During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, town commercial clubs were local organizations formed to promote small towns and communities' economic development and civic improvement. These clubs were typically composed of local business owners, professionals, and othercommunityleaderswho worked together to enhance their town's economic prosperity and overall well-being.
These clubs, part of a broader trend of civic engagement and boosterism, played a crucial role in shaping the development of many communities. They contributed to the economic and social fabric and fostered a strong sense of pride and identity among residents.
Over time, some of these clubs evolved into or were replaced by Chambers of Commerce, which continue to serve many of the same functions today. The critical Functions of Town Commercial Clubs were economic development, civic improvement,promotionand marketing, networking, and community building. They helped improve local infrastructure, such as roads and public utilities. They were involved in civic projects, including beautifying the town and creating parks, libraries, and healthcare facilities. They also promoted the businesses in the town by organizing town events, fairs and promotional campaigns. Finally, they provided a forum for local business owners and community leaders to share ideas and collaborate on projects that would benefit the town.
In early 1906, the businessmen of Kingston formed the Kingston Commercial Club, and some months later, in early 1907, the businessmen of Madill formed the Madill Commercial Club. When the dispute between Madill and Kingston over which town should be designated as the county seat, the two groups began to meet to discuss a possible path forward that would satisfy both towns. Each club then appointed a committee tasked with negotiating with the other club to resolve the dispute.
On April 1, 1908, the two committees held a joint meeting in Madill. Shortly after the meeting, the Kingston Messenger released and reported the minutes of that meeting.
“Madill, Oklahoma, April 1st, 1908. At a joint meeting of committees appointed by the Kingston and Madill Commercial Clubs, D. W. Ingersoll of Madill presiding. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Landrum of the Kingston Club in a few well chosen words and fraternal spirits the position and wants of Kingston were stated by Mr. Roberts in a clear and concise talk, they want and feel like they deserve the establishment of the County High School at Kingston, also a division of the county court with half term at Kingston. After discussion, it was suggested by Mr. Eakins, that in as much as the Madill Club had not instructed their committee, that the matter lay over until after the regular meeting of the Madill Club, when the matter would be discussed and a meeting arranged for a future date. On motion of W. s. Derrick meetingwasadjourned. W.J. Bell, Secretary.”
On April 3, 1908, the Kingston Messenger responded to the Editorial of W. G. Draper of the Marshall County Democrat that appeared on March 27, 1908. In the response, Dick Robin (D. R.) Johnston, the Editor of the Kingston Messenger wrote the following.
“ForthebenefitoftheMarshall County Democrat and others of Madill, we publish in this issue the bill we wish Honorable H. S. P. Ashby to present to the legislature. It will answer many, in fact all the questions asked by that paper in its leading editorial last issue. This editorial paid Kingston many nice compliments and we would have been highly pleased if it had not added the following: ‘If Kingston wants the county seat let her come out in the open and go after it and quit beating around the bush.’
We have not been ‘beating around the bush’ and it is the direct result of a conference with two of Madill’s leading men. The proposition was made that Madill would be willing to five Kingston the County High School and in a conference later with these men they CLAIMED they would be willing and THOUGHT IT FAIR THAT KINGSTON SHOULD HAVE A PART OFTHECOUNTYCOURT.”
“We believe the Democrat didnounderstandthebilland is willing to treat us fair in the matter, at least we hope so.
This bill is not a secret and was not a secret. It has been talked of by men of both places and was talked of six weeks before it was written. It is constitutional. We propose to furnish the court house FREE of charge to the county. Does Madill do as much? The Democrat claims we have a remedy. We can apply it! But these contests alwaysmakewoundsthatare better avoided, but right here weinformyouthatatthenext election no attorneys will be allowed to vote from Tishomingo over the telephone or the hotel registers will do you no good. Over 1300 votes were cast and today you cannot cast over 400. Where did they come from? Answer if you can!”
Thisclaimofelectionfraud stems from the county seat election held on November 7, 1905, when the State of Sequoyah was created. As part of the Constitution of the State of Sequoyah, Madill andKingstonwerebothmade part of Overton County. In the election of November 7, 1905, a majority of the citizens of Overton County voted for Madill to be the county seat. Following that election, numerous claims of election fraud were leveled against those supporting Madill. These claims included vote buying, non-resident voting, vote count tampering and more. It was also alleged that people from Tishomingo came to Madill, rented rooms in local hotels, and then voted as residents. This election and these fraud claims were among the first events that led to the rivalry between Kingston and Madill.
