Buffington, Thos. M.

The following data is extracted from The Indian Territory, Its Chiefs, Legislators and Leading Men.

Thos. M. Buffington was born October 19, 1855, at Cincinnati, Arkansas; the fourth son of Ezekiel Buffington, by Louisa Newman. He was educated at the Going Snake district schools, and was married to Miss Susan Woodhall, daughter of Isaac Woodhall, in 1878. His wife died, without family, November 11, 1891. In 1889 Mr. Buffington was elected to the judgeship of Delaware district, and in 1891 was called to the senate to represent the same district. During his first council he had the distinguished honor of being elected president of the senate, a rare precedent for one so young. In this race he competed against Hon. Richard Wolfe, a man of great popularity. Mr. Buffington has 225 acres in cultivation, eight miles from Vinita; he also owns a small stock of cattle, besides hogs, horses and mules, and a fine residence and orchard. He is one of the tallest and best-built men in the nation, his height being fully six feet seven inches; he is uncommonly prepossessing in appearance, and popular with all classes. On the death of Chief Mayes, December 14, 1891, Mr. Buffington, being president of the senate, filled the office of principal chief till the nomination and election of Col. C. J. Harris to the executive chair, December 23, 1891. Such an honor has rarely fallen to the lot of such a young statesman, and Mr. Buffington during his brief office in that high capacity, acquitted himself to the satisfaction of all.

Source: The Indian Territory, Its Chiefs, Legislators and Leading Men

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