McCURTAIN and SOUTHEAS'f

HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY STATISTICS

A COMPLETE CHURCH, LODGE, SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS AND TRADE DIRECTORY OF THE COUNTY

By W. A. CARTER

1923 IDABEL, OKLAHOMA

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\V. A. CAHTER A~D DAUGHTER. ROBBIE LEE

Preface Realizing that some effort should be made to record and preserve for the benefit of those to come after us, the salient features of our local history, I have undertaken the work, and while the finished product of my labor is not wholly what I desired, it will perhaps answer the purpose until such time as another, more capable, shall have perfected the work. The history of a locality. so recently settled and ·popu­ lated as ours, must perforce, be short; hence, to record the more prominent and interesting features of the early history three or four chapters have been found sufficient. Really, more time and attention have been given to recent \ events and present conditions, and this feature will doubt- less pro've more interesting to future generations, for the reason that late occurrences have happened so rapidly as to be almost kaleidoscopic. My 33 years' residence in this portion of the Territory and State have enabled me to relate many facts and events from first-hand knowledge, but where this was not pos­ sible, I have relied upon information derived from other sources, and where this information was conflicting, I have endeavored to reconcile the differences and get as near to the facts as circumstances would permit. I have persistenly refrained from "high-light" de­ scriptions and. exaggerated statements, confining myself to the facts as obtainable from the most reliable sources. The tendency of the modern writer is to exaggerate and elaborate, neither of which should find a place in history or biography. In closi:ag this foreword, I desire to thank my many friends for their kindly assistance, moral support and financial aid, without which-meritorious or not-the work could not have been possible.

CONTENTS Page Agriculture ····-······· ·····•················-················································ ···-···-·-··- 76 A McCurtain County River__ ·-·-·--·······-·····················································115 American Legion ...... ··-······· ...... ···-·· ...... ·····-· .. -.355 Banks . of the County.·-··-··-··········-················-·········································-···270 Bar Association ...... ····-···--·····-· ...... ~ ...... ······-·-····-·-··-···3 52 Ben McCullough Camp U. C. V., 17 48 ..... ••································-········-···267 Campaigning in McCurtain...... 197 Carpenter Gang ···-·················· ...... ·····-···················· .... ······················-······ 89 Chambers of Commerce ...... 245 Choctaw Lumber Company...... ••····-· _... 253 Citizens of Tomon·ow...... 327 Cc-mm3nt and Criticism ...... 171 Confederate Veterans ··············································································-·178 Death of Felker...... :...... 310 Dyer-Rev. James ...... 233 Directory-County Official ...... 363 Directory-Church ...... 366 Directory-School ...... 370 D~rectory-Lodge ...... 372 Directory-General ...... 374 Divis:.onE-Political ...... 62 Fruit Growers Association ...... 203 Funeral Cry ...... 127 Fulsome Training School ...... 167 Funeral Sermon ...... :...... 104 ...... ·...... 54 History-Early ...... 13 History-Later· ...... 21 Histor:cal Milestones ...... 41 History-Modern ...... 98 Historical Locallties ...... 134 Highways ...... 261 Histor:.cal Miscellany ...... 27 4 High Schools ...... 311 Hopkins, W. B ...... 314 Indian Sports ...... 85 Indians Relations to the Courts ...... 107 Manners. Customs and Character...... 91 Mosaic Law ...... 113 Merchants and Business Men ...... 121 Manufacturers ...... 215 Makers of History ...... 234 McElroy, Dr. S. A ...... 268 McCurtain County Today ...... 317 Med =cal Association -············· ...... 353 McCurtain County Educators ...... 9 CONTENTS-Continued Page Name and Location ...... 9 Newspapers of the County ...... ·-···324 Not Failure, But Low Aim is a Crhne ...... 277 Old Timers ...... 142 Old Missions ...... · ...... 109 Prohibition -···················································································•···············111 Public and Private Buildings ...... 263 Schools, Churches and Colleges ...... 257 Steambcating in Southeast Oklahoma...... 49 St. Etienne ...... 194 Statistics ...... 34 7 Spanish-American War Veterans ...... 248 Topography ...... 34 Transportation and Communication ...... 70 The Indian in English ...... 129 The Three Counties ...... 207 The Pact, and Other Poems ...... 226 and Villages ...... 282 United Daughters of the Confederacy ...... 268 World War Soldiers ...... 264 Women's Clubs ...... 249 Wright, Rev. Alfred, and Wheelock Academy ...... 25 SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 9

Name and Location

HAT portion of Oklahoma "Lying and being situate" in the extreme Southeast part of the State, and having the good old State of Arkan­ sas for an eastern boundary, with on the south, Choctaw County on the west and· LeFlore ·county on the north, and having about 1800 square miles of territory, has been designated by the organic law of the State as "The County of McQurtain." In naming the counties of the State, the Constitutional Convention sought to honor the names and memory of many of the noted Indians of the Territory, and among them was Green McCurtain, who for many years was Principal. Chief of the Choctaw Tribe, and for whom the territory above described was named. Many nations, states and countries have brought dis­ tinction to themselves, seemingly, in a natural course of events and ·without any great effort. For instance: Vir­ ginia is supposed to produce only gentlemen; Kei:itucky, moonshiners and feudists; South Carolina, rebels, and McCurtain County-well, let her record show. Suffi.~e it to say that her history is such as to obviate the necessity of any formal introduction. In the early part of the 19th century, the territory now embracing McCurtain County was ceded to the Choctaw Indians as a part of .the consideration for their lands . east of the Mississippi, and for many years peace and quiet reigned, except for an occasional homicide among themselves, and once in awhile an undesirable intruder from the nearby States. The topography of the county, and the fact that it was a horder territory, offered easy and desirable location for a variety of characters. The honest one-horse farmer of the Statetl found his ideal home in the rich valleys of the 10 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND mountain streams; the lumber and mill man could gloat his eyes on the tall, straight bodies of the pines I in un­ liminted forests; the hunter found his paradise; the trapper his fortune in furs; the pros~ector traversed the deep gorges and· scanned the rock cliffs of the hills- trying to locate a get-rich-quick scheme; the religious idealist was never molested in his propaganda ; and last, but not least by any means, the rough ·hill country of the north offered a safe retreat and rendezvous for such characters as could not remain in the States on ar.count of their repeated disputes with the officers of the law. · _

A Struggle for Life. Perhaps no other county in the State has experienced such a struggle to attain and maintain its place in the sisterhood of counties. About the beginning of the present century, a ·wealthy syndicate, composed largely of North Texas parties, undertook to buy a 1a~ge part of the terri­ tory now embraced in the county for a private game reserve. A strong lobby got busy in the halls of Con­ gress; advertisements representing that the lands were unfit for agricultural or other industrial purposes were sent abroad and, strange to say, there were a few citizens of the Territory who favored the scheme: However, Con­ gress had the good sense to turn it down, but could not repair the injury resulting from the erroneous advertise­ ments which were so largely instrumental in retarding settlement and development. A second difficulty that had to be over come, was brought about by the "Land Grabber," otherwise known as the "Grafter." The fullblood Indians of the five civil­ ized tribes, especially the Choctaws, have never liked the prairie country. They made their homes in the timbered districts, and when under the Atoka A.greement=- allotments in severalty was agreed upon, which allotments were of two classes-homestead and surplus-the Choctaw took his homestead in the country where he was borr1 and raised-in the land of forest and game-but the wiley SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 11 grafter induced him to take his surplus allotment in the western prairies, knowing full well that this part of his allotment would soon be alienable under certain condi­ tions, and that his homestead could not be sold for twenty­ one years. Especially was this scheme carried out with the Mississippi anJ Choctaws. As a very large per cent of the county's population was composed of Indians, and as these homestead allotments were inalien­ able for twenty-on·e years, from date of allotment, it may be easily seen how this second difficulty retarc1 ~d develop­ ment. The only available titles to the lands were those of the half and less blood, the Choctaw Freedmen, inter­ married holdings and inherited lands, known as "Dead Claims.'' A third knock-out blo:w was administered by a ruling of the Interior Department when it required bond of a less,2e of a homestead allotment for more than one year. The purpose of this ruling of the department was to pro­ tect the Indian lessor, hut it played its part in retarding the development of the county, especially in view of the fact that at that time it was almost impossible to n1ake a solvent bond outside of a surety company. 'rhese features not only held back settlement and de­ velopment, but rendered financial conditions so precarious that county government was indeed burdensome. Taxes were high, transportation facilities ,vere meager and there were no roads. Under t.he political division, what is now McCurtain County embraced the counties of Cedar, Eagle, Bokhoma, a part of Towson and Neshoba. 12 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Early History

INCE history is a record of the past, the history of a country scarcely over a hundred years old can not be very lengthy, but may be full of interest, especially when that country has made history as rapidly as has Southeast Oklahoma. For instance: our own country from the point of age, is a mere infant compared with the countries of the old world, but when we come to record the, deeds of men · and the events of tin1e, ancient history must suffer by con1parison. "Ancient history deals largely with qeeds of individuals redounding only to their own glory, while ours consist of acts and deeds :for the benefit and glory of the common­ weal. Ancient history records the ~cts and deeds of men who joined in the destruction of life and property and the _oppression of peoples, ours, of acts and deeds that sought the safety and protection of life and property and the perpetuation of peace and good will. The ancient P.eoples contented themselves ,vith what the gods provided, and if any advancements ,vere made in civilization or science, it was largely accidental. Whereas, our people, nurtured and cherished by the Goddess of Liberty, and actuated by the fear of God and love of our fell ow man, have never ,vaited for opportunity to arouse them by persistent knocking at the door of intellect, but have gone forth and accomplished great deeds in a scientific, artistic, r(lligious and political way of w~ich the sluggtsh ancients never dreamed." Only a hundred years ago l\'IcCurtain County \Yas a vast stretch of forestry, interspersed with patches of prairie. inhabited by herds of deer, flocks of turkeys and many other kinds of game and fur-bearing animals-a vertiable paradise for the hunter and trapper. Do,vn the southern slopes of the mountains on the north came rush­ ing the tumbling and limpid waters · of many streams in 14 McCUR';rAIN COUNTY AND

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MRS. ALFRED WRIGHT-1832. (Copied from Old Daguerrotype.) 16 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND which the festive bass sported .themselves without fear of the sportsman's formidable Douagiac or the presence of the enticing fly. Across the hills, through the long vistas of pine forestry, might be seen herds of deer leisurely browsing in grass up to their backs. On the adjacent slopes of the rushing streams ·were flocks of turkeys and quail that would rarely fly from the presence of the intruder. In the jungle~, of the larger valleys bruin had his habitat, and the scream of the panther and the bobcat were not uncommon. l.\{any ·scenes along the mountain streams where the destructive hand of man had not yet marred their natural beauty and grandeur, have been photographed, and while the camera may convey some idea of such beauty and grandeur, it cannot inspire the feeling of awe and reverence that comes to one ·when beholding the scenes as presented by the unerring h,anct of nature. In the ·timbered districts all over the county, may be seen eveidence of the one-time log cabin and Tom Fu1ler patch now overgrown with heavy timber. \Vhere the cabin stood, is indicated by a little mound, and the old rows of cultivation are yet indistinctly seen. These mounds have a significance other than the decayed remains of the cabin. In manv instances thev contain the M ~ . remains of the Indian dead, as it was their custom for a long time, after coming to their ne-w country, to bury their dead under the floors of the cabin in ,vhich they lived. Indeed~ it ,vas well up in the 19th century before they adopted the white man's manner of burial, and even then, the grave ,vas penned in and roofed over, as if they ·were determined that ,vate1· should never reach their dead. There is yet a superstition among the f ullblood Indians that the death of a member of a fan1:ly in a house is an ill omen, or, as they term it "Bad Luck," and they are not long about moving to another place, if it is only fifteen yards away. This accounts for the many cabins that the older fullblood families have arou~1d them. The Indians are strictly gregarious. It made little SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 17 difference with the white man, whether he was very near to another settler or not~ but the Indian either lived in villages or a very close settlement. The reason is obvious-mutual protection. For ages and ages, tribal wars were frequent, and nearly always in the nature of a surprise party of death and destruction. So this custom of living in villages and close settlements became fixed in their lives, as a means of protection. At the time of the coming of the Choctaws to their new country, there ·were some ten or twelve tribes of Indians occupying the State of Oklahoma, and parts of other States, but perhaps, with the exception of an occasional raid made by the Comanches, none of these tribes ever visited Southeast Oklahoma. If so, history does not mention it. We may, therefore, believe that our history begins with the removal of the Indians west of the Mississippi. Coming with, and in the ·wake of the Indians, were the missionaries of the different r2ligious denominations. With the help of their church organizations they finally established missions and mission schools all over the Indian Country. The first mission established in ,vhat is now McCurtain County, and one of the oldest in the State, was ,vheelock. This mission and school is no\v approaching the century milestone The stone church building, which is yet in a fair state of preservation. ,vas built in 1846, and \Ve hope to see it pass into the hands of the State or some historical or other benevolent society that it may be properly cared for and preserved for the benefit of posterity. At one time-1819 to 1829-McCurtain County \\·as a part of the territory of Arkansas. The journal of the of that territory Rhows that county boundaries \Vere defined in the region which formed the Chocta \V and other southeastern nations. It was about this time that Major Bradford, ·with a company of riflemen, marched through southeast Okla­ homa expelling intruders. 18 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

TO~(B OF HEY. ALFHED \YRIGHT, ,vnEELOCK ('J.;~IETEH.Y. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 19

In 1824, Fort Towson, near the mouth of the Kiamitia River, was established by Col. Arbuckle, and was con­ tinuously occupied as a fort till 1854. This fort was ingeniously located in a bend of Gates' Creek, with a high and precipitous bluff nearly all round it. However, later, Old Doaksville became the principal trading center, and a few white people and inter-ma~ried men and·women settled near there. Along in the Thirties, there came a change over the dreams of McCurtain County's maiden purity and sim­ plicity. Away to the east might have been seen a great caravan of Red People, preceded by a troop of soldiers, wearing the uniform of the United States, wending its way around foot-hills, across streams, through the jungles of the river valleys, over stony hills and transporting all of their worldly possessions on pack ponies and the backs of the squaws. In the rear of the column, came another small body of troops, watching out for, and keeping up the foot-sore and home-sick stragglers. This procession of red people traversing the continent, furnished one more of the many links in a long chain of evidence fixing a great wrong upon a civilized people­ rehearsing the world-old theory and practice that "Might makes Right." Longfellow in his "Evangeline" touches the chords of sympathy for a wronged people, but the treatment of the Arcadians by the English was not one whit worse than the arbitrary removal of the Indians west of the Mississippi. The manner in which the government and the people went about securing the eastern homes of the southern tribes and effecting their removal to the west, was any­ thing but creditable to a liberty-loving people. Anyone who has any regard for the right and justice must blush for his countrymen when he reflects upon their cruel acts of eviction and tyrany against these simple-minded and ever trusting people. It is always sad to sever home ties, even under pleasant conditions, then what must have been the feeling of the Indians when they were rounded up 20 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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:.,. --: - SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 21 like cattle and driven along V\1hat they afterwards called the "Trail of Tears?" going into the unknown country, leaving the home of their fathers, the graves of their dead, their hunting grounds for ages, their established places of worship and their historical council grounds. The Choctaws and Chickasaws lost more than 2000 of their number on the trail, and many of them died shortly after their arrival, by reason of hunger, cold and homesickness. But did the greed and avarice of his pale face brother stop .with the Indian's removal to the west? Vv e will let the records of the courts of and the many acts of individuals answer this question. The treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, September 30th, 1830, settled the destiny and destination of the southern Indian tribes. Within a few years after that date, most of them had migrated to their new home in what was afterward known as the Indian Territory, a land fully capable of yielding them a living without scarcely any labor. The extreme southeastern part of the new territory came nearer up to the standard of the old · home than did the prairie lands farther west. hence the greater number of them settled here.

Later History P TO the time of the Civil War, very few white people had made their way into . the Indian Territory. First came the missionary with his religious propaganda and civilizing influences, made practical by denominational schools, teaching the rudiments of an English edcuation and vocational training. And the effects of the works of these brave men and women who voluntarily left the ease and comforts of civilization to face the perils and hardships of a frontier life, are still apparent in the life of the Indian and his 22 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND traits of character. Then can1e the millwright and other artisans and physicians, on the invitation of the Indian , followed by the farmer on his own invita­ tion, ,vho operated solely on leased or rented lands. Not until many years after the war did intermarriage become popular. Prompted mostly, by the many advant­ 'ages obtainable by citizens in the tribes, which was given a foreigner under the Indian Marriage Laws, white men­ non-citizens-began taking Indian wives and not a few white women married into the tribes. However, such mar-:­ riages very rarely altered to any extent the habits, man­ ners and customs of the parties to the marriages. Most of them seemed to be satisfied that each should cling to the custom of his or her former life. The localities closely connected with the early history of the county and this part of the State, are, Eagle , Lukfata, Shawnee Town, Wheelock, Fort Towson and Doaksville, all of which will be given their description and historical connections in "Old Towns and Historical Lo­ calities." The Choctaw people had a government modeled after the State and National Govern1nent. Their Legis­ ture, called a Council, consisted of two houses; the Judicial department ,vas comi::osed of a supreme and inferior courts, and the Department of a Principal Chief and such other officers as were necessary to enforce the law. The laws were few and very simple, but drastic. \Vhipping was the punishment for small offenses and the lash was laid on with a will. For murder, rape, arson and a repetition of larceny, the death penalty was administered. The accused was tried by jury and if cJnvicted, sentenced by the court to be shot. As there were no jails and no tond required, the con­ vict was released on h:s own reccgnizar.ce in order that he might arrange his worldly affairs and make his peace with God, to rear,pear on the day fixed for his execution, when he was r,l~ ced on his coffin in a sitting posture with a small piece of rarer pinned ir.omediately over bis heart

24 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Alfred \\7right-Wheelock Academy ( Hy Edntond J. Gardner, Condensed and Revised.) \ LFRED WRIGHT ,vas born in Columbia, Con­ necticut, March 1st, 1788. He joined the Pres­ byterian Church at an early age, and at once became interested in church work. In a short while after his conversion he was licensed to preach. At the age of 32, he was appointed missionary to the Choc­ taw Indians, who at that time occupied a part of Central MiRsissippi. He bade farewell to his home and friends, and praying for strength and courage, he began what he thought to be a great and important mission. His strug­ gles were many and difficult and often he would nearly give up in despair. Single-handed and alone, he went among a strange people, but he was a man of firmness and strong will as well as of kindness and love, therefore was not long in establishing a mis:~ion among the Choc­ taws in east-central Mississippi ~alled ''Mahew." He found the Indians a much better people than he expected, there being good and bad an1ong them the same as other people. He found a people capable of development, ,villing and anxious to receive instruction, quick to learn and do all kinds of work. However, he had to exercise great patience, for many u:nscrupulous white men had so often wronged them that they \Vere afraid to. trust anyone. Results were slow but he did not lose courage, 26 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND and after 12 years of constant Christian service, he suc­ ceeded in gaining their confidence and everlasting friend­ ship. When. the tribe emigrated from ~Iississippi to their

