Perry’s Importance

A Business Center and a Large Shipping Point

A Bright Young City, in the Heart of a Rich Agricultural Country – Wonderful Progress Made by Its People in the Short Period of four Years, Possessing all of the Advantages of a Modern City.

At 12 o’clock, noon, on September 16th, 1893, the Cherokee Strip was thrown open to settlement. It is estimated that on the line nine miles south of Perry, no less than fifty thousand people gathered to make the free for all race for a home in this much coveted land, thousands of whom had their mind set on securing claim, while thousands of others centered their hopes on a lot in the townsite of Perry. At that time the entire country was a vast sea of prairie – the home of the Texas steer and the coyote. Not even a lone cabin could be seen to mark the title of settlement by the white man. In less than forty minutes after 12 o’clock no less than 20,000 persons were scrambling for the possession of lots in Perry. In many instances as many as a dozen were claiming the same lot, each doing their best to oust the others, and the scene resembled one continuous mass of humanity struggling for existence, and that his sole existence depended on gaining peaceable possession of a small spot of ground 25 x 150 feet. By sundown the same day dozens of houses were in course of erection, and when the sun rose the next morning another army of people joined in the throng and added much to the push and jam on all sides. This army was composed of those who made the run for claims, and, after either failing to secure a claim, or having staked one of their choice, were making their way to the U. S. Land Office to secure their filings on the land of their choice. The scenes incident to the first few weeks would fill a book of many pages, but, no doubt, will remain a part of unwritten history.

On September 28, twelve days after the opening, Governor Renfrow issued his proclamation declaring Perry a city of the first-class and ordering an election for municipal officers, to be held on Saturday, October 21, 1893. This election resulted in the election of the entire Democratic ticket with J. M. Brogan as mayor: Lon Whorton, city clerk; and George Farrar, treasurer. A well regulated police force was soon organized and order brought out of chaos, when the city began to assume the appearance of a well regulated municipality, and from that time to the present no city in the Territory has enjoyed a more prosperous growth. The speculators, the “long and short” men have gone and left a city composed of law-abiding industrious citizens to enjoy the fruits of a well deserved, peaceable commonwealth, whose residences and business blocks are today shining monuments of push, energy and enterprise. In a little over four years Perry has “won the spurs,” and might be styled the “Peerless Princess of the Prairie,” had not that phrase been adopted by a northern neighbor while our city was yet unborn. With the favorable location, natural surrounding and beauty of situation, Perry is entitled to all the good things that might be said of it, though we will be satisfied with the assertion that it is as good a town of the size as there is in the length and breadth of the country, and present facts and argument to prove it. To get to the point without gush or flattery, presenting the plain unvarnished truth, Perry has 4,000 people at four years of age. It is the metropolis of the Cherokee Outlet, and is situated in the center of a vast area of productive territory. It is on the Santa Fe railway, fifty miles south of the Kansas line, and is generally the first point visited by persons coming to Oklahoma from the North and East. When one stops to consider the territory surrounding Perry, that is at the command of its markets, he does not wonder at its importance as a shipping point and commercial center. Within the area of four counties Perry has no competition as a market and business center. To the north, the nearest town is thirty-five miles; to the east the nearest railroad point is one hundred miles; to the south the only city to be considered a competitor is thirty miles, and to the west the nearest railroad point is forty-five miles. It is not uncommon to meet people upon the streets of Perry who have traveled fifty and seventy-five miles to secure the advantage of its facilities as a market, and trade with the merchants.

A conservative estimate places the amount of wheat that will be shipped from this market this season at 500,000 bushels, worth nearly that many dollars. Exports of other productions include 5,000 bales of cotton, compared to 400 bales last year; there is a telling increase; 350 cars of cotton seed, 378 cars of hogs, 9 cars flax, 25 cars broom corn, 75 cars castor beans, together with large quantities of cattle, poultry, produce, etc.

The important manufacturing enterprises are, a flouring mill with a capacity of 300 barrels, ice plant with capacity of 50 tons per day, carriage factory, three cotton gins, cigar factory, and other minor industries. Manufacturing is something that has been largely neglected in Perry up to date, yet there is not a more promising field for the establishment of varied industries of this character. There is no reason why the common articles manufactured in the central and eastern states cannot be produced here at the same cost, and thus effect a great saving to the consumer in the way of freight rates, which in bulky goods often exceeds the first cost, when brought from distant points. Here can he had the raw material, and a home market. All articles of manufacture which supply the means of every day living or are used in the home, on the farm, or in the shop, will find a ready sale. There should be machinery here to manufacture the cotton crop of the country into the finished article. There is an opening for a starch factory, canning factory, fruit evaporating and drying establishment, woolen mills, tannery and manufacture of gloves and leather goods, tile and pressed brick works, stove factory, foundries, machine shops, vinegar and pickle works, sash and door factory, planing mills, cement factory, marble works, galvanized iron and cornice works. As there is a vast amount of building going on anything manufactured in the way of building material would be in great demand. The people are getting their eyes open to the folly of impoverishing their country by sending money away from home for manufactured articles when the same can just as well be manufactured here, the money kept at home and the employmont given to home labor. The field naturally offers great inducements for manufacturers to locate here and the people are desirous of encouraging that class of industry.

Perry is organized as a city of the first class and has all the departments of modern municipal government. The city is divided into four wards; two aldermen are elected from each ward. There is a Police Judge and police department which keeps the city orderly. A fire department is provided. The greater part of the twenty miles of streets have been graded. The city has a system of waterworks with several miles of mains, and a large electric light plant.

Perry is the county seat of one of the largest and best counties in Oklahoma. The United States Land Office is located here, practically making this the headquarters for all of the vast region comprising the eastern district of the Cherokee Outlet. This business is of much importance to the city. This is also the home of the associate justice for this district, and the United States as well as the Territorial court, is held at this place, making it an important legal and political center.

There is already a splendid system of graded schools under competent management, which are making fine progress, with an enrollment of 620 pupils. Thirteen teachers are employed, including the superintendent. Perry’s school buildings have been erected at a cost of $25,000. The Perry Academy, under the control of the Congregational church, is a promising institution of learning. There is nothing that adds more to a town as a desirable place in which to live, than good schools and colleges; they add a refining, intellectual influence to society which is very wholesome.

The different church orginizations (sic) are well represented in Perry. Following are the different churches which have regular organizations and pastors: Congregational, Christian, Methodist Episcopal, M. E., South, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic. The buildings are creditable to the energies of the people who erected them. All have their usual auxiliary societies and young peoples’ meetings. The Christian society in this town makes it a suitable home for any worker in the Faith.

The usual civic and fraternal orders have flourishing lodges organized where they work together in the spirit of their orders. Those represented are the A. F. and A. M., Blue Lodge, Royal Chapter, I. 0. 0. F. Encampment and Rebecca, K. of P., G. A. R., Sons of Veterans, Womans’ Relief Corps, K. of L,. Eastern Star, A. 0. U. W., Red Men, and Woodman.

Socially Perry is a pleasant place of residence. The people are naturally of a social turn and endeavor to make all happy with whom they come in contact. There are no castes, and decent respectibility recommends one to public favor. They have their clubs, their socials and pastimes. All of the culture and purity of the home pervades every avenue of society and its influences are of an ennobling character.

This is but a fair type of the modern western town, though there has been no “boom” in its growth; simply at a steady even rate it has kept pace with its surroundings and grown up with the country, though rather inclined to conservatism. Its business men and citizenship are industrious. Many of them have come from over-boomed towns and have profited by their experience. The labor and industry required in developing a new country creates the wealth, and the people here are not merely engaged in bartering and dickering that takes capital from the savings of one man and adds it to that of another. There are opportunities here for men to engage in business or invest capital profitably. Those interested will do well to visit the city or correspond with some of the business men whose names appear in this paper.

Hon. J. J. Powers.

This gentleman was recently appointed Receiver of Public Money of the Land Office at this place. and he is quite favorably impressed with his new home. Mr. Powers comes from Pennsylvania where he was born and has made his home all his life. He was educated in the common schools of Rochester and was at Washington College two sessions. At the age of eighteen he took up civil engineering on the surveys of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad and has made it his life’s profession. He has been principally engaged in railroad work, and, with the exception of having been county surveyor of Beaver county and upwards of three years spent in surveying lands in allotment for the Indians in the Quapaw Agency, I. T., and the Warm Spring Agency, Oregon, this is the first public office which Mr. Powers has occupied. He secured his present position through Senator Quay, whom he has known since boyhood. Mr. Powers will make a good official and our people will no doubt be pleased with his administration of the office.

Perry Water, Light & Ice Co.

The Perry Water, Light & Ice Co. have more capital invested in Perry than any other institution operating as they do, the water system of the city, the electric light plant and a large ice factory. The system of water works is one of the best in the Territory. It is direct pressure and affords the best of fire protection as well as furnishing water to all parts of the business and resident portions of the city. They have several miles of mains and numerous customers throughout the city. The electric light plant furnishes both arc and incandescent lights. The city is lighted by the former and the service is first-class. All of the principle business houses use the latter, besides a great many are used for lighting residences and public buildings. The ice factory, belonging to this company, has a large capacity and beside furnishing it for the city, they ship, in large quantities, to surrounding towns. E. D. Nims is the manager of these extensive interests. He is one of the shrewdest business men in the city and it is through his enterprise that many good things have been done for Perry.

T. G. Adkison.

A neat, well kept business house adds much to the appearance of a town and impresses the stranger that the proprietor is up to the times. The grocery establishment of T. G. Adkison, which is shown in a photograph upon this page, is the neatest and cleanest grocery house in Perry and resembles the houses in the large cities more than in a town the size of Perry. Mr. Adkison is a thorough groceryman and has enjoyed a successful business career in Perry. He began business on a side street; later he purchased the splendid location where he is now – northeast corner of square. Besides taking the lead in a retail way, he has launched out into the wholesale business and does quite a good deal of jobbing to the merchants in the surrounding towns. He makes a specialty of fine, fancy groceries and his stock comprises the best that money will buy. By handling this grade of goods, he has secured the best class of trade and he caters particularly to their wants.

Hon. Louis Davis.

