-521-522-

HON. THOMAS MOORE, a member of the first session of the Oklahoma senate and one of the enterprising and popular merchants of Olustee, was born in Ellis county, Texas, January 9, 1877, and reared midst the scenes of southern rural life on a farm. He obtained a good common school education and attended the high school. He is a son of William L. and Luella (Williams) Moore. The mother was a native of Mississippi and the father was born in Alabama and united in marriage in Texas, to which state he went in 1868, locating in Ellis county, where he married and subsequently settled on a farm and carried on cattle business, and remained there until his decease, in 1888. He was a Democrat in political views, but never sought after or held public office, preferring to attend strictly to his personal business. Both he and his faithful wife were members of the Presbyterian church. Their children were as follows: Thomas, of this notice; Lilly, Mrs. E. Mehard, of Oklahoma; Wat, a hardware merchant; Myrtle, Mrs. R. Kennedy; Cecil, unmarried. The widowed mother resides at Waxahachie.
     Thomas Moore remained at home until twenty-five years of age, was engaged in merchandising two years at Nash, and in 1902 went to Olustee, where he was first employed as a clerk for about six months, then purchased a half interest in the store in which he had been clerk. Since then the firm has been Truscott & Moore, who have successfully operated. In 1907 this firm built a commodious brick business house and materially enlarged their stock. They now do a general merchandise trade and buy and sell all kinds of country produce, including cotton and grain. He helped organize the Farmers' National Bank. He has always supported the Democratic party and at the first statehood election was elected state senator and was the author of four bills and secured much important legislation. He was placed on important committees and voted with his party, making himself acquainted with the needs of the newly formed state. He takes much interest in the upbuilding of Olustee and is a man of good [523] business principles. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias and Elks.
     Of his marriage it may be said that he was happily united with Miss Mattie Walcott, born at Pilot Point, Texas, in 1876, a daughter of James D. and Martha (Edmond) Walcott; the mother a native of Missouri and the father of New England. Her parents were married at Pilot Point, Texas, where her father settled down as a merchant and farmer, continuing there during the Civil war period, being one of the pioneers in that section of the Lone Star state. He, with a partner, platted the town of Pilot Point, sold off lots and aided in the founding of the place. He secured the postoffice and was first appointed postmaster, serving in that capacity many years. Politically he voted with the Democratic party. He died at Pilot Point in 1888. His widow still survives and resides at Olustee, a worthy member of the Christian church. Their children were: Everett G., a merchant; Lorain, deceased, left a widow and one child; Arthur, a land agent. of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Mattie, wife of the subject of this memoir; Harry, died aged twelve years. Mr. Moore and wife have one child: Melba, born March 14, 1907. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Christian church and a leading society woman and president of the Woman's club.

-523-
cont.

EVERETT G. WALCOTT, prominent citizen and popular merchant residing and doing business at the enterprising town of Olustee, Oklahoma, is one of the honored pioneers of Greer county. He was the first postmaster and pioneer merchant of Olustee and has been closely allied with every interest tending to the development and growth of his adopted county and state.
     Mr. Walcott was born in Denton county, Texas, May 24, 1861, and spent his youthful days upon a farm, where he was taught the sturdy habits of industry and frugality. He attended school at Pilot Point district. He is the son of D. and Martha (Edmond) Walcott. The mother was born in Missouri and the good father a native of New England. They were made man and wife in Pilot Point, Texas, where he settled and embarked in merchandising and farming, continuing during the Civil war period. He was a staunch Democrat and well versed in the political history of his country. With a partner, he platted and founded the town of Pilot Point and lived to see it grow into a goad commercial center. He secured the postoffice there and was made postmaster, holding the position for many years. He was a highly successful business man and universally respected for his manly traits. He died in 1888. His widow survives him and is an honored resident of Olustee and an exemplary member of the Christian church. The children born of this union were: Everett F., of this biographical review; Lorain, died and left one child and his widow; Arthur, of Ardmore, a land agent; Mattie, wife of Hon. T. Moore, member of the first state senate; Harry, died aged twelve years.
     Everett G. Walcott remained at home until he was about twenty years of age, when, in 1881, he became one of the pioneers in Greer county, Texas, before the county of Jackson was formed. He bought a herd of cattle and established his ranch on Turkey Creek, one mile from where Olustee has since been established. The range was open and free grass obtained for his stock. He continued there until 1888, then located on a tract of land on Boggy, five miles from the site of Olustee, which he cultivated and improved in excellent shape. There he engaged in stock raising and the production of oats, corn, wheat and food stuffs. He was favored with good crops until 1892, when a severe and prolonged drought set in and crops became practically a failure. He remained there until 1898, closed out his stock business and embarked in merchandising. The same year he was made postmaster, after having been instrumental in securing an office at that point. He traded there until 1903, when the railroad was extended to Olustee and that place was platted. He then moved to the embryo town. The Willow Vale postoffice continued twelve months longer and was discontinued. Mr. Walcott secured a warehouse and enlarged his general stock of goods and has continued there to the present time. His present stock is valued at ten thousand dollars, while his annual sales amount to thirty thousand dollars. While he is compelled to do a considerable credit business, his lasses seem quite small for the large volume of business he does. He owns a half section of land, has two good farms, one of which he rents and works the other himself. He carries on diversified crop raising- and finds it very profitable, with the handling of stock and raising of alfalfa and hogs.
     Both Mr. Walcott and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian

-524-

church. He is a York Rite Mason and belongs to the Odd Fellows order and Knights of Pythias. He was married in Greer county, Texas, in 1893, to Miss Lucy Critchfield, born in Tennessee in 1871, daughter of H. F. and Susan (Julison) Critchfield, both of Tennessee, where they were married. They went to Texas in 1881 and in 1890 to Greer county. The father was a farmer and served through the Civil war, in a Tennessee regiment. He died in May, 1906. His widow survives and resides at Olustee, a worthy member of the Presbyterian church. Their children were: Kate, unmarried; Lucy, wife of Mr. Walcott; Guy; Robert, a clerk; Jay, a stock farmer, in Texas; Clyde, Mrs. W. W. Matthews. Mr. and Mrs. Walcott are the parents of two children: Clink, born in 1895, and Ruth, born 1897.

