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. 2 > Part 94
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In partnership with his brother, L. S. Aber- nathy, the subject of this article is interested in a store at Wanette, Okla .: owns a half interest in the J. O. Abernathy Lumber Company, of this place, which business was commenced in the spring of 1900; and is extensively engaged in the buying and shipping of cotton, handling more than half of the product of this region. He was one of the first to give his attention to this industry here, and built the first cotton-gin. from which about three or four thousand bales of cotton are turned out, ready for shipment. each year. From time to time, he has invested in real-estate in Lexington and Oklahoma City. and in 1893 built an attractive modern residence for his family.
The marriage of Mr. Abernathy and Miss Mary Bilare, of Iowa City, took place in 1892. They have one son, Ewing B., a bright, prom- ising lad.
In his political creed our subject is a Demo- crat. He has acted in official capacities much of the time of late years, and lovally aids in the promotion of all local enterprises. For two years he served efficiently as city clerk, for a
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like period was member of the council, repre- senting the third ward, and served as city treasurer for two years, using the same good judgment and executive ability which have marked his personal career.
S AMUEL CLAY. One of the pioneers of Pottawatomie county, his residence here dating back to 1878. Mr. Clay is entitled to a prominent place in its history. He put up the first business buildings in Shawnee and Tecum- seh, and has been identified with the commercial enterprises of this locality for almost a quarter of a century. Recognizing his marked ability and regard for the public welfare, his fellow- citizens frequently have insisted upon his serving them in official positions, though he has not de- sired to leave the quiet walks of life.
This long-ago Indian trader of Shawneetown is one of the best-known citizens of the terri- tory. A native of Richland county, Ohio, born May 20, 1843, he removed to Williams county in bovhood, and there assisted in clearing a farm. January 4, 1864, witnessed his enlistment in Company G, Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and from that time until the close of the war he faith- fully served in the ranks, never being absent from his post of duty. Sent to the front, he was first under fire at the battle of Kenesaw Moun- tain, and thenceforth, throughout the Atlanta campaign, he was frequently engaged in im- portant battles. During the siege of Atlanta, he was in the thickest of the fight during one en- tire day, and with his comrades took charge of the body of the unfortunate and gallant General McPherson. After completing the, celebrated march to the sea with Sherman, he started north- ward on the Carolina campaign, and finally had the honor of taking part in the Grand Review at Washington.
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In 1870 Mr. Clay went to Humboldt, Kans., where he found employment as a carpenter, and soon was made foreman of a band of workmen, also running a saw-mill. The following year he proceeded to Muskogee, taking a saw-mill with him, and engaging in cutting timber for about a year. Having sprained his wrist, he took a po- sition as a clerk in a store, and thus. as a result of the accident, he became familiar with mer- chandising. From 1878 to 1882 he carried on business on his own account at Shawnee, after which he turned his attention to the cattle busi- ness for about a year, going to all parts of the territory. Resuming a general business at Shawnee, besides acting as an Indian trader, he remained there for some time, and for four years prior to the opening of Oklahoma, was located in the same enterprise at Econtuchka. After the opening he was numbered among the
merchants of Oklahoma City for about two years. On the day that the Pottawatomie country was opened, he came to Tecumseh, and at once commenced building a store, 24x28 feet in dimensions. Here he opened the first busi- ness establishment in the place and after a period it became necessary for him to enlarge his quarters. Twice he has built additions to the original structure, and in the near future he in- tends to erect a brick building 25x90 feet in dimensions. At present he owns considerable valuable real estate here, and for several years has been the president of the Tecumseh Bank. He was an important factor in getting the town incorporated, and was appointed and elected as one of the county commissioners, afterward being made president of the board. At the ex- piration of his term, he was again nominated, but positively declined to serve a second time, and worked against his own election. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and cast his first ballot for Lincoln in 1864. Fraternally he is a charter member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Tecumseh, and for a number of years has been its treasurer, and now is vice-grand. Besides, he is a charter member of the local lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
In August, 1889, Mr. Clay married Miss Min- nie Biggs, their union taking place in Trenton, Grundy county, Mo. They are the parents of one child, Frank by name, a promising lad. The family occupies a pleasant home, and many of the luxuries of life now contribute to the comfort of its members.
