Dougan G. LANE
Among the official positions within the gift of the people of a county, one of the most important is that of the county treasurer. A man thus honored must needs have shown himself possessed of financial ability of a high order, executive power and organizing capacity, and the strictest integrity and probity in all the affairs of life. The man who receives and disburses all the revenues and other public moneys belonging to the county, and who personally countersigns county orders, must be one in whom the public can place absolute faith. It is in this connection that mention may be made of Dougan G. LANE, one of the most efficient and energetic treasurers LeFlore County has known, whose excellent services rendered are evidenced by the fact that he is serving his second term.
Mr. Lane was born October 16, 1863, at Dallas, Arkansas, and is a son of John R. and Nicy J. (WARD) LANE, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Mississippi. The parents were married in Arkansas, lived a good many years at Dallas, and later at Fort Smith, Arkansas, at both of which places John R. Lane was successfully engaged inmerchandising. He was also prominent in political and public life, being a staunch supporter of the men and measures of the democratic party both locally and nationally, and on various occasions held positions of honor and trust to which he was elected by his fellow citizens. During the Civil war his sympathies were with the South, and for several years he served gallantly under the banner of the Lost Cause.
In the public schools of Arkansas, Dougan G. Lane received his early educational training, following which he attended the University of Arkansas. Very early in life he entered the school of practical business experience, when, at the age of thirteen years, he was employed by a druggist of his home town. Later he turned his attention to the cattle business, and in September, 1887, removed from Dallas to Fort Smith, Arkansas, in which latter city he was identified with the grocery business, first as a clerk and later on his own account, being for a time also associated with his father in this enterprise. In 1900, Mr. Lane accepted a position with the American Cotton Company and removed to Oklahoma City, but in the following year changed his residence to Spiro, Oklahoma, although he remained in the cotton business and was employed by the American Cotton Company, and later by its successors, until 1908. In that year Mr. Lane came to Poteau to enter upon the discharge of his duties as assistant or deputy county treasurer, a position to which he gave such general satisfaction that he was urged by his friends to make the campaign for county treasurer in November, 1912. He was duly elected to that office on the democratic ticket and took charge of its affairs in July, 1913, and in the fall of 1914 was re-elected to succeed himself. His record has been one of faithful and conscientious service in behalf of the best interests of the people of the county. Mr. Lane is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian Church. He has taken a commendable interest in all matters pertaining to the civic, educational, industrial, religious or social welfare of Poteau and LeFlore County, and is considered not only a capable public servant, but a helpful and public-spirited citizen.
Mr. Lane was married in 1882 to Miss Emma GARR, who was born and reared in Indiana, and to this union have been born six children: Ethel, who is the wife of D. M. KENT; R. Fletcher, who married Miss Hattie SELF and lives at Eufaula, Oklahoma, Dougan C.; D. G., Jr.; and Harriette. Byron died at the age of sixteen months."