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 37
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and his mortal remains were placed in the peace- ful city of the dead, at Wichita, Kans.
Mr. Solomon is survived by his widow, whose maiden name was Lucy J. McPherson. Their marriage took place in Palmyra, Ill .. March 25, 1873, at the home of her father, J. W. McPher- son, who was a cousin of the noted General Mc- . Pherson, of Civil war fame. He was a native of Muhlenberg county. Ky., in which state his father, William McPherson, also was born. The latter's father, Lewis MePherson, a native of Scotland, was one of the earliest settlers in the Blue Grass state, and each of these three genera- tions contributed much to the progress of that section of the Union. J. W. McPherson, who was associated with the agriculturists of Scott county. Ill., for a number of years, removed to North Palmyra, Macoupin county, Ill., in 1863, and in 1885 located near Wichita, Kans., where he was engaged in farming until shortly before his death, which event occurred February 10, 1890, when he was in his sixty-sixth year. For a great many years he had been a valued worker in the Christian Church and long served in the office of an elder. His wife, Mrs. Mary J. (Shank- lin) McPherson, was born in Logan county, Ky., in 1827, the daughter of John and Janett (Green) Shanklin, who were of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father lived in Lo- gan county, Ky., from his nineteenth year until 1829, when he took up his residence in White- hall, Green county, Ill. After his death, in 1833, the family removed to Manchester, Scott county, Ill., where they gave their attention to farming, as formerly. The mother, who now lives with her children in Wichita, is a second cousin of General Thomas, who won distinction in the Civil war. She is a devout member of the Chris- tian Church, and three of her sons were ministers of the gospel. Her children were as follows: Rev. John H., who died in Topeka, Kans. : Rev. Lowell C .. who is engaged in establishing churches in Havana, Cuba : William T .. who died near Kingman, Kans .: Mrs. Lucy J. Solomon: Samuel W., a farmer in the vicinity of Wichita: R. P .. a student in Hiram College, Ohio, and also a minister: L. G. is a resident of Wichita. Kans .: Mrs. Nellie G. Moore, who lives in Kan- sas City; Mrs. Mary F. Bierer, who resides in Medicine Lodge, Kans., and Mrs. Octavia Par- rott, who has her home in Wichita.
Mrs. Solomon, reared in the atmosphere of a Christian home, like her brothers and sisters. early became identified with the church. and always has been an carnest worker for the Mas- ter. She received her higher education in Eureka College. Ill. Since coming to Kingfisher she has wielded a great influence for good, and is a valued factor in the Christian Church. An in- usual konor was accorded her when she was
made chairman of the building committee of the Broadway Church, but she bravely sustained her reputation as an able executive business woman. The only child of D. W. Solomon and wife is Elmer J., who was graduated in the Kingfisher high school and now is bookkeeper for the firmi of Logan & Snow.
G EORGE M. PORTERFIELD, whose home is on the southwest quarter of sec- tion 21, township 14, range 7 west, is a worthy representative of the progressive agri- culturist who has done so much toward the de- velopment of Canadian county. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, January 28, 1866, and when fourteen years of age went with his parents, John R., and Sarah J. (Davis) Porterfield, to Pettis county, Mo., where they made their home for about four years, the father being engaged in the livery business in Houstonia. They went back to Ohio in 1884, but a few months later returned to Pettis county, and about Christmas settled in Harper county, Kans., where he rented land and engaged in farming.
During his boyhood and youth our subject attended the common schools, and soon after the removal of the family to Harper county, Kans., he began his business career by running a threshing machine. He has since followed that occupation in connection with farming. In Har- per county he was married, August 19, 1888, to Miss May Frutchey, and they now have a fam- ily of three children, namely: Otis, born in Har- per county, Kans .: Lola, born in Nuckolls county, Neb .; and Kirk, born on the home farm in Canadian county, Okla.
