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OLIVER J. FLEMING. Among the enterprising, progressive and successful business men of Enid is Oliver J. Fleming, who belongs to that class of representative American citizens who in promoting individual success contribute in large measure to the public welfare. He is the president of the Enid National Bank and is interested in other commercial enterprises, while in municipal affairs his influence is always found on the side of advancement and upbuilding. He was born in Frederick, Missouri, September 25, 1854. His father, A. A. Fleming, was a native of Kentucky and when a young man went to Missouri, where he engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. He served as a surgeon in. the Union army during the Civil war and rendered efficient aid to the sick and suffering. His wife bore the maiden name of Ellen Wirt and was a native of Kentucky.
     Oliver J. Fleming pursued his early education in the public schools of Missouri and afterward attended the State University, being thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. Early in his business career he became connected with mercantile interests in Kansas, removing to that state in 1876 and there residing until 1887, when he went to Kansas City, where he engaged in the real estate business. For six years he was identified with the interests of Missouri's western metropolis but in 1893 came to Oklahoma at the opening of the Cherokee strip. Settling in Enid, he purchased the Bank of Enid and became its president. It was organized with a capital of five thousand dollars and business was continued under the original name until 1896, when it became the Enid National Bank, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Fleming has since been president and owns ninety per cent of the stock. Banking institutions have been termed the heart of the commercial body, indicating the healthfulness of trade. A bank which follows a safe, conservative policy will do more to establish public confidence in times of general depression than any other one interest. The course maintained by the Enid National Bank has always been one which will bear closest investigation and scrutiny, and the success of the institution is indicated by the fact that while in 1893 it was capitalized for five thousand dollars and its deposits amounted to ten thousand dollars, today it is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars with deposits of six hundred thousand dollars. Aside from his banking interests Mr. Fleming is the owner of much real state, including both city and country property.
     In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Oliver J. Fleming and Miss Ella K. Letson a native of Kansas and a daughter of W. W. Letson. They now have two children, Frances F., the wife of Harry Alton, of Enid; and Edwin T., who is at home. In community affairs Mr. Fleming has ever taken a deep and helpful interest and has labored along progressive lines for the welfare of the community. He has served as treasurer of the school board and has done much toward securing the building of various railroad lines through the town, raising money for this purpose and otherwise using his influence in this direction, realizing how necessary for a city's development are its railroad connections. He has been president of the Commerce Club of Enid and socially is connected with the Masons, attaining the Knight Templar degree. He also belongs to the Presbyterian church and in all his life's relations he has never deviated from what his judgment has sanctioned as honorable between himself and his fellowmen. He regards his own self-respect and the esteem of his fellow townsmen as infinitely more valuable than wealth, fame or position and his life is largely exemplary of all that indicates loyal citizenship, honor in business and fidelity in friendship.

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cont.

LUCIUS M. CONKLING is the senior partner of one of the best known law firms of this section of Oklahoma-that of Conkling & Conkling, of Enid. He was born in Ohio, March 26, 1838. His father, David Conkling was a native of New York and a cousin of Senator Roscoe Conkling and in the late '20s removed to Ohio, where he remained until his death. He was a contractor and in that line did some important work, constructing the bridge over the Scioto river at Columbus, Ohio, and building other bridges of that locality. He afterward engaged in the practice of law, continuing a representative of the profession until his demise. His wife, Mrs.

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Cynthia (Hill) Conkling, also a native of New York, has also passed away.
     Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof Lucius M. Conkling began his education in the public schools of Ohio and afterward attended Otterbein University at Westerville, that state. Attracted to the legal profession by the fact that his father was a member of the fraternity and also probably by natural predilection he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He had gone to Iowa after completing his preparatory course and it was there that he was admitted to the bar and began practice, after which he went to Missouri. He was connected with the bar in the latter state for a few years and then returned eastward to New York. In 1885, however, he became a resident of Kansas and his son, L. G. Conkling, became his partner in a law practice at Kingman. There they remained in the successful prosecution of the profession until 1893, when at the opening of the territory they made their way to this locality. For sometime, however, Mr. Conkling retained his office and his residence in Kingman but returned to Oklahoma after a few years. In 1897, however, he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in active practice until 1907, when he again came to Enid and is now with his son, as senior partner of the firm of Conkling & Conkling. This is one of the strong legal combinations of this part of the state, both gentlemen being men of wide professional experience. Lucius M. Conkling has given careful preparation in all his law work, has thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life and of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. These are essential factors in success at the bar and have made him one of the strong practitioners of Garfield county.
     In 1859 Mr. Conkling was married in Pike county, Missouri, to Miss Mary Catherine Grim, who died in 1865. Later he wedded Miss Mary M. Mettler of New York, who is still living.
     Mr. Conkling is a Republican by birthright and preference. In 1854 his father was a member of the convention in Ohio that organized the Republican party in that state, previous to which time he had been an old line Whig. Lucius M. Conkling since attaining his majority has been an ardent advocate of Republican principles and has labored untiringly and effectively for Republican success. In 1900 he organized the Lincoln-McKinley Society in St. Louis, which numbered five thousand members and included many men of national reputation. None were eligible to membership in the organization except those who had voted for Lincoln in 1860 or in 1864. He has in his office a relic which is of great historic interest and which he prizes very highly. It is an American flag made by the women of Sangamon county, Illinois and presented to him when he was president of the Lincoln-McKinley Association. It was carried in the convention which nominated Lincoln and has since been carried in every Republican national convention to the present time. Mr. Conkling has been an Odd Fellow for thirty years and has passed through all of the chairs in the order. Although he has attained the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime. His years rest lightly upon him and he is a vigorous, active man who is here recognized as an able member of the bar. His memory, however, possesses many events of great importance to the country and he is a most entertaining talker, his conversation being enriched by interesting reminiscences of former days.

