Snoozin' Sadie

Sadie says,"NW Okie says she has some new history of Pioneers from the Past that she found in the 1916 Standard History of Oklahoma that she will be sharing this week and for the next few weeks."

The Weathermen have been predicting some much needed moisture heading from the Pacific coast across California, Arizona, New Mexico and into the San Juans of Southwest Colorado with some snow to arrive sometime after midnight, Friday, November 30, 2007. Maybe some of that moisture will move towards Oklahoma!

That was as of Friday evening. Today... Saturday morning it is overcast with the mountain peaks hidden in the low hanging clouds -- temperatures are in the mid-40's -- NO SNOW YET -- in the southwest valley of Colorado. BUT... the good thing is, we are getting some much needed moisture. Purgatory Ski Resort received about 18 inches of snow last night, but all we are getting in the valley south of Bayfield on this Saturday is rain & graupel and slow satellite connections with the cloud cover.

Excuse me as this Sadie Pug takes a snooze in the warm, cozy spot by the fireplace with a warm afghan to curl up under for dog nap. That's me, Sadie, snoozin' away in doggy dreamland in a warm cozy rocker near the fireplace.

Welcome to the 1st day of December 2007!
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Oklahoma Red Book (1912)

Someone ask me awhile back about the book entitled "Oklahoma Red Book" (published in 1912). I hadn't really heard about that book until just recently when I found it on Books.Google.com. On page v, Vol. 1, The Oklahoma Red Book, it shows who compiled the book, Seth K. Corden, former Sec'y State Election Board, and W. B. Richards, corporation Record clerk; under supervisions of Giles W. Farris, State Printer, and Benjamin F. Harrison, Secretary of State, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 1912. - Oklahoma Red Book

It was compiled to be used as a book for ready reference -- to keep in a durable, compact form the full test of papers of state dealing with the creation and foundation of the commonwealth, the basic laws of the Indian government and all treaties, federal laws, rulings and Acts of Congress affecting Indian and Territorial Affairs.

On page 106, of Oklahoma Red book, it gives a description of Woods and Woodward county locations.

Woods County -- "Beginning on the State line between Kansas and Oklahoma at its intersection with the center line of Cimarron River in range 21 west; thence eastward along said state line to its intersection with the range line between ranges 12 and 13 west; thence south along said range line to its intersection with the Cimarron River to its intersection with the township line between townships 23 and 24 north; thence west along said township line to its intersection with the range line between ranges 16 and 17 west; thence north along said range line to its intersection with the center line of the Cimarron River; thence up along the center line of said Cimarron River to the point of beginning. Alva is herby designated the county seat of Woods county."

Woodward county -- "Beginning on the center line of the Cimarron River at its intersection with the range line between ranges 19 and 20 west; thence southeastwardly along the center line of said Cimarron River to its intersection with the range line between ranges 16 and 17 west; thence south along said range line to its intersection with the south boundary line of said county, as it now exists under the Territory of Oklahoma; thence westward along said line to its intersection with the range line between ranges 22 and 23 west; thence north along said range line to its intersection with the township line between townships 24 and 25 north; thence east along said township line to its intersection with the center line of the Cimarron River; thence up along the center line of said range line between ranges 19 and 20 west; thence north along said range line to the point of beginning. Woodward is hereby designated the county seat of Woodward county."

On page 128 of that same book is a picture of the first legislature of Oklahoma Territory. They were: W. H. Campbell, T. R. Waggoner, I. N. Terrill, R. J. Barker, S. D. Pack, S. W. Clark, J. M Stovall, H. G. Trosper, G. I. Currin.
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Pioneer James Philander Renfrew

As to the "Standard History of Oklahoma" books, I found a set of all the volumes online and acquired them for my library. The set came in the mail Friday. Looking on the inside it looks as if they came from the "East Central State Teachers College Library," in Ada, Oklahoma.

In the next few weeks, we will be looking up some history of past pioneers of Oklahoma & Indian Territory. If you have anyone you want me to research, let me know.

Before we get into Pioneer James Philander Renfrew's legacy, let me share a quote that I found in the Preface, page v of the 1916, A Standard History of Oklahoma, Vol. 1, by Joseph B. Thoburn. It goes like this: "History must be a consensus of enlightened opinion on the part of the many, rather than a matter of personal viewpoint on the part of the few."