On the 22d of April, 1889, Mr. Porterfield made the run for a claim from a point on the eastern boundary line of the territory, but, failing. to secure land, he returned to Kansas. When the Cheyenne country was opened up for settlement he again made the race, and this time located on school land, which he had to give up. In 1893 he tried to obtain a claim in the Cherokee strip, but was again disappointed. being able to get noth- ing he wanted. The winter following was spent in Nebraska. and in 1894 he came to Canadian county, Okla., and filed a claim where he now lives. He has a well-improved and valuable farm, and most of the improvements upon the place have been made by him. Having steadily prospered in his new home, he is today the owner of a comfortable residence. He leases two sections of land and is successfully engaged in general farming and cattle-raising. During his early residence here he experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. In 1895 and 184,6 he worked for the general agent of J. 1. Case. in South Dakota, as an expert in starting threshing
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C. F. CHAMPION, M. D., Enid.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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machines. Politically Mr. Porterfield has been an ardent Republican since casting his first pres- idential vote for Harrison in 1888, and frater- nally is a charter member of the Improved Order of Red Men at Okarche, Okla., and also a meni- ber of the Knights of Pythias at Bluff City, Kans.
C. F. CHAMPION, M. D. Since taking up his residence in Enid, Dr. Champion has been enabled to realize many of his expec- tations in regard to life in the new territory. and has as well the consciousness that the prominent place which he has attained is due to his own unaided efforts and the appreciation which in- variably , meets such well directed and inteili- gently rendered service. .
Dr. Champion was born in Ashland. Miss .. March 10, 1865. and is a son of E. D. Cham- pion, also born in Mississippi. The paternal grandfather, who descended from old eastern . board as member and secretary for the same ancestry, took his family to Mississippi at an early day, where he spent the years of his activity as a planter. He was killed in an accident. E. D. Champion was a farmer in Ashland. Miss .. and in 1880 moved to Texas, where he is now retired, and living on his farm, at the age of sixty-five. He served during the Civil war. The mother of Dr. Champion, formerly Elizabeth Westbrook, was a native of Mississippi, and is still living. Her father, Drewy Westbrook, was a miller by occupation and served in the Civil war. + To Mr. and Mrs. Champion were born nine children, five now living, and of these C. F. is the oldest son and the only child in Oklahoma.
Dr. Champion received his education in the public schools in Mississippi and at Ennis, Tex., after which he entered the Tehuacana Univer -. sity of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, . from which he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of A. B. Subsequently he undertook the study of medicine under Dr. Sloan, of Tehua- vana, after which he entered the Louisville Medi- cal College, of Louisville, Ky .. graduating in 1800. He began the practice of his profession in Corsicana, Tex., where he made his home for a year, going thence to Hartley, where he re- mained until taking up his residence in Okla- homa. After making the run to Enid he began hi- professional life in the embryo town, with a commendable disregard for the conveniences of life, opening his office in a tent, and ministering to the physical disabilities of the other pioneers from this insecure habitation. A residence and office were completed in due time on the west side. and here the doctor has since carried on his constantly increasing practice. In 1807 and 1800 he took courses in the Post-graduate College in Chicago, thus evincing his determination to
keep abreast of the times in the pursuit of knowl- edge bearing upon his work.
Although devoting the most of his time to general practice, Dr. Champion has paid partic- ular attention to certain special lines, foremost among them being the science of electricity, in the efficacy of which he has unbounded faith. To this end he has purchased the best possible machinery, and is the possessor of the finest X-ray machine in the territory. Aside from his professional interests the doctor has entered largely into other enterprises in his locality and has quite an accumulation of land. and houses, owning no less than three farms. His residence in Enid is generally conceded to be one of the finest, if not the finest in the town. In the gen- eral upbuilding of the town he has borne a large share of responsibility, serving in various capac- ities as occasion demanded. For three years he . served as county physician, was a member of the board of insane for four years and on the pension length of time, serving from 1893 until 1897. Previous to the organization of the Central Okla- homa Medical Society, of which he is a member. he was connected with the Garfield County So- ciety. He has served as examiner for the old North Western Life Insurance Company, of Mil- waukee.
Fraternally Dr. Champion is associated with the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights of Honor. In national politics he is a stanch believer in the principles laid down by the Democratic party, but has no political aspira- tions. Himself and family are members of the Presbyterian church.
In 1891 Dr. Champion was united in marriage with Miss Katie F. Daniel, of Hartley, Tex. By this union there is one daughter. Pauline.
