office at Ashton, Iowa, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Clyde, Missouri, and in January, 1893, he became resident of El Reno, Oklahoma. While enroute for that place he passed through the present site of Enid but there was nothing to indicate a town here at that time. It was all wild prairie and gave' no promise of future development.
     Dr. Kelso continued in active practice at El Reno until the opening of the Cherokee strip, when he came to Enid. He was very successful in making the run, being the tenth man in line at the land office. Here he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, a portion of which he still holds, the property adjoining the city limits. From the opening of that strip he has practiced his profession and has been very successful. He is most careful in the diagnosis of a case and his judgment is seldom if ever at fault in foreseeing the outcome of disease. His manner is cheery and cordial and this is undoubtedly one of the elements of his success in the sick room. Moreover, he keeps in touch with the constant progress that is being made by the medical fraternity and in his practice conforms to a high standard of professional ethics. He is a member of the County, the State and the American Medical Associations, was the first president of the county society and was reelected to the office. In 1906 he became the first vice president of the State Medical Association and was first counselor of the third district. He became the organizer of the Central Oklahoma Medical Association, of which he was secretary for seven years and also filled the office of president. He stands as one of the most progressive representatives of the calling and moreover believes in adhering to a high standard in professional labors.
     In April, 1892, Dr. Kelso was married to Miss Clara J. Kellum, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a daughter of John H. Kellum. They are well known socially and their home is justly celebrated for its warm hearted and gracious hospitality. Dr. Kelso is a York Rite Mason. He has filled the chairs in the chapter and the commandery at Enid and he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to other fraternal organizations. He takes a most active interest in the welfare of the city, with which he has been identified from its establishment and has done effective service in behalf of public education as president of the school board. At one time he was a candidate for governor but retired from the contest before the nominations were made. He is a stalwart champion of the Democracy and retired after several years' service as chairman of the Democratic county central committee and at present is a member of the state committee. Prominent in political and professional circles and in community interests he is a man of high moral character and unblemished integrity who commands and enjoys the confidence, trust and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.


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JAMES WALLACE STEEN, who has directed his energies into the field of jurisprudence with the result that the Oklahoma bar has gained an able member while the community in which he lives has the benefit of excellent professional service, was born in Logan county, Ohio, June 16, 1855. His father, James L. Steen, was a native of Virginia, while his mother who bore the maiden name of Margaret Wallace, was born in Ohio.
     Reared by his grandfather, James W. Steen pursued his early education in the public schools of his native county and afterward attended Monmouth College, at Monmouth, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1877. When the time came when he must make a choice of a business or profession which he wished to make his life work, he determined upon the practice of law and after careful preparation was admitted to the bar at Cleveland, Ohio, on the 2d of September, 1879. He then opened an office at Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he continued in general practice for a year. He afterward devoted three years to railroad practice in connection with the Bee Line Railroad. In 1888 he removed westward to Kansas, settling in Kingman county and at the opening of the strip came to Enid, where he has since remained. Here he practiced for several years as a member of the firm of Conkling, Steen & Conkling and later as senior member of the firm of Steen & Thompson. Since 1901 he has been a partner of Mr. Rush, and the firm occupies a foremost place in the ranks of the legal fraternity. Mr. Steen's legal learning, his analytical mind and the readiness with which he grasps a point in an argument all combine to make him one of the capable lawyers of the Garfield county bar. His practice is extensive and of an important character. At no time has his reading been confined to the limitations of the case at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but also for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
     In 1887 occurred the marriage of James Wallace Steen and Miss Sallie Pate, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Richard and Susan (Wooding) Pate, the former a captain of the Confederate army. Mrs. Steen is a lady of marked intellectual strength and culture and of literary taste. She has been a frequent contributor to magazines and took the prize for the best story in Black Cat when there were thousands of competitors. She has written a history of the Oklahoma judiciary which gives a complete account of the courts of the territory and the state. She is equally prominent socially and is a most charming hostess, having the happy faculty of placing her guests entirely at ease. The only child of this marriage, Marjory, died in infancy.
     Mr. Steen fraternally is connected with the American Yeomen and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church. He is interested in public affairs and gives his political allegiance to the Democracy but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his professional duties. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial and at the bar he has won a creditable position, while his marked strength of character has gained for him the high respect of his fellowmen.