MISS KA~'l~ KNIGHT. (Former Principal nt ,vhee­ lock Acndemy.) nffw country, Alfred Wright came with them, completing the journey into this country in 1882. Worn out from the journey across the hills and rivers, through the jungles, often cutting their way, they at last came to the land of hope and promise. From long and constant association with the Choctaws, Mr. Wright had learned to speak their language. and he knew the sadness of their hearts, their great need of a Christian education and patient prepara­ tion for citizenship which he kne,v must come in the future. As soon as they crossed the line they began looking for a desirable place to stop. Water, good water was the first place to be considered in the selection of a home place. After a while they came to the place where Wheelock Academy now stands and pitched their tents on the hill just west of the little creek, on the banks of which there were holly and cedar trees and a bold spring of pure soft water. Shortly after their arrival, govern-

28 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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;.,.. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 29 ment employes and experienced workmen came and with the Indians, began the erection of buildings for shelter, school and worship. Alfred Wright's greatest desi:r:e was to educate the Indians, to bring them nearer to civilized life, to enable them to assimilate the speech, industrial life, family organization, social manners and customs, civil government and ethical standards of the white people, and to this end he bent all of his energies. A day school was started as soon as the building was completed, which f-0r a time was also used as a church building. But this building alone, did not meet the requirements, for many of the children were too far a\vay to attend, so the erection of a dormitory was decided upon and was soon completed, and a boarding school was opened, about the year 1839, and with a few interruptions, continued under the supervision of Mr. Wright until his death in 1853. As soon as the school was satisfactorily established, Mr. Wright planned and began the erection of a church build­ ing, the stone church, which is the only building that has stood the ravages of time and the elements, to mark the patient labor of a good and Godly man, which was completed in 1846. At, or perhaps a little before the coming· of Alfred Wright and his party of Indians, two traders-Wheeler and Locke-established a store, or trading post about a quarter of a mile east of the settlement, and it has been said that Wheelock gets its name from the compounding of these t\\?o words, but this is not correct, for it has been settled beyond all doubt that the school was named for Eleazer Wheelock, an eminent divine who was the founder and first president of Dartmouth College, and ,vho did much to maintain the college at Princeton, N. J., where Rev. Wright received his education. Upon the death of Rev. Wright, Rev. John Ed·wards, who was at that time superinfendent of the school at Spencer, a settlement on, or near, the Kimichi River, was .appointed to succeed him. He took charge in the year 1853, and continued until the year 1861, when with 30 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND others of the school, he moved to California. Rev. Ed­ wards was a native of New York; a graduate of Princeton College, and was ordained by the Presbytery of Indian Territory in 1853. · During the· Civil War the school and church buildings at Wheelock were abandoned to the mercy of those who chose to use them. At the close of the war, John Libby was living in the dormitory and began a school, but it is not clear whether he was a missionary or not, any TNay, he continued in possession and control of the buildings until 1866, when the dormintory caught on fire from some unknown cause and a strong wind from the west fired the other buildings and all three were burned to the ground. The Wright mission home for some years was used as a school building for subscription schools. The Hodge residence and all other buildings rotted down ; the stone walls of the old stone church were overgrown with bushes and trees, some of which were nearly a foot in diameter and served as a hiding place for rabbits and squirrels. Yet, it may be· said that the walls of the old church. was the only thing that brought Wheelock to life again. In 1882, Rev. John Edwards returned from California and resumed work among the Choctaws, locating first at Atoka. In the fall of 1883, assisted by others, he suc­ ceeded in re-establishing the Presbytery of Indian Terri­ tory, with 11 churches, 16 ministers and 385 communi­ cants. Plans for re-building the '"7heelock School ,vere begun at once. The site where the Hodges residence stood was selected for the main building, or dormitory, the school rooms building a little ways south of the main building, and in the year 1884, all the buildings were completed and school re-opened under the supervision of Rev. Edwards, who was in charge for two years when he resigned to take up church work ~nd was succeeded by a Mr. Robe. Under the management of Mr. Edwards, the old stone church was repaired and the parsonage built,

32 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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j - ' -~ -:.,. -,; Cl . ~ ~ ....,,,. 0 0 -y ~ .-y -0_, . ' % -< -z..... ,- -..; C SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 33 in the year 1886. He served the church until 1896, .when he again went to California, where he died in December, 1903. Mr. Robe had charge of the school for two years when he resigned in favor of his son, R. C. Robe, who was in charge for several years and was succe~ded by a Mr. Kelsy, or Kelly. During his time at the school, R. C. Robe kept the postoffice in one of the rooms of the dormitory until its removal to Old Fowlerville, 2½ miles west of Wheelock, when H. L. Fowler was made post­ master. In 1902, the town of Valliant was established and the old Fowlerville postoffice was moved there and called Valliant. The school at Wheelock was a mission school kept up by the Presbyterian Board of l\ilissions until the year 1895, when it was taken over by the Choctaw government and continued as a school for orphan Indian children. In 1898, or thereabout, it went under the supervision of the Interior Department. In 1887, Rev. E. B. Evans served the Presbyterian Church at Wheelock, and as the mem-­ bership consisted of the pupils of the school, principally, ·who lived at a distance, the servi~es were discontinued, but a few years later were resurned at Garvin, where another stone church building on a later style of archi­ tecture was erected. The first buildings of Wheelock '"·ere erected across the little creek west of the preis~nt buildings, and the old council house was still farther ,,rest. 34 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Topography

~ HAT portion of the county south of the divide between Red and Little Rivers is, or rather was, a heavily timbered land, sloping gently to Red River on the south. This slope is from five to fifteen miles in ·width, and extends ac:ross the county from east to west. The soil varying from a dark sandy loam near the divide to a red sand .loam midway to the rich bottom lands of Red River. There is scarcely an acre of this slope that is not highly productive, and as fast as _it becomes available by the removal of restrictions and otherwise, it is bought up by the bona fide home­ seekers and soon brought into a high state of cultivation. Geologists and soil experts have repeatedly said that nowhere in the south or southwest can such varied soil conditions be found as in McCurtain County. There are localities where, within a radius of a few miles, one may walk across broad strips of black lands, red sand and gravel, light and dark loam and a light hard pan. As we approach the eastern boundary of the county, the slope before referred to, gradually widens until it reaches from one river to the other. To the casual observer the land seems flat, but there is ample drainage and the soil is productive. East of Idabel to the county line, there are broad strips of what is commonly called "Red land." The soil is deep and composed of a red stiff dirt and sand, and in places mixed with gravel. The farms ·on this character of land are very valuable and highly productive. But for fertile and productive lands, those of the Red Riv~r bottom in the south part of_ the county have no superior and very few equals. As a matter of fact they are fresher, and being farther north than those of the lower Red River valley, are better adapted to corn and other grain. They are the coming hay field of the state; the natural home of alfalfa and all of the clovers. - SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 35

A home seeker, while looking over a hundred-acre farm of t1'1s land that was seeded to alfalfa, said to the owner, "I will give you a hundred dollars an acre for this field." It was the last of June and a gentle breeze was

Ht·1~s OF OLD FOHT '10\\-~0~-:\lA:\L\lOTH CHL\l~EY. OPl-:~l~G 1-ixt; FEET. passing over the level field, which was then ready for the sickle the second time that year. The undulating motion of the _sea of green appealed to the would-be buyer and he raised his offer to one hundred fifty dollars, when the owner said, ''No, why should I sell my farm for this price when it yields more than half that amount every year over and above all expenses connected with its cultivation and management? If you will show me where I can invest 36 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND the proceeds so that it will net me 50 per cent per annum and with an equal degree of safety, you may have the farm." Little River enters the county near the northwest corner, and runs south to a point a few miles north of the

RUINS OF :\IILITARY HOSPITAL. OLD FOR'r TOWSO~. town of Valliant, where it turns to the southeast and holds to that course until it reaches the west line of Arkansas; hence there is a good portion of the county west of this river. These lands are of a dark sandy loam, and to some extent rolling and subject to "wash." However, the sys­ tem of terracing has been inaugurated and the washing effectually stopped. These lands are especially adapted to fruits, melons, berries· and the legumes, but are pro­ ductive of all other crops of the south. North and east of Little River the lands are largely rough and rocky. But along the divide between Little River and Glover Creek, and between that creek and Moun­ tain Fork River, there is a great deal of productive "Table SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 37 Lands." \\rhile the valleys of the creeks and rivers in this part of the county are narrow, they are very fertile and many good farms have been opened up along th~ courses of the streams. The Texas, Oklahoma and Eastern Railway traversing

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"\Y ITCH HOLE~'."-- OLLI l>U.\K~Y l LLE. the county from Valliant near the western border, to the line of Arkansas on the east, passes along the foothills of the mountainous country on the north and may be said to divide the hill and bottom land districts proper. The water power of the mountain streams that have been mentioned, is practically unlimited, but has never been put to any use. In 1914 a Texas and Oklahoma Com­ pany was organized for the purpose of developing this nat­ ural asset of the county, and a preliminary survey of the Mountain Fork River was made with the special view of establishing an electric power plant that would serve all the southeast part of the state, but for some reason the enterprise was abandoned. 38 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

A later and more complete survey made by a com­ pany organized at Hugo, developed the fact that the pri­ ~ary horse-power of Mountain Fork River is really far in excess of any previous estimate. This company com­ pleted maps of the river and its tributaries, located sites for principal and reserve dams, estimated the minimum horse-power under plans submitted to be 40,000, and a maximum of more than 100,000. Such power would be sufficient to furnish electricity for all purposes for the entire seoutheast part of the State and northeast Texas. However, several months have elapsed since this out­ burst of energetic enterprise, and nothing .tangible has come of it as yet. · The surface formations of the northern and eastern part of the county, indicate the presence of many of the valuable minerals, especially of lead, zinc and iron. While a systematic geological survey of the county has never been made by either the State or Federal Government, individual enterprise is making a start in developing the mineral resources, which will be more fully treated under "Resources." Other natural resources of this part of the county's territory have proven so attractive and remunera­ tive to the individual investor that he has not given his attention to this feature of the natural wealth. North of the township line between townships three and four, the basin of the Mountain Fork River for several miles, is so rough and· mountainous that the lands are unfit for agricultural purposes. Here, the State has established a park and game reserve. Many thousands of acres have been purchased on both sides of the river and it is an ideal place for that purpose. In townships two and three, from what is known as "The Narrows," on Mountain Fork, to the west line of the county, is an elevated plateau of fertile land on which there are many small but productive farms. This broad strip of land includes the villages of Sherwood, Bethel, Ida, Silver Creek and Old Noah, all agricultural communi-

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'f.. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 41 ties. The land is comparatively free of rock, of a dark sand loam and very fertile. Above the Narrows a large .creek, known as Eagle Fork, flows into Mountain Fork from the northwest, draining the southeastern slope of another large plateau of fertile land, extending from the to,vn of Smithville on the east to Little River on the west. As a whole, the topography of McCurtain County offers a greater variety of soils, scenery, healthful loca­ tions for homes and varied opportunities for investment and industry than any other county of the State. The mountain streams of McCurtain County, and the region surrounding them, appeal to one from various sources. Beauty, romance, grandeur, usefulness and energy are blended in one grand kaleidoscopic scene that entrances the beholder. The minimum altitude-near the southeast corner of the county--is 300 feet, while the greatest elevation is in the Boktukilo hills near the northern boundary, where the township and range posts register over 1300 feet. The increase in altitude from the Red River north is gradual, and the average elevation may be placed at 800 feet.

Historical Milestones , Hf~ INITIAL MILESTONE in the history of Southeast Oklahoma was set at the signing of the treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, ·when, after many questionable acts on the part of the people of Mississippi and the United States Gov­ ernment, the Choctaw Indians signed away all rights to their lands in that state and accepted the lands tendered them by the Government in the new country west of the Mississippii River. In bands of fify, hundreds and even larger, they began moving into the new country, and ,vith them missionaries of the various religious denominations. 42 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Soon we find them in settlements and villages from the Arkansas line to the western prairies, with most of the settlements and villages in the timbered country. And here we find many of them with their slaves, clearing small farms, building cabins, raising cattle, hogs and horses, installing missions where they gathered for wor­ ship and where their children were taught the rudiments of learning. Most of the slave owners settled in the river valleys while those who did not own slaves made their homes on the uplands and contented themselves with small patches of cleared land for corn, beans and tobacco. The women did most of the work on these little farms while the men hunted and otherwise employed themselves. The weapons used in hunting by the men were the old breech-loading rifles with which they were adept marks­ men. The boys were trained in the use of the bow and arrow with which they were able to kill squirrels and other small game. Thus happily situated, they lived until the setting of the second milestone in the history of the new country, during which time, by reason of increased educational advantages, intermarrying with white men and women and the encouragen1ent of missionaries and ministers of the gospel, they made considerable progress.

The Second Milestone.

The Second Milestone of our history may be said to have begun with the Civil War. In 1862, the Choctaw Council, in session at Tushkahoma, passed the ordinance of cecession and cast their fortunes with the Confederate States of America. Besides the many reasons offered at the time for this action, we do not know what inducements were offered them by the Confederate States Government. The ruling class of the Choctaws was composed of men of wealth and this wealth consisted largely of slaves; their country was bordered on the south and ea.st by the States of Texas and Arkansas, which States had already ceceded; many of the other tribes had Joined the Confederate States; there was doubtless existing at the time, a feeling

44 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

z 0 z~ ~ CJ <11. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 45 of resentment against the United States Government for wrongs, imaginary and otherwise, all of which served to tip the balance in favor rebellion. The result ,vas that many of them joined the Confederacy and made valiant soldiers for the army of the South. Some of the con­ sequences of this act of rebellion \vere the rigid terms of the treaty submitted to them in 1866, the gist of which was the abrogation of all prior treaties, and the fact that then and there began their training for future citizenship of the United States. Really, the Confederate Govern­ ment made heavier drafts upon their wealth and re­ sources than any- loss sustained through the action of the United States. After the war, a few years served to reinstate the country to previous conditions, for, aside from the terms of the treaty before mentioned, their country was not subjected to reconstruction in common with the southern states. But the extensive fa1·m owners of the river valleys found themselves without laror to cultivate their farms, and here began the influx of white people of all trades, callings and professions, a;1d in­ creased inter-marriage of the races. And here, also, began the race between law-makers and law-breakPrs, which continued, growing gradually worse until the Gov­ ernment was forced to take a hand in the affairs of the country. Yet, conditions ,vere so free and easy going that many people, whites and Indians, were loth to m1.ke a change. The Third Historical Milestone. The Third Historical l\lilestone begins with the 20th century and the .A.toka Agreement, a treaty entered into between the United States and the Indian tribes when~by the allotment of lands in severalty ¥:as provided for, al1d the way paved for statehood and Indian citizen~hip. Under this agreement, each and every Indian ·was to receive $1,040 in lands with minimum value of 25 cents per acre and a maximum of $6.50. So the number of acres allotted to each individual depended on the charactE:r and value of the land he allotte

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Ho"'r was she to obtain her revenue for running a gov­ ernment? Her territory embraced 1800 square miles of forestry, the titles to which were vested in the Govern­ ment and in Indian homestead allotments, all exempt from taxation. Her people were largely tenants with a small amount of personal property. There were no school build­ ings, no roads or bridges, no public buildings nor any of th2 conveniences we enjoy today. The miracle was perforn1ed, and how, ,vill be · related in a chapter of this book ad­ dressed to the "Coming Citizens of McCurtain County."

Steamboating In Southeast Oklahoma EFORE any railroads were built in North Texas or Southern Oklahoma, the United States Gov­ ernment and the traders ,vho were wont to follow up the pioneer settlers, resorted to every means to get goods and supplies to the people of this country. The only means of transportation of such supplies was by wagon from the head of navigation on Red River, which at that time was Jefferson, Texas. At times boats could come up as far as Fulton, Arkansas. Time after time the effort to briI!g goods and supplies up as far as a point north of Paris, Texas, was made, but these efforts were only partially re,varded. At certain periods of the years, when the Red River was flush, they succeeded in running small steamboats up to that point, but never to such a degree of certainty as to. be relied upon. In the early part of the present century, spasmodic efforts were made to navigate the upper rivt.!r by com­ panies and individuals, but with no better success than attended the former trials. In 1900, 1901, and 1902, con­ ventions composed of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma men of means and ability, met in Clarksville, Paris and Denison, Texas, for the purpose of devising ways and 50 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND means of navigating the upper Red River. At that time, the United States Government was spending large appro­ priations inade by Congress in snagging and a~•edging the river bed from Fulton, Arkansas, to Denison, Texas, for it was still thought that the plan was feasible for at least six months in the year. This was before the days of active railroad commis­ sions, state or interstate, and freight charges by rail were exhorbitant. Therefore, the purpose ,vas more to bring the railroads to reasonable freight rates by a good show of water competition than for any prospect of success. About this time-1902-a number of business men of North Texas, Indian Territory and Arkansas, made a deal with the owners of the steamer "Annie P," a stern wheeler of perhaps 500 tons, to make the trip from Shreveport, La., to Denison, Texas. The trip · was a successful one, and considering the fact that her pilot had no chart of the channel, made in good time. The writer never learned what effect this dash of business energy had upon railroad freight charges, but just supposed that the roads "Carried on" as before-charging all the traffic would bear. In 1904, the writer, Ed Patterson and Lee Davis, of Durant, built, launched and operated a small steamer on the Kiamicha River, from Sawyer, on the Frisco, to the mouth of that river and for several miles above and below the mouth on Red River. Lumber and timber made up the cargoes of this haul, but a lack of facilities for discharging the freight at Sawyer and reloading on the railroad to­ gether with wagon haul competition, drove the little craft out of business as a common carrier at the end of two years. This little steamer had a capacity of fifty tons, and was so constructed that her maximum draft was not over 40 inches. She had a stern wheel and was driven by steam at the rate of 8 to 12 miles an hour. She pushed a barge of equal capacity and about the same draft. About the same time-1904-Whitener and Young of Detroit, rexas, brought the "Annie Tardy" up from Lake Bisteneau, under the command of Capt. Ted Parsons, an

52 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 53 old pilot of the lower Red River, and she 1nade several successful trips on the Kiamicha and Red River, but was finally snagged and sunk near Meggs' ferry, just south of Fort Towson. Red River is a treacherous stream of quicksands, shifting bars and caving banks, and it is next to impossible to make a correct and lasting chart of the channel. Changes in all parts of the river bed are continually occur­ ing. Perhaps in time, under a system of levees and jetties, such a channel may be made and maintained as will insure its navigation with small flat bottomed craft of light draft. At one of the conventions before referred to, held at Paris, the writer was asked to suggest~ or outline, a plan by which the upper river could be used for shipping freight to such an extent as would ~elieve the business of the upper river country :from the exhorbitant freight rates of the railroads. Having had some experience in steamboating on Red River, he suggested a plan of which the following is a synopsis : "A series-12 or more-of small, strongly built, stern wheel steamers, of a · capacity not exceeding a hundred tons each, built in such proportions as to insure a maxi­ mum draft of 36 inches and having a barge of like draft and capacity. Estimating 30 days for a round trip to Ne,v Orleans, one of the twelve steamers ·would arrive in the upper river every two or three days, with at least six car loads of freight. Should one of them get caught on a bar, or get into other trouble, the frequent passing of the others would insure relief. Used only for carrying freight, all fancy finishing and equipment could be sacri­ ficed to durability and strength and economy of manage­ ment. With strong cables and stauneh capstans, boats of this size can be cordelled over bars with 12 inchess less water than the boat is drawing. One reliable man could act as captain, pilot, mate and clerk. The crew could be limited to an engineer and a·ssistant, two firemen, a cook and a roust-about, with local help in receiving and dis­ charging freight." 54 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

This plan was submitted to the secretary of the convention in detail after adjournment, but as there was never another· convention for such purpose, the matter ended here.

