Virginia

Biography of Paul Stafford Mitchell, M. D.

Paul Stafford Mitchell, M. D. Incomplete indeed would be any history of Kansas which did not include distinctive mention of that large body of men who labor in the broad field of medical service. Some have chosen a particular path and some have chosen to work under a particular combination of methods, but all can be justly credited with scientific knowledge and a due regard for the preservation of the public health. To the profession of medicine, Dr. Paul Stafford Mitchell devoted the early years of his manhood, and today, after seventeen years of successful practice, stands as a representative … Read more

Biography of Tams Bixby

When historians of the future write of the state of Oklahoma, or recite the romance of the American Indian, they needs must tell the story of Tams Bixby. Above his signature five great Indian nations ceased to be, one hundred and one thousand red-men foreswore allegiance to their tribal chieftains to become citizens of the United States and twenty-one million acres of Indian hunting grounds were made ready for admission to the Union. It was in 1897 that Tams Bixby left Minnesota, where he had gained national prominence as chairman of the Republican state central committee and came to Indian … Read more

Biography of William Thomas Rye

The bar of Craig county finds a prominent representative in William Thomas Rye, who since 1908 has followed his profession at Vinita, his ability being demonstrated by the large clientele accorded him. He was born near South Boston, in Halifax county, Virginia, September 2, 1879, and his parents were George J. and Susan (Dewberry) Rye, both natives of Virginia and representatives of old and highly respected families of that state. Prior to the Civil war the father had gone to Mississippi and after the out-break of hostilities he joined a regiment in that state, but after receiving his discharge from … Read more

Biography of Mark A. Leftwich

One of the well known newspaper men of the state is Mark A. Leftwich, proprietor of the Coweta Times-Star. He was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in May, 1852, a son of Thomas and Maria (Warwick) Leftwich, natives of Virginia. The father was an extensive planter and he served as Major in the Confederate army for three years. He was discharged at the termination of that time, because of poor health and he then went to Missouri, locating in Carrollton, Carroll county, where he became a dentist. He practiced there, enjoying substantial success, until his death, at the age of … Read more

Miller, Henry – Obituary

Henry Miller, an honored pioneer of Wallowa county, died at his home in Turlock, California, Sunday morning aged 73 years. No particulars of his death has been received. Mr. Miller was born in Virginia and cmae to Oregon 30 years ago. He was active in the upbuilding of this county and no man was mre highly respected. He served two terms as county treasurer. About a year ago he removed to Beaverton and last winter to Turlock. He leaves a widow, two sons, Charles Miller of Turlock, Robert Miller of Vail, and one daughter, Mrs. George O’Brian of Wallowa. Source: … Read more

Hawley, Benjamin P. – Obituary

Wallowa, Wallowa County, Oregon B. P. Hawley Passes Benjamin P. Hawley passed away at Wallowa Monday, January 3, 1927, just 57 days after the death of his wife. They celebrated their 57th anniversary of their wedding last October. Funeral services were held at the Wallowa Christian Church yesterday and burial was in the Wallowa cemetery. Services were conducted by Rev. R.N. Olson. Mr. Hawley was born in 1843 in Virginia and served four years in the Confederate army under Gen. R.E. Lee. After the war he moved to West Virginia where he was married to Abagail Miller in 1869. They … Read more

Biography of Ezra King Longley

Ezra King Longley was one of the very early members of the bar of Elk County. He had not resided continuously in Elk County since he first went there more than forty-five years ago, but in recent years he had given all his time to his general practice as a lawyer with offices at Howard. Mr. Longley is now seventy years of age. Few men of that age have had such opportunities to know American life at the fountain head and have had experiences covering so many different and varied scenes and bringing them into closer contact with the men … Read more

Biography of Forrest M. Hartley

Forrest M. Hartley’s talents made him foremost in the activities of college life while he was a student in Baker University. For a number of years he was actively identified with Kansas journalism and then returned to Baldwin City where he is now one of the leading merchants. Mr. Hartley was born at Indianola in Vermillion County, Illinois, July 26, 1874. He is one of the three children of George S. and Caroline (Vayhinger) Hartley. George S. Hartley, now a resident of Arkansas City, had for many years been a conspicuous figure in the political, banking and civic life of … Read more

Biography of John F. Richards

John F. Richards, born October 23, 1834, in Bath County, Virginia, the founder of the wholesale hardware house Richards & Conover Hardware Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and now residing at 200 Forty-fourth Street in that city, is not only one of the merchants who have risen to prominence in this section of the Middle West, but had a career connected by many experiences and activities with the Territory and State of Kansas. His parents were Walter and Nancy (Mayse) Richards, both natives of Virginia. Their old farm, Cloverdale, was situated on one of the stage lines which then crossed … Read more

Biography of A. H. Skidmore

A. H. Skidmore. The general instances in the early life of men who “do things” are peculiarly similar. Differing in detail, the general outline is the short and simple story of the rise and progress to eminence from poverty to prosperity. Assiduous toil, the common school advantages, and the struggle for supremacy generates reliance on self, the natural, rather than art is their guide; individual talents are developed and each shows through the originality thereby becoming and recognized as self-made men. Judge Skidmore was born in Virginia February 14, 1856, was reared to manhood on a farm by parents possessing … Read more

