Tulsa, Oklahoma - History (part 6 of 10)

In the year 1906 Mr. Preston in a measure transferred his activities from the east to the west. In that year he made his way to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he began operations which have placed him in the front rank among the leading oil and gas men of the country. He became the vice president of the Oklahoma Producing & Refining Corporation and active in the management of the Oklahoma State Oil Company, the Monitor Oil & Gas Company and other producing companies. In 1917 these interests were taken over by the Oklahoma Producing and Refining Company. Along other lines Mr. Preston has continued his activities and is now a director of the First National Bank of Jamestown, New York, a director of the Warren National Bank at Warren, Pennsylvania, also of the Exchange National Bank of Tulsa. His business interests have also included connection with the firm of Knapp, Hoskins & Preston, manufacturers of carbon black, at Warren, Pennsylvania, with factories in West Virginia and Oklahoma. He was likewise elected vice president and one of the directors of the Warren & Jamestown Street Railway and was connected with the Union Traction Company of Coffeyville and Independence, Kansas.

He was associated with Southwestern Interurban Railroad at Winfield, Kansas, and became financially and officially interested in gas and engine plants, in furniture factories and other important business affairs which included several large farms in Pennsylvania and New York. After his removal to Bartlesville in 1906 he built the Onapaw gas lines from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Joplin, Missouri. In 191 1 he largely concentrated upon Tulsa and became president, treasurer and general manager of the Oklahoma State Oil Company, of the Tulsa Oil Company and of the Terrain Oil Company of Casey, Illinois.

It was on the 10th of September, 1884, that Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Stella A. Knapp of Farmington, Pennsylvania, and they have become parents of four children: Harold M., twenty-four years of age; Allen and Ailene, twins, who are thirteen years of age; and Elsie, three years old. Mr. Preston maintains an office in Tulsa but spends much of his time at his place in Pennsylvania. He is, however, a public-spirited citizen, cooperating heartily in many plans and projects for Tulsa's benefit and is identified with all of the leading clubs of the city. Mr. Preston gives his political endorsement to the democratic party and while never a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served as commissioner of Warren county, Pennsylvania, from Januaary 1, 1896, until the 1st of January, 1902. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and aside from his connections with the leading clubs and social organizations of Tulsa he is identified with the Conewango Club of Warren, Pennsylvania, and the Jamestown Club of Jamestown, New York. The story of his life is a record of notable progress, resulting from unfaltering industry intelligently directed.

Raymond A. Broomfield

Raymond A. Broomfield, a widely known operator in the oil fields of Oklahoma and now a resident of Tulsa, occupies the position of vice president of the Barnsdall Corporation. He came to this city in the summer of 1919, but his activities have taken him into various sections of the country. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1871, a son of Theodore L. and Ellen (Apps) Broomfield, the former a native of New Jersey, while the latter was born in Kent, England. The family numbered six children, three of whom are living. The father is a millwright and is now actively engaged in business in Buffalo, New York. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a loyal follower of the teachings of the Episcopal church. During the Civil war he joined the army and rendered active aid in defense of the Union.

Raymond \. Broomfield was largely educated in the schools of Toronto, Canada, and in early life was identified with the coal business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a short time. He went with the Guffy Petroleum Company in 1900 and was located at Beaumont, Texas. He became associated with T. N. Barnsdall in 1903. He has since been vice president and treasurer of a subsidiary company. He went to California in 1909 and was manager of the California properties of T. N. Barnsdall for ten years with offices in Los Angeles. He was then transferred to Tulsa, where he has since been operating, and here he controls important interests. His business ability, his enterprise and his thorough understanding of the oil industry is manifest in what he is steadily accomplishing for the corporation with which he is identified. Mr. Broomfield is vice president of the Barnsdall Corporation and a director of the Barnsdall Oil Company, the Barnsdall Refining Company, the Barnsdall

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Foster Company, the Victor Oil Company, the Pittsburgh Oil and Gas Company, the Potter Oil Company of California, the Potter Oil Company of Delaware, the Ashland Oil Company and the Imperial Osage Development Company.

On the 26th of October, 1902, Mr. Broomfield was united in marriage to Miss Carrie C. Snyder of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of R. H. Snyder. They have become the parents of two sons and two daughters : Dandridge R., seventeen years of age; Helen M., fifteen years of age; Martha Ellen, seven years of age; and Bill, aged three.

Mr. Broomfield is a Scottish Rite Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Consistory, and he also belongs to Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he belongs to the Los Angeles Athletic Club of Los Angeles, California, the Bakersfield (California) Club, the Kansas City Club and the Country Club of Tulsa, also the Tulsa Petroleum Club. He has worked his way steadily upward since starting out in the business world, winning his advancement and promotion through fidelity to the interests which he has represented, combined with indefatigable energy and diligence. He has thoroughly mastered everything he has undertaken, and his labors have been crowned by success that is the outcome of steady promotion, bringing him to a creditable position in connection with the oil industry of Oklahoma.

Benson W. Grant

Men who know Benson W. Grant in his periods of relaxation and diversion find him an enthusiastic hunter and he greatly enjoys a trip into the open after game, but when seen in business connections, recognizing his painstaking care of details, his thoroughness and his progressiveness, one would hardly think that leisure had any part in his program of life. In his business activities he has met with well merited success and is today widely known in the oil circles of the state. Mr. Grant was born in Topeka, Kansas, September 21, 1882, and is a son of Charles Fremont, a mining man, who was born in Minnesota and passed away in 1917, at the age of fifty-six years. He operated from British Columbia to Mexico in silver mining and was also interested in lead and zinc mining in Kansas and Missouri. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his life principles were further indicated in his connection with the Christian church. He married Anna A. Wagner, who was born in Pennsylvania and who passed away in 1896, leaving two sons: Benson \V. and Charles F., both residents of Tulsa.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof Benson W. Grant mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Kansas and afterward became interested in lead and zinc mining, his father's activity and example in this direction leading him to put forth effort in the same field. During 19001 he followed the business at Galena, Kansas, and in 1902 he was with the Texas Company at Port Arthur, Texas. When a year had passed he turned his attention to the wholesale grain trade at Beaumont, Texas, and in 1904 he engaged in business as a member of an oil field supply company at Humble, Texas. The following year he entered mercantile circles at Galena, Kansas, there remaining until 1907, and through the succeeding nine years he was associated with the Gulf Pipe Line Company and also with the Gypsy Oil Company, ad- vancing from an humble clerkship to the position of auditor and then to assistant treasurer of the latter corporation. From April, 1916, until June, 1919, he was connected with the Cosden Oil & Gas Company as assistant treasurer. His activities have thus been extensive and of an important character and his labors have been a forceful element in the development, production and marketing of the oil products of the southwest. He came to Tulsa on the 20th of May, 1907, and after long association with organized oil interests here he started in the oil business as an independent producer on the 1st of June, 1919. Success is attending his efforts as a result of his knowledge of the game, his thoroughness, his aggressiveness and painstaking care of all details having to do with the business.

On the 24th of November, 1904, Mr. Grant was married at Galena, Kansas, to Miss Gertrude Fay Anderson, and their children are: Florence, Charles, Benson W., Frank, Earl and Paul, the eldest being now fifteen years of age. Mr. Grant is decidedly a home man, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside and enjoying nothing better than promoting the welfare and comfort of his wife and children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Grant are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving on its official board. He is also a teacher in the Sunday school and is a leader in the moves for better' citizenship. He has served for eight years as a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association, has been its vice president and formerly served as secretary of its board and as treasurer of the association. Mr. Grant is a York and Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and in many ways manifests his devotion to the public welfare. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, also the Oakhurst Country Club and the City Club, and recognizes the value of play as well as of work in the maintenance of an even balance in the affairs ;>f life.

Jack A. Porter

Jack A. Porter, well known in insurance circles in Tulsa, is a member of the firm of Pearce, Porter & Martin, his associates in the business being J. Stewart Pearce and Hunter L. Martin. They handle both insurance and bonds, with offices in the Palace building in Tulsa. Mr. Porter is a western man by birth, training and preference and possesses the spirit of enterprise and progress that has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the western section of this great country. His birth occurred in Kearney, Nebraska, October 10, 1889, his parents being Hiram P. and Luella E. (Aitken) Porter, the former born in New York and the latter at Hopkinton, Iowa. The father became a farmer in the Empire state and followed the banking business after his removal to Nebraska but is now living in Tulsa, where he is manager of the LeBaron-Porter Drilling Company, with offices in the Central National Bank building. He is a man of affairs here, active in connection with many interests, and is a loyal follower of Masonry. To him and his wife have been born four children, two of whom are living, Jack A. and Hiram H., the latter connected with the Cosden Oil & Gas Company.