Government OON after the Civil War, white people began to move into the Territory. By this time the natives had learned that by leasing and rent­ ing lands to them, the road to an easy living was still open, and as there was no limit to land control, except where one citizen encroached upon the holdings of another, the non-citizen had no trouble in finding all the land he wanted to lease or rent, and here they lived for many years, in comparative peace, without practically any government. The Choctaw Indians had their government fashioned after our national government, but had no jurisdiction of the non-citizen. The white population increased so rapidly that Congress found it necessary to arrange for their con­ trol and government in some form. So in 1898, that body passed a law known as the ''Curtis Act," adopting the laws of Arkansas as applicable for that purpose. While there had been no courts in the Indian Territory up to this time having jurisdiction of non-citizens or their property, the Federal Districts .Courts sitting at Fort Smith and Paris exercised jurisdiction over all infractions of the criminal statutes and in civil matters between non­ citizens and between citizens and non-citizens. This was truly "Longrange Government" and these courts were troubled but very little with disputes concerning property or property rights. Many renegades fleeing from the meshes of the· Ia w in other states, found the conditions to their liking, and on their arrival in Southeast Indian Territory, resumed

56 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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C'I ,...,~ l -0 0 ~ C) w. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 57 their occupation of theft and robbery, not only with profit to themselves, but under conditions surrounded by ro­ mance and the excitement of frontier life. Horsethief "Runs" were established through the Terri­ tory from the southeast tcr the north and northwest. Horses stolen at one end of the line were run through by relief stations to the other, and frequently handled and sold for the thieves by men who were thought to be honest and respectable. However, the Curtis Act establishing district and com­ missioners' courts throughout the Territory, and putting in force the statutes of Arkansas, checked these gentry in their career of outlawry. Along in the 80's the better element of the people began to enforce the horse and cow theif law of the Texas frontier-·execution without trial or the benefit of clergy-and if there ever was a place and a time where and when mob law was excusable, it was in the Territory from 1870 till the passage of the Curtis Act. The nearest trial court to what is now McCurtain County was held at Antlers. A commissioners' court for the trial of misdemeanors and prPliminary hearings in felony cases was held at Goodwater, in the eastern part of the county, Judge G. A. Spaulding presiding. Later, this court ·was moved to Garvin, on the Frisco Railroad. \Vhile the Curtis Act did not bring all the relief desired. from long range government, · many people were satisfied with the conditions, especially was this the case with the farmers. There was no limit to the size of the farm; land rent was nominal;· no taxes to pay; no pesky game la,,,s, and no personal restraint as' long as the indi­ vidual kept to the moral code, other than the prohibition laws, ..vhich then, as now, was the bone of contention between the law-maker and the law-breaker. Indeed, it is doubtful whether or not the question ot statehood, which began to be agitated about this time, would have gotten the endorsement of the majority vote 58 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND had it been referred to the people~ including the Indians. The politician and the office-seeker knew this, and the first opportunity the people had to vote was for delegates to draft a state constitution. The Constitutional Convention met at the city of Guthrie in 1907, and having the constitutions of forty-five states as guides and , upon which to base their work, succeeded in drafting an organic law representative of advanced political theories of popular government. Per­ haps one of their most arduous duties was the fixing and defining the boundary lines of the various counties of the state. Selfish and political interests asserted their sway, and this feature of their work was completed only by com­ promises and concessions. It is here that the history of McCurtain County proper may be said to begin. After establishing her boun­ daries as fix~d at present, Idabel was named as the county s_eat until such time as the vote of the people should decide otherwise. In 1918, a vote of the county was taken on the question of bonds to build a court house and jail "at Idabel," and the proposition was ratified by a good majority. Of course, the location of the was almost, if not directly, involved in this election. The fight was a strenuous one, but not bitter, and the minority quietly acquiesced. In April, 1907, after the approval of the constitution by the President and his proclamation ordering an election for its ratification or rejection, the various state and county officers were voted for at the same time. At this election, party lines were sharply drawn, and inasmuch as a Republican had been elected as delegate to the constitu­ tional convention, it was thought that McCurtain would elect the Republican ticket, but the result was a com­ plete Democratic victory, and so the county has voted . ever since. As 1907 was an off year, the officers elected held over

60 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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:,...- SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 61 until the election in 1910. The first officers-elect of the county were as follows: . Wm. H. Harrison, Idabel, Representative. T. J. Barnes, Idabel, County Judge. Tom Graham, Valliant, Sheriff. C. J. Ste,vart, Haworth, Distrtct Clerk. W. L. Ray, Goodwater, County Clerk. P. K. Faison, Garvin, County Superintendent of Schools. Tom Mills, Valliant, Tax Assessor. E. B. Herndon, Register of Deeds. Robert Steel, Idabel, County Attorney. Charles Wilson, District 1; E. Blue, District 2; Bob Short, District 3, Commissioners. The Judicial District at this time was composed of Marshall, Bryan, Choctaw and McCurtain Counties, ,vith J u~ge J. M. Richardson presiding. On the ,vhole, taking into consideration the conditions confronting the Commissioners' Cotirt, the public affairs of the county have been satisfactorily administered. The county embraces a large territory, the greater part of which at that time was sparsely settled; there were no roads or bridges ; no court house or jail ; a very small per cent of the real estate was taxable; personal property valu­ ations were low, and the population of the county was small. Out of these conditions, a fund sufficient to defray the county's and our pro rata of the state's expenses, had to be raised. And at the same time, on account of prohi­ bition enforcement, the expenses of the courts alone con­ sumed the funds raised by taxation. Thus ·we may see what the county's legislators had to contend with in solv­ ing the financial problem of "Running" a county govern­ ment. Long-term county bonds were i~sued; road and school districts bonded themselves for roads, schoolhouses and bridges, until the people seemed obscessed with the spirit of public improvement. Every proposition submitted to the people for bonds 62 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

was promptly met and approved, until in 1919, when the Commissioners' Court proposed bonds to the amount of $365,000 to build eleven bridges across the different streams of the county. This proposition was so palpably exhorbitant that the people promptly repudiated it. Many citizens who were strong advocates of public improvements at almost any cost, refused to support the measure. In 1918, bonds to the extent of $125,000 were issued, known as Courthouse and Jail Bonds. The result is a splendid structure of brick and stone at the county seat, having all the modern features and conveniences. Good roads running all directions through the county have been, and are being built; nearly every school district is pro­ vided with a neat and modern school building, and the bonded indebtedness that has made these improvements possible, is being promptly liquidated.

County Political Divisions

1rr.71..::~~::.i~ HE political divisions of the county consist of three commissioners' districts, eight justice townships and twenty-seven election precincts. Commissioners' district number one contains a little over 1,000 square miles and is therefore much larger than many of the counties of the State. This district is comprised of all that portion of the county north of Little River, except that part of it west of the range line between 23 and 24, and south of the township line between 3 and 4. At present, W. B. Lam­ bert of Broken Bow, represents this district. District number two lies in the southeast part of the county and while not so large as number one, is much more densely populated. It embraces all the territory between Red River and Little River from the east line of the county to a point on Little River three miles east of the town of Garvin, thence south along the section line to

64 · McCURTAIN COUNTY A~D

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Red River. C. J. Townsend of Idabel, is the present com­ missioner from this district. District number three is situated in the southwest part of the county and is second in point of size. Begin­ ning on Little River where the range line between 23 and 24 crosses that stream,. it extends directly north to the ·township line between 3 and 4, thence west 18 miles to the west line of the county, thence south along the county line to Red River, thence down said river to the west line of district two. G. G. Merry of Valliant, is the com­ misoner from this district at present. Each district has one commissioner and together, they are called the County Commissioners' Court. They meet at the court house in the county seat on the first Monday in each month for the purpose of transacting all such public business of the county as may need their attention. This court has jurisdiction over public roads and highways, supervision of bond issues and bonded in­ debtedness of the county, approval of bills and accounts against the county and their payment, and to enact such local legislation as is not in conflict with the State laws, needed in the. county for the promotion of local welfare. Formerly, the commissioners ·were paid by the day for services actually rendered, but under later statute, they are paid an annual salary~ and are supposed to give prac­ tically all of their time to the county's business and in­ terests. Notwithstanding this fact, there is one instance of patent neglect: there is about $60~000 worth of im­ proved road working machinery lying around in different parts of the county exposed to the weather and consequent rust and deterioration. Can we blame the farmer who leaves his tools and implements exposed to the weather when the example is set by those who are supposed to care for the public property?

The Justice Townships. The Justice Townships are named as follows: Frisco, White, Kirk, Fowler, Wilson (the four last named in 66 :McCURTAIN COUNTY AND honor of four pioneer citizens of the county, J. R. White, J. W. Kirk, Rafe Wilson and Hose Fowler), Sulphur, Eagle and Mountain. Each township has two justices, and in most instances, two constables. In amount, their juris­ diction does not exceed $200; in territory, the entire county. This last feature of the law frequently works a hardship on a party defendant. A party may. sue his neighbor in the north part of the county before a justice 60 miles away and compel him to attend, or take defalut judgment. Frisco Township lies in the southeast part of the county and extends from the county line where it touches Red River, up the river to the range line between 24 and 25, to Little River, thence down the river to the county line. However, recently, a separate justice district has been carved off the north of Frisco from its west boundary along the township line between 7 anq. 8 east to the county line. Frisco Township takes in America, Bokhoma, Ha­ worth, Duval and Harris. Court is held at Haworth and Bokhoma. The recently established district embraces Midway, Odell and Goodwater. White Township extends from Red River along the western boundary of Frisco to Little River, thence along the river to the east line of Kirk Township, thence south along said line to Red River, thence down the river to the place of beginning. It includes the City of Idabel, and the villages of Shawneetown and Kullituklo. Court is held only at Idabel. Kirk Township extends from Red River along the west boundary line of White, north to Little River, thence up the river to where it is crossed by the township line between 5 and 6, thence south along the range line between 21 and 22 to Red River. It embraces the towns of Garvin and Millerton. Court is held at both these places. Wilson Township, the smallest in the county, ex­ tends from a point where the range line between 21 and 22 touches Red River, north along said range line to the town­ ship line between 5 and 6, thence west to the county line,

68 l',kCl;RTAIN COUNTY AND

.....-; SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 69 thence south to Red River, thence down said river to the place of beginning, embracing the town of Valliant. Fowler Township consists of two geographical town­ ships. Beginning where the town ship line between 5 and 6. crosses the range line between 21 and 22, its eastern boundary runs north along said range line a distance of 12 miles to the township line between 3 and 4, thence west to the county line, thence south along the county line to a point six miles west of the place of beginning, thence east to the range line. . The villages of Rufe and Alikchi are in this township, but court is held only at Rufe. Sulphur Township. Beginning at the northwest cor­ ner of the county, the north boundary extends along the county line 18 miles to the range 1ine between 24 and 25, thence south along said range line 21 miles, thence west 6 miles, thence south to Little River ( with an offset to the east, of one mile, extending through township 5), thence up _Little River to where the town ship line between 5 and 6 crosses the range line betvveen 21 and 22, thence north along said range line to the place of beginning. In thi~ to,,vnship are the village of Ida, Bethel, Mt. Zion, Glover, Boktuklo, Golden and the town of Wright City. l\rlountain Township. Beginning at the northeast corner of the county, the east boundary exte~ds sout '1 24 miles along the county line to the tovvnship line bet,.,veen to-wnships 4 and 5, thence west along said township line to the range line between 2t1 and 25. thence north to the county line, thence east · to the place of beginning. Em­ braces Smithville, Watson, and HochatO"wn. J. P. court at all places. Eagle Township. Starting at a point on the east county line where it is crossed by the Little River. the south boundary extends west along the river to te range line tetween ranges 23 and 24, thence north along said range line (less 1 mile offset through township 5) to midway of township 4, thence east 6 miles to range line between ranges 24 and 25, thence south 3 miles to town­ ship line between townships 4 and 5, thence east along 70 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND said line to the east county line, thence south along the county line to the place of beginning. Broken Bow, Eagle­ town, Luktata are in this township.

Election Precincts. There are 27 election precincts in the county, the voting places of which are as follo,vs: Beginning in the southeast, Bokhoma, Haworth, Pleas­ ant Hill, Pollard, Idabel; north, south and west, Garvin, Millerton, Valliant, Wright City, Rufe, Golden, I-lolly Creek, Broken Bow,-two voting places-New Eagletown, Hochatown, Watson, Smithville, Bethel, Ida, Campbell, Odell, Cisco, Midway and Ringold.

Transportation and Communication ACK OF the means of transportation has been one of the greatest handicaps to the progress and development of the county. Before the completion of the A. & C. Branch of the Frisco Railroad in 1902, there were no markets closer than twenty to fifty miles, and the only means of travel were wagons, buggies or on horseback. For many years we were truly a frontier people. The only roads were the old military traces out of Arkansas through Eagletown to Doaksville, and from Northeast Texas through the territory now composing the county to the same point. There were a few very poor excuses for wagon roads leading across Red River, and by-paths from one settle­ ment to another. The community with a weekly mail was considered fortunate. After the completion of the above-named railroad, trading points were established at Bokhoma, Haworth, Idabel, Garvin, Millerton and Valliant from east to west, respectively, through the county south of Little River. All that part of the county north of Little River was still without markets or roads. Weekly and semi-

72 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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-~ . t • • ··4-;. '. ' : SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 73 weekly mail routes were established out of Idabel, Garvin and Valliant to the territory north of Little River, which, in a way, served the settlers until the building of the T. 0. and E. Railroad in 1908-9. This railroad, built by the Choctaw Lumber Company from Valliant, on the Frisco, a distance of 28 miles to Broken Bow, for its own use and purposes, reached a part of the county where it was so badly needed for public uses, that it was at once made a common carrier, even before it reached Broken Bow. Recently, April, 1921, the T. 0. & E. has been com­ pleted to DeQueen, Arkansas, where it connects with the Company's DeQueen Eastern at that place, and furnishes means of travel and transportation to that part of the county heretofore almost isolated. Near Wright City on this road, Spur No. 1, runs north across Glover River, to, or near the village8 of Bethel and Ida. The Choctaw Lumber Company has left this spur intact as a branch of the T. 0. & E. Railroad. Thus all parts of the county will be served ,vith shipping facilities and means of travel and_ communication, except perhaps, the northeast part, the people of which do most of their trading and mail business across the line in Arkansas. Two splendid highways have been completed reaching out north from Wright City and Broken Bow acro.;s a low range of mountains that form the divide bet,veen their slopes on the south and the plateau on the north. These highways offer comparatively easy transportation of the farm products in the region north of the range of hills to points on the T. 0. & E. Railroad. The Bankhead Highway as surveyed from the eastern border of the county in a south-west direction to the western border, will certainly be con1pleted within the next two years, which with the State, Williams and other highways, will furnish ample means of land transportation, travel and communication for the county. Since Statehood the mail facilities of the county have been increased wonderfully. Many villages now have daily 74 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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-~ i,-::i -~ 0 z,., -~ z -~ ~..... -~ -.... 76 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND mail service, while the most remote of them have at least tri-weekly n1ails. Nearly all railroad towns have four mails a day. Telephone Systems have been installed in all the towns along the railroads, and in many of the inland towns. Rural routes extend into all parts of the county. The liberal and public-spirited citizenship of the county, in voting road and bridge bonds, together with the liber­ ality of the Federal Government in aid of building public highways, has made it possible for McCurtain County to provide a system of roads and bridges second to none in the State.

