-476-

HENRY A. NOAH. [page 475] Alva is especially fortunate in having been settled by people of brain and brawn, men whose shrewd foresight and determined energy [476] the way for the settlement of the Oklahoma strip, and who have since been active in developing its varied resources. Worthy of note among the number is H. A. Noah, a prominent lawyer of Alva, and one of its best known and most highly respected citizens. Coming from substantial New England ancestry, he was born, January 1, 1855, in the quaint old city of Salem, Massachusetts, and in its public schools acquired his first knowledge of books.
     Removing to Barber county, Kansas, in 1882, Mr. Noah located in Lake City, where he, studied law, and began the practice of his profession. Subsequently taking up his residence at Medicine Lodge, Kansas, he was there employed as a bookkeeper for four years. When, in 1893, this strip of the country was thrown open to prospectors, Mr. Noah took advantage of the opportunity for securing a home, made the race, secured a claim, and has since been an honored resident of Woods county. Continuing in his legal work, he has built up a successful practice, his professional knowledge, skill and ability being appreciated by his large clientele, and he is also carrying on a lucrative business as president of the Woods County Abstract Company, which he organized, and has since managed. A member of the Commercial Club, which is active in the improvement of town and county, he is one of the foremost in the establishment of beneficial enterprises.
     Mr. Noah married, in 1885, Hattie M. Buck, whose parents were born, of Scotch ancestry, in Vermont, but removed to Wisconsin in pioneer days, and there made a home for themselves and their family. Mr. and Mrs. Noah have five children. namely: Henry Lee, Charles Clay, Emma Gail, Philips B., and Lois Goldthwaite. A Republican in politics, Mr. Noah takes much interest in local and national affairs, but has never been an aspirant for official honors, his professional work demanded his time and attention.

-476-
cont.

JAMES P. RENFREW. Prominent among the representative citizens of Alva, Woods county, is J. P. Renfrew, who has been largely identified with advancing the growth and promoting the prosperity of this section of Oklahoma. A man of energy, and good business ability, he is widely known in connection with his journalistic work, and as editor and publisher of Renfrew's Record, exerts a healthful influence in the community. He is ever the encourager and supporter of everything calculated to benefit town or county, intellectually, socially or morally, and is greatly esteemed by his fellow-men for his enterprise and integrity.
     Mr. Renfrew was born, August 31, 1849, in Benton county, Iowa, and was educated in the public schools of Missouri. He subsequently taught school, and was employed as a tiller of the soil in Missouri and Kansas. In 1893 he came to Oklahoma, and, making .the race successfully, located a claim in Woods county, and at once began the improvement of his land. He afterwards taught school here for a time, the school being supported as in the olden times by the subscription plan. He took an active part in public affairs, and was the first treasurer of Woods county, being elected by the Populists. Leaving his claim in 1899, Mr. Renfew purchased the Alva Review, which he managed for three years, selling out in May, 1902. He then established Renfrew's Record, which he has since managed with characteristic success. It is a popular journal, having a large circulation, and through its seventeen hundred subscribers reaches a large proportion of the reading people of this part of Woods county.
     Mr. Renfrew married, in 1871, Ella Black, of Missouri, and they have two sons, namely: John A., engaged in business at Alva; and Rufus 0., a well-known business man of Woodward, Oklahoma. Mr. Renfrew is an influential member of the Democratic party, and takes a genuine interest in political affairs.

-476-
cont.

HENRY FRANCE. As president of the Bank of Commerce, at Alva, Oklahoma, Henry France is actively associated with the financial interests of Woods county, and is a potent factor in promoting and advancing its material prosperity. A man of sterling integrity and of recognized worth as a citizen, his business ability is unquestioned, and his character is above reproach. With these fine qualities, Mr. France stands high in the estimation of his fellow-men, and in the business world, where he is brought in close
contact with people of all classes and conditions.
     He was born, in 1861, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and was educated in Ohio and Illinois, migrating to Pratt county, Kansas, in 1883, where he bought land and devoted his time to farming and stock raising. Mr. France married in 1886, Mary E. Phillips of

-477-

Vermilion county, Illinois, and their family now consists of four children, namely: Mabel M., Ethel M., Albert H. and John J. Mr. France and family moved to Oklahoma in 1893, being successful in the race, procuring a claim about forty miles southeast of Alva, in what was then Woods county, but is now within the limits of Major county, and was there a resident until 1898. In that year as a Democrat he was elected treasurer of Woods county, and moved to Alva, which is his present home. After serving two years and nine months, in that capacity, he was elected county commissioner for one year, and in 1902 was again elected treasurer of Woods county, and at the expiration of his second term, was re-elected to the same office, and served most acceptably to all concerned, until the first day of January 1908. Woods county was one of the largest counties in Oklahoma, containing twenty-seven hundred and eighty-four square miles. Mr. France was an ardent, zealous, and untiring official, serving as an official of Woods county continually for eight years, He is ever found freely giving his time and ability for the upbuilding, and betterment of all governmental affairs. On March the second 1908, Mr. France was made president of the Bank of Commerce, at Alva, Oklahoma, and has since been its manager, conducting its interests with ability and fidelity.

-477-
cont.

