John P. CRAWFORD
"The ability to win without the aid of publicity has been characteristic of John P. CRAWFORD, of Ada, and it would seem that he has contracted the habit of winning. In politics, in law and in the field of commerce he has been a factor in Pontotoc County for a number of years and in each line of activity he has been successful. Two terms in the State Legislature brought him into prominence throughout Oklahoma, and, after accomplishing noteworthy achievements as a lawmaker, he retired to his profession at Ada and to looking after his oil, gas and agricultural interests.
John P. CRAWFORD was born in Washington County, Arkansas, in 1872, and is a son of Johnson and Clementine (GILLILAND) CRAWFORD. His father, who was a pioneer minister and farmer of Washington County, was also well known in public life, and served as a member of the Fifth Oklahoma Legislature from Mayes County. John P. CRAWFORD was educated in the public schools of Washington County, Arkansas, and at Rogers Academy, Rogers, Arkansas, from which institution he was graduated in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thereafter, for two years, he taught in the public schools of Arkansas and at odd times studied law in the office of Jesse LONDON, at Alma, Arkansas. He was admitted to the bar in 1898, at Van Buren, Arkansas, and immediately came West, locating at the then prosperous Town of Center, Indian Territory. After remaining there but a short time, Mr. CRAWFORD moved to Stonewall, Indian Territory, where he practiced law until 1900, being a partner during a part of this time with W. P. LANGSTON. In 1900 Mr. CRAWFORD moved to Ada and formed a partnership with Tom D. McKEOWN, who is now a district judge of Oklahoma. Later he became associated with J. W. BOLEN, and he has continued to maintain this relation, the combination being known as one of the strong ones legally in this part of the state. Mr. CRAWFORD was elected a member of the Oklahoma Legislature in 1910 and was made chairman of the Committee on Appropriations of the House. He was reelected in 1912 and during the sessions of the Fourth Legislature was chairman of the democratic caucus. In 1914 he was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee from Pontotoc County.
Mr. CRAWFORD was married in 1901 to Miss Margaret TRUAX, of Stonewall, Oklahoma, daughter of Dr. George H. TRUAX, a well known practicing physician of that town. They are the parents of one son: Arthur, who is twelve years of age and attending the public schools. Mr. CRAWFORD is a member of the A.F.&A.M. and Royal Arch divisions of the Masonic order, and has been master of the former. He is a member also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, is affiliated professionally with the Pontotoc County Bar Association and the Oklahoma State Bar Association, and holds membership also in the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
When Mr. CRAWFORD first came to Ada it was village with a future that was problematic. He soon became a leader in its advancement and has since contributed much toward its building to the high place it now occupies among the cities of the state. He has been a successful lawyer, and good investments have brought him into the possession of some excellent farm land. In the matter of agriculture, he is one of the leaders in this section of the county of those who are practicing the diversification of crops and breaking away from the hard and fast rules of cotton and corn that obtained for so long here to the financial detriment of the farmers. He is interested also in the oil and gas development of the community that lately has assumed an aspect of much importance."