Frederick Glonar Countryman, born July 22, 1866, at Ovid, New York. Lived in Ovid, New York until he was 9 years old, when he went to Kinsley, Kansas, with his parents, who homesteaded there. He lived with his parents on the homestead and in that community until 1895, when he went to Midway, Kansas, where he met, and on Feb. 16, 1896, married Maude Ellen Griffith. This couple celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 16 of this year.

To this union were born 10 children: George Countryman of Fairview, Okla., Mrs. Amelia Summers of Winfield, Kans., Louis Countryman of Oklahoma City, Paul Countryman of Bakersfield, Calif., Frank Countryman of Lawton, Okla., Mrs. Doris Knoop of Longdale, Okla., Mrs. Agnes Montgomery of Harrisburg, Ore., Mrs. Fannie Emanuel of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Georgia Sutton of Los Angeles, Calif., Henry Countryman, who died in infancy.

Mr. Countryman was a blacksmith by trade. He and his wife and seven of the children came to Fairview 35 years ago. The other three children were born in Fairview. The family have lived in their home at 201 So. 3rd Ave. In Fairview for 30 years.

Mr. Countryman retired from active service as a blacksmith in 1943, at the age of 77 years.

He ran in the race when the Indian Territory was opened for settlement in 1889, homesteading near Dover, Okla.

He is survived by nine children, 28 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; a man of fine character, honest and trustworthy; a good friend and neighbor, respected and loved by all who know him; truly fulfilling Longfellow’s tribute to “The Village Blacksmith.”                                                                                                  

Transcribed from an original newspaper clipping by William R. Emanuel, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 23 Mar 2017. (Original spelling and punctuation retained.)