Madison Anthis

The Mulhall Enterprise

Friday, March 1, 1901

Submitted by: Debby Cook

Madison Anthis was born in Wabash county, Illinois, October 12, 1828. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and he had such advantages for obtaining an education as the common schools afforded in that day. At the age of 22 he became a member of the Church of Christ, and in all the years he adhered strictly to its precepts.

Mr. Anthis was married to Miss Georgia Ann Jenner in Richland county, Illinois, October 14, 1852. On the third Sunday following his marriage he preached his first sermon and continued more or less active in the ministry while he lived in Illinois. Their home was at Marca most of the time.

In June 1874, they moved to Macon county, Illinois, and in September 1879, came west settling in Cowley county, Kansas.

Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anthis. Five of the children died in infancy and one at the age of 13. Five sons and three daughters are yet living.

Two years following the opening of Oklahoma Mr. Anthis and family came to the territory and settled near Mulhall. Part of his children had preceded him and taken claims.

As opportunity offered, Mr. Anthis preached in the school houses in the vicinity of his home. He was instrumental in organizing the first congregation of the Christian church in Mulhall. The Antioch church grew out of an organization he formed at the Rural school house.

At the opening of the Cherokee Strip in 1893, Mr. Anthis secured a claim three miles north of Orlando on which he made his home till his death.

On Sunday, February 24, 1901, at the going down of the sun our brother's spirit took it flight to a better world. The days and years of his pilgrimage were 72 years, 4 months and 12 days. For 51 years he had served his Master and was now ready to go to his eternal reward. The body was laid to rest in Rose Lawn cemetery, Tuesday, February 26. Brief services were conducted at the grave by the writer. At a later date memorial services will be held.

C. H.