W ILLIAM HILL RILEY, a well-known contractor and builder of El Reno, has been prominently identified with the educational interests of the city for many years, and has served in the capacity of president of the school board for the past six years. He is a very successful business man and has con- structed many of the residences and business houses here.
Mr. Riley was born in Tazewell county, Ill .. August 7. 1851, and is a son of Peter and Al- bertine Riley. His grandfather, who came from Ireland and settled in Brown county, Ohio, changed the name from O'Riley to Riley. Peter Riley was born in Brown county. Ohio, where he followed farming for a time and then removed to Tazewell county, Ill. He settled in Kansas in 1856, locating two and one-half miles from Fort Scott, and there witnessed many thrilling scenes incident to early life on the border. He organized a company for service in the Civil war and was elected captain, but the whole outfit was captured before the regiment could be per- fected. Afterward he joined the Sixth Kansas
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Infantry and became a clerk, having charge of all the magazines at Fort Scott, and partici- pating in the famous Price raid. After the war he returned to his farm, where he still resides. In politics he is a Republican. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he was commander of his post for many years. His wife, Albertine, was born in Illinois and was a daughter of Hill D. Staton, who was born in Ohio and was a farmer in McLean county, Ill., at the time of his death. He descended from an old New Eng- land family of English extraction. Mrs. Riley died when our subject was two years old, leav- ing besides him one other son, Franklin P., who died in Missouri. Mr. Riley had one son by his second marriage, and eight children by his third, six of whom are now living.
William Hill Riley was reared in Kansas and attended school during the Civil war. When he was fifteen years old he began to shift for him- self. He worked on a farm for one year, then farmed for himself until he was twenty years old. He became apprenticed to learn the car- penter's trade under Charles Goodland, of Fort Scott, and one year later located at Baxter Springs, Kans., where he worked at his trade for two years. He then began contracting and building in Joplin, Mo., and there began the study of architecture, which he has since fol- lowed.
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In 1885 Mr. Riley accepted an appointment as carpenter and wheelwright for the Indians at Darlington Agency, one and one-half miles from Fort Reno, instructing the Indians in the work. He was superintendent of this department until June, 1889, when he resigned and located on a claim which he had taken up at the opening. He had made the run and secured a quarter section of land adjoining what is now El Reno on the east, being less than a half mile from the center of the town. On this place he has made many improvements, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising, having fine graded stock. His son now operates the farm. He began contracting and building when El Reno was laid out and was the first contractor here. Lumber was high at the start, being $80 per thousand and at that price the best could not be secured, many haul- ing their lumber from Oklahoma City. He has built many of the residences and business houses in the city. An organizer of the school board, he was one of its first directors, and has been president of the board for six years, meantime having been active in raising the standard of the schools to the highest in the territory, while the buildings and grounds are in keeping with the educational department. At each election ex- cept the last, he was elected to his office without opposition, and the last time he secured an overwhelming majority.
In Kansas Mr. Riley was united in marriage with Mary A. Hunter, who was born and reared in Illinois. They have an adopted son, G. N. Riley. Our subject is an active Democrat, and was one of the party organizers in the territory. He has been a delegate to every territorial con- vention, is a member of the territorial Demo- cratic committee, and is serving his second term as chairman of the Democratic central commit- tee. Fraternally he is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, lodge and encampment; Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor; Uni- form Rank, Knights of Pythias; Ancient Order of United Workmen; and Woodmen of the World. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is connected with the El Reno Club.
S ILAS M. RAMSEY, farmer, and registrar of deeds of Pottawatomie county, was born in Lewis county, Mo., December 5, 1845, and is a son of Silas and Henrietta (Baker) Ramsey.