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cont.

I. G. CONKLING. The name of Conkling is a familiar one to those acquainted with Enid, for among the respected and forceful citizens here I. G. Conkling is numbered. He devotes his time and energies to the practice of law and moreover had the honor of serving as the first judge of Garfield county. His entire life has been passed in the west and he possesses the spirit of enterprise and determination which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. His birth occurred in Pike county, Missouri, July 7, 1863, and he is a son of L. M. Conkling, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. The family removed to New York during the boyhood days of our subject and he was educated in the public schools there and in Cook's Academy at Montour Falls, being graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1881. He then took up the study of law. In 1885 the family removed to Kansas, in which year he was admitted to the bar and entered upon practice with his father in Kingman that state. In 1893 on the opening of the Cherokee strip he came to Enid and has since continued a practitioner at the bar here. His success in a professional way affords the

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best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. His success has come to him as the reward of earnest endeavor, fidelity to trust and recogonized ability. He was the first to be elected judge of Garfield county and in that capacity served for two years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. In 1900 he was again called to office, being elected supervisor of census for Oklahoma.
     Mr. Conkling was married in 1888, in Kingman, Kansas, to Miss Nettie Hinton, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Dr. Edward H. Hinton, of Kansas. Mr. Conkling belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Enid, was its first master, and is a member of Enid chapter, R, A. M. His salient characteristics as displayed in his official service, his professional career and his private life are such as commend him to the confidence and good will of all who know him.

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cont.

B. F. BUFFINGTON, engaged in the abstract business in Enid, belongs to that class of men whose inherent force of character, determined purpose and laudable ambition have constituted the rounds of the ladder on which they have climbed to success. He was born in Ohio, September 13, 1849, and with limited capital started out in life on his own account. His father, Miffin Miller Buffington, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when young removed to Ohio. He afterward prepared by thorough study for the practice of dentistry and medicine and was long a prominent representative of the professions. During the Civil war he acted as a nurse at Camp Dennison in Ohio, and in his professional career he displayed that broad humanitarianism which prompts generous assistance to one's fellowmen. He married Sarah Carey, a native of Ohio, and continued a resident of that state until his death, which occurred in 1903, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
     B. F. Buffington acquired his early education through the medium of Ohio's public schools and afterward attended the South Salem Academy of that state. For fourteen years he devoted his time and energies to teaching, which he followed in Ohio, Nebraska and Iowa. At one time he was county superintendent of schools in Polk county, Nebraska, and in educational lines proved an able instructor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Turning his attention to other fields of activity, he was for ten years connected with the Osceola Nebraska Bank. He entered the institution as bookkeeper and was gradually promoted until he became cashier. The year 1892 witnessed his arrival in the Cheyenne country, Oklahoma, where he organized and conducted the first bank of Okarche, continuing in that enterprise for a year. He made the race to the Cherokee strip in 1893 and located a claim seven miles southwest of Enid, after which he took up his abode thereon, thus becoming a factor in the development of a new district during its formative period. His salient qualities made him well fitted for leadership and his fellow townsmen recognizing his ability, have depended upon him to aid in conserving the public welfare. In 1895 he embarked in the abstract and conveyancing business, having the first set of abstract books in Enid. He has met with good success in this undertaking and has, built up a business which is now large and profitable. Mr. Buffington served as deputy county clerk for two years.
     Mr. Buffington was married in Ohio in 1874, to Miss Isabelle Ellis, a daughter of Samuel Ellis of the Buckeye state, and they became the parents of one daughter, Ethel, who is now the wife of E. E. Cones, of Comanche county, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Buffington are widely and favorably known in Enid and this part of the state and their good qualities of heart and mind make them popular in the community. Mr. Buffington belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen camp, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He is a good citizen and highly respected, although modest and unassuming in manner but through the faithful performance of each day's duty that has come to him he has made progress in his business and gained the unqualified confidence and good will of his fellow citizens.