James Philander Renfrew
The following past pioneer information came from the 1916 history book, A Standard History of Oklahoma, compiled by Joseph B. Thoburn and associates in 1916.

James Philander Renfrew published one of the newspapers of most influence in the old Cherokee Strip country of Oklahoma Territory: Renfrew's Daily and Weekly Record, in Alva, OK.

Renfrew was a pioneer in Cherokee country, participated in the opening in the fall of 1893. elected treasurer of Woods County; leading figure as a homesteader, teacher, man of affairs and newspaper publisher.

It was written that James Philander Renfrew represented one of the best family stocks that came into Oklahoma when the country was first opened for settlement.

James P. Renfrew was born on a farm in Benton county, Iowa, Aug. 31, 1849, son of John and Hester Jane (Johnson) Renfrew. James' father was born on a farm near Mansfield, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1824, son of James Renfrew, who was a native of Ireland.

James Philander Renfrew was reared and educated in Richland county, Ohio and Caldwell County, Missouri. He was about 11 years old when his father located in the latter county. His advantages in public schools qualified him as a teacher at the age of twenty and he followed that occupation in combination with farming for a number of years. In 1887 James Renfrew removed to Barber county, Kansas and continued farming, teaching for 7 years.

In September 1893, Renfrew was on the starting line for the rush into the Cherokee Strip, staked out a claim of Government land ten miles north of Alva. When Woods county was organized that year all the officers were appointed, and the first regular county election was held in 1894. In that campaign James Renfrew was a candidate on the populist ticket for the office of treasurer and won the contest by a safe majority. This gave James Renfrew the distinction in local county history as the first regularly elected treasurer of the county. After filling that office for two years, he again resumed his work as teacher, and paid some attention to the development of his farm.

In 1899, Renfrew acquired an interest in the Alva Review and for the following three years was its editor. Selling out he then established in 1902 Renfrew's Record as a weekly populist paper.

In 1904 Renfrew became once more aligned with the regular democratic party, but up to that year had been one of the active factors in the populist movement. In 1898 he was the populist nominee for the office of state senator from Woods county.

On Jan. 1, 1915, Renfrew began the publication of a morning edition, known as Renfrew's Morning Record. This newspaper had a large circulation over Woods and surrounding counties and was a paper from which many hundreds of its readers took their opinions on current questions. It also was a prosperous business enterprise.

Renfrew had a modern plant with complete equipment for the publication of his journal and also for general printing. In 1910 he was honored by election to the office of president of the Oklahoma State Press Assoc. and held the office one year.

James & Julia Ellen (Black) Renfrew
Aug. 31, 1871, on his twenty-second birthday, at Mirabile, Missouri, James Renfrew married Julia Ellen Black. The Black family of Missouri had been one of the oldest and most honored for many years. Julia Ellen's parents were Dr. Oakley H. and Susan R. (Hyde) Black. Julia Ellen Black was born April 14, 1856, at Champaign, Illinois, being the first white child born in that city. Her father Dr. Black was born May 21, 1828, in Clark County, Ohio, and was of Virginia parents and English ancestry.

Dr. Black served as a soldier in the Mexican war and was also in service along the frontier against the Indians during the years 1846-51. He was a member of Company B of the First United States Dragoons, and was made sergeant of his company at the battle of Buena Vista. Dr. Black was the family physician to all the best people in and around Mirabile for many years and finally died at Cameron, Missouri, Feb. 13, 1894. He was married Jan. 29, 1854, and the eight children living by his first marriage are Julia E., Emma W., Olive M., Sarah C., Cordelia A., Agnes B., Minerva L. and Rosana M. The mother of these children died Feb. 26, 1870. On Nov. 4, 1870, Dr. Black married Miss Mary T. Rinaman. The three children of this marriage are Charles T., William A., and Mary E. William was a successful editor, newspaper man.

James & Julia Renfrew were the parents of four children: two sons and two daughters. Rufus Oakley, oldest, born July 6, 1872, married Feb. 13, 1898, to Miss Stella Long, daughter of Rev. M.T. and Mary (Noble) Long, who was born Nov. 14, 1878, in Chautauqua county, Kansas, and by their marriage have one child, Edith Lillian, born April 21, 1900.

Rufus Renfrew was in business as a loan broker and abstracter at Woodward, Oklahoma in 1916 and was a 33 degree Mason.