Jack A. Porter was educated in public and high schools of New York and also attended a commercial college. When his textbooks were put aside he went upon the road as a traveling saleesman for the J. O. Ballard Company of Malone, New York, manufacturers, whom he represented for a year. In

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August, 1909, he arrived in Tulsa and was associated for a short time with a paving contracting firm. He later engaged in business as an employe of electrical contractors and on the 1st of January, 1913, he became associated with J. S. Pearce in the insurance business and in time their firm connections were extended to include Air. Martin under the present style of Pearce, Porter & Martin. They have the general agency for the Aetna Life Insurance Company and the Aetna Casualty Insurance Company. They are also state agents for the Automobile Fire Insurance Company and are local agents for a dozen or more of the leading fire insurance companies of the country. They have built up a business of large and gratifying proportions and are familiar with every phase of insurance.

On the 10th of July, 1920, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Ethel Crosbie, daughter of John E. Crosbie, the president of the Central National Bank of Tulsa and one of the pioneers and big oil men of this city. Mr. Porter belongs to Delta Lodge, No. 425, A. F. & A. M., and has taken the degrees of York Rite Masonry. He likewise belongs to Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tulsa and has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is always a welcome visitor at the rooms of the Tulsa Petroleum Club, the Country Club and the Kiwanis Club, in all of which he holds membership. The Episcopal church numbers him among its communicants and he is a loyal follower of all those forces and interests which he believes will contribute to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his adopted city.

Rev. Charles William Kerr, who is serving for the twenty-second year as pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Tulsa, has the distinction of having held the longest pastorate of any minister in the state of Oklahoma. His birth occurred at Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of April, 1875, his parents being T. A. and Annie (Miller) Kerr. The mother passed away in 1875, DUt tne father is still living and for more than forty years has been actively engaged in the mercantile business at Parkers Landing, Pennsylvania. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of Rev. Mr. Kerr were of Scotch descent and came to the new world from the north of Ireland, taking up their abode among the early settlers of western Pennsylvania.

Charles W. Kerr began his education in a country school and subsequently became a student in the Slippery Rock State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1893. He holds a life certificate as a teacher and for two years following his graduation from the above named institution he taught in the schools of Parkers Landing, at the same time making up college studies under a private tutor. In the fall of 1895 he entered the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, for he had determined to devote his life to the work of the ministry. Three years later he was graduated from the McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago, while in 1918 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him. The/ day following the completion of his course at the McCormick Seminary he started for Edmond, Oklahoma, and from the 10th of May, 1898, until February 10, 1900, he served as pastor of Presbyterian churches at that place and at Waterloo. Since the latter date he has held the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church of Tulsa, covering a period of more than twenty-one years, during which the membership of the church has kept pace with the remarkable growth and development of Tulsa, which was a village of only one thousand population when Mr. Kerr took up his ministerial duties here. Under his guidance the congregation has steadil}' grown in numerical strength until the members now number two thousand one hundred and sixty-five and the church has become a potent force for moral progress in the community. The small church at the beginning was able to pay Dr. Kerr but four hundred and twenty-five dollars, while the remainder of his salary of eight hundred dollars was contributed by the Home Mission Board. Today the First Presbyterian church of Tulsa is in a prosperous and flourishing condition and the pastor has the whole-hearted and loyal support of his congregation.

On the 6th of September, 1898, at Parkers Landing, Pennsylvania, Rev. Mr. Kerr was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Coe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Coe of that place. They have become the parents of two children: Hawley Coe, nineteen years of age, a junior in the University of Tulsa; and Margaret R., who is a maiden of sixteen summers and is a junior in the Tulsa high school. In his wife Dr. Kerr has an able and devoted assistant in all of his church work.

Politically Dr. Kerr maintains an independent attitude, always standing for good government, irrespective of party. Fraternally he is identified with Tulsa Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and Indian Consistory, No. 2, of Mc- Alester, Oklahoma. He is a director of the City Club and has been a trustee of the University of Tulsa from the time of its establishment here thirteen years ago. He is chairman of the Home Mission Committee of the Tulsa Presbytery and has also been an active member of the Religious Work Committee since the organization of the local Y. M. C. A. Throughout the period of the World war he served as one of the Four-Minute men for Tulsa county, assisted in all the war drives and devoted some time to Y. M. C. A. work in Texas camps. His career has been one of great usefulness and worth, for with consecrated zeal he has labored untiringly for the upbuilding of his church and community.

Patrick M. Miskell

Patrick M. Miskell, possessing tact, force and ability of the highest order and in fact all the qualities which are deemed of value in the attainment of success, is now a prominent figure in the oil circles of Oklahoma, and is a valued resident of Tulsa. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, September 29, 1876, and is one of the five living children in a family of six, whose parents were Thomas and Mary (Murphy) Miskell, likewise natives of the Emerald isle. When thirty-three years of age the father came to the United States with his family, settling in Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He now resides at Kane, that state, but has retired from active business.

Patrick M. Miskell obtained his education in the public schools of Kane and like his father entered the railway service, being connected with the Pennsylvania system for eleven years in various positions in the operating department. He afterward entered the employ of the Kane Bank & Trust Company, with which he served five years, and then became identified with the Barnsdall Corporation, oil pipe line contractors, laying pipe lines in Oklahoma and Kansas.

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After three years spent in that connection he returned to Pennsylvania, settling at Bradford, where he was in charge of the estate of William Barnsdall for five years. On the expiration of that period he became associated with the American Refining Company and in June, 1916, this corporation was acquired by the Empire Refineries, Inc., a subsidiary of the Cities Service Company, and Mr. Miskell was made manager thereof. The qualities he has displayed show him to be a high grade, all-around business man, possessed of honesty, energy and indefatigable industry.

In 1909 Mr. Miskell was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Miller, a daughter of E. E. Miller, superintendent of schools at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Miskell have won many friends during the period of their residence in Tulsa, and occupy an enviable social position. He is well known as a member of the Country Club and the Petroleum Club, also of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and is a member of the executive committee of the Western Petroleum Refiners Association. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his political support is given to the republican party, but his time and attention are concentrated upon business affairs rather than upon politics or club life, and when one discusses any phase of the business with which Mr. Miskell is identified he recognizes that he is thoroughly acquainted therewith and is in every way master of the situation.

Robert Edward Fuller

It is impossible to determine what would be the history of Oklahoma were it not for its oil fields. The development of its oil resources within the past few years has been to the state what the automobile industry is to Detroit, what the packing industry is to Chicago. The oil fields have constituted a mammoth source of revenue and their development has called forth the labors of men of keen insight, of broad vision and of marked business ability. In this class belongs Robert Edward Fuller of Tulsa, who was born on a farm near West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, December 6, 1888. His father, William E. Fuller, was a native of Pennsylvania and was a member of the bar who not only engaged in the practice of law but aided in framing the laws of the country as a member of congress. Later he became assistant attorney general of the United States under President McKinley. He married Louise Harper, who passed away in 1901, after rearing seven of their nine children. Mr. Fuller died in Washington, D. C, in 1918.

Robert E. Fuller obtained a public school education in Iowa and later attended the Bordentown Military Institute of New Jersey, from which he was graduated in 1906. He spent two years as a student in the Upper Iowa University. The year 1909 witnessed his arrival in Tulsa, at which time he became identified with the oil industry and is now extensively engaged in producing oil properties. The operation of the oil fields under his control has not only contributed to his individual prosperity but has also been an element in the development and progress of the state.

On the nth of March, 1913, Mr. Fuller married Miss Gladys Green, of Los Angeles, California. They have two children: Robert E., Jr., four years of age ; and Betty, in her first year. Mr. Fuller belongs to the Masonic lodge, to the Chamber of Commerce and to the Country Club of Tulsa. He is likewise identified with the University and Athletic Clubs of Los Angeles and the

Los Angeles Country Club. He is also a member of the Mayflower Society and of the Sons of the American Revolution - associates that indicate his ancestral line, which can be traced back to the earliest period of settlement in that section of the country, and the fact that his ancestors were among those who fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Fuller is a republican in his political views and religiously is connected with the First Methodist Episcopal church of Tulsa.

Joseph Albert Gill

The history of the bar and bench of Oklahoma would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make reference to Joseph Albert Gill, a distinguished member of the bar and a man who in many ways has been connected with the state's development and progress, his progressive spirit leaving an indelible impress upon events which have largely shaped the records of Tulsa and of Oklahoma. Mr. Gill was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, February 17, 1854. His father, John W. Gill, was one of the early manufacturers of iron, of silk and of paper at Wheeling, West Virginia, where he conducted business interests of large extent. He was a member of the Society of Friends and Quakers and died in that faith in Springfield, Illinois, in 1872. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rhoda S. Smith, was born in Columbus, Ohio, and was a daughter of Judge David Smith, who at one time served on the bench of the county court and was also editor of the Columbus News. The family numbered eight children, three of whom passed away in infancy, and five are living.