R. W. WAIDLEY. A man of tried and true integrity, R. W. Waidley, cashier and manager of the Waynoka State Bank, stands high among the keen, progressive business men of Woods county, his estimable character and his capability giving him an important place in the community. He was born, in 1882, in Chase county, Kansas, which was his home until 1895. Coming with his parents to Oklahoma in that year he was educated in Alva, attending the public schools, and afterwards the Alva Normal School.
     For four years after leaving school, Mr. Waidley was bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Alva, while thus employed becoming very familiar with the banking business. When Mr. J. A. Stine organized the Waynoka State Bank, at Waynoka, his choice of a manager for the institution fell upon Mr. Waidley, who accepted the position of cashier, and while serving in that position has, also, had full charge of the bank. This bank, which was capitalized at $5,000, and has a surplus and undivided profits of $5,000, is doing well under the careful oversight of Mr. Waidley, its business having increased in, an encouraging manner, and the people's confidence in its soundness having been well established.
     Mr. Waidley married, in 1906, Mary P. Nickerson, and they have one child, Howard H. Politically Mr. Waidley is a Republican, and for a number of years has served as town treasurer. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

-477-
cont.

E. P. CLAPPER, M. D. Conspicuous among the talented and skilful physicians of Woods county is E. P. Clapper, M: D., of Waynoka, who by close attention to the duties of his profession has built up an excellent practice in this part of the state, in the meantime winning for himself an honorable reputation for his able and successful treatment of the many difficult cases that have come under his treatment. Born in Scotland county, Missouri, October 28, 1869, he acquired his elementary education in the common schools of his native state.
     Deciding to enter upon a professional career, Mr. Clapper entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, where, in 1901, he was graduated with the degree of M. D. Coming immediately to Oklahoma, Dr. Clapper chose Waynoka as a favorable place in which to locate, and the eminent success that has here attended his practice as a physician proves that he made no mistake in his selection, his patronage in town and country being extensive and remunerative.
     In 1893, Dr. Clapper married Belle Guinn, and to them two children have been born, Leon and Paul. The Doctor belongs to the Oklahoma Medical Society, and to the Woods County Medical Society, being an active member of each. Politically he supports the principles of the Democratic party by voice and vote, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

-477-
cont.

W. M. MONFORT. A man of enterprise, energy, and stability, W. M. Monfort, a well-known and popular druggist of Waynoka, is an active and worthy representative of the mercantile interests of this part of Woods county, and one of the prominent members of the community in which he resides. A native of Indiana, he was born, September 16, 1866, in Shelby county. When about three years of age, in 1869, his parents removed to Montgomery county, Kansas,

-478-

settling on a farm, his father there becoming engaged at first in agricultural pursuits, but afterwards embarking in the grain and elevator business.
     Having acquired a practical education in the Kansas schools, W. M. Monfort began life on his own account as a railroad man, for fifteen years being an. engineer. Desirous of a change of occupation and residence, he came, in 1899, to Oklahoma, locating in Alva, where for eighteen months he was employed in the drug business. Coming from there to Waynoka in 1901, he established his present drug store, and in its management has been exceedingly fortunate, having built up a large trade in this vicinity.
     Waynoka, one of the prettiest little towns of Woods county received its musical name from an Indian word meaning "good water," and the town's right to this name was clearly proven when the Santa Fe railroad made this a division point, a scientific analysis of the water showing almost unexcelled purity.
     Mr. Monfort married, in 1893, Miss Sallie B. Hawkins. Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Montfort is active in town and county affairs, affiliating with the Democratic party, and has served as clerk of both town and township, and for four years was town treasurer. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and of Waynoka Lodge No. 32, I. O. O. F.

-478-
cont.

WILLIAM HAVILAND. A young man of push, energy, and determination, William Haviland, of Alva, has, doubtless, a more thorough knowledge of the topography of Woods county than any other person, having as assistant surveyor for many years, and as surveyor, the position that he is now ably filling become well acquainted with every foot of its territory, generally speaking. A native of Kansas, he was born, November 17, 1876, in Arlington, Reno county.
     Removing with his parents to Colorado when a boy, he was there educated, finishing his studies at the State University, in Greeley, where he took the engineering course. The ensuing seven years he worked in the Leadville mines, and then came to Woods county, Oklahoma, as assistant county surveyor, serving in this capacity under his father, who was then the surveyor. In 1905 Mr. Haviland was elected surveyor of this county, and was re-elected to the same position in 1907, a fact that speaks for itself, proving his ability and trustworthiness in his line of work.
     Mr. Haviland married Lena B. Phillips, of Kansas, and their home is a pleasant meeting place for their many friends. Mr. Haviland has been very successful in business, acquiring valuable town property, and being owner of eighty acres of good land. Politically he is a loyal adherent of the Republican party.

478-
cont.