-524-
cont.

WILLIAM C. AUSTIN is a popular attorney at law of Eldorado, who, moreover, has had the breadth of view to make his influence felt beyond the field of his profession and is a leading citizen in all that stands for real progress in a new and rapidly expanding community. He is a native of Arkansas, born January 24, 1880, son of Robert J. and Sabra E. (Ford) Austin, both of his parents being natives of Mississippi. They were married in Arkansas, where the husband was established as a farmer. In about 1863 R. J. Austin responded to a call to join the Confederate army. From that year until the close of the war he served in the ranks with soldierly conduct, and experienced service both hard and active. Afterward he returned to his home farm, in Mississippi, and afterward removed to Arkansas, where he and his good wife are now living in a retirement which is fairly earned by their many years of industry and faithful work. Both parents are members of the Baptist church and had the wisdom to give all their children thorough educations. Their family is as follows: Elbert E. superintendent of the Centre Point schools and an able educator; James H., engaged in teaching and the practice of the law; Josephine, now Mrs. W. H. Farley; William C., of this review; Etta, Mrs. George Copeland, residing on the old homestead farm; and Charles R. Austin, a banker.
      William C. Austin was reared on the old Arkansas farm, his education including common high school and university courses, prior to and during the prosecution of his law studies. He commenced his professional studies with W. C. Rogers, a lawyer in Nashville, Arkansas, and in August, 1901, was admitted to the bar at Centre Point, Arkansas. Soon afterward he removed to Greer county, in which he located a quarter section of land, and after making some improvements upon it sold the property in 1903 and settled at Eldorado. There he opened an office for the practice of the law, the making of collections and similar business, and his success has been so positive that he has now an annual income of over four thousand and, what is likewise most acceptable, the unqualified confidence of the people among whom he lives and thrives. He also deals in agricultural properties and owns a good farm adjoining the corporate limits of Eldorado, besides being largely interested in the sale and improvement of town realty. With W. H. Peaden, he has plotted what is well known as the Austin and Peaden addition to Eldorado, and personally he has erected a stone building for business purposes and a large modern residence. Largely through his influence a large cement mill has also been erected, already giving employment to many men. Further, he was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, of which he has since been a director and attorney, and there is no enterprise which has advanced as a developing force in which he has failed to have a strong hand. In his religious faith he is a member of the Missionary Baptist church and in the Masonic fraternity has reached the exalted degree of Shriner in the York Rite. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World.
     Mr. Austin's wife was formerly Miss Lillie E. Dildy, an Arkansas girl born near his own home in 1881, and an old-time friend of his youth. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Emma (McCowen) Dildy, her father being a pioneer farmer, and ginner of the state, and a worthy Mason and honorable man, who lived in Arkansas until his death, December 25, 1890. His wife survived and lived on the old homestead until 1904, when she made a visit to her daughter in Eldorado, where she died and was buried at Quanah, Texas. The children of this faithful Christian couple were: Lillie E., now Mrs. William C. Austin; Mary, Mrs. McInturff; and J. O., an Arkansas farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have become the parents of the following: William N., who died at the age of two and a half years; Robben, a daughter, born September 17, 1903; and Dildy, born September 17, 1905. Like [525] her husband, Mrs. Austin is an earnest Baptist.

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WILLIAM E. DAVIS. When the Cotton Exchange Bank of Elk City was opened for business on September 12, 1906, William E. Davis, as cashier and one of the directors, was chief in management of the institution's business, and has since continued as the active head of the bank and responsible for the direction of its affairs and its success. With a capital stock of $25,000, this bank has in the short time since its founding built up its deposits to over a hundred thousand dollars, and is one of the solidest banking concerns in western Oklahoma, having the unlimited confidence of all the business interests.
     It is generally known that the success of the bank has been largely due to the personality and business ability of Mr. Davis. Throughout the existence of Elk City as a commercial center, his reputation for truth and veracity, for prompt and considerate business dealings, and for energy in business management and watchfulness for the interests of his friends and patrons, has remained unquestioned, and has brought him deserved success. William E. Davis was born in Cumberland county, Tennessee, in 1860 and was reared on a farm, living there until after he was grown, and in 1885 moved to Kansas. During sixteen years he was a well known citizen and business man of southern and western Kansas, being in fact one of the pioneers of that part of the state and a witness of its varied development from the boom days of the eighties. During most of the time he was in the hardware and implement business in Sumner and Harper counties, and for a while a resident of Stevens county, where he served as county clerk in 1889-90. In 1893 he made the run into the Cherokee Strip, but did not locate. Early in 1901 he came to western Oklahoma to make it his permanent home. He became connected with the Bonebrake Hardware and Implement Company at El Reno, one of the largest hardware concerns of the southwest, with a number of branch houses in western and southern Oklahoma. In the fall of 1901, after the completion of the Choctaw Railroad through western Oklahoma and the establishment of the town of Elk City on the line, he came to this point for the purpose of establishing a. branch house for the Bonebrake Company. During the five years, while as representative of this firm, he had business relations with the trade at Elk City, his efforts in extending his business met with unqualified success. The store drew trade from a wide circle of surrounding country, the sales running to more than $100,000 a year. It was as a result of this business success that he was asked and finally led to accept the place as cashier of the new bank in Elk City. His personal qualities had made him hosts of friends throughout this section of the state, and his prestige was considered a large factor in the success of the bank. Mr. Davis is a Mason in the higher degrees, Knight Templar, etc., is an Odd Fellow, and, with his wife, a member of the Presbyterian church. He was president of the school board of Elk City for three years, and has been a potent factor in the development of the town. Mr. Davis married, at Smith Grove, Kentucky, in 1885, Miss Emma Allen, a daughter of Dr. N. P. Allen of that place. They have seven children: Claud C., E. Edwin, Mrs. Helen Martindale, Eula, Ina, Mabel and Corinne.