This gentleman has been the Register of the Land Office at this place for the past four years. He bears the highest reputation for honesty and integrity and has probably fulfilled the duties, of his office as well as any man could have in fairness to all. Judge Davis came here from Georgia. He was for a number of years a mender of the Georgia state senate and was appointed to this position at the instance of Hon. Hoke Smith, Mr. Cleveland’s secretary of the Interior.

Foster Lumber Co.

Perry is one of the best points for this large company and they carry an excellent stock of all kinds of lumber and building material at their place. The yard is under the management of W. C. McCune, an indomitable hustler and they enjoy a large portion of the trade in their line. The Foster yard has earned a reputation for a superior grade of lumber, and people who buy of them are always well pleased with their purchase. They are sure to get the grades figured on and the figures are always low considering the high quality of the material which they handle.

W. T. Smith.

W. T. Smith is one of the energetic citizens of Perry who has the essential qualities of citizenship in the building up and development of a new country. He came here at the opening from Paola, Kansas, brought a car load of ice with him and was for sometime engaged in the ice business. He is now acting in the capacity of jailor for Noble county and has proven himself a careful pains-taking official, watchful of his duty. While there have been a number of attempts at jail breaking, none have succeeded under his administration. Mr. Smith is a native of the Hoosier state and was born in Fountain county, Oct. 28, 1844. His parents moved to Iowa in 1849, and from there to Kansas in 1857, where he resided until the opening of this country, twenty years of which time he lived at the town of Paola. Mr. Smith has raised a family of eleven children, all of whom are now living at home. He is very proud of his family and indeed has a right to be. He served during the late unpleasantness as a private of company E., 11th K. V. C., and gets a great deal of pleasure from the associations of his old comrades.

The Blue Point.

Frank Ireland, the genial host of the Blue Point restaurant, keeps a neat place for supplying the inner man. The best of everything to be had is served by clean waiters and prepared by experienced cooks. Fresh oysters, fish and game in season. A good square meal is put up at a low price, and the thousands who have eaten at this place will testify to its merits. Anything can he had on short order and the place is kept open day and night. The Blue Point is south of the land office.

B. Liebenheim.

The business men of Perry afford a number of illustrations of energetic men who have begun with comparatively nothing in this city, and in the short interval of time, or four years, have become comfortably well-to-do.

B. Liebenheim, the Merchant Tailor, belongs to the above. Mr. Liebenheim is of foreign decent, being a native of Austria-Hungary, where he was born in 1859. He began his trade in his thirteenth year, and seven years later joined the Hungarian Cavalry, serving in the capacity of sergeant for six years. Upon leaving the army Mr. Liebenheim came to New York City where he worked at his trade for a year and was enabled to engage in business for himself in the great metropolis. He went from there to Bridgeport, Conn., where he remained a year. At the opening of Oklahoma proper he located at Guthrie. He made the run later into the Sac and Fox country, securing a valuable quarter section one mile and a half from Chandler. He resided there and improved his farm until the opening of this country when he came to Perry. He opened business here without capital and now has one of the best business houses and lot on the south side and a fine stock of merchant tailoring goods. He still owns the farm in Lincoln Co. Mr. Liebenheim understands his business thoroughly and enjoys a large trade.

The Good Luck Millinery Store.

The above illustration shows one corner in the Good Luck Millinery Store. Mrs. Williams, in the short space of two years, has carved her way to success and her establishment is known as one of the most complete in Oklahoma. This lady combines tact and business ability with a knowledge of her line of goods possessed by an artist. She visits the great millinery centers twice a year and in person select the goods suitable to her trade. She carries the novelties not generally introduced in a town of this size but she has educated her trade up to that point where the latest and best goods in the market sell readily. The Good Luck Millinery Store is a credit to Perry and to the enterprise and genius of the lady who is at the head of the establishment.

Smith Brothers.

The business of this firm has grown from a modest beginning during the earley (sic) days to one of the largest grocery houses in the city. They now handle a wholesale and retail trade and their reputation as a strictly reliable low priced house extends into the adjoining country. Their business house fronts on Sixth street and extends along C. It is known as the busy corner and the streets and sidewalks are always crowded with people who have produce to sell and goods to buy. This firm have recently added a large addition to their store and the interior contains everything in the grocery line carried in a first-class grocery house. They keep their old customers by satisfactory business methods and are constantly adding new ones with the advantageous facilities which they possess for carrying on a large business.

Jas. S. Bryan.

The great plant of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association is represented here by that prince of good fellows and business men, Jas. S. Bryan. Everyone knows the brewery to be America’s greatest establishment of the kind, while its products and cooling beverages are enjoyed and relished in nearly every clime (sic). The subject of this sketch, Jas. S. Bryan, was born and reared in Missouri, and has been identified with Oklahoma for the past five years, during which time he has represented the same old reliable concern, first at Norman and various other points, coming to Perry where he established a cold storage and ware house shortly after the opening. He is the owner of a fine claim five miles northwest of Perry, and is a permanent citizen of Noble county. Through the popularity of the beer and that of the irrepressible Bryan, they supply the best of the trade in this section. Mr. Bryan is popular, brim full of enterprise and a live business man, a good citizen and a true exponent of the excellent qualities of those famous brews, Budweiser. Tony Faust and the celebrated keg beer, of which, during the past year, he has sold, in Perry, sixty carloads, and which place he regards as one of the best points in Oklahoma.

Palace Barber Shop.

This is the proper place to secure a clean shave, neat hear cut and comfortable bath. The genial Dock Gullage is the propietor and he leaves nothing undone that will add to the comfort and convenience of his patrons. The best of barbers are employed and they will not talk you to death while you are being shaved. The razors are sharp, towels clean and artists touch light. Those who once patronize this place always become regular patrons. Go and see them. South side of the square.

Hon. Dick T. Morgan.

This gentleman is well known in Oklahoma legal circles and is the author of two most valuable works. “Morgan’s Manual of the U. S. Homestead Laws” and “Morgan’s Digest of the Oklahoma Statutes and Supreme Court Reports.” He graduated from Union Christian College of Indiana in 1876, and was, for a time, professor of mathematics in the same institution. He graduated from the Central Law School of Indianapolis in 1880, and the same year was elected a member of the Indiana legislature from the Terre Haute district. For three years he edited and published the Terre Haute Daily Courier. In 1886 he removed (sic) to Garden City, Kansas, where he engaged in the practice of law and was the attorney for the Santa Fe railroad. He went to Guthrie at the opening of Oklahoma proper and resided there until the opening of the “Cherokee Outlet.” Of his first work four editions have been published and 10,000 copies sold. Mr. Morgan’s latest publication entitled. “Morgan’s Digest of Oklahoma Statutes and Supreme Court Reports,” promises to have a large sale, and to be read almost universally by our people. This book contains over three hundred pages of matter, printed in solid brevier type, and hence contains about as much matter a work of double the size printed in the style of ordinary law books. Oklahoma now has three volumes of Statutes, viz: Laws of 1893, 1895 and 1897, and there have been published five volumes of Supreme Court Reports. These eight volumes contain about six thousand pages and cost over thirty dollars. Mr. Morgan’s aim has been to present in one volume in condensed form, the pith and substance of all that is contained in these eight volumes. An examination of the work will show that he has succeeded admirably in his purpose. The work has been prepared with the idea that the people generally are interested in the laws of their own State or Territory, and that if these laws were presented in such form as to place them within reach of all common readers that the people would purchase and read such a book.

In addition to the Digest of the Supreme Court Reports, the value of which every lawyer will recognize, there is also added a system of tables. In these tables is presented every section of the laws of 1893, 1895, 1897, Revised Statutes of the United States, and the Organic Act, which have been referred to or construed by our Supreme Court. By an examination of these tables, a lawyer can readily ascertain whether or not a certain section has been construed by our Supreme Court, with reference to the volume and page where the same will be found. One feature of the work is the forms presented primarily for the use of the general reader. Men are often desirous of entering into contracts or agreements where legal blanks cannot be secured, and where the services of a lawyer cannot be obtained, and especially on such occasions a book with such forms is invaluable. The editor of this edition has examined this work and can cheerfully recommend it to every citizen of the Territory. There is no branch of knowledge that will he more beneficial to the citizens and do more for the advancement of the community than a greneral knowledge of the laws of the Territory which govern the rights of property as well as the liberty of the people. Parties who desire the book can secure the same by addressing Dick T. Morgan at Perry, Oklahoma. Cloth binding sells for $2.00 and the law sheep binding at $2.50. The usual discount will be allowed to dealers and agents.

Fleming, Mockley & Farmer.

This reliable firm has been recognized as one of the substantial business institutions of Perry for the past four years and their methods have been such as to increase the confidence of the public in their ability to supply their wants. They carry a large and complete line of hardware, stoves, tinware, farming implements, wagons, buggies, etc. and their goods are of such superior order that they can warrant and recommend them to their customers. Their sales this year have been large and every customer has become a friend of the house and their method of doing business. In addition to their large stock at this place, these gentlemen operate a branch at Stillwater which is in charge of Mr. Farmer. The store at this place is situated on the north side of the square. The interior is always well arranged, and glittering steel is to be seen on every side. Everything about their house from the sidewalk to the rear, recommends them to purchasers. and the number is constantly on the increase.

Frank Lugert.

This gentleman is one of the enterprising business men of Perry and has identified himself with the city in a way that helps to improve the town. Mr. Lugert is a native of Austria, came to America in 1883, located in Milwaukee and resided in Wisconsin. for six years, from there he removed (sic) to Iowa where he was engaged in business before the opening of this country. He came here on the first day and has enjoyed a most prosperous business from the beginning. Mr. Lugert has just erected the beautiful residence on west D street, a photograph of which is shown on this page. This is one of the handsomest residences in the city and speaks well for the gentlemen’s enterprise and good taste in its erection.

Perry’s growth has been along the line of development, rather than of mushroon kind, while the city has not increased in size from the time it was settled. It has wonderfully developed and that too along the most substantial lines. Perry is a permanent fixture in point of public improvements and advancement. Perry is now in the lead of many of the older towns of the states.

Hon. A. C. Holland.

