USA > Oklahoma > Portrait and biographical record of Oklahoma; commemorating the achievements of citizens who have contributed to the progress of Oklahoma and the development of its resources, V. 1 > Part 12
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at Shawnee, has cause to rejoice because of the appreciation which has attended his labors.
A native of Bligny le Carreau, Department of Yonne, France, Father Germanus is a son of Jacob and Celine (Masse) Guillaime, born in Bligny. The paternal grandfather was also a na- tive of the same department and was a farmer during the years of his activity. His son, Jacob, followed in his footsteps as regards occupation. and terminated his useful life at the age of fifty by accidental death. The family is an old and distinguished one, and its members have been associated with some of the most illustrious events of French history.
In the family of eight children, four of whom attained maturity, Father Germanus is the only one in the church, and the only one who has sought the larger possibilities of America. Up to his thirteenth year he was raised on a farm, at which time he entered the Pierre Qui Vire Monastery, where he studied from 1873 until ISSo, and completed the classical and philosophi- cal course. The monastery, in the meantime, had been transferred to Ireland, at Fox Rock, near Dublin, and here he continued to study un- til 1882, devoting his time to the further pursuit of philosophy and to theology. At the expira- tion of his training he immediately emigrated to America, and settled at the Sacred Heart Mis- sion in Pottawatomie county, Okla. At the Mission he was ordained by Bishop Gallagher, of Galveston. Tex., and was sent to McAlester and given charge of the Catholic church at that place for a year. While there he also adminis- tered to the spiritual wants of the Miami, Qua- paw and Seneca tribes of Indians, and on one day had seventy-five baptisms, all adults. In the Osage Nation he became pastor of St. John Mis- sion for two years, and then located in Guthrie. where for one year he served as assistant priest to Father Felix de Grass. In 1890 Father Ger- manus went to El Reno, and for two years was the only priest on the Rock Island Railroad, and was in charge of the missions at Fort Reno. Kingfisher, Hennessey, Camp Supply (which was one hundred and forty miles from El Reno). Anadarko, Fort Sill and Minco. This life was full of deprivation and sacrifice and exposure to the mercy of the elements, for the greater part of the time was necessarily spent in the saddle. in buggies, or stage coaches, and he was at home only for three or four days during the month.
Among the many enterprising and ambitious undertakings of Father Germanus may be men- tioned the erection of the Sacred Heart Church at El Reno, and the parsonage. This congrega- tion started with only three members, who lis- tened to the inass under the swaying trees. in lieu of a roof to cover their heads. From an humble beginning has grown a large following.
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and a noble church is the result of their concen- trated efforts. Among the many other churches founded by Father Germanus is the one at Minco. It may be said that he has covered the whole of southwest Oklahoma and founded all of the churches there. By correspondence witli Mother Catherine Drexel, of Philadelphia, he secured a priest and founded St. Patrick's Mis- sion Convent, a school for the Indian Sisters of St. Francis.
April 17, 1898, when Father Felix de Grass was appointed abbot of the Sacred Heart, Father Gernianus was appointed his successor as pastor of the congregation of St. Benedict, at Shawnee. Under his wise and capable management the congregation has more than doubled in num- bers, and in 1900 was begun the erection of the imposing new brick church, which is to cost $60,000. This is to be augmented by a parson- age, and a school on the other corner of the block. The parochial school conducted in con- nection with the church is a fine institution of learning, and is conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, who have a convent here, and who opened a boarding academy in connection with St. Benedict's school. The Church of St. Ben- edict, which has been of such vast influence in this part of the territory, was founded by Rev. Father Felix de Grass in 1896. In connection with the large responsibility incumbent upon him as pastor of the church at Shawnee, Father Germanus is pastor of the Church of St. Theresa, at Harrah, Pottawatomie county, and of the Church of Our Lady of Holy Rosary, at Te- cumseh.
The pioneer days of Oklahoma are irrevocably linked with the exhaustless and lofty ambitions of Father Germanus, who, like so many of his faith, has penetrated a discouraging field and reaped a harvest which finds an echo in the hearts and minds of countless numbers.