The second child, Mabel Estella, was born October 15, 1873, died September 5, 1874. John Alden, born March 14, 1875, was a merchant, and mayor of Alva in 1916. He married Mabel Williams, daughter of Capt. George L. and Anna F. (Bragg) Williams. They had a child, Clara, born April 22, 1902.

Lillian Emma, the youngest, born October 3, 1876, died May 27, 1900, was married April 28, 1897 to Dyas Galbois, who was accidentally killed July 3, 1909.

Mrs. Renfrew inherited much of the strong mental ability and character of her father, and had ably assisted her husband in the editorial management of the paper. She had also been prominent in club, church and society affairs both in her own city and over the state. She served in 1914 as department president of the Woman's Relief corps, and was past worthy matron of the order of Eastern Star.

John Renfrew
John Renfrew was a farmer by occupation, went to Iowa in 1846, around the time that state was admitted to the Union. about 1860 he set out for Kansas, while that state was being settled, but instead of proceeding to his destination determined to locate in Caldwell County, Missouri, he lived in Northwest Missouri for 28 years.

Afterwards he actually went to Kansas, when conditions were very different from what they had been before the Civil war, settled on a tract of Government land in Barber County. He continued farming until 1894, then in the year following the opening of the Cherokee Strip moved to Woods County, Okahoma, and proved up a homestead ten miles north of Alva. John Renfrew occurred at Alva, June 16, 1902. He married in Coshocton County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1849, to Miss Hester Jane Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Stephenson) Johnson. Hester Johnson Renfrew was born April 6, 1831, in Coshocton county and died in Woods county, OK, March 12, 1899.

The Alva editor was the first of their four children (three daughters and one son). Emily Jane, oldest of the daughters, born Feb. 18, 1852, married Dec. 5, 1871 to James W. DeGeer, who was born Nov. 26, 1843, in Ontario, Canada, and lived as a reitred farmer at Nampa, Idaho; James & Emily DeGeer had four children: Cora, Eva, Renfrew I, and Vaughn E.

Mary Ellen, second daughter, born Aug. 10, 1855, married Oct. 28, 1875 to Lyman W. DeGeer and they had 7 children: Muriel, Mabel, Dahl, Frederick, Ernest, Frank and Edgar.

Hessie lou, the youngest born Jan. 14, 1869, married April 22, 1895, to Anthony T. Nuce, and they had two children: Harry Renfrew and Alice.
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NWOSU - The Ranger Dedication

"The unveiling and dedication of 'The Ranger' statue took place at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. The ceremony was held on the northeast corner of the campus.

'The Ranger' is a larger than life-sized bronze embodiment of a bucking horse and rider, the university's most enduring and treasured symbol that serves as a focal point for Ranger pride. It was sculpted by noted western artist Harold Holden of Kremlin.

Dean Linder of Alva served as master of ceremonies for the event. Speakers included Suzanne Tate, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council; Dr. Janet Cunningham, president of Northwestern; and Holden. Regent Richard Ryerson of Alva introduced Dr. Tom and Brenda McDaniel, who made the generous decision to underwrite the creation of 'The Ranger.' Special music for the event was provided by the Northwestern band, directed by Dr. Kathryn Lindberg, and choir, directed by Dr. Stephen Kingsbury.

A public reception took place in the J.W. Martin Library immediately after the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. It was hosted by members of the university's Staff Council and library staff.

Tom McDaniel is a 1960 graduate of Northwestern and later earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He was in private practice in Alva before he was appointed the administrative director of state courts in 1981. McDaniel joined Kerr-McGee in 1984, ultimately become vice chairman of the company and a member of its board of directors. After retiring from Kerr-McGee, McDaniel served as president of Northwestern from 2000 to 2001. He was named president of Oklahoma City University in 2001.

Brenda McDaniel attended Northwestern from 1957 to 1960 before completing her degree at the University of Oklahoma. She served as alumni director at Northwestern in the 1970s, earning her master's degree from the University in 1976. 'The Ranger' stands approximately 10 feet high and will be placed on a four foot base that will recognize the contributions of the McDaniels. It was set in place on Monday, Nov. 12.