MARTIN MIMS FULKERSON. Standing prominent among the foremost citizens of Alva is Martin M. Fulkerson, president of the Alva National Bank, who is distinguished as a man of more than ordinary ability, and one eminently to be trusted. He is interested in the agricultural, industrial and commercial growth of his adopted state, and is a recognized authority on all matters of finance, in which he has had a practical experience, rendering his opinions of much value. A son of the late Albert C. Fulkerson, he was born in Catlettsburg, Boyd county, Kentucky, June 27, 1872, coming on both sides of the house from honored ancestry, his family record containing the names of many families of prominence in both Virginia and Kentucky, among them being found those of Johns, Loars, Martins, Mims, and Fulkersons. The history of the Fulkerson is known as far back as three hundred years, it having originated, probably, in England, the founder of the American family of that name having emigrated from that country to Virginia in 1673. He and his descendants were subsequently active in the upbuilding of Virginia, living there for several generations. From there, in 1800, one of his descendants, Martin Fulkerson, the great grandfather of Martin M., migrated to Kentucky, becoming a pioneer of prominence, and a leading citizen of that state. His son, Martin, Mr. Fulkerson's grandfather, although a southern man, and a large plantation and slave owner, espoused the Northern cause, and served as an officer in the Union Army, while his maternal grandfather was a captain in the Confederate Army. General Mims of Virginia, and Col. David Mims, of Kentucky, were both relatives of Mr. Fulkerson, being brothers of his grandmother. The Fulkersons have been for many years active in professional and financial circles, being either lawyers or bankers, Col. William Fulkerson, a brother of Albert C., having been one of the most noted lawyers of eastem Kentucky, while Col. Ahearn Fulkerson, another uncle, was a lawyer in Tennessee,

-479-

and for many years represented that state in Congress.
     Albert C. Fulkerson was educated for the bar, and in 1875 removed with his family from Kentucky to Wayne county, West Virginia, where he engaged in the practice of his profession, and was also interested in the raising of fine stock. Entering the political arena, he became an active member of the Democratic party, served three terms in the State Legislature, being Speaker of the House two terms, and while there served on the Governor's staff, during which time he had charge of the state troops during the Pittsburg and Wheeling riots, securing in that position the title of colonel. He was subsequently nominated for Congress, but on account of a serious throat trouble was forced to withdraw his name. For the benefit of his health, he then removed with his family to Kansas, and in that genial clime recovered much of his original vigor. He resumed his legal work, and also embarked in the newspaper business, becoming an allround Kansas boomer, and serving as judge of his district. Removing, in 1890, to Paola, Kansas, in order to take advantage of its school privileges, he became attorney for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and served in that capacity from 1886 until his death, in 1902. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, an Odd Fellow, and belonged to the Congregational church. The maiden name of his wife was Nannie Smith.
     Laying the foundation for his future education in the common schools of West Virginia and Kansas, Martin M. Fulkerson subsequently attended the high school in Paola, Kansas, one of the oldest and best educational institutions of that state, and was there graduated with the class of 1892. He afterwards took up a systematic course in literature and law with his father, from whom he doubtless inherited his love for study and research, and has since continued his literary work, in the pursuit collecting many books of value, his library being to-day one of the best and most complete of any in Oklahoma. As his father in his search .for health had found it necessary to live much in the open, Martin M. spent a large part of his earlier life in the country, where he learned to love the labor incidental to farming and stock-raising. When, therefore, in the eighties, his parents removed to the newer country of western Kansas, he ran wild with the cow boys, in the free life of the prairies gaining health, and strength to successfully cope with future struggles. During his school vacations, Mr. Fulkerson worked in dry goods and grocery stores, and on finishing school accepted the first opening, a clerkship in the large double queensware and grocery store, at Paola, where he, had charge of the grocery department until the fall of 1892. Accepting then the offered position of bookkeeper in the People's National Bank at Paola, Kansas, Mr. Fulkerson retained it until promoted, three years later, to teller. Subsequently, in 1897, he received another promotion, being made assistant cashier, and made one of the two active managers of one of the strongest banking institutions in eastern Kansas, serving with ability and fidelity in this capacity until the spring of 1902. Being then seized with the Oklahoma fever, Mr. Fulkerson traveled through the newly opened territory, but not being entirely satisfied with anything that he found returned to Kansas, and located at Caldwell, just two miles across the line, where he organized the Caldwell National Bank, of which he became managing officer, and later in the year he organized the Latham National Bank, at Latham, Kansas. In January, 1904, the looked for opportunity for Mr. Fulkerson to become in reality an Oklahoma citizen became evident, and he purchased the Alva National Bank, of which he has since been the managing officer, and its principal stockholder. He at once reorganized the bank, increased its capital, and has since been instrumental in enlarging its business. Its deposits have increased from $47,000 to $325,000, and today it has the largest capital, and is one of the best banks, of any in northwestern Oklahoma. Later in 1904, Mr. Fulkerson bought, and reorganized, the Capron State Bank, of Capron, Woods county, and the following year was made a stockholder in the Security State Bank of Mooreland, and a director of the First National Bank of Cherokee. Mr. Fulkerson's record as a banker is especially noteworthy, as when but thirty-one years of age he had the distinction of being president of two banks, vice-president of one, cashier of one, and a director of six. He is also identified with other enterprises, and after inducing the farmers of this vicinity to plant cotton organized the Alva Gin Company, and he is now serving as treasurer of the Oklahoma School Furniture Company, which owns the only furniture manufactory in the state.

-480-

     In Kansas City, Missouri, December 30, 1903, Mr. Fulkerson married Sarah, daughter of Joseph E. Hirst, a prominent banker and capitalist of that city. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, she is a woman of culture and refinement, active in church work, and a leader in literary circles. Believing that a banker should not meddle with politics excepting as a faithful citizen to see that good, clean men are elected to office, Mr. Fulkerson has never accepted official public positions. In national affairs, he is a Republican, but in local matters is independent, supporting without fear or favor the best man and measures. For a number of years he has been identified with fraternal organizations, joining the Masons in 1893, and having since taken many degrees, being now a Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar, and a Mystic Shriner. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee and the treasurer. For the past three or four years Mr. Fulkerson has been extensively interested in cattle ranching, with his partners handling a ranch containing about ten thousand acres. He likewise owns five quarter sections of land in this state, showing that he has faith in Oklahoma soil and climate, and has written and talked diversified farming ever since settling here.