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GEORGE A. BOYLE, M. D. In a history of Enid it is imperative that mention be made of Dr. George A. Boyle, whose success in professional lines is indicated by the liberal patronage accorded him, while in social circles he occupies a position that clearly indicates his genial manner, his kindliness and his deference for the opinions of others. He was born near Ballymena, county Antrim, Ireland, on the 13th of March, 1857. His father, William G. Boyle, was also a native of the Emerald Isle and was a large farmer there, who also operated a scutch mill for cleaning and preparing flax to be manufactured into linen. Flax is a staple crop in the province of Ulster, which includes county Antrim, and therefore the business is an important one in that locality. William G. Boyle was married to Miss Maria Wallace, also a native of county Antrim and the family remained residents of that locality until 1865, when they came to the United States. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world they did not tarry on the eastern coast but they made their way at once to Waukesha, Wisconsin, where the father engaged in merchandising and also in agricultural pursuits. In 1871 he removed with his wife and children to southwestern Iowa. His life was one of intense and well directed business activity and thus he has provided a comfortable living for his family. His last years were spent in Kansas, where

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he passed away on the 1st of June, 1904, at the age of eighty-one years, having for a brief period survived his wife, who died in 1900.
     Dr. Boyle, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of eight years when brought by his parents to the United States. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Wisconsin and subsequently he enjoyed the benefits of instruction in Amity College, of Iowa. In early manhood he engaged in teaching for a number of years in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor although he was successful as a teacher both in the matter of discipline and instruction. It was his desire, however, to become a member of the medical profession and to this end he began study in 1883. He was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia with honors in surgery as a member of the class of 1887 and located for practice at Paola, Kansas. He afterward spent fifteen years in Lewisburg, that state, and for two years was located at Winfield, Kansas, in the practice of medicine and surgery. Since 1904 he has resided in Enid and has secured an extensive business here as he has given proof of his ability to correctly diagnose a case and administer remedial agencies. Excellent results have attended his efforts and he is now accorded an extensive patronage. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession through his membership with the County and State Medical societies and also the American Medical Association.
     Dr. Boyle is a representative of the Masonic fraternity and has served as senior warden of Enid Lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A. M., as high priest of Enid Chapter, R. A. M., and as worthy patron of the Eastern Star a fact which indicates his high standing among his brethren of the craft. He has also been exalted ruler of the Elks lodge, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to other fraternal organizations, being in hearty sympathy with the principles and purposes of these societies. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and his influence is always found on the side of truth, justice and right. Highly respected for his good qualities as a citizen and standing high in his profession, he has, moreover, gained that warm personal regard which makes his an extensive circle of friends.
     Dr. Boyle married Miss Annie Farnham, of Paola, January 18, 1888. One child, Claire, a daughter, was born of this union. She is a student in the college of Emporia, Kansas. Mr. Boyle died at Winfield, Kansas, June 25, 1903.


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D. W. EASTMAN. The distinctive and specific office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself or his accomplishments but rather to establish his record by the consensus of public opinion and while D. W. Eastman does not claim any special credit for what he has accomplished it is well known that there are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which are uniformly accorded him. With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. He has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellowmen and himself; he has never swerved from the path of duty and at the same time he has been a forceful factor in public life in Kansas and is now equally prominent in Oklahoma.
     Mr. Eastman was born in Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 18th of September, 1839, and is a son of William and Sabra (Wallace) Eastman. The father, a native of Canada, was a minister of the Methodist church, devoting his life to the cause of Christianity. He died in Ohio in 1842 at the comparatively early age of twenty-nine years, his birth having occurred in Canada in 1813. His wife, a native of New York, was born in 1818 and died in 1889. Following the loss of her first husband she married again and the family removed to Michigan in 1847.
     In that state D. W. Eastman of this review was reared and in early boyhood worked at farm labor, becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When eighteen years of age he began working as a farm hand in the employ of others, following that occupation through the summer months, while in the 'winter seasons he taught school. Desirous of acquiring a more advanced education he resumed his studies as a student in the high school at Battle Creek, Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1861.
    That year was a momentous one in the history of Mr. Eastman, for in the month of August he responded to the country's call for aid and enlisted in an independent regiment known as Merrill's Horse. Afterward by order of the war department this was