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cont.

DR. JOSEPH H. ROBERTS, who practices medicine with a sense of conscientious obligation that indicates his full realization of the duties and responsibilities that devolve upon him in this connection, has now a liberal patronage that is at once indicative of his skill and of the confidence reposed in him by the general public. He was born in Abingdon, Virginia, October 29, 1873. His father, Henry B. Roberts, is also a native of

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the Old Dominion and a representative of one of its early families. He is still living there and has devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and to the lumber business. In early manhood he wedded Miss Mary Catherine Hortenstine, also a native of Virginia, who died in August, 1906.
     Dr. Roberts, reared under the parental roof and educated in the public schools, afterward attended the Randolph-Macon Academy and King College. He prepared for a professional career as a student in the University of Virginia. He pursued a medical course and in due time was graduated with the class of 1897. He located for practice in Abingdon, Virginia, where he remained for a short time and in 1898 he came to Oklahoma, settling at Medford, where he opened an office and began practice. He removed to Enid in July, 1907, and has since continued in practice here with a well equipped office in the Stephenson building. Ambitious to attain the highest degree of proficiency possible in his profession he studied in New York in 1907, doing post-graduate work. He is a member of the County and State Medical Societies and through the inter-change of thought and experience keeps in touch with the progress of the medical fraternity, which through measures of research and investigation is making constant progress toward the most desired perfection.
     In 1899 Dr. Roberts was married to Miss Margaret Kreger, a native of Virginia and a daughter of John Kreger. They now have two children; Catherine, who was born March 2, 1901; and Evelyn, November 1, 1904. Dr. Roberts and his wife are prominent socially, .the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended them. He is a member of Enid Lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M., and belongs to the Presbyterian church at Enid. He is regarded in this community as a young man of large promise with a bright future before him because he concentrates his energies with undivided attention upon his professional duties and is most conscientious in their discharge. He is very careful in the diagnosis of a case and while never quick to discard the old and time tried methods, the value of which have been proven in years of practice, he nevertheless takes up new improved ideas for the benefit of his fellowmen.

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cont.

GUY S. MANATT is one of the younger representatives of the legal fraternity in Garfield county, yet his years seem no bar to his progress and he has already attained a success which many an older man might well envy. He was born in Brooklyn, Iowa, on the 1st of June, 1878. His father, Wesley Manatt, was a pioneer of that state. In the year 1849 the grandfather, William Manatt, removed from Ohio to Iowa which state had but recently been admitted to the Union. There he established the town of Brooklyn, being one of the first settlers in Poweshiek county, and an active factor in its progress and development for many years. The work which he instituted was carried on by his son, Wesley Manatt, who for a considerable period made his home in Brooklyn. He was throughout his active business career an enterprising, progressive merchant but is now living retired and in well earned ease resides in Grinnell, Iowa. His wife, who bore the maiden, name of Emily Smith, is a native of Kentucky.
     Guy S. Manatt, educated in Iowa College at Grinnell and at Notre Dame University in Indiana, supplemented his more specifically literary training by study in preparation for a professional career. Determining to engage in the practice of law as a life work he pursued the law course in the Iowa State University and was graduated in 1901. He then began practice In Grinnell but after one year came to Enid in 1902 and joined John F. Curran in a partnership, which existed for a short time. In 1904 he became a partner of H. J. Sturgis under the firm style of Manatt & Sturgis. Although young men they have demonstrated their power to bring to a successful solution the complex problems of the law and are enjoying a large and constantly increasing clientage. Mr. Manatt is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has been its secretary for three years, a fact which indicates his popularity in the order.

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cont.

ALBERT A. TRAVER is a young man who has already achieved more than local distinct<ion as an architect. He is practicing his profession in Enid and a number of substantial structures of this city stand as monuments to his skill and ability, including some of the fine residences here. Mr. Traver is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Conneaut, Ashtabula county, on the 9th of June, 1878. His father, George W. Traver, was a native of Vermont and married Miss Tillie Alexander. On leaving New

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England he resided for a time in Canada and afterward in Alabama. In the early '70s he became a resident of Ohio, establishing his home at Conneaut, Ashtabula county. He still resides in that state and is well known in insurance circles, having long been connected with that business.
     Albert A. Traver, entering the public schools, passed through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student of Conneaut, and was there graduated with the class of 1895. Later he attended the Armour Institute at Chicago, where he studied architecture, remaining in the Institute for three years. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test through connection with various architects' offices in Chicago and in Cleveland. Ohio, constantly broadening his ability through experience. In 1907 he decided to try a new country and came to Enid, where he has made a very encouraging start, having designed and erected some of the fine residences of this city, while his patronage gives every promise, of a rapid and substantial increase.
     In 1906 Mr. Traver was married to Miss Gertrude Watson, a native of Ohio, and they are well known socially here. Mr. Traver belongs to Evergreen Lodge, No. 222, A. F. & A. M. at Conneaut, Ohio, and has found many friends among the Masons of Enid.