Joseph Albert Gill obtained his education in the schools of Springfield. Illinois, and with a desire to make the practice of law his life work began preparing for the bar. In 1880 he passed the required examination before the supreme court of Illinois and entered upon the active practice of law in Springfield, that state, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Astoria, Oregon, where an equal time was passed, and later he took up his abode at Colby in western Kansas, there residing for thirteen years, engaged in the active practice of law. From President Mc- Kinley he received appointment to the position of judge of the northern district of Indian Territory, being named for the office in December, 1899, and serving continuously until 1907. He was reappointed by President Roosevelt in 1904 and continued to act in that position until Oklahoma's admission into the Union. In many ways he has been closely identified with the development and progress of the state. He was one of the commissioners on the board to secure Oklahoma's admission to the Union, his colleagues in that work being Judge William H. H. Clayton and Tarns Bixby.

Mr. Gill has continuously resided in Oklahoma since December, 1899, when he located at Vinita, and through the intervening period there is probably no representative of the bar who has become more widely known or whose ability entitles him more to public respect and professional confidence. Mr. Gill, as justice of the court of appeals in Indian Territory, wrote many opinions deciding causes appealed to that court which are reported in the seven volumes of Indian Territory reports and he has also been well known as the editor of various papers in Kansas and on the Pacific coast. He has long been a close student of men and events. His insight is keen, his deductions sound and logical and his enterprise unfaltering. He is a lawyer of wide learning and one who has written his name high on the keystone of the legal arch of Oklahoma.

In December, 1887, Mr. Gill was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Donahue of Omaha, Nebraska, a daughter of Michael Donahue of Clinton, Illinois. The children of this marriage are: Mrs. Edna McClintock, whose husband is Roy M. McClintock, a journalist, and editor of the Courier News of Fargo, North Dakota; Rose Miriam, a teacher in the English high school at Vinita; and Joseph A., who was born in Oklahoma, and who is engaged in the coal business with his father near Tulsa.

Mr. and Mrs. Gill hold membership in the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, contributing generously to its support. Mr. Gill gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is most loyal in all matters of citizenship. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, having become identified with the consistory and he also belongs to Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has membership with the Knights of Pythias and there is no good work done in the name of charity or religion which seeks his aid in vain. His wife is especially active and helpful in church work and in the social interests of Vinita and the labors of both have been resultant factors for good, accomplishing much for public benefit, while at the same time Mr. Gill has long occupied a position of distinction as one of the leading lawyers of his adopted state.

Tames A. Yeasey

James A. Veasey is one of the leading attorneys of Oklahoma, practicing at Tulsa. Residing in Tulsa he is a representative of important oil and gas interests, having confined his attention to corporation law, and he is now counsel for the Carter Oil Company. Mr. Yeasey was born near Louisville, Kentucky, October 24, 1876. a son of Joseph M. and Sarah R. (Rogers) Veasey. After attending a preparatory school he continued his education in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree, gaining his LL. B. degree from the same school in 1902. He was reared in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and in 1902 came to Oklahoma, settling at Bartlesville in 1904. In 1913 he removed to Tulsa and became associated with Roger Sherman in a partnership that was maintained for two years. He has always given his attention to civil practice and particularly to corporation law, and is now chief counsel for the Carter Oil Company. Prior to entering upon this connection he had been a member of the law firm of Sherman, Veasey & O'Meara. His experiences have thus been broad and varied and his capability has been developed along lines that have made him one of the prominent representatives of the Oklahoma bar. The Carter Oil Company, which he now represents as general counsel, is one of the largest in the United States. Moreover, he is a non-resident lecturer on law of oil and gas for the University of Michigan, and the lectures which he has there delivered have been published in the Michigan Law Review.

On the 19th of November, 1904, Mr. Yeasey was united in marriage to Miss Olive Bolen of Missouri, and they have become parents of three children : Mary Elizabeth, Dorothy and James A., aged respectively, fifteen, thirteen and eight years.

Mr. Veasey gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is a Mason, having taken the degrees of both the York and Scottish Rites, while with the Nobles of Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He belongs to the Country Club, which is a golf club, and greatly enjoys the game on the links. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and his membership along strictly professional lines is with the Tulsa County, the Oklahoma State and the American Bar Associations.

Charles Louis Huonker

The story of the oil find and the development of the oil fields of Oklahoma reads like a romance. There is much that is thrilling in the tale of oil activity here, yet back of all that has been accomplished there is scientific investigation, logical deduction and indefatigable industry. This is manifest in the life record of Charles Louis Huonker, who is a partner in the firm of King & Huonker, oil producers of Tulsa. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, April 19, 1875, his parents being Charles Louis and Fannie (Lowman) Huonker. The father, a native of ' Wurttemberg, Germany, came to the United States when eighteen years of age and settled in St. Louis, where he was employed as a machinist and engaged also in the plumbing business for more than forty-five years, his energy and enterprise winning for him substantial success as the years passed. He served four years in the Civil war in the First Missouri Infantry, though he was not yet a naturalized citizen of the United States. He was also very prominent as a chapter and commandery Mason and was a member of the Lutheran church.

Charles L. Huonker attended the public schools and a business college of St. Louis and afterward learned the machinist's and plumber's trade thoroughly under the direction of his father. He was then admitted to a partnership in the business under the style of C. L. Huonker & Sons, being thus associated until 1896, when he became a partner in the Broadway Jewelry Company of St. Louis. In March, 1904, he arrived in Tulsa, where he organized .the National Plumbing Company, for that was just being introduced into Tulsa. He was appointed gas and electrical inspector of Tulsa under Dr. C. L. Reeder and likewise served under Mayor John O. Mitchell. He next became interested as secretary and treasurer in the Hawley Engineering Company, construction engineers, and while engaged in that business organized the West Tulsa Belt Railroad, of which he became secretary and treasurer, a line that connected the St. Louis & San Francisco with the Midland Valley Railroad. These railroads took over the West Tulsa Belt Line. The Hawley Engineering Company also operated the sand plant which furnished the sand used in the first paving of the city. Throughout his business career Mr. Huonker has been continually watchful of opportunities and his alertness and enterprise have enabled him to recognize chances and advantages which many others have passed by heedlessly. Thus from time to time he has changed his business connections or broadened the scope of his activities. In 191 2 he became secretary and treasurer of the Tulsa Portland- Cement Company and was active in the management and control of its affairs until 1917. when he became a partner of C. E. King and under the firm name of King & Huonker. they have since been well known as oil operators in the Nowata field. C. L. Huonker enlisted at St. Louis at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war and went out as first lieutenant of "E" Company, known as the "Rainwater Rifles." First Regiment Missouri National Guard, and served at Chickamauga Park. He joined the Missouri National Guard as a boy of seventeen and went up from private to first lieutenant. He was active in military circles up to 1904, when he came to Tulsa.

On the 24th of March, 1904. Air. Huonker was married to Miss Beulah Hall, a native of Oswego, Kansas. Her father, Harry C. Hall, was born April 10. 1841, in Belfast, Tennessee, and died in Springfield, Missouri, March 10, 1895. He was a son of Hugh A. and Esther ( Ramsey ) Hall and was descended from Revolutionary war ancestry. His boyhood and youth were passed in Tennessee, where he acquired his education and at nineteen years of age he went west, having many interesting experiences as a frontiersman while engaged on the preliminary work for the Union Pacific Railroad between Omaha and Ogden. He acted as a guide with the old scout. David Mount, obtaining supplies and provisions for the troops. He became a contractor in the early '60s on the Union Pacific and afterward established a store in a tent at Rawlins. Wyoming. In 1872 he removed to Oswego, Kansas, where he engaged in the milling business in connection with Robert Howell, father of his wife. In 1880 the mill was destroyed by fire and he then reentered the contracting field in connection with the building of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad between Yinita and Sapulpa, the line passing through Tulsa and Red Fork. The operation of trains was begun in 1883 and in the previous year Mr. Hall operated a commissary store in Tulsa and thus became one of the pioneers of the city. He conducted his business under the style of H. C. Hall & Company and the business steadily and rapidly developed until his interests had reached mammoth proportions. He also had stores at Sapulpa and Mounds. His younger brother, J. M. Hall, conducted the Tulsa store and the first services of the Presbyterian church ever held in Tulsa were held in his store. Mr. Hall, however, was a member of the Episcopal church, but being broad-minded, assisted in any good work done in the name of religion. He was a Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery at Oswego, Kansas, and became a consistory Mason before a lodge was established in Indian Territory. His attitude on educational matters was that of a most progressive man and at all times he was widely recognized as an upright and useful citizen. He was married in Oswego, Kansas, to Miss Hettie C. Howell, who was born in W'atertown, Wisconsin, a daughter of his partner in the mill and a descendant of Daniel Greene of Revolutionary war fame. She now resides in Tulsa. They became the parents of two children, the younger being Robert H. Hall, who established the Indianola Telephone Companv. the first telephone company in Tulsa. The daughter is Mrs. Beulah (Hall) Huonker.

