Biography

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Zeno M. Cox

Emma J. Beck, born August 17, 1874, was the daughter of David McLaughlin and Mary J. (Vickery) Beck. She attended Cherokee Public Schools and married W. J. Elledge in 1893, with whom she had two children. In December 1899, she wed Zeno M. Cox, a farmer from Craig County, Oklahoma. Together, they had five children: Zeno M., Sarah Vinita, Cherokee Juanita, Melvin, and Clinton Clark. Emma’s life reflects the familial and agricultural roots of early 20th-century Oklahoma.

Biographical Sketch of William. N. Clark

William N. Clark, born April 3, 1866, to Judge George Washington and Lydia A. Clark, was educated in the Cherokee Nation and graduated from Male Seminary in 1885. He married Lilla John on September 26, 1894, and together they had eight children, including James Wilson and Mabel Clyde. A Methodist and a Mason, Clark is recognized by his Cherokee name, Oo-law-hut. His life reflects a deep commitment to family and community in the Cherokee Nation.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Minnie Sleeper

Lucile Jackson, born on August 7, at Tanglewood, was educated locally and married Gideon Daniels Sleeper on June 27, 1894. They had five children: Julia, Gideon, Walter, Martha, and Minnie. Gideon Sleeper served as Commissioner in 1909 and was re-elected in 1910-12. Lucile descends from the Cordery family, which traces its lineage to Souchville-Cordery, who accompanied William the Conqueror to England. Her maternal lineage is connected to the Cherokee heritage of the Blind Savannah Clan.

Biography of James Augustus Lawrence

Sarah Jane Adair, born in 1875 in Saline, was educated at Cherokee National schools and Howard Payne College. She married James Augustus Lawrence in 1899, becoming the mother of two sons, Augustus and Gilbert. James was a prominent merchant in Tahlequah, where the family resided. Sarah is descended from the Martin family of Virginia, notable for their colonial and revolutionary contributions, including Colonel Joseph Martin, a significant military figure during the American Revolution.

Biographical Sketch of John Crutchfield Barrett

John Crutchfield Barrett, born December 22, 1872, in Corsicana, Texas, was educated at Willie Halsell College and married Victoria Lipe on October 5, 1898. They had three children: Flavius, Jack, and Mary Bessie. A Presbyterian and Mason, Barrett is a member of the Deer clan, while Victoria belongs to the Wolf Clan Cherokees. His lineage includes prominent ancestors, such as his father, Flavius Josepheus Barrett, a Confederate captain and Texas legislator, and DeWitt Clinton Lipe, a notable Cherokee leader and public official.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Walter Copeland

Almyra Lane, born on February 16, 1849, in Tennessee, married David Solon James on October 16, 1866. David served in the Union Army during the Civil War and together they had a daughter, Clara Della James, born on June 16, 1875, in the Cherokee Nation. Clara, an educator for two decades, married Walter Copeland on May 12, 1915. The Copelands were active in their community, with Walter working as a merchant, and Almyra involved in the Methodist Church and Eastern Star Chapter.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Walter Mayturn

Minnie Eveline Roberson, born on September 22, 1884, to Charles A. and Minerva Nelms Roberson, was educated in Cherokee Public Schools. She married Walter M. Mayturn on October 15, 1901, and they had six children. Walter, a progressive farmer near Bushyhead, is active in community service, having served on the District School Board for over seven years. Minnie’s mother, Minerva Nelms, originally from the Cherokee Nation, married Charles A. Roberson in 1878.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. William O. Hallum

Mary Ella, born February 11, 1882, in Delaware District to R. L. and Eliza Jane England, received her education at Cherokee National Schools. She married William O. Hallum on February 12, 1900. Together, they had four children: Maude Evelyn, Eliza May, Susie Leona, and Sadie Floris Hallum. Maude, born January 10, 1901, married Marion B. Carico and had one son, Jock Carico, born September 5, 1919.