Holden has been capturing the West in sculptures and paintings for more than 30 years. While his work can be found in the Oklahoma State Capitol and on a postage stamp, his public sculptures have kept him busy the last few years. His sculpture of Will Rogers on horseback can be seen at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and his piece 'We Will Remember' is part of a memorial at Oklahoma State University that honors members of the basketball team killed in a plane crash. Holden also worked on numerous Oklahoma Centennial projects.

Pictures taken November 13, 2007, by Jim Bradley, NWOSU Class of 1959. 'The Ranger' statue shrouded; Speakers & Guests on Platform: Dr. Janet Cunningham, President NWOSU; Dr. Tom McDaniel; Mrs Brenda McDaniel; Regent Richard Ryerson, Oklahoma Board of Regents; Mr. Harold Holden, Western Artist and Sculptor of 'The Ranger'; Suzanne Tate, Interim Executive Director, Oklahoma Arts Council; Judge Dean Linder, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Cunningham welcoming the attendees; Dr. Tom McDaniel awaits his turn to speak; Dr. McDaniel addresses the attendees; 'The Ranger' is unveiled; 'The Ranger'; Harold Holden, Sculptor, and Dr. McDaniel converse; Dr. McDaniel, Mrs. Brenda McDaniel, and Harold Holden confer; 'The Ranger' with NWOSU Band in background; Judge Linder, Dr. McDaniel, Dr. Cunningham, and Harold Holden under 'The Ranger'; Judge Dean Linder, Harold Holden, Richard Ryerson, Dr. Tom McDaniel, Mrs. Brenda McDaniel, Dr. Janet Cunningham, pose with 'The Ranger' in background; 'The Ranger' after dark (right side); 'The Ranger' after dark (front); 'The Ranger' after dark (left side); 'The Ranger' in early morning light (right side); 'The Ranger' on base; 'The Ranger' showing R brand on right rear quarter; Close-up of R brand.

There are initials of some of the project participants molded into various locations on the tack of the bucking bronco. One must look close to find these. In addition, the R brand is the NWOSU farm brand." -- James Bradley - Ranger Statue Photos
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OkieLegacy Guestbook

11/27/2007 - "Thanks for the wonderful site. I love collecting cookbooks and recipes!" -- Janet Truitt - EMAIL: jimmie1@netcommander.com

11/19/2007 - "I've been living in Dacoma for over 9 years. Even though it is a small town but it also is quiet lovely, and quiet. If your ever looking for a quiet and small place to go I recommened Dacoma." -- Katlyn Thomas
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Purgatory Snow - Colorado

The Durango Herald that with 18 inches of snowfall overnight and as much as another foot expected Saturday, Purgatory will open on Sunday with the ski area's annual Benefit Day.

UDATED NEWS: "The prayers of area skiers were answered Friday as Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort received 18 inches of fresh snow, allowing the ski area to open just one day late. Another six to 12 inches is forecast for today (Saturday) and tonight." -- Durango Herald
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WANTED: Alva Boys Choir Pics

Alva Boys' Choir Website, Wants your old Alva Boy Choir photos and any other photos of Fred Neumans award this last week, November 28, 2007. If you have any old photos of the Alva Boys Choir to add to their website, you need to email Scott Downs.
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Rustic Bison Chili

"Linda, I just finished making a wonderful Buffalo Chili (will include recipe) & watching the OU/OSU game with my only 24 year son/Jeremy; score is 35 to 17 in OU's favor. BTW: I paid $7.00 per pound (and that was on sale) for buffalo at Akins Health Food Store."

Rustic Bison Chili
2 lbs. ground Buffalo
1 cup onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 cup bell pepper chopped
2-3 T. chili powder
2 t. cocoa powder (not sure about cocoa)
2 t. salt
1 t. oregano (crushed)
1 t. ground cinnamon (not sure I would add this)
1 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. ground black pepper
1/4 t. ground allspice
2 cans (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes & juice
2 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies

Saute bison for 3 minutes; stirring to crumble. Add onion & garlic, saute 5 additional minutes. Mix in bell pepper, chili powder, cocoa powder, salt, oregano, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, allspice & cook 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans (if you want them - didn''t give a quantity), water & chilies. Stir to blend & simmer for 45-60 minutes. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time 45-60 minutes.

Wichita Buffalo Company, LLC; @ Sandy Springs Farms, LLC - 28580 Hwy 37, Hinton, OK 73047 sandyspringsfarms.com." -- Jan Carver - Email: n777jc@cox.net
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OkieLegacy - My Albums

Check out "The Ranger" dedication photos sent to us by james Bradley, Class of '59.