Johnstons’ editorial continued. “Our county is small, in fact about the size of a postage stamp. Is it not better to avoid a county seat fight? Work together and build up our small county and as you say, taxes will be high? Is it not a good idea to save expenses? If witness fees save expenses as Mr. George Henshaw claims, we propose to save the taxpayers thousands of dollars in this item alone. Of course it would cost the county judge 30 cents to make this trip.”
“This paper adds, ‘Les the County Seat be moved where it will be most convenient for the majority of the people of the county. But as long as Madill has the County Seat, she wants all that goes with it.’ Only another evidence of Madill’s greed.”
“As I have said and you know, the constitution provides for this, in fact two other towns, other than Madill. We have asked for our and if the other town wants theirs let them have it.
This was placed in the constitutiontoSAVETAXES andWEPROPOSEOTHELP BYBRINGINGTHECOURT TO THE PEOPLE.”
“We firmly believe that The Democrat did not understand the bill that was to be presented to the legislature, but we know that The News did. (Referencing the Madill News.) In its columns last week it seen fit to use matter thatitknewwasfalse. Kingston andKingstonpeoplehave acted fair with Madill in every respect. We have never ‘waived a big stick’ or said ‘if you don’t give us these things we will bring about a contest.’ And adds further ‘that when it comes to a test we know who is the stronger and as well the victor.’ Of course that brings about more talk.”
“If it as been their desire not to agitate this question why this cowardly attack? It’s false on its face. They do not want to give up a thing and what we get we will have to fight for, but that is where we shine, and as for being in a rush about it, we will say that we are not impatient about the matter. Plenty of time yet. They acknowledge their suspense and anxiety. Of course they are impatient and do not feel good. Tried to fool the governor in regard to their population but it would not work. Sure they are not resting easy. The north line of the county is far to near and the south line is so far away.”
“In other words, Kingston is to near the center and its up to them to be in suspense. Of course the News cannot see why the court should be divided, but the taxpayers can easily see a good reason for it. The man who lives in the forks of the creek, who goes to town in a covered wagon, can see a mighty good reason for it, and every man in Marshall County can see a good reason for it if he will only look at the matter with a desire to do the fair thing.”
“Read the bill which you have read before and it was not ignorance which made you ask the question. You knew this bill proposed the rent of the court building in Kingston. No it was only a desire to have a few hard words to say in regard to our town. It is not a matter of our life or death whether we get this court or not. We have increased our wealth and population without the county seat and will continue to grow and prosper without it. Every day sees new business men and prospectors in our town, and we continue to grow. Later we will see who is the Metropolis and county seat of Marshall County, Oklahoma.”
On Monday, April 6, 1908, the entire membership of the Madill Commercial Club met to discuss and vote on the proposal made by the Kingston Commercial Club on April 1st. The following day, April 7th, the Madill Commercial Club sent the following letter to the Kingston Commercial Club.
“Gentlemen: In compliance with our promise to you at joint conference held at your request on April 1st. We called a meeting of the Madill Commercial Club last night and discussed fully the propositions made by you at the meeting of the 1st.”
“Your proposition that we allow you the county high school, and half of the county court was unanimously declined by our club after full discussion, for the following reasons: First – The people of the county have already expressed their preference as to location of the county seat, and we do not feel that we have the right to trade in the manner effecting the entire county upon which Kingston and Madill have no right to pass without submitting to voters of the county.”
“Second-It would be unfair to Woodville, Lebanon, Aylesworth,Cumberlandand other towns inthe county.
Third-As is well known ours some is one of the smallest counties in the state, and to divide the holding of the courts would put the people of the county to unnecessary expense in providing for and taking care of the records of the county, and bring about inconveniences that are unnecessary.
We contend that our situation entitles us to the county seat, and with our railroad facilities andtheimprovements that will be made this year on the county roads makes Madill easily reached from all parts of the county.
Referring to your expressed desire for peace and harmony, we beg to assure you that we have no desire to be at strife with you, nor any of the other towns in the county, but will be found at all times ready to assist in any effort looking to the upbuilding of the county.”
“Very truly yours, MADILLCOMMERCIAL CLUB D. W. INGERSOLL, Pres. W. J. BELL, Sec'y.” In response to the letter from the Madill Commercial Club, D. R. Johnston wrote: “Notice the first reason why they decline. They refer to the Sequoyah election and honestly, if we had won an election with as much trickery,briberyandwhiskey as they did we would never refer to it. Conditions have changed greatly since this election. The farmers have found out their friends. Some people think the old honest farmerisafool,buthisheadis full of gray matter and when once tricked is not so easily worked again. They say it would be unfair to Woodville, AylesworthandCumberland. Is this a fact? Hardly!
