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 36
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On the 28th of December, 1893. Dr. Smith married Miss Eva A. Cross, of Rich Hill, Mo. She is a native of that town. Her father. Wil- liam I. Cross, was born in Stark county. Ill .. and married an Illinois lady. Adelia M. Fuller. now a resident of Guthrie. Two little ones bless the union of the doctor and his estimable wife. namely: Ethel Maud and Thelma Smith.
E LMER ELLSWORTH SIMPSON. Among the pioneer settlers of Canadian county the subject of this sketch is prominent. Within the past few years he has acquired a competence and has won an honored place in the hearts of our sterling citizens. His comfortable home is located on the southeastern quarter of section 27, township 14. range 6, liis postoffice address being Mathewson, Canadian county.
As his Christian names indicate, Eimer Ells- worth Simpson sprang from loyal northern an- cestry. His birth occurred at the time when sectional strife was at its climax in the Union- April 6, 1861. His birthplace was in Christian county, Ill .. where his father, Wesley Simpson. How seventy years of age, is still living and highly esteemed in the community. He has long owned the fine homestead where he dwells, and among his possessions in that fertile region are farms comprising over a section of land. The mother of our subject, who was Miss Sarah J. Cheney prior to her marriage, departed this life in 1873.
Elmer E. Simpson is the third in order of birth of the eight children born to Wesley and Sarah J. Simpson. He was given a practical education in the common schools, and long be- iore hte attained his majority he had become thoroughly familiar with farming in all its de-
tails. When he arrived at maturity he accom- panied a brother to McPherson county, Kans., where they took charge of a large farin owned by their father. This place, which was six hun- dred and forty acres in extent, was especially adapted for the raising of cattle, and the young men industriously embarked in that business. At the end of about five years, or in 1886, our subject went to Gove county, Kans., and there pre-empted some land, which he proved up and then disposed of, owing to the fact that the dis- trict was too arid. Returning to his native county he then rented a farm for two years, and when he learned that the beautiful territory of Oklahoma was soon to be opened to the white race he made arrangements and was ready to claim a share at the proper time.
On that well-known 22d of April. 1889, when a new chapter in the history of the United States, unlike any preceding one, was entered upon, Mr. Simpson started into the "promised land" from Buffalo Springs, and was surprised, when he traversed Turkey Creek district, where he desired some land, to find that men not only were already in possession, but many of them had made improvements, driven wells and had trees growing. Somewhat discouraged at this state of things, he finally went to Guthrie, where he found such a demand for workmen that he bought a hatchet and soon played the part of a skilled carpenter and contractor. Everything being extravagantly expensive, he did not man- age to save much of his earnings, however, and when the harvesting time in Sumner county, Kans., came on he went there and found em- ployment. One very hot day he had a slight sunstroke, and therefore returned to this terri- tory, as he was temporarily incapacitated for hard labor. On the 20th of July of the same year he filed his claim to his present farm, built a sod-house at once, and then, as he had no means or team, he made another trip to Kansas and earned enough money to buy a yoke of oxen and other things absolutely required. Thus begin- ning at the bottom rounds of the ladder leading to success, he gradually worked his way upward. and, as he could afford to do so. he continued making improvements upon his homestead. which now is one of the best in the township. In 1896 he purchased the northwestern quarter of section 26, same township, and now he raises large crops every year and finds a ready sale for the products of his farms. He raised two thor- oughbred Percherons, of which he has reason to be proud, and the fine animals are not surpassed in this locality.
The first presidential ballot of Mr. Simpson was cast in 1884 for James G. Blaine, and his influence is always given to the Republican party. In his domestic relations he is especially
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blessed. His marriage to Miss Mittie M. True, of Sedan, Kans., took place in El Reno October 26, 1897. She is a native of Cooper county, Mo., and when she was six years of age she accom- panied her parents, Sylvanus and Mary J. (Ross) True, to Kansas, where she was reared. She gained an excellent education, and it was while she was making a visit in Oklahoma that she formed the acquaintance of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have one daughter, Grace, born August 20, 1900.
J AMES S. ROCHELLE. Canadian county has no citizen more honored than he of whom the following facts have been gleaned by the biographer. Ile was born near Marl- borough, Ohio, January 7, 1835, a son of James and Susan (Elliott) Rochelle, and when he was two years old the father was called to the silent land. The mother, left with their three children, subsequently became the wife of John Rossell, and a child was born to that union.