I UDGE SAMUEL C. NASH. Though prac- tically retired from active participation in business affairs, Judge Nash has extended a wide influence over the gradual prosperity of Parkland, having associated himself with the town when it was yet in an embryonic state of growth. As a merchant, and lawyer, his efforts have ever been directed toward the best interests of the community, and his judgment and opin- ions proverbially carry weight and conviction. J
The early life of Mr. Nash was passed in Rich- mond, Ind., which was the place of his birth. Ifis parents, Samuel C. and Nancy J. (Gray) Nash, were natives of North Carolina, and in the course of time took up their residence in the Hoosier state. Samuel Nash, the elder, had two cousins, Caleb and Enoch Nash, who were prom-
inent men in their localities during the times of the Revolution, one having been a judge and attorney in North Carolina. After his thirteenth year, Samttel Nash, Jr., was educated in Madi- son county, Ind., whither his father had in the meantime removed. His early ambition was turned in the direction of educational work, for the qualifying of which he diligently applied himself by extra study at home, and at the age of eighteen began to teach at Maryville, Mo. After three years of success in this direction, he embarked upon a mercantile venture at Nod- away county, and continued the same for eleven years.
In the pursuit of a later resolve Mr. Nash be- gan the study of law, and was admitted to the Nodaway bar in 1868. He subsequently prac- ticed his profession in Missouri and Indiana, and in ISSo located in Jasper county, Mo., from which place he came to Oklahoma.
During the border days Judge Nash had his share of vicissitudes owing to trouble with des- peradoes and Indians, for the discipline of which he raised a company for home guard, and was first lieutenant of the same. During the Civil war he served with courage and distinction as a member of Company C, Fourth Iowa In- fantry, and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. During the greater part of the time he was assigned to duty at the com- pany's headquarters, and fought at the last battle of the Civil war, between Sherman and Johnston, at Goldsboro.
Upon identifying himself with the larger pos- sibilities of this promising country of Oklahoma, Judge Nash located first in Lincoln county, near what is now Parkland, and in 1894, settled on the town site. From the first he practiced law, and has since also engaged in the mercantile business. Although averse to personally holding public office of any kind, he is active in all the undertakings of the Democratic party, and has unshaken faith in its principles and issues. Now, on the eve of a well-earned respite from the worries of mercantile and professional life. he is contemplating a peaceful and happy ex- istence with his children, in Salem, Ore.
Mrs. Nash was formerly Levina Gilliam, of Andrew county, Mo., and she became the mother of three children, viz .: Alonzo Lopez, of Salem, Ore .: Lola Montez, the wife of J. N. Cox; and Ansel Mcclellan, of Salem, Ore.
A. A. HAMMER, the popular and progres- sive manager of the Long Bell Lumber Company of Pawnee, was born in Me- Donough county, Ill., July 25, 1862. The Ham- mer family is of German extraction, and the first members to come to America settled in Pennsyl-
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vania, and identified themselves with the very carly pioneer days of that state. Here the great- grandfather was born, Richard by name, who became a planter in Tennessee, and later re- moved to Monroe county, Ky., where he en- gaged in agriculture in the vicinity of Tomp- Ainsville.
The paternal grandfather, James E. D. Ham- mer, was, like his father, a farmer, and at an early day removed to Illinois and settled in McDonough county, where he died at the age of eighty-two years. He married Nancy Penning- ton, who was born in Kentucky, and a daughter of Stewart Pennington, an old pioneer of Mc- Donough county, after whom Pennington Point was named. The father of A. A. Hammer was W. J. Hammer, who was born at Pennington Point, McDonough county. He came west in 1871 and located in Kansas, near the Osage Mission, in Crawford county. Later he re- moved to Beulalı, Crawford county, and June 6, 1900, settled in Pawnee, where he has since resided. His wife, Louisa (Woolley) Hammer, was born in Ohio, near Dayton, and is a daugh- ter of Louis Woolley, a native of New Jersey, who was a butcher near Dayton, Ohio. and later removed to McDonough county, Ill. The Wool- ley family is of Scotch descent.
Mr. Hammer was the oldest in a family of three children. the others being Nellie, who is a teacher in Ouray, Colo., and Bertha J., who is now Mrs. Warner, of Girard, Kans. A. A. Hammer received his early education in Craw- ford county, Kans., and was reared to agricul- tural pursuits. In 1885 he started out in the world for himself and became interested in the creamery business in Beulah, Kans .. and in 1889 started in the lumber business with the Long Bell Lumber Company, at Joplin, Mo. After working for a time in the yards, he was placed on the extra or relief force, and in this capacity served for three years in the different vards of southern Kansas, usually staying in each place ior three or four months. He came with the company at the opening of the territory, in September of 1893. and had charge of one of the first yards in Perry.