-525-
cont.

RICHARD R. RIDINGS, a retired farmer and p1operty owner of Hollis, Greer county, furnished a striking example of the achievement of substantial success through unwavering determination and every-day bravery in rising superior to a long train of discouraging happenings. Although his campaigns against the heavy force of circumstances were not dashed with blood, as those of the Civil war, they were as wearing and as true a test of sterling metal as if they had been conducted on the battle field. Mr. Ridings was born in Fannin county, Georgia, on the 20th of October, 1859, and received the usual limited education accorded to the children of the southern farmers, whose affairs were so disarranged by the progress and conclusions of the Civil war. Richard R. remained with his parents until he was fifteen years of age, when he left home and for the succeeding four years engaged in various lines of employment in the copper mining districts of Missouri. He then returned to the family circle and resumed farming for about a year. In 1879 he removed to Missouri and was identified with agriculture until 1887, when he located in Ellis county, Texas, and commenced the operation of a rented farm, He there married, and in 1891 brought his household to Greer county, then under the jurisdiction of Texas. He located a section of land, and at once put 200 acres under cultivation, placing the tract under wheat, oats and corn. On account of the

-526-

drought the crops were a failure for several seasons averaging not more than eight bushels per acre. From 1891 to 1897 he planted from five to forty acres of corn, and failed to get a single good ear. In 1894 the kaffir corn and milo maize were introduced to his section, and thereafter he could always depend upon good feed. To add to the discouragements of scant crops the nearest grain market was Quanah, Texas, and the prices were very low. Under these circumstances most of the settlers in his locality left the country, but Mr. Ridings remained on his original farm for a period of seven years, finally being obliged to abandon it on account of a complete failure of water. He then filed on another homestead, moving all his improvements thereto, and from that time his fortune took an upward turn. He still owns this farm and has since added to his landed possessions until he has an estate of 280 acres, all fine, well watered and productive land. Of this amount 220 acres are under cultivation, by the diversified method, all the crops of the country except wheat being freely produced. He raises fifty bushels of corn and one-half a bale of cotton to the acre, and abundant crops of kaffir maize, while his farm property is improved with a comfortable dwelling and substantial barns and outbuildings. Mr. Ridings has also raised some stock for the support of the farm and household, and naturally is pleased with the fine results of the later years of his work. In 1906 he retired from active agricultural pursuits and located in the town of Hollis, renting his farm to good advantage. He has since erected a town residence, commodious and convenient, and has purchased a business block and two other residence properties. Since residing in Hollis he has also been honored with the city marshalship, but prefers to give his time to the management and development of his property, rather than to public matters. He is a Republican in politics, and a Methodist in religion.
     Richard R. Ridings is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Robinson) Ridings, both of North Carolina. The grandfather was also long a resident of that state, of Irish descent, and Protestant faith, and spent his final years in Georgia. He was both a farmer and mechanic, and the children born to him were William, Thomas (father of Richard R.), Susan, Mary, Joseph, John and Max. Thomas Ridings remained with his parents until he reached his majority, when he married and settled on a Tennessee farm. After living there eight years he bought a farm in Georgia, where he remained for five years, after which he farmed successively in eastern Tennessee and Arkansas. His death occurred on his Arkansas homestead in 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years, his wife having passed away in May, 1886, or twenty years before. The deceased was a Republican and a Union man, and during the Civil war he refugeed into Kentucky, where he remained until its close. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ridings were: Isaac and William, whose whereabouts are unknown; Susan, now Mrs. Day; Richard R.; Mary J., Mrs. T. Summers; Caroline, Mrs. George Hopkins; Nancy, Mrs. L. G. Loden, and Horace, the two last named being residents of Oklahoma. While a resident of Texas, Richard R. Ridings married Miss Martha Williams, who was born in Arkansas in 1872, daughter of Hugh P. and Miss (Moon) Williams. Her parents were natives of Tennessee, but were married in Arkansas, and Mr. Williams was prospering in his farming operations when the Civil war commenced. He at once went to the front in the service of the Confederacy, and saw active service both as a fighter and a campaigner. In 1864 he was wounded in the back, while the Confederate forces were retreating, but recovered, promptly rejoined his command and, served until the end of the war. He then resumed work upon his Arkansas farm, upon which he died. His children were: Lizzie, Nord and Martha, the last named the wife of Mr. Ridings. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Ridings are as follows: Richard D., born October 28, 1894; William S., July 4, 1896; Hugh P., November 28, 1898, and Horace R Ridings, January 18, 1903.