James S. Rochelle continued to reside with his beloved mother until his marriage, which important event in his life took place February 28, 1861. The partner of his joys and sorrows bore the maiden name of Rachel Grubb, and her birthplace was near Middleburg, Ohio. Her parents, Abraham and Jemima (Shirk) Grubb, were respected agriculturists of Logan county for many years. The first-born child of our sub- ject and wife, Belle by name. married Joseph Scott and resides in Defiance, Ohio. The second daughter, Lucetta, married George Snyder and died, leaving one child. Susan Jane, wife of Arthur Mosher, is the mother of five children. Franklin Ray resides in Oklahoma City. Robert lives on a farm in this county, and Wilford is on . the old homestead with his parents. Mary, wife of John Roberts, also lives in this county. Ben- jamin died in infancy.
The old, terrible struggle between love and duty, dear ones and home and country, was en- acted in our subject's life in the early months of the great Civil war, and at last he bade his young wife farewell and went into the stern strife. His enlistment in Company H. Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, took place in August, 1862, and his first active duty was to engage in the endeavor to capture General Price, who was making his famous raid in the west. After a severe skir- mish with the troops of that leader, who had been fiercely pursued from point to point, the Ninety- sixth returned to Louisville, and there embarked on transports which conveyed them to Mem- phis. Later they landed at Vicksburg on Christ- mas day, and for the ensuing week were almost constantly engaged in fighting at Chick- asaw Bluffs, under the leadership of General
Sherman. The regiment thence proceeded to the mouth of the Arkansas river, where Sher- man was relieved and the forces were place 1 under command of McClernand. Then followed the battle of Arkansas Post, where eight thou- sand Confederates were captured by the Fed- erals. Subsequently Mr. Rochelle was employed in tearing up railroads and digging canals near Milligan's Bend and Vicksburg, and during the memorable siege of the last-named place he was wounded, a piece of shell striking him on the top of his head. Though he certainly was dis- qualified for the severe duties then on hand, he remained with his regiment and materially as- sisted in the capture of the city. Next he par- ticipated in the campaigns and battles of Port Gibson, Raymond (Miss.), Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Jackson, Carrion Crow Bayou, Brownsville (Tex.), Matagorda, Sabine Crossroads, Pleasant Hill, Frankfort (La.), and aided in the capture of the forts at Yellow Bayou. Gaines, Mobile, Spanish and Blakeley. After Mobile had surrendered, our subject proceeded with his regiment to the banks of the Tombigbee river, and there the terrible news that Lincoln had been assassinated reached them. They were honorably discharged from the service at Mo- bile, July 7, 1865. Mr. Rochelle's record in the army is of the best, and both he and his children may well be proud of those three long, dreadful years of his and our country's history, for he was faithful to every trust and never flinched from the duties which fell to his share.
Resuming his former labors, Mr. Rochelle re- mained in Logan county, Ohio, until 1886, his attention being devoted to agriculture. Four- teen years ago he came to the west. and for about three years made his home in No Man's Land, awaiting the opening of Oklahoma On that 22nd of April, 1889, he settled upon the tract of land where he lives to-day- the southi- western quarter of section 31, township 14, range 6 west. He brought his family to the humble dugout which sheltered them from July 5. 1880. to 1899, and together they gradually amassed the competence which they now enjoy.
Though he was reared in the faith of the So- ciety of Friends, Mr. Rochelle became a member of the Christian Church, and now is locked up to and honored as one of the elders in the con- gregation. He has been requested to officiate in various political positions, but always has de- clined. He uses his ballot on behalf of Repub- lican nominees.
C HARLES SMITH, M. D., has been en- gaged in the practice of the medical pro- fession at Guthrie since the opening. and stands among the foremost men of his profes-
PROF. G. D. MOSS, Kingfisher.
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sjon. Ile was born in Woodford county, Ky., atul is a son of George and Susan ( Foster ) Smith. If's grandfather, Gabriel Smith, was born in Virginia and settled in Kentucky, where he fol- based farming until his death. George Smith was born in Kentucky, and in an early day set- Med at Lexington, La Fayette county, Mo., where he engaged in the stock business and aring. He died there at the age of sixty-four wears. llis wife was born in Scott, Ky., and died when our subject was but two years of age. ile was the only child in the family who attained mature years.