The photograph on this page is a splendid likeness of the residence of ex-Mayor Holland, who owns one of the most beautiful residences in the city of Perry. It is situated in the eastern part of the city upon a half block of ground. a part of which is nicely wooded. The lawn and surroundings are always neat and the place is one of which any person might he proud. Mr. Holland has been honored with the highest office in the gift of the city and his administration is marked for his honesty and integrity. Mr. Holland is a gentleman in whom the taxpayers have implicit faith. He is a farmer and is one of the few who make a success of farming by “proxy.” He has a large farm in Logan county and a good valley farm in Noble county. He superintends the work upon both of these places and the yield of his crops this year have been simply phenominal.

C. T. Talliaferro.

What has been said of many representative citizens of Perry might be applied to C. T. Talliafero, who has become the acknowledged leader of his race in Noble county and one of the prominent colored men in the Territory. “Tally,” as he is familiarly known to his friends, is bright, industrious and has enjoyed a successful business career in his line. From a small fruit stand on the street in the early days of Perry his establishment has grown to the dignity of a grocery, fruit and produce house of no small importance. He is now comfortably loeated on the north side of the square and has a very neat stock, including a great variety of goods to select from. He has enjoyed the benefits of a liberal education, having worked his way through Roger Williams college near Nashville, Tenn. He was born at Brownsville, that state, in 1869, and entered the above college in 1881. He remained in school until 1889. when he came to Helena, Ark.. taught school four years and then made his way to Oklahoma. He is vice-president of the Colored Men’s Protective League of Oklahoma, and his oratory is heard in all of the gatherings for the advancement of his race.

Wallerstedt, Moyer & Company.

The large iron building of Wallerstedt, Moyer & Co, at the northeast corner of the square carries as complete a line of hardware, farming implement (sic), wagons and buggies as there is to be found in Oklahoma, and the car load after car load which have been sent out from this establishment this year shows that they carry a line of goods and put a price upon them which meet with the farmers’ approval. The management have secured the agency for the leading maker of goods in their various lines and when they put an article on sale it is certain that their merits have been tested. Mr. Wallerstedt was, for a number of years, the traveling representative of a large wholesale and manufacturing concern and in that capacity gained a knowledge of goods from the manufacture to the retailer which has been of great advantage to him in purchasing for his trade. From a threshing machine to a pound of nails he knows its composition and cost of manufacture and brings the information into good use in every department of his large business. The purchasing public have learned to look the articles over in this house before purchasing and buyers are always well pleased with their dealings. This is one of the most enterprising firms in Perry and they have assisted in many public improvements for the benefit of the city and county.

Exchange Bank.

The business importance of a city is often indicated by its banking facilities and in this particular the people of Perry and Noble county are fortunate in having, a safe, sound and conservative institution in which to transact their financial business. The Exchange Bank of Perry possesses these characteristics and its business and number of friends have grown from the time the hank was established. Mr. F. G. Moore, the president, and H. A. McCandless, cashier, both give their entire time to the conduct of the business and their years of experience is shown in all of its branches. The Exchange Bank conducts a general banking business, loans and receives money on deposits. deals in negotiable paper, buys and sells exchange, etc. The management are always ready to extend every accommodation to their customers consistent with sound banking. They are courteous gentlemen with whom it is a pleasure to transact business.

Charles B. Cotteral.

Charles B. Cotteral. who has been in Perry from the first day, in company with his father has opened on the north side of the square a clothing and men’s furnishing- goods store and by his enterprise is making it warm for some of his older competitors. Their stock was purchased at a figure where they can sell at what other firms pay for their goods and clear a good profit. A neat clean line of men’s furnishings and a splendid assortment of shoes add to the attractiveness of the stock, and bargain hunters rarely pass this place by. The salesmen are courteous, clever people to do business with. It will pay intending purchasers to call and look through their stock.

H. C. Nicholson.

One of the prettiest county homes near Perry is that of H. C. Nicholson, two and a half miles east of the city. Mr. Nicholson located on this place at the opening and he has it splendidly improved as will be seen from the illustration in another column. He is engaged in the merchant tailoring business in Perry and represents one of the leading firms of Chicago and one of Kansas City. He sells neat fitting garments made to order at only a little shade higher than the ready made goods and he has built up a good trade. Satisfaction is guaranteed to all who favor him with their trade, and perfect fits he makes a specialty.

R. A. Bowden.

One of the most beautiful and highly improved farms in the Redrock Valley is that of R. A. Bowden, twelve miles north of the city of Perry. This is Mr. Bowden’s first experience as a farmer. He has been engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years. He was fifteen years in business in Grenola, Kans. Mr. Bowden is a native of West Virginia, served in the Union army of that state, and upon his return home vas elected sheriff of his county. His valuable claim was secured by filing a soldier’s declaratory statement. His place is all bottom land with thirty acres of fine timber. He averaged sixty bushels of corn to the acre this year, besides raising many other valuable crops. Mr. Bowden has a fine family of six boys and three girls, and is one of the substantial citizens in the comnmnity.

Hon. C. D. Shrader.

The above is a splendid likeness of the subject of this sketch – the Hon. C. D. Shrader, whose beautiful home lies one mile west of the city of Perry. On another page will be seen a picture of his residence recently completed. Mr. Shrader has a half section of excellent land and from his sightly residence is a grand view of the city and surrounding country. Strangers wonder at the marvelous growth of Oklahoma cities and towns. A drive into the country is a greater surprise and this is as it should be. In an agricultural country the rural should lead the urban growth. It is less than three years since Mr. Shrader came to Oklahoma entirely without means and his magnificantly improved farm shows what energy and rustle will accomplish in ”The Land of the Fair God.”

Mr. Shrader is a born farmer and his highest ambition is to be a thorough, scientific and successful one believing with Washington that “Agriculture is the most useful, most healthful and most noble employment of man.” He is a farmer, not from necessity, but from choice, as he is thoroughly qualified to successfully prosecute any business or profession. His farm is now fully stocked with draft and trotting horses, Jersey and Holstein cattle, Chester White hogs and Plymouth Rock chickens. He has more than a thousand of the choicest budded peaches ripening from June first to past the middle of October, besides apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots, grapes, berries, etc., etc., (sic) in abundance. While living in Nebraska he originated a most excellent variety of Indian corn which won first premiums at all the western fairs and at several national corn exhibitions. Such men are neeeed to build up new commonwealths and Oklahoma is proud to have them within her borders.

Mr. Shrader was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin, where he resided till thirty years of age when he removed (sic) to Nebraska and rented near Lincoln. where he resided till 1884 when again getting the western fever he located a colony of old soldiers in western Nebraska and organized Logan county, being one of the first county commissioners. Here Mr. Shrader engaged in stock raising and farming on a large scale – having near a section of land under the plow. He kept a high class of stock – English Shire horses, Short Horn cattle and Poland China swine. In 1890 a series of unprecedented droughts began which, coupled with falling prices generally, swamped him financially and in 1895 he removed to Oklahoma without means and began where he had begun once before thirty years ago – at the bottom of the ladder. Such men do not stay down long. Pluck, energy and perseverence are exhibited upon every feature of his countenance and their result are dearly seen upon every acre of his farm. For many years Mr. Shrader has been a student of sociologic, philosophic and economic questions and early saw the danger to business and labor from the encroachments of aggregated capital organized in corporations and trusts and took an active part in every movement looking towards bettering the condition of the farmer. He was foremost in organizaing the Farmers Alliance in Nebraska and was chairman of the executive committee of the first state Alliance.

In 1884 he was a member of the first anti- monopoly state convention. In 1888 he was nominated by the Democratic and Union labor parties for the legislature but was defeated by nearly 1300 majority. In 1891 he was again nominated for the same position by the same parties and succeeded in turning the tables and reversing the majority, being elected by nearly 1300 majority. When the stormy session began Mr. Shrader at once sprang to the front and became the recognized leader of the Independents. The following notice from the Lincoln Herald (Democratic) shows the estimation in which he was held:

“SHRADER OF LOGAN

deserves a personal description. none the less by his undisputed leadership of the Alliance-side of the hall than by his striking figure and bearing. More than six feet high, symetrical, erect, strong of face, confident in manner, he would attract attention anywhere. Bronzed features are well set off by a brown mustache that shades a firmly closed mouth and reveals a chin that speaks strength and resolution. In its lower tones his voice is clear, pleasing, distinct, penetrating. Rarely ever his manner depart from the collected composure of a veteran and when Shrader has been ten years in public life – if the unstable and otherwise peculiar elements to which he has affixed himself allows him so long to live – he will be one of the most powerful men in the state. He is shrewd and well informed, has had a good deal of experience of the world, and as a fighter has the courage of an Irishman, the coolness of a Scot and a phlegm probably derived from the German antestry his name indicates.”

So well did he conduct himself through the entire session and so satisfactory was his work that in 1892 he was again nominated for the same position but a few weeks later when the state convention met he was almost unanimously tendered the nomination for Lieutenant Governor and he resigned his place upon the legislature ticket and made the race for the next to the highest state office and polled a heavier vote than any one on the ticket except Gen. Van Wyck. The Omaha World-Herald (Democratic) thus speaks of him in his compaign:

“HON. C. D. SHRADER,

who will speak in Exposition hall tonight was one of the ‘farmer legislature,’ the only legislature ever elected in Nebraska that would listen to the voice of labor. He being one of the most prominent men in that honorable body, that alone should be enough to insure his election as Lieutenant Governor, but aside from that he has always been on the side of down trodden and oppressed people. The malicious attempt of the Republican part leaders in this state have drawn the honest voters closer to the people’s choice. Mr. Shrader has the confidence ofthe people of this state to such an extent that the combination to defeat him will surely fail.”