-526-
cont.

V. E. RHYMER. Prominent among the active, energetic, and prosperous business men of Custer City is V. E. Rhymer, who deals extensively in hardware and furniture, and in connection with these has an undertaking department in his store. Coming to this county poor in pocket, but rich in ambition and courage, he has been, in truth, the architect of his own fortune, and has never been afraid to put his shoulder to the wheel whenever it was necessary. His efforts have been richly rewarded, and he is now numbered among the valued and trustworthy citizens or Custer county. A native of Illinois, he was born, June 24, 1872, in Whiteside county, and

-527-

there was bred and educated. His father, Peter Rhymer, a tanner by trade, died at a comparatively early age, and his widow, Mrs. Nellie Rhymer, is still a resident of the Prairie state.
     In 1893, with a worthy ambition to accumulate property of his own, V. E. Rhymer came to Custer county, Oklahoma, which was at that time just opened up, took up a claim, and now owns a half section of land, advantageously located near Custer City.. Energetic and industrious, endowed with a clear intellect and decided force of character, he ably assisted in developing the resources of the town and county, and in the management of his own affairs was successful. In 1902 he entered the employ of a lumber company, with which he was identified four years, after which, on September 1, 1906, he established the Rhymer Hardware Company at Custer City, which is the largest firm of its kind in this part of the state. He carries a stock of hardware valued at $25,000, and has also an excellent assortment of furniture, and an undertaking department, which is well equipped and supplied. Having an extensive local and outside trade, he is carrying on an exceptionally good mercantile business, his reputation for honest and square dealings with every one, winning for himself a lucrative patronage.
In 1897 Mr. Rhymer married Mary Hoyt, whose parents came to Custer county at its opening, and still reside here. Mr. and Mrs. Rhymer have one child, Harold. In his political affiliations Mr. Rhymer is a Republican, and has served one term as a member of the town council. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; to the Modern Woodmen of America; and, to the Woodmen of the World.

-527-
cont.

JAMES C. HARREL, one of the pioneers, platter and builder of the thriving town of Cordell, Oklahoma, is a native of Macon county, Illinois, born January 30, 1866, a son of Albert G. and Sarah J. (Miller) Harrel, both natives of Illinois, in which commonwealth they were married and located on a farm. The grandfather was James Harrel, of Kentucky, and an early settler in Illinois, where he married and became a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen. At the opening of the Civil war Albert G. Harrel enlisted in the Union cause, but his father took his place and served through the conflict, as a member of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The latter was twice wounded, but escaped the rebel prison pens. He saw hard service, but stood all, manfully, believing that he was justified in the cause for which he made the sacrifice. While he was a staunch Democrat, he cast his vote for Lincoln, as he was one of his personal friends and a near neighbor. Subsequently James Harrel and his wife made their home with their son Albert G. and all removed to Texas, locating in Tarrant county, and followed farming, and later he went to Oklahoma and settled on a claim, under his soldier rights. He returned to Texas and died there in 1894. His wife died in Texas in 1887.
      Albert G. Harrel went to Oklahoma and secured a claim, farmed it a few years and now resides in Rocky, a portion of which town he platted from out his farm. Politically, he supports the Democratic party. He belongs to the Christian church and is the indulgent father of the following children: James C., of this memoir; John M., a Christian minister of Cordell; Mary Owens, of Dill; William A., a farmer of Washita county; Ada, Mrs. Dowdy, of Cordell; George, killed by an accidental gun-shot in 1901; Essa, Mrs. Thrasher, of Rocky, Oklahoma.
     James C. Harrel was born in Illinois and removed with the family to Texas, when about fifteen years of age. There he finished his education and reached man's estate, after which he engaged in teaching school, then went to Wilbarger county, Texas, where he was for a time employed as a contractor. He later went to the plains in Floyd county and claimed a section of land which he improved and engaged in the stock business. After three years, he retraced his steps to Wilbarger county and farmed until 1893, then went to Oklahoma and engaged in school teaching in Washita county. In 1894 he bought out a squatter's rights, by trading him three horses for his claim, the same being the southwest quarter of section 34, township 10, range 17. The improvements consisted of a dug-out, a well, and eight acres of breaking. He continued to teach school and improve this farm, until he succeeded in getting fifty acres broken. He was married in 1895 and kept on farming his land until 1897, when he and Mr. Johnson, who owned an adjoining quarter section, arranged to plat their land into