In June of 1894 Mr. Hammer was appointed manager of the Hunnewell, Kans., yard, which he sold out in October of 1894. and in December of the same year he was made manager of the Pawnee yard, which position he has since cred- itably sustained. He is by far the oldest lumber- man in the place, and has, in the interest of the business, built good buildings and sheds. His success has enabled him to erect a substantial residence, which is a credit to its surroundings. and he is commendably interested in all that pertains to the upbuilding of this wonderfully promising town. Mr. Hammer is variously
associated in a fraternal way, and, as a Mason, is a member of the Pawnee Lodge No. 7; the Royal Arch Masons No. 20; and St. Johns Con- niandery No. 4, at Stillwater. In political affilia- tion he is a Republican, but has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Missouri and Kansas Lumber Dealers' Association, and is a member and director of the Commercial Club.
J OHN T. SPEAKS. Some of the best Revo- lutionary stock of the Blue Grass state is represented in the subject of this sketch, who came to Oklahoma from Missouri in the spring of 1893. He is comfortably located on the southeast quarter of section 33, township 18, range 4 west, Logan county, where he has a good house, with the necessary barns and out- buildings, together with orchards and a fine growing vineyard. His family consists of his es- timable wife, Mrs. Sidney (Bellew) Speaks, and three intelligent sons, William Harvey, Noble Jackson, and David Horner. A married daugh- ter, Mrs. Minerva Horner, lives in another part of the township, and is the mother of one child.
The subject of this sketch was born in Bour- bon county, Ky., June 18, 1828, and is the son of Hezekiah and Ann (Garrett) Speaks, who were natives of Kentucky, and in that state spent their lives. The father died in 1833, when John T. was a small lad. He had been a man of more than ordinary energy and activity. Grandfather Garrett and his wife, whose family name was Rush, descended from prominent Virginian fam- ilies. Grandfather Hezekiah Speaks, Sr., who emigrated from England to America during his carly manhood, engaged as a soldier in the Rev- olutionary war, and, in common with the devoted patriots of that thrilling period. shared the hard- ships and privations incident to a prolonged and bitter conflict. He lived to enjoy the triumphs of a dearly bought freedom, and became promi- nent in the affairs of his community.
In Clay county, Mo., John T. Speaks became a successful farmer and stockman, and was also a breeder of fine horses. His stock became popu- lar on the race courses of his own and other states, and some of his racers sold as high as $1,600. He was first married, in Bourbon county, Ky., to Miss Minerva Hinkston, of that state, the wedding taking place in July, 1849. One child was born to them, that died in infancy. The wife died in March, 1874. Subsequently Mr. Speaks was united in marriage with Miss Sidney Bellew, daughter of John and Cincinnati (Dunkerson) Bellew, who moved from Ken- tucky to Missouri, where they spent the remain- der of their lives in Clay county, dying there when quite aged. The father followed farming.
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Mr. Speaks obtained his education in what was then known as a subscription school. As may be supposed, the method of education was far different from that of the present day, but the experiences of his early life rounded up a reliable character and fitted him for what was before him. He left Kentucky in 1855, migrat- ing to Missouri and settling in Clay county, where he resided for years. Believing that this territory presented better conditions for his prosperity than the older state, he removed to Oklahoma in April, 1893. Politically he has identified himself with the Populists. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. As a farmer Mr. Speaks has been very successful, and now owns one of the finest farms in Logan county, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation.
F RANK CASTATOR, agriculturist and cash- ier of the Parkland State Bank, came to Oklahoma at the opening of the Sac and Fox country, September 22, 1891. He is a son of William H. Castator, who removed from In- diana to Kansas, preparatory to taking up land in this region of abundant harvests and great possibilities. W. H. Castator made the run into the territory, and located on his claim on section I, township 16, range 4, which is now one of the best improved farms in the locality. He is prominent in all of the important undertakings in the community, and greatly interested in the growth of the surrounding country. He has a wide political influence, and as a stanch Repub- lican, has served as justice of the peace for two years.