The boyhood years of Charles Smith were passed principally in Lexington. Mo. His rudi- mentary education was obtained there and in Waverly Academy, after which he entered the University of Missouri. at Columbia, Mo. In 1875 he began the study of medicine under Dr. George O'Fagan, of Waverly, and then entered the Missouri Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1879, with the degree of M. D. Hle entered upon a practice at Waverly and con- tinted there until 1889. Coming to Guthrie at the opening of Oklahoma. he has built up a very successful general practice. and makes a spe- cialty of venereal and orificial surgery and der- mitology. in which he has met with unusual success. He took up post-graduate work at St. lonis.
Dr. Smith was united in marriage with Nettie Theker, at Waverly, Mo. She was born at Car- rolton, Mo., and is a daughter of J. W. Tucker, a cousin of Randolph Tucker, of Virginia. He served in a Missouri regiment during the Mex- ican war, and became a pharmacist at Waverly. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have four children: George, Louis Stevens, Charles and Horacc. During the MIministration of President Cleveland. Dr. Smith was secretary of the pension board, and 1801 to 1807 he served as superintendent of public health of Logan county, being the first in the county. He is a member of Guthrie Lodge No. 2. A. F. & A. M .; has been connected with the United Workmen since 1880. and is a charter member of the Territorial Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is a Democrat in politics. Ilis wife is a faithful mem- Ler of the Christian church.
P ROF. G. D. MOSS, who is now serving his fourth term as superintendent of schools in Kingfisher county, has made an envi- able record as an official. Well fitted by educa- tiva and experience for his special line of work, be bas instituted many practical changes and Is reduced our school system to a state ap- teaching perfection. lle stands high among the leading educators of the west and is looked
up to as an authority in these matters. For several years he served as president of the King- fisher County Teachers' Association, and in 19CO was instrumental in organizing the Teachers' and Patrons' Association of Kingfisher county, of which body he is now acting as chairman. In 1898 he was appointed by Governor Barnes as a member of the territorial board of educa- tion. For some time he has been identified with the Territorial Teachers' Association and for several terms has been a member of its execu- tive committee.
In tracing the ancestry of Prof. Moss, it is learned that his forefathers were southern peo- ple. His grandfather, Marcellus J. Moss, was born in Garrard county, Ky., and for a wife he chose a Miss Renfro, whose father was a hero of the Revolution. He served under the leader- ship of Washington, and on one occasion when he was in camp the great General, in the course of a little conversation, asked the soldier it he intended to go to see a certain place taken, then held by the Britishi, and he replied sturdily, "No, but I am going to help take it." M. J. Moss lived in eastern Tennessee for a period. and later removed to Knox county, Ky., where he passed his declining years. He was of Ger- man descent and his wife was of Scotch ex- traction,
The parents of Prof. Moss were R. J. and Frances (Burch) Moss, natives of Claiborne county, Tenn., and Knox county, Ky., respect- ively. In his early manhood Mr. Moss engaged in farming and stock-raising in Knox county and became prosperous and influential in that locality. Though of southern birth he was in sympathy with the Union, and when the Civil war broke out he enlisted in a Kentucky regi- ment, but on account of ill health was not called into service.
In the fall of 1889 he came to Kingfisher county, and is still living on his homestead. His wife is a daughter of Thomas C. and Mary (Word) Burch, natives of Garrard county, Ky. The former was of Irish descent, and the latter was of English ancestry. Mr. Burch's forefathers settled in North Carolina at an early period, and thence members of the family went to Virginia and finally to Kentucky. During the Civil war Mr. Burch enlisted in the Union army, and held a commission as lieutenant of a Kentucky regi- ment, as did his son, John W. Burch.
