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Tulsa, Oklahoma - History (part 4 of 10)

From The History of Tulsa, Oklahoma, published 1921. 15,970 words, reproduced complete and unedited. Source changes inside the text are labelled in place.

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15,970 words

Machine-read from scans of The History of Tulsa, Oklahoma, published 1921. Nothing has been corrected: fixing what looks like a misspelled name is how an invented one gets published. Source changes are marked where they occur.

The period of the boyhood and early youth of William C. Steger was marked by the influences of the Kentucky farm on which he was reared and in the work of which he early began to aid, so that his attendance in the public schools was confined principally to the winter months. At the age of sixteen years he found employment with the Olive Hill Brick Company, at the princely stipend of fifty cents a day, and his characteristic energy and receptiveness caused him to gain a thorough knowledge of the various details of the business with which he was thus identified, with the result that he was made assistant superintendent of the plant. Later he was employed in shoe factories at Cincinnati and Portsmouth, Ohio, and from this field of service he turned to become a locomotive fireman on the line of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. After three years of application in this capacity he was called to a position in the general offices of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, where he was assigned to the charge of the joint protective boards, at Peoria, Illinois. In 1908 Mr. Steger went to Tyler, Texas, where he became a successful exponent of the real estate business and served also as immigration agent for the Gulf, Texas & Western Railroad, the line of which had been built by Joseph J. Jermyn, one of the country's leading operators in the production of anthracite coal. Through having charge of townsites and the settling of homeseekers on the lands adjacent to this railroad, Mr. Steger gained specially wide and valuable experience in the handling and exploiting of real estate, and in 191 1 he was made special agent for the Magnolia Park Land Company, a leading corporation in the development and settlement of lands on the Gulf coast of Texas.

Fortified by such ample and varied experience Mr. Steger was well equipped when, in 1914, he established himself in the real estate business at Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he has found ample scope for his splendid initiative and constructive talents. In connection with his real estate operations he has specialized in the handling of high-grade securities, and his activities have been helpful in furthering the general civic and material progress and prosperity of this section of the state. In 1919 he was one of the organizers of the Steger Investment & Development Company, of which he became general manager, and this corporation functions primarily in the handling of industrial sites, his operations thus far having been principally in the Red Fork district of Tulsa county. He is associated also with oil production enterprise in this section of the state and is vice president of the Tulsa Real Estate Exchange, in the organization of which he was an influential figure. Mr. Steger is an active member of the Lions Club, of which he has served as president, and for two years he was chairman of the allied civic committees of Tulsa, besides which he was a member of Mayor Hubbard's advisory committee. His broad vision and distinctive public spirit were shown in his having been one of the first men to suggest and advocate the plan of obtaining a Tulsa water supply from Spavinaw creek. He was campaign manager in connection with the project of bonding the city for the carrving out of the plans for the new water supply, and this has passed on record as one of the greatest campaigns of the kind in the history of Oklahoma. The faculty of leadership is splendidly developed in the aggressive personality of Mr. Steger, and this, as coupled with his initiative, ability and unqualified civic loyalty, has proved fortunate for the city and state of his adoption, his services for the communal benefit having been unstinted and constructive. He is an active member of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, holds membership in the Tulsa Advertising Club, and during the period of America's participation in the World war he gave his aid to war activities with characteristic vigor and earnestness. He was chairman of the war camp community service and was a leader in all local drives in support of the various governmental loans, Red Cross work, etc. Mr. Steger is a democrat because he wishes to be a democrat, and he invariably has a reason for the faith that is his, so that he is well fortified in his political convictions, though he has manifested no ambition for public office nor political preferment. Mr. Steger is a member of the Baptist church. In the Masonic fraternity he still maintains affiliation with Aurora Lodge, Xo. 4S, Free and Accepted Masons, at Portsmouth. Ohio, and in addition to his various York Rite affiliations he is actively identified with Indian Consistory, Xo. 2, Ancient ;\ccepted Scottish Rite, at McAlester, Oklahoma, and has been since 1919 secretary of the Scottish Rite Society of Tulsa. He holds membership in Akdar Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Xobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Tulsa, and is chairman of Saba Grotto, Xo. 58. M. O. V. P. E. R. Mr. Steger is a popular member of the City Club and Automobile Club of Tulsa, and in his adopted city and state he has a wide circle of friends in both business and social relations. At the historic Ute Pass he has been the most influential figure in the development of a summer colony at LTte Park, near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Among the younger members of the medical profession who have won a name and place that many an older physician and surgeon might well envy is Dr. Pierre Xuma Charbonnet, who was born in Xew Orleans, Louisiana, October 19. 1890, his parents being Joseph Xuma and Mathilde ( Gibert ) Charbonnet, who were likewise natives of the Crescent City. The father was an honor graduate of Tulane University, winning his M. D. degree in 1887. He entered upon active practice in Xew Orleans, where he specialized in children's diseases. His death occurred in his native city in 1899.

His son, Dr. Pierre Xuma Charbonnet of Tulsa, pursued his early education in the St. Aloysius College and afterward attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he was well known as a member of the football team, while at the same time he made creditable record in his studies. He afterward attended Tulane University in Xew Orleans and won his M. D. degree on the completion of his course with the class of 1916. For a year he was connected with the Charity Hospital in Xew Orleans as pathologist. He was also pathologist to Hotel Dieu in XTew Orleans, and was instructor in surgical pathology at Tulane University for two years He made steady professional progress and in 1916 he went to the French Hospital in San Francisco as house gynecologist. There he was located when America entered the World war and being a member of the Medical Reserve Corps he was called to active duty at Fort McDowell in San Francisco on the 24th of March, 1917. Later he took the examination and was commissioned first lieutenant in the regular army. He went to France with the Eighteenth Railway Engineers, being stationed for a time at Bordeaux. He was then transferred to general headquarters at Paris and was made assistant supply officer in the office of Chief Surgeon of the Lines of Communication. Later he was promoted to the rank of captain and became commanding officer of the Medical Department, surgical instrument and X-ray repair shop. He was afterward liason officer between the French and American medical departments for the district of Paris, and for a while in charge of the evacuation of the wounded in the Paris district. In April. 191 8, he was gassed while inspecting a hospital near Amby and in June, 1918, was evacuated to the United States. He had been recommended for a majority (temporary rank) but the armistice was signed ere he received it. He spent one year in the United States General Hospital No. 18, at Waynesville, North Carolina. Upon his recovery he was sent to Denver at United States Army General Hospital, No. 21, as assistant chief of the surgical service. Later he was transferred to Fort McDowell, where he was chief of the surgical service, and where he remained until he resigned. In May, 1920, he came to Tulsa and in July opened an office, since which time he has specialized in obstetrics and gynecology and has won a notable place both as a physician and surgeon. He belongs to the Tulsa, Oklahoma State and American Medical Associations and is constantly broadening his knowledge through scientific research and investigation.

On the 22d of October, 1918, in Waynesville, North Carolina, Dr. Charbonnet was married to Blanche R. Rogers of Winfield, Kansas, a daughter of Ernest Richard Rogers, a retired farmer of Winfield. They have one son, Pierre Numa, Jr.

In politics Dr. Charbonnet is a non-partisan, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is well known in club circles, his membership being in the Petroleum and University Clubs, and he belongs also to the American Legion, thus maintaining his comradeship with those who, like himself, did active duty in the World war to curb the militaristic ambitions of Germany. He is yet a young man, alert, ambitious, studious and enterprising, and step by step he is advancing in his chosen profession, his position already being one that many a physician of twice his years might well envy.

Henry Nauert Gre1S

Henry Nauert Greis, oil and gas producer of Tulsa, who well deserves classification with the captains of industry because of the ability and enterprise which he has manifested in the development and control of important interests, was born at Buffalo, New York, July 5, 1880, a son of Jacob M. and Mildred N. Greis. The public schools of his native city afforded him his educational opportunities and passing through consecutive grades he was graduated from the Central high school and afterward entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, thus receiving thorough educational training. Advancing step by step in his business career he has come to control extensive and important interests and figures as one of the most prominent and influential business men of Tulsa. He is a director of the Liberty National Bank of this city, also vice president of the Central Torpedo Company, president of the Wyoming Torpedo Company, president of the Packard Oklahoma Motor Sales Company, president of the Atlantic Petroleum Corporation, with offices in the Cosden building, and altogether is one of the best known oil and gas men in this section of the country. He has won notable success through the development of his oil interests and in other lines as well. He came to Tulsa as a gas expert and oil producer, and step by step has advanced until he has reached his present commanding position. Tie has displayed notable sagacity in discriminating between the essential and the non-essential in all business affairs and has so directed his efforts as to make the best possible use of time, talent and opportunity.