The youth of Mr. Ramsey was full of indus- trious application to the duties which accumu- lated on his father's farm, and interspersed with attendance at the district schools, where he re- ceived a fair education. When his parents had outlived their years of activity, he assumed charge of the home farm, and cared for them as long as they lived. He was married in Lewis county, September 13, 1871, to Mary A. Barke- lew, a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, and a daughter of H. A. and Charlotte L. Barkelew. For several years before her marriage Mrs. Ramsey was a school teacher, and had received an excellent education. When a child. she had removed from Ohio with her parents and settled in Missouri. There were four children in this family: Francis M., who is farming on Mr. Ram- sey's farm in this county; Archie B., at home; Florence J .; and Zetie A. Mrs. Ramsey died in Missouri in 1884, and was buried at Zion Hill cemetery, in Lewis county, that state.
In 1891 Mr. Ramsey was one of the most hopeful and enthusiastic of those who assisted at the opening of the Pottawatomie country. He succeeded in locating on a claim on the north- west quarter of section 34, township 9, range 2 east, upon which he has since spent the most satisfactory years of his life. He carries on gen- eral farming and stock-raising, and his claim is well housed and fitted with the best modern labor-saving devices. There is a good orchard containing three hundred fruit bearing trees, good water supply, and every natural advan- tage to assist in the management and success of a model farm. He has added to his original purchase in the territory eighty acres which were bought in March of 1900.
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The enterprise of Mr. Ramsey extends to the other members of the family, who are also the owners of property in the county. His oldest son has one hundred and sixty acres, the oldest daughter the same amount, and the youngest son has forty acres. In national politics Mr. Ramsey is affiliated with the Democratic party, and although not an office-secker, is interested in the issues and principles of his party. He was for ten years a member of the central committee. He also served as delegate to various county conventions in Missouri, and was a delegate to the first convention held in Pottawatomie county. In the fall of 1896 he was elected to his present position, and so satisfactory were his services, that he was re-elected in 1808. Fra- ternally he is associated with the Masons, having joined that organization in Monticello, Lewis county, Mo. He is now a member at Burnett, Okla.
Mr. Ramsey is esteemed for his many ex- cellent and reliable traits of character, and for the generosity which impels interest in all that per- tains to the development and well-being of the community.
E LI KEFFER. Previous to coming to Okla- homa, April 22, 1889, Mr. Keffer led a somewhat eventful life, interspersed with occupations that took him into different parts of the country. He was born in Hamilton county, Ind., in 1840, and is a son of Peter Keffer, a farmer. The ancestry of the family is German, the great-grandfather having been born in Germany. Peter Keffer was an early settler in Kentucky, and, upon removing to Indiana, was one of the first white settlers in the county, his nearest neighbor being fourteen miles dis- tant. In that wild and inhospitable country the energetic pioneer hewed his way, and reared his family. He came to an untimely death in 1862 by being injured by a horse. He was a medical practitioner, and for nine years lived among the Indians, and ministered to their physical woes, at the same time giving great care and attention to the management of his well con- ducted farm. He served in the war of 1812.
Eli Keffer was reared on his father's farm, his youth being shadowed by the loss of his mother who died when he was very young. He had scant opportunities for acquiring an education, the work on the farm being imperative and ar- duous, and then, too, the schools were poorly fitted for giving instruction. The first event of importance in his life was the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in 1861, for three months. Later he enlisted for three years, in Company E, Thirty-ninth Infantry. After two years the regiment became mounted infantry,
by order of the war department. Among his principal battles were Shiloh, Chickamauga, Stone river, and with Sherman to the sea. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded through the right foot. He was seven times taken prisoner at Stone river, but managed to escape each time. He took part in the Stoneman raid, and was mustered out at Lexington, N. C., and dis- charged July 28, 1865, but was, however, held at Lexington for a time after the papers were made out.
After the war Mr. Keffer returned to his former home, and for two years suffered from the vicissitudes of army life. In fact, he has never fully regained his health. In 1869 he de- cided to seek the west in search of better health and conditions, and with this in view sold out his interests, and settled in Sumner county, Kans., after which he returned to Illinois, where he lived for eight years. He then removed to Wichita, Kans., and joined Captain Payne's regi- ment of "Boomers," and was in all the raids in which they took part. He then lived in Arkan- sas City for four years. At the opening of Oklahoma he located on the northeast quarter of section 15, township 17, range I east, which his care and perseverance have developed into one of the finest farms in Payne county.
