Eben P. Clapper, M. D., a member of the Waynoka medical profession since 1901, is one of the well known residents of Woods County and has enjoyed a life’s career which illustrates a high order of intelligence, dignity of bearing, nobleness of purpose and a steady aim; for as a physician he has been successful both in a material way and in the gaining of a reputation, and as a citizen he has been thorough and faithful in the discharge of the duties which have devolved upon him.

Born in Memphis, Missouri, October 28th, 1869, Doctor Clapper is a son of Henry D. and Ann E. (Ford) Clapper, while his father was a native of Ohio, born June 30, 1834, and the latter was a son of parents who were born in Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Henry D. Clapper was brought up amid rural surroundings and remained on his father’s homestead until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, beginning as a clerk in a store at Memphis, Missouri. He was industrious and ambitious, carefully saved his wages, and learned every detail of his chosen occupation, finally entering business on his own account as the proprietor of an establishment at Unionville, Missouri, and later at Downing, Missouri. He died at the latter place, July 10, 1882, after a long and successful career, and was known as one of the substantial men of his community and as a good and public spirited citizen. He was a member of the Christian Church and supported its movement throughout his life. Mr. Clapper was married in 1856 to Miss Ann E. Ford, who was born August 8, 1831, in Kentucky, a daughter of Minor L. Ford, a native of Kentucky. She died at Palisade, Colorado, February 23, 1909, in the faith of the Christian Church, of which she had been a life-long member. Mr. and Mrs. Clapper were the parents of five daughters and one son, as follows: Ida S., who is deceased; Clara M., who has also passed away; Martha A., who is now the wife of Dr. J. L. Tadlock, of Palisade, Colorado: Ella J., who is deceased; Nancy E., who is the widow of J. M. Guinn, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Dr. E. P.. of this review.

Dr. E. P. Clapper was educated in the public schools of Downing, Missouri, and as a youth was engaged in working in his father’s store as a salesman. He continued thus for a number of years, but had always cherished an ambition to enter the medical profession, and when twenty-seven years of age allowed his inclinations to have full sway, entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa. He was graduated from that institution in 1901, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and since that time has been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession at Waynoka. Here he now has a large, well-appointed office, with an extensive library and all instruments and appliances for handling the most delicate and complicated medical and surgical cases. His acknowledged skill, thorough knowledge and broad sympathy have attracted to him a large and representative practice, and he is justly numbered among the leading practitioners of Woods County. Doctor Clapper maintains membership in the leading medical societies, is a close and attentive student, and subscribes to the foremost journals of his profession, thus keeping fully abreast of the various changes and advancements made in the calling. He is well known in Masonry and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family attends the Christian Church.

Doctor Clapper was married January 11, 1893, to Miss Belle Guinn, who was born at Coatesville, Missouri, December 22, 1874, and died at Waynoka, Oklahoma, March 21, 1906, daughter of J. C. and Susan E. (Epperson) Guinn. Two children were born to this union: Leon G., born January 28, 1895, who died December 1st, 1915; and Eben Paul, born December 15, 1893. Doctor Clapper was again married, October 28, 1908, at Cleo, Oklahoma, to Miss Della M. Manley, who was born July 4, 1877, daughter of Elijah W. and Martha (Weinenger) Manley. To this union there have been born two children: Martha Elizabeth, born December 15, 1913, who died March 27, 1914; and Rachel, born February 16, 1915.