70 Years Ago
February 1950
HUMBOLDT — Frank Fussman, 82, died last night at his farm home. He played a leading part in the early development of Humboldt. He was the son of Charles Fussman and Sophia Louise Wenthe, who came to this area in 1857 and homesteaded near the present site of Humboldt. Frank Fussman was an engineer and designed the bridge across Elm Creek just south of Iola. He also participated in the opening of the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma. He was a pioneer in the oil and gas industry in the area and the well sunk on his farm near Humboldt is believed to be the first drilled in this area. It is still producing. For many years his company provided the natural gas for the city of Humboldt. He helped organize the Humboldt Fire Department and served on it for over 50 years.