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44 Years Ago - November 22, 1963

"My wife and I were going to town shopping. We lived on the Air Force Base at Glasgow, MT, and we went to the bank on the base to cash a check for some cash. As I was leaving, I overheard someone say the Gov. Connelly and Pres. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. We departed the band and proceeded to drive the 16 miles to town. At the main gate we were told to go back home and contact our bomber crew commander, which I did. That was the end of our shopping trip for that day. Later, we were released from staying near the phone. Sure was a shock. " -- James E Bradley - http://okielegacy.org/journal/tabloid/comments.asp?ID=3148&issue=47&Volume=9

44 Years Ago - November 22, 1963 "Do I remember? It happened on my 21st birthday!" -- Norman Smith

44 Years Ago - November 22, 1963 "My husband had been home for lunch and had just gone back to work when I sat down with our toddler daughter to put her down for her nap. Back in those days of B/W TVs it took a bit for it to warm up and the picture to come on. I usually watched General Hospital while putting the daughter down and as the TV was warming up, I could hear voices and they didn''t sound like GH and I wondered what the heck? Then when the picture came on, it was the network commentater and I soon caught on what had happened. I let my daughter slip down out of my lap and I stared unbelieving at the TV. The official death announcement had not been issued yet. Think I spent the rest of the afternoon just watching TV and the events unfolding. Never even thought to call my husband with the news." -- Comment: Anita Cheatum - Email: sfdepot@sbcglobal.net
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Crowell Brothers Mansion

"Was the George Crowell mansion the large red-brick home just south of Alva Middle School on Flynn Ave.?" -- Rod Murrow
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What's Happening - Britton, OK

"Britton certainly did lose its identity when the town''s people voted yes to Oklahoma City''s annexation. As nearly as I can determine, this occurred about 1954 or 1955, maybe a year or two earlier. I was two or three at the time, living with my parents on Ridgeview Drive in the Village. I remember my father telling me how Britton had once been a separate small town out in "the country," with a population of 6,000. By the time I was in high school, at the original John Marshall (1969-1971), which was on the edge of Britton and Nichols Hills, the population of Britton consisted mostly of elderly white folks and some of my classmates were children of the younger adults of Britton. Of course, today, the entire character and make up of the area has changed entirely." -- Gary - OkieLegacy comment
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Crowell Mansion of Alva, OK

"I have always heard that the Crowell mansion was the two-story, red-brick house with the beatuiful cut-glass entrance, on the southwest corner of Flynn & Eighth Street, across from what was the Jr. High School and is now the Middle School." -- NW Okie
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Eben P. Clapper, MD

"Eben P. Clapper was a member of the Waynoka medical profession since 1901, well known residents of Woods county, enjoyed a life career which illustrated a high order of intelligence, dignity of bearing, nobleness of purpose and a steady aim. As a physician he has been successful both in a material way and in the gaining of a reputation, and as a citizen he has been thorough and faithful in the discharge of the duties which have devolved upon him.

He was born in Memphis, Missouri, Oct. 28, 1869. Dr. Clapper was a son of Henry D. and Ann E. (Ford) Clapper. His father was a native of Ohio, born June 30, 1834, and the son of parents who were born in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Henry D. Clapper was brought up amid rural surroundings and remained on his father's homestead until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, beginning as a clerk in a store at Memphis, Missouri. He was industrious and ambitious, carefully saved his wages, and learned every detail of his chosen occupation, finally entering business on his own account as the proprietor of an establishment at Unionville, Missouri, and later at Downing, Missouri. He died at the latter place, July 10, 1882, after a long and successful career, and was known as one of the substantial men of his community and as a good and public-spirited citizen. he was a member of the Christian church and supported its movement throughout his life.

Mr. Clapper was married in 1856 to Miss Ann E. Ford, who was born Aug. 8, 1831, in Kentucky, a daughter of Minor L. Ford, a native of Kentucky. She died at Palisade, Colorado, Feb. 23, 1909 in the faith of the Christian church, of which she had been a life long member. Mr. and Mrs. Clapper were the parents of five daughters and one son, as follows: Ida S.; Clara M.; Martha A, who was the wife of Dr. J. L. Tadlock of Palisade, Colorado; Ella J.; Nancy E., who was the widow of J. M. Guinn of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Dr. E. P. Clapper.

