Edwin P. McCabe died March 12, 1920.   At his funeral, only his wife and the undertaker were present.  One wonders how such an important figure in Governor Thompson B. Ferguson’s administration, could die in relative obscurity?  National Park Service.  In my view, McCabe made important contributions in the areas of public finances, education, and in shaping the culture with opportunities for African-Americans in Kansas and Oklahoma. 

Frugal Self Reliance

McCabe, an African American born in Troy, New York, went to school in Rhode Island, but went to work when his father died.  He was a clerk on Wall Street and later for the Cook County office of the Federal Treasury (Chicago). There he completed his law degree and was active in the Republican Party.  He and a Black journalist Abram T. Hall went to Nicodemus, an all-black settlement in Northwestern, KS (part of the Exoduster movement).  Here McCabe pushed the settlement to become self-reliant rather than solicit donations.  This financial philosophy helped McCabe be elected as State Auditor in Kansas (twice).  The same philosophy was in concert with T.B. Ferguson’s balanced budget approach.  In fact, McCabe served four territorial governors as assistant state auditor until statehood. 

Opportunities for African Americans in Oklahoma

Another aspect of McCabe’s contributions was to encourage African–American settlers to Oklahoma to obtain available land and form communities.  He helped establish Langston, OK in 1890.  McCabe used the newspaper he founded to promote opportunities in Oklahoma far and wide.  Over 50 all black towns were established in Oklahoma between 1865 and 1920; today there are 13.  African Americans, as Republicans, appreciated Ferguson, even renaming the Blaine County town of Salton to Ferguson.

Establishment of Langston University

Third, McCabe promoted education, one of Ferguson’s primary thrusts.  Through his efforts, the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature established the Colored Agricultural and Normal University – now Langston University in 1897.  Before, colored persons could not attend college in Oklahoma (even though OU, OSU, and OCO were already established).  Langston provided an opportunity for higher education.  The university recognizes his efforts with the E. P. McCabe Honors Program.