A standard history of Oklahoma; an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Vol. III, Part 104

Author: Thoburn, Joseph B. (Joseph Bradfield), 1866-1941
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 660

USA > Oklahoma > A standard history of Oklahoma; an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Vol. III > Part 104

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Phillip Kramer grew up on the substantial home of his father in Spencer County, attended the public schools there and afterwards the Normal School at Danville, Indiana. He and his brother John were for a time partners in managing the old homestead place, and at the age of nineteen Phillip Kramer secured a certificate and spent six months of teaching in his home district. He went on the road selling agricultural implements for the Burr Brothers, and later for one season represented the Milwaukee Junior Harvester Company Binders. In 1893 he came to Oklahoma, and joined in the run after the opening of the strip to Perry. He staked out a lot in the public square, not knowing that his claim was reserved for public purposes. He and a number of others who made the same mistake were involved in many troubles incident to the contest, and he subse- quently bought a town lot in that city. Subsequently Mr. Kramer removed to Oklahoma City, and engaged in the real estate business, and finally took up the fire in- surance business with Frank Johnson under the firm name of Johnson & Kramer. After selling out this busi- ness he returned to Indiana, spent six months there, and then came back to Oklahoma and located in Tulsa. Here Mr. Kramer has built up a large business in handling fire insurance and also bond and loan. He represents the following fire insurance companies: The Columbia Fire Underwriters, the Glens Falls Insurance, the National Union, The Camden Fire, the Prussian National, the Agricultural Insurance Company of Watertown, New York, and the Royal Indemnity of New York.

Mr. Kramer was appointed to the office of city treas- urer of Tulsa by Mayor Martin and served one term. He is a democrat in politics, and a man of vigorous citizenship and in his personal and business relations noted for his unswerving integrity of character. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. On February 9, 1901, Mr. Kramer married Gertrude Allendorph. Mrs. Kramer was born in Missouri. Their two children are: John Henry and Phillip C.

FRANCIS BARTOW FITE, M. D. Whether as leading physician and surgeon, prominent citizen, or energetic and progressive founder of movements making for

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advancement and education, morality and business and civic life, it is difficult to know which to speak of first where Dr. Francis Bartow Fite of Muskogee is con- cerned. His career has several important distinctions which claim attention. He has for more than a quarter of a century been identified with the practice of his profession in old Indian Territory and Oklahoma State, and as a surgeon he has few peers anywhere in the South- west. His home city of Muskogee will long remember gratefully his administration as mayor of that city, dur- ing which he sacrificed his own time and money to pro- mote the welfare of the city, which was then backward because of certain restrictions placed upon its improve- ment, and which restrictions Doctor Fite removed and inaugurated a new era in municipal improvement.

Though most of his active career has been spent in what is now Oklahoma, Doctor Fite is a native Georgian, and was born in Bartow County, October 17, 1861. His parents were Dr. Henderson Wesley and Sarah Turner (Denman) Fite. His father, who was born in McMinn County, Tennessee, a son of Peter Fite, a native of North Carolina and member of an old Revolutionary family, was also a physician, and was surgeon in the Fortieth Georgia Regiment of the Confederate army during the war between the North and South, and after the war lived in the small town known as Pine Log in Georgia and practiced medicine in addition to carrying on agricultural operations on his plantation. The mother of Dr. F. B. Fite was born near Oxford, Mississippi.

Reared in his native county of Bartow, Doctor Fite had the usual advantages of a southern planter's son, but had to gain most of his education through his own earnings and as a result of his own determined ambition. When a boy he attended the Johnstone's Academy at Carters- ville, Georgia, but in 1883, soon after reaching manhood, he came out to Indian Territory, reaching the Town of Muskogee in May of that year. He had little capital except ambition and determination. Going to Tahlequah he applied for a school in the Cherokee Nation, and dur- ing the following year had charge of a school near Sal- lisaw, where in addition to his duties as a teacher he applied himself to the study of medicine. Not long after- ward he returned to Georgia, and entered the Southern Medical College at Atlanta, from which he was graduated in 1886. Soon after entering this institution Doctor Fite was made house surgeon of the Central Ivy Street Hos- pital, which although supported as a city hospital was largely under the control and supervision of the Southern Medical College. Doctor Fite resigned his position with this hospital in the summer of 1886, a short time after having graduated with the degree Doctor of Medicine and the highest honors of his class.