-480-
cont.

WILLIAM N. BOGGS. Conspicuous among the pioneer settlers of Oklahoma is William N. Boggs, of Fairview, who is now serving as registrar of deeds, an office to which he was elected September 17, 1907. He is a man of upright principles, excellent ability, and sound judgment, and the architect of his own fortunes, his life furishing [furnishing?] a forcible example to the rising generation of the material success to be achieved by persevering industry and a wise system of economy. Coming to this section of the country more than a score of years ago, he subsequently secured a tract of wild land, and from this humble beginning has acquired a competency, fortune, seemingly, having smiled on his every effort. Since taking up his residence in Major county, he has assisted in its development, and won an honored position among its esteemed and valued citizens.
     A native of Indiana, Mr. Boggs was born, in 1858, in Clinton county, and was there bred and educated. He followed farming, the occupation to which he was reared, until 1885. Ambitious then to try for himself the advantages to be secured in a newer part of the country, he trecked to "No man's land," and settled on the wild prairie, at a point ninety-four miles distant from Dodge City, Kansas, which was the nearest railway station, it being on the Santa Fe road. There Mr. Boggs remained for a period of seven years, keeping busily employed all of the time. In 1892, when the Cheyenne country was opened up, he located at Taloga, where he lived for eighteen months. Removing then to Major county, Mr. Boggs took up a claim lying eight miles from Fairview, and has since placed many improvements of value upon it, rendering it one of the best and most attractive homesteads of this locality.

-480-
cont.

J. E. GARNETT. Among the more prosperous and progressive business men of Fairview is J. E. Garnett, well-known as one of the leading bankers of this part of the state. A native of Illinois, he was born, in May, 1871, in Hancock county, where he spent his boyhood days. He received excellent educational advantages, and in 1893 was graduated from the Gem City Business College.
     In 1899, Mr. Garnett began his banking career in Missouri, remaining there two years. Meeting with signal success in his operations in that state, he came, in 1901, to Oklahoma, locating in Grant county, where he organized the Citizens' Bank of Wakita which he conducted two years. The following six months he was employed as cashier of the Garber State Bank, Coming from there to Fairview in 1903, Mr. Garnett was active in the organization of the Fairview State Bank, with which the Bank of Rusk has since been consolidated, and has served with ability and fidelity as its president from the date of its incorporation. Possessing much executive and financial skill, he is influential in the promoting of business projects, and takes a prominent part in local affairs, being numbered among the leading men of the town.
     Mr. Garnett married Geraldine Walker, a daughter of Thomas and Mary E. (Atchison) Walker. Her father, a large landholder, and a retired farmer, was born and reared in Kentucky, while her mother was a native of Illinois. An influential worker in the Democratic ranks, Mr. Garnett was recently a candidate for state senator, and, although not elected, polled a large vote, winning three hundred Republican votes,

-481-

thus showing his popularity with all parties. He was also manager of J. C. Major's campaign, when he ran for the office of delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and was elected over a Republican majority of 418 by seventy-six votes. He has likewise served as mayor of Fairview one year, filling the chair acceptably to his constituents. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of Fairview Lodge No. 213, and its first Past Grand.

-481-
cont.

JAMES L. ADMIRE. Noteworthy among the thriving and substantial business men of Major county is James L. Admire, a leading merchant of Fairview. A man of diversified talent, possessing sound sense, excellent judgment, and keen perceptive faculties, he has met with uniform success in his undertakings, and has here built up an extensive and lucrative trade in general merchandise. He was born, May, 8, 1869, in Warrick county, Indiana, but was brought up in Kansas, and there acquired the rudiments of his education.
     After finishing the course of study in the public schools, Mr. Admire attended the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, near Chicago, remaining in that institution until 1891. Beginning life then on his own account, he came to Oklahoma in search of a favorable business opening, locating at Kingfisher, where for seven years he was actively employed in newspaper work, managing the Kingfisher Free Press. The ensuing five years, Mr. Admire was there engaged in mercantile pursuits, in that occupation being quite successful. In 1903 he settled at Fairview, and has here built up a large and prosperous business, his store being situated in a fine building, and in which he carries a choice line of goods. Pleasant to deal with, kind and accommodating, he has a most satisfactory trade, both in the city and in its suburbs.
     Mr. Admire married, in 1893, Jessie Foss, a daughter of S. H. Foss, of Maine, who went to Leadville, Colorado, when the boom was on in that locality, and was mine operator there until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Admire have two children, namely: Ethelyn and Richard. Mr. Admire takes great interest in political matters, being a zealous worker in the Republican party, a member of the State Committee of Major county, and a member, and the secretary, of the County Central Republican Committee. He is also prominent in fraternal organizations, belonging to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; to the Knights of Pythias; to the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and to the Modern Woodmen of America.
     Mr. Admire is a son of Hon. J. V. Admire, of Enid, Oklahoma, with whom there is hardly an old resident of either Kansas or Oklahoma not familiar. Mr. Admire, junior comes by his political and newspaper tendencies by heredity, as his father has been engaged in newspaper work from the time he returned from the Civil war down to the present.