Upon his removal to Oklahoma the leading Republican paper of the state, the State Jounal, had this to say of him:

“C. D. Shrader has departed from Nebraska with a view of seeking a new home in Oklahoma. Now that he has gone where he cannot take a hand in Nebraska politics let us accord to him what we would not withhold from the dead and give him such credit as he merits. In the first place Mr. shrader was an able man intellectually – and a strong man physically. He was a reputable citizen, and the only serious charge made against him was that concerning his cranky notions in politics. In politics, however, he was unlucky. At the Columbus Congressional Convention he was a conceded winner until, in an evil moment, he had some tickets printed for use of the delegates in voting for him as their choice. When these bits of paper appeared it was playfully remarked that Mr. Shrader belonged to the old school of politics and was a dangerous man for the convention to nominate. This sentiment uttered in a joke was taken seriously, and, strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true that the printing of those tickets cost Mr. Shrader the nomination, and he has forgotten more on economic questions than Mr Kent ever knew. He then returned home and was nominated and elected to the legislature which met in 1891. He then became a candidate for Speaker of the House. He was unquestionably the ablest man in his party in that body, and the greatest mistake the Populists made in this state was when they turned him down and elected Elder. One can only imagine what the outcome of that celebrated conflict of authority between Meiklejohm and Elder would have been had Shrader been Speaker. The result might have been the same, but with the tremenduous majority held by the Populists with a man of nerve to lead them, they could have tied the minority in a sack before they had time to appeal to the supreme court. Such a man Mr. Shrader would nave been, and with him in the chair one of the incidents of that contest would have been a stand up and knock-down contest between the presiding officers of the House and Senate. The Poputists had an opportunity but were unequal to the occasion through lack of a competent man to lead them. They had such a man in their ranks but they ignored him and saw their mistake when it was too late.”

Mr. Shrader says since he left there is the first time a Nebraska Republican paper ever spoke well of him. Although he has engaged somewhat in politics he says he is never so happy as when, dressed in blue drilling overalls and patches, he is engaged in cultivating his corn. pruning his trees or feeding his stock. May Nebraska send us more like him.

Judge Geo E. Clayton.

The subject of this sketch was born in Clark county, Missouri in 1834. His father early removed to Madison county, Illinois, and the young man was educated at Slamtleff college. became a school teacher at twenty years of age, studied law and emigrated to Brown county, Kansas, in 1856, located the county seat of that county, which was first called Claytonville, in honor of its founder. Mr Clayton was a leader in politics. even in that early day, and was soon after appointed postmaster at Claytonville and also elected judge of probate of Brown county and ex-offico chairman of the board of county commissioners. He was admitted to the bar as an attorney in 1860. In 1862 he enlisted in the Civil War and served with distinction three years in the 11th Ohio volunteer cavalry and was honorably discharged in April, 1865. Afterwards entered largely into agricultural pursuits and practiced law in Brown and Nemeha counties, Kansas. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster at Willis, Kansas, under Cleveland’s administration. Resigning in 1889 he came to Oklahoma and located on a fine claim in Logan county near Waterloo. Again entering politics he was shortly appointed commissioner of deeds for Indian Territory and in 1890 was nominated on the Democratic ticket for representative of Logan county. In 1891 he patented his farm and began the practice of law having. in the meantime, been admitted to practice in the supreme court of the Territory. Judge Clayton was a prominent candidate for special agent of the general land office and had probably the strongest endorsements of any one in the Territory for that position, but the policy of the adtninistration to select an outside man for that position alone defeated him. He was, however, endorsed for and received the appointment of postmaster at Waterloo. Subsequently his friends urged his appointment to a position in the organization of the “Strip” counties and he was given the choice between the county attorney in “N” county or justice of the peace in Perry, Noble county. He chose the latter, and it is but justice to Geo. E. Clayton to say that none of Gov. Renfrow’s appointments for this county gave better satisfaction than that of Mr. Clayton. He was especially suited for the position, having a knowledge of the law and being very fair and impartial in the conduct of his court, it is universally admitted that no appointment of the Governor’s has made a cleaner or more honorable official record than that of Judge Geo. E. Clayton.

Knox Bros.

Perry has a most kindly interest in the young men who have began their business career in this city, and everyone naturally wish them success in their undertakings. It is from the young blood that enterprise is infused into the commercial life of a town and it is largely to them that we look for the future prosperity of Perry. Knox Bros. have shown their business tact and ability by the side of older concerns. By their push they have established a large trade. They began in the grocery and “racket” store business, but seeing an opportunity to purchase a large stock of cclothing, shoes and furnishings at a price much under the real value they snapped up the bargain and are now giving their friends and customers the benefit of it. They have added large invoices of new goods to their already large stock and they are now prepared to furnish anything in the line of clothing, shoes and furnishings at prices of special interest to buyers. Knox Bros. have made their influence felt upon the Bear side of the local clothing market and the people will give them credit for it.

H. A. Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was reared on the farm in Anderson county, South Carolina, and was educated at Wafford College, Forman University and graduated at the South Carolina University on the 29th day of June, 1892, and was admitted to the practice of law the same day by the Supreme Court of that state after having the degree of LL. B. conferred upon him by the State University, having worked his own way through said colleges. On the 5th day of May, 1893, he started from Columbia, South Carolina, in a buggy with the determination of “going West and growing up with the country,” and drove to the World’s Fair at Chicago, and from there to Oklahoma, arriving at Stillwater on the 1st day of September, 1893, and made the run to Perry on the 16th at the opening of the “Strip” to settlement. He staked and held two lots in Perry. and has practiced law here since the opening, having enjoyed the confidence of the people, and a good practice. Among the most notable law suits he prosecuted successfully are the noted “Townsite” cases, being five in number, and involving the title to 800 acres of land within the corporate limits of the city of Perry. He has obtained a final decision in three of these cases in favor of the townsite settlers, and it is expected in the near future that he will obtain the other two final decisions in their favor. He has stood by the people in these cases and fought for their rights as no one else has and the people so appreciate it. No sooner had he won these cases for the townsite people than the townsite board attempted to prove-up the land at an exhorbitant expense of the people without their consent. They again called Mr. Johnson to their relief, and he filed protests against the townsite board’s taking such action without the consent of the people. While Mr. Johnson seemed to he the only lawyer who held the opinion that the townsite board had no right to take such action without the consent of a majority of the occupants and owners of the lots, he has maintained his position and prevented the board’s making any further progress in the matter, although the fight commenced over a year ago. He now has a bill pending before Congress abolishing the townsite board, and providing means by which the people can hereafter afford to prove-up townsites in Oklahoma.

Mayor R. E. Wade.

Among the various lines of business represented in Perry none are more complete than that of furniture and undertaking and the large house of R. E. Wade’s almost exclusively controls the trade in these lines. Mr. Wade has been a resident of the city since the”opening” and his business has steadily grown until he now has one of the largest of the kind in the territory. He is located in the brick block north of the square. The interior of this large room contains most every conceivable article that is useful in the house or may be made to beautify it. The styles, prices and quality vary from that which is required to fit up the humblest home to decorating a palatial residence. The highest quality combined with a suitable price is the rule in this house, and anyone needing furniture or carpets can not afford to buy away from Perry if they are within reach of this point. Call on R. E. Wade and he will give you bargains which cannot be obtained elsewhere. In addition to conducting this large establishment, Mr. Wade is the mayor of the city, having been elected to that high position last spring.

Geo. A. Masters.

This gentleman has made Perry the leading market of eastern Oklahoma for all kinds of grain, castor beans, broom corn, flax seed, etc., as he is always in the market for these products, and pays the top price. Perry is the largest market in the United States for castor beans and Mr. Masters has purchased two-thirds of the crop which has come to this town. It is largely to his energies that the farmers in the surrounding country have been encouraged to grow castor beans, broom corn and flax and they have found these amoung their best paying crops. Mr. Masters is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and resided there until he was thirty-two years of age. He resided at Garnett, Kansas, seven years, during which time he was employed as a commercial traveler. From there he came to Perry at the opening and with Mr. Wickard, of Chanute, Kansas, has been engaged in the grain business at this point since that time. Mr. Masters is president of the council and is recognized as one of our best citizens and business men

Rinaldo Brown.

This gentleman is a new addition to the legal talent of Perry, having recently located in this city. He comes well recommended from his former city as a gentleman of push and ability and we bespeak for him a successful career in Perry. Mr. Brown is a Republican politician of note and quite a power upon the stump in a campaign. He will have his office in the front rooms of the Evan’s block over Mr. Wade’s furniture store. Mr. Brown represents large capital and will make a specialty of farm loans.

Long-Bell Lumber Co.

One of the largest yards of this well known company is located in Perry and it adds no little to the city in the way of making it an important lumber market for a large section of country. The yard in this city is situated on west C street, two blocks west from the square. The buildings are neatly arranged and painted and with the large number of sheds this yard presents the best of appearance of any in the city. Their stock is large and complete, comprising the best grades of lumber and all classes of building material. Anything that is needed in wooden constructions can be found at this yard and in such a variety that the purchasers cannot fail to make a judicious selection. They are also agents for the celebrated McAlester coal and Agatite cement plaster. Mr. 0. K. Nicoll is the manager of the yard and is making friends for the company with his courteous and business like manner.

Coyle & Jones.

This firm probably carries on the hugest business in the city in any line, and certainly the largest in their line of trade. They are the pioneer cotton ginners of the city and have handled the major portion of the crop which has been marketed in Perry this year. Their gin near the Santa Fe railroad between C and D streets is a complete plant, having been refitted with new machinery throughout during the summer. They also handle all kinds of grain and are constantly in the market to purchase the two great staples, wheat and cotton, from the farmers at the best market price. The personalle (sic) of the firm is composedof J. E. Coyle, Ed J. Coyle and D . B. Jones.

Durk & Covey.

These gentlemen operate a first-class livery and feed stable on Sixth street just north of the square. Their rigs are new and of the highest order. Good driving teams, good drivers and number one turnouts. Drives made to all of the inland towns and prices reasonable. Commercial trade a specialty. The best of facilities for boarding. Horses kept at this barn receives (sic) the closest attention of experienced horsemen. Persons needing anything in the line should patronize this barn. They extend a special invitation to farmers and the traveling public to stop with them.

Perry Academy.