Having prepared himself for practice, he was not long in making up his mind as to his location. He had become very favorably impressed with the opportunities and the prospects of Indian Territory. He once more located at Tahlequah and spent one year in practice there. He then went east to New York City and pursued post- graduate studies, in the meantime serving for two years as house surgeon for the New York Polyclinic Hospital. Then in the fall of 1889 Doctor Fite located perma- nently at Muskogee, in which city he has performed both his professional and civic services for more than a quar- ter of a century, and has indelibly impressed his person- ality` and his influence upon the vital growth of that community.

Since locating at Muskogee, Doctor Fite has several times interrupted his practice to pursue post-graduate studies in New York and Philadelphia and in the Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore. Unquestionably Doctor Fite is now one of the best-known and most successful surgeons in Oklahoma, and he has established an enviable

reputation all over the Southwest. For several years he has limited his activities to surgery, office work and special consultation, and even so the demands upon his time and energies are more than he can meet. He is a member of the Muskogee County Medical Society, the Oklahoma State Medical Society and the American Med- ical Association. He served as president of the state organization when it was the Medical Society of Indian Territory. He was secretary of the medical examining board for the Cherokee Nation for several years, and was a prime factor in bringing about changes in the law in regard to the practice of medicine among the Indians. He was first secretary and later president of the United States Pension Board, and has been a member of that body for about twenty years. He is also a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners, and for more than four years has been president of the body.

It seldom occurs that a physician or surgeon of the very highest rank attains any prominence in affairs out- side of his profession. Doctor Fite, however, has a grow- ing reputation all over the state as one of Oklahoma's ablest citizens, and his effective work in behalf of Mus- kogee during his term as mayor has frequently been accepted as a qualification for higher political honors. It was from an intense loyalty and desire to do good to his home city that Doctor Fite was induced to serve as mayor, and that has been practically the only office he has ever been willing to accept. He held that office during 1905-06. It is generally agreed that the splendid paving, sewerage and water system of Muskogee was practically inaugurated and placed on a satisfactory basis during the administration of Doctor Fite as mayor. Of his services in this direction a magazine article said of him as follows: "He was first in the paving move- ment by personal example and induced through emulation of his efforts many modern streets. That was before the passage of the Curtis Bill, and at a time when paving was not compulsory, but was optional with the individual property owners, and before a majority of the property owners living on a specified thoroughfare could deter- mine what they desired in the way of improvement. It was during Doctor Fite's term as mayor of Muskogee that the Curtis Bill was being debated in Washington prior to its passage, and when its precepts covering municipal conditions were undetermined he went to Wash- ington and for weeks labored incessantly for the incor- poration in the Curtis Bill of provisions making it oblig- atory for property owners to accede to the wishes of a majority in the matter of establishing municipal improve- ments. He was successful in having this accomplished in the Curtis Act and also the inclusion of the provision compelling railroad companies to pay a just proportion of taxes. By bringing about these two important remedial measures, Dr. Fite clearly deserves distinc- tion as one of Oklahoma's most illustrious citizens, as few men within the borders of the State have done so much for the commonwealth in a physical sense."