September 13, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Keffer and Mary A. Walker, a daughter of Alvis Walker, of Indiana. Of this union there have been six children, of whom James A. and Charles O. are telegraph operators at El Paso, Tex .; Mamie L. is married and lives in Guthrie: Emma E., Leona M., and Roy Earl are at home. In political affiliation Mr. Keffer is associated with the Republican party, but has no political aspirations. He is regarded as one of the town- ship's most reliable and substantial farmers, and he has won the good will and esteem of all who know him by reason of his many excellent traits, and devotion to the public welfare.
W A. HALLMARK. Into the life of Mr. Hallmark, whose well-improved claim is located on the southeast quarter of section 8, township 9, range 3 west. Cleveland county, has come much of change and interest, and his rise to the successful position which he now occupies has been by overcoming many obstacles with which his path has been strewn.
From his earliest youth he seems to have been destined to look out for himself in the world, for his parents died when he was but thirteen years of age, and he was thrown on his own respon- sibilities at an age when most boys are depen- dent on the care and affectionate interest of their parents. He was born in Blount county, Ala .. April 1, 1850, and is a son of Stephen and Mary
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(Morton) Hallmark. They were farmers and during the first years of his life he received a good education in the district schools. After the death of his parents he made his home with his paternal grandmother for three years, at which time she died, and he was indeed alone in the world. From then until his eighteenth year he worked on farms by the month, and was then married to Elizabeth Self. Of this union there have since been four sons and two daugh- ters, of whom one is deceased.
When twenty-six years of age Mr. Hallmark moved to Union county, Miss., where he lived for two years, going thence to Denton county, Tex., for three years. His next field of effort was the Indian Territory, in the vicinity of Jim- town, and after a year he returned to Texas, and remained in Cook county for two years. After returning to the Indian Territory he remained near Beef Creek for about two years, and then made the run into the territory from Bear's Crossing, and located on the claim which has since been his home. His farm is well-improved, and the large amount of business accomplished has necessitated the renting of additional prop- erty, so that he farms about six hundred and fifty acres. Mrs. Hallmark died near Jimtown. The second marriage of Mr. Hallmark, in July, 1883, was to Mrs. Rosa Adams, nee Bearden, and to this couple have been born three daugh- ters and two sons, now living.
In 1893 Mr. Hallmark's faith in the advantages of a residence in the territory were somewhat dampened, owing to the passing of a destruc- tive cyclone, which unroofed his log house, and left the various members of the family on the floor. All were more or less bruised, and the hired man died from the effects of injuries re- ceived. The damage to buildings and farm have since been repaired, and Mr. Hallmark has recovered from the severe financial loss in- volved. Aside from the responsibilities con- nected with his farm work he takes a vital in- terest in the all around improvement of his locality. As a Democrat, he is a worker for his party, but has no desire for political preferment.
G EORGE A. FOSTER. As the popular and competent sheriff of Noble county, Mr. Foster has gained the good-will and ap- probation of all intelligent and peace loving members and citizens of the community. As ameliorator between the discordant and law- abiding element, he has shown rare tact and judgment, as well as a profound knowledge of the inner workings of good and bad human na- ture. The position, which holds abundant op- portunity for the exercise of the "gentle art of making enemies," has been utilized by this
guardian of the peace as a means of reform rather than punishment, the success of his plans resting largely upon the good feeling inspired by his fine personality, liberality, and good fellow- ship.
Previous to his election in the fall of 1898, as sheriff on the Republican ticket, with a ma- jority over the fusion, Mr. Foster had been living on a claim upon which he located in 1893. Situated on section 18, township 23, range I west, this farm is one of the best in the county, has all modern and advanced appliances, in- cluding fine residence and out buildings. Lo- cated in Red Rock township, on Red Rock creek, it is all bottom land, and produces the most desirable crops. To facilitate his large general-farming and stock-raising enterprises, Mr. Foster also has a half section school land. which is used solely for pasture. While retain- ing possession of his farm lands, he at the present time resides in the town of Perry, and includes among his other interests, his position as stockholder and director in the Noble County Bank. In innumerable ways he has evinced a keen interest in the undertakings for the up- building of his town and locality, and has con- tributed generously toward many ventures of importance.