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cont.

VAL JOHNSON, whose activity in business has made him one of the prominent residents of Garfield county, has been a factor in its development, largely through the improvement and sale of lands. He has been instrumental in inducing many to locate here and in bringing to the county a class of substantial citizens whose efforts are doing much for the upbuilding of this section of the state. Numbered among the native sons of Tennessee, Val Johnson was born September 26,1853, of the marriage of James N. and Margaret (Cox) Johnson, who were likewise natives of the same state. The father was a cousin of Andrew Johnson, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He learned and followed the cooper's trade, pursuing that occupation in Tennessee for some time and in 1860 he removed with his family to Missouri, settling in Sullivan county. There he continued to make his home for a long period, passing away in 1905, at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, his birth having occurred in 1812.
     Val Johnson was but seven years of age when his parents went to Missouri and he pursued his education in that state and in Nebraska. He removed to the latter state in 1876, when a young man of twenty-three years and engaged in farming and in the stock business. He also took up the study of veterinary surgery and after qualifying for practice followed the profession, devoting ten years of his life to that calling. The year 1893 witnessed his arrival in Enid, at which time he took up a claim fifteen miles southeast of the city, comprising two hundred and sixteen acres of rich and arable land. He proved it up and then sold it and invested his money in land adjoining the city of Enid. He, however, lived upon his claim for eight years. He now owns and occupies a farm just outside the corporation limits of Enid, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. He cultivates this together with two other farms, his time and attention being fully occupied by his agricultural pursuits in the care of three hundred and sixty acres of rich Oklahoma land. He has also been largely engaged in real state transactions since coming to Garfield county and four years ago opened an office, since which time he has largely given his attention to the supervision of an extensive and growing real estate business. He also practiced veterinary surgery in the county for seven years. His interests have been varied and his labors have been attended with a very gratifying measure of success. While managing his individual property, he has also co-operated in many movements which have been a source of benefit and upbuilding in the county. In the interests of his real estate business he has traveled extensively, exploiting the advantages of the state and bringing in many outside people. He has sold one farm in the county five times in ten years, and something of the increase in value of property is indicated by the fact that the first sale price was six hundred dollars, on the second occasion it brought nineteen hundred and fifty dollars, on the third thirty-five hundred, while at the fourth the purchase price was sixty-five hundred and when it was sold the last time it brought eighty-four hundred dollars. Mr. Johnson also bought one farm at ten dollars per acre and upon it in the following year raised crops to the value of seventeen hundred dollars. The next year his farm products brought him fourteen hundred dollars and the third year nine

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teen hundred dollars. He paid fifteen hundred dollars for the property and at the end of the third year sold it for fifty-five hundred dollars. This place was situated fifteen miles southeast of the city, adjoining his homestead. On the 20th of September, 1905, he purchased a farm for eighty-three hundred dollars and in 1907 refused twenty-five thousand dollars for this property, which adjoins the city on the west. During the second year in 1894, he rented one hundred acres which had been planted in wheat but the crop had failed and he leased the property for twenty-five cents per acre. He had one horse and utilized this in planting his crop, his eldest boy dropping the seed by hand. He sowed Kaffir corn and cultivated an extensive crop in spite of the prediction of failure which was made by all who knew of his work. He raised forty bushels to the acre. He also fed a carload of hogs the first year and secured sixty head of cattle with the profits of his crop. The third year he sold cattle to the value of twenty-five hundred dollars. It was thus he made his start and as the years have passed his business operations have constantly increased in volume and importance, making him one of the prosperous residents of this part of the state.
     In 1878 occurred the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Helen Kenyon, a native of Wisconsin. Unto them were born seven children, of whom four are now living, Oral V., Hetta J., Levi H. and Funston Teddy. They also lost three children, James R., Claudia and one who died in infancy.
     Mr. Johnson is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Nakomis Lodge, A. F. & A. M. and he is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah lodge. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the Republican party and he does everything in his power to honorably promote its interests, and secure its successes. For four years he served as deputy sheriff of the county. There is perhaps no resident of the county who has promoted its interests and upbuilding in material lines to a greater extent and the value of his service is widely acknowledged by his fellow townsmen. He has watched its growth and development from the earliest stages since it was opened up for settlement and his name is an honored one in the county.

