PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF OKLAHOMA 1901

Biographies on this page:

Layton, William
Kirby, Robert P.
Lucas, H. L.
McCormick, Samuel H.
Northrup, J. A.
Sain, J. W.

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WILLIAM LAYTON.
The indefatigable energy which the English people possess, and by which they have made such wonderful strides along the lines of progress in every department of life's activities, finds an exponent in William Layton, who has improved a homestead in Cimarron township, Kingfisher county, and is numbered with the practical agriculturists and stock-raisers of Oklahoma territory.

Born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1843, Mr. Layton is a son of Thomas Layton, who was a prosperous tiller of the soil. For some time after arriving at maturity our subject engaged in farming on a large scale, and often kept a good-sized herd of cattle. In 1886 he removed with his family to the United States, where he believed that better opportunities for advancement could be had, and this he has proved to his own satisfaction, realizing a snug little fortune within a few years, as the result of arduous toil. The first winter of his stay in this hospitable land was spent at Ogle county, Ill., and in the spring of 1889 he removed to Harper county, Kans., where he rented a farm until Oklahoma was thrown open to settlement.

April 22, 1889, Mr. Layton made the race into this land of promise, and, though he was not successful in securing a claim such as he desired, he purchased his present homestead on the following day, filing papers to the same on the 4th of May. That summer he passed in Kansas, but in the autumn commenced building a good, substantial house, and set about the task of making other improvements upon the place. Now he has placed one hundred and twenty acres under cultivation, and as he desired more land for the raising of wheat he bought property until he now owns four hundred acres, and plants all but one hundred acres of this with wheat. It was seven years after his settlement here that he had sufficient means ahead to enable him to buy some coveted land�the southwestern quarter of section 4, Kingfisher township, though two years previously he had invested in eighty acres situated in the southwestern part of section 14. He raises short-horn cattle, horses, mules and hogs, and is realizing good financial returns from live stock. The appearance of the farm buildings and every portion of the homestead speaks well for the enterprise of the owner, who has been ably assisted in his labors by his four sons, all promising young men.

Since receiving the right of franchise Mr. Layton has voted for Democratic men and measures. He is a member of the local school board and was influential in organizing the educational system now enjoyed by the children of district No. 115, acting on the first board of directors here.

July 19, 1873, in England, Mr. Layton married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Charlotte (Groom) Negus. The father was the oldest tenant on the great estate of the Duke of Bleuch, and his ancestors, for three hundred years, lived and died on that same landed possession, which some centuries ago belonged to the Montagues. The home of the Negus family was within two miles of Birnwell Castle, and the dwelling of the Grooms also was not far from the village of Polebrook, on the same estate, and they, too, for generations were tenants of the Dukes of Bleuch. Mrs. Layton, the youngest of three children, is the mother of four manly sons, namely: Charles W., Thomas A., John N. and Harry, and, without exception, they are a credit to their esteemed parents, and, like them, are deservedly popular with all of their acquaintances.

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ROBERT P. KIRBY,
who owns a fine homestead on section 4, Logan township, Kingfisher county, is actively aiding in the great work of developing the resources of Oklahoma. Beginning his career here without means, he has-gradually worked his way upward to a position of affluence, and in the meantime has so loyally met every obligation resting upon him as a citizen that he has won the sincere respect of his neighbors and acquaintances.

In tracing the family history of our subject it is learned that five brothers bearing the name of Kirby emigrated to America from Ireland prior to the war of the Revolution, and in that conflict several of them participated. Three of the brothers settled in Ohio at an early period and the others proceeded further west. Robert P. Kirby, Sr., father of our subject, was born in Warren county, Ohio, whence he went to De Witt county, Ill., about 1845. There he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for about fifteen years, and for a portion of this time was a merchant at Clinton, Ill. In 1858 he removed to Ossawottomie, Kans., where he was extensively occupied in raising thoroughbred horses. Just before the outbreak of the Civil war he started with some live stock for Texas, with the intention of buying a large ranch. He was never heard from by his family, and it is supposed that he was murdered by border ruffians or "Jay-hawkers." He was a man of excellent education and business qualifications, and was held in genuine respect by all who knew him. He was survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Phoebe Graham. She was a native of Warren county, Ohio, and departed this life twelve years ago, in Illinois, at the age of seventy-five years. Two of her children also have passed to the silent land, and of the eight surviving ones only two, R. P. and Mrs. Coppenbarger, are residents of this territory. The birth of Robert P. Kirby took place in DeWitt county, Ill., in 1851, and in his youth he learned the practical details of farming and business affairs. In 18/8 he removed to Sumner county, Kans., and for two years carried on a farm belonging to his brother. Then, purchasing the place, he continued to cultivate the homestead until the summer of 1881, when he removed to Franklin county, Iowa, and in company with the firm of Ferris Brothers commenced raising nursery stock. Later he became the partner of S. W. Ferris, in the same line of business, and continued to devote his energy to this specialty until shortly before the time set for the opening of Oklahoma, when he sold out his interest to Mr. Ferris.