A native of Preble county, Ohio, Mr. Foster was born May 8, 1856, and was the oldest son in a family of nine children, of whom two sons and two daughters are now living. The father, S. C. Foster, was born near Camden, N. J., and about 1840 settled in Ohio, where he engaged in his trade of wagonmaker, and where he even- tually died. During the Civil war he served in the Ninety-third Ohio regiment, and was honor- ably discharged for disability, which terminated in his death. The mother of this family, Mrs. Hannah Foster, was also born near Camden, N. J., and died in Ohio.
After an education in the public schools, Mr. Foster studied at the Morning Sun Academy. In 1881 he sought the far west as a field of operation, and for eighteen months remained in Breckenridge, Colo., and then went to Philips- burg, Mont., where he remained for two years. He was there overseer in the Granite Mountain Mines. In the fall of 1884 he settled in Lincoln county, Kans,, and located six miles from Lin- coln Center, on a farm at the junction of the Elkhorn and Saline rivers. A more desirable location could hardly be found, and he carried on a general farming and stock-raising industry there until 1893, when he sold his farm and de- cided to try his fortunes in Oklahoma.
While living in Lincoln county, Kans., Mr. Foster was married to Sarah R. Deppen, born in Reading, Pa., and a daughter of F. Z. Deppen. a farmer in Lincoln county, and a veteran of the
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Civil war. He enlisted when sixteen years of age in the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, and by successive promotions reached the rank of captain. To Mr. and Mrs. Foster have been born three children, Ralph E., Fay F., and Mabel. In the political world Mr. Foster has identified himself with the Republican party. In Kansas he was township clerk, and since com- ing to the territory has been county commis- .sioner from his township, and a candidate for sheriff in 1896, at which time he was defeated by only eighty-one votes. He is a member of the Oklahoma Association of County Sheriffs.
S. DUNGAN has a well-conducted and 1. profitable claim located on the northeast
quarter of section 17, township 13, range 6, Canadian county, and is accounted one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of his section of the country.
Mr. Dungan was born in Linn county, Iowa, September 17, 1861, and is a son of Joseph R. and Elizabeth (Snyder) Dungan, worthy and in- dustrious farmers of Linn county. When their son I. S. was but two years old, he was taken by his parents to Cloud county, Kans., where his father homesteaded a claim, and where he was reared and lived until after the opening of Oklahoma. He was surrounded by influences that contribute to the building of a stable char- acter, and early learned the dignity and praise- worthiness of an agricultural existence when conducted on broad and liberal lines. In the district schools of his county he derived a fair education, and later acquired considerable knowledge of business methods.
December 29, 1889, in Cloud county, Kans., Mr. Dungan married Julia Smith, a daughter of P. A. and Barbara Smith. To this couple there were born two children, Luther and Lulu. In the spring of 1890 Mr. Dungan took up his resi- dence in Oklahoma, locating upon the place where he is living at the present time. His con- ditions were at first exceedingly primitive, for he lived in a sod house until he could find time to build a better one. His family arrived the fall after he took up his claim. Mrs. Dun- gan died in Oklahoma in 1803. The second Mrs. Dungan was Cora Geoffrey, a former teacher in the neighborhood, and a woman of fine educational attainments. They have one child.
In politics Mr. Dungan is independent. He has never been an office seeker. He is a broad- minded and pushing member of the vast army who have made Oklahoma the scene of their best efforts, and is esteemed for his generosity in contributing time and ideas toward the carry-
ing out of the various schemes for the better- ment of the general welfare.
A UGUST KEIL, a native of Germany, spent his youth in the fatherland, where he had the practical home training of the average German lad, and also their excellent opportuni- ties for acquiring an education. His parents, Godfried and Rosie Keil, were born in Germany, and died there.
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