A man in Aylesworth in order to transact business in Madill must be from home two nights to use their railroad facilities they brag about, while he easily could ride seven miles over to Kingston in one hour and fifteen minutes, transact a days business and return home for supper.”
“Read this bill again. We honestly believe it will pass the house of representatives and all the opposition it will meet will be with Madill's in the Senate Senator. He has attempted to soft soap the matter but it stands out like a sore thumb. HE HAS HEARD FROM HOME. When the bill was written, he was promptly presented withacopyofthesame,which we are sure was immediately sent to his home town and then he wrote to Kingston that he would favor the bill with a few amendments and we wrote and asked for the amendments he wanted, but he avoided the question.
The taxpayers in Bryan County did not think a bill dividing the county court would be expensive and the same bill provided for the county to pay all expenses. Johnston county will pass a similiar bill, and to save the taxpayer who will become sway-backed from carrying their burdens will see that similiar bills will be passed in almost all counties in the state. They have read the clause in the Constitution whichprovidesforthissaving of taxation and will take advantage of it for that reason.”
“The Democrat of Madill adds? Mr. Reader: Did you everseeanytowngetsomany good things that it actually wanted to divide some of them with its neighboring town? We do not think you did. You cannot blame us for wanting to keep all that we have and get all that we can honorably.'
May sound mighty pretty to some people but how about Mr. Reader who is having to pay taxes on old Beck for the expenses of keeping these good things in Madill?
In regard to this bill being talked of in Madill six weeks before it was written we will say that it was talked of in Madillandyouaddthatwhen the people got a chance they sat down on any proposition to divide the county court. Who were the people? It was a few businessmen of Madill and not the people of Marshall County. Of course, Madill wishes to keep all they have, but we do not propose to keep still and allow them to carry off all the plums at the cost of the taxpayers. “
“The Madill News of last weeksays:'Intheissueoflast week the Kingston Messenger triedtoshowtheNewsthe error of her way in the matter our little neighbor town has by her own action brought on herself. Of course she has planned for these things that are being brought to light, but wanted to work under cover a while longer. Awfully sore when shown in the true light. Indeed Kingston wanted an arbitrating board at once to ask at Madill's hands these things she so coveted, that is, the County High School and division of the County Court.'
We have never worked under the cover and our trip to Madill to meet with the Commercial Club of that place will show that our desire was never to work under cover. We simply thought that we could avoid a county seat fight and thought that we could find enough men in Madill who would see the matter in its true light and would be willing to allow the matter to be adjusted fairly. “
“The News adds: 'We admit Kingston, is open, considerate and fair, yet Madill people like to keep an eye on her to know at all times what she is about to do next.'
Above he accuses us of workingundercoverandhere hesaysweareopen,considerate and fair. We claim to be fair on any question that may arise concerning Marshall County and we do not work under the cover.
Next it says; ‘Madill has made and won one county seat fight and is ready to make and win another.’
Still he says we are the one that is bringing this on ourselves. Neither of these papers see fit to defend the vote cast in the Sequoyah election. Why? Neither of these papers see fit to show the people that it would not save the taxpayers. Why?One simplyaddsthat it has a number of good things and do not propose to divide.
Readers, it is a matter of life and death to the people of Madill. On the north line of the county near the sand hills she is fighting for life or death. They are simply on the run and are scared of their shadow and its well for them that they are. We are after hem not with a big stick, but we tried to show them that we were fair in this matter as the minutes of the joint meeting will show.”
“With THEIR SENATOR in the senate they may succeed in killing the bill. Let them kill it if they dare.”
At about this same time, the Kingston Commercial Club organized a petition drive to garner support for the Stump Ashby bill. Men from Kingston went out across the county with petitions seeking signatures from the citizens of Marshall County, saying they supported the bill. The group even dared to go to Madill and solicit signatures from the people there.
The fight was now an outand-out war between Madill and Kingston, and other communities were starting to take sides. The Ravia Herald Newspaper wrote: “Say, you fellows in Marshall County must have been exceedingly hard up for legislative material to swipe a Johnston County Stump.”
The Roff Eagle newspaper wrote, “We have been thinking for a long time that Marshall County must have beenhardupfortimberwhen she selected the old rotten ‘Stump’ regardless of where he resides.”
And the Woodville Star newspapersproclaimed,“You fellows had better be careful for ‘Stump’ is Kingston’s old stand by, and if you get that Kingston editor riled up he will get on you with all four of his feet, and he could not be blamed for protecting their old stump.
And you thought the politics of 2024 was ugly. Just wait. There is more. Next week, in Part VI, Senator Franklin and the two Madill newspapers respond.