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a townsite and hence we have the origin of present Cordell. Each man managed the sale and distribution of his own lots, each donating land for the courthouse square. The seat of government was located at Cordell in 1901, by a vote of the people. During the first years of the town's history, Mr. Harrel erected a twenty-five hundred dollar school building, assisted by other citizens. Mr. Harrel continued to dwell within his humble dug-out all this time, and was the teacher of this pioneer school. All these things have changed now the town has come to be a large commercial center; school buildings and churches may be seen here and there and all goes on unmindful of what it cost in hardship to the hardy pioneers who planned and really "builded better than they knew." Be it recorded as a high compliment to Mr. Harrel, as one of the founders of the town of Cordell, that he refused to sell a lot for the use of a saloon.
     He engaged in the hardware trade, coupled with farm implements, and was successful for a number of years, during which time he also bought cotton and aided in the organization of the Citizens' State Bank, now known as the City National Bank, and was vice president of the bank. In an early day he would give a lot to anyone who would erect a house thereon. He has always been a liberal giver to every manner of public enterprise, including churches, the railroad, which cost him a hundred and sixty-five lots and over one thousand dollars; county seat fight, costing him something over five thousand dollars, etc. He owns considerable land and a commodious residence in town, besides having holdings in various enterprises not necessary to herein be enumerated. It should be added, however, in passing, that he is now interested in a large system of telephones and gives much of his time to looking after such matters.
     In the erection of the Christian college; he was listed among the liberal donors. He is among the leading members of the Christian church and is an elder and his house the home of the preachers who chance to be in the town. Both he and his estimable helpmate must finally have due credit for trying to keep the foundation stones of the young city with their faces turned in the direction of purity, temperance and morality.
He was married in Washita countv. Oklahoma, to Miss Eva Petty, born in Hendrix county. Indiana in 1875, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Petty, both of Kentucky and early settlers of Indiana. By trade, the father was a shoemaker, which trade he followed in Danville, Indiana, many years. He was a Baptist; a soldier in the Civil war in the Union army and died honored by all who knew him, in 1875. His children were: William, of Clinton, Oklahoma; Ida, Mrs. Hickson; Oliver S., a farmer of Oklahoma; Charles, a mechanic of Cordell; Eva, now wife of the subject, Mr. Harrel. After the husband's death the mother married George Perkins of Indiana and they moved to Kansas in 1884 and to Oklahoma in 1887, locating, in Beaver county before the "opening," and at that time he secured a claim which he sold and then moved to Washita county. By this last marriage, two children were barn: Ursula, Mrs. Druce; and George, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Harrel are the parents of children as follows: Sarah A., in the schools; Hicklin, at school; Diana, at school; Elmeta, at home; Lela, died aged six weeks. The family unite in attending the Christian church.

-528-
cont.

JAMES W. SMITH, an attorney-at-law, practicing at Cordell, Oklahoma, has a personal history, together with that of his immediate ancestry, well worth preserving an the pages of this work. He was barn in Boone county, Arkansas, June 24, 1855, and reared on a farm. Most of our best professional men have, at one time or another, lived an farms and labored in the free atmosphere of untrammeled nature. His elementary education was obtained in the district schools such as obtained in his section of the southland.
     Before continuing further with his biography proper, the reader will be in farmed concerning his parentage, for every man owes much to the early training and character of his parents, with the environments of his first twenty years. He is the son of David and Ellen (Harris) Smith, bath born in Middle Tennessee, in which locality they were married and settled an a farm in Arkansas. He became prominent as a farmer and slaveholder. When the Civil war came an, his negroes stole his horses and joined the Union army. He was well-to-do when this conflict came upon the country. He entered the Confederate army, being assigned to the Tennessee and Mississippi department, in General Price's command a portion of the time, and was frequently detailed to other business, hence made many visits home, but continued in the cause until the war was ended. He saw much severe army hardship, but was fortu-

-529-

nate in never being wounded or taken prisoner of war. He lost financially to a large amount, in slaves and other property. Politically, he was ever a radical Democrat and was posted regarding the history of his country and its people. From his boyhood he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man full of charitable deeds and kind acts. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His death occurred at Thorp Springs, Texas, in 1894, when he was aged seventy-four years. The mother, Ellen Smith, died in 1878. They were both members of' the same church at the time of their marriage. Their children were: George W., who died aged seventeen years; William J., a farmer; Mary M., Mrs. J. Armstrong; Dicy L., Mrs. Rev. Lazarus, a Methodist minister; Julia, Mrs. Bell Milum; John E., a farmer; James W., of this sketch; David, who died aged ten years; Alfred J., a farmer; Sterling P., who died aged twenty-two years; and Anna, who died aged four years.
     James W. Smith decided on becoming a lawyer when seventeen years of age, and began reading with that end in view, and subsequently entered the office of Patterson & Crump, of Harrison, Arkansas. Later he engaged in school teaching, during which time he was his own instructor in the law. He thus continued for six years, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar by Judge James Berry of Bentonville, Ark, after which he taught school two years and, in 1881, went to Texas, locating at Stevensonville, Erath county, where he opened a law office and was later elected prosecuting attorney, filling the office acceptably and well for two years, He next moved to Wilbarger county, of the same state, and there resumed practice and was again elected as prosecuting attorney, which place he filled for eight years and, in 1897, went to Washita county, Oklahoma, locating at Cloud Chief, then the seat of justice of that county. He was soon employed by the town to defend the removal of the county seat, when a long, bitter fight ensued. During his term the county commissioners ordered an election three times on the removal question, but he succeeded in bringing a halt to the election each time, by the proceedings not being legal in form. After a three years struggle. he resigned his office and the counsel who followed him was not equal to the emergency and the election followed and by the people's voice Cordell was made the county seat and in 1900 the officers all moved to that point and established the new government for the seat of justice of Washita county. Four years later Cloud Chief renewed the fight and Cordell then employed Mr. Smith to do their fighting for them, and as far as he went with both sides, he won. The case was filed in the supreme court at Guthrie, and finally, by decision of the supreme court and by acts of Congress, Cordell was made permanent county seat.
     When he moved to Cordell, he purchased lots which he has since greatly improved, and erected a fine residence and built a brick business house, on the second floor of which he has his law offices located. He stands at the head of the bar in Southwestern Oklahoma. At an early time in the history of Cordell there was not a town in the county that exceeded four hundred population. The nearest railway line was sixty miles distant from Cordell and people were forced to go for fuel to markets from sixty to one hundred miles, Then again came a struggle for a railroad at Cordell and every public-spirited citizen had his wits worked up to the utmost limit, in order to raise the required funds with which to secure the road, but they succeeded and since then the town has grown steadily, and now numbers about twenty-five hundred souls. It has become a good educational center, having two large graded schools and two academies. All changed is the scene—when the county seat fight was on, the few who resided there, were dwellers of dug-outs, and the first courts were held in rude shops. Now the commissioners are planning to erect a one hundred and fifty thousand dollar court house. When this is completed the contrast will be wonderful, since the days when court officers went from one town to another, and took their tents along with them.
      Of Mr. Smith who has gone through all of these exciting, yet interesting experiences, it may be stated that he has always been a hard worker and close student and much credit should here be awarded him for his manly fight in securing both county seat and railway at Cordell, which place he has helped to build up, both with his brains and money. In his legal work, he has had many a hard fought battle filed in the courts where he has ever had his full share of both civil and criminal cases. In murder cases he has succeeded in not having a single man hanged. All this has been accomplished since he was twenty