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cont.

CHARLES B. LONGCOR is capably filling the position of register of deeds in Garfield county, to which office he was elected by popular ballot September, 1907. He has for a number of years been known as an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of this locality, his home being nineteen miles southwest of Enid. He was born in Iowa, July 6, 1872. His father, William Longcor, was a native of Indiana and went to Iowa in the '50s, there following the occupation of farming for a number of years. In 1878 he removed to Kansas, where he has since made his home and is recognized as one of the reliable citizens and a trustworty business man who has never been prominent in politics nor cared for office and yet he commands the esteem and good will of his fellowmen in large degree. In early manhood he wedded Miss Ella Moore, a native of Iowa, and she is also living at this writing, in 1908.
     Charles B. Longcor was a young lad at the time of his parents' removal from Iowa to Kansas and in the latter state was reared and educated. He early became familiar with the duties and labors of the farmer and was identified with agricultural pursuits in the Sunflower state until his removal to Oklahoma, when he settled upon a claim in Garfield county about nineteen miles southwest of Enid. Here he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land. The soil is rich and productive and responds readily to the care and cultivation he bestows upon it, bringing forth good crops. He also raises stock and his business is well managed and brings him gratifying success. In 1896 Mr. Longcor was married to Miss Sadie Donnolly, a native of Kansas, and they have two children, Harold and Theodore. Mr. Longcor belongs to the Lahoma Masonic lodge and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the Republican party and it was upon its ticket that he was elected register of deeds in September, 1907. He has always taken an active part in politics, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does everything in his power to promote Republican successes. For six years he has been a member of the Republican county committee. He is a popular man and good official and has been numbered among the residents of Garfield county since the day when it was opened to the general public.

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R. W. SHAW. The visitor to Oklahoma is always impressed with the beauty and substantial qualities manifested in the up building of its towns and cities. There have come into this portion of the country men of marked enterprise and strong purpose and in establishing the centers of trade here they have brought to bear the most progressive ideas concerning town building., The labors of the architect therefore are in constant demand and R. W. Shaw by reason of his ability in this line is building up an excellent business in Enid. He was born, in Joe Daviess county, Illinois, September 21, 1880, a son of C. L. and Sarah (Luther) Shaw, who are also natives of Illinois. The father remained a resident of Joe Daviess comity until 1885, when he removed with his family to South Dakota, where he resided for seven years. He then returned to Illinois in order to afford better educational privileges for his family of six children, pf whom R. W. Shaw is the second in order of birth. He continued a resident of his native state until 1900, when he came to Enid. Here he embarked in business as general contractor but is now engaged in the real estate business and is recognized as one of the forceful diligent and energetic business men' of the city.
     R. W. Shaw, attending the public schools, completed a high-school course in Geneseo, Illinois, by graduation with the class of 1900. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade and at the same time studied architecture through the medium of the Scranton Correspondence School. He likewise learned cabinet making and detail drafting and thus gained a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of business interests which make him particularly proficient in the profession which he is now following. He worked as a draftsman for different architects for some time and in 1895 began business on his own account at Enid. His services have been again and again called into requisition and his success is creditable.
    There are today in Enid many evidences of his skill and handiwork. He was one of the architects in charge of the Christian University buildings at Enid and personally superintended the work on the ground. He has also done work in his profession in connection with the high school and second ward school buildings, First Baptist church, and many other structures in this locality. Some of the finest residences are also evidences of his skill in architectural lines and he is a member of the State Association of Architects, which he joined upon its organization. He has put forth earnest effort in acquiring a high degree of proficiency and is justly accounted one of the foremost architects of this part of the state.
     In August, 1906, Mr. Shaw was married in Denver, Colorado; to Miss Emma Coulter, a daughter of the Rev. C. J. Coulter, pastor of the North Side Baptist church of Denver. Mrs. Shaw is an accomplished lady whose natural culture and refinement have been supplemented by liberal education. She is particularly proficient in music and in Denver engaged in teaching that art.
     Mr. Shaw is a stalwart Republican, always, interested in public affairs and keeping well informed on the questions of the day, political and otherwise. He belongs to Enid Lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A. M. and to the Modern Woodman camp. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church and he is a member of the managing board of Christian Endeavor of the Evangelical church of the United States, having charge of the department of literature. He is also county president of the Sunday School Association and his labors have been a strong and salient element in the moral progress and upbuilding of his church in this community. His life is at all times actuated by high and honorable principles and thus personally and professionally he enjoys the regard of his fellow citizens.

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cont.