Biographical Sketch of Colonel Johnson Harris

Colonel Johnson Harris was born on April 19, 1856, in Georgia and passed away on September 25, 1921, in Muskogee. He received his education in the Canadian District and Male Seminary. Harris married three times, fathering several children, including Beuna Vista and Colonel Johnson, who continued the family legacy. His political career included serving as Senator for the Canadian District and later the Tahlequah District, President of the Senate, and Principal Chief. Harris’s contributions to his community and family marked his notable life.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Levi W. Barton

Hon. Levi W. Barton, born on March 1, 1818, was a distinguished lawyer and graduate of Dartmouth College. His public service included three years as register of deeds, two years as county solicitor, five years as a Representative, and two years in the Senate. Notably, he served in 1866 on a committee to audit the State’s war debts, contributed to the codification of New Hampshire laws, participated in the 1876 Constitutional Convention, and was a Presidential elector that same year.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Gershom Powers

Hon. Gershom Powers, born on June 11, 1779, in Auburn, NY, established a prominent law practice following his studies. He served as assistant justice of the Cayuga County Court before being appointed judge after three years. His political career culminated in his election to Congress in 1829. Powers passed away on January 25, 1831.

Biographical Sketch of Williams Barton, M.D.

Williams Barton, M.D., born on August 6, 1820, pursued his education at Unity and Kimball Union Academies before studying medicine under Drs. Coburn, Hall, and Nichols. He graduated from the Medical Department of Dartmouth College in May 1845 and established his medical practice in Croydon shortly thereafter. Additionally, he served as a commissioner of common schools for Sullivan County for three years and contributed as a teacher of elocution at the local Teachers Institute.

Biographical Sketch of Abigail Powers

Abigail Powers, born in 1798 as the daughter of Rev. Lemuel Powers, married Millard Fillmore in February 1826. She was esteemed for her intelligence, dignity, and numerous virtues, earning a reputation for her character and contributions during her lifetime.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Lemuel P. Cooper

Hon. Lemuel P. Cooper, born on July 18, 1803, is recognized as an intelligent and progressive farmer. His enduring commitment to religion, education, and politics is evident through his roles as a popular teacher, superintendent, and trustee of the Industrial School of New Hampshire. He served as a representative and senator on two occasions each and was a gubernatorial candidate, highlighting his influential presence in the state’s political landscape.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Charles Rowell

Hon. Charles Rowell, born in 1785, settled in Allenstown, NH, where he contributed significantly to local governance as selectman for twenty-four years. His public service included four years as a representative in the Legislature, two years as county treasurer, and two years as a State Senator. A justice of the peace throughout much of his life, Rowell passed away on January 11, 1867.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Ora Crosby

Hon. Ora Crosby, born November 14, 1793, in Hardwick, Vermont, was a prominent figure in local governance and finance. His roles included representative and justice, as well as judge of the County Court. Crosby served as a director of the Danville Bank and president of the National Bank of Caledonia, establishing himself as a distinguished financier within his community.

Biographical Sketch of John Towne

John Towne, born on August 17, 1805, served as Deputy Secretary of State from June 1840 for four years and was the register of deeds for Sullivan County from 1851 to 1854. He had a notable career as a teacher and established himself as a prominent and respected member of the Newport community.

Biographical Sketch of Jonas Cutting, LL.D.

Jonas Cutting, LL.D., was born on November 3, 1800, and graduated from Dartmouth College before settling in Bangor, Maine. Renowned for his exceptional intellect and deep sense of responsibility, he built a successful career as a lawyer and earned considerable respect as a judge, establishing himself among the leading figures of the judiciary.

Biographical Sketch of Vashti Towne

Vashti Towne, born on May 8, 1813, was educated at Kimball Union Academy. She taught school in her hometown and served at Norwich Institute, Portsmouth, and Washington, D.C., for a total of twenty-seven years. During her time in Washington, she educated the sons of Presidents Lincoln and Grant and maintained a close friendship with Mrs. President Fillmore, a relative. Towne passed away in Newport, New Hampshire, in 1869.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Ruel Durkee

Hon. Ruel Durkee, born on July 14, 1807, was a prominent farmer and influential figure in the Republican party of his state for nearly fifty years. Renowned for his keen understanding of human nature and shrewd political instincts, he played a central role in legislative sessions and party conventions. His endorsement in caucuses often determined the success of aspiring candidates. Durkee passed away in July 1885, leaving a significant legacy in political management and engagement.