Mr. Huonker has long been a faithful adherent of Masonic teachings and is prominent in the chapter and commandery. He became one of the early members of Tulsa Lodge. Xo. 71, A. F. & A. and assisted in organizing Petroleum Lodge, No. 474, A. F. & A. M., of which he is not only a charter member but also a life member. He has taken the degrees of Capitular and Chivalric Masonry as a member of the chapter and commandery and he belongs to Indian Consistory, No. 2. of which he is a life member, and to Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.. of which he is recorder, having been elected May 13, 192 1. He is much interested in the Patrol and has been its secretary-treasurer since 1 q 1 5 . Mr. Huonker is secretary and treasurer of Trinity Commandery drill team, the crack drill team of Oklahoma. His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party and while he fully meets the duties and obliga- tions of citizenship he has never sought nor desired public office. He was one of the five who organized the Episcopal church of Tulsa and gave generously for the building of a house of worship. He also served for some time as secretary of the vestry. Each Christmas he has a big Christmas tree, builds electric railroads and tunnels and invites all of the children in to participate in the joys of that happy season. Fond of society he is a leader in many social affairs and at the same time is ever ready to lend aid to one who needs assistance. He has ever been a great reader, being especially fond of current literature and the popular magazines and has kept thoroughly informed concerning advancement made along mechanical and electrical lines. Ambitious, honest, and conservative there is little to be said against him and much to be said in favor and commendation of Charles Louis Huonker.

Dr. Mortimer A. Houser was the first physician in Tulsa to confine his practice exclusively to surgery and the consensus of public opinion names him as the leading surgeon of this part of the west. Born in Mondovi, Wisconsin, April 30, 1880, he pursued his early education in the public schools of his native city while spending his youthful days in the home of his father, Hon. W. L. Houser. Following his graduation from the high school of Mondovi he entered the University of Wisconsin and later became a student in the University of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898. His preparation for a professional career was made in Rush Medical College of Chicago and the Milwaukee Medical College and his completed collegiate training gained for him the degrees of A. B., A. M. and M. D. With high professional ideals he entered upon active practice, concentrating more and more largely upon surgery, to which for some years he has given his undivided time. In fact he was -the first physician in Tulsa to confine his practice exclusively to surgery. He dates his residence in this state from 191 o, and steadily forging to the front in a calling where advancement must depend entirely upon individual merit and capability, he may without invidious distinction be called the leading surgeon of this part of the west.

In 1919 Dr. Houser was married to Miss Jennie Carlson, of Independence, Kansas. He is well known in Masonic circles, having become a member of Consistory No. 2 at Guthrie, Oklahoma, of the Scottish Rite and of Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Tulsa. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he is identified with the Country Club and other leading clubs of Tulsa.

Arch D. Grider

A man of keen business discernment and sound judgment, Arch D. Grider has made for himself a prominent place in business circles of Tulsa as president of the Arch D. Grider, Inc., and vice president of the Buffalo Refining Company, refiners and marketers. He was born at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 6th day of May, 1878, a son of Daniel and Sarah J. (Elson) Grider. Both parents were born in Wisconsin and are now living in Milwaukee, at the ages of seventy-six and sixty-eight, respectively. Daniel Grider won prominence in the brick manufacturing- business, which line of work he followed for many years, becoming financially independent. He is now retired and enjoying the many luxuries to which his early years of labor entitle him.

The public schools of Milwaukee afforded Arch D. Grider an education and upon putting his textbooks aside his first work was in connection with the lime and cement business at Milwaukee. For some time he remained in that work and then engaged in the lithographing business, operating in both his native city and Chicago for five successful years. In 191 5 he came to Oklahoma and located in Tulsa, becoming interested in the oil business, which he conducted as Arch D. Grider, Inc. He later organized the Buffalo Refining Company and has served as its vice president ever since. Major Gordon W. Lillie, known as "Pawnee Bill," and Edward M. Wiest are owners of the latter organization, which operates a refinery at Yale, Oklahoma. Mr. Grider is an astute business man with marked executive ability, who delights in solving intricate and involved business problems and possesses such marked strength of character that his vocabulary contains no such word as fail.

In September, 1913, occurred the marriage of Mr. Grider and Miss Claudine Brice, the ceremony being performed at Paw Paw, Michigan. Mrs. Grider passed away on the 31st of October, 1920, and her death came as a severe blow to her husband and many friends.

The political allegiance of Mr. Grider is given to the republican party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. His religious faith is that of the Protestant church and fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Elks. In addition to the above named business connections Mr. Grider is vice president of the Pawnee Bill Oil Company and director of the Continental Refining Company. He is an active member of the Tulsa Petroleum Club. His extensive business interests claim the greater part of his time and attention and he has beautifully appointed offices in the Nebraska building. A persistent, resolute and energetic worker he has kept his hand steadily on the helm of his affairs, manifesting at all times strong executive power, and his forceful personality, together with the keenness of his insight and the soundness of his judgment, have brought him to a foremost position in business circles of Tulsa.

Carl W. Gillette

That Carl W. Gillette is a man of unusual business ability is manifest in the results which he has achieved as general manager of the Max Oil Company, and with his splendid powers of organization and executive force he combines a pleasing personality and sound judgment regarding men. He is a native of Missouri, born at Sarcoxie on the 15th of December, 1886. His parents were William K. and Ida W. (Andrae) Gillette, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of James M. Gillette, to be found on another page of this work.

Carl W. Gillette was reared in Missouri, where he received the greater part of his education, but removed to Tulsa at the age of eighteen years and completed his education in the high school here. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in the abstract business, becoming secretary and manager of the Fidelity Abstract Company of Tulsa, which connection he maintained for five years. After selling his interests in that business Mr. Gillette went to Vinita and opened a set of abstract books for J. W. Orr, who had a chain of twelve banks, one of them being the First National Bank of Tulsa, of which institution our subject became assistant cashier. After a year in that bank Mr. Gillette engaged in business for himself and in 1 9 1 9 . he, with others, organized the Max Oil Company, of which he became general manager. He does real estate on the side, having started two additions in Tulsa, and makes a specialty of building and selling homes.

On the 14th of May, 1917, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gillette to Miss Bess Stackhouse, a daughter of David and Mary (Troup) Stackhouse, the former a native of Kansas and the latter of Scotland. Her father engaged in the farm loan business in Kansas until his death in 1896 and was regarded as one of the progressive men of the community. Mrs. Stackhouse is still living. One child has been born to the union of Air. and Mrs. Gillette, Maxine, her natal day being the 29th of December, 1919.

Mr. Gillette gives his support to the republican party, in the interests of which he has taken an active part, although he has neither sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his fraternal affiliations are with the 'Masonic order. Thoroughness is one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Gillette and he has mastered every detail of his own business. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance and occupies a position of prominence by reason of his business ability' and standing, his social qualities and his public spirit.

J. L. Rivkin is proprietor of one of the most attractively appointed photographic studios in the southwest and displays a high degree of art in his chosen life work. Constant study and broad experience have continually promoted his efficiency and the extensive patronage now accorded him is indicative of his ability. Mr. Rivkin is a native of Russia. He was born in Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine, in 1877, and was educated under private tutors. Coming to America he spent eight years in study at the Chicago Art Institute, beginning his career as an artist under John Vanderpole and Charles S. Boutwood. He established a studio on Logan boulevard, Chicago, there remaining until he came to Tulsa at the solicitation of F. de Gueldre, with whom he was associated for some time, while later he acquired the business. Mr. Rivkin has won the enviable reputation of being the leading artist of the state and ranks with the highest in the profession throughout the country. Nature endowed him with talent in this direction and his power and discriminating tastes have been continuously developed. His work shows interpretation such as only the finished artist employs. Mr. Rivkin's studio in Tulsa is artistic in every detail. He attends many state and national conventions of photographers, where he is often called upon for papers or for lectures upon subjects relative to the art. His professional attainments were based upon three years' study and experience in Kiev, Russia, before coming to the United States, upon practical training in the Morrison studio of Chicago, his long Art Institute experience and his further investigation that has kept him in touch with all the scientific methods of photography, while his own artistic nature has been the supplement to his acquired skill that has made him a foremost artist of the country.

