Bird Segle McGuire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bird Segle McGuire
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 1st district |
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| In office November 16, 1907 – March 3, 1915 |
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| Succeeded by | James S. Davenport |
| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Territory of Oklahoma's At-large district | |
| In office March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1907 |
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| Preceded by | Dennis T. Flynn |
| Succeeded by | statehood achieved |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 13, 1865 Belleville, Illinois |
| Died | November 9, 1930 (aged 65) Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Goldie Cross McGuire; Ruby Ridgeway (1911) |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas at Lawrence |
| Profession | cattleman, teacher, lawyer, politician |
Bird Segle McGuire (October 13, 1865 – November 9, 1930) was an important American politician. He was the last person to represent Oklahoma Territory in the United States House of Representatives. After Oklahoma became a state, he was elected as a member of Congress. He served four terms, helping to shape the new state.
Early Life and Education
Bird Segle McGuire was born in Belleville, Illinois, in 1865. When he was two years old, his family moved to Randolph County, Missouri. He went to public school there. Later, he moved to Chautauqua County, Kansas, in 1881. He also spent time in Indian Territory. For a while, he worked in the cattle business. He also attended the State Normal School in Emporia, Kansas.
Starting His Career
McGuire worked as a teacher for several years. Then, he studied law at the University of Kansas. He became a lawyer in 1889. He started his law practice in Sedan, Kansas. From his first vote, he was a member of the Republican Party. He remained a Republican throughout his life. He served as a prosecuting attorney for Chautauqua County, Kansas, from 1890 to 1894.
In 1894, McGuire moved to Pawnee in Indian Territory. He opened a law office there. In 1897, he was appointed as an assistant United States Attorney for Oklahoma Territory. He held this job until he was nominated for Congress. McGuire became a key leader in the Oklahoma Republican Party.
Helping Oklahoma Become a State
McGuire was elected as a Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. A Delegate represents a territory, but cannot vote on laws. He served from March 4, 1903, to March 3, 1907. Even without a vote, he could speak and participate in debates.
When Congress discussed making Oklahoma a state, there was a big disagreement. Some wanted to create two states: Sequoyah (for Indian Territory) and Oklahoma (for the western part). Others wanted just one state called Oklahoma. President Theodore Roosevelt strongly opposed the two-state idea. He promised to stop any bill that suggested it.
McGuire understood that if they couldn't agree, Oklahoma might not become a state for a long time. He worked hard to convince the Democrats to agree to a single state. Because of his efforts, Congress passed the Oklahoma Enabling Act. This law allowed Oklahoma to become a single state. The President signed it, even though he had some doubts.
After Oklahoma officially became a state on November 16, 1907, McGuire was elected as a full Representative. He served in Congress until March 3, 1915. During this time, he chaired a committee that looked at spending in the Interior Department. He decided not to run for re-election in 1914.
On June 2, 1911, he married Ruby Ridgeway. After leaving Congress in 1915, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He continued his law practice there. McGuire also owned and managed a large ranch near Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Death
Bird Segle McGuire passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on November 9, 1930. He was 65 years old. He is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa.