Making the race on the 22d of April, 1889, Mr. Kirby secured a claim on section 33, township 17, range 6, Kingfisher county, and for about three years was actively occupied in improving the place, a large orchard being one of the attractive features of the farm. A favorable opportunity for selling the property presenting itself, he disposed of the farm, and in its stead bought a tract of wild land in the same township, and again set about the task of developing a good farm. In-January, 1898, he traded the place for bis present one, which is very fertile and desirable, much of the land lying along the Walnut and Birds' creeks. He has set out a large orchard, and has cleared the timber from several acres, while he retains sufficient forests to meet his requirements' in the future. The creeks mentioned and two good wells furnish plenty of water, and beautiful shade trees, planted with due regard for the general appearance of the premises, add much to the desirability of the homestead. In addition to his general farming, the owner raises a good grade of cattle, horses and hogs.

One of the first directors of his district in Banner township, Mr. Kirby labored industriously for the cause of education, and, when the school building was being constructed, personally worked on it for twenty-six days, and donated this to the community as a token of his zeal. Of late years he has been a supporter of the Democratic party, and is the present chairman of the county central committee. Frequently has he been sent as a delegate to conventions of his party, and though he is a great worker in the ranks, he is perfectly disinterested, having no desire to occupy any public office or receive any honors.

In 1873 the marriage of Mr. Kirby and Charlotte Personett was solemnized in DeWitt county, Ill. Their eldest child, Minnie F., is the wife of O. E. Brewster, and the other children�Alvah Carl, Maude and Blanche�are yet at home, assisting their parents and sharing their joys and sorrows.

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H. L. LUCAS,
of Cimarron township, Kingfisher county, is well and favorably known to the people of this section of the territory, owing to his efficient and praiseworthy work as treasurer of this township, in which important office he served for two years, and four years in Kingfisher township, having been appointed first to the position by Governor Steele. In 1897 he was a candidate for the office of county commissioner, and now is acting as treasurer of his own township. For five years he was clerk of the local school board, and thus assisted in the building of the first schoolhouse erected in this region. When it was completed, Prof. J. R. Hale was secured to teach the school, which enjoys the honor of being the first regular public school in active educational work in the territory. He has possessed great faith in this country since he first beheld it, and has done everything within his power to further its progress.

H. L. Lucas is one of the eight children born to Thomas and Sarah (Van de Vender) Lucas, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father's ancestors were Scotch people who settled in the Keystone state at an early day. He was a cripple from the time that he was six years old until his death, in 1898, when he was in his seventy ninth year. Notwithstanding his misfortune, he accomplished a great deal in his long, useful life, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. For seven years he served as an apprentice to the tailor's trade, after which he was employed as a merchant tailor in his native state, and in Indiana and Ohio. From 1856 until 1885 he resided in the Hoosier state, after which he lived in Nebraska until his death. His wife died before his demise, at their old home in Indiana, when she was sixty-eight years old.

The birth of our subject occurred in 1849, m Huntingdon, Pa., and in 1852 he removed with the family to Ohio, and four years later to Indiana, where he obtained most of his education. In 1864, when less than fifteen years old. he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and served for one hundred and twenty-seven days, or until the close of the war, being employed at garrison duty chiefly. For several years afterwards he was occupied in his trade of plastering, in Indiana, and then went to the west, where he prospected in different localities, and in 1869 made an overland trip to Denver. In 1887 he went to Dawes county, Neb., and there improved a claim, which he sold in 1889. and on that site now stands the town of Marcella. On the night of April 21, 1889, Mr. Lucas was at the western line of Oklahoma, near Kingfisher, and on the following clay arrived at the farm which he located at three minutes past twelve, and three days later he filed his claim to the property. A few improvements were instituted by him within the next few weeks, and on the I7th of May he was joined by his family, and together they lived in a tent for a short period. In July, however, he completed his present house, which, as it is twenty-eight feet square, was one of the largest in the country at that time, and yet is one of the best in this section. He was obliged to haul the lumber from Guthrie, and thus the structure was rapidly and well put up, under the circumstances. One hundred and seven acres are under cultivation, and most of the remainder of the farm is devoted to the pasture land for the large herds of cattle and numbers of horses which the owner usually keeps. The fine orchard which he planted comprises about five hundred trees.