The church, the home and the Christian school together stand for the indissoluble union of culture and morality. The sentiment that intelligence is the safeguard of republican institutions is as frequently false as true. The educated mind in conjunction with defective morals produces corruption socially and politically. Intelligence is a menace to free institutions unless it can be directed into righteous use. The most subtle foe to peace in America is the tendency to use power for selfish ends. The training of the child needs to include the teaching that honor and sacrifice are better social tests than place or property. Christian schools have emphasized this in all our national history. No doctrinal instruction is ever given in denominational schools. All denominations are singularly free from this habit. Perry Academy is established to meet the fundamental need of this section of Oklahoma for Christian education. It is not a money making institution and never will be for any of its founders. It is a character making scheme, and hopes to contribute to the nobler manhood and womanhood of Oklahoma. The Academy prepares for college, by three years of Latin, two years of Greek and mathematics, history and literature; for teaching by instruction in those branches needed for securing a first grade certificate; for business by teaching book-keeping according to the latest approved methods; for musical proficiency by thorough training in all that pertains to that art. The courses advertised are, Classical and Scientific, Normal, Business and Musical. Careful attention is given to the formation of studious habits. The Academy pretends to nothing more than that it does thorough, legitimate and honest work in the departments advertised. It presents an oppotunity for saving to the Oklahoma people the expense to finance, society and home patriotism always attendant upon sending young people away to school.
W. H. LeBar, Principal.

N. S. Davis & Sons.

This is the largest Livery and Feed Stable in the city, and they have the very best equipment of line driving teams and gcod vehicles. It is situated on E street and one block north of the square and has a frontage of 100 feet, including the wagon and feed yards. These gentlemen operate the stage line from Perry to Pawnee, and from Perry to Stillwater. This service is first-class and they have no complaint from the traveling public. Mr. Davis is a thorough horseman and gives the stock left in his charge the best treatment. He is courteous and accommodating with patrons which account largely for his successful business. Mr. Davis is a native of Smith county, Virgina, and resided there until 1881, when he removed to Harrison county, Missouri. He resided in that county seven years, and then removed to Vernon county where he remained two years, coming- to Oklahoman, in 1891. He located at Stillwater and removed to Perry last January.

Travers’ Photograph Gallery

E. K. Travers has recently purchased the photograph gallery opposite the postoffice of the Perry Portrait Co. and is prepared to take care of all work in that line in the best manner. Mt. Travers is known to our people as a practical artist of more than ordinary ability and many will be glad to learn that he is now permanently located in Perry in the photopraph business. Those needing anything in the line should patronize Mr. Travers. They will find that he will do them good work at the most reasonable price.

At a fair estimate Noble county raised 500,000 bushels of wheat this year, and from the acreage sown last fall it is fair to place the yield next year at 800,000. Then there was 5,000 bales of cotton, 40,000 bushels of castor beans, say nothing about corn and oats.

Noble County.

A Fine Agricultural Section in the “Land of the Fair God.”

Where Nature Yields Abundance and to Spare – Rich Soil, Mild Climate, and Great Diversity of Crops, Insure Success to Industrious Hands – Desirable Homes for the Energetic.

Noble county is situated in the northeast part of Oklahoma. It lies directly south and a little east of the central part of Kansas. It is one of the largest counties; only those to the extreme west, which have not yet been settled, having a larger area. The surface of Noble county is composed of fertile valleys and rolling prairies, being traversed by a number of large streams with innumerable tributaries, along the banks of which usually grow timber sufficient to supply the country with material for building fences, improving land, and fire wood for years to come. The Redrock river enters the county on the northwest and flows out on the east side. The Black Bear crosses the central part of the county, Cow Creek, or more properly speaking, the Rio del Bovine, traverses the county from the southwest and empties into the Black Bear. All of these streams are fed by springs and flow fresh water. Their valleys are very productive, especially for crops requiring much moisture. Nearly one-half of the countv is occupied by Indian reservations, not yet opened to settlement, the Otoes and Poncas, but the Indians are quite civilized, and much of their land is in cultivation. The resources of Noble county, so far as yet developed, are almost purely agricultural, although there are indications of rich mineral finds. Lime and sandstone are abundant, and granite has been reported found, but no scientific analysis of the quality. However, with nothing more than agriculture and fruit growing for sustenance, the soil of this county is rich enough to support a family on every forty acres. It is now well settled, compared to the rural districts of the Western States, there being a family on every 160 acres. The population of the county is 13,000. Probably thirty per cent. of these reside in the city of Perry and the remainder in the country, engaged in agriculture, stock raising and fruit growing. Other postoffices in the county are Whiterock, Morrison, Redrock, Ceres, Polo, Sumner, Pedee and Richburg. Society and the moral status of the people is up to the standard of any state in the Union, both in the city and the rural districts. The people who have immigrated to this county are a class of hardy, ambitious folks. who desire to locate where their energies would be rewarded. They have came (sic) from all parts of the country and have seen more or less of the world, making them cosmopoliton, social and liberal in their views and ideas of life. Many of those who have taken homes in the country are people of education and refinement, who have been engaged in the professions or in business, and have taken this step for a change. Others have been prosperous and well-to-do farmers in the states who have sold their farms because they became so valuable that they ceased to be profitable, and they have moved out into this new country where they can give their children a chance, such as they themselves enjoyed as pioneers of the older states, and where they can escape the cold winter of the north and pass the remainder of their days in peace and quiet. School districts are organized in every quarter of the county. Many have erected handsome buildings and maintain eight and nine months school. The progress of the rural districts in the line of education has been one of the marked features of their good citizenship. Churches are to he found here and there: almost every denomination is fostered, and where they have not yet erected a building they hold services in the school houses. Literary and debating societies are generally organized during the winter months, and it cannot be said that the intellectual and moral nature of man is neglected in any community of Noble county. This county has a larger percentage of persons who own their homes than any county in any state. More than eighty per cent. of the people here own their farms or if they reside in town, the residence which they occupy. This is one of the best indications of good citizenship, patriotic, home-loving people. American institutions can never fall so long as the homes of the country are protected. The people are generally out of debt and do business on a cash basis. The local merchants does not think of running an account. It is not the custom and the people do not expect it.

Of all the crops produced by the farmers, wheat and small grain seem to lead, and are cultivated more successfully here than in the golden wheat belt of Kansas, the Dakotas and Minnesota. The crop ranging from twenty to forty bushels to the acre, though fields have been known to produce much larger. It is always of a high quality of hard and soft wheat. No spring wheat is sown here and there is now a larger acreage in than ever before. The oats crop is of much importance. Every crop since the opening has proven very satisfactory, yielding a great number of bushels per acre, and generally bringing a good price. Corn does well here and the yield pays very nicely for the labor that is expended upon it. But it is not claimed that this country is equal to the finest lands in the north in the production of this staple. The stalk grows very large and tall here, Oklahoma having received the premium at the World’s Fair for the tallest corn. Forty or fifty bushels per acre and on bottom land, sixty and seventy bushels is considered a good crop though some have reported much larger. Considering the less amount of labor required to till the soil here to the amount that is required in black, wet, swampy lands, the farmer probably gets as large returns. Kaffir corn is largely cultivated. or rather it grows without being cultivated, making the finest sod crop that can be planted. It is easily raised and makes the best of feed for all kinds of stock. It can be fed in the fodder, the bunches cut off or threshed. It grows in bunches something like cane only the grains are larger and very nutritous. It will thresh seventy-five bushels to the acre. Cotton is an important crop in this county, five thousand bales were produced this year. The land yields from one-half a bale to the acre, which would make a profitable crop with any thing like a fair price. Early potatoes and vegetables for the northern market can be made a success, and car after car is shipped in the spring season. They can be grown here from a month to six weeks earlier than in the states north of us, and a ready market is found at Kansas City, St. Louis, Omaha, St. Paul and the cities of the north. The much advertised fruit lands of California are not superior to these lands in the fruits which we produce, although they may cultivate a greater variety. The climate, soil and all things taken together, naturally fits this region for successful fruit growing, and the farmers are rapidly taking increased interest in horticulture. A county society has been organized and much light thrown upon this industry of late. The varietie (sic) of trees that are being put out are apple, pear, peach, apricot, plum, cherry, quince, etc. A large local nursery has been started in the county, and some of the large concerns in the adjoining states consider this their best field for the future. Raspberries, strawberries, and all kinds of small fruits produce remarkably well. This county presents a most inviting field to the farmer, the stockmen or the horticulturist looking for a home where he can be surrounded by all of the blessings that wide-awake western civilization can bestow, and reside where the natural conditions are so favorable for pleasure and. profit. The mild climate here cuts the farmer’s expenses almost half, too, and his stock will go through the winter looking much better than he is used to seeing them in more northern latitudes. The great variety of crops that can he produced makes failure an impossibility if the crops are properly diversified. Here the barley of the north produces abundantly, growing beside the cotton and cane of the south. Rich with all of the endowments that nature can bestow, this is an especially favored locality and there is no reason for a man working his life away on the poor lands if he can possibly reach this county.

An invitation is extended to a desirable class to come and make their homes in Noble county. Lands are not cheap, but they are very reasonable taking into consideration their many advantages, and will surely increase greatly in value when the county gets older. The price of one good farm in the states will buy two or three here and within the next ten years this order will be reversed. Don’t you want to profit by such an investment. For further information address some friend or acquaintance or any real estate firm whose names appear in this paper.

Chas. F. Colcord.

In making mention of the men who have taken an important part in developing Noble county and the city of Perry, Charles F. Colcord is worthy of distinguished notice. Mr. Colcord was known as a prominent Oklahoman before the opening of this country and it was indeed fortunate for this community that he located here and has done so much in identifying himself with the progress of Noble county. His farm, one and one-half miles west of the city, is the best improved in the county and now has all of the advantage of the most comfortable homes in the older settled state. He has an elegant residence, a fine orchard from which he harvested much valuable fruit this year and the outer convenience are all that could be wished for. He also owns valuable business property in the city. Mr. Colcord has given much attention to improved breeds of stock and, in company with another gentleman, has a section and a half of land stocked with short horn cattle.