C E. DAMRELL, M. D., filling the position of county physician in Garfield county, has made for himself a creditable name and place in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and capability. His life record began in Missouri on the 20th of November, 1874. He was born in the town of Florida in the same house in which the birth of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) occurred. His father, G. C. Damrell, was a native of Kentucky but in early life removed to Missouri, where he followed farming as a life work, spending his remaining years in that state. He died, however, during the boyhood of his son C. E. Damrell, and the mother, Mrs. Mary (Underwood) Damrell, a native of Virginia, also passed away during his youth.
     Dr. Damrell of this review was thus early left an orphan but although deprived of parental guidance he learned in youth

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to place a correct value upon those things in life which are worth while. He has never been content with the second best but has at all times worked toward perfection in his professional career. He was a student in the high school at Sturgeon, Missouri, from which he graduated, and later attended the Wentworth Military Academy at Lexington, Missouri, completing his course there by graduation in the class of 1894. He then studied medicine and was graduated in 1898 from the Central Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri. Thus well equipped for his chosen calling he located for practice in Shelbyville, Missouri, where he remained for six years. Thinking to find a still better field of labor in the rapidly developing city of Enid, he located here in January, 1904, and has since been a general practitioner at this point. He is now county physician and also county superintendent of the board of health, and in these connections is doing effective work toward promoting sanitary conditions and also in the relief of those upon whom disease has fastened. His private practice is also growing and the general public acknowledges his professional worth.
     In 1898 Dr. Damrell was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Rush, who died in 1904. He has since married again, his second union being with Zoe Gehde, a native of Marshalltown, Iowa. They now have two interesting children, Merritt and Marion.
Dr. Damrell in his social relations is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and other societies. His political allegiance is unswervingly given to the Democracy, for he believes that its principles are most conductive to good government. Professionally he is connected with the County, the State and the American Medical Association and of the first mentioned is now secretary and treasurer. He has made a good record as a young man, his worth being widely recognized. Thrown upon his own resources in childhood his youth was largely a period of earnest struggle but his determination and energy enabled him to overcome many difficulties and obstacles and his laudable ambition has brought him a goodly measure of professional success.

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cont.

J. J. CUNNINGHAM is the efficient secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, in which connection he is bending his energies toward the upbuilding of the city in its trade and business relations. That his labors are effective and generally acceptable, is shown by the endorsement of the members of the Chambers of Commerce and others well known in Enid. He is numbered among the citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to the new state, his birth having occurred in Philadelphia, on the 30th of July, 1869. His father, John Cunningham, was a native of Scotland but when a boy went to Ireland and in early manhood crossed the Atlantic to the United States, attracted by the favorable reports which he heard concerning America and her opportunities. He first settled in Philadelphia, living there for a number of years but afterward removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where his last days were passed. His wife, Matilda (Doherty) Cunningham, was also a native of Ireland.
     When a youth of six years J. J. Cunningham was sent to the public schools of Philadelphia and acquired a fair English education there. Following his removal to the west he located at Hiawatha, Kansas, where he engaged in farming for four years. Ever watchful of opportunities, the changes that he made in his business career have been prompted by a desire to improve his condition and to extend the field of his usefulness and activity. After four years devoted to farm labor he began railroad work at Warrensburg, Missouri, and in 1887 went to Kansas City, where he engaged in railroad work for the Kansas City Belt Railway for five and a half years. He was next connected with the Kansas City & Northwestern Railroad Company for eight years and in 1901 became a resident of this state, settling at Blackwell, Oklahoma, in the employ of the Blackwell, Enid & Southwestern Railroad Company. In March, 1902, he removed to Vernon, Texas, to look after the interests of the same road at that place but later in the year came to Enid to fill the position of general freight and passenger agent of the Denver, Enid & Gulf Railroad. He thus made constant advance in railroad circles, being called to positions of administrative direction and executive force and in July, 1907, when the line was sold to the Santa Fe System he became a representative of the latter as traveling freight passenger agent continuing to fill the position until September, 1907, when he resigned to accept the present position as secretary of the Enid Chamber of Commerce. During his railroad service in the southwest

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he has gained an intimate knowledge of the resources, of opportunities and possibilities of the country and no one could be better qualified to fill his present position. In this connection he has opportunity to bring to public notice the interests of the county and city and his labors in this direction are proving of tangible benefit.
     Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Cunningham was married in 1897 to Miss Rebecca Goddard, a native of Kansas and they have two sons, George and Paul. Mrs. Cunningham is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security. Throughout his life he has realized that industry and diligence are ever forceful factors and as the years have passed these qualities have gained him success and more than local distinction as a, successful and enterprising business man.

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cont.