Dr. E. P. Clapper was educated in public schools of Downing, Missouri, and as a youth was engaged in working in his father's store as a salesman. He continued for number of years, but had always cherished an ambition to enter the medical profession, when 27 years of age allowed his inclinations to have full sway, entering the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa.

He was graduated from that institution in 1901, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and since that time had been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession at Waynoka, Oklahoma. Here he was a large, well-appointed office, with an extensive library and all instruments and appliances for handling the most delicate and complicated medical and surgical cases. He was justly numbered among the leading practitioners of Woods county with his knowledgeable skill. Dr. Clapper maintained membership in the leading medical societies, as a, attentive student and subscribed to the foremost journals of his profession. He was well known in Masonry and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family attended the christian church.

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

[This information came from the history book, A Standard History of Oklahoma, compiled by Joseph Thoburn, 1916.]

Rufus O. Renfrew had liberal, progessive policies and clear vision that characterized his signally successful business career. He brought much initiative energy, resourcefulness and mature judgment to bear in connection with the development of the substantial and important business controlled by the Renfrew Investment Company, of which he was president. The headquarters were maintained in the city of Woodward, judicial center of the county of Woodward. He was one of the public-spirited citizens and progressive business men of Oklahoma and he was entitled to special recognition in the history of the state of his adoption.

Rufus Renfrew was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, on 6 July 1872, the place of his nativity having been the homestead farm of his parents, James P. and Ella (Black) Renfrew.

His early education was acquired in public schools of his native county and those of Barber county, Kansas, in which latter the family home was established when he was about fourteen years of age, in 1886.

In 1894 he was graduated in the commercial department of the Central Normal College at Great Bend, Kansas, and devoted three years to teaching in schools of Barber county, Kansas and Woods county, Oklahoma to which latter county his parents removed in the year 1893.

In 1894-95 he served as deputy treasurer of Woods county, under the administration of his father, who held the office of treasurer of the county two years.One year after retiring from the position, Rufus was engaged in the wholesale produce business at Alva, judicial center of Woods county.

From 1897 to 1899 he was a salesman in a retail mercantile establishment at that place. During the following 5 years he was associated with his brother-in-law, Dyas Galbois, in the furniture and undertaking business at Alva, and soon after severing his connection with this enterprise he removed, in March 1905 to Woodward, where he established himself in the abstract, loan and investment business, the enterprise was a roving success from the time of its initiation and rapidly expanding in scope and importance.

In 1912 the organization of Renfrew Investment Company, which incorporated under the laws of the state, with a paid-up capital of $25,000, the home office of the company being maintained at Woodward and being under the direct supervision of Renfrew, who was the president of the company from the time of incorporation.

The Renfrew Investment Company controlled an extensive farm-loan business through northwestern Oklahoma and was rated as one of the leading concerns of its kind in the entire western part of the state, with a reputation that constitutes its best asset and gave to it invioable claim of confidence and support. Renfrew was a vigorous, aggressive executive and was the dominant force in directing the large affairs of the company which beared his name and which owes its high prestige and large success mainly to his effective policies and able administration.

Jan. 1, 1916 renfrew was elected president of Woodward Commercial Club for one year. He and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian church in their home city and were active and liberal in the support of the various departments of its work.

It was in a pioneer sod house near Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma, where he solemnized, on 13 Feb. 1898, the marriage of Rufus Renfrew to Miss Stella Long. Stella Long was born at Columbus, Kansas, on the 14 Nov. 1885, and her parents were, Rev. Matthew T. and Etta (Noble) Long, who were born in Indiana and became pioneers in both Kansas and Oklahoma. Rev. Long being a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Renfrew's had one child, Edith Lillian, who was born April 14, 1900.
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Google Book Search

Some of the books that NW Okie has found on Google Book Search are:
Baseball In St. Louis: 1900-1925 - by Steve Steinberg - Sports & Recreation - 2004 - 128 pages

A History of Oklahoma by Joseph Bradfield Thoburn, Isaac Mason Holcomb - Oklahoma - 1908 - 266 pages

The Harvey Girls: Women Who Opened the West by Lesley Poling-Kempes - History - 1994 - 252 pages

A STANDARD HISTORY OF OKLAHOMA by JOSEPH B THOBURN - 1916
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