The Russellville Democrat., 1893-05-18
GOVERNOR w. c. RENFRow.
His Appointment No Less Surprise
to Himself than to His Friends.

to Himself than to His Friends.
NORMAN, o. T., May S.-This is
Norman's holiday, flags and bunting
are flying from nearly every house in
town. No loyal democrats house is
devoid of the national colors to-day,
the event being the celebration of
the first real live democratic govern
err of this Territory The announce
ment that our distinguished citizen,
the Hon. w. C. Renfow had been APP
pointed governor, reached here yes
terday morning by telegram from
Secretary Hoke Smith, notifying
him that his commission had been
signed and for him to qualify and
enter upon the duties of the office at
once.
The surprise to his friends was as
nothing compared to that of the gen
tleman himself Had a cyclone
struck us no one would have ques-
toned the report, but that w, G..
Renfrow, quiet, unassuming bust
ness man Of Norman, had been APP
pointed governor, was too much for
the average man to believe
Here is how it came about. 1t
seems like a put up job between
Grover Cleveland and l.. F. Ross,
with Secretary Hoke Smith and the
Arkansas Senators as side partners
Mr.. Cleyelpnd having dispaired OF
beng able to select from amsng the
avowed candidates for the position
man satisfactory to all parties and
factions concerned, asked to be cited
to man who was not a candidate
and well qualified to fill the place
one with a knowledge of public af-
fairs as well as business and in nc
way hampered or controlled by any
clique or faction. The name OF
Renfrow, of Norman, Cleveland
county. was suggested and after sat
isfying himself that the gentle
man was above reproach in every re
spect and fully competent to guide
the ship of state with strong but i'm
partial hand sent his name to the
secretary for appointment.
BIOGRAPHICAL
William Carey Renfrow was born
May Is, 1S45, at Smithville, n. c.,
consequently be will soon celebrate
his 4Sth birthday, He is lust eight
years older than he looks, but as he
has never held an office before this
state of affairs may be reversed four
years from now
He entered the army of Virginia
under the confederate flag in 1861,
and stayed by his colors until the
surrender of Johnson's army at
Greensboro, n. c. Returning to his
native heath he travelled until 1866
when he emigrated to Arkansas
where he settled down and engaged
in the mercantile business. He re
sided at Russellville, Ark, for IL
years prior to coming to this coun-
try, which was in the fall of 1889.
Here he settled and has ever since
been one of our most progressive and
trustworthy citizens. He has taken
deep interest in matters political,
choosing rather to champion the
cause of some friend he knew to be
honest and competent, rather than
be an office seeker himself. For two
years past he has been president of
the Norman State Bank, succeeding
L. NJ. Richardson. He is consider
ed one among the best business men
in the territory, thoroughly honest,
and competent to take active charge
of anything that comes his way.
He is home man in every sense and
President Cleveland has done him
self and the party proud by making
so judicious a selection. That his
appointment will give general salts
faction throughout the territory we
have no doubt Mr.. Renfrow is
man above petty quarrels and fac
tions and will make a governor for
all the people.
In 1875 at Judsonia Ark, he was
united in marriage to Miss Jennie
York, who as mistress of the Gov
ernOr's mansion, will make "A most
engaging and clever hostess. They
have only one child living, little
Miss Nellie, a pretty lass of i sum
mers.