Prof. G. D. Moss was born near Barbours- ville, Knox county, Ky., on Christmas day, 1855. the eldest of four children. Two of the number are deceased, and Mrs. Eliza C. Smith now re- sides in this county. Their mother died when our subject was in his sixteenth year. In 1857 the family located near Crab Orchard. Lincoln county, Ky., and in his boyhood G. D. Moss
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laid the foundations of his education in the pub- lic school. Later lie attended private schools in what is now Bell county, and then entered Taze- well College at Tazewell, Tenn. In 1877 he was graduated in Masonic University at Somerset, Ky., where he had pursued a scientific course. As early as 1873 he had engaged in teaching and at intervals was thus employed, in order to ob- tain the funds for his collegiate course. For some time he taught in the schools of Garrard county, Ky., and then became principal of a school in Lancaster. Ky. After officiating in that position for two years he was promoted to the post of principal of the primary department of the Garrard Female College in the same city. Later, he was superintendent of the Boston Academy of Whitley county, Ky., for two years. In the meantime, however, he went to California and was employed in his usual vocation in Santa Barbara county, and for some time resided in Fresno county, where, in addition to teaching, he was interested in the raising of live stock. In 1883 he returned to Kentucky on account of his father's poor health, but in the spring of 1890 he removed to Kingfisher county.
In September of the same year Prof. Moss opened Kingfisher Academy, the first educa- tional institution of the kind in the territory. At the end of a year he resigned that position in order to accept one in the Chevenne Indian School at Caddo, Okla. In 1892 he became su- perintendent of the Rainy Mountain Indian School at Anadarko, this territory, but in the spring of 1893 he returned to this county, where he engaged in teaching for another year. In the fall of 1894. soon after his return. he was nom- inated on the Republican ticket as county sti- perintendent, and was elected by a majority of one hundred and seventy-two votes. In January. 1895. he entered upon the duties of his responsi- ble office and carried out the wishes of the peo- ple so efficiently that in the following year he was renominated by acclamation. and was elected by a majority of forty-four votes over the fusion ticket. In 1808 he was again nom- inated by acclamation and scored a triumphant success in the ensuing election. as he received six hundred and twenty-six votes over the fusion ticket. In 1900 he was again renominated by acclamation and elected for the fourth time. He is the only superintendent in the territory who has been elected to serve the fourth term. The public has become interested in making many improvements in the county schools, and while many changes have already been instituted more radical ones are in view. It is hoped that a good system of grading the common schools, increas- ing the length of terms and providing more and better school buildings may soon be carried out. The demand for a higher standard and better
facilities is increasing, and much of this senti- ment may be attributed to the efforts of Prof. Moss, who stands for progress. At the time of hiis taking charge of this line of work the sum- mer normal was held only three weeks, but each vear the term was increased in length until it now covers a period of eight weeks. Under his supervision there are one hundred and nine- teen districts in the county outside of the city of Kingfisher, and one hundred and twenty-five teachers are employed outside of the city.
From his youth Professor Moss has been interested in agriculture, and at present he owns a good homestead, situated four and one-half miles to the northeast of the county-seat. He is a member of Kingfisher Lodge No. 4. I. O. (). F., of which he is past noble grand. He also is identified with Kingfisher Lodge, No. 2. A. (). U. W. A zealous member of the Baptist church, and a great worker in the Sunday-school, he has served as superintendent for the past seven years. Politically, he is an ardent Republican.
The marriage of Prof. Moss and Miss Liz- zie J. Patterson took place in Kentucky in 1878. Mrs. Moss was born near Crawfordsville, Ind., and is a lady of good educational attain- ments. Their oldest child, Reuben A .. enlisted during the Spanish-American war and served in the hospital corps. Later he re-enlisted in the army and is now serving in the Philippines. The younger children are named respectively, Anna Maun and George Herbert.
D EMPSEY W. SOLOMON. To the fact that Mr. Solomon was a power for good during the crucial period of Kingfisher's development-the first decade-all of our citi- zens gladly testify, and that the influence of his noble life will continue with our people for many years to come no one doubts. He was faithful in all of life's varied relationships-in the business world, as a citizen, neighbor and friend, and in the domestic circle, and many a person to whom he has extended a helping hand reveres his memory.
Mr. Solomon was of English and Dutch an- cestry, and several generations of the family have dwelt in America. His great-grandfather. Lewis Solomon, of South Carolina, enlisted in the colonial army during the war of the Revolution. and once, while he was away from home. a party of Tories visited his plantation. Proceeding to confiscate whatever they desired, the feeling's of grandmother Solomon became well wrought up, quite naturally, and at last, when they took some yarn which she valued, she could stand their lawlessness no longer, and, seizing a poker. routed the enemy.