Biography of Fred N. Adam

Fred N. Adam. The popular and energetic postmaster of Longton, Kansas, Fred N. Adam, who was appointed to this office in April, 1916, had been a resident of Longton since 1911, and had been well known in mercantile circles as one of the proprietors of the establishment conducted under the style of Adam Brothers. Almost immediately upon his arrival here he became known as a live and energetic citizen, capable of handling official duties, and his appointment as postmaster was preceded by several terms of good work as a member of the local council. Mr. Adam is a native son … Read more

Biography of Joseph R. Smith

Joseph R. Smith. The record of continuous service in the office of probate judge in Kansas is held by Joseph B. Smith, of Iola. The people of Allen County first elected Mr. Smith to handle the delicate responsibilities of the probate office in 1894. The term is for two years. Every succeeding two years the people have had an opportunity to express their judgment of Judge Smith’s administration, and every time, apparently regardless of political party fortunes or other considerations, his ability and varied qualifications have received the stamp of approval and in 1916 he was re-elected for the eleventh … Read more

Biography of Oliver Wilson Fail

Oliver Wilson Fail. One of the most popular citizens of Cherokee County is O. W. Fail, recently clerk of the District Court at Columbus, and now engaged in the real estate business at Baxter Springs. Mr. Fail had had a varied and active career. He had been a hard worker, had associated with men who work with their hands as well as with their brains, and he long held a card of active membership in the ranks of that army connected with the operation of street and interurban electric lines. In all the relationships of his life he had shown … Read more

Sturm, Susan England – Obituary

Paradise, Oregon The Flora and north end communities were shocked Saturday morning when the sad news reached here of the sudden death of Grandma Sturm, mother of Henry Alando and Charles Sturm, of this community and Mrs. L. D. Osburn of E.O.L. Camp 10, where Grandma made her home. Grandma seemed as well as usual Friday and was all ready to go to Enterprise Saturday morning with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Osburn. When Mrs. Osburn went into Grandma’s bedroom Saturday morning to build a fire and call her for breakfast, she found that life was gone and … Read more

Sturm, Arlando Jackson – Obituary

A.J. Sturm Passes At Home Near Town Enterprise, Oregon Arlando Jackson Sturm passed away Thursday, March 6, 1941, at his home south of town. Funeral services were held Sunday in the Booth chapel, with E.E. Callahan of the Christian church officiating, and burial was in Enterprise cemetery. Pall bearers were Ed E. Rodgers, Milt Sasser, Robert Sasser and John Garrett. Mr. Sturm was born in Barber county, Virginia, now a part of West Virginia, Oct. 6, 1861, a son of James and Susan Sturm. He remained in his native state until 1909, when he came west to join his parents … Read more

Biography of John C. Gray

A resident of Oklahoma for many years, John C. Gray, who is proprietor of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company at Bartlesville, Washington County, was born in Lee County, Virginia, February 3, 1877, his parents being C. B. and Matilda (Ball) Gray, both of whom were also natives of Virginia. The parents were married in Virginia and soon thereafter removed to Eldorado Springs, Missouri, and from there to Caney, Kansas, where he and his family lived for many years. This town is situated on the Oklahoma boundary line. The father has been a Baptist clergyman throughout his active career and while a … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James Durrett Simms

The subject of this sketch was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, January 6, 1880, his parents being James M. and Mary Durrett Simms. While a child his parents moved to Missouri and his education was received in the schools of that state. In September, 1900, he went to St. Louis, studied shorthand there, accepted a position in a law office in February, 1901, and took up the study of law, attending the lectures of the Benton College of Law at night. In June, 1902, he was admitted to the bar in the city of St. Louis. He resided in St. … Read more

Givens, Walter – Obituary

Walter Edward Givens, 82, of 215 Oak died in a local hospital Monday [July 31, 1972], he was a retired grocery man. Givens was born June 24, 1890, in Galax, Va. In 1917 he married Amy A. Kent in Walla Walla; they lived here many years and moved back to make their home in 1967. Givens was a veteran of WWI and a member of the Marcus Whitman Barracks No. 135, Veterans of WWI. Survivors include his widow, Amy at the home; three sisters, Mrs. J. C. Spurlin of Rural Retreat, Va., Mrs. Harris Riley of Staunton, Va., and Mrs. … Read more

Biography of Henry Stanley Shelor

Henry Stanley Shelor is conducting a general insurance agency at Muskogee and has here developed a business of large extent that is indicative of his close application, his persistency of purpose and his sound judgment in all that he undertakes. He was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, September 14, 1879, and is a son of Crockett Pierce and Clara (Abell) Shelor, the former a planter, well known in the Old Dominion. Henry S. Shelor obtained his education in the public schools of Danville until he had completed his high school course and then entered the Danville Military Institute. His initial … Read more

Darr, Catharine E. – Obituary

Elgin, Union County, Oregon The death of Catharine E., wife of J.S. Darr, occurred at the family home north of this city, Sunday March 25, 1905. Mrs. Darr had been suffering ill health for several months. Deceased was born in Virginia March 5, 1836, being a few days over 69 years of age. She moved from Missouri to this section with her husband in 1881. Besides her husband, she leaves nine children and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Services were conducted in the M.E. Church Monday afternoon by Rev. D.S. Smith and interment took place in the … Read more