Muskogee County OK

Biography of August Ferdinand Krumrei

August Ferdinand Krumrei, born in Germany in 1862, immigrated to the United States in 1882. After gaining experience in masonry and carpentry, he began his contracting career in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to Albany, Oregon. He returned to Michigan and ultimately settled in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1906, where he established the A. F. Krumrei Construction Company in 1913. Renowned for his skill, Krumrei constructed numerous significant buildings and schools across the state, earning a prominent reputation as a valued contractor and citizen.

Biography of William Edward Delehant

William Edward Delehant, born on April 6, 1873, in Buffalo, New York, is a prominent figure in Muskogee’s commercial landscape. After graduating in pharmacy from the University of Buffalo, he served in a Marine Hospital before moving to Oklahoma in 1906. He established the Cardinal Drug Company, expanding from a single store to three retail locations and a wholesale division, employing fifty people. An active community member, he has held leadership roles in various associations and enjoys sports and social activities.

Biography of Stephen P. Mann

Stephen P. Mann, born on September 15, 1861, in Texas, became a key figure in Muskogee’s real estate and investment sectors after moving there in 1902. Initially starting his career in retail, he established a general store and later focused on menswear. Mann actively participated in public service, notably as a Muskogee city council member, where he helped implement essential infrastructure projects. He held various leadership roles in local businesses and maintained a commitment to civic responsibilities, earning respect as a trustworthy public official. He married Floy Ashcraft and has three children.

Biography of Frank R. Glascock

Frank R. Glascock, born on February 22, 1851, in Highland County, Ohio, has built a successful career in real estate and banking. After early ventures in farming and merchandising in Ohio, he became a pioneer in Garden Plain, Kansas, where he established its first bank and grain elevator. In 1906, he moved to Haskell, contributing significantly to local real estate through the Creek Land Loan Company. Now retired at seventy, Glascock is respected for his achievements and civic service, including a term as city Treasurer.

Biography of Nathan K. Farmer

Nathan K. Farmer, born in Callaway County, Missouri, on July 22, 1848, has lived in Muskogee since 1883, focusing on agriculture and stock raising. After moving to Oklahoma, he ventured into merchandising before returning to farming. He owns 500 acres, specializing in alfalfa, corn, Hampshire hogs, and high-grade cattle, and has established a successful stock farm. Married to Liza Anderson, they have two daughters. A Democrat by affiliation, Farmer prefers to concentrate on his business rather than politics.

Biography of Rev. O. I. Bennett

Rev. O. I. Bennett, born on September 13, 1867, in Iowa, is a dedicated pastor and chiropractor who has significantly contributed to both spiritual and physical wellness. Educated in theology and chiropractic, he has served congregations across multiple states since beginning his ministry at nineteen. In 1915, he graduated from Davenport’s Chiropractic College and combined this profession with his pastoral duties. Bennett founded the Boynton Christian Church and has been active in community upliftment. He has been married twice and has four children, while also being involved in various fraternal organizations.

Biography of John Daniel Bewley, M. D.

Dr. John Daniel Bewley, born on March 25, 1874, in Arkansas, has become a prominent physician and surgeon in Miami since 1916. He pursued medical studies at the Memphis Hospital Medical School, earning his degree in 1903. Dr. Bewley practiced in several locations, including Tahlequah and Locust Grove, before settling in Miami. A dedicated community member, he is involved in civic affairs and the local bank, and he maintains interests in livestock farming. He has been married twice and has four sons.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Taylor Burns

Charles Taylor Burns, born on August 20, 1871, in Smithville, Arkansas, practiced civil law after being admitted to the bar in 1899. He studied at Central Business College and the University of Arkansas before beginning his career in Black Rock, Arkansas, and later moving to Muskogee in 1912. Burns married Jennie McCreery in 1903, establishing a respected social presence in Muskogee. He is affiliated with the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and various bar associations.

Biographical Sketch of George Albert Pierson

George Albert Pierson, born on May 3, 1883, in Raymond, Mississippi, established the George Pierson Studio in Muskogee in 1912 after gaining experience at his father’s studio and studying at the Chicago Art Institute. A dedicated artist, he garnered a loyal clientele over the years. Married to Alice Amber Flamm in 1913, they have a daughter, Mary Alice. Active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Masonic organizations, and the Rotary Club, Pierson contributes significantly to civic and trade efforts within his community.