On the 23d of September, 1910, Mr. Rivkin was married to Miss Tanya Mesirow, who has assisted him in his work and has in g'reat measure aided him in winning the success which the studio enjoys. Mr. and Mrs. Rivkin have one son, David. Mr. Rivkin is connected with B'nai B'rith and he is a public-spirited citizen, interested in all movements for the general good. Progressiveness has actuated him at every point in his career, whether relative to his chosen vocation or the public interest.

A. Ray Wiley. M. D.

Dr. A. Ray Wiley, whose surgical practice, extensive and important, establishes his high standing in professional circles, entered upon his career in Tulsa in 1913, immediately following his graduation from the University of Oklahoma. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, June 14, 1890, and is a son of Dr. C. Zenos Wiley, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He attended the public and high schools of Tulsa and during his youthful days was active in athletic circles. Following his graduation from the high school in 1909 he entered the medical department of the University of Oklahoma, where he pursued his studies through the ensuing scholastic years. He next entered the University Medical College at Kansas City and later spent nine months as an interne in the City Hospital of Kansas City, Missouri. He then again became a student in the University of Oklahoma and was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1913. During his college days he became a member of the Alpha Kappa Kappa.

Dr. Wiley chose Tulsa as a favorable location, coming to this city immediately after his graduation. Here he entered upon private practice, but in 1917- 18 specialized in the study of surgery in the Polyclinic Hospital of New York and there served an interneship covering fourteen months, while later he became house surgeon of the hospital there. In 1918 he was made a captain of the Oklahoma National Guard. In 1920 he took postgraduate work'in surgery in the New York Post Graduate Hospital at New York city. He confines his attention to surgical practice and his work of this character is of an important nature. He is division surgeon for the Frisco Railroad. He is regarded by all who know aught of his career as a most efficient man, who has developed ability and skill of the highest order and added to his efficiency is a pleasing personality that renders him very popular. He is now surgeon for the United States Fidelity & Guarantee Company and handles surgical cases for all of the biggest oil companies operating in this section of the country.

In Tulsa, in 1912, Dr. Wiley was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Owens, a native of Monticello, Kentucky, and a daughter of Abraham B. Owens, who came to Tulsa in 1903, becoming one of the pioneers here. He engaged in the real estate business, acquiring large holdings which included many important business structures and he is now numbered among the capitalists of the city. Mrs. Wiley is quite prominent in social and club circles in Tulsa. Dr. Wiley finds his chief recreation in motoring and has travelled extensively through the east and south in this way. He is a good road enthusiast and in 1920 was vice president of the Tulsa Automobile Club. He belongs also to the City Club and the Civitan Club and fraternally is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 425, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistory at Guthrie. He likewise belongs to Akdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, but without desire or ambition for office. He is an active member of the Baptist church and supports all measures for the public good, while his professional relationship is with the

Tulsa County, Oklahoma State and American Medical Associations. Moreover, he is widely known through his valuable contributions to the leading journals of the medical profession.

Mark E. Davis

Tulsa numbers among her prominent and progressive business men Mark E. Davis, who since 191 1 has made this city his home. In 1913 he formed a partnership with Alfred G. Heggem, becoming junior member of the firm of Heggem and Davis, oil producers. The same year this firm took over the Oil Well Improvements Company, Mr. Davis becoming vice president and general manager. This company manufactures and sells the control casinghead and roller oil saver and their territory is the whole world, wherever petroleum is produced, and their product is handled through jobbers. The company's manufacturing plant is located at Collinsville, Oklahoma.

Like many other prominent men of Tulsa Mark E. Davis is a son by adoption; his birth having occurred at Yourigstown, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1871, his parents being Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Jones) Davis. Both Mr. and Mrs. Davis were natives of Wales, from which country they came to America in infancy with their parents. The father followed the coal business in Youngstown, Ohio, until his death in 1876, and was a representative citizen of the community. The death of his wife occurred one year later.

Mark E. Davis was reared and received his education in the schools of Youngstown, Ohio, and after putting his textbooks aside became associated with the Chatfield and Wood Paper Company of Cincinnati, with which firm he remained five years. At the end of that time he accepted a position with the Deim and Waring Paper Company, likewise of Cincinnati, and spent the next four years with them. He then engaged in the paper brokerage business at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the operation of which he was active for twenty years, or until 191 1, when he came to Tulsa. Mr. Davis has been very successful in all of his undertakings and especially in his present business.

The political allegiance of Mr. Davis is given to the republican party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. In the conduct of his business affairs Mr. Davis has ever followed progressive and constructive methods, he takes a keen and active interest in civic affairs and his cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good.

James H. McBirney is the dean of the banking fraternity of Tulsa and is prominently known as the president of the National Bank of Commerce. Ability has brought him prominently to the front and his success is the direct result and outcome of persistent earnest labor and intelligent direction. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Tipperary, March 1, 1S70. His father, Hugh McBirney, D. D.. was a Methodist Episcopal minister, who came to the United States and was for thirty years engaged in preaching the gospel in southern Kansas, having direct and extensive influence over the moral development of that section of the country. Eventually he removed to Tulsa, where he retired from active ministerial duties and here passed away in January, 1919. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Mark, was also a native of Ireland, and is still living. By her marriage she became the mother of twelve children, six of whom survive, and all are residents of Tulsa, while three of the brothers are connected with the National Bank of Commerce.

James H. McBirney was but a young lad when brought to the new world and in the public schools of Kansas he pursued his education. He initiated his business career as an employe in the Columbus Bank at Columbus, Kansas, remaining in that institution for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Coffeyville, Kansas, and there continued for two years. In 1897 he established his home in Tulsa, where he still resides and throughout the entire period of twenty-four years has been identified with the banking business here. His connection with the financial affairs of the city covers a longer period than that of any other banker. He first became identified with the Tulsa Banking Company, which afterward reorganized the business as the First National Bank, of which he was vice president for some time. In 1904 he became associated with his brothers and organized the Bank of Commerce. In 191 1 this was reorganized under the name of the National Bank of Commerce, of which James H. McBirney, was elected the president with S. P. McBirney and C. B. Wallace as vice presidents and A. F. Hendren as cashier. This bank has a paid-in capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars, surplus of one hundred thousand dollars, and deposits amounting to three million dollars. The bank has had a very successful existence, with business steadily increasing, and its policy has at all times been such as to merit the confidence and support of the general public.

In 1901 James H. McBirney was married to Miss Vera Clinton and they have become the parents of four children : Dorothy, seventeen years of age. who is now attending Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts ; Martha, fourteen years of age, attending Dana Hall ; Donald, a lad of twelve years, attending Tulsa high school ; and Simmons. Mr. McBirney finds his recreation in hunting big game. He is a Mason, belonging to Tulsa Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and he has attained the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite and the thirtysecond degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of Akdar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, as has his wife, and he is president of the board of trustees. Mrs. McBirney is also active in the church and in social and philanthropic work. In club circles Mr. McBirney is well known through his membership in the Country Club and the Advertising Club, and he is likewise a member of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, cooperating with that organization in all of its efforts to upbuild the city and develop its interests. His plans have always been well-defined and promptly executed, and the integrity and thoroughness of his methods have been potent forces in the attainment of the very substantial success which is now his.

Otto Kramer

Since 1915 Otto Kramer has been junior member of the firm of Brink & Kramer, general insurance, loans and bonds, with offices at 2 12- 13- 14 Oklahoma Gas building. He, like many other prominent men of Tulsa, was born in another state, his birth having occurred at Rockport. Spencer county. Indiana, on the 3d of September, 1875, a son of Henry and Katherine ( Bretz ) Kramer. The father was a native of Germany and the mother was born in Indiana. When eight years of age Henry Kramer came to the United States with his parents and located in Spencer county, where the grandfather engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Henry Kramer was well known as an attorney at law and a banker, being active in those connections throughout his life. He was prominent in politics, serving as county treasurer of Spencer county two terms, deputy treasurer two terms and as state representative. He made a success of his life and at the time of his death, which occurred on the 3d of January, 1905, he was in possession of three thousand acres of valuable farm property in Spencer county. Mrs. Kramer is still living.

Otto Kramer was reared and educated in Rockport, Indiana, and in due time entered the State University at Bloomington, from which he was graduated in the required time. After putting his textbooks aside he became an employe of the Farmers Bank at Rockport and steadily advanced until he was holding the office of assistant cashier. For twelve years he remained with that institution, at the end of which time he resigned and for one year worked for the government on locks and dams in the Ohio river out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1907 he came to Tulsa and soon afterward was appointed deputy county treasurer, an office he filled satisfactorily for two years. For the following three and onehalf years he worked for Charles Page at Sand Springs in various capacities and then in August, 191 5, formed a partnership with A. W. Brink, in the insurance, loan and bond business. This firm is operating under the name of Brink & Kramer and is one of the representative business interests of Tulsa.