In politics Air. Greis is a democrat, thoroughly informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day. but never an office seeker. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Delta Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Tulsa; to Mount Sinai Chapter, R. A. M., of Buffalo, New York ; to Indian Consistory,

A. A. S. R., of McAlester, Oklahoma ; to Trinity Commandery, K. T., of Tulsa ; and to Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and in the last named is captain of the Akdar Arab Patrol. He is likewise a member of Tulsa Lodge, No. 946,

B. P. O. E. There are few leisure moments in his life. Important and extensive interests make heavy demands upon his time and energy and he has become indeed a dynamic force in the business world of the southwest.

William Lloyd Lewis

William Lloyd Lewis, the active manager of the Liberty National Bank, his official title being that of vice president of the institution, was born in Ottawa, Kansas, October 16, 1889. His father, George W. Lewis, is a native of North Carolina and in an early day removed to Kansas, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that state. Since 1889 he has lived in Oklahoma and has devoted his life to the occupations of farming and stock raising, becoming prominently known as a leading stockman of this state. He now makes his home at Stillwater. He served with the Union army during the Civil war and has always been a loyal supporter of all interests that tend to benefit community, commonwealth or country. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and he is active in the church and in connection with many local affairs of value to the community in which he resides. He married Elvessa Moore, who was born in Kansas, and they have become parents of ten children, nine of whom are living.

William Lloyd Lewis pursued a public school education and then continued his studies in the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College at Stillwater, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. When his textbooks were laid aside he turned his attention to the banking business, becoming assistant cashier of the Bartlesville State Bank of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. There he gained experience which constituted a valuable foundation for his later success. In 191 1 he came to Tulsa and through the intervening period has been active in the Liberty National Bank as its vice president. This bank is capitalized for two hundred thousand dollars, has a surplus of fifty thousand dollars and its deposits now amount to about three million dollars. Its business has been developed along the most approved lines of banking and the officers have at all times been most careful to safeguard the interests of depositors, at the same time utilizing every legitimate method to advance the business interests of Tulsa and the surrounding country through judicious loans. While Mr. Lewis occupies a prominent place in financial circles, he is perhaps even more widely known as a horseman. He is the owner of six world champions, displayed at Louisville, including Mass of Gold, a world champion five gaited gelding and also grand champion five gaited saddle horse of the world. He is likewise the owner of Vernon Holt, champion standard bred stallion of the world, which won the coveted ribbon at Lexington, Kentucky, Adelaide Genee, grand champion mare of the world. Admiral King, champion stallion, and Violet Heming, champion harness mare of the world. Out of twenty-two shows he won eleven firsts and twenty-two seconds. Tulsa, as well as Mr. Lewis, is extremely proud of his stable, as he has owned and trained some of the finest horses of the world.

In 1914 Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Lina Tuttle, daughter of Claude Tuttle, and they have two children: Betty Jane, three years of age; and Lina Lee, age two months.

That Mr. Lewis is interested in oil and gas properties, as well as in banking, is indicated in the fact that he is an accepted member of the Petroleum Club. In fact he is one of the popular representatives of that organization. He belongs as well to the Tulsa Country Club and is a director and treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, cooperating heartily in all the activities of the latter organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations and the advancement and upholding of its civic standards. In addition to his beautiful home in Tulsa he owns a farm seven miles from the city and it is there that his world champion horses are found. Mr. Lewis is always approachable and genial and is one of the best known and most popular residents of Tulsa, enjoying the friendship and warm regard of people of all classes, thus making his life history of interest to his many friends.

Major Alva Joseph Niles

Major Alva Joseph Niles, who is also entitled to be called General by reason of his service with the National Guard, while his title of major was won in the World war, is now the president of the Security State Bank of Tulsa. A well defined policy has characterized his entire life and thoroughness and earnestness of purpose have constituted the basis of his constantly growing success. He was born at Whitehall, Illinois, on the 5th of April. 1882, and back of his own military record was the example of his father, Albert G. Niles, a veteran of the Civil war. The father was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and when but fourteen years of age enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company C, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he fought from the beginning until the close of hostilities. He was the youngest man to enlist at the first call of President Lincoln for troops to crush out rebellion in the south. After the war he became a farmer of Illinois and eventually settled in Oklahoma, during the period of its early development. The last fifteen years of his life were spent in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and other sections of the state with his son. and he passed away on the 19th of April, 1917. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ruth, was born in Greene county, Illinois, and died when her son, Alva J., was quite young. The family numbered seven children, of whom one died in infancy, while the others are still living.

Alva J. Niles was educated in the public schools of Winfield, Kansas, and in the Winfield College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. His youthful experiences were those of the farm-bred boy who is reared upon the western frontier and who bears his part in the arduous task of developing new land. He was ambitious to gain a good education and it was his own labor that made this possible, for he provided the funds that enabled him to pursue his college course. At length he entered the real estate and loan business in Newkirk, Oklahoma, as an employe, there continuing for a year, and later he spent three years in the same line in Blaekwell, Oklahoma. In 1903 he was appointed treasurer of school lands of Oklahoma, with headquarters in Guthrie, then the capital of the territory. There he remained until 1906, when he received appointment to the position of adjutant general of Oklahoma by Theodore Roosevelt and continued to serve in that capacity until Oklahoma territory became a state, continuing his residence in Guthrie through the intervening period. It was then that he turned his attention to the banking business and became active in the management of a chain of banks in various towns of this state. He so served until 1914, when he came to Tulsa and entered the business circles of this city in connection with the oil industry. In this he met with substantial success. Steadily he had worked his way upward, but the mere outline as herein given indicates little of the plans and methods which he has followed. He has always pursued a definite purpose and has been inflexibly loyal to seven rules which he laid out for himself in young manhood. His observation of life and its opportunities, his study of the methods of successful men and his sound deductions led to his adoption of seven principles which are briefly summed up as follows : Be honest ; Hustle ; Be courteous ; Be a good American ; Stay by your friends ; Apply what education you have ; Plan for the future. He knows that no man can win legitimate success if he be not honest and no one has ever questioned the integrity of his methods. He has been equally loyal to the other principles which he has laid down for himself and which young men might well adopt as a course to pursue if they would attain an honorable name and place as Mr. Xiles has done.

Mr. Niles' father was but fourteen years of age when he became connected with the Civil war. Mr. Niles was a youth of sixteen when the country again needed military aid and he together with two brothers at once responded, becoming a private of the Twenty-first Kansas Volunteer Infantry in 1898 for service in the Spanish-American war. He was the youngest man to respond to the first call for volunteers for that struggle and served throughout the war in the Philippines. In 1916, when it seemed expedient to send troops to the Mexican border, Mr. Niles went with General Pershing as captain of infantry and was on active duty from June. 1916. until March, 1917, being connected with Company C of the First Oklahoma Infantry, which company he organized in Tulsa. At the outbreak of the World war he recruited Company C, First Oklahoma Infantry, to its full strength and' later was promoted to the rank of major. He was made inspector general of the Seventh American Division and was in active service in France until February, 1919. He participated in engagements in the Toul sector, also in defensive operations in the Toul sector and offensive operations in the Meuse-Argonne engagement. He had formerly become adjutant general of the territory of Oklahoma and has held every rank from private to that of brigadier general in the Oklahoma National Guard, extending over a period of seventeen years. Immediately upon his return to the United States after serving in France he organized the Security State Bank of Tulsa, of which he became the president. The bank has enjoyed notable growth under his control. His policy is well defined, his progressiveness is tempered by a safe conservatism and he most carefully protects the interests of depositors while upbuilding the institution along lines of substanital improvement and advancement.

In January, 1906, Mr. Niles was united in marriage to Miss Ethel M. Mc- Neal, who was born at Medicine Lodge, Kansas, but was reared and educated in Guthrie, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Joseph W. McNeal, a very promi- nent citizen of Oklahoma, who opened the first bank in the state at Guthrie. He was also the republican nominee for governor in 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Niles have been born two children, Joe Allen and Marie Louise, aged respectively fourteen and twelve years and both now in school. Mrs. Niles takes a very active and helpful interest in church and philanthropic work and is continually extending a helping hand where assistance is needed.

Mr. Niles is a member of the Spanish War Veterans, being twice elected department commander, and is one of the national organizers of the American Legion. He is likewise a member of the Military Order of Foreign Wars and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In politics he is a republican, active in support of his party, and was chairman of the republican state campaign committee in 1910. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and their social position is an enviable one. Major Niles was the youngest man ever created a thirty-third degree Mason. He belongs to Delta Lodge, No. 425, A. F. & A. M. ; has taken all of the Scottish Rite degrees and is a member of Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise belongs to the Elks lodge, is a member of the Tulsa Country Club and of all the leading clubs and social organizations of the city. He is president of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and is keenly interested in everything that has to do with the welfare, progress and upbuilding of the city. His is a notable career, for at the age of thirty-eight years he is a veteran of three wars, has been a recognized leader in political circles, is a prominent figure in banking circles and, moreover, is a truly representative American citizen, loved and honored by all who know him.