-481-
cont.

JOHN W. BISHOP. The town of Cleo in Major county, on the north side of the Cimarron, was one of the early townsites of the Outlet and its energetic citizens bravely uphold that it will some time be a county seat and thriving commercial center. A commercial center it is, of considerable and growing importance. With the opening of the Strip in 1893 it is claimed that the government intended this site should be used for the county seat of old county "P." But as the course of events brought it out, Alva, some forty-five miles to the northwest, became the seat of the immense county of Woods, though, as stated, Cleo never ceased to hope that the original boundary lines would be restored and its claims for a county seat recognized.
     One of the oldest citizens of Cleo and one of the progressive party who have been so active in building up the commercial interests of the town during the last few years is the postmaster, John W. Bishop. He has served in that office since 1903. In the history of Woods county during the territorial regime he has other claims to distinction. Mr. Bishop came into the Strip at the time of the opening in 1893. He got three lots in Alva, but lived there only a short time and in 1894 came to Cleo and established the Cleo Chieftain. The Chieftain deserves special mention in the newspaper history of the territory as the first Republican journal that was founded in the old county of Woods. As a newspaper man, in the conduct of this paper, Mr. Bishop has been best known since coming to Oklahoma. In this field of enterprise he is not merely an index of public opinion, but is a pusher and organizer and has taken an active part in promoting the welfare and advancement of his home town and county. Mr. Bishop was born near Springfield, in

-482-

Sangamon county, Illinois, April 1, 1859, son of James and Mary Franklin (Zane) Bishop. His father, after spending his early life in New Jersey, came to Illinois (in 1852). By occupation he was a carpenter and ship joiner. In 1865 he moved to central Iowa, and lived there until his death which occurred in 1900. John W. Bishop lived in Iowa from 1865 until September 1885 and then removed to Kansas, where he was a member of the legislature during 1888-89. He received his education at Newton, Iowa, and in the Hazel Dell Academy and the Central Pella University. While a resident of Kansas he engaged in the real estate business, and in 1888 was admitted to the Kansas bar, while residing in Hamilton county. He had studied law in Newton, Iowa, but has never taken up the law as a profession. He has been active in Republican politics, and fraternally is an Odd Fellow.

-482-
cont.

J. A. FLOYD. Wide-awake, active and energetic, J. A. Floyd is, in western parlance, a hustler, and a lively representative of the progressive, brainy men who have been influential in the upbuilding of Fairview, and in the advancing of its business interests. He is widely known as a hotel keeper, and as a general merchant has an extensive patronage, both in and outside of the town. He was born, in 1863, in Clifton, Tennessee, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits.
     Educated in the high school of his native town, J. A. Floyd remained beneath the parental roof-tree until attaining his majority, assisting in the care of the farm. L He subsequently taught school for six years, and in the meantime read law for two years, obtaining much legal knowledge and wisdom. Possessing a good physique, vigorous and strong, he was an athlete of some note in his earlier days, and is still interested in athletic sports. Leaving Tennessee in 1891, Mr. Floyd came to Oklahoma, locating on the present site of the town of Fairview, and for a time was here employed in agricultural pursuits. When the town, for which he sold the site from his original purchase, was located the Rock Island Railroad Company bought a part of his farm, and the remainder he still has in his possession. With characteristic enterprise, Mr. Floyd was quick to engage in mercantile pursuits after the opening of the town, and was one of the pioneer merchants of the place. His operations as a grocer and general merchant being successful, he enlarged his scope of action, and erected the building in which his store is located, and in which he has a hotel containing seventy-two rooms. He is a most genial and accommodating host, and his hotel, which is first class in every respect, with charges of two dollars a day for guests, is well patronized by the traveling public. He has a double store, two departments, in one carrying a full line of staple groceries, while the other has an excellent stock of general merchandise, one of the largest and best in this part of the county. Mr. Floyd also has other interests of importance, running a rock manufacturing plant, and being a stockholder in the local creamery plant, of which he is president.
     Mr. Floyd married, in 1887, Fortasicue Montague, the daughter of a Tennessee merchant, and the descendant of an old and honored family of that state. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Miss Charlie M.; Josie; Cherry, one of the best base ball players in the state for his age; Ralph; and Edna. Politically Mr. Floyd is a stanch Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for public office. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; to the Daughters of Rebekah; the Knights of Pythias; and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

-482-

H. P. CUNNINGHAM. A prominent representative of the original settlers of Fairview, H. P. Cunningham, editor and publisher of the Fairview Republican, is a man of strong and intelligent convictions, and by the exercise of good business tact and judgment has accumulated considerable property in this locality. Since locating here in pioneer days he has watched the rapid growth of the town and city, and by his enterprise and liberality has fostered its development. He is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Cedar county, in 1870.
     Although born in Iowa, H. P. Cunningham was bred in Kansas, acquiring his rudimentary education in the common schools, and being graduated from the Delphos High School. He was subsequently employed as a teacher in the district schools until this strip of Oklahoma land was opened for settlement, in 1893, when he located a claim on the present site of the town of Fairview. He began the improvement of the farm which he now owns, and has since resided here, a valued and useful citizen of the place. He subsequently resumed his professional labors, and