Agriculture c,:::::::.;;;;r=~~ OR many years after the coming of the Indian, and even after the white settler began to move in, the crudest method of farming was the rule. The Indian leaFned, and brought with him from his home in the east, the one-horse plow and the hoe method, and is disposed to cling to it up to the present. The white immigrant was very little in advance of the Indian. The little Hall & Spear turning plow, or a twisting shovel for breaking his land iri the spring, a home-made single stock for the "Scooter" and a big old "Eye hoe," constituted the bulk of his farming implements. What small grain they raised ·was harvested by the old "A.rm­ strong" power. Usually the farming tools were left in the field where the last ,vork was done until the next spring, or until the owner moved to another farm. There·­ f ore, it is not a very strange thing that a large per cent of McCurtain County farmers leave their valuable farm implements out in the open ,vhen not in use, even to this day, thus verifying the fact that habits as well as traits of character may be handed down from father to son. Corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes and cotton were the staple crops. All farmers except the Indian and the "Squa\\T-men" were tenants. One-third of the grain and SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 77 one-fourth of the cotton was the standard for rents. Once in a while, wh_en a farmer had a little money ahead, he could secure a real bargain in rentals by paying the rent in advance. Lease contracts ran from two to five years on the prairie lands, and from five to ten years on the timbered lands. A market for cotton was found in North Texas. The surplus corn was fed to hogs and fur­ nished bacon for the following year. Sorghum was not only a standard article of food, but found a good market in the hill country, where it was used for purposes not approved by the Federal Government. Along the Red River valley there were tenants and owners who farmed extensively, and with some improve­ ment over the prevailing methods. They were closer to market and the river bottom lands were opened up for cultivation earlier by the wealthier class of Choctaws. who were also slave-owners. It should be remembered that the axe and the cross­ cut saw were the forerunners of the plow in southeast Indian Territory. The lands were covered with heavy timber ,vhich had to be removed before the plow could be introduced. It may therefore be readily seen why im­ proved implements were not in demand. The arguments held at the c~mmunity blacksmith shop on Saturday afternoon as to the virtues of the "Jumpin' and the Cuttin'" coulter, or the "Rooster Comb," were interesting and no less instructive than the con­ tentions as to the best methods of cultivating corn. In the discussion of the latter question, what was known as "The Seven Furrow System," always won out, and for obvious reasons. In the vernacular of an "Old Timer," that system was described as follows: "\Vhen yo cawn gits about half lag high, take yo turnin plow and bar it off; then in five or six days, take a scooter, sock it down deep close to the cawn and run round it; wait a};lout two weeks and take yo turnin plo,v and wrop it up to about the first jint, and then in two or 78 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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"/. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 79 three weeks thow out the balk with a heel sweep and let her go. Then in the fall when you go to pull it down you'll find yurs as ·big as a coon." As to the best method of cultivating cotton, they were practically of one mind. "It should be planted as soon as all danger of frost is over, and allowed to take a sweat in the grass." This last essential was very con­ venient, for about this time fish were biting, turkeys were gobbling and venison was getting in fine condition, and now as we look back over these good old times, we scarcely blame them for allowing cotton to "Sweat in the grass." However, the corning of statehood, the enactment of laws protecting the game, the great and sudden increase of immigrants and the duties and responsibilities of citizen­ ship, wrought a great change in agricultural methods, and the farmers awoke to the fact that the good old slipshod methods of farming and an easy living were things of the past. They were now to meet sharp competition, new methods, work roads, pay taxes, serve as jurors and many other things that citizenship has come to require of men. Some of them loaded their hosehold goods on the old prairie schooner and sought new fields, while many of them remained, and are now numbered among our best citizens. The very nature of things made the use of improved and labor-saving machinery impracticable for the McCur­ tain County farmer in the earlier days. But as these natural handicaps are being removed, there is a steady increase of the use of improved farm machinery. One of the conditions precendent to the use of improved and labor­ saving implements on our farms is land conditions. We cannot afford to s,vap old Kit and Beck for a tractor on most of the farms. Nor can we exchange the single row planter for the check-rower, until the farms have been cleared of roots and stumps. Perhaps more of this kind of \\·ork could have been done on the farms ere this, but more than fifty per cent 80 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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...... __ ,.,,,, - SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 81 of the farmers were tenants and they were not wealthy to begin with. For many years the landlords and mer­ chants encouraged a larger crop in cotton than any other crop, which required twelve months in every year. Grad­ ually the mistakes of the past have been seen and are being corrected. A campaign of agricultural education has been in­ augurated within the last five years that must eventually reach the grass roots of farm intelligence. State schools of agriculture have been established; the common schools are teaching the rudiments of agriculture; the Federal Government has dotted the states with agricultural experi­ ment stations; the local, State and Federal governments have combined to supply the counties with agents whose duty it is to advise with, and instruct the farmer in all up-to-date methods of farming and stock-raising; the Federal Government is compiling and sending out bulletins, treating exhaustively of everything pertaining to farm work and life: business men's organizations are interested in better farming conditions, and the boys and girls of f.1e county are encouraged and instructed in farming t!nd stock-raising and all affairs connected with domestic life and economy through their various clubs. At first, this plan of educating the farmer was hotly resented by many of them. They considered it an un­ called-for interference and intrusion by "Book Farmers," and would have none of it. But the government and the educational institutions have persevered until the prejudice and resentment is about all removed, and now the McCu1·­ tain County farmer is earnestly seeking more light in his time-honored calling. The great majority of the farms in the county are small-just what the owner and his family can cultivate and harvest, with varying amounts of hired labor. The leading crop has always been cotton, and this feature of our farming has been justly condemned. Yet there was reason in the farmer's apparent madness, for our means of transportation have been so limited; the markets far 82 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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:~ .-~----... ~ RIOR to .statehood, the territory embraced by . : .~ McCurtain County consisted of five counties ~ under Choctaw government. Ball playing was l!/K-~V~:.£.-~~ the principal sport, and the games were at­ tended by Indians and white people alike from all these counties. Usually, one county challenged another, and they would meet on common ground for the game. The goals­ posts about l 2 feet high and 8 inches at the base-were set up 200 feet apart. Any number of players to the side­ rarely ever less than twelve. The one and a half inch rubber ball was never touched by the hand, except when the umpire~ or judge, tossed it up midway between the goals, as in basket ball. The players used hickory sticks well seasoned, about three feet long, tapering from the hand to a flat end below the hand-hold and twisted into a cup-shape, securely fastened with deer skin thongs. The player is supposed to scoop up the ball in this cup-shaped stick. and if the field is clear, or if he is a very swift runner, he may run toward his goal and approach it as nearly as his opponents will allow him, and then throw the ball at the goal. If he strikes the post, his side has scored, but if he misses, the struggle for the ball is renewed. It is rough if not dangerous sport, more so even than our football. Imagine 24 athletes tied up in a knotty scuffle for and over a very small ob!ect, pulling, kicking and beating each other with sticks, and sometimes using knives. Of coul'se, much of this is against the rules of the game, but a losing side becomes desperate and defies the rules. At a 4th of July picnic in Garvin, of this county, in 1907, was played -the last game of Indian ball by local players. On this occasion, after about four hours of strife between the players, they emerged from the contest with 00 OJ

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OLD HUNTERS. Left to right, stnnding-,T. R. \Vhite, Uol>t. Short, Judge Steel, Robt. Steel, John Denison, .John Stevens. Sitting-Dr. McCaskill, .r. D. Light:--ey, George Steel, Jerry Howland, \V. II. Marshall. Only 5 of the 11 now living. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 87 skinned heads, bloody faces, sprained limbs and torn cloth­ ing. But the great crowd who had assembled to witness the game, had four hours of fun.

Spearing Fish.

Many old camping sites along the banks of the moun­ tain streams of the county are mute witnesses to the Indian fishing parties of many years ago. During the summer and fall seasons of the year, when the waters were low and clear, large parties were wont to assemble ,for a week's fishing. The Indian spurned the three and four­ pronged gig, using only the spear and arrow, and he rarely missed his quarry. Men and boys alike enjoyed the sport, and it is said that the old men never instructed the boy as to the deceptive depth of a fish in clear water, but allowed him to find this out by experience, while the old fellows chuckled over his poor marksmanship. For fishing in daylight, a desirable place was baited and the fisherman secreted himself on the branch of a tree immediately over the baited place, while at night the fishing was confined to the shoals and the fisherman carried a lighted pine torch. When the boys drove an arrow into a large fish but did not reach a vital spot, the fun began. If the fish was able to reach deep water before ·other arrows were driven into him, he was safe, but if he stayed in the shoal water, they usually captured him.

Athletics.

Contact with civilization seems to have destroyed the Choctaw's love for strenuous athletics. Even wrestling, racing and jumping are indulged in only ~Y the boys and very young men. As a result of this physical inactivity corpulency begins with most of the men and women before they reach middle age. Boxing is, and has always been eschewed by the Indian. Pugilism is not in his line. Many of them are good wrestlers and swift runners, as these features of athletics are needed in their ball games. 88 i\1cCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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The Carpenter Gang rr,;~.~---...-c-n, HE MOST thoroughly organized gang of thieves, perhaps, that ever operated in any country was that of the "Carpenter Gang," who drove their nefarious profession through the southern part of the Indian Territory from 1890 to, and for awhile, after the passage of the Curtis Act making provisions for law administration in the Territory. This bunch of thieves was called "The Carpenter Gang" for the. reason that it was headed by a man named Carpenter, who had succeeded in collecting about him a dozen or more of the toughest characters of the then tough country, and the chief cause of the success of their operations was the fact that they had coadjutors all along the line of their "Thief Runs." lVIen who would handle and sell the stolen property and were never suspected until they grew bold and careless. Their "Run" was east and west through the southern counties to, and beyond the Washita River, thence north into Kansas and New Mexico. In the prairie districts west, where stockmen kept close watch on their cattle and horses, they were not so bold, but all along the country bordering on the Red River and in the valleys of the Kiamitia, Little River, the Boggies and Blue, where the one-horse farmer and small stockman lived, they would collect and drive off herds of cattle and horses. In 1896, or '97, after the establishment of courts all through the Indian Territory, deputy marshals began to make it warm for them, and finally, they were over­ taken and hemmed in on one of the Boggies and several of them were killed. What was left of them disbanded, and the country had surcease of wholesale thievery, but not altogether along individual lines of theft. 90 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Manners, Customs and- Character

HILE there are many people in Southeast Okla­ homa from all the Southern States, the ma­ jority of them are from Arkansas. These people located in McCurtain County largely for the same reason that the Choctaws did-familiar sur- roundings, forestry, game, fish and beloved hills. Indeed, when the county wa·s first organized, immigrants from Arkansas were so numerous that when a venire was sum­ moned for the first term of the district court held in the county, the Prosecuting Attorney in examining a . juror on his voir dire, would say, ''Mr. Smith, I'm quite sure you are from Arkansas, but will you please state what county," The people of the rural districts are kind and hospit­ able. "You'ns is welcome," means .i ust what it says. While many of them can not be charged with thrift and thorough knowledge of domestic and political economy, they are industrious and good providers. Many years prior to statehood, the only· source of amusement for the young and old was dancing. Not the "Turkey Trot and the Bunny Hug," but real live dancing­ the Virginia reel and the quadrille. Farther west, in the stock country, where the festive covvboy was wont to hold forth, it was the custom of the farmers and the cowboys to hold joint picnics lasting from three to five days. At these picnics there were no n,1erry-Go-Rounds, no Speelers, no Fakirs nor any of the latter-day attractions, but the Greased Pole ,vith the $5 geld ~iece on top ,vas there; the Gander with the Greased N eek and hanging by his feet, and another $5 ,vas there; the tournament with a dozen rings and its prizes; the good old darkie with a bushel hamper of eggs and ¥tith his head through a hole in a ,vagon sheet as a target for the boys with the eggs, was there, but the greatest attraction ,vas the big brush 92 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND _ arbor, covering forty feet square, or more. There was room for four big sets with the musicians on- a raised platform in the center. The ground was packed down hard and covered with a sprinkling of sa:\vdust. The boys wore high-heeled boots with their trousers stuffed in, large belled spurs on their heels and a silk handkerchief around their necks. While all the boys present on these occacions were not cowboys, the plow boys affected his dress and general style. The girls were dressed in calico and ging­ ham adorned with a great deal of ribbon of various colors. At these picnics the Indians and white people mixed and mingled freely, and the Indian girls were nearly all dressed in some shade of red. And now when the sets were all formed and the prompter from his high perch called out, "Honor Your Partners," the dance was on in earnest, and to such good old tunes as "Eighth of January," "Snowbird in the Ash Bank," "Turkey in the Straw," etc. When the 16 couples were in rhythmic motion, the gay colored picnic dresses of the white girls mixing with the flashes of red worn by the dusky Indian maidens presented a kaleidoscopic scene never to be forgotten. Game was plentiful and the streams were full of fish. Farm work, no matter how badly needed, was often sus­ pended when a hunt or a fishfry was proposed. Among the noted hunters of the county may be men­ tioned th~ names of John and Bob Bea_vers, Uncle Rect Jacobs, Martin Wood and others. On a hunt for and with a Kansas City party camped in the northwest part of the county, along in the '90's, John Beavers is credited -rnith having killed 63 turkeys, 18 deer arid 2 bears in one week's time. The people in those days were not affected by finan­ cial panics. They lived at home and largely off the boun­ tiful supply of nature. Their religion, in the main, consisted of adherence to the Golden Rule. The Bible, according to their own SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 93 interpretation, was their moral and spiritual guide. It was this orginal and independent interpretaton of the moral code that led many of them to beleve that the manu­ facture, sale or barter of whiskey was no violation of that code, and that legislation making it a crime had no moral or scriptural or support. Of course, there were orthodox religionists, and when the preacher came he was made welcome and provided with a place to preach. As evidence of independent thought and action the fallowing occurence will illustrate: On one occasion services were being held in a log school house, when the preacher remarked that he smelled tobacco smoke, and he hoped the smoker would desist until after service. One of the congregation looked around, saw who was smoking and reported: "That's Uncle Jack Gridley. He's been down to Dollarhide~s sto' and got some o' that three-year-old home-made tobacher, and he's jist now a-tryin' it, so if you don't vvant to start somethin', you'd better let him be." The old question, on being· introduced, "What mout be your business," after statehood, was changed to "What's your Graft?" The rural districts are responsible for three new ,vords for the English vocabulary: "Cy-fog-gle"-To loaf about with no definite object or purpose. "Hon-swog-gle"-To cheat or swindle. "Py-root-ing"-Visiting another community for the purpose of hunting, fishing, eating, drinking, dancing, fighting, etc. Other than in the railroad tO"wns, the white people have no church buildings, nor have they ever had. But the Indians have their church buildings in every commu­ nity. They are close adherents to their different creeds, but all of them are of one mind as to houses of worship. Each denomination has its quarterly and annual meetings, 94 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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1 SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 95 at which great crowds assemble, coming from all parts of the county to attend the services that are always con­ ducted in their own language. The Choctaw Indians, as a rule, do not like to patronize the white schools. Teachers who have not made it a study, do not understand Indian children, nor do the children understand the teacher. Hence their attendance at the public school is largely due to the compulsory attendance law. Time and the gradual amalgamation of the races will finally cure this defect and other social barriers which the Indians themselves are largely re­ sponsible for. "Exact Copy," is one of the characteristics of the Chocta,v child, especially is this the case in drawing or writing. Correct and legible handwriting is also generally characteristic. They will not hurry in their work at schoo_l or el sew here. As a rule, they are easily controlled, obedient and tractable, but slow to take an active part in general school work. However, when one of them becomes interested in athletics, he generall leads his classes. The white children of the rural districts, when under the supervision of a competent teacher-the teacher ,vho is looking for something more than four o'clock .and the clerk's warrant-usually make better progress than the children of the to,vn and . \Vith them, failure to make two grades in a term, is the exception rather than the rule. One of the admirable customs of the rural districts is that of making the school house the community center. It is used for every social purpose except dancing, and many communities are sparing no pains to make the buildings and grounds more attractive. A custom more recently prevailing in all the rail­ road towns is that of "Trades Day," one day in every month set apart for trading, bartering and selling. A get-together day, when people from every part of the county assen1ble in town for that purpose. 96 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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While this custom has proven beneficial to the people of the county and a splendid advertising medium for the business men of the towns, it is a custom that hikes back to primitive days for its origin; back to the time prior to the coinage of money, when commerce was carried on, even between individuals, by barter and trade. Its recent re-adoption by the towns of the county has proven to be very beneficial, for under the strain of readjustment of trade and the deflation of money following the late war~ it has provided a means of exchange, and to some extent, taken the place of money. Tacitly, mutually and without pre-arrangement, Satur-

day afternoon has come to be a half-holiday. The custom of "Taking Saturday afternoon" has come upon us so gradually, so imperceptibly, that we have to reflect back to realize that it has truly become a half-holiday. Except merchants and business men, very few people work Satur­ day afternoon. The old custom of working on the. farm "from sun to sun" has given place to 8, 9 and 10 hours a day. The McCurtain County farmer seems to reason that if the carpenter, the miner and other laborers can live on 8 hours' work, he can do so too, and he is right, for there is as much demand for brain work as for muscle on the farm. 98 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Modern Hi~tory r-7::,;;;::~" INCE the Civil \Var, events and conditions lead­ ing up to the present are familiar to the Okla­ homa school boy and the older citizens of the State, but the greater part of our population having immigrated to the country after statehood are not conversant with what transpired during this period. Owing to the situation of that part of the territory now embracing McCurtain County-having the State of Arkansas on the east and Texa8 on the south, serving as buffers to the invasion of the Union forces-the devasta­ tion of the Civil War vvas not so great as that in other parb,; of the Indian Territory. As has been previously stated, the Choctaws allied them~elves with the Con­ federacy, and being so far south the Union forces never reached their part of the country. However, their losses

One of the effects of the Civil \Var was the spread of the "Western Fever." Heretofore, only such people as might be solicited became residents of the Indian Territory, such as Millwrights, Physicians, Preachers, School Teachers and skilled labor, but with the lax administration of the law, following the war, people of an callings, trades and professions began to pour into the Indian country, espe­ cially the southern part. Many of these immigrants were undesirable, but the Indian was anxious to lease his landR, and the character of the proposed lessor was rarely ever inquired into. Thus the country began to · fill up with small farmers, many of whom now constitute our olde8t and best citizens. Under the Choctaw law of "Holding in Common," each Indian had the right to hold, fence and cultivate all the land he wanted, provided that he did not approach the holdings of another nearer than a quarter of a mile. As grazing permit8 -vv·ere not allowed by the law, individual Indians would lease large tracts of land to cattle owners who would fence and use it for a number of years, paying the lessee a small per capita tax on the cattle grazed. Soon, however, the Choctaw Council passed laws prohibiting the fencing and leasing of grazing lands to "Non-Citizens." Then the Indian citizen changed his tactics and would claim the cattle ~1nd other stock as his own, and t~nder a bill of sale duly recorded in the Indian courts. The writer does not reme1nber, during his t)"l1\': residence in the Indian country, a single instance in ·which the full-blood Indian took advantage of the bill of ~ale to defraud his ,vhite friend, but the same cannot be said of the half-breed and intermarried men. Under the last arrangement, in which the Indian claimed the stock, he need not enclose them, but had the right to free grazing in common ,vith all others. It ,-vas features like thi~­ .iuggling ,vith the Choctaw statutes-that brought thei1· laws into contempt and disrepute, even among themselves. As, for example, in 1890, while riding along with an Indian friend who had large cattle holdings and immense pasturage. I asked him why he did not comply with the Ia,v as to wire fencing and put up the blinds required? 100 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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He said he had, and pointed to the three-foot clap-boards which the wind had blown _off and strewn along the pas­ ture fence, with the further remark, "The law says you must put them up, but it does not say that you must keep them up." Thus we find, even among the pioneers, obedience to the letter but not the spirit of the law. Under the Choctaw Law, all white persons. except such as had been invited by the Government to come into the country, as before stated, and intermarrieds, who had married under the provisions of the local law, were "Intruders." But each intruder-the writer among them­ seemed always to have a citizen to whom he looked for protection against eviction. J. Woods Kirk, a Vir­ ginian, who married into one of the best Indian families of the country, was an example of a true friend of the intruder. Robert Love, a quarter-breed Indian, owner and operator of a large river farm, now known· as "Shawnee­ town," was another. Many wealthy fullbloods would give their protection to tenant farmers or white men whom they liked and respected. Finally white men began· moving into the country and squatting on lands without contracting with individual Indians or permission of the Government. This brought about the enactment of the "Permit Law," by the councils of all the tribes. When a tenant was cultivating land for the usual rents, his landlord paid the permit-$5.00-but the squatter and the long-lease tenant had to pay for themselves. In some instances, they refused to pay, and as the Choctaw laws had no _jurisdiction of them the Federal Government was called upon to remove them. Many of them were escorted to the borders and expelled from the country, only to return, probably the next day. As time passed, the intruder grew bolder and began to repudiate the permit law altogether. Later, he began to clamor for recognition by the Federal Government, and kept it up until the passage of the Curtis Act in 1898. This Act of Co!}gress wrought radical changes in the affair~ of the Indian country. The i:eople of the Choctaw 102 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Nation began to experience the trend of affairs and condi­ tions that had been going on for some time north of them. The Curtis Bill provided that all Tribal Courts should be abolished; that the supervision of the Indian schools should be given to a supervisor · to be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, and that the Tribal Government should cease after the year 1906. The abolishment of the Choctaw Courts was heailed with joy and delight by many of the halfbreeds and less blood and the intermarried men for several reasons. Many of them were under indictment for violation of minor statutes, such as holding stock for non-citizens, the punishment for which was the lash, and by the white man's tactics in court, had postponed the trial and evaded punishment from term to term till the situation didn't look good to them. About this time the white people began to take a little interest in schools for their children, many of whom had never seen inside of a school house. A crude system of schools was organized by the Federal Government under which little red school houses began to dot the prairies and fores ts. Among other things provided for in the Curtis Act was that of allotment in severalty, and from this time on events and conditions will be considered under the head of "Recent History." 104 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

