A new historical marker was recently placed at Posey Park, a tribute to a man who rose to nationwide prominence in the late 1800s, early 1900s.

Journalist, poet, public speaker, community activist, was a young man at 35 when he drowned crossing the North Canadian river swollen by spring rain in May 1908.

He was Creek Indian, but he transcended race and culture, an intellectual who spoke universal truths and gained the respect nationwide with his insightful writings.

“We are excited about the marker,” said City Manager Jacob Foos.

The marker replaces the old marker, which is being donated to Eufaula for historical preservation.

Foos credits Matthew Pearce, State Historian with the Oklahoma Historical Society, with coordinating the project.

“About four years ago we received money to replace markers such as these, “ Pearce said.

Honoring Alexander Posey was a natural decision.

“The original marker just contain he date of birth and birth place and the relation to the marker,” he said The new marker goes into greater detail.

He said he spent a lot of time researching Posey and had help from the University of Oklahoma.

“An intern was the one who updated the information and did a research paper. Teachers in Eufaula also helped. We made sure it was accurate,” he said.

Posey drowned on May 27, 1908, four days after the county voted on which town would become the County Seat. He was in favor of Eufaula.

It was a bitter battle, but Eufaula won.

Posey’s first language was Creek, but his father made him speak English as well.

He attended Bacone College and his superior intellect was quickly recognized by people in power.

He rose to fame quickly.

In rapid succession, he was made special deputy treasurer of the Creek Nation; was appointed Superintendent of the Creek Orphan School at Okmulgee; Superintendent of Public instruction of the Creek Nation and the Wetumka Boarding School.

He was secretary of the Sequoyah Convention, which advocated for two states.

The last years of his life he was editor of the Eufaula Indian Journal and attained widespread fame by his pungent writing style, and by the satirical column Fus Fixico letters.

A classic English Scholar, he relished the best in literature, even while he was a boy.

Upon his death, the Indian Journal commented: “His life was a sweet song of hope and encouragement to all with whom he came in contact and to his own people a comfort and inspiration. And so strong was the influence of his personality and so deep the impression made that we can hardly realize that the mortal part of Alex Posey is no more.”