Frank Castator was born in Dalton, Ind., and in 1878 removed to Wichita, Kans., where he was reared to manhood, and educated in the public schools. As soon as old enough to shoulder responsibility, he assisted his father in his work of conducting a general merchandise store, and was thus engaged until the family removed to Oklahoma. Here he lived on the farm until 1897, when he became a clerk for W. S. Bishop until the organization of the Parkland State Bank. Mr. Castator was one of the organ- izers and stockholders of this institution, and was elected cashier of the bank from the first. entering upon his duties April 11, 1900. Since that . time he has devoted the greater part of liis time to the business of the bank, which, under the present capable management, has at- tained to a prominent and reliable position among the banking establishments of the terri- torv.
As a relaxation from the cares and responsi- bilities of his town business, Mr. Castator inter- ests himself in the affairs of his farm, which is
located three and a half miles from Parkland, and which he filed upon at the opening of the reservation. From a political standpoint, he is interested in the Republican party. He repre- sents the highest type of young business men, and from such is the prosperity of communities developed. IIe has many sterling qualities of mind, heart, and ability, and has won the respect and confidence of all who come within the range of his genial and pleasing personality.
January 7, 1901, Mr. Castator was united in marriage with Miss Louie M. McDonald, a popular young lady of Parkland.
T THOMAS L. HOLMES was appointed assistant postmaster of Ralston, Pawnee county, in April, 1900, and is serving in that capacity to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been the proprietor of a general store here for about seven years, and is well known as a man of strict integrity. In all his dealings with the public, he is courteous and anxious to meet the wishes of his customers, treating all with impartiality and fairness, which traits are duly appreciated.
Born in Jasper county, Ill., twenty-five years ago, our subject is a son of J. L. and Nellie (Breedlove) Holmes, who were natives of In- diana and North Carolina, respectively. In 1872 the father settled in Illinois, and there, upon a farm, he dwelt for about six years, thence going to Cowley county, Kans., where he was a re- spected agriculturist for a number of years. In 1892 he removed with his family to Oklahoma and located a claim near Stillwater, but the fol- lowing year he was summoned to the home be- vond. His widow is still living, her home being with her son, J. C., and younger daughter, Hat- tie, upon a farm about half a mile west of Rals- ton. They are members of the Christian Church.
Thomas L. Holmes, who is the second of the parental family of children, was fortunate in ob- taining a liberal education, and was graduated in the high school. Subsequently he became a clerk in a store at Ralston, and in 1894, a year later, opened a general store here, of his own. Hle is meeting with success which he truly merits. He is unmarried, as are his sisters and brother, and his elder sister, Luella, keeps house for him. Like all of the family, she possesses a good education, and, in accordance with her own convictions, she belongs to the United Brethren Church.
Both our subject and his brother are ardent workers in the ranks of the Republican party, in whose policy they are firm believers. They are earnestly interested in the upbuilding of their community, and loyally perform their part in the work of progress. Eight years ago, Thomas
J. M. HIGGINS, Blackwell.
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1 .. Holmes met with a great misfortune. as his left leg was so badly cut by his corn-knife that amputation was necessitated, and since that time he has worn an artificial limb. Wide-spread sympathy has been felt for him by his numerous friends, and he has borne his affliction in a man- ner which commands genuine respect.
J OHIN M. HIGGINS. One of the first to recognize the possibilities of Blackwell, Mr. Higgins has backed up his faith and interest by engaging in a line of occupation which, owing to its successful and wise management, is a credit to the town, as well as a source of remuneration to himself. As evidence of the latter assertion may be mentioned his large property interests, which are the direct result of enterprise and the wise investment of capital. Aside from a com- fortable and commodious residence he is the possessor of several residence lots and consid- erable rentable property.
Upon first coming to the strip Mr. Higgins located upon a claim five and a half miles north- west of Blackwell, upon which he lived for two years, and which he improved and developed. After moving into the town he began buying up grain, and, to facilitate his enterprise, purchased the Rounds & Buck elevator, which he removed to the Frisco railroad line. A large business has been built up and about three thousand bush- els of wheat handled daily. Mr. Higgins buys, cleans and ships wheat, and, as a side issue, deals in coal. He has three new stations on the Frisco extension and an elevator at Lannaret with a capacity of five thousand bushels. In business he has met with gratifying success, and each year more nearly approaches his expectations.