Delbert A. Koons

Delbert A. Koons of the Eastern Torpedo Company of Tulsa, was born at Ossian, Indiana, June 29, 1874, and was one of a family of five children whose parents were Philip and Elizabeth (Porter) Koons. The father, who was a lumberman and handled railway timber, settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at an early day, removing from Danville, Pennsylvania, prior to the Civil war. He served with the Union army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south and loyally defended the stars and stripes. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also a faithful follower of Masonry. He passed away in November, 1920, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. The mother, who was born in Akron, Ohio, is still living, making her home near Ossian, Indiana.

Delbert A. Koons pursued his education in the public and high schools of Ossian to the age of sixteen years and then became a railroad telegraph operator. He worked on the New York Central for nine years, on the Lake Erie branch, and eventually became connected with the Indiana Pipe Line Company. Still later he was with the Du Pont Powder Company at Toledo, Ohio, subsequently at Indianapolis, at St. Louis and at Tulsa. He came to this city on the 1st of February, 1910, representing the Du Pont interests for a year, and then organized the Central Torpedo Company, with which he has continued to be identified. He purchased the business of the Eastern Torpedo Company and has since been part owner and general manager of a growing business, now conducted under the name of the Eastern Torpedo Company, with offices in the First National Bank building of Tulsa.

Dklbert A. Kooxs History Of Tulsa 539

who passed away in November, 1913, leaving a daughter, Gretchen Elizabeth, now fifteen years of age. attending the public schools of Winona Lake, Indiana. Mr. Koons is a Mason, having been initiated into the order at Ossian, Indiana. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Kite in Indian Consistory and he belongs to Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine.. He has never been a club man nor has he sought to figure prominently in any public connection outside of business. On the contrary he has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his increasing duties and responsibilities and as the years have advanced has progressed step by step until he is now at the head of important, growing and profitable interests as owner and manager of the Eastern Torpedo Company.

Rev. Louis Samuel Barton

Rev. Louis Samuel Barton, who for seven years has been pastor of the Boston Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Tulsa, is classed with the most eminent divines of the southwest. The liberal educational advantages which were his in early life, his later study of a broad and comprehensive nature and his devotion to the highest ideals have made him a strong and forceful representative of the ministry. A native of Arkansas, he was born in Falcon on the 30th of June. 1869, and is a son of James L. and Jane ( Stevens) Barton. The father was born in Marshall county, Tennessee, and during the Civil war served as a soldier of the Confederate army. His life was passed in Mississippi and in Arkansas and his death occurred in 1872. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. The latter was a native of North Carolina and her mother was a member of the Houston family, related to Secretary Houston, who served as secretary of the treasury. The death of Mrs. Barton occurred in 1912. In their family were nine children, four of whom are living.

Dr. L. S. Barton, spending his boyhood days in Texas, acquired his early education in the public schools and afterward attended the University of Texas, from which in due time he was admitted to the bar. He pursued his studies in Vanderbilt University of Tennessee and later in the University of Chicago, and entered the work of the ministry at Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1893, as a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. For twentyone years he was connected with the North Texas conference and then came to Oklahoma, where for seven years he has labored untiringly as the minister of the Boston Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, South, of Tulsa. This church has a membership of twelve hundred and is the largest and strongest congregation of the denomination in the city, having among its representatives many of the wealthiest men of Tulsa. His extended pastorate is indicative of the high place which he occupies in the regard of his parishioners, who feel that he is doing a most splendid work, the membership of the church having greatlv increased under his ministry. He is a forceful and convincing speaker, clear in his reasoning and logical in his deductions, indicating clearly to his auditors the great value of Christian teaching as a force in the life of every individual. While a man of scholarly attainments, he is also a man of the deepest human sympathy and is constantly extending a helping hand to assist a fellow traveler on life's journey. He possesses a large library, with the contents of which he is familiar, and his reading has covered a wide range of history and the best literature, as well as ecclesiastical subjects. His philanthropic work has been of a most comprehensive and resultant character and in the educational field he is well known, having for several years been a member of the General Board of Education of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. He possesses business ability that results from thorough investigation before making a decision upon any vital question. His unswerving integrity and his unequivocal position have gained him the confidence of all people with whom he deals. Dr. Barton spent the greater part of 1919 in France in the welfare service connected with the Y. M. C. A. His work was that of speaker to the men of the American Expeditionary Forces, his church granting him a leave of absence for the time spent abroad.

Dr. Barton was united in marriage to Miss Maude Spalding, a native of Texas and a daughter of Dr. T. B. Spalding, of Greenville, Texas. She passed away July 4, 1918, her death being the occasion of the deepest and most widespread regret to a very extensive circle of friends. His second marriage, March 8, 1921, was to Mrs. Jane Murray of Austin, Texas.

Dr. Barton is a member of the Ad Club, of the City Club and of the Rotary Club. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and his political belief is that of the democratic party. Dr. Barton greatly enjoys a hunting trip and turns to this for recreation and diversion He is a man of splendid physique, with a resonant voice, well fitted by nature for the life work he has chosen. In modern parlance, he is a good mixer ; in other words he has a clear understanding of human nature and the ability to call forth the best in the individual. He was chosen as Tulsa's representative in the Rotary Club and through this organization and in other channels he is constantly studying the problems of today - the problems that deal with modern life, with the opportunities and the handicaps of the individual and with the chances for the attainment of the highest standards. He does not regard the ministry as a thing apart but believes that it should be a forceful factor in helping to solve the problems of the everyday world, and while holding to the highest ideals, he is constantly employing the most practical methods in bringing about their attainment.

Eli E. Dix

Eli E. Dix, a man of high standards, with positive business genius, is today one of the distinguished figures operating in connection with the oil industry of Oklahoma. He has made his home in Tulsa since November, 1914, and for the past seven years has been prominently known as an oil producer. He was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, April 17, 1873. His father, Joshua E. Dix, was also a native of that county, his birth occurring on a farm there. Joshua E. Dix after reaching his majority acquired a large tract of land and was a progressive farmer and stock raiser. He also engaged in the grain business and in mercantile pursuits, his enterprise and activity bringing to him a gratifying measure of success. His last days were spent in Henry county, Missouri, where he died on the 30th of October, 1916, in the faith of the Christian church, of which he had long been a devoted and loyal member. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann E. Beard, was also a native of Sullivan county, Indiana, and she, too, has passed away. Their family numbered seven children, of whom five are living.

History Of Tulsa 541

state he was reared, attending the public schools, while later he continued his education in the Clinton Normal at Clinton, Missouri. He then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for a time, and later became an employe of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company, serving in a clerical capacity for two years. He afterward engaged on his own account in the real estate and loan business at Clinton, Missouri, being very successful. Since 1914 he has been connected with the oil business and has been very active in developing this field of labor, his efforts at all times being attended with gratifying results. He is manager of the Rockwell Petroleum Corporation.

On the 3d of September, 1899, Mr. Dix was united in marriage to Miss Eula L. Adkisson of Clinton, Missouri, and to them have been born two children : Thomas J., seventeen years of age, who is a senior in the high school ; and William B., a high school student, fourteen years of age.

Mr. Dix is a member of the City Club and also of the Chamber of Commerce and is a very prominent representative of the Christian church, serving at the present time as one of its elders and as chairman of the church board and taking very active and helpful part in all branches of the church work. He is likewise a trustee of Phillips University of Enid, Oklahoma. He has been remarkably generous with his time and his means in support of all interests tending to promote the moral progress and development of the community and his labors in the church have been far-reaching and resultant. He is splendidly philanthropic but closely follows the admonition not to let the left hand know what the right hand doeth. He keeps abreast of the times on all matters of general interest and is a man of untiring energy, of quick, alert mind and of remarkable resourcefulness. His is a spirit that never says quit. He has the ability that inspires confidence in others and faithfulness to his friends and business associates is one of his marked characteristics. In a word he is alert and forceful, his sound judgment commanding confidence in every relation, and the interests and activities of his life have been splendidly balanced, so that while his business affairs have been carried forward to success he has been equally active and forceful in his relations to the public good and is eminently one of the publicspirited citizens of Tulsa.