Politically, Mr. Lucas is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. His first political office was when he was appointed a deputy by the sheriff of Wabash county, Ind., and in that capacity he served for two terms. The satisfaction which he gave to the public led to his being called to higher honors in later life, and always Iras he justified the wisdom of his friends. For the past five years he has been the quartermaster of Kingfisher Post No. 2, G. A. R., and for a period he was commander of the same. He also is past noble grand of Kingfisher Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the grand lodge of Oklahoma, in which body he has held official positions. Formerly president of the Farmers' Elevator at Kingfisher, he is now vice-president and a stockholder and a director of the company. In 1878 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lucas and Rebecca Van Fleet, of New Jersey. They are the parents of three promising sons, named, respectively, E. R., Leslie and Cecil.

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SAMUEL H. McCORMICK, M. D.
To the veterans of the Civil war a special place of honor should be given in the history of this now prosperous republic. Dr. S. H. McCormick, a well-known citizen of Banner township. Kingfisher county, comes of a patriotic family, many of his relatives, as well as himself, having battled and suffered for this, their beloved country. Several of his ancestors and their near relatives were soldiers of the war of the Revolution, prior to which time they had lived in Virginia. His grandfather, Samuel McCormick, was a native of the Old Dominion, born in the city of Wheeling (now in West Virginia). When Indiana was a young state he cast in his fortune with her few inhabitants, and for that time he was considered a rich farmer, as he owned hall a section of well-improved land and had abundant means. He died at the advanced age of seventy-nine years.

William, father of S. H. McCormick. was born on the old homestead in Virginia, and settled in Owen county, Ind., in its early annals. taking up a claim near the one owned by his father. Many years later, in 1870, he removed to Kansas, and has since resided upon a claim which he located in Cowley county. He has been extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has dealt to a large extent in live stock. During the war of the Rebellion he was a soldier in the Union army for thirty months, identified with Company G. Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry. For years he has been prominent in Grand Army circles in Kansas, and in his vicinity is well known for his activity in the promo-lion of the Republican party interests. His faithful wife, who in her girlhood was Miss Nancy Mulkey, departed this life in 1898, in her eightieth year. Five of their nine children survive, namely: Samuel; Elizabeth, Mrs. Bastin, of Cowley county, Kans.; Ethel, wife of G. C. Bolend. of Kingfisher; Mattie, wife of William W. Dill, of Wichita, Kans., and Mrs. Alice Mayberry, of Pueblo, Colo. The birth of Samuel H. McCormick occurred in Owen county, Ind., and his boyhood was spent in the Hoosier state. He was only sixteen years of age when he enlisted in the same company as did his father� Company G, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry. The vouth served for one year in the "Army of The Cumberland," and at the battle of Murfreesboro was severely wounded. For two days and nights he lay suffering on the battle-field, at last being taken to the field hospital and later to Nashville. Soon discharged on account of his disability, he was sent home and there slowly recovered his health. His studies had been interrupted, and he now resumed his high school course, subsequently entering Bloomington State University. In 1869 that institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Science, and he then turned his attention to the more serious duties of life.

After devoting three years to the drug business in Bloomington, Ind., during which time he had pursued medical studies, the doctor embarked in practice at Worthington, same state. At the end of two years he removed to Saline City. Ind., where he pursued his chosen calling for a period, and then became a resident of Geuda Springs, Kans., in 1880. During the nine years of his residence in that thriving town he enjoyed a large and growing practice, but believing that still better opportunities awaited him in Oklahoma, he came to this territory, April 22, 1889. He was fortunate in securing a good claim in the southwestern part of section 17, Banner township, and began making good improvements upon the place. Planting some three hundred trees of different varieties of fruit, he has carefully watched the growth of his young orchard, which is now bearing good harvests. In connection with the general farming which he carries on, he engages in general practice of his profession, and has won the respect of the community. Desiring to further qualify himself for his work, he took a course of lectures in the Louisville State University in Kentucky, being graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1893. He was a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and in 1878 volunteered his services in the yellow fever epidemic in the South. As a member of the Howard medical corps, he stayed through the long sixty days' siege and at length succumbed to the fever himself.

