Few people witnessed as much history as Richard Broadhurst, who lived an incredible 100 years, 2 months, and 3 days.
Born on December 6, 1884, in Vigo County, Indiana, Richard spent his early years farming in Illinois. In 1906, he and his father, Samuel, traveled to Tuttle, Indian Territory, to “take a look at the land and new townsite.” After returning to Illinois to harvest his corn crop, Richard, his wife Nettie Garner Broadhurst, and their three young sons—Clarence, Hubert, and Bill—made the journey to Tuttle in 1907, just months before Oklahoma achieved statehood. Their fourth son, Walter, would be born in Tuttle.
Richard was among the citizens who had the unique privilege of casting a vote for Oklahoma statehood, becoming part of a defining moment in our state’s history.
Richard and Nettie, married in November 1901, shared an extraordinary life together and celebrated 70 blessed years together celebrating their wedding anniversary in 1971.
(Picture from Newspaper, unknown which one and date)
A farmer and rancher, Richard worked in seven different states and remained active well into his later years. He witnessed remarkable changes in America, living through the administrations of 18 U.S. presidents, the arrival of automobiles, airplanes, radio, television, and the dawn of the space age.
After years away, Richard returned to Tuttle in 1973, where he made his home until moving to Texas, around age 98. For many years, he had one special goal—to live to be 100 years old. On December 6, 1984, surrounded by family, he achieved that dream.
Richard Broadhurst’s life story is woven into the fabric of Tuttle’s history—a pioneer, farmer, rancher, husband, father, and proud Oklahoman who witnessed an entire century of change.
Picture of Richard and Nettie Broadhurst. Picture courtesy of Mr. Broadhurst. (Picture from Newspaper, unknown which one.
Reference: Actual Document is in Tuttle Historical Society Museum.