Frank O. Cavitt

Frank O. Cavitt, a Tulsa attorney with large practice, was born on a farm in Iroquois county, Illinois. January 4. 1873. His father. Nelson Cavitt, was a farmer, who was born and reared near Dayton, Ohio, and afterwards removed to Indiana where he took up his abode in 1867. Pater he became a resident of Illinois and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He passed away in 1901, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he had long been a devoted member. Mrs. Cavitt. who bore the maiden name of Esther Brown, was born in Attica, Indiana, and passed away July 2, 191 1. The family numbered nine children, seven of whom are living.

In the attainment of his education Frank O. Cavitt attended the public schools of Illinois and afterwards the Illinois State Normal School. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work he then began study and after thorough preparation was admitted to the bar upon examination before the supreme court of Illinois, December 12, 1901. For a shore time he practiced in Watseka, Illinois, and then removed to Oklahoma, spending three years in Holdenville. In March,

1906, he arrived in Tulsa, where he has since made his home, and through the intervening period has given his attention to civil law. His practice is large and of an important character and the capability which he displays in handling his cases is indicative of his thorough preparation.

On the 1st of January, 1900, Mr. Cavitt was married to Miss Minnie M. Decker, a native of Iroquois county, Illinois. They belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church of Tulsa, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, and Mr. Cavitt is now serving as chairman of the board of stewards. Politically he is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. His leisure time is given to general reading and he is a well-informed man. He belongs to the City Club, thus manifesting his interest in community affairs, and he is a member of the Oklahoma State Bar Association.

Jesse Finston

Jesse Finston, numbered among those men who are controlling extensive interests in the oil fields of Oklahoma, was born in New York city, December 1, 1885, but was only six months old when taken to Cincinnati, Ohio, by his parents, Henry and Nellie Finston, both of whom are living in Tulsa. They reared a family of four children.

Jesse Finston, the eldest of the family, obtained his early education in the schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, and at twenty years of age moved to New York. He arrived in Tulsa in 191 5, when thirty years of age, and here became connected with manufacturing interests. He is now a well known and prominent figure in connection with the oil industry and his operations of this character have constituted an important feature in the attainment of substantial success. He is the vice president of the Mid-Co Petroleum Corporation and the president of the Mid-Co Oil Sales Company. These two companies are very large oil producers and through his operations as a representative of these corporations Mr. Finston has won a notable place as a progressive, alert and energetic business man.

Mr. Finston was married on the 2d of September, 1914, to Miss Pearl Aaronson. Mr. and Mrs. Finston have become parents of two children: Alice Cyrelle, five years of age; and Gladys, aged two. Mr. Finston finds his recreation largely in baseball and is a devotee of the national game. He is well known in club circles, belonging to the Petroleum, Country and Automobile Clubs, and in their membership is ever warmly welcomed because of the sterling traits of his character and his genial disposition, which everywhere makes for popularity.

Walter Newton Chitwood

Said one who has been observing the record of Walter Newton Chitwood for a number of years: "My observation of him in the practice of law in the various courts of Tulsa county and elsewhere leads me to place him among the leading lawyers of his age." Mr. Chitwood is yet a young man and large opportunity lies before him in the future. He was born December 13, 1891, in what is now Delaware county. Oklahoma, formerly the Coocooweescowee district of the Cherokee Nation. His parents are Thomas X. and Lucy (England) Chitwood. The father was born in Tennessee, while the mother was of the Cherokee Indian tribe, a native of the territory and a daughter of William England. She is related to Samuel H. Mayes and Joel Mayes, famous chiefs of the Cherokees, the Mayes family having played an important part in the development and progress of the Cherokee Nation. The great-grandmother of Walter N. Chitwood, widely known as "Grandmother" Snell, came from Georgia to the Indian Territory in 1841 and was the owner of the hotel where the Cherokee tribal court held session on Honey Creek. Thomas N. Chitwood, father of Walter N. Chitwood, was born at Estill Springs, Tennessee, in 1864, and was the son of a well known attorney. He was educated at Pea Ridge College at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and afterward took up the profession of teaching in the Cherokee Nation, in which work he continued from 1884 until 1894. It was in 1890 that he wedded Lucy England, who was educated in the national schools of the Cherokees. Mr. Chitwood afterward followed farming in Craig county and became a most prominent and influential citizen there in connection with political interests and civic affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in many ways influenced public thought and action while a resident of Vinita. He now lives at Broken Arrow.

Walter N. Chitwood obtained his early education in the common schools of the Cherokee Nation and in the Vinita high school. He also spent three years as a student in the Cherokee Male Seminary at Tahlequah, attending there until that institution was destroyed by fire. Later he was for three years in the Southeastern State Normal School at Durant and during his college days was very prominent in athletics and in football, serving as captain of the 1913 championship team, an all normal team which was made an all state team, Mr. Chitwood being half back. He also won a reputation as a sprinter, as a tennis player and as a baseball player. It was in February, 1914, that he entered the law department and while pursuing his legal studies he was captain of the law football team. He likewise became a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity during his college days and was key man of the Phi Alpha Delta in recognition of his general high scholarship and his oratorical ability. He was made chief justice of Harlan Chapter of the Phi Alpha and was chief of the Indian club known as Oklushe Degataga, meaning "tribes standing together," composed of the Indians of six tribes.

While a student in the Oklahoma University Mr. Chitwood was also very active in Masonic circles and is a member of Norman Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M. : Lion Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M. ; and the commandery at Norman. He likewise became identified with India Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Oklahoma City, and he now belongs to the Masonic Club of Tulsa.

Following the completion of his law course Mr. Chitwood entered upon the active practice of his profession in 1916 and now gives his attention to general law practice, making, however, a specialty of oil interests.

In December, 1913, Mr. Chitwood was married in Muskogee to Miss Beatrice Tiblow, a half Cherokee, who was educated in the nation schools and in Central College at Lexington, Missouri. She is a daughter of William S. and Lulu (Charley) Tiblow and the ancestral home is near Skiatook, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Chitwood have become parents of two children : Juanita Charlotte, her Indian name being Ka-lee-la, or songbird ; and Walter Newton, Jr.

Mr. Chitwood belongs to the Acacia Club of Tulsa. He is active in democratic politics, stanchly supporting the principles of the party, is much interested in civic problems and at all times his aid and influence are on the side of progress and improvement. He was also very active in war work. He became one of the organizers of the University of Oklahoma Club at Tulsa, but all other interests in his life are made subservient to his law practice, which is of an important character, and it has been said that, "Mr. Chitwood is able to present the most complicated question in a concise, straightforward manner and in so doing gains the confidence and attention of all who hear him."

Ralph C. Riley

Ralph C. Riley, manager for the Oklahoma Central Oil Company at Tulsa, was born in Olean, New York, February 7, 1877, and is one of a family of six children, all of whom are living, the parents being M. F. and Martha (Wands) Riley, both of whom are also natives of the Empire state. The father was a wholesale grocer, conducting business along that line for many years, but is now living retired in Olean, enjoying the fruits of his former industry and effort. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Ralph C. Riley obtained a public and high school education in his native town and starting out in the business world became identified with the oil industry in the fields of West Virginia and of Illinois. In 1917 he came to Tulsa, where he has since remained, and his operations in connection with oil production of this section of the state have been carried on as the general superintendent of the Oklahoma Central Oil Company. He has made a close study of conditions, particularly production and marketing of oil. and is displaying marked capability in handling the duties of the office that devolve upon him.

In 1907 Mr. Riley was married to Miss Eva Wright of Sisterville, West Virginia, and they have become parents of a son. James \Y, ten years of age. and a daughter, Elizabeth, aged eight. Mr. Riley is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and is a worthy follower of the teachings and purposes of the craft. He belongs to the City Club and Tulsa's welfare and advancement are a matter of deep concern to him. He cooperates in many measures for the public good and he occupies an enviable position as a citizen, in his business relations and in social circles.

George Watson Davis

George Watson Davis of Tulsa, was born in Emporia. Kansas, September 3, 1885. His father, W. W. Davis, living in Chelsea, Oklahoma, was formerly a railroad man, but is now living retired. He has long been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Yerna Smith, who was born in Grafton, West Virginia, and they have become the parents of two children, the daughter being Mrs. J. C. Taylor of Chelsea, the wife of a well known physician of that place.

George Watson Davis attended the public schools of Emporia, Kansas, and Raton, New Mexico, and afterwards completed a commercial course at Muskogee, Oklahoma. Subsequently he occupied a position in connection with the Indian agency at Muskogee, Oklahoma, and in 1906 came to Tulsa. Here he entered upon the study of law. but the condition of his eyes made it impossible for him to continue his preparation for the bar. He spent five years in the courthouse as clerk of the court, and on the expiration of that period became connected with the oil industry, holding responsible positions with some of the largest oil companies. Taking complete charge of, reorganizing and refinancing the Parkville Oil Corporation, with which company he served two years, was his latest work. He drilled the first well at Ardmore, when Hewitt field was first discovered in 1920. It was a six hundred and fifty barrel well. He has succeeded by reason of his ability and close application, and has always borne a high reputation for honesty and integrity, for punctuality and promptness.

