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Fred Waite Dead

September 25, 1895--Ardmore Chieftain--Wednesday—Fred Tecumseh Waite died at his home in this city yesterday afternoon at 4 0’clock after an illness of several weeks.  The funeral services will be held this afternoon.

Mr. Waite was one of the most conspicuous figures in the Chickasaw government, having served as Attorney General and held other public positions.  He was well fitted for this service, having a liberal education and much practical training, and his actions always commanded the approval and confidence of his people.  In his death the government loses a strong supporter and the Nation a worthy citizen. The public sympathizes heartily with the stricken family.

F. Tecumseh Waite

A Short Sketch Of That Distinguished Gentleman’s Life—A Good Citizen, A Capable And Honored Officer

In view of the prominence of the late lamented F. Tecumseh Waite, and the high esteem in which he was held by both Indians and non-citizens, as an honorable, upright man and official of the Chickasaw Nation we herein give a short sketch of his life as follows:

Fredrick Tecumseh Waite was born at Fort Arbuckle in the Indian Territory in 1853, the son of the late Thomas Waite, by his wife Catherine McClure, sister of the Honorable Tecumseh McClure.  Fred was educated at the Illinois Industrial University, Champaign, Illinois and at Bentonville, Arkansas and graduated at Mound City Commercial College, St. Louis, Missouri, in the spring of 1874.

After having completed his education, he served for two years in his father’s business house on Rush Creek, after which he went to Colorado and New Mexico, where he remained until 1879.

In 1886, he moved to the Choctaw Nation, but returned in two years, and was appointed by Governor Guy as a delegate to the International convention at Fort Gibson.

I    n 1889, he was elected Representative of Pickens County, and became Speaker of the House, which chair he held during the three called meetings that followed.  In 1889, he became a member of the Indian Police force, and was a candidate for the Senate in 1890. (Waite also held a deputy US Marshal’s commission.)

In 1890, during the administration of Governor Jonas Wolfe, he was elected and served the nation as Attorney General, and later under the administration of Governor Mosley he held the position of National Secretary, which office he held until his death, which occurred yesterday afternoon.

    His remains were taken to Paul’s Valley for interment.

Mr. Waite was a good speaker, an excellent writer, and one among the most intelligent of his race.