L. W. LYONS. The rapid development of the southwest has given rise to the establishment of varied business enterprises and industries. The new and growing towns of Oklahoma have attracted to them men of strong purpose who through ambition and energy are winning success and at the same time are directing the public affairs. To this class belongs L. W. Lyons, .a grain merchant of Enid. His life record began on the 3d of March, 1863, in the state of Iowa. His father, W. W. Lyons, was a native of Ohio and when a young man went to Iowa, where he resided until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he offered his services to the government and joined the Twenty-first Iowa Regiment as a private. His service covered three years and three months with the western army, during which time he participated in many important engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded at Black River Bridge but' continued at the front, assuming active duty on the field as soon as his health permitted. His valor and meritorious conduct on the field of battle won him promotion and he was mustered out with the rank of captain. He afterward took up his abode at Grinnell, Iowa, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Nebraska and there engaged in the grain business. He continued a resident of that state until his demise, his death occurring in Hastings in 1896, when he had reached the age of seventy years. In early manhood he wedded Janette Beady, a native of New York.
     The public schools constituted the medium whereby L. W. Lyons mastered the common branches of English learning. At the age of sixteen years he started out in life on his own account and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so that he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, being entirely a self-made man. When nineteen years of age he engaged in the grain trade in the employ of others and when twenty-three years of age embarked in business on his own account, purchasing his first elevator. In 1902 he removed to Enid and became connected with R. W. Wirt. Since that time the business has rapidly developed and the firm are now owners of sixteen elevators with headquarters at Enid. Their business has reached extensive and profitable proportions and the firm of Wirt & Lyons is one of the most prominent in the grain trade of this section of the state.
     In 1886 Mr. Lyons was married to Miss Ida M. Cole, a native of Illinois. They are prominent socially and the hospitality of Enid's best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Lyons holds membership with the Masons, the Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and other fraternal societies. He is likewise president of the Chamber of Commerce, in which connection he is doing much to promote the city's welfare. He is a vigorous, outspoken man,. of quick discernment and keen foresight, whose judgment in business matters is seldom if ever at fault. He belongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future has in store for this great and growing district, and acting in accordance with the dictates of his birth and judgment he is garnering in the fullness of time the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise.

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cont.

J. H. BARNES, M. D. There is no middle ground in the medical profession. One must either advance or be left behind in that march of progress which is characteristic of the medical fraternity. It is impossible to stand still and the capable, successful physician is he who keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the profession, constantly enlarging his outlook and promoting his

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efficiency by study, research and investigation. Such has been the history of Dr. J. H. Barnes of Enid, who was born at Beaver Dam, Kentucky, May 10, 1872. His parents were Joseph and Martha (Miles) Barnes, both natives of the Blue Grass state and representatives of old families there. The father is still living on the farm, which has been his home for forty years.
     Dr. Barnes, reared under the parental roof, acquired his preliminary education in the schools of his native state and afterward took up the study of medicine at Louisville, being graduated from the university there with the class of 1901. He began practice in Jet, Oklahoma, in the same year and in 1907 came to Enid. Prior to this time he had engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery but since coming to Garfield county he has specialized in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He devoted one year to study in these special branches in Chicago before coming to Enid and is well equipped for the department of medical science to which he is now devoting his energies. He is a member of the State and County Medical Associations and of the latter is serving as secretary—a fact which indicates that although he is a newcomer in this district he stands high among his professional brethren.
     Dr. Barnes was married in 1901 to Miss Ethel Kilpatrick, a native of Alabama, and unto them have been born two sons, Moorman and Chester. The Doctor is in hearty sympathy with the basic principles upon which the Masonic fraternity rests and is identified through membership with the blue lodge. He also belongs to the Baptist church and is interested in the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community.

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cont.

CARL KRUSE, attorney at law at Enid, was born in Springville, Erie county, New York, January 6, 1875. His father John Kruse, was a native of Mechlenburg, Germany, and when a young man of twenty-eight or thirty came to the United States. He first located in Buffalo, New York, but afterward removed to Erie county that state, where he turned his attention to farming, still making his home there. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Renning) Kruse, is a native of New York.
     At the usual age, Carl Kruse entered the public school and therein mastered the usual branches of learning taught through public instruction. He prepared for the bar as a student in the Buffalo Law School, from which he was graduated in due course of time and later he pursued post-graduate work in the law department of the State University of Missouri. He is also a graduate of a high school of Buffalo. He has been a resident of Enid since February, 1904, at which time he opened an office here and began practice alone but in 1905 formed a partnership with W. H. Hills, under the firm style of Kruse & Hills. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer, a keen, rapid, logical mind and a ready capacity for hard work, he brought to the starting point of his professional career certain rare gifts, an eloquence of language and a strong personality. In his presentation of his cases he is thorough and forceful and his deductions follow in logical sequence, while his conclusions are reached by a train of reasoning that is seldom seriously questioned.
     Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Kruse was married in 1903 to Miss Clara Lyman, a native of Quincy, Illinois, and they now have two children, Margaret and Virginia. They also lost their first born, Alton, who died in infancy. Mr. Kruse has membership relations with the Yeomen and the Fraternal Aid Association. His political views are in harmony with the principles of the Republican party and he exercises his right of franchise in support of its men and measures. He was appointed in 1906 to fill a vacancy on the school board and in 1907 was elected to that office and was elected president and was again elected to the office in 1908. Reared as a farmer boy he gained his education under difficulty, providing the expense necessary in a college course. He possessed strong determination, however, and this enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles which would utterly have discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit. His ambition has at all times been most commendable and has been the stimulus that has prompted him to untiring diligence in winning his present creditable position ,as a member of the Enid bar.