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mustered in as the Second Missouri Cavalry and with that command Mr. Eastman served until 1864, he reinlisting before his term expired in the same regiment and served in Missouri and Arkansas for some time, while during the latter part of the war he was in Tennessee. He participated in fifteen battles which contributed to the success that led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms. Although he enlisted as a private his meritorious conduct and his unfaltering loyalty won him promotion and he became successively sergeant, quartermaster, sergeant-major, of the regiment, first lieutenant, then adjutant. He then resigned in 1865 on account of death in his family. He certainly did his full duty to his country and with a most creditable military record returned to his home. After being mustered out Mr. Eastman engaged in farming until 1868, after which he turned his attention to merchandising, in which he continued for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Emporia, Kansas in 1871 and for several years conducted a drug store in that place. Deeply interested in politics, his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability called him to office. He was first appointed assistant postmaster at Emporia, Kansas and later his capability and fidelity in that position led to his selection for the position of county treasurer of Lyon county, to which he was reelected, serving for a term of four years. Further political honors were accorded him in his election to the legislature in 1893 at the time when the political strife was between the. Populists and the Republicans, each party putting forth most strenuous efforts to gain supremacy. It was a stirring time in the legislature and affairs were finally settled through the decision of the supreme court, which favored the Republicans. It was naturally to be expected that a man of Mr. Eastman's energetic nature and firm opinions would take an active part in the affairs of the times. He was also mayor of Emporia for one term and gave the city a business like, progressive administration. He likewise served as a member of the board of education and in every office which he filled made a creditable record for faithfulness and efficient integrity.
     In 1899 he was appointed receiver at the land office at Enid without his solicitation. Just prior to this he had been appointed supervisor of census for the fourth district of Kansas. He continued as supervisor until the office was discontinued but in the meantime had become much interested in the country and decided to remain here, believing that it was entering upon a most progressive era in its history. He took up the banking, real-estate and loan business and has been so engaged to the present time.
     Mr. Eastman is not only prominent in business circles but is well known and popular in other lines. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has been post commander and quartermaster general of the department. He was also, department commander, being elected to that office on the day that war was declared with Spain. He has always been deeply interested in the cause of the Union soldier and through his association with the Grand Army of the Republic maintains pleasant relations with those who as his fellow associates served with him on the battlefields of the south. He is also well known in Masonry as a member of the blue lodge and the commandry and his life is in harmony with the salient principles of the craft.
     In 1864 Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Marion H. Hale, a daughter of Hiram Hale, a native of Coldwater, Michigan. They became the parents of three children, of whom two are living and residents of Topeka, Kansas: William H. and Mary, the latter the wife of J. H. Abrams. Mr. Eastman, is a member of the Methodist church, active and prominent in its work. He is serving as one of the church trustees and as superintendent of the Sunday school, and in 1904 was a delegate to the general conference of the church at Los Angeles, California.
     Perhaps no better estimate of the character of Mr. Eastman could be given than in the following extract of a letter from Governor Hoch, who said: "Before removing to Oklahoma, Mr. Eastman was for many years one of the best known and most prominent and most highly esteemed public men of Kansas. He is a man of high character and I highly recommend him to those who wish to have business relations with him." While elected to many offices in Kansas he met defeat on one occasion when he was a Republican candidate for the constitutional convention. This was due to the fact that he is a well known temperance man and those opposed to temperance combined to cause his defeat. Mr. Eastman, however, would never swerve from a course which he believes to be right and stands as a splendid type of [page 443] honorable, progressive, patriotic American manhood. His life has at all times been straight-forward and he has used his ability —which, is of superior order, for the benefit of his community, his state and his country and at the same time in business affairs he has manifested the spirit of enterprise and industry most commendable.


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