Not only while mayor but as a private citizen Doctor Fite has generously contributed to the upbuilding of · Muskogee with his time, abilities and means, and has also given his influence and money in the matter of railroad building and to everything that has promised the bet- terment of the community. He has taken an active inter- est in public improvement, including church and educa- tional purposes, the state fair and for more than three years has been a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. It should be recalled as a matter of his- tory that Doctor Fite built the home of the Dawes Com- mission during its sessions in Oklahoma. He was pri- marily the medium through which this commission was induced to make its headquarters in Muskogee instead of at McAlester. ١٠

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HISTORY OF OKLAHOMA

While prominent as a public-spirited citizen and in other ways, Doctor Fite is thoroughly devoted to his profession. Some years ago he resigned from the office of vice president of the First National Bank of Mus- kogee, and declined election to the presidency of that institution, when he found that the duties of the position interfered with his professional responsibilities and labors. With his family he is a member of St. Paul's congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and has been a generous contributor to building and other funds of the church. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In public, professional, religious and social circles his acquaintance is wide and no man in Muskogee has a larger circle of friends.

In 1889 Doctor Fite married Miss Julia Patton of Vinita, Oklahoma. Five children have been born to their marriage: William P., Frances, Francis Bartow, Jr., Edward Halsell and Julian B. Doctor Fite and family reside in what is regarded as one of the most palatial homes of the entire state. The building of this fine example of colonial architecture, on North Sixteenth Street in Muskogee, was in every way creditable to Doctor Fite, since it illustrated his thorough faith in the city which has been his home for so many years. His home has been regarded as one of the attractive landmarks in the city, and it cost many thousand dollars to construct. Though Doctor Fite enjoys the comforts ' and luxuries of this beautiful home, and moves on terins of easy equality with the foremost men of Oklahoma he is personally one of the most democratic of men, and is es- sentially genial, kind hearted, and more interested in the welfare of others than himself.

JOHN E. LUTTRELL. Norman, the vigorous little city that has the prestige of being the seat of the Univer- sity of Oklahoma and is the judicial center of Cleve- land County, claims as one of the representative younger members of its bar John Edmund Luttrell, who has here maintained his residence since 1911 and who has here been established in the successful general practice of his profession since his admission to the bar, on the 20th of June, 1913.

Mr. Luttrell was born in Hill County, Texas, on the 26th of January, 1889, and is a son of Thomas J. and Sarah Martha (Goodrich) Luttrell, the former of whom was born in the State of Tennessee, on the 11th of De- cember, 1854, and the latter of whom was born in Missouri, in 1859. Thomas J. Luttrell is a member of a sterling pioneer family of Tennessee, where he was reared and educated and whence, as a young man, he went to Central Texas and gained his individual quota of pioneer experience. There his marriage was sol- emnized and there he continued his residence until 1889, when he came to Oklahoma Territory, at the time of its being thrown open to white settlement, and became a pioneer settler near Noble, Cleveland County, where he obtained land and engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-growing, with which lines of industry he has been identified during his entire active career. He and his wife now reside at Norman, where they have maintained their home since 1907 and both are zealous members of the Baptist Church at this place, in which he holds the office of deacon, his political support being given to the democratic party, in the faith of which he was reared. Of the children the eldest is Ethel May. Carter Wesley died at the age of twenty-three years, in 1907, his death having occurred in New Mexico, where he had entered and instituted the improvement of a claim of Government land; John E., of this review, was the

next in order of birth; Robert Thomas is engaged in the grocery business at Norman; and Pearl Edith, who is now a successful and popular teacher in the schools of Cleveland County, was graduated in the Norman High School, after which she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she was a popular member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