In June, 1901, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kramer and Miss Mary B. Adams, and to them six children have been born : Katherine E., Clara A., Annabelle, Sterling O., Karl W., and Frances B.

The political allegiance of Mr. Kramer is given to the democratic party, in the activities of which he takes a prominent part The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church. In the conduct of his business Mr. Kramer displays those qualities which show him to be thoroughly conversant with modernday business conditions. He is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that accomplishes results and success is attending his well defined efforts. He has contributed much to the growth and development of Tulsa and is progressive and liberal in his ideas and upright in word and deed.

John Rogers

John Rogers, one of the able young attorneys of the Tulsa bar, who in his practice specializes in Indian land titles, was born at Weaubleau, Missouri, April 4, 1890. His father, P. J. Rogers, also born in Missouri, has devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He married Frances Dent, and she, too, was a native of Missouri. The son, John Rogers, after attending the public schools of his native state continued his education in the State University of Oklahoma at Norman, where he pursued a thorough course in law to the time of his graduation, winning the LL. B. degree in 1914. He entered upon the active practice of his profession at Holdenville, Oklahoma, on the 1st of July of that year and there remained until the 1st of April, 1915, when he removed to Tulsa and became attorney for the McMan Oil Company, one of the largest oil companies operating in the mid-continent field. Thus within a year after his admission to the bar he rose to a place of great professional prominence and is today regarded as one of the leading corporation lawyers of Tulsa, to which city have been attracted many eminent representatives of the profession. He belongs to the Tulsa County and Oklahoma State Bar Associations and enjoys the high regard and respect of professional colleagues and contemporaries by reason of what he has accomplished and the ability which he has displayed in handling the important corporation interests entrusted to his care. There is another most interesting chapter in his life record, for with America's entrance into the World war Mr. Rogers joined the first Officers Training Camp at Fort Roots, Arkansas, on the 9th of May, 1917, and when his course was completed he was commissioned a first lieutenant and assigned to the Three Hundred and Forty-eighth Infantry at Camp Pike, Arkansas. Later he was promoted to a captaincy and was appointed personnel adjutant of the Three Hundred and Forty-eighth Infantry for overseas duty. He went to France, remaining from the 18th of August, 191S, until the 8th of March, 1919, rendering valuable service in connection with the efforts to bring German militarism to naught, that world democracy might no longer be curbed by Teutonic power. Mr. Rogers is now commander of Joe Carson Post of the American Legion of Tulsa. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained high rank, as is indicated in his connection with the Consistory and with the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is well known in club circles, belonging to the Country Club, University Club, to the City Club and to the Lions Club. The last named is indicative of his deep interest in the material and civic welfare of Tulsa and the adoption of high standards of Americanization everywhere. His religious faith is manifest in his connection with the Christian church. In a word he stands for all that is valuable in the life of the individual and of the community at large.

Verx N. Vandever

One of the most prominent business men of Tulsa is Vern N. Yandever. a member of the Vandever Dry Goods Company, of which he is also director, department buyer and manager. The store is located at 109-n South Main street but the company is contemplating the erection of a more modern building of about eight stories, at the corner of Fifth and Boston streets. Mr. Vandever was born at Irving, Illinois, on the 16th of October, 1892, a son of William C. and Sarah E. (Grantham) Yandever. Extended mention of his parents is made in the sketch of William A. Vandever, to be found on another page of this work.

Yern X. Yandever was reared and educated at Irving, Illinois, and was graduated from the high school in that town with the class of 191 1. The following year he came to Tulsa and joined his brothers in the Yandever Dry Goods Company, in which connection he has remained. Thoroughness is one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Yandever and he has mastered every detail of his own business. In addition- to his connections with the Vandever Dry Goods Company he is one of the stockholders and a director of the Vandever Investment Company, likewise a stockholder in the Tulsa-Pittsburgh Mining Company and the Hayner Petroleum Company.

In December, 1916, occurred the marriage of Mr. Yandever to Miss Maud Handley, a daughter of Richard G. and Elizabeth Handley. Her father operated farms in Iowa until 1906, when he retired and came to Tulsa in order to give his children better educational advantages. Mr. and Mrs. Handley are still residing in Tulsa, where they are respected and representative citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Vandever have one daughter, Eleanor, who was born on the 10th of September, 1917.

Mr. Vandever gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, in the activities of which he takes a prominent part. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Tulsa Lodge, No. 71 ; Indian Consistory, No. 2, at Mc- Alester, Oklahoma, in which lodge he took the thirty-second degree ; and Tulsa Lodge, No. 946, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His home is at 171 1 East 14th street and is noted for its hospitality. Those who know Mr. Vandever, and he has many friends, esteem him highly as a man of genuine personal worth, as a business man of ability, and as a citizen who is ever loyal to the best interests of the community in which he has elected to make his home.

Harry C. Ashby

Harry C. Ashby, a resident of Tulsa since 1906 and since 1914 engaged in the insurance business as secretary-treasurer of the Dickey-Asliby-Fountain Company, handling all kinds of insurance save life, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1870. His father, Franklin Ashby, a native of Philadelphia, was in early life connected with Dr. Jayne, a famous medicine manufacturer. Later he was for a long period with N. W. Ayer & Sons advertising agency of Philadelphia, in which city he passed away in 1881. At the time of the Civil war he joined the Union army and rendered valiant aid to the country throughout the period of hostilities. He married Emma Beck, a native of Philadelphia, and they became the parents of four children, two of whom are living. The mother still makes her home in her native city.

Harry C. Ashby obtained a public school education and after attending high school became identified with a wholesale notion business of Philadelphia, with which he was connected for a time and then removed to Topeka, Kansas, in 1887. There he was engaged in the wholesale coal business. In 1906 he came to Tulsa and was secretary and cashier of the Union Trust Company until 191 1, after which he was president of the company for a year. On the 1st of September, 1914, he became one of the organizers of the Dickey-Ashby-Fountain Insurance Company, of which W. L. Dickey is the president, A. T. Fountain, vice president, and Mr. Ashby, secretary-treasurer. They conduct an insurance, loan and bond business, with offices on the ground floor of 212 South Boston avenue. They handle all kinds of insurance except life and their clientage has become very extensive and important. In fact their business is today one of very gratifying proportions and its continued success is assured by reason of the enterprise and progressiveness of the men who constitute the company.

In 1914 Mr. Ashby was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Farnsworth of Topeka, Kansas, a daughter of J. W. Farnsworth, one of the early settlers of that city and vice president of the Bank of Topeka. Mr. and Mrs. Ashby have one child, Franklin. Fraternally Mr. Ashby is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he belongs to the Tulsa Country Club and to the Chamber of Commerce and both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Ashby is now ex-state vice regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution and ex-regent of the local chapter and she was chairman of the canteen service at Tulsa during the World war. Both have taken a most active and helpful interest in matters pertaining to public welfare and advancement and their influence and efforts are always given on the side of progress, improvement, reform and right.

Thomas Gavin

In the passing of Thomas Gavin, Tulsa lost a progressive and representative citizen, one who was well known among oil men all over the country, having followed the oil industry into each new territory as fields developed through the southwest and west. His death occurred on the 19th of February, 192 1, at Los Angeles, while there on business, and the news of his demise caused a feeling of deep bereavement to sweep the communities in which he was so well and favorably known. He was born in Andover, New York, on the 25th of November, 1862, a son of James and Margaret (Maley) Gavin, both natives of Ireland, who came to America about 1840 and settled 011 a farm near Andover. The father followed farming until his death in 19 13 and in that connection achieved a substantial amount of success. Mrs. Gavin passed away in 1914. Both were close to one hundred years of age at the time of their demise. James Gavin was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in a New York regiment. Ten children were born to their union, all of whom are living but Thomas, whose name initiates this review.

Thomas Gavin received his education in the schools of Andover and in the country school near his father's farm. After leaving the farm he engaged in the pipe line business, working for others, and continued in that connection for several years, learning every phase of the business. After his marriage he became field superintendent in Ohio for the Western Gas Company and after five years in this service resigned to take up the work of contracting and producing at North Baltimore and Findlay, Ohio. After several years in that line of work he came west and located in Independence, Kansas, stopping on the way there near Warren, Indiana, where he drilled two dry holes. On arriving in Kansas he accepted a position as field superintendent with the Kansas National Gas Company, resigning at the end of four years to engage in contracting and drilling wells and in producing on his own account. He built numerous pipe lines and he and his brother were responsible for the Big Gulf Line which is now a trunk line. For nine years Mr. Gavin resided in Independence but in 1912 removed to Tulsa, continuing in the same line of work until his death. He had oil interests in Wyoming, Texas and Mexico and had important and extensive connections in the first named state at the time of his death. His demise occurred suddenly, caused by heart disease, while he was in Los Angeles, California, on a business trip.