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The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Lewis Solomon, Jr., was born in Frank- lin county, N. C., in 1780, and at the age of eighteen years he wedded Sarah Bowden, daugh- ter of John Bowden, a well-to-do citizen. In 18ti the worthy couple removed to Logan county, Ky., and two years later they became residents of. Muhlenberg county, same state. In that section of the state their seventh child and the father's namesake. Lewis, was born, April I, 1812. In 1825 the family removed to the new state of Illinois, making the journey with a one- horse cart, which containied their household ef- fects. The mother and three younger children rode in the cart, but the rest of the family, twelve in all, walked nearly all of the distance. The father had met with a serious financial reverse in Kentucky, as his hard-earned fortune was swallowed up in the failure of the Common- wealth Bank. For a couple of years they lived within five miles of Jacksonville, Ill., and from the spring of 1827 until the death of the father in August, 1849, they dwelt in Palmyra township, Macoupin county, same state. The wife and mother departed this life in the preceding Feb- ruary.
Judge Lewis Solomon, as he was later known, early manifested unusual ability, despite his mumble circumstances and meager educational advantages. At twenty he enlisted in the war against the Blackhawk Indians, under command of Capt. John Hines and Colonel DeWitt. He was in active service for two months. and once. when supplies of food were cut off, he was with- out bread for five days. After his return to his accustomed pursuits he was elected corporal, and later captain, of a company of militia. and finally attained the rank of major of the Sixty-second Regiment of Illinois Infantry. At twenty-one lie entered forty acres of land, which he pro- ceeded to clear, and frequently he chopped wood at forty cents a cord. In 1835 he became inter- ested in the lead mines at Galena. Ill., and in time he was known for his large landed posses- sions in Palmyra township. Macoupin county. In 1839 he was elected assessor of the county and served a year, and in 1843 he was made a justice of the peace, acting as such eleven years. when he resigned. In 1852 he was elected to the legislature, where he won wide fame, owing to his active service on important committees. In 1857 he was further honored by being the people's choice for county judge, and after four Years in that office he was sent as a delegate to the constitutional convention. In 1870 he was elected to the Illinois senate, where, as ever, he maintained his Democratic principles and canned new laurels.
the marriage of Judge Solomon and Nancy un, daughter of John Fink, of Kentucky, took
place June 23, 1836. She died in 1863, and on the 8th of May, 1866, Mr. Solomon wedded Mary Ann Butcher. Nine children were born to the first marriage of the judge, namely: Mrs. Louisa Mills and Francis M., who reside in Illi- nois; Thomas J., who died in that state; Demp- sey W .; Mrs. Annie E. Gatchell, Mrs. Martha Smith, of Illinois; John L., of Greenfield. 111 .. and La Fayette and Allen B., of Palmyra, Ill.
The birth of D. W. Solomon occurred near Palmyra, Ill., December 15, 1844. After com- pleting his public-school education he attended Blackburn University, at Carlinville, Ill .. and then, for eleven years, devoted a large share of his time to the work of teaching. Later he pur- chased a farm and was numbered among the successful agriculturists of that locality for some years. The public elected him to the county board of supervisors, and in that office he acted for several terms, one term being chairman of the board.
In 1887 Mr. Solomon determined to try his fortunes in the west, and until the opening of Oklahoma he carried on a grocery business at Wichita. Kans. In July, 1889. he came to King- fisher, and, buying a building on Main street, carried on a thriving boot and shoe business for about a year, after which he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business, his estab- lishment being again on Main street. In the fall of 1895 he sold out, on account of poor health, and a year later was elected on the Democratic ticket to the important office of register of deeds. receiving a good majority of votes. Assuming the duties of his office in January, 1897. he re- mained there for two years, and then lived retired at his home during the few months of life which were left to him. Throughout his career he was noted for his public spirit and enterprise, and no one was more anxious to provide excellent schools and educational advantages to the rising generation. As a member of the Kingfisher school board he played an important part and aided in the work of constructing the first school building erected in the city. Liberally did he contribute to churches and schools, public im- provements and benevolences, and thus truly merits the praise of all. From his seventeenth year he was actively identified with the Christian Church, and served as superintendent of the Sunday-school and on the official board for many years. The Kingfisher church had no more loyal worker, and when the house of worship was under consideration he performed heroic service on the building committee, and at the time of his death he was a trustee and an elder. Fraternally he was a Mason, and was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. On the Both of Ocio- ber, 1899, he was summoned to the silent land,
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