John E. Luttrell continued his studies in the public schools until he had virtually completed the curriculumn of the Norman High School, and from 1906 to 1911 he was a successful representative of the pedagogic profes- sion, as a teacher in the schools of Cleveland County. He then assumed the office of clerk of the County Court, of which he continued the incumbent until 1913, and in the meanwhile he had given close attention to the study of law, with the result that he so fortified him- self in the science of jurisprudence that he proved him- self eligible for and was admitted to the bar on the 20th of June, 1913. He forthwith engaged in prac- tice at Norman and he has achieved the success that stands indicative of ability and of that personal popu- larity which marks objective appreciation of worth and earnestness. Mr. Luttrell has appeared in numer- ous important cases, both civil and criminal, and has gained reputation for resourcefulness as a trial lawyer and well fortified judgment as a counselor. He is now the junior member of the representative law firm of Williams & Luttrell, with offices in the Hullum Build- ing, on East Main Street. His unqualified political allegiance is given to the democratic party, he is an active member of the Cleveland County Bar Association, and his civic loyalty and progressiveness are vouchsafed by his incumbency of the position of secretary of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. He is affiliated with Lexington Lodge, No. 72, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and with Norman Camp, Woodmen of the World.

On the 8th of July, 1915, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Luttrell to Miss Mary Dorothy Morter, daugh- ter of William B. Morter, a retired business man and prominent citizen of Norman.

JOHN L. EVANS. The thriving little community of Addington, in Jefferson County, Oklahoma, is indebted to John L. Evans for much of its growth, development and prosperity. Coming here in April, 1901, this "father of the town" was instrumental in the founding of what is now the First National Bank, of which he is president and from that time to the present has devoted his high abilities, progressive spirit and energetic nature to the community 's interests, personally assisting incipient industries through their early and doubtful years, and lending practical encouragement to enterprises which, with his support, have realized a full fruition of success.

John L. Evans was born in Baltimore County, Mary- land, December 5, 1866, and is a son of John and Louisa (Hartman) Evans. John Evans was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1833, and as a young man removed to Baltimore County, Maryland, from whence he went, in 1868, to Bureau County, Illinois. In 1879 he changed his residence to Beaver Crossing, Seward County, Nebraska, where he was engaged in farming operations until 1910, and since that time has carried on an implement and automobile business at the same place, being associated in partnership with his son, James C. He is a democrat politically, and a member of the United Evangelical Church. Mr. Evans married Miss Louisa Hartman, who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and died at Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, in 1901. Seven children were born to this union, as follows: Charles C., a machinist and deep well

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drilling operator, of Geneva, Nebraska; Anna E., who married Ernest Van Skike, a merchant of Long Beach, California; Emma, who died in July, 1913, was the wife of M. D. Johnson, a farmer of Olustee, Oklahoma; John the L., of this review; George A., manager of the Nye, Schueider & Fowler Grain Company, of Beaver Crossing, ublic Nebraska; James C., in business with his father at nium 1 he ofes- anty. unty 1913, Beaver Crossing; and Mamie, who died in 1908, was the wife of James Calder, couuty treasurer of Seward County, Nebraska, now residing at Seward. Of the fore- going family, Mrs. Anna F. Van Skike is a graduate of the musical department of Wesleyan University, and has a widespread reputation as a teacher of both vocal and n to instrumental music. From 1909 until 1913 she was a resident and teacher of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

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The Evans family originated in Wales aud during Colonial days settled in Pennsylvania, from which state the great-grandfather of John L. Evans enlisted for service in the patriot army during the War of the Revo- lution. The grandfather, Charles Evans, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1799, subsequently went to Maryland, and finally removed to Bureau County, Illinois, in 1868, there continuing to be engaged iu farming and stock- raising until his death, in 1880.