Biography of Hoy Harsha

Hoy Harsha, born on December 14, 1881, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, has made significant contributions as a banker and public servant. He served as Mayor of Haskell and was cashier of the Haskell National Bank, gaining respect in both financial and civic circles. Harsha’s banking career includes founding the Porter State Bank and transforming it into the Haskell State Bank. He is a Democrat, a Presbyterian, and affiliated with the Masonic order and the Elks Lodge. Harsha is noted for his integrity and commitment to public service, with a focus on local progress.

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.

Biography of M. B. Scott, M. D.

Dr. M. B. Scott has been a prominent physician in Delaware since 1908. Born in Muskogee County on August 9, 1879, he completed his medical degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dallas in 1906. After practicing in Webbers Falls, he established a successful practice in Delaware. Married in 1900 to Iva C. Dugan, they have five children. Active in community affairs, he played a key role in consolidating school districts for a modern high school and is affiliated with local fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of James Durrett Simms

James Durrett Simms was born on January 6, 1880, in Albemarle County, Virginia. His family relocated to Missouri, where he received his education. After studying shorthand in St. Louis, he began working in a law office and attended law lectures at night, gaining admission to the bar in 1902. In 1908, he moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, and later formed a successful law partnership focused on significant litigation involving the Creek tribe. Simms was married to Claire Brewer and had three children, maintaining an independent political stance.

Biography of Henry Holmes White

Henry Holmes White, born on December 13, 1868, in Charleston, South Carolina, became a prominent industrial figure in Muskogee, Oklahoma, as President of the Oklahoma Engineering, Machine Boiler Company. A Citadel graduate, he started as a draftsman for the South Carolina Railroad. His career included roles as superintendent and manager in various engineering firms, culminating in his return to Muskogee as city engineer until 1921. He founded his own company, is involved in consulting engineering, and has a significant presence in Masonic organizations. White married Rosa L. Cummings in 1918.

Biography of Mrs. Leda C. Steele

Mrs. Leda C. Steele, a prominent figure in Oklahoma’s musical landscape since 1900, was born in St. Paul, Kansas. A student of the New England Conservatory, she has performed internationally and contributed to advancing music in Muskogee through various clubs and organizations. A renowned vocalist and composer, her notable works include “Fair Oklahoma.” Steele has also served in numerous roles in musical federations and community projects, balancing her artistic pursuits with civic involvement. She married Claude Luman Steele, raising two sons who are World War veterans.

Biography of O. S. Somerville, M. D.

Dr. O. S. Somerville, born on February 11, 1871, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, has practiced medicine and surgery in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for sixteen years while serving as Vice President of the Bartlesville State Bank. He received his medical training at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore and Louisville Medical College. A dedicated practitioner, he has successfully treated complex cases and held several significant roles, including U.S. pension examiner and County Superintendent of Health. He is actively involved in various civic and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Warren Butz

Warren Butz, born on August 1, 1872, in Hope, Illinois, served as chief deputy clerk of the United States courts in Muskogee. He received education at Union Christian College and the University of Illinois. His career began in the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and included ranch management in Missouri. Relocating to Muskogee in 1905, he worked as a financial clerk before his judicial role starting in 1911. A community leader, he was also involved in fraternal organizations and served as a city commissioner for two years. He married Anna C. Bennett in 1919.

Biography of Daniel H. Coodey

Daniel H. Coodey, born on July 21, 1901, in Porum, Oklahoma, has established himself as a prominent publisher of the Porum Journal, which he has modernized and dedicated to community welfare. A 1921 high school graduate, Coodey succeeded the former publisher and has increased the paper’s circulation significantly. He operates a job printing office and maintains independent political views while actively supporting local initiatives. In addition to his business endeavors, he is involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as a clerk in the Modern Woodmen of America.

Biography of Charles W. Holder

Charles W. Holder, born on November 24, 1892, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is a prominent automobile dealer in Coweta, Oklahoma, known for his successful Ford car and tractor agency. He spent his early life in Oklahoma and initially engaged in the hardware business before managing a firm in Boynton. After establishing his agency in Coweta, he developed a thriving business. Married to Violetta Busset in 1913, they have one daughter, Helen. Holder is politically active as a Republican and is involved in local fraternal organizations.

Biography of Q. B. Boydstun

Q. B. Boydstun, born on December 8, 1898, in Caddo, Oklahoma, is a prominent attorney at the firm Mountecastle Boydstun in Fort Gibson. After completing his education at the University of Oklahoma, he graduated in law in 1919 and was admitted to the bar in 1920. He has served as Mayor and justice of the peace, and is active in the local Chamber of Commerce. Married to Floy Lucille Clark, Boydstun is affiliated with the Democratic Party and the Presbyterian Church, showing a commitment to both profession and community.