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five years of age, at which time he left his father's home to seek a fortune and a place of honor among his fellow countrymen.
     He was united happily in marriage to Miss Lissie De Shazo, of French descent, born in 1860, in Arkansas, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Nancy (Frasier) De Shazo. Her father was from Tennessee and the mother from Arkansas, in which state they were married. The father was a mechanic, which occupation he followed up to the Civil war, when he enlisted and went to the front. Once he was made a prisoner of war, served in prison a long time and upon being exchanged joined his old command and served on until the conflict had ended. He was a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity. Both he and his faithful companion died in Arkansas. Their children were as follows: Lissie, wife of Mr. Smith, of this biography; Alice, Mrs. S. B. Mitchell; W. W., a practical school teacher; Mattie, Mrs. B. Stroud; Jesse, a farmer; Effie, Mrs. Garl. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of these children: Ira J. born November, 1880; Ernest O., born September, 1884; Ralph D., born January, 1886. Mr. Smith and his estimable wife are both exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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cont.

SWAN C. BURNETTE, a representative of the legal profession and the proprietor and editor of the Beacon, a weekly newspaper and the official organ of the Democratic party of Washita county, Oklahoma, was born in Iowa, in Fremont county, in 1870, but reared mostly in Missouri, where he obtained a good common-school education. He engaged in teaching school during which time he took up the study of law. He subsequently completed his law studies with Judge T. A. Burnette, his brother, of Caldwell, Kansas, in which place he remained until 1892, when he was admitted to the bar at Wellington. He practiced at Caldwell ten years, and in 1903 went to Oklahoma, locating at Cordell, and has since been in practice there. Later he appeared before the supreme court commissioners of Oklahoma and was admitted to practice before the supreme courts and all others. He, being now fully competent and equipped, has a practice in all of the courts within this country and has built up a large and paying practice, having for his clientage many of the best men and corporations within the new state of Oklahoma. Before his removal to Oklahoma, he became interested in a newspaper plant which was first established at Cloud Chief, the old county seat, in 1896, and when the seat of justice was moved to Cordell, in 1900, the plant was moved to Cordell. It was conducted until 1903, when Mr. Burnette and partner purchased it. It was then a small concern using hand-power presses and indeed a weak paper. It has been enlarged and changed into a first-class Democratic newspaper. In 1904 Mr. Burnette bought his partner's interest, and has added modern machinery, employing steam power. The journal is now an up-to-date publication and has in conjunction a fine job department. The circulation has greatly augmented under his careful management. He spends all of his time in his law and newspaper business, making both professions a success. Mr. Burnette (in 1908) received the nomination for the office of state Representative.
     Concerning his parentage and ancestry, it may be said that his father was James B. S., and his mother Rebecca (Young) Burnette, both natives of Tennessee, where they were happily united in marriage and settled down on a farm, where he remained until twelve children were born. He was a well-to-do farmer. In 1869 he moved to Iowa, first locating near the state line and after a few years moved to a farm in Missouri, and there remained until his death in 1902, when he was aged seventy-nine years. In politics he was a staunch Democrat. In his religion he was a devoted member of the Baptist church. His estimable widow remained on the old Missouri homestead until 1904, when she passed to her reward; to the great unknown. The issue of this union was: Ann, Mrs. Greer; William J., a prominent contractor at St. Joseph, Mo.; John, a Kansas farmer; Jane, Mrs. Eubanks; Judge Jesse A., a prominent attorney and judge of Caldwell, Kan.; Sarah, wife of Captain Arrington, of Texas, who belongs to the Rangers; James B., a farmer on the old homestead; Thomas J., a business man; Swan C., of this sketch; Susan, Mrs. Stickley.
     Swan C. Burnette remained at home until twenty years of age, when he gave special attention to his education in law. Through his own will and strenuous efforts he has attained to his prominent position at the bar of the great Southwest. Both as a journalist and attorney he has made a successful career. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and holds membership with the Knights Templar degree of Masonry; is also connected with the Knights of Pythias.

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     Mr. Burnette was married in Missouri in 1890, to Miss Louise Luja, born in Nebraska in 1870, a lady of culture and refinement. She is the daughter of Dr. C. F. and Mary (Story) Luja. The mother was born in Nebraska and the father in Germany, where he was reared and spent seven years as a student at Heidelberg Medical Institute, from which famous school he graduated and became an eminent physician. Later he came to America, married and settled down in Nebraska, in which state he had a most excellent practice. He died in September, 1901, and his faithful wife in 1896. They were worthy members of the Lutheran church and had children as follows: Louise, wife of Mr. Burnette; Mary, Mrs. C. L. Kellam; Charles F., a printer.

