Anton Classen

The son of immigrants, Anton Classen (1861-1922) was born in Pekin, Illinois. He originally arrived in Guthrie, Oklahoma during the land run of 1889. He later moved to Edmond, OK where he had a law office and edited the Edmond Sun. While in Edmond, Classen also helped establish the city's first park, likely the first in the state. Finally in 1897 he moved to Oklahoma City after he was appointed as a receiver in the U.S. Land Office. After settling in Oklahoma City, Classen began developing land and served as president of the Oklahoma City Commercial Club, which would later become the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. He was also instrumental in the founding of Epworth University, today known as Oklahoma City University. Classen School of Advanced Studies and Northwest Classen High School are named after him, as are Classen Boulevard, Classen Drive, and Classen Court in Oklahoma City.