A Funeral Sermon

NE of the most zealous Choctaw preachers of the county was the late John Garland, a direct descendant of Gov. Leflore, the first Chief of the Choctaw people in their new country. All of his life, up to the last six years prior to his death, according to his own words, he was ·steeped in sin and degradation, even having the blood of many of his tribes­ men upon his hands. But John was converted under the sledge-hammer eloquence of preachers of the old school. preachers "·ho held to the doctrine of a literal hell, and who had no compromise to make with sin, and he carried this doctrine into the pulpit when he began his ministry. A few years after John began preaching he was called upon to preach the funeral of one of his old friends and associates, and while I am not able to give his exact words on this occasion, I am sure the fallowing as an excerpt of his sermon is correct : "My friends, we have met today to pay the last sad respects to our departed friend, who is here in his last home before us, and it grieves my heart to know that he is no longer one among us. "I have learned from my Bible that there are no circumstances or conditions under which a man, especially a preacher, should lie, not even for his best friend, dead or alive. I have known this man 3ince my boyhood; was intimately associated with him in many of his misdeeds, and was his full partner in sin for many years. I saw him a short time ago when he was in health and full of life, and talked earnestly with him about his spiritual condition. He laughed and turned me aside with some foolish and profane remark, and now I find his body here and his soul gone to meet its reward! But will it be a reward, or will it be a punishment? God in Heaven only knows ! I do not know whether or not he ever repented SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 105 and obtained forgiveness for his many sins. I only hope! I can only pray ! "He, like all of us, had ample time to repent, and ample warning as to what would be his condition if he didn't repent. I don't know! It grieves me not to know! But this I do know, if my Bible be true, if he did not repent of his sins before he died, he is just as certainly in hell, right now, as I'm standing before you. Let us hope, and let us pray!" The name of the deceased is omitted in this narra­ tive, but it is true, nevertheless. The audience left the church profoundly impressed, marveling over something new, something original in funeral preaching. If funeral sermons are preached for the benefit of the living (Surely we do not hope to benefit the dead), would it not be the course of wisdom for the learned and educated divine to emulate the example of this true Son of Nature in his strict adherence to the Sublime Virtue­ Truth-in their discourses over the remains of the departed? 1-l 0 ~

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HLEOHTA11BI, 105 YEARS OLD, AND AN ENGLISH SOLDIER, ,YHO "rENT Or'I' FRO:\I BROKEN Bo,v TO SEE HIM IN 1018-THIS VERY OLD INDIAN ,YORKS EYI~HY DAY. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 107

The Indian's Relation to the Courts

ITT:-~~n ONDITIONS make it almost impossible for the Indians to take any active part as jurors or otherwise in the administration of the law and justice. While there are a few with English education called upon to serve as jurors and in other offi­ cial capacities, as a rule, lack of knowledge of English and their own peculiar views, bar them from such service. From the force of his education and training for generations the Indian has inherited the belief that he may destroy his enemy, and when he is put upon trial for murder ·the white juries before whom he is tried seem. to take this trait of his character into consideration, as there has never been an Indian sentenced to death in Southeast Oklahoma since statehood. As witnesses and parties to suits in court, they de­ mand interpreters, for the fullblood Indian will not speak the white man's language if he can avoid it. " Is it fair to the Indian who doesn't know a word of English, to be tried by a jury that has little or no knowl­ edge of his religion, traditions, nature and habits? Does the constitution in its provisions, "The accused shall have his accusers face to face," contemplate rendering the accusation in words of which the accused is wholly ignorant? It is true that the proceedings are interpreted for him, but the languages are vastly different, especially in the construction to be put upon words and phrases, as one word in Choctaw may mean s~veral different things, while in court language and legal phrases it usually re­ quires a great many words to express one thing or idea. However, these questions touch only_ a theory, in practice,. our courts are absolutely fair in the administration of the law, and this without regard to race, color or previous conditions. 108 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Old Missions

~ ERHAPS the oldest mission in ·this part of vvhat is now Oklahoma was instituted by the Rev. ~ Cyrus Byington immediately upon the arrival

~_,.__V~CL-~~ of the Indians from Mississippi1 at Eagletown near the western boundary of Arkansas. From best in­ formation to be obtained, Rev. Byington was a mixeJ breed who had been educated in the colleges of the Eastern States, and is the head of a large family by that name now scattered throughout the old Choctaw Nation. One of his descendants was a practicing lawyer before the Choctaw courts of the nation, and ,vas said to be a shrewd and successful lawyer. Soon after the establishment of the Stockbridge l\1is­ sion at Eagletown by the Rev. Byington, Rev. Alfred Wright began his missionary work at Wheelock, a full account is given in his biography and the history of this interesting locality. It appears that in the course of a few years the work at \Vheelock absorbed that of the Stockbridge Mission. However, in the early days of Rev. James Dyer's ministry the locality of Eagletown was sup­ plied with ministerial work by him . even up to his death a f P✓\\' years ago. 110 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 111.

Prohibition

, HE Federal Government from the first, realized the fact that prohibition and its enforcen1ent, ~Nas the safeguard of the Indian, and acting upon this conviction, the manufacture, introduc­ tion and sale of intoxicating liquors have been prohibjted since the earliest settlement. Indeed, one of the conditions to the admission of the State to the Union was, that no liquor should be made, introduced or sold in the eastern half (Old Indian Territory) of the State. During the first state administration the politician and his anti-supporters, did their utmost to nega~ive this pro­ vision of the Enabling Act. Finally they settled upon a plan and the legislature enacted a law providing for the sale of ,vhiskey in small quantities by county agencies. The sales were to be made upon the prescription of a reputable physician, and as the law could not discriminate between Indians and white people, every one who could get sick, could get whiskey. This law was soon repealed, for it was vicious in many ways. Often the applicant for a prescription would feign sickness, and frequently the physician would write a pre­ scription knowing that he did not have a lawful patient. One of its worst features was the monopoly of purchase. The brand selected for the dispensaries was "Sunny Brook," and sometimes it was nearly all "Brook." After the repeal of the State Dispensary Act, straight prohibition laws were passed fixing penalties within the jurisdiction of the County Courts, and now began a series of prosecutions that came near bankrupting the county. Of course, the accused, in nearly every instance, elected to be tried by jury, and this entailed a heavy expense. The difficulties in the way of conviction were numerous and obvious. While perhaps the sentiment of a large share ot the people was in favor of prohibition enforcement. yet 112 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND they did not give the officers of the la-w such support as would insure convictions. Therefore the per cent of convictions was small, but sufficient at least to prevent the situation from growing any worse, until such time as the Federal Government under Nation-Wide Prohibition, took charge of the enforcement laws, which has been a great relief to the county. The race between the whiskey maker and the "Whiskey Breaker" has been, and is yet, a close one. The farmer, backed by a large fallowing of "Personal Liberty" ad­ herents, and a still larger following of those who "Pass the Jar," still pursues his vocation and finds a lucrative market for his goodR. The latter holds his place by Federal appointment, is generally a non-resident of the county, and is therefore in a position to neither ask or grant any favors. Hence the end is not yet. The prime object of the Government in prohibiting the manufacture, introduction and sa]e of intoxicating liquors into the Indian Territory was to protect the Indian fron1 its consequences, and many hu!ldreds of thousands of dollars have been expended in prohibition enforcement for their protection, and yet there are those among us who are skeptical as to whether or not any good has been accomplished. The Indian sober, is peaceable and quiet, slow to anger and respects the law even more than the white man. But an Indian drunk, with few exceptions, is a menace to l~w and order, and had it not been for the protection thro~ around them by the Government their numbers would have been worse decimated than what they are. However, if the status quo can be maintained by law enforement under the present legal machinery, until such time as the introduction of hygiene and physiology into the common schools, and the erection of social and business barriers against the inebriate shall have done their work, the politician and the fadist will lose one of the rungs of their political ladder. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 113

The Mosaic Law

, , HOSO shedeth man's blood. by man shall his blood be shed." This. in effect, is the Choc­ taw Law. Can the races advanced in civili­ zation consistently criticize it? Deep in the recesses of McCurtain County's forests is a beautiful but lonely spot that will go down in local history as the place of the last legal execution of an Indian convicted of murder. The event was graphically described by David A. Fowler, of Millerton, who at the time was a deputy sheriff. Mr. Fowler has forgotten the unfortunate Indian's name, but said that he would never forget the tragic details of the execution as it occurred at the district court grounds at Alikchi, in July1 1902. The condemned man had been regularly tried by a jury of twelve of his tribe, before District Judge James, convicted and sentenced to be shot on the - day of July, 1902, then released without bond that he might arrange his worldly affairs and make his y.Jeace with God, ·when he should appear on the day and date fixed for his execution. Pron1ptly upon the hour, he presented himself to the sheriff. In an open place where the July sun beamed down with all its fierceness, and around which was sta­ tioned a strong guard, the condemned man, ·who was a large and perfect specimen of physical manhood, was walked oncP. around inside the circle bet\veen two men having hold on each of his arms, then hoodwinked and marched around once more and to the center. Here he was made to sit flat on the ground, the two men pulling on his arms in opposite directions. His shirt was opened in front and pinned back so as to expose his entire chest. A cross was made on his breast immediately over the heart, and the sheriff at a distance of fifteen or twenty feet, resting his rifle on a pole put up for that purpose, 114 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND fired the fatal shot. But from nervousness or some other cause, he missed the cross, the bullet striking the body some two or three inches below and passed through. All this while, the two men holding his arms outstretched, and now they forced him back to the ground. Imme­ diately, a large Negro man, who was standing by ready with pail of water and cup, leaped upon his chest and as the dying man would open his mouth in ·an attempt to breathe, the Negro would empty a cup of water therein, thus finishing the horrible job by strangulation. Dr. Spencer of Valliant was present and gave it as his opinion that the man was strangled to death, as the wound was not necessarily fatal. A short while after the death of the man, United States authorities arrived on the ground for the pur­ pose of forbidding the execution, but they were too late. A great ·crowd had assembled to witness the vindi­ cation of the majesty ( ?) of the law, but when the death struggle. and strangulation required the supreme effort of the three strong men to accomplish it, they turned away weak and trembling at sight of the horrible tragedy. When it was over, the body was turned over to the friends and family of the deceased, and they carried it a way for Christian burial. While this execution was an exception to the rule, as the rifle bullet usually sped true to the heart, it was a horrible example of the savagery indulged in not only by the Indian but by the so-called civilized and en­ lightened people as well. It is true that the Federal Government had no au­ thority to interfere in the execution of their laws, and the Choctaw Law of "Life for Life" is still an unre­ pealed statute, yet it could, and did, exert such an influ­ ence as rendered the law practically inoperative thereafter. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 115

A McCurtain County River

The first dim rays of the morning light Pierced the black shadows of the southern slope Of one of McCurtain's many mountain sides And reached the vallay below, Heralding the coming of a new day. The early songsters awoke to greet its coming With their many songs of love and joy. The first rays of sunlight stealing Through the shadows of the pines at the mountain's Top, revealed at the base in the edge of the Valley a spring, pillowed in a bed of moss and ferns Like some new-born babe wrapped in its Silken folds and tucked away in its cradle. A spring whose bubbling waters sounded in Rhythmic tune and perfect harmony with The music of the birds. And now as the sunlight dispels the dark Shadows of the valley, revealing the Multitudinous thousands of vari-colored Flowers, its waters seem to grow brighter As if to lend color to the gala occa~ion. New birds join in the song, each seeming To vie with all other things in more varied And sweeter notes. Out across the valley and from the mountain Sides beyond, countless numbers of flowers Nod obesiance to this new-born babe of the Mountain. Thus Nature, in one grand and continuous Summer festival celebrates the birth of McCurtain County's most beautiful river. Stealing down the valley as if in sorrow It bids good-bye to its youthful cradle, A tiny rivulet, and hovering near it are the Fragrant flowers and dark green ferns 116 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 117

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Fondling and nourishing it with a Mother's care and affection, while above, The giant pines stand guard over its Youth and beauty. Passing the outlet of the valley, it is Joined by a smaller stream, and together They wend their way between the mountains Gathering other rivulets to their ranks, Ever growing in power, volume and momentum Until turning a point at the base of the Mountain, it slips into a beautiful basin, And like a child tired of play, it sleeps, Only to awaks and play again. Soon, it is out of the basin and speeding Again upon life's race as if in fear it would fail To reach its goal before the end of its Allotted time. Plunging down the gorge between two mountains Like youth in the age of indiscretion, It is hurled from one position to another And often its very existence seems in question, Though soon we find it in the valley below And all is quiet and serene again. Like man, it passes from conflict to peace And quiet, only to be rushed again into Conflict, ere the rest has served to heal The wounds of the last battle. Yonder on its glossy banks, under the Magic spell of its beautiful waters That glisten like the jewels of a royal crown, Lovers forget the angry words spoken on The mountain tops and pledge anew their Love and fidelity. A little farther down, a barefoot boy With hook and line, anxiously awaits the Expected prize catch, while in the valley Below, its murmuring waters soothe an Aching heart that mourns a love forever Lost. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 119 And thus it travels to its destiny; To the place that man calls its end, A silent witness to love, romance and Tragedy; a mute confidant of all who know It; a gem of God's great creation that Shines with the brilliancy of a thousand Gems, until we find where the hand of man Has robbed it of its beauty and marred its Splendor. And now as if in senile age, with measured step It passes on; its debth is greater; its Murmurs less frequent; its ripples less Musical•, as it appro~ches. the twilight Of its existence-the place where some skilled Artisan has designated upon a map- "The Mouth of Mountain Fork River." 120 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Merchants and Business Men

EFORE the construction of the A. & C. Branch of the Frisca Railroad, there were not over a dozen merchants in the territory now com­ prising McCurtain County. Robert Love. at Shawneetown, Wood Kirk at ·old Garvin, Louis Merry at Glover, J. W. Costilow at Lukfata, Sampson Jefferson at Hochatown, Clint Clark at Valliant, and a store at Watson, Smithville, Bethel, and two or three stores at other points, constituted the commercial world of what is now Mc­ Curtain County. Most of _the merchants bought their goods at Clarks­ ville and Paris, and hauled them through in ox and mule wagons across Red River to their respective stores, while other;, bought their goods at points in western Arkansas. Some of them did a fairly good business, while others sold goods as a sideline to farming and stock raising. Many of the farmers and stockmen would go to Clarks­ ville and other points on the Texas and Pacifc Railroad for their supplies, therefore the merchants kept only such goods as would supply the immediate wants of the people, which were very limited. There were no high-heeled shoes and silk stockings, no fit-form suits or panama hats, and no one lived out of tin cans, or rode in automobiles. There were no high schools, and very few common schools, no banks, no movies, and even the preacher took Paul's advice and went forth on his Godly errand without purse and without price. The mercantile business at that time was not nearly so systematic as at present. Indeed, there was very little system in or about any kind of business. As one of the merchants, an Ex-Choctaw Governer, expressed it in reply to a question by a drummer as to his per cent of profit, "I don't know what you call it, per cent, I buy it hat for one dollar, I sell it for three dollar. I buy it shoe for two dollar, and sell it for five dollar." 122 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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~ z< 0.... 8 z~ 8 00. ....~ ~ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 123 Only once have the merchants of the county fallen from the high estate of doing an equitable and honest business, based upon a reasonable per cent profit, which was during and subsequent to the late World War, at which time they, and all others did business upon the plan "That they were entitled to all they could get, and would lose a great deal by not asking it." For many years after statehood that branch of our little commercial world that has become a necessity, was not conducted on a safe, sound and -legitimate plan. The conditions ·peculiar to the rapid development of a new country, the many and plausible opportunities for specula­ tion and a crazy desire .to strike for wealth while the iron was hot, created a pressing demand for money. These conditions were taken advantage of by many of the banks, who took paper that was not sound, and risks that were not safe, and the losses from such risks were protected by usurious rates of interest. However, the State came to the rescue with the "Guaranteed Deposit Law," and banking soon settled down to a safe, sound and legitimate system of business, and today the people are proud of their banks and bankers. At present, the merchants and business men of the county will compare favorably with the same class of men anywhere. Merchandising and all classes of business have been brought to a standard of honesty and reliability. The customer of today doesn't go into the store with the expectation of being swindled. The dealer sells him the article he wants and tells him exactly what he is buying. This standard of honesty and fair dealing between the merchant and t~e customer has broken up the old hag­ gling over prices, and established confidence. Every town of any size in the county has its chamber of commerce, composed of public-spirited, charitable and progressive men of all business and professional callings. Men who are able and willing to forego immediate selfish ends in order to better community conditions; men who contribute liberally to public welfare purposes, and are 124 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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; / SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 125 considerate of those in their employ; men who are able to see that the final success of the individual is largely dependent upon the success of the community and the county. While there is yet room for improvement in the business conditions of the county, the spirit of fair dealing and considel'ation for others seems to have rooted itself firmly in the business world, and under a close observance of a proper code of ethics, will continue to improve. When the old-time Indian came to the store to buy goods and groceries, he was never in a hurry. When he had bought one article he paid for it before he bought another, and always examined everything very closely. It was the same way with him when he offered anything for sale.· If he was selling beef steers to a buyer, they were all lotted and one steer at a time was sold, paid for and then driven out of the lot ancl became the property of the buyer. They didn't seem to like the general average rule of buying and selling. 126 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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HEHBEHT IUSESHOOVER'S TO:\IB IN CE:,\IETI~RY ~EAR IDA. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 127

The Funeral Cry

NE of the most ancient customs of the Choctaw Indians and one that is to some extent followed to this day, is the Funeral Cry. When a mem­ ber of the family dies, he is quietly buried ,vith some or all of his personal belongings, at which time the stoicism of the Indian is apparent, for it is not often that any tears are shed at the burial service. On the day of the burial, the head of the family cuts and trims nicely, 28 little sticks which he lays up in the cracks of the log cabin, as representing the 28 days of the moon month. Every morning he takes down one of these sticks until there are only seven remaining, and then he sends out invitations to his kinsmen and friends to come to the Funeral Cry, which is to be on the day the last stick is taken down. Each kins1nan and guest is required to bring with him a specific amount of certain foods or provisions. One is alloted so much meal, another so much flour, and another so much beef, and so on. This request is strictly complied with. The congregation of relatives, friends and even the stranger, meet at a grove near the grave of the late deceased~ ·where a circular place has been cleaned of all shrubs and grass, in the midst of ,vhich a table is spread for the immediate family. At intervals around this center table is arranged the table for all other kinsmen, and ~till outside of these are tables for friends and visitors. Before the feast is spread, some relative of the de­ ceased rises and begins an oration, telling of the good qualities of the deceased, of his courage and prowess, and as he proceeds he grows more and more eloquent and im­ passioned, vthen the cry starts. Then begins a copious flow of tears-something of which the Indian is very sparing-accompanied by a low wailing and moaning that forces the on-looker to join in the cry. When this has 128 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND gone on for some time, the feast is spread, and certain ones of the deceased's relatives are appointed to wait upon the inner table, and others are selected to wait on the other tables. So the alternate ceremony of feasting, crying and wailing is kept up for two or three days. The intrusion and curiosity of the white .people have tended to lessen the frequency and publicity of the Funeral Cry as well as many other ancient customs and ceremonies of the Choctaw Indians. Many people regard the funeral cry of the Indian as a relic of barbarism, but really it is a like ceremony to that of some of the Christian denominations, except that the latter confine" themselves to fasting and prayers for the dead, leaving off the feastng and wailing. If it is not convenient, or if weather conditions are such that the cry cannot be held at the grave of the deceased, the relatives and friends repair to the church, where the feast is spread and candles are lighted around which they assemble in prayer and weeping, dividing their time between the candles and the :festive board and local oratory. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 129

T.he Indian In English (As He Understood English.) Whiteman Laws No Good. OW THE State Government decided to make the dipping of stock for the destruction and pre­ vention of ticks compulsory. Jefferson Hotub­ bee, a Choctaw, gave his individual experience to a local paper as follows: "Got one cow, have to dip ever fourteen days to kill it two ticks. Inspector says, good for cow, kill it tick. Cow she is ducked, good thing 8he swim to get out live. Tick he cause heap trouble. Inspector say soon kill all of 'em, so cow git fat on grass, 80 hide it bring more money. Whiteman at Peachland 8ay to me 'join the Anti Dip Club.' I say to him, what the use, dip before, dip now,. dip next time. Anti dip club no help last time, what the use, co,v she be dipped just

I come Monday, see Agent, he say for Indian dip like whiteman, tick no good he say. I guess I dip, kill two ticks dead as hell. This hell of a country whiteman make."