In 1910 Mr. Davis was married to Miss Caroline Jones of Cameron, Missouri, and to them have been born five children: George Watson, Jr., twelve years of age; Allen D. ; Louise; Dorothy and Gordon. Mr. Davis has always been a consistent supporter of the democratic party, formerly taking a helpful interest in its work. Fraternally he is connected with Petroleum Lodge, No. 474. A. F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistory at McAlester, Oklahoma. He is fond of fishing and hunting and other phases of outdoor life, but never allows these things to interfere with the faithful control and management of the business interests in his care.

Grey Moore

Grey Moore (wife, Zella S.), member of the Tulsa bar. specializing in corporation law, was born in Wood county, Texas, November 7, 1879, and is one of a family of seven children, whose parents were Melville A. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Moore. Three of these children are living. The father was born in Tennessee and spent his entire life in the south, living for a time in Texas, and afterwards in Clarksville, Arkansas. He devoted his life to the occupation of farming and was also active in public affairs, serving as county clerk at Clarksville. He served under General Forrest in the Civil war. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and its teaching guided his life till he was called to the home beyond in 1919. The mother, who was born in South Carolina, passed away in 1903.

Grey Moore largely obtained his public school education at Clarksville, Arkansas, where he attended high schools, and later in preparation for a professional career he entered Washington & Lee University in 1905 and was there graduated on the completion of a law course in 1907, at which time the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him. He also became a member of the Phi Kappa Psi, while attending the university. Mr. Moore was admitted to the bar in the year of his graduation, and began practice in Oklahoma the same year. He took up his abode in Tulsa in June, 1916, and entered into a partnership relation under the firm style of West, Sherman, Davidson & Moore. He has always been an earnest student and is a forceful and convincing speaker. Upon any subject which he discusses he is thoroughly informed, his utterances indicating careful preparation and painstaking investigation. One who has known him throughout his professional career speaks of him as one of the best informed young attorneys of the state. He has in large measure concentrated his attention upon corporation law, and he is now associated with a firm that ranks with the most prominent in Oklahoma, representing large oil corporations. His standing among his professional brethren is indicated in the fact that he was in 1913 elected secretary of the Oklahoma Stafe Bar Association. He also belongs to

He is an active democrat in politics, and has served as assistant county attorney. He has made continuous progress since starting upon his professional career in a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability, and today has a large clientage that connects him with many important litigated interests.

Dr. Elmer Forrest Hayden, a prominent surgeon of Tulsa, was born in Carrollton, Kentucky, September 23, 1876. His father, James Madison Hayden, was also a native of Carroll county, Kentucky, and in early manhood devoted his attention to the occupation of farming and stock raising. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry under General Morgan and on three occasions was wounded. He afterward resumed agricultural pursuits in his native state, giving his attention largely to the cultivation of tobacco and barley. In 1900 he went to Nashville, Tennessee, where he had land interests and his remaining days were devoted to the supervision of his property interests there. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, loyal to its teachings and very active in its work, and he passed away in Nashville in that faith in 1916. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ellen Lawrence, was born in Henry county, Kentucky.

Dr. Hayden obtained a high school education in Carrollton, Kentucky, and afterward matriculated in the Kentucky Wesleyan College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1898. He then entered the Louisville Medical College, where he studied in preparation for a professional career and later became a student in the University of Nashville and in the University of the South, winning his M. D. degree in 1901. In 1902 he took the degree of Ph. G. He put his theoretical training to the practical test by at once entering upon the active work of the profession and later became a student in the Polyclinic Hospital at New York, where he specialized in surgery until 1904. He then located in Greenville, Mississippi, and here remained until 1907. In that year he opened an office in Nashville, Tennessee, where he specialized in the treatment of nervous diseases and of surgical cases, with the idea of developing a surgical institute, establishing a sanitarium in that city. For four years he there resided and in 191 1 came to Tulsa, and since 191 5 he has confined his attention exclusively to surgery. He is recognized as a most thorough student of his profession and belongs to the Tulsa County Medical Society, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Southern Medical Association, the Tri-State Medical Association, the Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee State Medical Associations, and the Nashville Academy of Medicine. Aside from his practice he has become interested in mining and oil in the southwest and has made judicious investments along those lines.

Dr. Hayden was married to Miss Adda Elizabeth Amaker and they have one daughter, Mary Addaline. Dr. Hayden became one of the organizers and charter members of the Tulsa Chapter of the Sons of the Confederacy and for several years he was surgeon-in-chief of the United States organization of the Sons of the Confederacy. He is well known in Masonic circles, having become a member of the lodge at Winchester, Kentucky, and of the Consistory at Mc- Alester, Oklahoma, and he also belongs to Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine and to Saba Grotto. His name is on the membership rolls of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political endorsement to the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. He belongs also to the Country Club, the Automobile Club of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the University Club, and during the World war was a member of the Medical Advisory Board. The sterling traits of his character are many and all who know him speak of him in terms of high regard.

Frank A. Gillespie

Frank A. Gillespie, oil producer of Tulsa who has enjoyed notable success, has through the development of the natural resources of the state contributed in large measure to the progress and prosperity of this section of the country. He comes from a region where oil was one of the early and profitable productive industries, for his birth occurred in Oil City, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1869, his parents being J. B. and Man,' Gillespie. The father was connected with the early development of the oil fields of Pennsylvania. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the army, participating with the Union forces in a number of important engagements. On one occasion he was captured and for a time was incarcerated at Andersonville and in Libby prison. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and commanded the respect, confidence and goodwill of all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Randolph, was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and by her marriage became the mother of two children.

Frank A. Gillespie pursued a public school education and his youthful days gave little indication of what the future held in store for him, but he early displayed the substantial qualities of thoroughness, earnestness and energy and upon these as a basis he has builded his success. For sixteen years he has made his home in Oklahoma and throughout his entire life he has been connected with the oil industry, with which he became identified when in Pennsylvania. He entered the oil fields of Oklahoma as a pioneer and has operated most extensively and successfully through the intervening years until today, largely as the result of his operations in oil. his income is very large. He has not confined his attention, however, entirely to this line. He says that his hobby is the breeding of fine Hereford and blooded cattle and he is the owner of some of the most valuable cattle to be found in the southwest. Moreover, he is interested in the Gila Water Company, which is engaged in the building of the Gillespie dam, whereby one hundred thousand acres of land will be reclaimed for cultivation under the irrigation system. The work was begun in January. 1918. The dam is located at Gila Bend, fifty miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, and will be completed on the 1st of June, 192 1. It is to be eighteen hundred and seventy-five feet in length and the water in the lake will be twenty feet in depth. It is not a storage dam but a diversion dam and one of the largest of its kind in the world. This will make a great section of the Gila River valley an agricultural and horticultural district. It has already been demonstrated that some of the finest cotton in the world can be grown vol. m - 9 here, dates have been successfully raised, citrus fruit are profitably cultivated and many other highly productive crops are seen in this region. The canal is forty miles in length and thus a great area is irrigated in a district where there are three hundred and sixty-five growing days in every year.

In 1890 Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage to Miss Maude McCoy, of Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of three children : Bernard A. ; Lester A., who attended the Kansas University and is now married and lives in Tulsa ; and Palmie Betty Elizabeth. The elder son, Bernard A., married Katherine Kerr, of Muskogee, and they have a daughter, Eugene Kerr Gillespie.

Fraternally Mr. Gillespie is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He was on the first city commission, serving for four months, but has never been an office holder, preferring that his public duties shall be done as a private citizen. He cooperates with every interest that he believes will be of benefit to the community, commonwealth or country and his labors have been a most potent force in the development of the southwest, particularly in the utilization of the natural resources. Bringing to bear the experience which he had obtained in the oil fields of Pennsylvania and of Ohio, he came to the southwest with its limtiless opportunities and here has so directed his efforts that he has become one of the capitalists of Tulsa, prominently known as an oil producer and also through his connection with the breeding of fine stock and the development of the southwest through the promotion of the Gila Water Company and the building of the Gillespie dam. His judgment is at all times sound and he displays notable capability in discriminating between the essential and the non-essential in all business affairs.