TRA G. STONE. M. D., who has been engaged in the practice of his profession more than a score of years, stands well among his medical brethren, and since his arrival in Kingfisher has been identified with the Oklahoma Territorial Medical Association. Formerly, during his long residence in Nebraska, he belonged to the Ne- braska State Medical Association and took a leading part in the councils of that honorable body. Moreover. he was, and is, connected with the American Medical Association and has contributed articles to the leading medical jour- nals of the period.
Dr. Stone is a direct descendant of the patriot. Thomas Stone, who was one of the founders of this republic and was one of the immortal men who signed the declaration of independence. For several generations the Stone family dwelt in
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
New York state and bore a prominent part in its pioneer history. The doctor's paternal grand- father, William Stone, removed to Delaware, Ohio, at an early day and there spent the re- mainder of his life. His son, Stephen, our sub- ject's father, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., and was reared to manhood in the Buckeye state. Until 1853 he was numbered among the thrifty agriculturists of Ohio, and during the ensuing fifteen years lived in lowa. In 1868 he went to Boonville, Mo., where within a year he was sun- moned to his last reward.
When the Mexican war was being waged Mr. Stone volunteered his services to his country, and was commissioned colonel of an Ohio regi- ment, in which capacity he acted during the conflict. Fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order. His wife, the doctor's mother, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1817, and in her girlhood was a schoolmate of Rutherford B. Hayes. She bore the maiden name of Emily Moore, her father being Sidney Moore, general in the Ohio state militia at one time. He was a native of Pennsylvania and one of the early set- tlers of Delaware county, Ohio. Mrs. Stone de- parted this life in Nebraska in 1899, loved and revered by a large circle of acquaintances. Both she and her husband were devout members of the Episcopal Church and lived worthy Chris- tian lives. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, four of whom are deceased. One son, M. W., was a member of an Iowa regiment in the Federal army, and, having been graduated in a medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, was ap- pointed surgeon of his regiment. He is now 'engaged in medical practice at Walioo, Neb.
The birth of Dr. Ira G. Stone occurred in Washington, Iowa. November 27. 1854, and fourteen years of his life were passed in that scc- tion. Then, for about two years, he resided near Boonville, Mo., and in the spring of 1870 ac- companied the family to Polk county, Neb .. where they were among the first settlers. For six years he remained on the homestead, attend- ing to its management and looking after his mother's business interests. Polk county was not organized until after they located within its borders, and the school districting was made thereafter.
In the Centennial year Dr. Stone went to Wahoo, Neb .. and commenced his medical stud- ies under the guidance of his brother, M. W. Subsequently he went to Chicago and pursued a course in Rush Medical College, where he was graduated in due time. Returning to Wahoo, he then practiced in company with his brother and laid the foundation of his future success. He continued in partnership with him for several years, and then established an independent prac- tice in the town of Mead. He also lived in Lin-
coln, Neb., for about one year, and in the spring of 1800, came to Kingfisher, where he embarked in general practice, paying due attention to sur- gery. He is a profound student and neglects no opportunity for advancement in his chosen field of effort. ITis office is located in the Bohling building.
While a resident of Wahoo Dr. Stone married Miss Katie Andrus, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and in 1874 went with her father, Phineas Andrus, to Wahoo, where he became a prosper- ous merchant. Three children bless this union, namiely: Hutoka, Gordon and Wilbur. The doc- tor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city and are actively interested in the promotion of all worthy, relig- ious and benevolent enterprises. He is affiliated with the Masonic order, having joined the same in Wahoo, Neb .. Politically he is a stanch Re- publican.
C OL. JOHN FRANCIS STONE, who was holding a commission as the commanding officer of the First Oklahoma National Guard for about a year preceding his death, was honored and sincerely loved by all who knew him well. His untimely, tragic death has been deeply deplored by every citizen of this territory and by the multitudes of friends throughout the United States to whom he was endeared. For the first decade in the history of Oklahoma he played an important part, and his name shall henceforth be enrolled among its founders.
Knowing that the public will esteem it a great privilege to trace the carcer of Colonel Stone. the following facts have been gleaned in regard to his life and relatives. His grandparents were of the sterling old Kentucky pioneer stock, and were numbered among the early settlers of In- diana. Frank Stone, the colonel's father, was a successful farmer of Wabash county, Ind., until his death, and to himself and wife, who was a Miss Metlock in her girlhood, three children were born.