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cont.

WILLIAM M. RANDELS. The rich soil of Oklahoma affords excellent opportunities to the agriculturist in the production of grain and as the country is becoming rapidly settled the state is becoming a splendid grain market and the men who are connected with the grain trade are meeting with very substantial success. To this class belongs William M. Randels, and well known in his

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community his life record cannot fail to prove of interest to his fellow citizens. He was born in Salem, Ohio, October 12, 1861. His father, William Randels, also a native of that locality, followed farming throughout his entire life in support of his family, and died there in 1887, at the age of fifty-six years. In politics he was a stalwart Republican and held various local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. The cause or education found in him a warm friend and he did effective work in its behalf, while serving on the school board. He married Amanda Yates, also a native of Ohio.
     William M. Randels became a student in Mount Union College after acquainting himself with the preliminary branches of learning as taught in the public schools. After leaving college he engaged in teaching for a number of years, following that profession through the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to farm work for seven years. With the tide of emigration which is steadily flowing westward he made his way to Kansas in 1891 and there engaged in farming for seven years. He afterward turned his attention to mercantile pursuits as a dealer in coal and grain and remained a resident of the Sunflower state until 1897, when he removed to Oklahoma, settling at Enid. Here he began dealing in grain, coal and produce in partnership with W. S. Grubb under the firm style of Randels & Grubb. He now confines his attention to handling grain and coal but his business in these lines has rapidly increased until he is now operating seventeen elevators tributary to Enid. His business furnishes an excellent market for the producers and his annual shipments are now extensive, making his business one of the important commercial interests of this locality. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Enid Wholesale Grain Company, a director of the Capital Grain & Elevator Company at Oklahoma City and was formerly the vice president of the Anthony (Kansas) State Bank.
     In 1886 Mr. Randels was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie A. Brown, a native of Ohio. Their eldest son, Ross M., is now deceased. Their daughters are Ora A., Florence M. and Mildred. The parents are members of' the Knights and Ladies of Security and Mr. Randels extends his membership relations to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the United Commercial Travelers. In the first named organization he has been an office holder since coming to this state. While living in Anthony, Kansas, he was a member of the city council for two years. His opinions upon questions of public importance is never an equivocal one. It is always found on the side of right and order, of progress and development. and Enid owes considerable to his efforts in its behalf, while in business affairs he stands as a representative of that high type of American manhood that in promoting individual success also advances general prosperity.

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cont.

JOSEPH MEIBERGEN. The commercial interests of Enid find a worthy representative in Joseph Meibergen, who is now conducting a clothing business in the town with which he has been continuously identified since the opening of the strip. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, July 30, 1869. His father, H. Meibergen, was a native of Holland, and when a young man came to the United States, settling in Missouri. There he engaged in merchandising, becoming a resident of St. Joseph, remaining there for a number of years. In 1870, he went to Downs, Kansas, and is still living in that state.
     Joseph Meibergen is indebted to the public-school system of Kansas for the educational opportunities he enjoyed and which qualified him for life's practical labors. After putting aside his text-books he spent two years with his father in the clothing business and when the Cherokee strip was opened up for settlement he came to Enid on the opening day. Here he established a clothing store which he has since conducted with growing success. He now has a well appointed store, which is neat and tasteful in its arrangements and he carries a large line of goods, while his business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. The firm is now Meibergen and Godschalk. The first store was a primitive affair, being a frame shack, but he is now located in one of the fine business blocks, being thoroughly up-to-date in all its appointments.
     Mr. Meibergen was married in 1890 to Miss Anna A. Price, a native of Missouri, and they have five children, Addie, Aline, Josephine, Joseph and Marella. Mr. Meibergen belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a gentleman of genial manner, popular with his fellow cit-

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izens. That he has their confidence and regard is indicated by the fact that he was elected mayor of the city and by reelection was continued in the office for four years. He made a popular and efficient chief executive and brought to bear in the discharge of his duties the same spirit of enterprise and progress which have characterized him in his business life. He has been identified with the development of this community from its pioneer days and in the intervening years his worth as a citizen and as a business man have been widely acknowledged.