-530-
cont.

J. E. FARBER, M. D., physician and surgeon, at Cordell, is eminently connected with the medical profession of southwestern Oklahoma. He is a native of Georgia, born April 3, 1863, and reared in Florida, where he had the advantages of the public school system, gaining a good elementary education. Later he attended a branch of the State University of Georgia, after which he returned to his home in Florida and there assisted about the orange groves. He had decided on a professional career and chose that of medicine, beginning the study of that science with Dr. J. D. Starke, who was his stepfather, who lived at Enterprise, Florida. By such tutorship and the frequent visits he made with the doctor, as he practiced in the surrounding country, young Farber gained much insight into the profession. He continued his study there until 1885, when he entered the Atlanta Medical College, where he graduated in 1887. He then practiced a year at home, with his old preceptor, during which period there came an epidemic of yellow fever, and he was appointed by the governor head of the board of health for his home county, which position he held as long as he remained there. He next located in practice at Green Cave Springs, Fla., but remained but a short time, and in 1889 went to Texas, locating in Clay county, where he remained until 1896, then sought a wider field. He went to St. Louis, Mo., and assisted in organizing a fraternal insurance company. He then, having had sufficient experience in that direction, resumed his medical profession and in the autumn of 1896 went to Oklahoma, leaving the cars at EI Reno, the nearest point of railroad to Washita county, of which Cloud Chief was then the seat of justice. He was then a single man and located with a farmer and there set up his practice, having but little, if indeed any, competition. His medical services were soon in demand and appreciated, after which the financial problem which had been confronting him was solved. His practice widened out until it covered a territory of about sixty miles. Practicing in that section at that day meant much hardship and exposure. There were but few roads and fewer bridges. The nearest cut across the open prairie was usually the direction taken by travelers. The streams usually had to be forded by swimming the horses, and all was yet one "green, glad solitude." However, the doctor's practice increased and he had to employ a man to drive for him and care for certain portions of his practice. He had in his service eight horses. His collections were always goad and both his practice and finances were a complete success.
     In his political views the doctor is an avowed Democrat. He received the appointment from a Republican administration as superintendent of the board of health for his county, serving six years. He possesses a good library, and is a constant reader of medical publications, and has an office fully equipped with all modern appliances. He is the examiner for all of the old-line life insurance companies, as well as for many of the fraternal companies. He is public spirited and charitable and among his praiseworthy enterprises was the establishment of a sanitarium for unfortunate victims of the liquor and drug habits, at Oklahoma City. The doctor is a member of the American Medical Association, the Southwestern Medical Society, as well as the medical societies of the state and county in which he lives.
     Cordell was platted in 1901, by A. J. Johnson and J. C. Harrel, each owning land which came to the section line, which they made the main street of the new townsite. Cordell postoffice had been established a mile and a half to the east,. before this, and when this place was platted the first house was moved over from Texas, and the postmistress brought the mail over from the old town in her apron. Soon the old town was all moved over, and stores and shops were soon provided in the new place. The postmistress kept a small lodging house and the travelers had to rustle for something to eat elsewhere. From this pioneer beginning, the town has increased to

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one of more than twenty-five hundred population and contains a graded school and two academies, churches and all that goes to make a town desirable. Banking and merchandising are abreast with the times and all do a thriving business. When the Frisco railroad was heading toward the place, donations and local encouragement were sought, and the doctor was active in securing the line, and with other public-spirited men organized the Cordell Improvement Company, of which he was made president. They purchased the required land and gave it to the railroad company, which induced the company to build into the town. At each and every call the doctor has responded with material aid and with the aid of such enterprising citizens the place has taken on its present proportions. He also assisted in organizing the Otter Creek Irrigation Company, with a million dollars capital, with a plant near Mountain Park, Oklahoma, an the Frisco line of railway. The doctor was elected vice president and was a stockholder in this corporation. He is also vice president of the First National Bank of Cordell; bought and now awns a large block of stock in the Cordell Milling and Gin Company. Aside from such enterprises, he owns lands and farms of much value. He is truly a busy, successful worker in the great hive of industry, at the same time taking care of the excellent medical practice he has built up.
     Regarding Dr. Farber's parentage, ancestry and domestic affairs, let it be stated that he is the son of Charles Julius Farber and his wife, Salima (Kendall) Farber. The doctor's mother was born in Alabama and the father in Strasburg, Germany. The doctor's grandmother was left a widow, when her son was fourteen years of age, after which she emigrated to America, locating at Erie, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and completed his education in art and science. He followed artistic painting and drifted to the south, marrying in Georgia, where he also followed his profession. Later he worked at it in Florida. When the great Civil war brake out, he enlisted in the Confederate cause, doing valiant service. He was made prisoner of war, and later exchanged and joined his old command, continuing until the end of the strife. From the exposure and hardships growing out of that long war he died. He was well pasted in matters of history concerning his adapted land. He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. His children were: Dr. J. E., of this biography; and Charles M., an attorney-at-law of San Diego, California. Later the doctor's mother married Dr. J. D. Starke, of mare than ordinary ability, and who became the subject's tutor in medicine. He raised a company far the Confederate army and was its captain. He was also captured and finally exchanged and joined his old command, serving until the close of the war. Prior to the Civil war, he had held a commission in the Florida Indian wars. He was a brave and capable man and an eminent physician of his day and school. He owned an extensive orange grove in Florida, and before the war was a large slaveholder. He removed to Gainsville, Georgia, far the better education of his children, but subsequently returned to Florida and there died. His widow still survives. He was a staunch Democrat and filled numerous offices of honor and public trust, including that of county treasurer and state representative.
     Dr. Farber was united in marriage in September, 1902, to Miss Lodie E. Bryant, born at Sardis, Tennessee, in 1883. She is the daughter of J. K. Bryant, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His children were: Dr. F. V., a physician of Gage, Oklahoma; F. B., a dentist, at Davis, Oklahoma; Amanda, Mrs. Hopper, now deceased, leaving one son. Dr. Farber and wife have the fallowing children: J. E., Jr., died aged seventeen months; Charles M., born October, 1905. The doctor and his estimable wife are members of the Reformed Church of America, he being an ex-deacon. He is also identified with the Masonic fraternity and has advanced to the Shriner's and thirty-second degree, and is also a member of the order of Knights and Ladies of Security, of which he is medical examiner.