You See It? Under this head, an Indian advertised his lost pony, as follows: "Losted, in this country I think, one red pony, look like he's 13 feet high, ·one eye broke out, he come to my house last week. I didn't see it any more. One side behind blowed in (hip knocked down), you see it, tell 'bout it, maybe so I give it five dollars."

Anent Profiteering. For many years, even afterstatehood, digging snake­ root and other medicinal herbs in the hill country of the county was a distinct industry, white people and Indians alike made it a business for profit. 130 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

At one of .the inland villages, Indian John and his ex­ tensive family of children were accustomed to market the. results of their week's labor to a certain herb, hide and fur buyer, and one morning during the late war, John came trudging in with several bags of snakeroot on his back, followed by his numerous progeny who were also heavily laden. When the whole lot was deposited on the store porch, they buyer said to John : "A nice lot, John." "Yas, look like it right smart." "How much do you want for it?" " 'Bout dollar and a quarter, I think." "The war he's on." "Why, man, snakeroot's worth only 35cts ; that's the old ·price." "You sell it coffee old price?" "No, coffee is worth three times the old price." "Maybe so snakerooi, to~." "Well, I don't want it at that price." "All right, you don't want it, spec so I find it damn fool will take it."

Yakin Okchaya (Living Land). Kullitucko, Aug. 10th, 1883. Joe Briarly, On Sunday, July number three (third Sunday) Choc­ taw peoples have it largest meeting at Yakin Okchaya, my boy Dukes, he want to go this meeting bad. You let it this Dukes have one pair vests and charge for me. Your Frent, STEWART MITCHELL.

Symptoms Described. Fowlerville, June 20th, 1888. Dr. Denison, My good Frent, I want one botls good medison I am sickly I am weak & I am six days for hot breast and plenty warm on belly. L ....\.YMON BACON. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 131

Like Lazarus. Kullitukle, July 6th, 1889. J. W. Kirk who live at Garvin, I am poor man I am same like Lazarus I lie your gate and dog he done lick it my sore now. Heap white man come to choctaw nation steal it heap hog and cow head from choctaw people but dont give it much for church. Big meeting Kullituklo I want 1 sack flour 1 dollar coffee 1 dollar sugar feed it this people. ARON HOMA.

He Talked Too Much. The treaty of 1866, between the Federal Government and the Choctaw trtbe of Indians provided for the adoption of the Choctaw freedmen as citizens, the provisions of which treaty was not carried out until as late as 1885. Of course, when the Negro became a citizen, he was subject to the local, or Choctaw law, the violations of which en­ tailed a punishment of either whipping or shooting, as there were no jails in which to serve out punishment for misdemeanors. A certain Negro was convicted of larceny and sentenced to receive 36 lashes with the usual seasoned hickory, on his bare back. The court ground was crowded with Indians, Negroes and white people to witness the punishment as the Negro had bragged that no switch would ever make him cry out from pain. When the time came he was stripped to the waist and securely tied to the tree. The judge stood by to count the blows, and the sheriff proceeded to lay them on. The first lick puckered up the skin on his shoulders, he flinched. The seco·nd blow brought blood, and he squirmed and wriggled. The third had a bloody effect and the victim groaned aloud, which set the Indians to smiling. At the fourth blow the Negro cried aloud, "O Lordy, 0 Lordy," at which the Indians rolled on the ground in fits of laughter. Before the pun­ ishment was finished the Negro fainted. He was released and told to come back at a certain time and receive the remaining number of lashes. There is no record of the 132 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND fact that the Negro ever came back. The Indian always took his punishment, no matter how severe, without even groaning, and the Negro was sure he could do the same; but the Indians knew he would not.

"Corne." During the regime of John Burke as sheriff of the county, he received the following letter from a prominent Indian who lived near Eagletown: "Moun1;ain Fork Church, Isaac Wombee, School trusty to Sheriff. Havin' big meetin', look like four mans he make heap trouble, drunk, Come."

In Hock. Upon receipt of his per capita payment, an Indian bought a fine pair of horses, buggy; and harness, and drove into town. Immediately, he found some white mule and proceeded to fill up. The put him in jail and the next morning the· 's court got what he had left and released him. Straight way he wrote his wife as follows: "Put it bosses in stable, didn't git it out, Send it money."

Survival of the Fittest. Along in the '80's when the Choctaw courts were held at Kullituklo, t'wo Indian boys were put upon trial for the murder of a very old Indian by the name of Achubbie. The evidence established the fact that the boys, who were drunk, went to the old man's cabin where he lay in bed too feeble to offer any resistance, and shot him. There seems to have been no motive or provocation other than a desire to kill. The jury empaneled to try the !!ase, reported a verdict of not guilty, giving as their reason or excuse that the old man was "No good, too old, tum boys loose, maybe so he grow up make it good mans."

He Fished Somewhere Else. In Territorial days many of the cases of law infraction that occurred in this part of the Territory were taken to Paris for trial. Federal Judge Bryant, who presided over SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 133 the court at Paris, was wont to spend a part of his vacation fishing on Mountain Fork River, this county, where lived an Indian of some note, who was also a judge of one of the tribal courts, and who could speak ,English fairly well. The two judges were well acquainted and quite chummy. It happend that the Indian judge was called before the Federal Court as a witness, and at once demanded an interpreter. Judge Bryant, knowing that he could speak English, told the bailiff to take him to .i ail and keep him there until he would talk. After spend­ ing a night in jail, the Indian decided to talk, and so testified in English. When the court ·was through ,vith him as a ,vitness, he approached the rostrum and said to the judge, "Judge·you come it Mountain Fork and fish some more?" "Yes," replied the judge. "When you come, you talk Choctaw or you go to jail." The Federal .Judge movecl his fishing grounds.

Snak£root as a Side*line. Court ,vas called one morning during a tern1 at Kullituklo. and the Indian judge proceeded to f!ound his docket. In the first case called~ that of a young man charg€d ,vith fighting, an Indian lawyer ,vho had been retained in the case, ·was absent, and the court asked those present if any of them had seen him. One of them replied, "I ~ee it on road, look like he dig it snakeroot." The court recessed until 1 o'clock, when the lawyer was seen coming leisurely along with a flour sack stuffed full of the coin of the realm. On being asked why he stopped to dig snakeroot, he replied, "I kno\v boy he no ~ay, so I dig snakeroot maybe so buy coffee.'~ 134 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Historical Localities

Old Doaksville. rr;~~'7 OME three or four miles south and east of the town of Swink, in Choctaw County, is the site of the first settlement of southeast Indian Territory, known as Old Doaksville. The Doaks were two brothers who were Indian traders that settled among the Choctaws and Chickasaws many years before the Indians left Mississippi, and must have had inside information from the department that the immigration from that State to the new country was only a matter of a few years, for they came over in 1821, bringing their stock of goods up Red River, and when the tribes came a few years later, they were on the ground and ready for business. Hence \Ve may safely say that the Doak brothers were Oklahoma's first sooners. However, they were followed many years later by a class of sooners the latchets of ,vhose shoes they were not worthy to loose. One of the objects of interest to the tourist, and superstition to the Indians and old settlers, near Old Doaksville~ is the "Witch Holes." They consist of a connected series of holes of water some distance below the earth's surface with underground drainage to a nearby creek. The fact that the flow of water from this drainage never increases or diminishes, and the further fact that the holes of water have never been fathomed, and that they never rise or fall, seem to have instilled into the minds of the early settlers a supernatural feeling con­ cerning them. However, it is known now that they are, or constitute a great under-ground spring of unknown depth, with ample drainage at the topmost rim of the water to take care of all subterranean or surface water that may flow into them without any perceptible change in the drainage flo\\~.

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Eagletown. This historical village is located on a hill about a mile east of Mountain Fork River on what is known as the old Military road, which passed through the county from the Arkansas boundary in a southwest direction to Fort Towson. After months of hard travel over mountains and across many streams, a few of the Indians were anxious to end their journey, and settled at the first desirable place they found in their new country, which was given the name of Eagle town, or rather, "Eagle," to which the word "Town" was afterwards added. Later, on a high hill, on the west side of the river, Chief Gardner built a mansion in which he resided for many years. On this road, in the river bottom, stands the largest tree in the State. It is a cypress tree, and measures 42 feet around ;3 feet from the ground and its top is level with the surrounding hills. The tree is now showing signs of decay. It has forks about 30 feet from the ground, and in its many huge branches are homes for swarms of bees. Lukfata. A village situated on the old military trail, near the geographical center of the county, it is beautifully located on a level plain near the banks of the mountain stream of the same name. It ·was here that the Federal Government established a supply depot for the Indians who settled in the extereme eastern part of their country. Authorities do not agree as to the meaning of the word "Luk-fata." Some state that the station was named for a prominent Choctaw family of that name-the name of Lukfata does not appear in the official roll of the tribe-while others claim that the word means literally,. "chalk dirt." For. many years Lukfata was the only postoffice in what is now McCurtain County. Wheelock. It seems that as the caravan of Indian immigrants under the guidance of U. S. troops made their way across the southern part of the territory to which they had been 138 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND assigned, small companies of them would drop out from the main body and make settlement at intervals along the trail, and Wheelock coming next to Lukfata, was the last settlement east of Fort Towson. which was the tenta­ tive end of its journey. However, it never acquired the name Wheelock for several years later. A philanthropist of that name who resided in one of the ·eastern States, and whose sympathy had been aroused in behalf of the Choctaws, and who was a zealous Presbyterian, selected the place to erect an academy for the education of Indian children. He endowed the instution with sufficient means to make it successful until such time as the Federal Gov­ ernment could come to its rescue, since which time the tribal and Federal governments have made it one of the best Indian schools in the State. Historical Objeets. It is here that the oldest church building in the State is located. It was built of stone, quarried near its site, in 1846, and notwithstanding the fact that it is approach­ ing the century mark, it is in a fair state of preservation at present. There ii an unfortunate circumstance in con­ nection with this historical building. The land on which it is situated, is the allotment of a~ individual, and its existence depends on his will or that of future owners. Surely there is patriotism enough in the State and among prominent Indian families to save this relic of her past history. Allen Wright, an old and learned Indian mis­ sionary of Presbyte~ian faith, is buried in the cemetery at this place. Many of his deeds are recorded on his tomb. About one-half mile west of Wheelock is the old residence of Governor Leflore, a large double log house, the flooring and ceiling of which ·was rived out of \vhite oak and dressed by hand. Fort Towson. The old fort by this name is situated on the east bank of Gates' Creek, about one mile north and east from the present town of Fort Towson on the Frisco Railroad. Only

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:,.,: SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 141 small bits of the wall of the fort and two of the mam­ moth stone chimneys remain standing. There was never any wall on the north and west sides, as none was needed. The precipitous bluff on these two sides extending down to the waters of the creek, is about 150 feet. The level plain along the east side, where Uncle Sam's boys in blue \Vere wont to have their drills and military exercises~ is now a large and beautiful meadow on which many cattle and horses graze. The chimneys of this old fort alone are worth going to see. They are about ten feet wide, three feet deep and at least six feet from the stone floor to the arch, and form a part of the partition wall bet-ween the continuous run of rooms. A whole steer could be roasted at once in one of them and leave ample room for baking and boiling. The old well, from which the occu­ pants of the fort took their water, is still intanct. It is about ten feet in diameter, walled up with stone, and its depth cannot be ascertained by peeping in.

Historical Objects. Between the old fort and Doaksville, the trading point of the fort, is situated the object of greatest interest to the tourist, the old cemetery. The people of the preRent town of Fort Towson still use the cemetery, or rather the south end, but unfortunately have neglected to keep up the anicient graves. Many of the oldest graves are over­ run with weeds, bushes and briars and the inscriptions can scarcely be deciphered. Among the oldest that can be read is that of "Tryphenes," (no other name), who died in 1832; Marie Cegra ve, 1833; Col. J. H. Nail, 1837; David Fulsom, 1846. These last two were the heads of extensive families in the Choctaw Nation. The inscriptions are all on native stone, hence erosion has effaced the oldest ones. Granny Turnbull, who has recently died, was the last of the Indians who had any recollection of the old fort days. She was nearly a century old at her death in 1919, but retained a remarkable memory and intellect. U nf ortu­ nately, her many stories of hardships, trials and heart- 142 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND aches as well as pleasures and profits of the tribe and the few white people of the frontier, which have not been pre­ served, would be very interesting to the people of today. Shawneetown. Another branch of the old military trail made a detour to the south and struck Red River at what is now known as Shawneetown, thence to Old Garvin, a northwest course, intersecting the main trail at or near Wheelock. On this branch of the road, about five miles south of Idabel, is the old village of Shawneetown. The village is located at the edge of the river bottom and ,vas for years a trading point. Later, the village and the adjoining rich bottom lands came into the possession of Robert Love, a mixed breed Indian, who opened one of the finest farms in the territory. By his industry, business methods and upright­ ness, of character, Robert Love accumulated a large property and won the love and respect of all who knew him. He was the grandson of Col. Jones, a prominent and perhaps the wealthiest member of the tribe. When the Choctaws came to this country, Shawneetown was occu­ pied by a few members of that tribe, but they soon abandoned their holdings and drift~d to other parts of the territory. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 143

,J A:\IES R. KNIGU'r-BE'l'H'l•~L. Old-Timers James R. Knight. A farmer, real estate dealer and citizen of McCurtain County, who lives on his farm near the mountain village of Ida, is a man the details of whose life experiences, especially the latter part, would alone, present a fair picture of the historical development of Southeast Okla­ homa. Clerk, cowboy, merchant, stockman, editor and office holder, are a few of his various occupations during his residence in Oklahoma and the Indian Territory. In the early days of statehood, Southeast Oklahoma, par­ ticularly the mountainous regions, was a rendezvous for 144 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND all kinds of lawless characters, and it is largely due to the efforts of such men as Jim Knight, Tom Graham, Cliff McDonald and other pioneer citizens of that region, that they were driven from the country. After the county was cleared of these obectionable characters the northern and western parts began a rapid improvement and settlement. The towns of Smithville, Sherwood, Bethel and Ida, while they were old settle­ ments, put on new life and growth. Mr. Knight estab­ lished himself on a farm near Ida, that had been the home of his wife's fan1ily for generations, and it was here that he received his commission as deputy sheriff. During hiH service as deputy he was repatedly threatened with death by thieves and robbers, and more than once narrowly escaped the assassin's bullet. Mr. Knight likes to relate in detail the encounters between the officers of the law and the outlaws of the early days of the county's history. Of one period he says, "Conditions became unbearable. Posses were organ­ ized by the sheriffs of four counties consisting of fifty men, hurried into the mountains and mobilized. They searched the recesses of the mountains and the country surrounding the principal ranches and towns. It was an arduous, exciting and dangerous campaign. Every day a few suspects were arrested until about thirty were held. One pitched battle occurred in which a robber was killed, and another battle was fought in a storm on the moun­ tain in which a posseman was killed by mistake. Two posses, blinded by the storm, mistook each other for out­ laws. At another time the officers came upon the robbers in a rock fort in a canyon and the robbers shot and killed four horses belonging to the officers. They were in­ trenched in an impregnable position, but the officers cap­ tured six horses in the encounter. The expedition lasted four weeks, bringing to a summary end the robbing of stores and postoffices, the stealing of horses and cattle and other features of outlawry. There was not sufficient evidence to eonvict any of the suspects under arrest, but SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 145 their arrest and detention served a good purpose. After this. while lawlessness was not entirely suppressed, it was no longer conducted on an organized basis. The cattlemen became members of the Texas Cattle Raisers Association which furnished the Kiamichi region a line of detectives whose activities brought about many arrests and several convictions." From the fore going as an incident in the career of J. R. Knight, and the further fact of his excellent citizen­ ship, public career, qualifications as a writer and loyalty to the principles of demorcracy, it may be seen, as stated at the beginning of this article, that he is closely linked up with the history of his county and State. J. R. Knight was born at Rienzi, Miss., in 1868, a son of R. K. and Violette (Aughey) Knight. His father was a teacher for forty-seven years, the last few years of which was spent in the schools of Caddo, Indian Territory. Among his pupils at this place were boys who are now among the foremost men of the State. R. K. Knight

:\IT~S VIOLET1'A KNIGHT-BEHEL, DAUGHTER OF .JAitES R. KNIGHT. chairman of this committee he sought the enactment of laws placing the enforcement of the game laws in the hands of the sheriffs, thus abolishing the long-range fea­ ture of government in the appointment of deputy game wardens from different parts of the State. In this he failed, but subsequent conditions proved the correctness of his position. In 1905, at Wheelock Academy, Mr. Knight married Miss Agnes Beatrice Battiste, an Indian girl of French descent, whose father was for a number of years judge of Neshoba County in the Choctaw Nation. Mrs. Knight died January 5th, 1911, leaving one child, Violetta, who is at present in Randolph-Macon College, Lynchburg, Va. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 147

Two of his sisters, ·Miss K. K. Knight and Miss Elizabeth, have been identified with the educational interests of the State since girlhood. Mr. Knight is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the M. W. A. and other fraternal orders. He is always active and alive in the development of his country, and through his great love for his wife and daughter, :is a true friend of the Indians, and an advocate of the brotherhood of man and the milk of human kindness. It is his greatest desire that the old mountain farm in the bend of west Glover near Ida, will be the most picturesque, remunerative and independent. place in the world, for it is the home of four generations of his wife's family. The place is an ideal quarter-section with some hill land, but mostly creek bottom, threaded by the silvery Glover Creek, skirted by high pine-fringed bluffs on one side and fringed by oak, holly, cedar and walnut on the other, with many springs and natural parks surrounding it. Aside from the resi­ dence, there are the necessary barns and other buildings, fruit trees from three to forty years old, English and Japanese walnut trees, and a spacious garden fringed with mint, sage, asparagus and rhubarb, all of which give the place an air of beauty and comfort almost beyond com­ parison. It is the wish of Mr. Knight that his only daughter, Mary Violetta, shall keep and continue to improve this place and hand it down from generation to generation, holding it as an oasis in the desert of human trials and troubles, so that the wayfaring man may find cheer and comfort on his way, and depart again, with a greater faith in all that is good ... But while J. R. Knight came to the Indian Territory in the early days, he also made adventures into other lands. These adventures include working through a "Sugar Rolling," cutting out roads in the swamps of ~ouisiana, making a winter garden on the Texas coast and serving as acting vice-consul under Wm. C. Burchard for the Islands of Ruatan, Bonaca and Artila, off the coast of 148 McCURTAIN· COUNTY AND

Spanish Honduras, and holding do,vn a pre-emption claim in Colorado. But the work of which he seems proudest is that of aiding in securing the best class of citizenship for his locality, and in this work, the efficiency, morale and loyalty of the citizens of northwest McCurtain attest the success of his efforts.