He also has a number of highly bred horses, and everytime he visits his native state, Kentucky, brings some of their best animals back with him. Mr. Colcord left Kentucky at 13 years of age, traveled through Texas, over plains, and with his father, Col. Colcord, located in Barber county, Kansas, where they engaged in the cattle business and were members of the Comanche County Pool, the largest cattle ranch in the west, for a number of years. He was at Wichita during the boom and went to Oklahoma City at the opening in 1889. He served as the first marshal elected in that city. Afterwards he was elected sheriff of the county, and upon Mr. Cleveland’s election the second time to the presidency, he made a stroug canvass for marshal of the Territory and was only beaten by a force of circumstances. He is a sterling Democrat, takes an active part in politics and is recognized as a strong opponent and a fast friend. He was married in Kingman county, Kansas, in 1885, to Miss Hattie Scorebsly. They have a happy family of two bright boys and two pretty little girls.

E. E. Van Slyke.

The farmers of Redrock Valley and surrounding country afford the convenience of a postoflice and good trading point through the enterprise of E. E. Van Slyke. The postoffice is called Ceres, and is situated thirteen miles north of Perry on the Arkansas City road. He carries a general stock of merchandise, such as meet the farmers wants. Mr. Van Slyke has a fine farm of 320 acres two miles east of Ceres. His place is well improved with buildings, wells and alfalfa. He threshed 1,200 bushels of wheat this year and raised forty acres of corn on the upland that produced thirty bushels to the acre, and he now has 115 acres of growing wheat. Mr. Van Slyke came here from Caldwell county, Missouri, and was formerly engaged in business in the town of Hamilton, fourteen years. He likes Oklahoma and is making a success of both farming and mercantile business.

W. A. Beaty.

This gentleman occupies a most valuable claim in the Redrock valley near the reservation line. He has it well improved and is extensively engaged in the cattle business. Mr. Beaty has resided in this county since 1882, and was one of Mr. Weatherspoon’s “cow men.” The beautiful farm upon which he has settled will repay him for the years of pioneer life and he is now surrounded by schools, churches, good neighbors and all of the benefits that can come from such associations. He is one of the substantial men of the county and a benefit to the community in which he resides.

Lane B. Osborn.

The bar of Perry and Noble county will compare favorably with that of any city in the Territory and one of its most successful. safe and reliable attorneys is Lane B. Osborn. Mr. Osborn is a native of Spencer county, Indiana. He received his education in the common schools and at the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute. He began the study of law in 1885. Four years later he was admitted to the bar at Rockport, Indiana. Following is what the Rockport (Ind.) Democrat, his old home paper, has to say of his ability: “Mr. Osborn has in a short time not only distinguished himself as one of the lending and able lawyers of the Rockport bar, but of the judicial district. He handles a case with great skill and dexterity and is a splendid trial lawyer. Being a good councelor and an efficient judge of the law his services have been sought in the most noted suits in the district.” This reputation he has fully sustained in his practice here. Mr. Osborn came to Perry on the first train and during his residence here has conducted himself so as to merit the esteem of the bar and the people. He is a good business man as well as lawyer, honest and reliable. He gives especial attention to commercial and corporation law.

Ho! for the Wichita!

The Ft. Sill, Kansas Citv and St. Louis Land, Townsite and Mining Association has been incorporated for more than a year under the laws of Oklahoma. W. O. Anderson, president: Joel Brown, treasurer, and Capt. T. R. Cook, general manager. Its purpose is for the benefit of the common people: it is co-operative in its methods and proposes to protect its members against unlawful acts in the settlement of the new lands that are to be open to settlement in the near future and to establish a system of labor exchange among the members. All who contemplate going into the Wichita country at the opening will make no mistake by investigating the plans of this association. W. 0. Anderson, the president, is well and favorably known in the west. Capt. Joel Brown is also known in the commercial and political world and his integrity is unquestioned. Capt. T. R. Cook is a yankee of the frontier type and is very much in earnest in making the association a success. Any information desired can be obtained by writing either of the above named officers at Perry, Oklahoma. .All correspondence will be promptly answered.

G. T. Bryan.

This gentleman is the present efficient treasurer of Noble county and is serving his constituents commendably. He is a native of Missouri, was born in Buchanan county near the city of St. Joseph and resided there until coining to Oklahoma in 1893. Mr. Bryan was raised on a farm. While quite a young man he engaged in the mercantile business, followed that four years, and then took a position as traveling agent of a harvesting company which he held several years. He located a fine farm one mile north of the city at the opening and before his election to office was engaged in farming. Mr. Bryan is very genial and accommodating in his manner and has a large circle of friends.

Dr. W. B. Brengle.

Dr. Brengle is one of the oldest physicians in Perry. He has been practicing in the city since the early days and is one of the best known men in his profession in Oklahoma. He was born in Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, forty-seven years ago, received his early education in the schools at home, after which he attended the State University at Columbia, Mo., for two years. He then entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago and remained there four years. Dr. Brengle is a born physician and comes from a family of physicians, his father and four brothers being engaged in the practice of medicine. In connection with a general practice he makes a specialty of catarrh and has made a wonderful success in the treatment of this dreaded disease. Dr. Brengle has all modern appliances for use in medicine and surgery and he has performed some of the most difficult operations with success as is known to the public generally in the Territory. His offices and apartments are the largest and most commodious in the city, occupying the entire second floor of the New York Hardware building. There is a large reception room beautifully furnished, a laboratory and operating room and a private hospital for the use of patients. The doctor is very progressive and sets the pace for some of the other members of his profession. He is all occupied in his professional duties, his only diversion being a love of fast horses and he keeps a number of the fleetest steeds that travel the roads of Noble county.

A. W. Tucker.

This gentleman holds the position of Register of Deeds of Noble county, haying been elected on the Free Silver ticket in the fall of ’96. He is a native of Saline county, Missouri, and resided there until he immigrated to Noble county at the “opening.” He was well known at his former home as a farmer and stock raiser and devoted a large portion of his time to buying and selling stock. Mr. Tucker has a fine farm twenty miles northwest of Perry in Whiterock township. It is well improved and he was one of the fortunate ones to grow a large crop of wheat this year. He is very attentive to the duties of his office and takes a pleasure in waiting upon the public.

Ottawa Fruit Trees.

PERRY, OKLA., Dec. 13, 1897.
Mr. CHAS. C. ALLING
Perry,Okla.

Dear Sir: As to the growth and quality of fruit trees I got of the Ottawa Star Nursery two years ago last spring I will say that they have made the largest growth of any trees that have come under my notice in any of the states within the same length of time. The peach trees are twelve feet high and fifteen inches in circumference and had some of as fine peaches the past season as can be produced in the United States. Beginning with the Arkansas Traveler which were fine for their season, Alexander, a larger and much finer peach, Foster, extra fine flavor and good size. The Crawfords are of my best peaches, only being surpassed by the El Berta, which for size, quality and beauty surpasses them all. The Wonderful, ripening the last of September, is one of the best late peaches. All of the plums are fine, the Baton being far in the lead. Trees now stand eleven feet in height and eleven inches in circumference. The fruit is extra large and fine quality. Cherries and apples have made a fine growth being all that I could ask. Some of the apples being nine feet high and nine inches in circumference, which is good for thirty-three months from planting. The pears in my orchard are eight and a half feet high, clear of blight and disease. This section of country seems to be well adapted to pear culture. My raspberries and blackberries have furnished me with as fine fruit as can be grown. The strawberries are doing well, having made a solid mat of plants three and a half feet wide in the rows. Judging by the growth of the trees and the quality of the fruit, Noble county has as good fruit land as there is in the Union and should be made one of the largest producing counties.
Yours truly,
W. H. BAKER,
N. E. 1/4 Sec. 5, Twp. 21, R. 1 E.

W. H. Primrose.

Mr. Primrose is one of the most substantial citizens of Noble county. He has quite large property interest here and believes in the future of this county. He owns a valuable farm nine miles west of the city, which is well improved and upon which he has raised good crops. He is also engaged in the livery business in Perry and has some of the best residence property in the city. He is a native of Lewis county, Missouri, resided there twenty-eight years, and came to Cowley county, Kansas, where he farmed for sixteen years. He came to Mulhall, Oklahoma, a year before the opening where he engaged in the lumber trade. On the memorable 16th of September, 1893, he made the race for Perry and has been with the city since that time. Mr. Primrose is a good citizen of whom there are many in Noble county.

George W. Daily.

This gentleman is one of the most progressive members of the Otoe tribe of noble red men. He has enjoyed the advantage of a liberal education and has not failed to bring it into good use in his home life and surroundings. The illustration above in this column is a photograph of his home twelve miles north of Perry. He farms upon a large scale and is an industrious, good citizen. Mrs. Daily is also educated and the advantages of civilization are to be seen in their home and upon their farm.

J. E. Shanafelt.

Every person acquainted With Perry and its pushing people knows J. E. Shanafelt, one of the city’s most indomitable hustlers. He is the proprietor of the Post Office Book Store, and by his energies has made this one of the most important business enterprise of the town. All kind of books, school supplies, magazines, perodicals, newspapers, novelties, etc., are displayed here in this, convenient place for the public and the proprietor never tires of procuring articles pleasing to his trade. Besides conducting the store Mr. Shanafelt owns a fine farm in the Salt Fork Valley north of the city and has it well improved. He is an enthusiastic member of the order of Knights of Pythias and has been honored with the highest position within the gift of the body in Oklahoma, having just served as Grand Chancellor of the Territory. He is public spirited and engages in many good works for the benefit of the city.

T. M. Richardson Lumber Company.

This is the pioneer lumber yard of the city, having been supplying the wants of the people from the first day. They carry a large and complete stock of everything in their line and have served the public so faithfully that they have became known as the “old reliable.” Geo. Todd, the manager of the yard, is one of Perry’s foremost and enterprising business men and looks after the large property interest of his firm well. He is manager of the Perry opera house and it is through his influence that many of the best companies play in Perry.

Doyle & Bowles.

This firm is composed of two of Noble county’s worthy officials, Hon. Thos. H. Doyle, representative, and Hon. Wm. Bowles, county attorney. Both gentlemen are well known in Oklahoma politics, and have been prominent in making the history of Perry and Noble county. Mr. Doyle came to Perry from Kansas at the “opening,” in which state he had been engaged in the practice of law for a number of years and had assisted in upholding the standard of Democracy, the party with which he affiliated. He was one of the earliest champions of the silver cause and had much to do with bringing about a union of the forces in the late campaign. He was recognized as the ablest member on the floor of the Territorial House cif Representatives last winter. and chainpionized a number of measures in the interest of the taxpayers and his constituents. He was speaker pro tem, and chairman of the committee on judiciary, author of the school land lease bill vetoed by the Governor, and of the penitentiary bill locating the institution at Perry, which lacked only a few votes of passing.