-483-

for eight terms was a successful teacher in the public schools. In 1900 Mr. Cunningham purchased the printing plant which he owns, and has since published the Fairview Republican, which is one of the leading newspapers of Major county, through which it has a large circulation. Coming here a poor man, he and his brother, with their one team as their only assets, worked two farms for awhile, one farm being located in Kansas, and from this humble beginning on Oklahoma soil Mr. Cunningham has accumulated a fair portion of this world's goods, and may well be classed with the selfmade men of this country. When he settled here, Major county was the home of those noted outlaws, Black and Yeager, who were finally killed in a fierce fight, one being shot dead, and the other dying from the effects of several bullet wounds after forty days of suffering, all of this happening after a chase which extended nearly all over the state. Mr. Cunningham participated in a number of fights with these bandits, but he and his companions were never successful in capturing either of them, as their short-range guns could not compete with the long-range rifles of the outlaws. The last fight with them continued a number of months, lasting from the winter of 1895 until the following September.
     Mr. Cunningham married, in 1900, Rena Church, whose parents removed from Iowa to Blaine county, Oklahoma, where they are now residing. Two children have blessed their union, namely: Alice and Ethyl. Mr. Cunningham takes great interest in political matters, sustaining the principles of the Republican party at all times, and has the distinction of having been the first county clerk, and the first city clerk after the incorporation of Fairview, serving in the first office for three years. Fraternally he belongs to Cleo Lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. M.; and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

-483-
cont.

DR. M. M. SMITH. In the region that under statehood has become the county of Major the pioneer physician was Dr. M. M. Smith, who is still an esteemed resident of Fairview, but no longer engaged in active practice. He located a claim near Fairview in 1895, only a short time after the opening of the Cherokee Strip. That was a great wilderness of country, with dugouts here and there and occasional fields of grain to indicate a settled occupation. During the early years of his practice Dr. Smith has driven as far as seventy-five miles to afford his skill to a patient. He usually went horseback but had to adopt any means whatever to reach those who needed him. Traveling at night across those uninhabited stretches presented difficulties and actual dangers that can hardly be imagined even after the lapse of a dozen years. He relates that the barking of dogs was his best guide at night. Trails and directions being unknown, he guided his way as best he could until he heard the bark of a dog, and that would lead him to some settler's dugout where he could enquire the way to his patient's house. It was a new and primitive country, people drank their coffee and tea out of cans, and dishes were never plentiful until settlers became more prosperous. About seven years ago Dr. Smith quit practice, locating a physician here to assume his patronage, and has since conducted a business at Fairview as druggist. He is a member of the county board of health and one of the leading influential citizens of Major county.
     Dr. Smith was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, in January, 1866, and began preparing for his profession at Toronto in 1889, where he took a literary course, which was followed by study in the Detroit Medical College, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1892. For the next three years he was engaged in practice in Michigan, and in 1895 located in Oklahoma. The claim which he proved up in the Cherokee Outlet he finally disposed of for a "bob-tailed cow," and this he sold for thirteen dollars less than he had paid for his claim. He has maintained an independent attitude as regards local politics. He is a Mason. He married, in 1902, Miss Josephine Shelton, of Missouri. They have two children, Malcomb and Ellen.

-483-
cont.

EDWARD F. McKAY, editor and owner of the Woodward Dispatch, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1876. He received his education at Park College, near Kansas City, Missouri, and at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
     He is descended directly on both parental sides from families prominently connected with the early history of the country, his ancestors including Colonel Samuel Ransom and Captain Samuel Ransom who figured prominently in the famous Wyoming Massacre in Pennsylvania.
     Mr. McKay is a newspaper man experienced in every department of his profession, having begun at the bottom and risen to the

-484-

position of editor of the Colorado Springs Evening Telegraph between 1897 and 1906. In the latter year, determining to own as well as edit his newspaper, he resigned his position in Colorado Springs and bought the Woodward Dispatch, at Woodward, Oklahoma, which has become under his direction one of the leading newspapers of its region. He is a former president of the Pike's Peak Press Club of Colorado Springs, and an active worker in the Oklahoma State Press Association.
     On June 30,1903, Mr. McKay was married to Miss Florence Isabelle Danson at Chicago.

-484-
cont.

BREWER W. KEY, of Woodward, is vice-president of the York-Key Mercantile Company of St. Louis, Missouri, having large general merchandise stores and lumber yards in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Mr. Key is a native of Alabama and received his education in that state.
     With the opening of the strip in 1893 he located in Woodward, since which time it has been the western headquarters of the company. He has done a great deal in the building up of his town and section. In politics he is a Democrat.

-484-
cont.

J. EVERETT SMITH, editor and proprietor of the Woodward Bulletin, the Republican organ of the county, is also the owner of valuable farming property near the town, upon which he resides and which is being improved into an attractive and valuable homestead. Altogether, Mr. Smith is a versatile, as well as substantial member of the stirring community in which he has played so useful a part for the past five years. He is a native of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, born in 1869, and educated, first in the public schools of his native locality. His higher courses were pursued at the Purdue University and the Iowa State Normal School, after which he taught for thirteen years-a portion of this period in the schools of New Mexico. For four years he also was a teacher in the Alva (Oklahoma) Normal School.
     Mr. Smith first came to Oklahoma in 1898, and in 1903, after completing his educational career at Alva, he purchased the Woodward Bulletin, with its printing plant, and has remained as editor and proprietor. With his brother, he owns 800 acres of land near Woodward, which they are cultivating and improving. Here Mr. Smith resides, coming to town three times a week in the interest of his paper. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Woodward, and the town has no more earnest and effective supporter than J. Everett Smith.

