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Thomas Binks Lafferty
OBITUARY: April 21, 1936
Thomas Binks Lafferty was born in Harrison, Arkansas, August 16, 1846, and died at Claremore, Oklahoma, April 21st 1936, at the age of 89 years,eight months, and five days. he was the son of Binks and Sarah Lafferty. He was united in marriage with Araminta Josephine Johnson on July 26th, 1868. To this union six children were born, two of whom survive, Mrs Laura Messer and Roy H. Lafferty, of Foyil. The deceased leaves to mourn his death twenty-one grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Early in life, Lafferty joined the Methodist church and was a steadfast and diligent worker in connection with all its religious and charitable activities.
He maintained a ridged and systematic discipline in all his activities and relations with his fellow man and his private affairs. He belonged to that fast vanishing race of real and true pioneers. His career was checked by many trials and hardships, but he never wavered or shirked his duty toward his family, his associates, his country or his maker. The most of his life was spent in tilling the soil--a high calling which he loved and pursued successfully. He left no financial, religious, fraternal or other obligations unfulfilled. His life was an inspiration, his passing a benediction and he died quietly and at peace with all mankind and his God whom he loved and trusted supremely.
(Courtesy of Violet Higgins Redman.)

News paper article: The Claremore Progress April 21, 1936
DEATH CALLS T.B. LAFFERTY
Foyil Octogenarian Passes Away At Local Hospital After A short Illness.
T.B. Lafferty, Foyil octogenarian, who would have been ninety years old August 16th, passed away at 3:15 o'clock Tuesday morning at the Franklin hospital, following a short illness.
Deceased is survived by one son, Roy, and a daughter,Mrs. George Messer 1892. both of whom reside in the Foyil neighborhood, also a host of grandchildren, including Lloyd and Harold, Clayde and Alta Fay Lafferty; Clarence and Amabel Messer, of Foyil; Kara, Ernest, and Juliette Lafferty of Claremore; Mrs Bill Redmond of Tulsa; Mrs. Homer Paul, Pauls Valley; Mrs. Bryan Steiger, Jess Messer and Mrs. Ethel Blankship, of Mount Morris Ill; Luther Lafferty, Visalia, California; Ted Lafferty, Bethleham, Penn; Alice Lafferty, Colorado; Mrs. G.D. Kirtlley, Van Buren, Ark.; Bruce Lafferty, Columbia, Mo.; Joe Lafferty, of Fort Sill, also 22 great grand children. Four children preceded him in death.
Lafferty was pioneer citizen of Rogers county. He moved here in 1900 and has resided on the same farm near Foyil continuously for the past thirty-six years.
He was a loyal and devout member of the Methodist church and an ardent Mason. He was the last surviving charter member of the Claremore Masonic order.
The white-haired pioneer was active physically and mentally within a few days of his death. he was a frequent visitor and familiar sight on the streets of Claremore. Lafferty took a keen interest on the affairs of government and the world and kept himself well informed. he was especially interested in politics although he never sought public office.
In Lafferty's death, The Progress has lost one of its most enthusiastic readers. He was a subscriber for many years and only a few days before he was taken to the hospital, stopped in the Progress office to pay his subscription, at that time expressing his appreciation reading the paper.
Deceased was a civil war veteran serving in the non-combatant division as a wagoner.
Funeral services will be held from the First Methodist church in Claremore, Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Fisher, pastor of the Methodist church at Chelsea. Rev. H.F. Patton, Local Methodist Minister and Rev. James Miller, pastor of the Christian church. Masons will participate and act as pall bearers. The Parker Bernhardt Funeral Home will be in Charge. [Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson]