The present mayor of Eufaula, Dr. Robert Britton Buford, was for ten years engaged in the practice of dentistry here and he is now, in connection with his official duties, active in the conduct of the Indian Journal, of which paper he is editor and proprietor. A native of Texas, he was born in Sulphur Springs, on the 23d of April, 1879, a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Askew) Buford, the former a native of Texas and the latter of Georgia. On attaining manhood the father engaged in farming on his own account in Texas and he was active in that connection until his demise in 1920. He was but eighteen years of age when he enlisted in the Texas infantry under his father, Captain W. R. Buford, for service in the Civil war, and he participated in many of the most important battles of that conflict, serving the entire four years. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his native state and resided there until his death at the age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Buford is still living and makes her home in Texas.
Robert Britton Buford was reared and educated in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and after completing his preliminary education, enrolled in the dental department of the University of Tennessee at Nashville, graduating from that institution in 1902 with the D. D. S. degree. He immediately came to Eufaula and for ten years engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, achieving substantial success in that connection. In 1912 he purchased the Indian Journal, which was established forty-five years ago and is the oldest newspaper in the state, and he is now active in its publication, being editor as well as sole proprietor. The plant is equipped with the most modern presses and linotype machines, and a large job printing business is done in connection with the publication of the paper. A leader in both professional and business circles, Dr. Buford was soon called to public office and for six months he served as county treasurer, being appointed to fill an unexpired term. Prior to statehood he was elected mayor of Eufaula and is now serving his second term. One of the most important acts marking his first administration was the establishment of the water works system, and his second term has witnessed the completion of the paving of Eufaula. He is a stockholder in the Oklahoma State Bank here and owns considerable residence and business property, from the rental of which he receives a substantial income.
Dr. Buford married Miss Marcella Fossick, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Fossick, the former a native of England and the latter of Alabama. Mr. Fossick was engaged in the operation of a stone quarry for the greater part of his life and achieved gratifying success in that connection. His demise occurred in 1918. Mrs. Fossick is still living. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Buford three children have been born: John, who is fourteen years of age and is attending the schools of Eufaula; Margaret, eleven years of age and also a student in the Eufaula schools; and Robert B., Jr.
Since attaining his majority, Dr. Buford has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, and fraternally he is identified with the Masons, Modern Woodmen of America and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also holds membership in the Lions Club. Dr. Buford is one of the foremost citizens of Eufaula, in the up-building and development of which he has been a dominant factor, and as a public officer he has won the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
