Volume 9 , Issue 48

Eben P. Clapper, MD

"Eben P. Clapper was a member of the Waynoka medical profession since 1901, well known residents of Woods county, enjoyed a life career which illustrated a high order of intelligence, dignity of bearing, nobleness of purpose and a steady aim. As a physician he has been successful both in a material way and in the gaining of a reputation, and as a citizen he has been thorough and faithful in the discharge of the duties which have devolved upon him.

He was born in Memphis, Missouri, Oct. 28, 1869. Dr. Clapper was a son of Henry D. and Ann E. (Ford) Clapper. His father was a native of Ohio, born June 30, 1834, and the son of parents who were born in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Henry D. Clapper was brought up amid rural surroundings and remained on his father's homestead until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, beginning as a clerk in a store at Memphis, Missouri. He was industrious and ambitious, carefully saved his wages, and learned every detail of his chosen occupation, finally entering business on his own account as the proprietor of an establishment at Unionville, Missouri, and later at Downing, Missouri. He died at the latter place, July 10, 1882, after a long and successful career, and was known as one of the substantial men of his community and as a good and public-spirited citizen. he was a member of the Christian church and supported its movement throughout his life.

Mr. Clapper was married in 1856 to Miss Ann E. Ford, who was born Aug. 8, 1831, in Kentucky, a daughter of Minor L. Ford, a native of Kentucky. She died at Palisade, Colorado, Feb. 23, 1909 in the faith of the Christian church, of which she had been a life long member. Mr. and Mrs. Clapper were the parents of five daughters and one son, as follows: Ida S.; Clara M.; Martha A, who was the wife of Dr. J. L. Tadlock of Palisade, Colorado; Ella J.; Nancy E., who was the widow of J. M. Guinn of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Dr. E. P. Clapper.

Dr. E. P. Clapper was educated in public schools of Downing, Missouri, and as a youth was engaged in working in his father's store as a salesman. He continued for number of years, but had always cherished an ambition to enter the medical profession, when 27 years of age allowed his inclinations to have full sway, entering the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa.

He was graduated from that institution in 1901, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and since that time had been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession at Waynoka, Oklahoma. Here he was a large, well-appointed office, with an extensive library and all instruments and appliances for handling the most delicate and complicated medical and surgical cases. He was justly numbered among the leading practitioners of Woods county with his knowledgeable skill. Dr. Clapper maintained membership in the leading medical societies, as a, attentive student and subscribed to the foremost journals of his profession. He was well known in Masonry and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his family attended the christian church.

Dr. Clapper was married Jan. 11, 1893, to Miss Belle Guinn, who was born at Coatesville, Missouri Dec. 22, 1874, and died at Waynoka, Oklahoma, March 21, 1906, daughter of J. C. and Susan E. (Epperson) Guinn. Two children were born to this union: Leon G., born Jan. 28, 1895, who died Dec. 1, 1915; and Eben Paul, born Dec. 15, 1893. Dr. Clapper was again married, Oct. 28, 1908, at Cleo, Oklahoma, to Miss Della M. Manley, who was born July 4, 1877, daughter of Elijah W. and Martha (Weinenger) Manley. To this union there had been born two children: Martha Elizabeth, born dec. 15, 1913, who died March 27, 1914; and Rachel, born Feb. 16, 1915.
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