Claude H. Terwilleger

A substantial citizen and reliable business man is Claude H. Terwilleger, who is conductiing a real estate business in Tulsa. He entered upon this field of activity in 1914 and through the intervening period of seven years has gained a large clientage and done much to develop and improve the city through handling high class property. He was born on a farm in Linn county, Missouri, January 12, 1879, and is a son of Calvin H. and Anna (Brown) Terwilleger. The father was born in Amsterdam, New York, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, winning a substantial measure of success. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army, serving for three years and then reenlisting for the remainder of the war. He thus rendered valuable aid to the country in maintaining the Union intact. He belonged to the Presbyterian church, and fraternally was connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred in Brookfield, Missouri. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Brown, was also a native of the Empire state and her death occurred in Linn county, Missouri, December 20, 1920. She was the mother of five children, all of whom are living.

Claude H. Terwilleger spent his youthful days in his native county, his boyhood experiences being those that usually fall to the lot of the farm bred lad. After starting out in the business world he became a merchant at Covington, Oklahoma, where he conducted a general store, becoming a resident of this state in 1906. He has made his home in Tulsa since 1914 and here he established a real estate business, recognizing the splendid opportunities afforded in that field of labor by reason of the rapid growth and development of the city, which within a period of two decades has increased its population almost seventyfold. Mr. Terwilleger handles high class property and has a large clientage. He has negotiated the sale of much of the best property in Tulsa and is widely known for his reliability and for his enterprise.

Mr. Terwilleger was instrumental in getting correct names for streets and the placing of signs at street corners, serving on a committee appointed for this purpose. The plan used was so good that it is being copied in an eastern city. He has been very active in the promotion of home building plans for Tulsa.

On the 19th of September, 1906, Mr. Terwilleger was married to Miss Mary Jenkins of Carrollton, Missouri. He is well known in social connections, belonging to the City Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Real Estate Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce. He also has membership with the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. In politics he maintains an independent course, and his religious faith is that of the Christian Science church. High principles have governed him in every relation of life and he is continually seeking to reach an advanced standard, whether in business or in personal relations. Those who know him - and his acquaintance is wide - speak of him in terms of the highest regard.

Hon. Maurice Anthony Breckinridge

Hon. Maurice Anthony Breckinridge, who has the distinction of having served as the first county attorney of Tulsa county, and who was elected the first judge of the superior court of the county, remained upon the bench until 1918, since which time he has given his attention to the private practice of law, and is regarded as one of the eminent representatives of the bar of this state. He was born in Fincastle, Virginia, February 26, 1880, a son of George W. and Anne (Hamner) Breckinridge. The father was born in Virginia, where the family has been represented since 1700. George W. Breckinridge was also a member of the bar and served in his community as judge. He received military training at the Virginia Military Institute, raised a company for service in the Civil war and for two years was a captain in the Confederate army, being the youngest man to hold that rank. He won distinction as a lawyer and judge, as well as through his early military prowess, and he was, moreover, highly esteemed because of his sterling personal worth. He passed away in 191 1. His wife, who was also born in Virginia, has likewise departed this life. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living.

Maurice A. Breckinridge obtained his early education in public and preparatory schools of Virginia, pursuing his studies in Botetourt county, while later he entered the Washington & Lee University in preparation for the practice of law and gained his LL. B. degree in 1902. During his college days he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a fraternity of the university. He was admitted to the bar in 1903 and then went to New York where he practiced for two years. There he was first associated with the firm of Bowers & Sands and afterwards with the firm of Wing, Putnam & Birmingham, prominent admiralty lawyers. Later he returned to Virginia and opened a law office in Roanoke, there continued for two years, and then came to Oklahoma, settling in Tulsa in 1905. He became the first county attorney of Tulsa county and was elected the first judge of the superior court of Tulsa county, occupying the position from the date of the organization of that court until January, 1918, when he retired from the bench and entered upon the private practice of his profession. A most liberal clientage is accorded him and he is recognized as a lawyer of high standing. As a judge he rendered decisions which were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon a comprehensive knowledge of the law and the equity in the case. His handling of a cause before the courts is always comprehensive, based upon thorough preparation and ability to recognize readily the salient features. He belongs to both the Oklahoma State and the American Bar Associations.

In 1905 Judge Breckinridge was united in marriage to Miss Julia Robertson of Roanoke and they became the parents of two children: William R. and Anne Anthony. In October, 1920, Judge Breckinridge was again married, his first wife having departed this life in 1916. His second union was with Mrs. A. F. Burton. In politics the judge is an active democrat, laboring untiringly to promote the interests of his party. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, but it is as a lawyer and judge that he is most widely known. His recorded opinions are monuments to his profound legal learning and superior ability and show a thorough mastery of the questions involved, a rare simplicity of style and an admirable terseness and clearness in the statement of the principles upon which the opinions rest.

Coming to Tulsa in June, 19 17, Dr. A. Winfrey Pigford has since engaged in practice here, confining his attention largely to gynecological and surgical cases. He has developed his ability through wide reading and study as well as through experience and his standing as a representative of the profession is most creditable. He was born in Meridian, Lauderdale county, Mississippi, October 24, 1883, his parents being C. A. and Annie (Westbrook) Pigford, who are also natives of Mississippi. The father has long been a railway official and is now general superintendent of the Gulf, Mobile & Northern Railroad, making his home at Laurel, Mississippi. For years he was associated with the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. Both he and his wife are consistent followers of the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are living.

. A. Winfrey Pigford, pursuing his education in the public schools, passed through consecutive grades to the high school and afterward attended the University of Mississippi and won his professional degree upon graduation with the class of 1907. He then entered the University of Alabama, taking postgraduate work, and later became a student of Tulane University, taking postgraduate work also there. During his college days he became a member of the Kappa Psi fraternity. Having prepared for active practice by interneship at Vicksburg Charity Hospital, he opened an office in Meridian, Mississippi, where he remained for ten years and gained prominence as a physician and surgeon. He was honored with the presidency of the Lauderdale County Medical Society and with the vice presidency of the Mississippi State Medical Association. Attracted by the opportunities ofrered in the growing city of Tulsa Dr. Pigford removed to this state in June, 1917, and that he was not long in winning professional recognition here is indicated in the fact that in December, 1920, he was elected president of the Tulsa County Medical Society. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association and the Southern Medical Association. During the World war he was with the army for four months at Camp McArthur with the rank of lieutenant. He is now concentrating his efforts and energies upon his professional duties and has won prominence in the field of gynecology and surgery. He is a most ethical follower of the profession and stands very high in medical circles, although a resident of Tulsa for but a comparatively brief period.

In 1910 Dr. Pigford was united in marriage to Miss Mary Baxter of Meridian, Mississippi, a daughter of Samuel A. and Sarah Baxter. They have become parents of one child, Mary Evelyn, nine years of age.

Dr. Pigford is a York Rite Mason and also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He became identified with the Shrine in Mississippi and has demitted to Akdar Temple in Tulsa. He is much interested in athletics as a means of phvsical development and diversion and he belongs to the Lions Club, the City Club, the Automobile Club and the University Club. He also takes an active and helpful interest in church work, having membership in the Boston Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, South, of which he is serving as a steward. While his professional ability has brought him prominence, his social qualities have gained him popularity and Tulsa assigns him to a place in the front ranks of the medical profession in this section of the state.

John Barnard Foster

John Barnard Foster, president and treasurer of the Foster Oil Company of Tulsa, has for a number of years operated most extensively and successfully in the oil fields of Oklahoma, and the soundness of his judgment, his business enterprise and his keen discrimination have been manifested in all that he has undertaken. Mr. Foster is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. He was born July 21, 18S9, and is a son of F. M. and Martha Elizabeth (Jerrett) Foster, the former a native of Alabama, while the latter was born in North Carolina. The father is now living retired from active business, making his home in Tulsa. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Baptist church. To him and his wife were born four children, three of whom have passed away.

John Barnard Foster, the only surviving member of the family, pursued his early education in the public schools of Asheville, North Carolina, where he completed a high school course and then entered the Bingham Military Academy. He became a resident of Oklahoma in 1902, and accepted a position in the American National Bank of McAlester, which he held until 1907. In that year he became cashier of the McAlester Trust Company and occupied the position until 191 1. when failing health forced him to resign. It was a year and a half later that Mr. Foster became a resident of Ardmore, there remaining from 1912 until 1914. In the latter year he came to Tulsa and has since made this city his home, being identified with the oil industry. In 1913 he organized the Wrightsman & Foster Oil Company and in 1914 organized the Foster Oil Company, of which he is the president and treasurer. In the same year he organized the Wrightsman & Foster Petroleum Company, and in 1916, the Sunflower Oil Company. He was a prominent figure in the opening of the Healton pool in Carter county, Oklahoma, this being a large producer of that district at one time. He likewise became extensively interested in the operation of oil fields in Butler county and shortly after the opening of the Bull Bayou pool in Louisiana he purchased an interest in valuable holdings and soon secured a large output of oil in that region. He is prominently known in oil circles and his judgment has led to judicious investment, returning splendid success. He is likewise known in financial circles as a director of the First National Bank of Tulsa.