Col. John F. Stone was born February 12. 1860, and passed his youth in the peaceful labors of agriculture. He was a bright, ambitious lad. and, after attending the public schools and Wa- bash (Ind.) Normal, he went to Butler Uni- versity in Indianapolis, and was graduated in that well known institution in 1883, with the de- gree of Master of Arts. He had worked his own way through college, and subsequently he held a responsible position as superintendent of schools. At the same time he took up the study of law. under the guidance of Hon. Horace Speed, later a resident of Guthrie, and finally was admitted to the bar.
In 1888 Colonel Stone went to Kiowa, Kans ..
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where he opened an office and embarked in a practice which he continued until Oklahoma was opened to the world. Foreseeing the great fu- ture in store for this beautiful region, he came to enthrie on that eventful April 22nd, 1889, and at ece began practicing his profession. Later he s. . appointed assistant United States attorney or this territory and occupied this position under Mr. Speed, in the meantime continuing his per- sonal legal practice until the Spanish-American war.
Colonel Stone's part in that memorable war is well known, and it is needless to say that his rec- ord is one of which his friends may justly be proud. He was commissioned by Governor Barnes as major of the Oklahoma Battalion, and served with the First Regiment of this terri- tory until there was no longer need. He was at liis post of duty from the time of his appoint- ment, in May, 1898, until February, 1899, and soon after his return home he was honored with the commission of colonel of the First Oklahoma National Guards.
In 1899 Colonel Stone became financially in- terested in the People's Bank, at Kingfisher, and was made president of the institution. Frater- nally he was a member of Guthrie Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M., and in politics he was a stanch Republican. He was a fan of high principle and sterling qualities, and it is hard to believe that he had any personal enemies. While a resident of Guthrie he was a prominent factor in the up- building of the Christian Church, and for a long time he held the office of an elder. The bullet of an assassin, lying in ambush, laid Colonel Stone low on the 11th of January, 1900, and he is now sleeping his last sleep in the beautiful cemetery : t Newcastle, Pa., near the old home of Mrs. Stone.
The marriage of Colonel Stone and wife was solemnized in Newcastle November 24, 1886. She was then Miss Fannie Phillips, a daughter vi the Rev. John T. and Martha (Cabel) Phillips. who were natives of Mount Jackson, Pa., and Steubenville, Ohio, respectively. The father was a minister in the Christian Church for many years, and for a period was successfully engaged in the oil business in Butler county, Pa. He died at his home in Newcastle, Pa., November 11. 1899. ' when he was in his seventy-fourth year. On the Paternal side Mrs. Stone is of English descent, while on the maternal side she is of German- Irish extraction. Her grandfather, John Phillips, was a native of Pennsylvania, while her grand- father, Jacob Cabel, was born in Ohio. Mirs. Stone is one of nine children, and is the only one of the seven brothers and sisters surviving whose home is not in Newcastle. Her education was finished in Butler University, where she was graduated in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. Since the death of her lamented husband she has dwelt in Guthrie, their old home, and has resumed her place in the Christian Church, so dearly loved by both. To her has devolved the responsibilty of rearing their little son, Horace John, and faithfully she is striving to take up life's duties, though her heart is bowed with sorrow.
T THOMAS W. TAYLOR, who was born and .reared in Saline county, Mo., and whose residence in Canadian county dates from 1893, is numbered among the sterling citizens of Oklahoma. Though he has met with many re- verses, which would have entirely disheartened most men, he has steadily pressed forward to the goal he has always had in view-a competence- and to-day he is reaping the fruits of his inde- fatigable toil.
Thomas T. and Margaret (Davis) Taylor, par- ents of our subject, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. They made each other's acquaintance in Saline county, Mo., and after their marriage they dwelt in that locality as long as they lived. The father died in the prime of his early manhood and the mother nobly played the double part which thus devolved upon her in rearing their children.
The birth of Thomas W. Taylor occurred De- cember 5, 1834, on the parental homestead, and during his youth he mastered the principles of farming and practical business methods. He early assumed a large share of the care and re- sponsibility connected with the management of the farm, and thus had less opportunity to attend school than he desired. He was married when he was about twenty-four years of age, and by the assistance of his wife, who proved to be a devoted helpmate, he succeeded in accumulating a snug fortune by the time that the Civil war broke out. He then owned a quarter section of land, which was highly cultivated and bringing to him a golden tribute annually.