-532-
cont.

GEORGE W. WINBURNE, of Mangum, district clerk of Greer county since November, 1907, was born in. Washita county, Arkansas, February 16, 1862, both his grandfather and his father being carriage makers by trade. The former, William W. Winburne, was barn in North Carolina, of German and Scotch-Irish stack. During his earlier life the grandfather fallowed his trade in Mississippi, but after removing his family to Arkansas engaged in business as a merchant miller and was very successful in his operations. The eight children of his family were as follows: Caspar; Lafayette, a soldier who served in the Confederate army; George W., the father of the dis-

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trict clerk; Finch M., who was also a Confederate soldier; Mrs. H. L. Malay, Mrs. Laura Brazil, Mrs. Louisa Nutt and Mrs. Marietta Bates.
     Barn and educated in Mississippi, George W. Winburne, Sr., learned the carriage maker's trade of his father, marrying after the removal of the family to Arkansas, and adding farming to his handiwork. He was thus employed at the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in an Arkansas regiment of cavalry, attached to the Army of the Tennessee. In 1863 he was killed at the battle of Chickamauga and buried on the field of action. He left a widow and three children-the latter being Martha (now the wife of Thomas Reed); Mrs. Florence McGhee; and George W., of this sketch. The widow married, as her second husband, W. D. Williams, and removed to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she remained until after the death of Mr. Williams, by whom she had four children. In 1883 Mrs. Williams, with her family, removed to Corsicana, Texas, and resided there until 1901, when she returned to Pine Bluff, where she died.
Receiving a common school education, George W. Winburne subsequently assisted his mother in caring for the family. From 1878 to 1883 he was employed as a clerk in a hardware stare at Pine Bluff, and was similarly engaged at Corsicana, for two years, and at Hubbard City, Texas, for five years. In 1888, having settled his young wife at Quanah, that state, Mr. Winburne came to Greer county and located a homestead claim under Texas laws. He began the improvement of his farm by erecting buildings and putting up fences, after which he placed one hundred and twenty-five acres under cultivation and bought a good herd of cattle. Except for two or three years, he raised wheat, corn and oats, his craps being fair and the surplus sold at Quanah, twenty-five miles distant. In 1889 Mr. Locker, an old-time cotton planter, came to Greer county, and as an experiment planted the first cotton seed in this section of the county, harvesting therefrom about half a bale to the acre. As the bad draughts of 1892-3 reduced the crap to a quarter of a bale per acre, Mr. Locker put in a sawing of wheat; but that crop also failing, he returned to cotton. Through his persistency the people of Greer county were taught that their territory lay within the natural cotton belt, and his crops of this staple far the past fourteen years have averaged a third of a bale per acre. Mr. Winburne was a successful cotton farmer, also, and when the supreme court of the United States settled the title to Greer county he retained his homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and purchased an adjoining one hundred and sixty acres at the regulation price of $1.25 per acre.
     Disposing of his farm in 1897, Mr. Winburne located at Mangum, and far the ensuing two years was in the employ of the J. C. Gilliland Hardware Company, as salesman and manager. In 1899, with George R. Moore, he purchased the stock of his employers, and under the name of Moore & Winburne conducted a successful business far three years. Then selling his interest to his partner, he remained as a salesman in the establishment far two years. In 1904, after seeking a location throughout Oklahoma, western Texas and Colorado, Mr. Winburne decided in favor of Mangum, where he was first employed by Gentry & Company, hardware merchants. He was filling this position when elected district clerk an the Democratic ticket.
     At Hubbard City, Texas, in 1886, Mr. Winburne married Miss Laura Young, a native of California and daughter of William D. and Martha (Terrell) Young, respectively of Tennessee and Alabama. Her parents were married in Arkansas, soon after moved to Missouri and thence migrated to California, where far ten years Mr. Young engaged in farming and stock raising. He spent his last years with his children, passing away in 1905. The deceased was a Democrat, a publicspirited man, well versed in the law, and served as aunty treasurer in Missouri and justice of the peace in Texas. His wife survived him about a year, dying in 1906, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Winburne. Bath parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Their four children were as follows: Warren, of Olustee, Greer county; William, a merchant of Arapaho county; Laura, wife of Mr. Winburne;. and Alice, wife of Judge Todd, of Mangum. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Winburne, namely: George W., born February 8, 1888; Jual; Zelma; Leta, who died in September, 1907, aged eleven years; Merle and Earl, twins, barn June 2, 1900; Edward L. and Robert E. Winburne. The parents are members of the Methodist church and active in its work.