Henry O. Valeur, architect and builder, of Muskogee, was born in Norway, April 30, 1882, a son of Alrik and Dorothy Valeur. He enjoyed liberal educational advantages, receiving his more advanced training in universities of Norway and of Germany, pursuing university studies in his native country for three years and in Germany for four years. In young manhood he went to sea, spending three years as a sailor, and it was subsequent to this time that he became a student in Germany, thus qualifying for important and responsible duties in life.
It was with the belief that he would have better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic that Mr. Valeur left the Land of the Midnight Sun and came to the new world. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country and settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was connected with the electric light plant, representing the Westinghouse Electric Company for a year. He next went to Lima, Ohio, where he was engaged on the construction of public buildings for five years. It was in 1909 that he arrived in Muskogee and through the intervening period he has been identified with the business interests of this city as an architect. He made the plans for and superintended the construction of the West high school of Muskogee, also the grand stand at the fair grounds, the Carnegie public library, the Hays building at State and Broadway, the high schools at Chandler and Morris, Oklahoma, and various other public structures, business blocks and fine residences. His activities make constant demand upon his time and energy and that he has attained a notable point of efficiency is evidenced in the attractive design and beauty of many of the structures which have been built under his supervision.
On the 17th of August, 1909, Mr. Valeur was married to Miss Ella Schwint of Lima, Ohio, and during the period of their residence in Muskogee they have gained a wide and favorable acquaintance. Mr. Valeur is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias and he also has membership in the Rotary Club, being the one representative of his profession in that organization. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which be sought and in their utilization has advanced steadily toward the goal of success.