Then followed one of the most serious chap- ters in his history, for he offered his services to his country, and nobly stood by the stars and stripes for three years and fifteen days of that terrible war-time. He enlisted in Company F. Seventh Missouri Cavalry. M. S. M., and saw hard service in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. Ile participated in numerous skirmishes, and was actively engaged in the fiercely-contested battles of Pea Ridge, Mine Creek and Big Blue. Though his clothing was frequently pierced with shot and shell, and on one occasion his horse was shot under him, he almost miraculously escaped wounds, and though he was ill several times he would not give up sufficiently to go to the hospi- tal. He was thoroughly depended upon by his
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superiors and never was found wanting in loy- alty and efficiency.
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After the war-clouds had rolled away Mr. Tay- lor returned to his farm and later purchased more land. He was prospering finely and the future looked extremely bright to him when he made what proved to be the great mistake of his life. In brief, he became security for parties who failed to meet their obligations, and the result was that he saw his hard-earned capital swept away. In 1893 he came to Oklahoma, and at that time his wealth was mainly comprised in two spans of mules. He traded two of the animals for the farm he now owns and paid a balance in cash. The land is situated on section 21, town- ship 14, range 6 west, and Mathewson is the postoffice. Many material changes for the bet- ter have been inaugurated by the owner, and the place is now considered one of the best in the township.
Mr. Taylor wedded Julia A. Coy, December 17, 1857. She likewise is a native of Saline county, Mo., and in her girlhood she not only gained a liberal education, but also formed a taste for literature, and is well posted on general subjects. The eldest child of this worthy couple was James, who died in Kansas City, leaving a wife and four children. The other son. Jesse, was summoned by the death angel when he was just on the threshold of manhood, twenty years of age. May, the youngest daughter. is the mainstay and comfort of her parents, for she lives with them and shares all of their cares. The elder daughters are Mrs. Emma Laughlin. of Johnson county, Mo .: Mrs. Ida Zinc, of Okla- homa: and Mrs. Ann Laughlin, of Tipton. Mo. There are eight grandchildren of our subject and wife.
Brought up as a Whig politically Mr. Taylor became identified with the Republican party at its birth and has ever loyally stood by its policy. Religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In Saline county he joined the Masonic order. and he still remains on the rolls of the lodge at Sweet Springs, Mo. In that place he also belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and. besides filling all of the local offices in the lodge, represented it in the Grand Lodge.
W ILLIAM O. TROUT has become a valu- able addition to the many prosperous agriculturists who have found a Mecca indeed in the territory of Oklahoma. His claim, located on section 2, township 17, range 2 west. Logan county, has been developed from a wild and timbered condition to one of utility and re-
The youth and early manhood of William O.
Trout were peculiarly influenced by conditions incident to the carrying on of the war. In order to carry on uninterruptedly their agricultural pursuits, his parents were obliged to change their location oftener than was consistent with the best results in farming. Born January 6. 1848, in Warren county, Mo., he is a son of William M. and Harriet M. ( Pringle) Trout. William M. Trout was a Whig and moved to Missouri at a very early day. While he did not enter the army, he was not exempt from the an- noyances of war. When his sch William v. .... fourteen years of age he moved from Warren county to St. Charles county, and thence to Lin- coln county, in search of peaceful conditions, everything being unsettled, extortionate and at times dangerous. Near the close of the war they cast their lines with the settlers of Macoupin county, Ill., where they lived for sixteen years and became fairly successful farmers.
It argues well for the perseverance and ap- plication of William O. Trout that during all their wanderings from place to place he yet found opportunity to gain an excellent education in the public schools as well as to learn the best methods of conducting a farm. While engaged in helping his father he chanced to so seriously injure his leg in the horse power of a threshing machine as to necessitate amputation. The ca- tastrophe was a blow to him and modified his plans to some extent. He decided to teach school for a time, and, with this in view, he took a summer course at Carbondale Normal school and taught for the following three winters. The money thus earned was invested in land.
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