The early life of Mr. Higgins was spent in Doniphan county, Kans., where he was born in 1867. His parents, J. W. and Elizabeth (Hous- ton) Higgins, were natives, respectively, of Mis- souri and Indiana, and were prominent agri- vulturists of their locality. They eventually removed to Sumner county. Kans., where their son John was reared to an appreciation of the dig- nity and utility of a farmer's life, and where he re- ceived a good education in the public schools When old enough to shoulder responsibility he accepted a position with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company as their agent at Portland, Kans., remaining in the same position for eight years. At the same time he was agent For the Wells Fargo Express Company. At the expiration of this term of service he made the run with the army of others of like mind and in- tunt. since which his fortunes have been identified with those of the promising city of Blackwell and vicinity.
In politics Mr. Higgins is a Democrat, but has
never had political aspirations, and, in fact, is averse to office of any kind. He was married in 1894 to Mollie B. Davis, a daughter of W. W. Davis, of Blackwell. Of this union there are two children, Earl and Maggie. Too much credit cannot be given Mr. Higgins for his ability to take advantage of the small opportunities of life or for the rise which is the result of his own unaided efforts and persistent attention to busi- ness. His activities are public-spirited and large- hearted, and he is appreciated for his many ex- cellent qualities of mind and character. He is one of the guarantors of the Baptist College.
J AMES R. MEANS. Through all the years of his active and useful life Mr. Means has been identified with the highest moral, in- tellectual, and material growth of the localities in which he has elected to reside. And now, though a sufferer from rheumatism, and some- what incapacitated from a physical standpoint, he is still the brains and heart and attainment that lead the way in all matters of importance in Parkland. From a couch of suffering this man of luminous ideas, broad humanitarian principles, and fearlessly expressed convictions as to right and wrong, still carries on a crusade against injustice and intolerance, intemperance and political trickery, and is eagerly sought by the best element in the town, who are'glad to profit by his mature and well balanced judgment. Thus a unique and striking personality has lived in the midst of the prosperity and promise of this town in a great territory, and with unflinch- ing zeal has sought to ward off the warring elements that undermine its stability, and build up future woe.
For fifty years the existence of Mr. Means was practically uneventful. He was born in Lewis county, Ky., in 1825, and is a son of Robert Means, a native of Virginia. In the spring of 1829 he was taken by his parents to McLean county. Ill., where he grew to manhood, and lived on a farm in that county for over fifty vears. Ilis interests were on a large scale, and his work included general farming and stock- raising. In February of 1882 he migrated with his family to Caldwell county, Mo .. and two years later bought a farm in Kansas, eleven miles east of Concordia on the Republican river.
In the spring of 1892 Mr. Means came to Oklahoma, and bought a farm on Spring creek. which he conducted until 1803. when he removed to Guthrie. Soon after this, at the opening of the Sac and Fox reservations, he came here and located on the claim which his son had se- cured on the opening day. In the summer of 1804 he organized the town-site company. and surveyed the town of Parkland on his farm, tak-
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ing for the same forty acres from the corner of northeast quarter section 26. Mr. Means took several shares of the stock of the Town Site Company, and since 1895 has been the treasurer of the company. At the present time he lias re- tired front active participation in business affairs, although lie still does a little in the real-estate line, and also in the loan business.
In 1844 Mr. Means was united in marriage with Nancy M. Stansbury, a native of East Ten- nessee, and a daughter of Edward Stansbury, who was a stanch member of the Methodist Church, and who removed to Illinois when his daughter was eight years old, and where he eventually died. To Mr. and Mrs. Means have been born four children: Mary is the wife of John Pitts, of Oregon; Sarah M. is the wife of James Barwick, of Lincoln, Neb .: M. L. is a music dealer at Sterling, Kans .; and John H. is a farmer in Lincoln county.
During the Civil war Mr. Means volunteered for service, but, having a large family to care for, and a large farm to attend to, his wife's brother offered to take his place. In political affiliation Mr. Means is associated with the Republican party, and has been a prominent influence for good in political directions. During his resi- dence in McLean county he served as justice of tlie peace for sixteen years, and was supervisor of his township for several terms. Wherever he has lived his interest in the cause of educa- tion has been paramount, and he has always been on the board of education, and usually served as treasurer. The year after his arrival in the territory he was elected on the school board, and his counsel and advice have since been of great and lasting benefit.
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