Afton Oklahoma

Afton, Oklahoma is a town in southwest Ottawa County in northeastern Oklahoma, established in 1886 in what was then the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory after the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later the St. Louis & San Francisco “Frisco” Railway) built tracks through the area in 1871, with the post office opening in 1886 and the community named—according to historian George Shirk—by a Scottish railroad surveyor after his daughter or, alternately, after the River Afton in Scotland referenced in poetry. Afton became an important railroad division point and agricultural shipping center in the early 20th century, with population growth tied to both rail and later U.S. Highway 66, which brought commerce and tourism before being bypassed by Interstate 44 in the 1950s. The town sits near Horse Creek and is part of a region originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including tribes relocated into the area through the Indian Removal era; Ottawa County records (organized with the county system after statehood in 1907) and local repositories hold land, census, vital, probate, school, and newspaper records crucial for genealogical research of families connected to Afton and its surrounding rural district.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. D. T. Ogden

Jessie Curtis Abney, born July 24, 1900 in Afton, Delaware District, completed her education at Afton and Coffeyville, Kansas. She married D. T. Ogden on September 14, 1919. D. T. is the son of W. A. and Julia Ogden, with roles at the First National Bank of Afton. The post also traces the lineage of significant family members, including John Adair, a Scotchman, and his marriage into Cherokee heritage, leading to prominent figures like Rev. James Jenkins Trott and his descendants.

Biographical Sketch of John A. Countryman

John Anderson Countryman, born on March 14, 1872, in the Delaware District, was the son of George Washington and Minerva (Ballard) Countryman. He received his education at the Cherokee National schools and married Jane O. Hildebrand on August 1, 1900. Together, they had four children: W. T. (b. 1901), Velva Irene (b. 1903, married B. F. Frisbie), Ned (b. 1907), and Houston (b. 1910).

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Lucy Duncan

Lucy A. Duncan, born February 7, 1848, in Delaware District, was educated at Cherokee National Schools. She married Joshua B. Duncan on December 25, 1869, and had two daughters before his death in 1875. In 1877, she married James A. Duncan, her late husband’s brother, with whom she had three more children. A successful farmer near Afton and a devoted Methodist, Lucy’s legacy includes her daughter Delen, an accomplished artist residing in Columbia, Missouri.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Ermine Josephine Davidson

Felix Grundy Nidiffer, born March 16, 1853, married Joanna Ruth Lender on April 23, 1876. They had Ermina Josephine Nidiffer on September 2, 1877, who was educated at the Female Seminary. Ermina married Thomas David Davidson on March 21, 1899. Together, they had several children, including Anna Laura, Ruth Jane, and Mary Elizabeth. The family’s lineage continued with Anna Laura and her husband, Everett Holt, who welcomed three children, marking the continuing legacy of the Nidiffer and Davidson families.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Francis M. Crowell

John Thomason Duncan married Elizabeth S. Sanders, and they had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Duncan, born in 1858. She was educated in Cherokee Nation and taught school for six years before marrying Francis Marion Crowell in 1883. The couple had four children: E. Victor, Alvin Byron, Frank M., and Hunter K. Crowell. Francis ran a successful mercantile business, and both were active in their community. Their sons pursued various careers, with Alvin serving in World War I and others thriving in business and design.

Biographical Sketch of A. B. Allcott

Henrietta Evaline Nidiffer, born on January 10, 1883, near Nudmore, was educated in Cherokee National schools and graduated from St. Johns Training School of Nursing in 1915. She married A. B. Allcott on July 26, 1920. A. B. was born on May 27, 1886, in Missouri and excelled as an electrician, serving as Superintendent of electric plants in Afton and Pauls Valley. Their lineage connects to notable families, including the Wards and Nidiffers, enriching the historical tapestry of their heritage.

Biography of Hon. J. J. Smith

Hon. J. J. Smith, a prominent Miami attorney since 1915, specializes in criminal law and has served in the state senate, where he promoted significant legislation. Born on June 23, 1889, in Texas, he pursued law after teaching to finance his education. An active member of the Democratic Party, he is involved in various organizations, including the Masons and the Odd Fellows. Smith has contributed to his community and state, exemplifying determination and public service throughout his career and private life.

Biography of Judge Q. P. McGhee

Judge Q. P. McGhee, born in Delaware County, Oklahoma in 1886, represents a distinguished figure in the state’s judiciary. Coming from a prominent pioneer family, he began his career in various trades before turning to law, gaining admission to the bar in 1914. Appointed as Ottawa County’s county judge in 1921, he is recognized for his fair rulings and successful handling of juvenile cases. A dedicated public servant and businessman, McGhee also maintains active political and community engagement. He is married with two children.

Biography of Francis Marion Crowell

Francis Marion Crowell, born on March 14, 1859, in Alabama, significantly contributed to the development of Afton, Oklahoma. He established the town’s first department store and served as a private banker, supporting local farmers before banks were founded. An accomplished businessman and community leader, he engaged in farming and later organized the Crowell Mercantile Company. Crowell’s commitment to Afton included building the first church and school, while his family has continued his legacy in various fields. His civic engagement and entrepreneurial spirit earned him widespread respect.