On the 30th of January, 1918, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Leona Camden Kline, a daughter of William M. Kline of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Their wedding was celebrated in Chicago, Illinois, and they have become the parents of two daughters: Frances Eliza and Dorothy Jane. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Foster is that of the Baptist church. Fraternally Mr. Foster is connected with Masonry, belonging to McAlester Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He has likewise attained the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite, has taken the Scottish Rite degrees and is a Noble of Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the City Club and to the Chamber of Commerce and is interested in all that pertains to the progress and welfare of Tulsa and the state. He and his wife are prominent in social circles and Mr. Foster is counted one of its representative business men.

Victor Harmon Hughes

Victor H. Hughes, whom many regard as the foremost geologist in the state of Oklahoma, while none dispute his right to rank with the foremost in the line of his profession, was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, August 16, 1885. His father, George S. Hughes, is a native of Linesville, Pennsylvania, while the grandfather in the paternal line was also born in Pennsylvania. George S. Hughes, who became a merchant, carried on business for a number of years in Pennsylvania and also for a considerable period in Kansas having removed to the latter state in the '/os- He is now living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. His religious faith is that of the Universalist church and fraternally he is connected with the Masons. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sylvania Wiser, was also born in Linesville, Pennsylvania, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children.

Mr. Hughes was largely reared in Sabetha, Kansas, where he pursued his public and high school education. He afterwards attended the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, Missouri, and was graduated with the degree of Mining Engineer as a member of the class of 1907. He then became interested in mining in the Southwest, largely in Colorado, and from 1908 to 1914 he filled the position of assistant state geologist, with offices at Rolla, Missouri. On the expiration of that period he came to Tulsa, arriving in the spring of 1914, and through the intervening period has practiced as a consulting geologist. Leading corporations for which he has done much geological work speak of him in term;, of the highest commendation and many rank him as the foremost in his chosen profession. His knowledge of the business is comprehensive and exact and he is continually broadening his geologic wisdom through further study and experience. Moreover, the integrity of his business methods is never called into question. He belongs to the American Institute of Mining Engineers and to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He is also a member of the Beta Chi chapter of the Kappa Sigma, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi, an honorary engineering society.

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On the 22d of February, 1919, Mr. Hughes was married to Miss Anna Laura Campbell, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Judge A. M. Campbell, the marriage being celebrated in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Hughes is a Mason, identified also with the Knights Templar Commandery at Rolla, Missouri, and with Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tulsa. He is fond of hunting, to which he turns for recreation and diversion. He also spends much of his leisure time in reading and is a well informed man, his broad knowledge covering a wide range of subjects. His professional activity, however, claims the major part of his time and attention and in his chosen field he has been very successful, while many prominent oil developments of Oklahoma have been made through his efforts. Philanthropy also features in his life and he has been most generous in his support of various benevolent objects and of various projects which tend to uplift mankind and benefit the community at large.

Benjaaiin Mossman

Benjamin Mossman is a partner in the firm of Roach & Mossman, one of the leading law firms of Tulsa. He comes to the southwest from New England, his birth having occurred in Lowell, Massachusetts, April 9, 1879. His parents were Alvaro E. and Mary Ann (Eacott) Mossman, the former a native of California, while the latter was born in England. The father was a physician who practiced for many years in Lowell and in Westminster, Massachusetts. He was prominent in his community, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He passed away in 1913 and is still survived by the mother. Their family numbered six children, all whom are living.

Benjamin Mossman was a pupil in the Cushing Academy in his youthful days and afterward attended Williams College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1902. This constituted an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning when he decided to become a member of the bar and began preparation for the practice of law. He was admitted to the bar upon examination before the federal court at Muskogee in 1907. In the meantime he had been principal of the Blees Military Academy which is located at Macon, Missouri. For four years he was active as an Indian agent, representing the United States government in Indian affairs, and in 1909 became associated with the Gulf Pipe Line Company. He was also connected for a time with the Gypsy Oil Company but at present is concentrating his efforts and energy upon law practice and his clientage is ot an important character. The firm of Roach & Mossman ranks with the prominent legal firms of the state and the partners enjoy an enviable reputation by reason of their fidelity to the intersets of their clients, which with them, however, never overshadows the fact that they owe a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. Mr. Mossman is a member of the Muskogee Bar Association, the Oklahoma State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. While at Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was secretary of and active in the work of the Red Cross, secretary and counsel of the County Council of Defense; and secretary and treasurer of the Local Canteen. He was congressman from Muskogee, representing the third congressional district, and was a member of the Indian Territory Military Guard.

Bixby. He is interested in athletics, to which he turns for diversion, and is well known as a representative of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery. while in the consistory he has attained the fourteenth degree of the Scottish Rite. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Bedouin Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the vital questions and issues of the day. He belongs to the Petroleum Club and thus his activities and interests cover a wide range, for he keeps in touch with the trend of modern- thought and progress and at all times is ready to give his aid and support to every plan and measure for the general good.

Frederick Robert Halliburton

Frederick Robert Halliburton is the secretary-treasurer of the Halliburton- Abbott Company, owning one of the leading dry goods houses of Tulsa. His life has been dominated by a progressive spirit, his labors have been most intelligently directed and by his thoroughness and capability he has gained a prominent position in the commercial circles of his adopted city. Missouri numbers Mr. Halliburton among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Linneus, January 16, 1876. His father, Thomas Halliburton, was also a native of that place and devoted his life to merchandising. He wedded Mollie C. Russell, a native of Virginia, and they became the parents of three sons: Frederick R., Russell Boyd and James Cole. Both parents have now passed away. The father was a merchant of Brookfield, Missouri, from 1887 until the time of his demise, which occurred on the 8th of June, 1917, while the mother survived until the 26th of November, 1920. She was a very active factor in business circles as well as in social life. Mr. Halliburton was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was also a consistent follower of the teachings of the Presbyterian church.

Frederick R. Halliburton obtained a public school education and passed through consecutive grades to the completion of a course in the high school of Brookfield, Missouri. He likewise attended the Gem City Business College and early in his career was connected with banking. He afterward became associated with his father in merchandising at Brookfield and in the year 191 7 removed to Oklahoma, where his brother had located in May of the previous year. Through the intervening period he has been identified with mercantile pursuits in this state and is now the secretary-treasurer of the Halliburton- Abbott Company, of which L. E. Abbott is the president and James C. Halliburton the vice president, his brother, Russell Boyd, of Oklahoma City, is the secretary and treasurer. Thus the three brothers of the family figure prominently in connection with commercial interests in Oklahoma and at all times have been actuated by a most progressive spirit.

On the 25th of December, 1898, Frederick R. Halliburton was married to Miss Josephine Lamb of Brookfield, a daughter of Charles E. Lamb. They have become parents of two sons: Virgil F., nineteen years of age; and John J., seventeen years of age.

Mr. Halliburton is a Mason, belonging to Petroleum Lodge, No. 474, A. F. & A. M., and he has also taken the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, belonging to the chapter, commandery and consistory. He is likewise a member of Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is well known in club circles, belong- ing to the Petroleum Club, the Country Club, the City Club and the Automobile Club, and his personal qualities make for popularity wherever he is known, so that the circle of his friends is a very extensive one.

T. Rea Owen

Through his connection with the Tulsa Realty Company, J. Rea Owen has become an active factor in the real estate circles of the city and has also been interested in oil in this section. He was born in Anniston, Alabama, December 2, 1889, a son of W. Thomas and Delia K. (Simms) Owen, who were likewise natives of Alabama. In the public schools of his native city, in private schools and in the W. A. White preparatory school of Anniston, J. Rea Owen pursued his studies until qualified to enter upon an academic course in the Alabama Presbyterian College at Anniston. He later attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, where he studied architecture and mechanical engineering, and subsequently he engaged in the automobile business at Anniston as a dealer in Ford cars.

The year 1912 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Owen in Tulsa and here he engaged in the automobile business and was also active as an oil producer with the Sun Oil Company. He is president of the Union Realty Company and operates individually under the name of the Tulsa Realty Company, handling all kinds of real estate and building houses. He is active as a member of the Real Estate Exchange and is well known in the business circles of his adopted city.