Mr. Bowles, the junior member of the firm, is a Missouri Democrat of the old school and was honored by being elected state attorney of his county before he immigrated to Oklahoma. He has twice served the city of Perry in the capacity of city attorney and his record during all of this time will hear the closest scanning. He was elected to his present position on the silver ticket by a large majority, showing his popularity throughout the county. This firm has a large practice and are among the most successful members of the bar of Noble county.

Hon. A. H. Boles.

Alfred H. Boles was born on a farm in western Arkansas: served while but fourteen years old in the 3rd Arkansas (Union) cavalry: studied law under Judge Caldwell, now Circuit U. S. Judge, successor to Judge Brewer. While a native of the South, he has always been a Republican. He came out at the opening of the Cherokee Outlet and settled at Perry, where he continued the practice of law. At the election of 1894 he was the Republican candidate for Councilman from Noble and Pawnee counties, District No. 6, and was elected by nearly 200 plurality. His record in that Council is generally known. He voted against the Pugilist bill, and assisted in defeating it, making a creditable legislative record. He is now an applicant for appointment to one of the U. S. Judgeships of this Territory. Judge Caldwell, the U. S. Circuit Judge of the 8th Circuit, says: “I have known A. H. Boles, of Perry, Okla., since his youth. He studied law with me and I am familiar with his career since he was admitted to practice. He is a good lawyer, a man of unblemished reputation and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. He is well qualified for a judicial position, or any other position requiring ability, integrity and business capacity.”

Parties wanting to purchase Noble county farms should write to W. H. Campbell, the live real estate man. He will send you a list of desirable property and furnish any information that you may want in regard to the county. Be sure and write him.

Rueb Brothers.

The lovers of the best the culinary art affords, who have become accustomed to visiting the eating houses of Perry, will vote with one accord that Rueb Bros. place is superior to all others, when it comes to pleasing to the taste with the delicacies and the substantial foods. The boys keep a neat, clean place and their cooking is according to the Queen’s taste. Regular meals and short order furnished day and night. They keep a first-class bakery and furnish as fine bread and pastry as can he made. The Rueb brothers, Alex, Roy, and Albert, are royal good fellows and are deserving of the success they have enjoyed during their business career in Perry. They came here at the opening and established their business which has had a steady growth.

The President’s Message

The message of President McKinley is lergely historical in character. It tells the people what has taken place in the past ten years, but it does not give much light as to what is going to take place. The history of the greenbacks is given; the history of the Cuban insurrection is given; the history of the tariff is given, but clear-cut, definite and statesmanlike recommendations as to what shall be done with the green backs the Cuban question and the tariff are not given.

The president is full of faith. He has faith that the tariff will be all right if it is only given time. He has faith that Spain will come out all right if that government is given time; he has faith that reciprocity treaties will settle all commercial difficulties with foreign nations – in time.

The nearest approach to a positive opinion made by the president is his recommendation that “when any United States notes are redeemed in gold, such notes shall he kept apart, and only paid out in exchange for gold.” This of course, cannot be accomplished without an amendment of the existing currency laws, and as it is in effect a contraction of the currency it will meet with decided opposition in congress.

The message is long, labored and in the nature of a special plea. The task before the president was full of difficulties. He was forced to congratulate the country on a prosperity which is not general; to urge monetary measures upon which his own party is divided; to plead for Spain when the people wished him to plead for Cuba; to promise future revenue, when a present deficit stared him in the face, and to recommend Hawaiian annexation in opposition to public sentiment.

Through the instrumentality of Charley Colcord some of the best Kentucky blook of stock has been imported and sold in this county. This high grade of stock will be in evidence in after years when our people become accustomed to the raising of thoroughbreds. It is just as cheap and easy to raise a thoroughbred horse or cow as it is a scrub, and as soon as our farmers become aware of this fact it will be hard to find a scrub -horse or cow in Noble county.

See W. H. Campbell’s list of farms for sale. He has all classes of lands can and made the quality and price to suit.

Reached Maturity.

On December 8, 1897, our son, Arthur (Whorton), reached the age of twenty-one years. As a rememberance of his faithful attention to the duties of a son, we have assigned him, in fee simple, one-third interest in the NOBLE COUNTY SENTINEL, to take full effect the first of the New Year, 1898. No change in the policy of the paper will be made other than indicated, but additional efforts will be made during the coming year to print the best newspaper in Noble county, and to that end we solicit the good will and a share of the patronage, in the future, from those who have work in our line, guaranteeing at all times, to give satisfaction in every respect. Wishing One and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, the SENTINEL blots out the old and rings in the new.

What is Hope? A smiling rainbow,
Children follow through the wet;
‘Tis not here, still yonder, yonder:
Never urchin found it yet,
What is life? A thawing iceboard,
On a sea with sunny shore;
Gay we sail; it melts beneath us;
We are sunk and seen no more.
What is man? A foolish baby.
Vainly strives, and fights and frets:
Demanding all, deserving nothing;
One small grave is what he gets. — Carlyle.

Temple Houston was fined $300 and costs for shooting a man by the name of Jenkins a year ago.

The Scott-Murphy correspondence which has succeeded in getting into the newspapers has caused a “high tide” to flow in political circles.

Word comes from Washing that Judges Bierer and McAtee will hold their term. Bierer’s commission expires in January and McAtee’s in March.

A Statehood convention is called to meet at Kingfisher, January 13, 1898. Noble county is entitled to nine Republican and nine free silver delegates.

McMaster’s Magazine will be issued in double number in January. It will be one of the finest ever issued in Oklahoma, and you can get a copy by writing McMaster’s Magazine, Oklahoma City.

And now comes Senator Allen, of Nebraska, who will offer a resolution in Congress, asking for an investigation of Republican affairs in Oklahoma. It is hard to have to be investigated this early in the season.

There are yet a good many Republicans in Oklahoma who would be pleased to hang up their “old socks” this Christmas if they could be convinced that Santa Claus would put therein a message from Prersident McKinley with a piece of “pie” wrapped in the center.

Oklahoma Statehood

The question of statehood is now agitating the minds of the territorial officials and the “common herd”. The territorial officials because of the fact that should congress give the people the right of self government they might be relieved of the “heavy burden” of governing the people. The old saying that “all just governments are controlled by the consent of the governed” is as true today as it was when the Declaration of Independence was signed by the little band of American patriots in 1776. It has stood the bullets and storm of over an hundred years from almost every state in the union, and each territory returned with victory perched on its banner and oligarchy made to submit to a government by the people and of the people. The opposition to statehood for Oklahoma comes from the same kind of material that was found in all the former territories asking for statehood. That opposition is composed of Federal appointees and their immediate beneficeries who wish to dictate and govern our people without their consent; men who wish to controll (sic) free born American citizens the same as cattle kings and Indian Agents controll the blanket Indians in the Indian reservations. The revenues of 300,000 are in the hands of men who were not selected to handle it by the owners of that revenue. The policy of a political faction controlls the political policy of our people who have never authorized them to controll it, and on whom the powers that be in Washington listen to and recognize as supreme. The question of Statehood for Oklahoma is not a new one but an important question that few people have given much study. It is however a question that every person who prides his Americanism above wards of the Govenment at Washington, should inform himself on. The opposition sets up the great bugbear of higher taxes, and this of itself is sufficient to make the unsophisticated run like wild deer, but when it is figured out it is found so insignificant that they immediately become ardent supporters for Statehood. No one should get frightened at a ghost prepared by men who have a hidden motive which, figured out, means their pocketbook and power at Washinton.

The SENTINEL iS for Statehood on the lines mapped out by the Press Association in November. After giving the matter a little consideration, we believe it is the only practical way to start, and if consumated, will prove to be the opening wedge to Statehood for Oklahoma and the Indian Territory.

The following are the resolutions. Read them closely, and then ask yourself if it is not better than the present Territorial form, and will finally result in the desired end in making Oklahoma and the Indian Territory one united and independent State:

REROLVED, That we, the Press Association of Oklahoma Territory, in regular simi-annual (sic) session assembeled, at Hennessey, the 15th day of November, 1897, favor the immediate creation of a state from Oklahoma Territory, with such boundaries as Congress may determine. Provided, that if such boundaries shall include Oklahoma and the Indian Territory, the state so created shall exercise neither legislative, judicial nor other control over either of the five nations until such nations shall ratify the constitution of such state in such manner as Congress may direct, subject only to the right of any one of such nations to act singly on such constitution and thereby become a part of said state. RESOLVED, That we favor the admission of such state under the name of the state of Oklahoma.

Will Free Homes Win.

We are frank to confess that we don’t know whether Congress will give us free homes or not. As Bryan said at the depot in Perry, “When the Congress of the United States become bigger than its Speaker, we might be able to get our just rights and secure the passage of the free homes bill.” That is true if the evindence (sic) of the past is good authority. It was wholly within the power of Speaker Reed last summer, as to whether the free homes bill that passed the Senate should pass the House or not, and Speaker Reed emphatically said so. Now under these conditions no one can guess the fate of the bill in the present Congress. It is within the power of Speaker Reed to lay down the bars and let the bill through, but whether he will or will not, remains to be seen. Every person in Oklahoma who has a friend in Congress should write him a personal letter urging him to assist in the passage of the bill. There is near $16,000,000 at stake, and the farmers are the ones who directly secures the benefit. If that amount of money was at stake which depended on a bill that had already passed the Senate and was pending in the House from any other class of people or corporation, we’ll venture the assertion that it would go through like a Kansas cyclone. But let us not get discouraged, but follow the old maxim: “Pick our flints and go after them again,” and never let the matter fall until success is accomplished.

Christmas Greetings

The SENTINEL extends greeting to its friends and readers and wish all a merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year. The young will enjoy tokens of love from parents, sweethearts and friends, while the old will enjoy the blessings of being permitted once more to witness, through the joyful glee of the little boys and girls, a fond remembrance of the happy days they once enjoyed in a like manner long years ago.