Neglecting none of the duties devolving upon a public-spirited citizen, Dr. McCormick loyally assisted in the organizing of the local school district, serving as a member of the board of education for several years, and has favored various local improvements. Politically, he is a stalwart Republican, and socially belongs to the Kingfisher Lodge of Odd Fellows, arid formerly was active in the Masonic order.

In 1876 Dr. McCormick wedded Anna Coffey, who died, leaving two children: Samuel L., of Kingfisher, who died in April, 1900, and an infant, also deceased. The present wife of the doctor formerly was Mrs. Ida Barnum, of this county. Her father, David McPherson, who now lives on a farm east of Dover, Kingfisher county, was born in West Virginia, and moved to Henry county, Mo., at an early day. Thence going to Harper county, Kans., in 1889, he came to Oklahoma in the fall of that year and purchased a claim in Excelsior township, where he now resides. His wife, mother of Mrs. McCormick, was Miss Sarah Wood, of West Virginia, in her girlhood, and of their three children Mary is deceased, and the only son is William McPherson, of this territory. By her previous marriage Mrs. McCormick had one son, Clyde.

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J. A. NORTHUP, M. D.,
is one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons of Oklahoma, and, having been closely connected with the upbuilding of this garden spot of the west, he eminently deserves a place in its annals. He has officiated also as postmaster of Dover, Kingfisher county, for the past two years, and for some time has been a justice of the peace here.

The birth of this esteemed citizen occurred in 1840, at Orange, Schuyler county, N. Y. His father, Solomon Northup, was engaged in the business of growing hops for the markets, and was well known throughout that section of the Empire state. Dr. Northup received a liberal public school education, and had matriculated in college and was making good progress in his literary studies when the Civil war broke out and his patriotic blood was fired, so that all other considerations were cast aside. In 1861 he entered upon a three years' service in the Federal army, belonging to Company I, Eighty-sixth New York Infantry. He served as a private and later as a sergeant in his company, and for the greater part of his term of enlistment his regiment was assigned to the Third Division, Second Army Corps, under the leadership of General Hancock. He participated in numerous dreadful battles, including those of the Wilderness, the second,battle of Bull Run, and Gettysburg. July 2, 1863, he was seriously wounded at Gettysburg, and for three months was confined to the wards of the Annapolis Navy Hospital. While still crippled and dependent upon crutches, he returned to his regiment and completed his term of enlistment, being honorably discharged as hospital steward at Pittsburg, Pa., November 11, 1864.

When he had to some extent recovered his health. Dr. Northup went to Ann Arbor. Mich., where he pursued the first year's medical course. He completed his medical studies at Hobart University, in Geneva, N. Y., being graduated in 1866. Locating at Port Huron, Mich., he practiced his profession for a year, after which he conducted a practice in his native county for eight years. Subsequently he resided in Ithaca, N. Y., for fourteen years, in the meantime becoming very proficient in his chosen life work.

Hoping that members of his family might be benefited in health by a change of climate, Dr. Northup came to Kingfisher county on the day that it was opened, and for three years he was occupied in medical practice at the county seat. In 1892, when the town of Dover was organized. he established an office here, and since that time has enjoyed a liberal share of the local patronage. He is called to administer to patients far and near, and, in connection with his practice, he owns a drug store, which is well equipped and managed.

In 1867 Dr. Northup married Mary E. Crandall, and for over a quarter of a century they pursued the journey of life together. She was called, to the home beyond in 1894, and left a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. The elder daughter of the doctor and wife, Myrtle A., married Herbert Gadsby, principal of the high school of North Adams, Mass. Lillian, the younger, is living with her father, and Don A., the only son, is pursuing a pharmaceutical course of study in the University of Oklahoma, at Norman.