-484-
cont.

C. E. SHARP, a leading lumberman of Oklahoma and the present (1908) mayor of Woodward, is one of the strong Democrats and citizens of the state. He is a native of Iowa, born in 1872, and educated in Chicago, being a graduate of one of its high schools. In that city he also worked in the office of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, after which he entered the lumber business and had a thorough training of seven years in that great market. In 1900 he located in Woodward, and established his present business. The company has twelve lumber yards in Oklahoma and Texas, and in capital invested and the extent of its transactions now ranks second in this section of the state.
Mr. Sharp is not only mayor of Woodward, but is ex-chairman of the Woodward County Democratic Central Committee, and few in his party in this portion of Oklahoma are better known, or have a more substantial influence. He is an active member of the Commercial Club, has a fine residence and town property, and is a representative citizen in fact, as well as officially. In Masonry he is identified with Woodward Lodge No. 78. His wife's name before marriage was Mable Webster, and their three children are Eugene, Webster and Anna May Sharp.

-484-
cont.

T. L. O'BRYAN, County Judge of Woodward county, Oklahoma, is one of the pioneers of the town and county of Woodward, arriving the day of the "opening," September 16, 1903, and has been identified with their interests ever since that time.
Judge O'Bryan was born in Cooper county, Missouri on April 16, 1839. At the age of thirteen he entered the Kemper Institute, a military academy at Boonville, Missouri. After finishing his education he contented himself with farming- until the outbreak of the Civil war. When Governor Jackson called for 50,000 volunteers, he enlisted under Capt. Bob McCullough, and participated in the first battle that was fought between the forces led by General Lyons on the Federal side and General Price on the Confederate side. After the re-organization of the army, when all state troops went into Confederate service, the young soldier went with Captain McCullough and his Second Mis-

-485-

souri cavalry, and followed with it until it was sent east of the Mississippi with Gen. N. B. Forrest.
After the war he located in Tipton, Missouri, where he went into the real estate business and was married in June, 1869, and in the same year moved to Vernon county, Missouri. While at Tipton, Missouri, he studied law under Frank Taylor, and on going to Vernon county he engaged in the practice of law, while at the same time carried on farming and the handling of stock.
     In 1878 he removed to Barber county, Kansas, and shortly afterward was elected County Commissioner from Lake City Township, where he was engaged in the stock business. Selling out his ranch and stock in 1882, he moved to Medicine Lodge, the county seat, where he was appointed probate judge and served as such about eighteen months. After this he again engaged in real estate and live stock business, until the "Strip" in Oklahoma was thrown open to settlement on September 16, 1893, where he took an active part -in the organization of the town and county, acting as chairman of the board of county commissioners, and was appointed United States court commissioner, which office he held for over four years. For four or five years thereafter he was engaged in the mercantile business.
     In 1897, he was licensed to practice law at Alva, Oklahoma, and for a year or so was a member of a law firm in Woodward, but not finding the practice sufficiently lucrative at that early date, filed on a claim in Beaver county, Oklahoma, which he still owns.
     In 1907, he received from the Democratic primary the nomination for the office of county judge. The result of the election showing that his opponent was elected by a majority of but two, he decided to contest the election upon the ground of improper throwing out of ballots as mutilated which were properly not mutilated. After an examination of the ballot boxes from several different precincts, the district judge declared Mr. O'Bryan elected county judge by a majority of fifteen, and he took possession of the office on June 6, 1908.
     Judge O'Bryan is justly proud of the fact that he has been a member of the Masonic lodge since the attainment of his majority, in 1860, and of the fact that he helped to charter Masonic lodges at Tipton, Missouri, Medicine Lodge, Kansas, and Woodward, Oklahoma, into which he has paid over $120 in dues. He has for years been a deacon in the Baptist church of Woodward, which he assisted in organizing.

-485-
cont.

CAPT. B. B. SMITH, of Woodward, is one of the successful lawyers, leading Democrats, and public spirited citizens of western Oklahoma, and was long prominent in the public affairs of Missouri before he became a resident of this section of the country. He is a native of Ohio, born on the 3rd of October, 1841, and received his earlier education at Bellefontaine, that state. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was soon promoted and acted as captain of that command throughout the war. In that capacity he participated in the famous Sherman campaigns in the southwest and through the southern states to the sea, and thence north through the Carolinas. He never shirked the exposures of the march or action; was wounded five times-in the head, breast, arm and both legs-and still carries in his body the lead of war. He was honorably discharged from the service June 25, 1865.
     At the conclusion of the war, Captain Smith located in Chillicothe, Missouri, where he read law and commenced the practice of his profession. He also taught school for three terms at Mooresville, that state, and began his official career as register of deeds of Livingston county. After a service of eight years in that office he then formed a law partnership with Charles H. Mansur, which continued until 1883. He was appointed postmaster of his home city by President Cleveland serving five years less a few days. After discharging the duties of that office, he resumed practice and continued it successfully and uninterruptedly until his removal to Oklahoma in 1891. At Hennessey he again opened his professional office, but when settlers commenced to pour into the Cherokee strip in the fall of 1893, and make it a white man's country, he changed his location to Woodward, where he has since resided as an honored and enterprising citizen. He was appointed the first county attorney of Woodward county, and was twice re-elected to the office. He also served as the first county superintendent of public instruction, at that time being the only man who held a certificate. He was one of the strongest supporters of Charles N. Haskell for the governorship of the new state, and through his efforts and influence he secured many votes in northwestern Okla