Edmond J. Gardner. Edmond ,J. Gardner was born at the old Gardner home near Wheelock, in 1877, and is a descendent of a. family of five brothers who came over from Mississippi in 1832 and settled in different parts of the county. He is a half­ blood Choctaw. His boyhood was surrounded by conditions and circumstances that were not conducive to morality and good citizenship, for when he was 13 his family moved from the old home to a farm on Red River, and just across the river was lots of bad whisky and no lack of characters to peddle it along the border. His schooling consisted of a few months in the common schools of that period, in which he reached the third grade. After coming to man­ hood he realized that an education was essential to his success in life, and he adopted as his slogan, "Knowledge, and not money, shall be my aim," and on this precept he has shaped his life. No opportunity to improve his mind has ever been neglected. He mastered the principles of arithmetic and English grammar alone, and by a persistent course of reading good books, magazines and newspapers became versed in current knowledge and events. His first appointment to public office was that of postmaster at Clear Creek, which was followed by his ~ppointment as clerk and treasurer of Towson County under Choe ta w government. In 1901, he moved to the town of Valliant where he began business as a photographer, and while his business was scarcely sufficient ~o support a growing family, he clung to his slogan and put away 10 per cent of his earnings for books and magazines, which he called his "Instruction Fund." In 1906, he was elected mayor of the town, but prior to hiB election a:; mayor had served as SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 149 town clerk and had also been reappointed as county clerk of To-wson County. During this period he began the study of law and soon o~ened an office under the firm name of Gardner & Cochran, the last named being Judge . E. E. Cochran of Idabel. In a short while he abandoned the practice of law, giving as his reason theref9r, that it would not har~onize with his conscience. In 1910, he was ap­ r.ointed assistant postmaster at Valliant and served for four yearg_ During his leisure hours while serving as · aRsistant postmaster he worked out a new system of shorthand, a complete phonetic alphabet consisting of 67 characters, with a name for each, and invented a writing machine operated with 5 keys used for the phonetic alphabet. In 1915 he opened a watchmaker's and jeweler's ::-;hop in his home town, and is probably the only Choctaw who ever learned that trade. Mr. Gardner is the present postmaster of Valliant, having been appointed by President llarding upon the recommendation of both Democrat$ and Republicans. In politics he is a Republican, a mentber of the Methodist Church. and of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders.

Robert J. Buchanan.

Robert J. Buchanan \Vas born in 1847, died in 1919. He was a solider in the Confederate army but unfortu­ nately. none of his children have any record of his enlist­ ment, service or discharge. He came to Indian Territory in 1899, and settled south of Millerton, this county. where he lived until his death. l\ir. Buchanan raised a large family-four girls and four boys-most of whom are residents of McCurtain at present. "Uncle Bob,'' as he \Vas called by all who knew him. was a splendid citizen, a good neighbor and served his district one term as com­ m1ss1oner.

David A. Fowler. David A. Fowler was born in Montgomery County, Ala., in 1867, came to Indian Territory with his father's 150 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND family in 1879 and settled near Wheelock, where he has lived ever since, and in what ,vas then known as Towson County. He later married into the Choctaw tribe and be­ came a citizen of that nation, filling several public posi­ tions up until statehood. Shortly after the county organi­ zation he was elected justice of the peace of his township on the Democratic ticket and served in that capacity for ten consecutive years, until his health began to fail, when he moved west, but soon returned to his old home, where he says he intends to spend the remainder of his life. Mr. Fowler has given 20 years of his life to the public service, and is held in high esteem as a citizen and public officer. Ile is a member of the Bapth;t Church and in his later days is giving religiouH matters much of hiH time.

W. .J. Whiteman. W. J. '\Vhiteman of Goodwater, thb~ county, was born at Clarksville, Texas, in November, 1869, where he was educated and lived until 189a, when he came to the Indian Territory and settled at Goodwater, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Whiteman was one of the many young men who cnst their lot with the fortunes of the new country with nothing to fight the battle of life hut energy, integrity and determination, but he has signally suc­ ceeded. It is very rarely that a genial, hospitable and liberal man, such as Mr. Whiteman. succeeds financially, but he has proven an exception to the rule. Three years after coming to Indian Territory, he married Miss Mattie J. Harris, from which union there are eight children. Mr. Whiteman is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, member of the Goodwater Lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 148, Royal Arch, Idabel Indian Consb.;tory No. 2, McAlester, Bedouin Templar, Shriner. Besides his well-equipped farm, he does a splendid merchandise busi­ ness at Goodwater, and is a stockholder in most of the banks of the county. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 151

Ellen Kanitobe. Ellen Kanitobe, Choctaw, born in Mississippi 98 years ago. Lives three miles east of ldabel, and walks into town without the aid of a stick and picks up flying samnles of cotton on the streets. Stooped and small, but very active for one of her age.

Colonel Carter. Colonel Carter, Negro, born a Choctaw slave in Indian Territory. The Colonel doesn't know his age, niether does anyone else~ but he is well over 80. When served recently with summons in a suit on account, he remarked to the constable, "Well, all dey can do iH to git jedgment agin me, and I got lots o' dem." I-Te is an inveterate Rmoker.

Hleohtamhhi. l-Ileohtambbi, aged Choctaw, born in Mississippi and came over with his tribe in 18B7. Said to have been about 18 years old at that time. lfleohtambbi (pronounced as Leahtombee) lives about three mile~ northweRt of Broken Row and walks to town when he feels like it. While he, nor anyone else knows his correct age, he is well past the century mark, as his appearancp indicates. His skin resembles parchment, his voice quavers, has lost his sur­ plus flesh peculiar to Choctaws after passing middle age, and his hair is very white, which never occurs with Indians until well advanced 1n age.

Robert Love. Robert Love, an early and much respected citizen of the Chocta\\· Nation, was born at Philadelphia, Penn., in 1860. He ,vas a descendant of the Choctaw tribe, and soon after the Civil \Var came to his people and settled in what is now McCurtain County. As one of the heirs of Col. Jones, a very wealthy Indian, he inherited what is known as the Shawneetown farm on Red River, in this county, and proved himself a successful planter and mer­ chant. He later married Miss Kate D. Devor, from which 152 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND marriage there are several children now residents of the county. He died at Clarksville, Texas, in 1904, leaving a vacancy in the business field of McCurtain County that was seriously felt and only filled by the subsequent rush of settlement and development of the country.

William A. Coleman. William A. Coleman was born in Red River County, Texas, in 1862, raised on a · farm and had only the ad­ vantages of the common schools. In 1880, when he was 18 years of age, he came to the Indian Territory and settled at what is now Pleasant Hill, in this county, and for many years pursued his occupation of farming. Later, he married Lou Anna Morris, who was of Indian blood, and became a citizen "f the Choctaw Nation. To his farming operations he very soon added the mercantile business and was considered successful in both lines of business. Mr. Coleman was the father of a large family of children. kind and indulgent, clever in business, loyal to his friends, and a progressive citizen. Prior to his death, in Decrmber, 1915, he had accumulated consider­ able pror-erty, and was one of the most prominent men 1n McCurtain County's financial world.

W. Sam Davis. W. Sam Davis, born at Atkins, Arkansas, October 8th, 1882. Had the common schools and two years in high school, supplemented by a business course, came to Indian Territory in 1895 and worked a year at Eagletown. In 1895, went back to Sevier County, and in 1906 moved to Valliant and with Duncan Nash started the Valliant News, then again moved to Eagletov{n where he taught school for several years. In 1912, he was elected to the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket, and served for two years. and in 1914 was the county's delegate to the State Democratic convention. Mr. Davis has been in public service in some capacity nearly ever since statehood, and his services have always been satisfactory. At present, SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 153 and for the past several years, he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Eagletown, and is well liked and respected by all who know him.

John R. White. John R. White, late of this county, was born in Red River County, Texas, in November, 1858. He was raised on a farm just across the river from his adopted county and State, attended the neighborhood schools until he was large enough to ride to Clarksville, a distance of ten miles to school, which he did all the time he could be spared from the farm. After reaching his majority, he married Miss Lena Simpson, a native of the Indian Territory, and moved to Idabel in 1903, where he entered the mercantile 154 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND business and proved himself one of the successful mer­ chants of the new country. In 1911 and 1912, his health began to fail and he ,vent west with the hope of regaining it, but soon lost hope and returned to his home in Idabel, where he died in August, 1914. The same vim and de­ termination to succeed that made Mr. White, when a boy, ride ten miles to school every day, characterized his after life and brought success to his efforts as a successful business man. Rev. A. S. Williams. Rev. A. S. Williams, born near Bethel, this county, in December, 1868, educated at Spencer Academy, with one term at Roanoke College, Virginia. He was licensed to preach in 1888, and he began active service as a Metho­ dist minister in 1894. Was appointed Presiding Elder of the Choctaw M. E. Church in 1921 and re-appointed in 1922. His district comprises practically all of the Choctaw and Chickasaw countries. In connection with his minis­ terial duties, he acts as agent for the American Bible Society. Rev. John Crane. Rev. John Crane is a native of 'Texas, having been born near Paris in 1856. His education was limited to the common schcols of Texas and one year of theological train­ ing in an eastern college, with a short time at Waco. He is a missionary Baptist, and has probably organized more churches of that denomination in southeast Oklahoma than any other Baptist preacher. H~ carries his 66 years ·well, and is still active in his chosen work.

George T. Victor. George T. Victor, the subect of this sketch, was born in Choctaw Nation in 1880. Attended the local school~ of his tribe and later had three years at Armstrong Acedemy. After leaving school, he served as deputy clerk under W. J. Fisher, who was then· County Clerk of Bokhoma County. When about 21 he married Louisa Lawataya SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 155

(La-wa-ta-ya), by whom was born Frank J. After the death of his first wife, he married Nancy Forbes, by whom he had three children, Georgie, Deb. Jones and Wilma. Since the organization of the county he has served as court interpreter a great deal of the time. His first notary commision is signed by Gov. Haskell, and he has been commissioned by every succeeding governor since statehood.

H. C. (Cliff) McDonald. (By J. R. Knight.)

Cliff McDonald discovered An1erica in Alabama on the top side of a half century ago. After attaining his majority, he roamed around over the central west, digging coal, running cattle, mauling rails and working in the harvests. Later, he re-joined his father's family in Polk County, Arkansas, and settled down to farming. In 1905, he came to LeFlore County, Choctaw Nation, and in 1907 was appointed deputy sheriff, under Sheriff Noble of that county and assisted in running down the robbers and thieves that infested LeFlore, Pushmataha and McCurtain Counties just after statehood. In 1908, he came to Mc­ Curtain County and was at once appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff Graham, and has held the office under Burk, Holman; Felker and Jones, successfully. M-r. McDonald has made a fearless but kind and considerate officer, often settling cases between neighbors out of court by fiendly arbitration. He is a me1nber of the Baptist Church, of the Odd Fellows Order, of the anti-horsethief association, a live wire in the Democratic party, and was a member of the legal advisory board during the late war. He is also the father of a large family and husband of one of the best women in McCurtain County, a fine neighbor and a good citizen. Men like l\'IcDonald should have a few flowers handed to them while alive as a mark of appreciation of their value as a citizen. 156 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

.... 0 ~ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 157

Judge John C. Earl. Judge John C. Earl, the subject of this sketch, is one of the pioneer lawyers of Southeast Oklahoma and Mc­ Curtain County, and is now a resident of Idabel. He was born in Flanklin County, N. C., in November, 1850, and after finishing the common schools, had a Literary Course in the University of North Carolina. He took up the gtudy of law before his majority, and was admitted to the bar in 1871 at Morrilton, Ark., and while here, served a term as circuit judge. In 1898 he moved to Poteau, Indian Territory, "'here he practiced his profession in the Federal Courts until 1902, when he moved to this county and settled at Garvin, then a thriving town on the Frisco. He invested his earnings in town property, which for several years brought him a splendid revenue. In 1909, he moved to Idabel, the county seat, and notwithstanding his 72 years, is still active in his work as a lawyer.

William J. Old. William J. Old, editor, owner and publisher of the McCurtain Gazette, a semi-weekly newspaper published at Idabel, Okla., is a native of Arkansas. He was born September 28th, 1860, at the town of Serey, and raised· to manhood in that town. His education consists of com­ mon and high school training, supplemented by hard work and close study in the newspaper world, which is said to be the greatest common education to be obtained. Imme­ diately u~on leaving school, he entered the old Beacon office at Searcy as an apprentice, and before many years was out in the work on his own account. W. J. Old learned early that business methods must be applied to the publica­ tion of a newspaper if he was to support a growing family and succeed in the business, hence he began eliminnating all of the old-time "glory and honor'-' features peculiar to newspapers o-,. that day, and to substitute strict business principles, and is therefore one ot the few who have succeeded in the newspaper field. He came to Idabel in 1909, and soon after bought the office of the Gazette from McCURTAIN COUNTY AND I

i': :.,.,,, ,_,- ~ '·'.... ~ .:, ~ ....'·' ., .,, ' ,,..... '·'....' ' ;,; ...... '·'..... :,... ,..,...... - -..~ :...- ;.,. ---: -;.,. - ;, /.- -·1. -. -..--'.

\ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA . 159

M. L. Henderson, and has built up one of the best equipped newspaper and job printing offices in this section of the State. When asked, "To what do you attribute your suc­ cess in your chosen work?" he replied, "To business methods, close attention to my business and square dealing to every one." One of the many admirable traits of char­ acter of W. J. Old is his loyalty to his friends. They always know where to find him.

J. w. Greely, Sr. Mr. Greely is a native of Knox County, Mo., an Okla­ homa boomer and Panama Canal builder. He came to Oklahoma early in 1889, made the "Run" and located a homestead four miles south of . During the years 1894 and 1895 was employed in railroad and harbor work in the of Mexico, after which he received a commission from the U. S. Government and went to work on the Panama Canal in the engineering and construction department. He is a member of several benev­ olent organizations. Before leaving his native State, he was married to Miss Mary Duck, from which marriage two sons and two daughters were born. The boys, J. w-., Jr., and Thomas J., were overseas fighters in the late VVorld War. J. W. now lives in McCurtain County, was a member of the 90th Division, and all Oklahoma know of the valor of this great section of the U. S. Army in France. Thomas J. was a member of the 36th Division, and was one of the many thousands who made the supreme sacrifice. One of the daughters, Mrs. Henderson, died in Panama, and the grandparents now have her two sons with them; the other daughter, Mrs. Wintringham, is a resident of Chocta,v County. Mr Greely lives on his farm .i ust north of Idabel, and is regarded as one among the county's best citizens. His ideal statesman and soldier is Col. Roosevelt, and as long as he pays homage at the shrine of this illustrous Amer­ ican, he will remain safe, sane and sound. 160 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Rev. J. L. Overby. Rev. J. L. Overby, of Haworth, Okla., is a native of Arkansas, born in Lamar, June 15th, 1864, and after com­ pleting his school, took course at Ewing Academy. He began his work in the ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, in 1903, and moved to McCurtain County in 1914, where he took charge of the Haworth Circuit of the Methodist Protestant Church, and by his untiring efforts succeeded in paying off the indebt­ edness of the church at Haworth and Redland, and ·estab­ lished the church at Macedonia. At present he is pastor of the Pleasant Hill Circuit, which was formerly a part of the Haworth Circuit.

J. Ed Harris. J. Ed Harris, of Harris, in this county, was born near Ultamathule, in what was then Eagle County, Choctaw Nation, on August 5th, 1854, and is therefore in his 69th year. Mr. Harris' father was one of the Mississippi emi­ grants and settled in the eastern part of what is now this county. He came of one of the oldest and best Indian families. In 1866, he· moved down on Red River and began clearing up and putting in cultivation a farm that is now among the best in the county. During the time of the Choctaw Government he served his people in many public capacities. Under conditions that existed in the country during his youth, his education was of course limited, but was sufficient to enable him to compete in the business "'-orld, in which he has been a success. At one time he was sheriff of Red River County and at other times represented his county in the councils of his nation.

Quintus Herndon. Quintus Herndon was born near Wilton, Ark., in May, 1861, raised on a farm and had the benefit of the common schools of his State. He came to McCurtain County in 1887 and married a daughter of John Pebworth, a native. Shortly after his marriage he moved to the place where SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 161 he now livh .. and with the exception of a few years, when he was eng. 'ged in the mercantile business at Lukfata and Kullituk o, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Herndon has ..aised a family of 8 children, the most of whom are now grown and well established in life. As a citizen, he stands among the first in the country he has helped to develop, and as a. neighbor he is kind, considerate and accommodating. There are hundreds of men in Mc­ Curtain County who can testify to the many acts of kindness and accommodation they have received at the hands of Quintus Herndon.

John T. Beavers. John T. Beavers is a native of Randolph County, Alabama, where he was born in May, 1858. While com­ paratively a young man he immigrated to Arkansas and a few years later moved to this county, where he has lived on or near Mountain Fork River ever since. Uncle John, as he is familiarly known, is an intermarried and lives on his farm in a little valley near the river, in what is known as Beavers Bend. In response to the question, "What has been your chief occupation during your long life?" his reply was, "I have been a hunter all my life." And this is literally true. He related an incident that occurred on a hunt when he, his brother Bob and Uncle Rex Jacobs were camping on Bear Creek. "We separated, each going his own way, with his gun, knife and dog. A short way from camp I sighted a full-grown bear and in my anxiety for a shot took long chances, and only succeeded in wounding him when he made fight. Then began a mixup of bear, man, knife and dog, and for a while it was doubt­ ful who would be the victor in this hand-to-hand conflict. Finally I won, but it was the hardest fight and the closest call of my hunting experience. My faithful dog, without whom I could not have won, was left dead on the battle­ ground." His best count in one year, shortly after com­ ing to Indian Territory, was something over 300 deer, 162 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND twice as many turkeys and several bears. Th~te are many noted hunters in the county, but the three named in this sketch are perhaps the oldest and most successful.