In 1890 Mr. Gavin was united in marriage to Miss Mary McNamara, a daughter of Austin and Margaret (Reedy) McNamara, natives of Ireland who came to America in 1840 and located first in Canada and later in Erie, Pennsylvania. Some time later Mr. and Mrs. McNamara removed to Titusville. Mr. McNamara was an oil man and followed that business until his death at Fostoria, Ohio, in May, 1890. His widow passed away in Independence, Kansas, in June, 191 1. Both were past eighty-seven years of age. Mr. McNamara was a veteran of the Civil war and served throughout the entire conflict as a member of a Pennsylvania regiment. Five children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs.

Gavin: Thomas, whose death occurred August 2, 1892, when but five days old; Marguerite M., a well known musician who has studied abroad; Thomas Austin; James H., who married Marie I. Dunn of Chicago, a member of a prominent pioneer family of that city, and is now in the oil business for himself ; and Kathryn M., a graduate of the parochial schools at Independence and Tulsa, also of the Ursuline Academy at Paola, Kansas, with the class of 1920 and who received a gold medal for expression in elocution. Thomas Austin is an attorney at law. He studied at St. Mary's for seven years, receiving his A. B. and A. M. degrees from that institution in 1916 and then entered Georgetown for two years, when his studies were broken into by the World war. He volunteered, enlisting in naval aviation service, and was assigned to Boston Tech. After receiving his discharge he returned to Georgetown University, from which he was graduated LL. B. in 1920. In the state bar examination at Tulsa he stood highest out of a class of forty-three.

Mr. Gavin always gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of that party as factors in good government. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church and fraternally he was identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As a business man he supplied enterprise, hope, and enthusiasm to many substantial institutions and he was always regarded as safe and sane in his judgment on all matters of finance and investment. He devoted his life to the study of his business and was considered the best informed of all oil men. He was a big producer and to him belongs the distinction of putting out the fire that threatened destruction to an oil field at Caney, Kansas. He owned a beautiful residence at 802 South Cheyenne avenue, which is now in possession of his widow. Mrs. Gavin was indeed a helpmate to her husband. She is a prominent woman in the community and has many friends who share her deep sense of loss and grief.

Captain John Fred Capps, M. D., who won his military title by service overseas in the World war and who has since given his attention to medical practice in Tulsa, now specializes to a large extent in the treatment of children's diseases, and has been particularly successful in this department. He is one of the youngest members of the profession who is fast forging to the front. He was born in Talladega, Alabama, September 19, 1888, and his parents, William YV. and Josephine (Horn) Capps, were also natives of that state. The father was a farmer and stockman and conducted extensive and important business interests, owning a large plantation on which he engaged in raising high bred horses and also operated a turpentine still. He was a democrat in politics and was called upon to fill various offices, the duties of which he discharged with marked capability and fidelity. His religious faith, that of the Baptist church, prompted his allegiance to high standards in everything that he undertook.

Dr. Capps acquired a public and high school education and afterward matriculated in the University of Alabama, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree and during his student days there he became a member of the Kappa Sigma. He is also an A. B. graduate of the University of Indiana and his professional training was received in the University of Chicago, which conferred upon him the M. D. degree in 1914. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by eighteen months service as interne in pediatrics in the Cook County Hospital and in fact entered upon his service as interne before completing his university course. In 1915 he came to Tulsa, where he has since engaged in general practice, although largely specializing in the treatment of diseases of children.

The only marked interruption to his professional labors here came through his military service. On the 16th of August, 1916, he was commissioned a first lieutenant of the Oklahoma National Guard and was on duty on the Mexican border for ten months, there remaining until February 25, 1917, receiving his discharge on the 1st day of March, that year. He afterward became a first lieutenant of the Tulsa Ambulance Corps and his company was called into federal service on the 6th of August, 191", as Ambulance Company, Xo. 166. On the 19th of August he was sent to Fort Sill and afterward to Camp Mill's, Long Island, in September, as part of the Forty-second Division. He was with the Ambulance Company, Xo. 167, and went overseas on the 18th of October, 1917, with the Forty-second Division, with which he was on duty all through the Chateau Thierry defensive, where the American troops were thrown into the breach between the broken lines of the Allies and turned the tide of battle so effectively that the Germans were never again able to advance. He also participated in the battles of the Marne, Ourcq, Toul and the great Meuse-Argonne offensives. He was chief of the surgical section of Ambulance Company, No. 167. of the Forty-second Division, was wounded on one occasion and was twice gassed. He received three citations in general orders for meritorious service under fire. After the armistice he was sent to Base Hospital. Xo. 17, at Dijon, Cote d'Or, France, where he did surgical work for a time and later was transferred to Base Hospital. Xo. 114, at Beau Desseret, near Bordeaux, sailing for home on the 4th of March, 1919, having rendered most valuable aid to the country in her efforts to establish world-wide democracy. In May, 1919, Dr. Capps was appointed to the office of county physician and he is now successfully engaged in general practice, his ability being widely recognized.

Dr. Capps was married to Miss Rebecca McAlester. a granddaughter of Colonel James J. McAlester. a Confederate veteran of the Civil war, who became one of the pioneer coal operators of Oklahoma, settling in this section of the country when it was Indian Territory in 1869. He founded the town of McAlester and has in many ways left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the history of the state. He was a member of the corporation commission from 1907 until 191 1 and from 191 1 until 1915 filled the position of lieutenant governor of Oklahoma. The parents of Mrs. Capps were James B. and Asa (Janet) McAlester. Her father, who was born in the city of McAlester, Oklahoma, is now a general merchant, a garage proprietor and a real estate dealer and has been very successful in the conduct of his business affairs. To Dr. and Mrs. Capps has been born one son, John Fred, Jr. Mrs. Capps was an active canteen worker throughout the World war period and was very prominent in the Red Cross. She is also well known in club life and in social circles, her position being an enviable one. Dr. Capps belongs to Delta Lodge, Xo. 425, A. F. & A. M., and also to Indian Consistory, A. A. S. R.. at McAlester. He is a member of the American Legion and along professional lines is connected with the Tulsa County, Oklahoma State, American Medical. Tri-State and Southwestern Medical Associations and thus keeps thoroughly informed concerning the advanced thought and methods of the profession. He also has membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the First

Baptist church, being very active in the men's Bible class. Concentrating his attention upon general practice he has at the same time specialized to a considerable extent in pediatrics and his ability in that branch of the profession is widely acknowledged.

James P. Flanagan

James P. Flanagan, an oil producer until recently connected with the Sinclair Oil Company, came to Tulsa in 1910 and through the intervening period has been identified with the phenomenal rise and development of the city. He is a native of the state that first came into prominence through oil production, for he was born at Bradys Bend, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1880, his parents being John and Anna (Boyle) Flanagan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to the United States in i860 and the father was identified with the oil interests of Pennsylvania. In 1910 he removed to Oklahoma, where he operated in the oil fields until his death, which occurred in Tulsa in October, 1918.

James P. Flanagan obtained his early education in the parochial schools of Bradford, Pennsylvania, and since 1896 has been identified actively with oil interests, entering upon work of this character when a youth of sixteen as a representative of the supply and oil well business. In 1904 he went to Independence, Kansas, with the Bovaird Supply Company when it entered the western oil fields, and in 1910 he came to Tulsa as representative of the same corporation. He remained with the Bovaird Supply Company until 1912, when he resigned to become an independent operator. In 1917 he went to Houston, Texas, becoming connected with the Sinclair Oil Company, and in 1919 was made president of the Sinclair Oil Company of Louisiana, operating at Shreveport. He resigned from his position as president of the Sinclair Oil Company of Louisiana in June, 1921, to resume his operations on his own account.

Mr. Flanagan was active in the establishment of the Red Cross of Tulsa and the nature of his interests is further indicated in the fact that he was one of the building committee and a trustee of the Holy Family church. He is a director of the Exchange National Bank, belongs to the Petroleum Club and the Tulsa Country Club and is one of the best of Tulsa's progressive citizens.

Tulsa numbers among her prominent and representative citizens Dr. Edwin B. Wilson, who since 191 1 has been engaged in the practice of his profession here. He has offices at 318-19 Security building, well appointed and up-to-date in every particular and has built up a practice which covers a large proportion of the community. He is a Kentuckian by birth, born at Harrodsburg, January 21, 1891, a son of Homer T. and Annie F. (Fitzgerald) Wilson. His father was born in Kentucky and the mother in Alabama. Homer T. Wilson was a minister of the Christian church, having pastorates in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and Kentucky, and he was active in the ministry until his demise in February, 191 5. Mrs. Wilson lived until May, 1918.