-486-

homa. Captain Smith is still engaged in the practice of his profession, although, in view of the years which he bravely carries, his labors are not so strenuous as in the earlier years when he was known as one of the most vigorous members of his profession in Missouri. In the latter state he was a fearless prosecutor of outlaws, being instrumental in the capture of the noted Zyp Wyatt band. Upon one occasion he narrowly escaped death from one of their rifle shots. In comparison with these earlier times the Captain is now partially retired; and he has well earned a little quiet. He is, however, a member of the Woodward Commercial Club, and an earnest promoter of any work which promises to advance the city or the county.

-486-
cont.

F. K. TUCKER, county clerk of Woodward county, Oklahoma, is a native of Cooper county, Missouri, born on the 25th of January, 1873. He finished his literary education at William Jewell College, in Clay county, that state, after which he engaged in teaching for five terms. Mr. Tucker then came to Dewey county, Oklahoma, but before he entered the practical field of business took a course at the Commercial College of Wichita, Kansas, after which, for eight months he was identified with the Frisco railroad for about eight months. He then removed to Woodward, studied in a law office for a year, and in 1906 was admitted to the bar. He had been engaged in practice but a year when he was elected county clerk of Woodward county, assuming his official duties September 17, 1907.
     In politics Mr. Tucker is a Democrat. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F., and is identified, in his religious faith, with the Baptist church. He is an active worker with his associates of the Commercial Club, and is the owner of town property, and is enrolled as an earnest and effective supporter of all movements which promise well for the material and moral advancement of his county and state.

-486-
cont.

B. F. WILLETT, of Woodward, county attorney, is a native of the state of Kentucky. He came to Oklahoma in 1901, and, after spending a year, in El Reno, took a claim in Woodward county, which he held until elected county attorney for the first time in November 1904. He was re-elected in 1907, and will serve until 1911. He is an earnest Democrat, and his strength with the party is indicated by the fact that at the last election he led his ticket by one thousand votes. He is a strong campaigner. He is a member of the Woodward Commercial Club, and a public-spirited citizen.

-486-
cont.

W. A. PYNE, editor and proprietor of the Woodward County Democrat, formerly the Palace Pioneer, a well known Democratic newspaper of Woodward, is a native of Neosho county, Kansas, born on the 6th of May, 1871. He received only a common school education, and learned the printer's trade at various offices in Caldwell, Kansas, remaining at that place, engaged in the printing business until 1884. He then removed to Clark county, Kansas, where he managed the Clark County Clipper for a number of years. In 1890 he came to Beaver county, Oklahoma, where he operated a store for two years, and afterward served as postmaster at Riverside, in the same county. In 1902 he bought the Woodward Despatch but some time later sold his establishment and established the Woodward County Democrat which now has a circulation of about one thousand, and is a flourishing publication.
     Personally, Mr. Pyne invariably votes the ticket which he supports in his editorial columns. His paper has a strong journalistic standing, and has been profitable financially. He owns town property, is an earnest member of the Commercial Club, and as a citizen is pubicc-spirited and progressive. Mr. Pyne's fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. His wife was formerly Miss Linnie Harman, and of their marriage have been born five children: Charles, Loraine, Gurney, Elmer and Fay.

-486-
cont.

R. E. DAVIS, proprietor of the leading drug store of Woodward, and a business man of varied experience in Texas, as well as Oklahoma, is a Kentuckian born in 1835, but is still a tireless worker in the development of the community in which he located with the first authorized advent of white men for settlement and homesteading. He remained in his native state until 1855, and then, as a young man of twenty, migrated to the southwest, stopping for a short time in Missouri and Arkansas. His entrance to Texas, however, was followed by a continuous residence therein of forty years, during which he followed farming, operated saw and flour mills, and put his hand and

-487-

his mind to any honorable vocation which promised a good livelihood for himself and family. The latter was a most important and pressing consideration in all his plans, for Mr. Davis became the father of eleven children, who were reared in Texas, and eight of whom are still living. The opening of the Cherokee strip in 1893 was the signal for his coming to Woodward county, where he first ran a blacksmith's shop, and later, for a number of years, conducted a livery. He then engaged in his present business, which of its kind is the leader in the county.
     Mr. Davis has been active in politics, and has served as a good Democratic councilman, in which capacity, as well as in that of a private citizen, he has always put forth his best efforts for the advancement of Woodward county, and especially its fine county seat. He is a leader in fraternal life, being treasurer of both the Knights of Pythias and 1. O. O. F. lodges, having held that office in the latter for the past seven years. Mr. Davis' wife, whom he married in 1853, was formerly Miss M. E. Wristen, and their long and harmonious marriage resulted in eleven children, of whom the youngest son is the active manager of the drug store in Woodward, one of the sons is a physician, and four, are bankers. All of the family enjoyed educational advantages, and the father is spending his declining years as an honored object both of his children and those who have had less intimate associations with him.