Orel C Busby (1889 - 1965)

Born 6 Feb 1889 in Batesville, Independence, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Hope (Threlkeld) Busby — married 27 Jun 1916 in Pontotoc, Oklahoma, United States

Died 15 May 1965 at age 76 in Ada, Pontotoc, Oklahoma, United States

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Biography

Orel Busby is Notable.

Orel Busby is a notable figure due to his multifaceted contributions to his community and the legal profession in Oklahoma. From serving as a dedicated educator and school principal to becoming a respected attorney, district judge, and associate justice of the Oklahoma State Supreme Court, his career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to justice and public service. Furthermore, his establishment of a successful law firm, active involvement in conservation and ranching, and passionate engagement in preserving local history through his contributions to the Oklahoma Historical Society's publications showcase the depth of his impact on both his community and the state. His unwavering dedication marks Orel Busby's enduring legacy to the betterment of Oklahoma and its people.^[1][2]

Orel Busby, a prominent figure in the history of Ada, Oklahoma, was born on February 6, 1889, in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, to parents George Washington Busby and Elizabeth Caroline (Pegg) Busby. At a young age, his family relocated to the Indian Territory, specifically Oklahoma, where Busby's educational journey began. He commenced his high school education in Ada, before eventually graduating from high school in Konawa.^[1][2]

After completing his high school education, Busby embarked on a path of higher learning. He initially enrolled at the University of Oklahoma (OU), where he spent approximately two years. Subsequently, he made a significant decision by transferring to the East Central Normal School in Ada, Oklahoma, and successfully graduated in 1910.^[1]

In 1910, Orel Busby was residing on State Street in Konawa, Seminole County, Oklahoma.^[3] Around this time, he was not only hired as a school principal for the Konawa school district, but also elected to serve as both a justice of the peace and the mayor of Konawa, Oklahoma. His commitment to education and public service was evident from the outset.^[1][2]

While continuing to teach in Seminole County Schools, Busby's aspirations led him to the legal profession, and he was admitted to the bar in 1913. In pursuit of his legal education, he returned to the University of Oklahoma and successfully earned an LLB degree in 1914.^[1][2]

On June 27, 1916, Busby married Hope Threlkeld in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.^[4] The same year, he was elected County Judge for Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, marking the beginning of his distinguished career in the legal and political arena.^[1][2]

In 1917, Orel Busby was residing in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, where he continued to practice law and held the position of county judge. His reputation as a skilled attorney and dedicated public servant steadily grew over the years.^[5]

By 1920, he had established his residence on East 10th Street in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, while maintaining his roles as an attorney and county judge. His commitment to justice and the legal system remained unwavering.^[6]

In 1926, Busby's career took a significant turn as he assumed the role of District Judge, serving in this capacity until 1932. During this period, from 1926 to 1927, he also contributed his expertise as a member of the Oklahoma University Board of Regents, showcasing his dedication to education.^[1][2]

In 1930, he lived on South Townsend Street in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, while continuing his service as a district court judge, a role that allowed him to make substantial contributions to the legal landscape.^[7]

In 1932, Governor William H. Murray appointed Orel Busby as an Associate Justice of the Oklahoma State Supreme Court, representing Judicial District 8. His appointment reflected the high regard in which he was held within the legal community. However, he decided to resign from this position in 1937.^[1][2]

By 1935, Busby had relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, possibly for professional opportunities and continued legal practice.^[8]

In 1940, he made his home in Chickasaw, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, where he continued to practice civil law, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable legal practitioner.^[8]

In 1950, Busby lived on South Stockton Street in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, while continuing his private law practice. His commitment to the legal profession and his community remained undiminished.^[9]

Orel Busby's enduring legacy in Ada was marked by the establishment of one of the most successful law firms in the city's history, Busby, Harrell, and Trice, which thrived until 1954. In later years, he became the senior member of the firm of Busby, Stanfield, and Orton at the time of his passing.

Beyond his legal career, Busby had a deep love for the land, which led him to create the 4B Ranch, a sprawling property spanning some 6,500 acres on State Highway 12 between Ada and Allen. This ranch remained in the ownership of the Busby family and became a testament to his dedication to conservation and game propagation.^[2]

Busby's historical roots in the Indian Territory sparked interest in local history, prompting him to become a member of the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors. He contributed numerous articles to the Society's publication, "The Chronicles of Oklahoma," leaving a valuable historical legacy.^[2]

Sadly, Orel Busby's life was cut short by a heart attack^[2] on May 15, 1965, in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.^[10] He found his final resting place at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma^[11], leaving behind a legacy of legal expertise, public service, and deep commitment to the preservation of Oklahoma's history and natural resources. He was not only a legal luminary, but also an active member of various organizations, including the Oklahoma Heritage Association (now the Oklahoma Hall of Fame), the Ada Commercial Club, the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Konawa, the Elks Lodge of Ada, the Pontotoc County State Bar Association, the Oklahoma State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Orel Busby's life remains an integral part of Ada's rich history, and his contributions to the legal profession and community continue to be celebrated and remembered.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8} Wikipedia contributors, "Orel Busby," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orel_Busby&oldid=1168199583 (accessed September 24, 2023).
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9} Newspaper Clipping, The Ada Weekly News, Ada, Oklahoma, 20 May 1965, Thu. - Page 1. "Former Supreme Court Judge Dead at 76." "Continued from Page 1." Accessed 24 Sep 2023.
3. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Konawa, Seminole, Oklahoma; Roll: T624_1274; Page: 2b; Enumeration District: 0184; FHL microfilm: 1375287 Ancestry Record 7884 #186369265
4. ↑ Oklahoma, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1890-1995: Ancestry.com. Oklahoma, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1890-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Original data: Marriage Records. Oklahoma Marriages. Various Oklahoma County marriage collections. Ancestry Record 61379 #63812655
5. ↑ U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Registration State: Oklahoma; Registration County: Pontotoc County Ancestry Record 6482 #8692572
6. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Ada Ward 2, Pontotoc, Oklahoma; Roll: T625_1479; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 163 Ancestry Record 6061 #99085597
7. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Ada, Pontotoc, Oklahoma; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 0006; FHL microfilm: 2341661 Ancestry Record 6224 #94908087
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Chickasaw, Pontotoc, Oklahoma; Roll: m-t0627-03326; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 62-17 Ancestry Record 2442 #91767328
9. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Ada, Pontotoc, Oklahoma; Roll: 283; Page: 72; Enumeration District: 62-21 Ancestry Record 62308 #56185607
10. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #8433785
11. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41651152/orel-busby: accessed 24 September 2023), memorial page for Orel Busby (6 Feb 1889–15 May 1965), Find A Grave: Memorial #41651152, citing Rosedale Cemetery, Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, USA; Maintained by Shelley (contributor 46584254).

See Also:

• Wikipedia: Orel Busby

• Wikidata: Item Q105835696

• Find A Grave: Memorial #41651152