This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Belt, King, Moores, Dobbs, Uri, Iverson Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/TaB.2ACI/1115 Message Board Post: Published in the Eufaula Indian Journal Centennial edition, June 1976 Taken From The Book "The Indian Territory It's Chiefs, Legislators, and Leading Men, Illustrated - H.F. & E.S. O'Beirne - 1892 John C. Belt The subject of this sketch was born May 3, 1854 and is the oldest son of William F. Belt and Margaret T.. John's parents moved from Tennessee to Arkansas in or about 1847, where they were in the mercantile business. In his younger days John was sent to a neighborhood school. Leaving his family about the year 1877, he commenced dealing in merchandise on his own account at Sans Bois, Choctaw Nation, in which business he contained for one year. In 1878, he moved to Hackett City, Arkansas, entering the same line (Merchandise) and successfully following it for a period of six years. In 1884 he left there, moving to Brooken, Choctaw nation, and he continued for over six years, proving himself an excellent as well as a popular merchant. In December 1890, he opened a stock in Eufaula, at the same time embarking in the livery business. In the August following he commenced the erection of an extensive building, 30 by 112 feet, and double-decked all the way around, handsome plate glass front, with large ware-rooms, and capable of holding at least $50,000 worth of stock. Although only just opened up, this fine house is furnished with over $30,000 worth of goods, of every possible variety, including all classes of general merchandise, and its proprietor proposes to allow no competition to sell goods at lower prices. Special attention is called to his clothing department, and here he carries a stock most varied in style and assortment. His livery stable has just been refitted and refurbished with buggies, harness, etc.., etc. He is also agent for the McCormack mowers and reapers. Mr. Belt was married June 24, 1876 to Miss Ida M. Kezette, stepdaughter to L. Quinn, of Fort Smith, Arkansas. By this marriage he had two children, Willie L. and George A., who died before he was eight months old, in September, 1879, his mother having passed away in February of the same year. In 1884 Mr. Belt married Miss Artelle A. King, second daughter of Rev. E.W. King (of the M.E. Church, N.) of Sebastian County, Arkansas, a prominent and well-known clergyman. Mrs. Belt is a young woman of superior education. She was teaching in the public school at Hackett City, Arkansas, when she first met her husband. Mr. Belt is undoubtedly one of the brightest among the young business men to the territory, as is e evidenced by the great success he has achieved within a very few years. He is; affable and courteous in manner and is looked upon as highly honorable in all his business transactions. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and has been for the past seven years, while for five years or over he has been a member of the Knight of Honor. W. L. Belt, son of John Belt was in the mercantile business for many years. he and his wife Vada were blessed with four children, Margaret Keesee of Eufaula, Bill of Wichita Falls, Texas, Mrs. John Uri of Okmulgee and Mrs. Inez Houston, Tulsa. Grandchildren of the W.L. Belts are Bettie Ann Dobbs of Eufaula, Nick Uri of Tulsa and Billie Iverson of Tulsa. Great Grandchildren are Gary Moores and Mark Dobbs of Eufaula, Nicki Uri of Tulsa, Margo and Gwen Uri of Hoio, Mike and Linda Iverson of Tulsa. Great Great Grandchildren include Gary Jr., Robin and Lance Moores of Eufaula and Sarah Heard of Tulsa.