Agricultural development in Washington county finds a prominent representative in Gordon H. Scudder, who has made his home in Oklahoma since he was fifteen years of age, and through industry, persistency of purpose and intelligently directed effort he has become the possessor of a substantial competence. A native of Georgia, he was born in Walker county on the 25th of July, 1877, his parents being W. H. H. and Maggie (Ghormanly) Scudder, who were also born in that-state and were of Cherokee extraction. About 1892 they settled at Chelsea, Oklahoma, and in that section the father followed agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred in 1911. The mother survives. In their family were twelve children: Ida, who is deceased; Addie; Kenney, who has also passed away; Emma; Gordon H.; Maggie; Newton; Nellie; Henry; Clarke; Julia; and Louis.
Mr. Scudder acquired his education in the grammar and high schools of Chelsea, Oklahoma, and after completing his studies he embarked in ranching and stock raising in Washington county, settling at Moore’s Lake, at the bead of Hogshooter creek, about 1.899. In connection with others he drove twenty-two hundred head of cattle from George’s Fork to Moore’s Lake and thence to Coffeyville, from which point they were shipped to St. Louis. Mr. Scudder continued to reside upon his ranch on Hogshooter creek for eighteen years, being very successful in its operation. He then purchased his present place of five hundred acres, situated seven and a half miles northeast of Dewey. He is a partner of J. S. Todd of Fort Worth, Texas, and they also own a large amount of land in Craig county, Oklahoma. Their farming and stock raising operations are conducted on an extensive scale and they own approximately fifty head of cows and one thousand head of beef stock, giving employment to six men. Mr. Scudder is thoroughly conversant with every detail connected with the breeding and care of stock and brings to the operation of his farm a scientific knowledge of modern agriculture and a progressive, open mind. He has added many improvements to his place, converting it into one of the valuable and productive farms of the county.
On December 26, 1910, Mr. Scudder was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Clark, who acquired her education in a female seminary at Tahlequah.
She is a daughter of Silas D. and Elizabeth (Griffin) Clark, both natives of Indian Territory. His parents were born in Georgia and were among the first Cherokees to come to the territory. Mr. Clark passed away in 1913. His widow is sixty-two years of age and is residing in Washington county. In their family were six children : Levi and Robert, both of whom are married, the former being forty-four years of age, while the latter has reached the age of forty-one; Blue D., who is also married. Jennie, now Mrs. Scudder; Joel B.; and Evans P. Mr. and Mrs. Scudder have become the parents of four children Galela; Emogene; Wanda Elizabeth and Wade Hampton, who are twins. Mr. Scudder’s life record illustrates the power of honesty and diligence in securing success and his energy and persistency of purpose have resulted in placing him in the front rank of the progressive agriculturists and stock raisers of northeastern Oklahoma.
