In last week’s Ferguson Feature, a Watonga High School senior, Dayson Cash, reminded us of the honor and heritage of our United States and Oklahoma flags. The end of the article, added by the editor, mentions these are values T.B. Ferguson held dear.
I found a letter in the Oklahoma Historical Society that gives us some insight into the strong patriotism of T.B. Ferguson Archives in his own handwriting. In the undated letter written on stationery from the New Moore Hotel, Fred C. Miller, Proprietor (42 Rooms, Electric Lights, Steam Heat, Rates: $2.00 per Day), T.B. writes: “We had a meeting on the street, and I spoke to at least a thousand people. A fellow can speak better when he sees a flag and hears patriotic music. The people up in this country are mostly from Kansas. At Pryor, I found many from Emporia. Judge Graves, a son of Judge Graves of Emporia, is at Pryor.” (Ferguson was raised and went to college in Emporia, Kansas) “After speaking at Pryor in the afternoon, I went back to Chouteau and spoke to a big crowd Saturday night. My speech at Pryor may not have made me any southern Democratic votes, but it made those Kansas Republicans stand on their toes and yell. I talked on patriotism and love for flag and country. Also went after the administration on its graft. A good many northern Democrats here. They told me that they would vote for me if…” Though the letter is undated, I assume Oklahoma Territorial Governor Ferguson was running for U.S. Representative in 1907 or Governor of the state in 1910 as Oklahoma had been admitted to the Union in 1907. Pryor, in the far northeastern part of Oklahoma, would have been part of Indian Territory, not Oklahoma Territory, during territorial days.
Though unsuccessful in seeking public office during statehood, one must appreciate T.B. Ferguson’s popularity and the popularity of his policies to have at least 1,000 people come out for his speeches.
Today, I have great respect for all our candidates for county, state and federal offices, whether successful in elections. All contribute to the democracy and patriotism of which our United States and Oklahoma flags are emblematic.