by John D. Benedict

1922
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
P. 244

JAMES G. MEHLIN

James G. Mehlin came to America in 1854 and, landing in New York, remainedthere a short time, but later removed to Maryland. Subsequently he went toChicago, Illinois, where his brother Charles was living, and he was office boyfor the National Democrat for two years. At the termination of that time heremoved to St. Louis, Missouri, and became cabin boy on a Missouri riversteamer, plying between New Orleans and St. Louis. He was active in thatcapacity for two years and just before the outbreak of the Civil war went tothe Cherokee Nation, locating at Tahlequah near the Male Seminary on the FortGibson road. He engaged in farming there for three years. He enlisted forservice in the Civil war and drove an ambulance throughout the entire conflict,driving Colonel Phillip’s ambulance at the engagement at Honey Springs. Hewas captured by the Confederates one day while herding mules but made hisescape that same day. He was stationed at Fort Gibson when word was receivedof the death of President Lincoln. At the close of the war he returned toTahlequah and farmed there until he located on his present place, one andone-half miles from Alluwe. He is one of the pioneer residents of thisvicinity, having come here when Vinita was the nearest post office. Mr. Mehlinhas two hundred acres in the home place and an additional two hundred acresnearby. His home is one of the most attractive and picturesque in thecounty with its old fashioned house, which looks as if it had been painted onlyyesterday, and the beauty of the yard in which are found many fine evergreentrees, so unusual in this neighborhood. The farm boasts of a fine barn andoutbuildings, and it is kept exceptionally neat, there being a place foreverything and everything kept in its place. The front exposure of thebarnyard is made attractive because of the hundred yards or more of four-footstone fencing and the various gates on the place are on hinges and kept in thebest of repair. Panther creek runs through the farm. Gas is used for bothlighting and heating and Mr. Mehlin is now also active in developing a numberof oil wells.

In 1868 Mr. Mehlin was united in marriage to Eliza Rattlingourd, a daughter ofJackson and Elsie (Wilson) Rattlingourd, both of Cherokee extraction.Mr. Mehlin was subsequently adopted into the tribe. Jackson Rattlingourd wasa native of Georgia and was for many years judge of the Tahlequah district.His demise occurred at the age of eighty-two years. To the union of Mr. andMrs. Mehlin one child has been born: Charles H., who married Ida Conner, adaughter of Alexander Conner. Her mother died when she was just an infant.They are the parents of three daughters, Nadie Lee, Elizabeth K. and Edna May,all attending school.

The religious faith of Mr. Mehlin is that of the Lutheran church and he is astanch supporter of the republican party and the principles for which it stands.He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Since locating in Nowatacounty he has taken an active part in any movement for the development andimprovement of the general welfare and he is readily conceded to be arepresentative and most public-spirited citizen. Mr. Mehlin is a man of largestature, deep of voice and neat as to his personal appearance. He has acharming personality and his friends are legion. 

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