The little log schoolhouse at Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, furnished John L. Evans with his education, and he was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until attaining his majority. His first employ- meut iu the business world was in a grain elevator and lumber yard at Beaver Crossing, where for two years he worked as assistant. His faithful performance of duty and display of energy and ability won him promotion to the position of manager, which he retained until 1894, and at that time he received the appointment to the postmastership of Beaver Crossing, during the adminis- tration of President Cleveland. At the expiration of his four-year term, Mr. Evans returned to his old position in Searle & Chapin's lumber yard, but after two years resigned and in April, 1901, came to Addiugton, Okla- homa, as a pioneer. Here Mr. Evans, with his wife and J. W. Wambold, owned the townsite. Their first move in the development of this locality was the establishing of the First National Bank, of which Mr. Wambold became president, Mrs. Evans, cashier, and Mr. Evans assistant cashier. Only two weeks after the founding of this institution, Mr. Wambold was shot and killed in front of the bank, and his murderer is now serving a life sentence. In May, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Evans sold the bank to A. B. Dunlap, but in May, 1904, bought it back, and since that time have continued its management. The bank building, a handsome and substantial structure, was erected in 1901, and stands on the corner of Main Street and Parker Avenue. The present officers are: John L. Evans, president, a positiou which he has held since October, 1914; M. W. Dimery, vice president, who is also secretary of the First Trust Company, of Omaha, Nebraska, and a brother of Mrs. Evans; Mrs. Jennie E. Evans, cashier, who has had active charge of the bank since its inception, and to whom the greater part of the credit for its growth and development is due; and M. W. Franklin, assistant cashier. The First National Bank of Addington has a capital of $25,000 and surplus and undivided profits of $5,000, and has never failed to declare a dividend every six months, and has never failed to earn at least 25 per cent, while it has at times touched 35 per cent. Its stock, at $1 par, is now listed at from $1.50 to $2.00. The institution was nationalized in April, 1911, and is one of the sound and substantial banking concerns of this part of the state, having the unqualified confidence of its depositors and of other

monetary institutions of Jefferson and the surrounding counties.

Iu addition to his financial interests as represented in the bank, Mr. Evans is engaged also in the real estate, loaus and cattle business. He owns 1,800 acres of Jefferson County land, upon which he has forty tenants established, with good buildings and modern improve- ments of all kinds, and also has his own residence, a residence for his hired man and various vacant lots at Addington. He is a democrat in politics. At various times his fellow-citizens, appreciative of his ability, have called upon him to fill public offices, and he is a member of the village board, a position which he has held since its inception, and has also served in the capacity of school director. In fraternal circles he is identified with Prudent Lodge No. 179, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, of which he was master for five consecutive years; Addingtou Lodge No. 122, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Rebekahs of the same; Addington Lodge, No. 10001, of the Modern Woodmen of America; and Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, Lodge No. 145, Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also an active member of the Adding- ton Commercial Club, and joins other capable and public- spirited citizens in boostiug the best interests of his adopted place.

In December, 1901, at Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Jennie E. Dimery, who. was born at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, October 10, 1866, daughter of F. M. and Ordelia (Martin) Dimery. Joseph Dimery, the grandfather of Mrs. Evans, was boru in England, where he passed his entire life and became a capitalist, and died there, in Hereford. Her father was born in Hereford, England, May 18, 1835, and was a young man of twenty-five years when he came to the United States, settling at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. There he made his home until 1874, when he removed to Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, and became the most prom- inent citizen of that place, being the owner of the town- site, vice president of the bank, owner of a flourmill and farm, and a large land holder and capitalist. He was a prominent republicau, politically, and a member of the Episcopal Church of England, in the faith of which he died April 18, 1903. Mr. Dimery married Ordelia Martin, who was born in New York, and survives him, residing at Beaver Crossing. There were six childreu in the family, as follows: Carrie, who is the wife of George H. Borden, who is connected with a department store at Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; Jennie E., now Mrs. Evans; Fred, who is a farm owner and resides at Beaver Crossing; Thomas, cashier in a bank at that place; Martin W., who is secretary of the First Trust Company, of Omaha, Nebraska, and vice president and a director of the First National Bank of Addington; and Delia, a teacher in the public schools of Addington, and a director in the First National Bank, with a home at Beaver Crossing.

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Author: Thoburn, Joseph B. (Joseph Bradfield), 1866-1941 Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Chicago, New York, The American Historical Society Number of Pages: 660

Author: Thoburn, Joseph B. (Joseph Bradfield), 1866-1941
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The American Historical Society
Number of Pages: 660