Dr. Northup always has taken a patriotic interest in the public schools of our country, and everything which advances progress. He is loyal to the principles of the Republican party, in whose policy he thoroughly believes. In the Odd Fellows order he has been much interested, and now is past noble grand of Lodge No. 8 of Dover. He also was actively associated with the Masons in New York state, and now is a demitted member. Strongly in favor of temperance, he has been identified with the Good Templars for several years. When the Methodist Episcopal church was organized here, he was one of its most zealous workers, and since has served in the capacity of chairman of the board of trustees.

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J. W. SAIN,
numbered among the public spirited citizens who have been associated with the founding of Kingfisher county, resides on the northeastern quarter of section 35, Cimarron township. In him are combined the many sterling qualities of his English and German ancestors, with strong Scotch traits of integrity and perseverance added thereto.

His parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Wright) Sain, were natives of Ohio, and were, respectively, of German and Scotch-English descent. The father of Peter Sain, Henry Sain by name, likewise was a native of the Buckeye state, where his parents were very, early settlers. He was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Ohio. Peter Sain, who was a fine mechanic, pursued business along that line during the greater part of his mature life, and made his home in Perry county, Ohio When the Civil war was in progress he volunteered his services to his country, and soon after the close of the war his life came to a close also, largely owing to his arduous .army experiences. He was the father of five children, one of whom, Thomas, is deceased, and the others are J. W., Lulu, Emma and William.

The birth of J. W. Sain took place in Perry county, Ohio, in 1848, and his early years were spent in that locality. He completed his education in Somerset Academy, and then embarked on his long and successful career as a teacher. His first experience in that line was when he was only seventeen years of age, and for fifteen terms he continued to teach in the schools of Perry and Fairfield counties. For three years prior to his coming to the west he was engaged in a mercantile business at Junction City, Ohio.

In 1877 Mr. Sain went to Ringgold, Iowa, and purchased a tract of wild prairie land, which he improved, making a model homestead of the place. During the eight years of his residence there he was quite successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, and added to his income by teaching school in the winter. In 1885 he located in Harper county, Kans., buying a farm near the town of Harper, in which place he constructed a business block, which he leased to a merchant. He was the third man to reach Kingfisher on the 22d of April, 1889, and secured some desirable city lots. At the end of two months he found that the "northeastern quarter of section 35, township 17, range 7, had been overlooked, and he immediately filed a claim to the property. From the raw prairie land he has developed a model country home, and each year raises a large crop of wheat and corn. A large orchard which he planted yields good returns now, and well-kept shade trees, judiciously placed, add much to the beauty of the homestead. Soon after settling here he erected a commodious house, by far the best in this region at that time, and few in the fanning districts of the county to-day are better. The barn and other farm buildings are substantial and neat, and an atmosphere of thrift is everywhere about the place. As he plants two hundred acres with wheat, our subject leases a quarter section of section 36, and thus operates three hundred and twenty acres altogether.

The active part which Mr. Sain has always taken in educational matters led to his being chosen to carry on the public's interests in that direction while a resident of Iowa. He acted as treasurer, clerk and president of the local school board, and since coming to this locality has been an influential factor in the establishment of our educational system. He was principal of the first school in the citv of Kingfisher, and, before a school building had been put up in district No. 63, he taught pupils in his own house, and took an active part in the work of obtaining proper accommodations. He still acts as a member of the district board of directors. Religiously identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, he has acted as superintendent of the Sunday-school and for years taught a class, being a popular instructor, whether in secular or religious schools. Politically he favors the Republican party, and always has been a firm believer in the policy pursued by that organization. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in his native county was secretary of the Odd Fellows lodge.

May 27, 1877, Mr. Sain married Mary Hitchcock, daughter of Col. N. F. Hitchcock, of Ohio. He was a hero of the Civil war and commanded the Ninetieth Ohio Infantry. His last years were spent in Sterling, Neb., where he was honored and greatly esteemed. Mrs. Mary (Hitchcock) Sain died December 3Oth, 1893, at their home in this county. October 27th, 1895, Mr. Sain was married to Mrs. Cora (Parmlee) Nye, widow of R. E. Nye, by whom she had three children� Charles, Caroline and Ella. By the second marriage of our subject are two sons: Jay Wright, born October 6th, 1806, and Dewey Parmlee, born June 20, 1898. Mrs. Cora Sain was born October 21st, 1858, in Minnesota. Her parents. Oliver and Mary (Fisher) Parmlee, were natives of New Hampshire and New York, respectively, and settled in Michigan, where they met and were married. They had three children� Charles, John and Cora Isabel.