The SENTINEL, presents this edition to its subscribers as a “Christmas gift” and while it is small for one subscriber it is large in the aggregate, and we hope those who receive a copy of the SENTINEL’S Holiday Edition will appreciate the gift as a remembrance from a friend to Perry and Noble county, and in the future help us make it one of the best and proudest commonwealths in all Oklahoma.

There is a splendid opening in Perry for a good live real estate agency – one that is wide-awake enough to distinguish public enterprise from a covered wagon. Such a man could do a good business and would be of benefit to the city and county, and with a little energy and public spirit could do about all the business in that line.

The Auditorium at Kansas City was burned Tuesday morning. Loss $300,000.

Perry Pointers.

Get your girl a nice book Xmas at Post Office Book Store.

Frank Kune and Dick Armine, of Newkirk, were in Perry yesterday.

Farmers, list your claims with the Banner Land Co. They have buyers.

Nothing more appropriate than a nice book for Xmas. See em at P. 0. Book Store.

Those wanting cut flowers for Xmas should send their order at once to Furrow Bros., Florists, Guthrie, 0. T.

Mr. A. M. Howendobler and daughter from Marysville. Mo., will spend the Holidays with E. E. Howendobler and family.

If you want to decorate your store or church for Xmas, write us. We have everything you want and at right prices. Furrow Bros.. Florists, Guthrie, 0. T.

Money to loan to prove up claims. Low rates of interest. F. S. Gum. west side of square.

What is it? A cure for coughs, colds, croup, whooping cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and all bronchial affections of the throat, chest, and lungs. Fifty doses for 50 cents. Money refunded if it fails to give satisfaction; we mean Dr. Simmon’s cough syrup. For sale at East Side drug store.

Did you see those lovely books at the Post Office Book Store? Frank, they’re too utterly too-too.

After all a book makes the most lasting satisfactory present at Xmas time. See’m at Post Office Book Store.

The household remedy is Hunt’s Lightning Oil. All aches and pains quickly relieved. Satisfaction or money refunded. On sale at East Side drug store.

Don’t forget the home folks this year. A nice book at Xmas is all the go. The’re (sic) at the P. 0, Book Store.

No one is so old, no one is so young but what fitting and appropriate gifts in abundance can be found in our splendid display of popular and pleasing Christmas presents. E. E. Howendobler.

A cough is an easy thing to cure if taken in time. It is dangerous to neglect one for any length of time. Dr. Simmon’s cough syrup is guaranteed. Fifty cents a bottle. Sold by East Side drug store.

Furrow Bros., Guthrie, 0. T., will have the finest line of flowers for decorating purposes during holidays ever seen in the territory. Send them your order and you will get what you send for and at lowest prices.

E. H. Beasley of the firm of Cameron & Beasley, died at an early hour this morning, after an illness of nine days. Uremic poison is thought to be the cause. Mr. Beasley had many friends in Perry.

Our old friend, George Lebus came in yesterday morning from Bonham, Texas, and will spend Christmas at home. George says prosperity has struck him, of which his host of friends are glad to hear.

Why Dr. Simmon’s cough syrup is the cheapest. It is the only cough remedy giving fifty doses for 50 cents. Money is refunded if not benefited or satisfied. Try it. Ask your druggist for a sample bottle. For sale by East Side drug store.

Ben Vaughn, who shot J. D. Smith in the leg and Henry Brockman in the thigh at the Sunday school picnic last summer, was tried, found guilt and sentenced yesterday by Judge Bierer to eighteen months in the penitentiary.

Uriah Jones, Hezekiah Brown and John Peter Smith will testify to the wonderful curative properties of Dr. Simmons’ cough syrup. Sample bottles free. Satisfaction or money refunded. For sale at East Side drug store.

Last Tuesday, Dec. 21 1897 Mr. J. G. Mautray and Miss Maud Cummings were united in marriage at the home of the brides parents. The SENTINEL extends congratulations and wish them a happy voyage through life.

The SENTINEL returns its Christmas thanks to Mr. A. V. Fannin, of Redrock township, for a basket of sweet potatoes, the largest and finest we have ever seen. Mr. Fannin raised 115 bushels from one-quarter of an acre of ground.

Lost. – In Perry, a gold medal, on one side of which is engraved, “For the highest, graduating essay,” and on the other the names “Bennett, F. Young and Lizzie F. Gray.” A liberal reward will be given for its return to Dr. J. A. Hooe, of Perry.

Yesterday morning at 6 o’clock the post master at Chandler was held up by three bandits and robbed of $600. Postmaster Riner was making up the Guthrie mail when three men entered the office and pulled a revolver and robbed the money drawer. They made their escape into the woods east.

Mrs. W. L. Murray, of Polo, died last Tuesday of nervous prostration caused by child birth. The remains were buried in Oakdale cemetery followed by a large number of friends who witnessed the last sad rites. The child was a fifteen pound boy and lives to learn of the sad death of a fond mother.

F. D. Hummer’s residence on west D street was discovered to be on fire yesterday morning about 9 o’clock After nearly the entire town had congregated and the fire department had squelched the fire and almost ruined the goods in the house, the fire whistle sounded the alarm by blowing itself hoarse. The house was saved, but, those who witnessed it, said it was a hummer at first.

Mr. R. Churchill, the efficient clerk in McCubbin’s grocery house, will leave Friday evening for Kearney, Neb., where he will spend the holidays with his children who are making their home with their grandmother. Mr. Churchill’s close attention to business and affable disposition entitles him to a well deserved vacation and the SENTINEL joines (sic) his many friends in wishing him a pleasant visit.

Christmas Presents.

About Xmas presents: nothing makes a more appropriate gift than a nice book: biggest, line in Oklahoma at Post Office Book Store.

A Sad Affair.

Tuesday morning about five o’clock the residence of W. H. Hall, who lives four miles northwest of Perry, was totally destroyed by fire, together with the household goods and the family’s clothing. In attempting to rescue the wife, who was thought to be inside the burning building, Mr. Hall was severely burned by the roof falling on him, but by heroic efforts made his escape, but not without serious, if not fatal injury. The family is left without means, and this morning friends were soliciting assistance from the public.

Order your favorite author from the P. O. Book Store.

Dr. K. C. Sapero,

surgeon and a specialist in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and expert optician, is here, accompanied by his wife, with headquarters at Perry Hotel until Dec. 26; a large stock of glasses and artificial eyes on hand. Difficult cases of school children solicited. Best of known references on demand. Those who are unfortunate and unable to pay will receive same attention without charge. If your glasses require to be ground or if you are in need of treatment call early. Consultation and examination for glasses free.

Notice to Claim Holders.

Those who want to buy or sell claims call on W. H. Campbell. office with Ransom & Bailey, west of the land office.

Your Sweetheart will be delighted with one of those nice books Xmas from P. 0. Book Store.

To Cure a Cold in One Day.

Take Laxative Brorno Quinine tablets. All druggists refund the money if it fails to cure. Price 25 cents.

Notice.

All members of the Bohemian Colonization Bureau are requested to meet at the residence of John Bontty, corner Sixth and G streets, on December 31st. Ardent business to be transacted.
JOHN BONTTY, Pres.

Holiday Excursion Rates.

Tickets will be sold between all stations on t he A. T. & S. F. Ry. in Kansas, Oklahoma and the Indian Territory at one lowest standard first class fare for the round trip for distances not exceeding 200 miles. Dates or sale Dec. 24th, 25th and 31st and Jan. 1st, 1898. Good for final return trip not later than Jan. 4th, 1898. Tickets not good for stop over.
E. E. WESTRVELT, Agent.

Books make nice gifts to any Friend. P. 0. Book Store.

Sunday School Convention.

The following program will be rendered at the Sunday School convention of Black Bear township at the Fairview school house, December 26, commencing at 10 o’clock a. m:

Opening song ………………..	……………….. By convention
Prayer …………………………	………………….. J. O. Young
Song …………………………..	……. Fairview Sunday School
Welcome address …………..	……………………. Mr. Stroud
Response …………………….	………………….. Convention
Lesson study ……………………………………………………….
Dinner.
Song …………………………..	………………….. Convention
Recitation …………………….	>……………… Dick T. Morgan
Address. How to make our Sunday School more interesting
…………………………………………………………. J. D. Smith
Address. The requisites of successful teaching.
………………………………………………………….. R. Hudson
Recitation ……………………………………………………………
Song ………………………………………………………………….
Address ……………………….	………………. J. E. Shanafelt
Recitation ……………………………………………………………
Address ……………………….	……………….. J. A. Oliphant
Song …………………………..	………………….. Convention

N. N. Monnett, Pres.
Ella Stroud, Sec.

Santa Claus in Perry.

Never in the history of Perry has bigger preperations (sic) been made by Santa Claus to make the hearts of his little friends happier than this year. There will be more Dolls, Drums, Horns, Guns, Swords, Games for the little folks, and choice books of poetry and prose, Robinson Crusto, Mother Goose and other books from 1 cent up for girls and boys. There will be Hand Painted Handkerchief Cases, Glove Boxes, Perpetual Calendars, Booklets, Diarys for ’98, to jot down everything and one ought to go to the post office every day to see if Santa Claus has written when he is coming – in fact all of theses (sic) pretty things may be seen at the Post Office Book Store.

Perry Academy Notes.

The Academy has a class in Greek.

Guy Morris has enrolled at the Academy.

The Faculty has rented an organ for Chapel exercises and various purposes.

The Algebra class is six in number and finds the opening work very interesting.

The students will enjoy a ten days vacation commencing Friday, Dec. 24, closing Jan. 4, ’98.

A number of applications have been made for the enrollment of students who will enter after holidays.

If it is practical the Academy proposes opening other departments including lower grades in another part of town.

Principal LeBar has received a two volume edition of the Standard Dictionary from the Central Congregational church of Brooklyn, N. Y. This is to replace the one distroyed at the time the Academy was burned.

It is too much to have a scratch for a living and for relief also. Hnnt’s cure will not help you in the former case, but will sure cure the itch, tetter or ringworm, itching piles, or it costs your nothing. Price 50 cents. For sale at East Side drug store.