Mr. Owen was married to Miss Gertrude Irwin and they already have won many friends in Tulsa. Mr. Owen belongs to Petroleum Lodge, No. 474, A. F. & A. M., and to Oklahoma Consistory, No. 1, A. A. S. R., of Guthrie. He likewise has membership in Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Tulsa. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and his interest in community affairs is indicated in his membership in the Commercial Club. He cooperates heartily in all the plans and purposes of this organization for Tulsa's benefit and upbuilding and the extension of its business relations and is particularly helpful where civic interests are involved.

Tames W. Woodford

James W. Woodford is a western man by birth, training and preference. He was born at Burlington, Kansas, his parents being J. E. and Ella (Pettigrew) Woodford. The father was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1845 ar>d wa^ reared to farm life. He began teaching school in the Empire state and afterward removed to Illinois, where he met and married Miss Ella M. Pettigrew. who was born in Sterling, Illinois, in 1851. In 1875 they removed to Kansas, where Mr. Woodford engaged in the grocery business in Burlington. In 1885 he turned his attention to real estate dealing and grain buying and also established an insurance agency in connection with his real estate business.

James W. Woodford obtained a public school education in Burlington and afterward attended the State Normal School for a year. He entered the law department of the University of Kansas and was graduated with the LL. B.

degree in 1905. He played baseball during his college days, winning three K's, was a member of the Beta Theta Pi, college fraternity, and the Phi Delta Phi, a legal fraternity.

Mr. Woodford entered upon the practice of law in Clay Center, Kansas, in 1905 and in 1906 he removed to Tulsa. In 1908 he became an associate of C. J. Hindman and this connection was maintained until 1914, when Mr. Woodford was elected county judge and took his place upon the bench, withdrawing from that position in 1916 to enter the legal department of Cosden & Company. He became one of the original stockholders and a member of the first board of directors of the Title Guarantee & Trust Company and has since figured prominently as one of the directing forces in the business of this corporation, being now vice president and trust officer. He was also one of the organizers and the first president of the West Tulsa State Bank and was elected to the presidency of the Oklahoma Association of Title Men for 1920-21.

In Gray county, Kansas, in 1908, Mr. Woodford was married to Miss Julia M. Slaughter, a daughter of J. M. and Emma Slaughter, both of whom are natives of Missouri. In 1887 they removed to Kansas, where Mr. Slaughter secured a homestead near Dodge City and was well known among the ranchers of western Kansas, where he lived until 1910 and then removed to southeastern Kansas, where he is engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Woodford have become parents of three children: James G., born July 30, 1909; Gilbert M., born May 3, 1913; and Margaret E., born October 12, 1919.

Mr. Woodford has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and in 1907 was elected city councilman of Tulsa from the fourth ward. In the following year he was elected police judge and was again called to office with his election to the position of county judge. Various public honors have been conferred upon him outside of political association. In 1912 he was the president of the Tulsa Bar Association and in the same year he filled the position of exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge No. 946. He served on the board of directors and as vice president of the Rotary Club in 1920-21 and he is a well known member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Tulsa Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M. ; Oklahoma Consistory, No. 1, A. A. S. R., of Guthrie; and Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Tulsa.

Alma Reid McGlenn, the efficient librarian of the Tulsa library, is a native of Mount Pleasant, Ohio. Her parents, Thomas and Sarah (Hogg) McGlenn, were also natives of the Buckeye state, where the father followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He guided his life by the teachings of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent member, and he passed away in 1891. His wife was born on the old family homestead three miles east of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, a daughter of James Hogg, who served as a soldier in the War of 181 2, while his father was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, fighting for the independence of the nation. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGlenn were two children, the brother of Miss McGlenn of this review being a physician of Wheeling, West Virginia.

In the acquirement of her education Alma R. McGlenn attended and graduated from the high school at Mount Pleasant, after which she was privately tutored for two years. She was graduated from the Carnegie Library School at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in 1913 came to Tulsa to accept the' position of librarian here. She assisted in organizing the South Side Branch Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh and was connected therewith for four years, so that she had definite and valuable experience before coming to Tulsa. She has rendered most capable service in this connection since her removal to the southwest and Tulsa prides herself upon her well managed library.

Miss McGlenn has been elected an honorary member of the Woman's Club of this city and she also has membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution, while her religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. She is a lady of broad and liberal culture and occupies an enviable position in those social circles where true worth and intelligence are accepted as passports into good society.

William Frank Tucker

Public opinion is united on the position which William Frank Tucker occupies as a member of the Tulsa bar. His ability is so widely recognized that he is classed with the eminent attorneys of the state and his power and effectiveness in handling important litigated interests is attested by the court records. Tulsa was but entering upon the era of its rapid and marvelous growth when he took up his abode in the city, establishing his home here in 1905, since which time he has given his attention to an ever growing law practice. His birth occurred on a farm in Platte county, Missouri, November 4, 1879, his parents being Alfred Clinton and Florence (Owens) Tucker, the former a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and the latter of Missouri. After leaving his native state the father became a resident of Missouri and subsequently removed to Colorado. In early manhood he engaged in farming, while subsequently he devoted his attention to the wholesale and retail grocery business. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was ever actuated by high and honorable principles, which has caused his memory to be revered since he passed away in 1896. In the family were three children, but William Frank is the only one now Hring.

In the public schools of Georgetown, Colorado, William F. Tucker pursued his education for several years and then entered the Camden Point Military Institute at Camden Point, Missouri, becoming captain, the chief student officer. There he was graduated with highest honors with the class of 1899. He then took one year postgraduate in the same school, after which he entered upon preparation for the practice of law, becoming a student in the office and under the direction of Senator Norton B. Anderson. He was admitted to the liar in Platte City, Missouri, upon examination in 1902 and there opened a law office, practicing his profession for three years. Noting the rapid and substantial growth and development of Tulsa, he resolved to cast in his lot with the men who were laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the city- Accordingly he opened an office here and in the same year entered into his present partnership relation as a member of the firm of Aby & Tucker. This is the oldest law firm in continuous existence in the city. The firm specializes in general corporation law and land titles and its clientage has been of a most important character and of large extent. Mr. Tucker belongs to the Tulsa County, Oklahoma State and Ameri-

In 1918 was celebrated the marriage of William Frank Tucker and Miss Margaret Stackhouse of Concordia, Kansas, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Dorothy Jean. Mr. Tucker holds membership in the Christian church, and his wife in the Presbyterian church, both being greatly interested in the work and progress of Christianity and their respective churches, and Mr. Tucker is also a member of the Petroleum Club. He is likewise interested in the Young Men's and the Young Women's Christian Associations and in politics is a consistent democrat. His interest centers in those channels through which flow the greatest good to the greatest number and his aid and influence are ever on the side of advancement and improvement. Because of his recognized ability his influence has become a potent factor in community affairs and thus he is accounted one of the leading citizens as well as one of the leading lawyers of Tulsa.

John Moore Clover

John Moore Clover, who first became identified with the oil business when a lad of but fourteen years and continued a representative thereof throughout the remainder of his life, was at the time of his demise president of the Clover Oil & Gas Company of Tulsa, a large and successful oil producing concern operating in many fields. He passed away in Tulsa on Thanksgiving day of 1920, when forty-five years of age, his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, October n, 1875. His parents were Henry B. and Agnes (Nealy) Clover, the latter now a resident of St. Marys, Ohio. The father, who was a prosperous agriculturist and man of affairs in his community, is deceased.

John M. Clover obtained his education in the public schools of the Keystone state and,- as above stated, was but fourteen years of age when he made his initial step in the oil business, working in various humble capacities in the oil fields during summer vacation periods. From that time until his death he was active in all phases of the industry and became very prominent and successful as a producer. It was in 1906 that he came to Tulsa from Wichita, Kansas, where he had been engaged in oil production. Here his interests became extensive and of an important character and when he passed away he held the presidency of the Clover Oil & Gas Company as well as the vice-presidency of the Compression Inner Tube Company of Tulsa and the presidency of a mining company. He was also an officer or director in many large and important business enterprises and his varied interests were conducted most successfully, for he possessed superior executive ability and power. Owing to his keen foresight and discernment, the handsome fortune which he left to his family has been unaffected by the present slump in oil.

In 1003 Mr. Clover was united in marriage to Miss Goldie Ramsbottom, daughter of C. C. Ramsbottom, of Ohio. They became the parents of three sons : Jack Moore, the eldest, was born April t", 1004, and following his graduation from the Tulsa high school at Christmas time in 1921 will enter the University of Pennsylvania for a financial course ; Edward, whose birth occurred in 1909, was called to his final rest in 1919; Harold David, whose natal day was March 17, 1911, is now attending school in Tulsa.

Provenance

Text from The History of Tulsa, Oklahoma, published 1921, in the public domain in the United States and digitised by the Internet Archive.