In the acquirement of an education Dr. Wilson attended the high school of San Antonio, Texas, the Brown Preparatory school at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he took the medical course and was graduated with the M. D. degree in 191 5. He then served as house physician at the Bellevue Hospital in New York city for two years, was for one year in the army as first lieutenant of the medical corps, attached to the British forces in England and France, and received his discharge in 1918. He cheerfully subordinated all of his personal interests at the outbreak of the World war and after the close of that conflict returned to New York city, where he practiced for one year, coming to Tulsa in 191 9. His practice has been successful and is now extensive and of a most important character.

In February, 191 7, Dr. Wilson was united in marriage at New York city, to Miss Margaret Turnbull. a daughter of Alex and Margaret (Llewelyn) Turnbull, who were natives of Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The father was a florist and in the conduct of his business achieved more than a substantial amount of success. His death occurred in 1915, while the mother is still living. Two children have been bora to Dr. and Mrs. Wilson: Betty, who was born on the 12th of March, 1919; and Edwin B. Jr., born January 28, 1921.

In politics Dr. Wilson is an earnest democrat and stands for all that is progressive in matters of citizenship. His religious faith is that of the Christian church and fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order. Along the line of his profession Dr. Wilson holds membership in the American Medical, Oklahoma State and Tulsa County Medical Societies and is likewise a member of the American Legion and Nu Sigma Nu, a college fraternity. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson reside at 1415 North Elwood street and their home is a center of culture and refinement. The success which Dr. Wilson has attained is the result of his laudable ambition and determined effort and he considers his profession worthy of his undivided fealtv.

Voris V. Yandeyer

Yoris V. Vandever, a member of the Yandever Dry Goods Company, is classed among the representative citizens of Tulsa. He was born at Irving, Illinois, on the 12th of May, 1S87, a son of William and Sarah (Grantham) Vandever, further "mention of whom is made in the sketch of William A. Vandever, appearing on another page of this work.

In the acquirement of an education Voris V. Yandever attended the schools of his native town and upon removing to Tulsa with his parents entered the schools here, being one of the first class to complete a course and graduate from Smith's Business College. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged with his brothers, William A., Gary Y.. Yern N., and Charles S. in the conduct of a large dry goods store at 109-11 South Main street, the firm being known as the Vandever Dry Goods Company. This store has an extensive and high class trade and the company conducts it on the highest and most honorable principles. Mr. Vandever closely studies every phase of his business, formulates his plans carefully and carries them forward to successful completion. The present quarters of the store are proving insufficient and the firm is contemplating the erection of a larger building of six or eight stories, on the corner of Fifth and Boston streets. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Vandever is a stockholder in the Vandever Investment Company, in the Hayner Petroleum Company and has other business associations of importance.

a stanch ^supporter of the democratic party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of that party as factors in good government. He has neither sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to devote his entire time to his business affairs. He is fraternally identified with the Masons, of which he is a member of the Scottish Rite, blue lodge and Shrine, and he likewise holds membership in the Elks. The religious faith of Mr. Vandever is that of the Christian church. In 1918 he enlisted for service in the World war and was stationed at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas. He was soon afterward sent to France and joined the Twentieth Engineers, Company D, Twelfth Battalion. He received his discharge on the 16th of July, 1919, at Camp Pike, Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Vandever is now residing at 141 1 South Terrace drive. Those who know him. and he has many friends, esteem him highly as a man of genuine personal worth, as a business man of ability and as a citizen who is ever loyal to the best interests of the community.

Thomas C. Skeen

Thomas C. Skeen, western manager of the Parkersburg Rig & Reel Company of Parkersburg, with local offices in the Kennedy building, has won a substantial measure of success, although all days in his career have not been equally bright. As a business man his optimism, perseverance, energy and sterling qualifications have been the foundation on which he has builded and although he has at times been confronted with obstacles he has overcome these and has made notable progress from time to time toward the goal of success.

Mr. Skeen was born on a ranch in Cass county, Texas, May 20, 1871, and is a son of P. A. and Sallie (Whatley) Skeen,. the former a native of Georgia and the latter of Alabama. The father was a prominent dentist in the south, practicing his profession successfully for many years. When a lad of but seventeen he enlisted in the Confederate army and being captured he was held as a prisoner of war for three years on Governor's Island. He belonged to the Masonic lodge and was long an active and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, passing away in that faith in August, 1919. His wife is also deceased. In their family were two children, Thomas C. and S. P., the latter also a resident of Tulsa.

Mr. Skeen attended the public and high schools of Texas and then secured a position in a bank at Atlanta, Texas. For twelve years he devoted his attention to the banking business in Atlanta and Texarkana, Texas, and for a considerable period acted as cashier of the First National Bank in the latter city. He then engaged as a manufacturer and wholesale dealer of lumber in Texas. He afterward spent fifteen years in the manufacturing and wholesale lumber business in St. Louis and was very successful' in his operations there. By his earlier experience he brought to his St. Louis venture wide knowledge which contributed to his progress as a wholesale lumber dealer of that city. Difficulties have confronted him, as they have every other individual. One who knows him well has said of him : "You could never keep him down, as his perseverance and dogged determination always overcame obstacles. He is a high-class business man of exceptional intellectual attainments."

Mr. Skeen came to Tu'sa in 1917 to assume his present position as western manager of the Parkersburg Rig & Reel Company, whose headquarters and manufacturing plants are located at Parkersburg, West Virginia. The firm is the largest and only exclusive manufacturers of rig irons, steel tankage, and drilling machines in the United States. This corporation conducts an immense business, maintaining warehouses in Tulsa and thirty-six other cities in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, over which Mr. Skeen, as western manager, has supervision. Thus his position is one of responsibility. He is everywhere regarded as a man of sterling quality and of unusual business acumen and his success may be attributed in a large part to his genius for judging human nature and to his habit of living up to every promise made on all occasions.

In 1897 Mr. Skeen was married to Miss Benedette Moore of Austin, Texas, a daughter of Edwin Moore of New Orleans, and they have one daughter, Mary, who is a graduate of Mary Institute and Washington University of St. Louis. The members of the family occupy a prominent and enviable social position and are interested in all matters connected with civic and philanthropic activities. They are members of the Episcopal church and are interested in all that makes for public welfare and cultural advancement.

Mr. Skeen reads broadly, keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and is familiar with the best literature. He is a Knights Templar and Shriner. In Tulsa he is a member of the Petroleum Club and the Country Club. His interests and activities are at all times directed along those lines and in those channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number.

Eugene W. Wright

One of the well known and progressive business men of Tulsa is Eugene W. Wright, secretary and treasurer of The Oil Well Improvements Company, with offices at 623-24-25 Kennedy building. He was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of December, 1895, a son of William and Margaret (Murphy) Wright, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. Both came to America at an early day, accompanied by their parents, he being four years of age at the time of his arrival in America, and she came when seventeen. The Wrights located in Franklin, Pennsylvania, where William was reared and educated, leaving school at the age of twelve years to learn the iron business from the ground up. His energy and ability brought him constant promotion and until 1914 he occupied the position of general superintendent of the Bovaird & Seyfang Manufacturing Company. In 1914 he came to Tulsa and became associated with the Oklahoma Iron Works, with which he is still actively connected as general manager, a director and stockholder. Mrs. Wright is also living.

Eugene W. Wright acquired his education in the schools of Franklin and Bradford, Pennsylvania, and on completing his studies entered railroading as chief clerk for the Erie road and for two years remained in that position, capably and conscientiously performing every task assigned him. In 1914 he came to Tulsa with his parents and for five months was actively connected with the McEwen Manufacturing Company here. At the termination of that period he became accountant with The Oil Well Improvement Company, his spirit of initiative and marked ability bringing about his promotion as secretary and treasurer of the company in June, 1919. A. G. Heggem is president of the company and Mark E. Davis, further mention of whom is made on another page of this work, vice president. Their plant is located at Collinsville, Okla- homa, where they manufacture a control casinghead and roller oil saver which they sell all over the world, that is, in every vicinity where petroleum is produced.

On the 23d of June, 1918, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Essner, and to them one child has been born : Jean Louise, whose natal day is the 1 2th of February, 1920.

The religious faith of Mr. Wright is that of the Catholic church and politically he is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is fraternally identified with the Knights of Columbus, of which order he is treasurer, and in the activities of which he takes a prominent part. Upon the outbreak of the World war Mr. Wright immediately offered his services and served as ordnance sergeant with Company A, Third Regiment, and was stationed at Camp Hancock, Georgia. He received his discharge on the 17th of January, 1919. His business career has been one of continuous progress and his fellow townsmen attest his sterling qualities and personal worth as well as his business ability. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wright have an extensive circle of friends and their home at n 18 West Second street is noted for its warm hospitality.