J. A. Franklin. J. A. Franklin, one of the oldest and most interesting characters in McCurtain County, is he whose names heads this sketch. Born at Eagletown, in this county, in March, 1832, and is now 91 years old, and aside from chronic rheumatism is hale and hearty. He is a quarter-breed Indian and was raised an orphan among the Choctaws. In his youth he must have been a tough nut, as he states that he has been tied to the stake and whipped for fight­ ing and disturbing the peace several times. After state­ hood he was used for several years as an interpreter in the courts of the county. He speaks the Choctaw language fluently and is an entertaining talker. Mr. Franklin holds the record as a marrying man, having now his 8th wife. He is not quite certain how many of these have died and how many have been divorced.

J. A. Ford. J. A. Ford of Haworth, was born in Columbia, Tenn., in 1844, and enlisted in the Union Army at Nashville, Company D, 10th Tennessee Regiment, under Gen. Thomas, and served during the war. Was honorably discharged at Nashville in 1865. Except his snow-white hair and beard, his 79 years sit lightly on him.

J. H. English. J. H. English, of Sherwood, in this county, was born in Henry County, Georgia, in 1845, raised on a farm, and what education he obtained was from the common schools of those days. He enlisted in the Confederate service on the · 14th of February, 1863, at Cave Springs, Ga., and remained in the army until he was discharged at Green­ ville, N. C., in May, 1865. Mr. English moved from SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 163

Arkansas about the time of statehood, and has lived con­ tinuously on his farm near Sherwood, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He served the village as postmaster for many years, is a good citizen and loved and respected by all who know him.

Robert Hinds. Robert Hinds, of Idabel, is a native of the State of Arkansas, born in Sevier County in 1846, raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools. When a boy he was with his father in the Confederate army, and after the war, took Horace Greeley's advice and went west to the cattle ranches, where he worked until coming to what is now McCurtain County in 1877. For many years he served as deputy U. S. marshal through this portion of the Territory. He is the only white man now living in this county that was here in the early days when he came to this locality. W. S. Williams. W. S. Williams, of Bokhoma, this county, was born in Georgia in 1846, and came to the ,.rerritory in 1903, and settled near Bokhoma where he now principally re­ sides, but spends much of his time with his children, who live in different parts of the county. Mr. Williams has the distinction of having been one of the United States census enumerators for the three last census. W. S. Parsons. \i\l. S. Parsons, of l\iillerton, this county, was born in in 1851, had a little training in the public schools of the State, but no higher educational advantages. He came to the Indian Territory in 1870, and after roam­ ing over the country, like most youths who came here in the early days, he settled at Wheelock in 1881, and soon after married Miss S~san Gardner, who was a niece of Governor Gardner. Mr. Parsons is a well preserved man of his age, and bids fair to continue as one among the best citizens of McCurtain Conunty for many years. He 164 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND acquired the habit of selling goods as a sideline to his farm and stock industry, in the early days, and keeps it up to this. day. Wm. S. Penny. Wm. S. Penny, of Idabel, born in Sevier County, ~~rk., in 1854, common school training, raised on a farm and foil owed that occupation all o:f his life until the last eight or ten years he has been in the transfer business in Idabel, and as a side issue to his main business, still keeps it up. He came to the Indian Territory in 1890, having married Miss Maggie Holman before leaving his native State, and settled in what is now McCurtain County.

J. E. (Jerry) Row]and. J. E. (Jerry) Rowland was born at Hope, Ark., in August, 1875, and raised on a farm in that State where he had only the advantages of the public schools. He came to Idabel in 1904, and opened up a hardware busi­ ness soon after. At that time there were no churches, schools, government or other social institutions in the new country, and Mr. Rowland, with others of his neigh­ bors, was repeatedly called on for help by community builders to establish these adjuncts to civilization, and he always responded liberally. In 1898, he volunteered his services in the Sapnish-American War, and after six months' service was honorably discharged. In 1917 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the county in the Sixth Legislature, where he proved himself the friend of the common people and the public schools. He is a reliable business man and a public-spirited citizen. B. .C. Harris. B. C. Harris, or, as he is known to his many friends, Burt Harris, was born in Mceurtain County in 1877. He is a son of Henry C. Harris, who was also born and raised in this county. His father was a direct descendant of the Pytchlin family of the Choctaws, and true to his ancestry SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 165 was among the foremost in the public affairs of the tribe. Henry C. Harris was born in 1834, on a newly settled place situated on the road from Ultama Thule to Eagletown, near Rock Creek. When the ordinance of cecession was passed by the Choctaw Council, H. C. Harris, James Dyer, Sr., and many other prominent Choc­ taws took up their arms and entered the service of the Confederacy. Burt Harris had the advantages offered by the Indian schools of the country and afterward~ a thorough business course at Paris, Texas. However, he has spent most of his life on his splendid farm near Pleasant Hill in this county. Mr. Harris, who is .iust now in the prime of life, is regarded as one of the best citizens of the county.

Rev. Russell Thomas. Rev. Russell Thomas, born near Boktukilo, Indian Territory, in 1870, of full-blood Indian parents, and edu­ cated at Spencer Academy on the Kiamitia River. Russell Thomas has lived a life of piety and morality and has proven a worthy example to his people. He began his ministry in the Methodist Church in 1895, and now has charge of five churches in McCurtain County.

A. M. Darling. A. M. Darling, of Garvin, this county, was born in Oshkosh, Wis., in July, 1850, and spent most of his early life on the frontier of . He received only a common school education, but by association and per­ sistent effort, mastered the practical features of civil engineering. Mr. Darling came to McCurtain County in 1904, and is now in the employ of the Choctaw Lumber Company as surveyor and estimator of timber.

Dr. Charles A. Denison. Dr. Charles A. Denison, of Idabel, Okla., the pioneer physician of McCurtain County, was born at Lexington, Tenn., on the 20th of August, 1861, and was educated in 166 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND the common schools of the State. In 1883 he began the study of medicine, after moving to Red River County, Texas, and ,vas licensed to practice in 1888, when he moved in to what is now McCurtain County. The doctor was asked if he had any regrets for having cast his lot with the pioneers of this country, to which he replied, "No, indeed," and from the remainder of his answer, it was easy to see that he longed for the flesh pots of Egypt. His means of getting over the country was on horseback and in a buggy, and many a long ride has he taken over the hills and across streams to visit his patients. ,vhat would a doctor of today think of riding 40 miles, the distance from Shawneetown to Hochatown, to see a sick man? He might go, but the patient couldn't entertain the tax assessor for several years afterward. He was the first regularly licensed physician to practice in this part of the country, and for many years, the only one, and he had very little trouble in collecting his bills. Dr. Denison retired from the practice of medicine in 1910, and has since that time resided in Idabel 1Nhere he has business interests that require much of his time. At his farm home, near old Shawneetown, he frequently entertains the McCurtain County Medical Association and others of his old friends.

Jarnes H. Crook. James H. Crook, of Idabel, a native of Tennessee, came to Texas in 1872, and settled with his father's family at Davis. In 1898 he moved into the Indian Terri­ tory and bought out a small mercantile business at Alikchi that was owned by John Woodward. The district court house and grounds of the Choctaws were located at Alikchi, and Mr. Crook was present at the last legal execution of a Choctaw convicted of murder under the Choctaw la,v. The victim was William Goins, of whose tragic end description is given else,vhere. Mr. Crook has been with the Choctaw Lumber Company for the past twelve years. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 167 Mary Violetta · Knight. Mary Violetta Knight, only child of J. R. and Agnes Knight, was seventeen years old on the 3rd of November, 1922. She is a graduate of the East Central Teachers College at Ada, Okla., and is at present attending the Randolph-Macon Woman's College at Lynchburg, Va. She bears the distinction of being the only child on .the Choctaw roll (roll number 568), "New born," under the Act of Congress, April 26th, 1906. Since the death of her mother in 1911, she has made her home with her aunt, Miss Kate Knight, at Ada, but greatly enjoys an occasional trip to the old home place in the mountains of McCurtain and a visit with Daddy.

Fulsom Training School

S a local writer has well observed, "This institu- 1 tion is in a class by itself." Located in the : little town of Smithville, in the northern part of the county, along the foothills of the Ozark range, it is an ideal place for an institution of this kind. The fact that it occupies the most accessible point in a mountainous territory of over four thousand square miles, and the further fact that hundreds of children who live in this territory are enabled to Teceive a thorough mental, moral, religious and physical training that they probably would never have enjoyed, alone justifies the founding and building of the school. The climate is cool and de­ lightful; the country surrounding is well drained and healthful; the social life is enhanced by bringing the school and the comm unity together on special occasions and the _discipline, while firm, is kind and considerate. The school was established by, and belongs to the M. E. Church, South, and while it is a denominational school, it is free from sectarianism. The local manage­ ment of the institution is directed by an Advisory Board 168 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

~... i,-, ~ ;...~ ~ ....~ ...... rn 0 ~ Cl ~ 0 ....,v ....~ ~ :,,; ..,,- SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 169 composed of seven citizens of the community, the Super­ intendent, Indian Missionary, the Presiding Elder of the district and the Bishop. The dormitories are comfortable in every respect, well-lighted, well-heated and well-ventil­ ated. The buildings are supplied ,vith pure fresh water from a deep well. There is a good sewer system that insures convenience and sanitation. The work done in the school is constructive and high­ grade, preparing many boys and girls to find themselves in a larger and more useful life. rrhe school gives a gen­ eral training which prepares those who desire to go fur­ ther in educational work to do so successfully. It also gives special training which enables the boys and girls who return to their homes to live more valuable lives and to be leaders in their communities. The campus, comprising 20 acr0s, lies just north of the town, is higher than the land on which the town is built, and along the east side is a beautiful natural growth of elm, oak and pine. The buildings are grouped near the center of the campus and are all new, modernly built and comfortably furnished. The personnel of the f acuity are products of some of the best institutions of the country. William B. Hubbel, the superintendent, takes his degree of A. B. from Hendrix College, and the degree of A. M. from Columbia University. In 1916 he was ordained an elder in the M. E. Church, South. After having served as business manager for Hendrix College for eight years, he resigned in 1918 and volunteered for war service, and served in the home camps for several months, then spent nine months in France in the Army Educational Corps. W. H. Bryant, principal and professor of Latin and Modern Languages, is a young man of fine Christian char­ acter. He also took his degree of A. B. at Hendrix Col­ lege with honors in 1920. During the year 1920-21 he was principal of the public schools of Warren, Arkansas. Having worked his way through school, Mr. Bryant is in 170 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND sympathy with every young man and woman who is trying to get an education. Mrs. W. B. Hubbel, Professor of English and House­ hold Arts, took her degree of A. B. in 1913, and in 1914 did special work in the department of Home Economics at Columbia University. Besides other and extensive work in different colleges, she has taught in the public schools of Little Rock. She is active in church work and very much interested in education. C. E. Nesbit, Teacher of Bible and Director of Re­ ligious Education. Mr. Nesbit took his degree at Hendrix College with honors and under difficulties, working, teach­ ing and preaching to pay his way as he went, giving an example of what one can do if he has the wit and determi­ nation to do it. Pier~e K. Merrill, Professor of l\1athematics and Phys­ ical Director, is a product of Conway High School and Hendrix College. He is active and proficient in athletics, having won three letters in football, three in baseball and two in basket-ball, and has served as athletic director in various high schools and colleges. Miss Ione May Liller, graduate of Central College (Mo.) Conservatory, is Teacher and Director of Vocal and Instrumental Music. She has a splendid soprano voice and served as soloist in the First Methodist Church of Lexington, Mo. She is a young woman of splendid Chris­ tian character, and is in full sympathy with the activities of the young people. Mrs. C. E. Nesbit, Superintendent of Grammar School and principal Librarian, comes from the Hendrix Academy and Southern Methodist University. She has broad ex­ perience as a teacher and loves rural work, of fine Chris­ tian character and always helpful to those around he1·. Mrs. Ida B. Merrill, of the University of Arkansas, Superintendent of Girls' Home. Aside from Mrs. Merrill's broad and extensive experience in educational and church SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 171 work, her face is a reflection of all the Christian virtues which eminently fit her for the position she holds in this model school, and the institute is fortunate in having her services as a matron.

Comment and Criticism A Social Problem. NE of the social problems confronting the people of our county is _that of bringing about closer relations and more congenial associations be­ tween the country women and the women of the towns. There is a feeling of restraint upon one side and a timid shyness on the other, and as a matter of fact, there are no grounds for either, when common sense and a fell ow feeling prevails. Unfortunately, the women of the country have not had the educational advantages of their town sisters, neither have they the modern conveniences, comforts and other surroundings that tend to cast a refining influence about the home. But what of that? When a woman has common sense, and even a limited edu­ cation, backed up by virtue, honor and integrity of pur­ pose, may she not feel sure of her social position? When men meet each other, there is a hearty hand­ shake and unmistakable friendly greeting but not so with women. There is a "better-than-thou" look upon the town woman's face and the timid .~hyness of the country woman will not permit her to break the ice. Daily social contact with her kind has relieved the town woman of timidity and also that kindly feeling for her timid, em­ barrassed country sister, while the lack of social contact with the latter prevents her from making advancements necessary to form acquaintances and friendships. There was a time when the country woman of the southland held the whip-hand over her town sister and practically ignored them socially, but this was before the days of commercial supremacy, when the planter was the 172 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND aristocrat, ,vhen the merchants were called tradesmen, lawyers shysters and doctors pill-rollers. The sons of the towns and- cities were urged by their parents to pay court to the farmer's daughter. But the pendulum has swung and the only hope for this regretable condition is Chris­ tian kindness, charity and a deeper love for our kind. The woman-Moses who is to lead her sisters into the light of these virtues cannot come too soon.

Our Public Schools. The higher iµstitutions of learning-public schools­ under the control of the State, are handicapped by political influence, fads and frills. F,requently, the heads of these institutions and members of the faculty owe their appoint­ ment to what is known as a · "Political Pull," and are selected without much regard for fitness and qualifications. After they are installed they are seized with the i.dea of making their school the first in the State, and here begins the introduction of endless fads and frills. The student body is swamped with new ideas, new departures from the regular course to such an extent that ninety per cent of them can not master the entire course with any degree of credit to themselves within the prescribed time, though the institutions turn them out as the finished product. In short, the institution sacrifices character for reputation and the young men and women of the State are the losers. The to,vn and city schools, except perhaps the political influence, are afflicted the same ,vay. In high school, there is tendency to get the pupil by his or her course of study regardless of proficiency. In the towns and cities, the pupil is allowed and even encouraged to fritter away his time from the time he enters school until he "Goes Through" high school, in fads and frills, especially ath­ letics. Physical training is fine for the boy and girl, but many of our schools are exceeding the bounds of reason with this feature of school work. The high school pupil is allowed to overlook science, current events and litera­ ture and dabble in art and flirt \vith music-two pro- SOUTHEAST OKLAH01\1A 173 fessions that can only be mastered by special_ courses of study. In addition to these objectionable features, the modern public school allows the pupils too many liberties. There is not enough respect for lai-.v and order. There is a happy medium between the old "Birch Rod" school­ master and the modern "Fad and Frill" school marm. There are t--~o other objections to modern schools. The "Grade a Year" system, by which the girl or boy who would forge ahead is held back to one grade per term because his classmates are too• indolent to keep pace with him, and the over-crowded condition of the average school. Very of ten there are fifty and sixty pupils of various grades in one room. Tl1e rural schools owe their lack of efficiency to several causes. The principal ones are the inefficient teacher and parental and public indifference. In many instances the teacher is an inexr=erienced high school product who uses this high and respectable calling as a means to an end. If a male, he only teaches to get the means to study· law or medicine. If a female, for money to buy a trousseau, and both of them are only looking for four o'clock in the afternoon and the clerk's warrant every twenty-eight day8.

It would be distressing to the \\1 hole-hearted educator to visit• the rural ccmmunities and \\1 itness the lack of interest in the public schools. The earnest teacher ·who organizes the "Parent-Teacher's Association," or kindred organization, and who goes to the houses of his patrons beseec:~ing thEm to send their children to school, doesn't get much encouragement. As a remedy for the evils in the higher institutions of learning, there should be an elimination of politics, fads and frills, and a strict adherence to a course of study that will prerare the student for his place in the world's affairs. For the common schcols, increased respect for law and order, use every means possible to create an interest in the success of the school, employ only teachers who are willing to work for the good of the State as well 174 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND as for their own interests, and are community builders as well. Except, perhaps, in a few instances, the salaries paid teachers are commesurate with the services rendered, but if a better salary was offered it would bring better talent into the educational world. The money necessary to conduct the public school3 has. not kept pace with the better schools, better condi­ tions~ beth=·r housing and equipment and increased population. With reference to athletics in the schools, under the slogan "Physically Fit, Mentally Alert and Morally Cleau/' no obectiong can be found, but the first feature of this slogan is wrongfully directed in the average school. U,v reason of the spirit of competition between schools and colleges, onl~r such of the students as nature has endo·wed with physic~} advantages are· selected for intensive train­ ing, while fhe stooped-shouldered, thin-chested boy3 and girls are left to their own devices for physical development.

Retrospective. In the first chapter of this book the statement is made that "The History of l\icCurtain County is such that it needs no formal introduction," and this chapter treats of the reason why. The geographical location and body social of any given country has never failed to lend color to its indi­ vidual and co~lective history. Neither has the leven of morality and intelligence ever failed to bring order out of chaos. The location of McCurtain Caunty-bordering upon two States-and its natural topography, made for it in the early days, a convenient and comparatively safe retreat for questionable characters from the adjoining and other States. and many such characters took advantage of the fact. For years and years this class of people lived in the wilds of the territory now composing Southeast Oklahoma, SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA without scarcely any restraint of government, morais or religion. Their descendants were brought up in a state of illiteracy, without moral or religious training. The deadly gun was not the last, but the first resort in any emergency. To live without work, to thrive on the sweat and labor of others, to them, was commendable. It is to be understood that this arraingment does not apply to the majority of the people ,vho lived here at that time, for no government can prosper with a corrupt majority, but only to the class that sowed the seeds for the destruction of life and property. When ,ve have added to this class of disreputable characters an immigration of undesirables who came in after the organization of the state and county govern­ ment, who took advantage of the welcome ~xtended them by a trusting people to tramp under their drunken feet the rights and property of others to rob, steal, burglarize and to kill on the slightest provocation, and who by the aid of illicit traffic in whiskey were enabled to rob the Indian out of his meager patrimony, to generally defy civil government and who had contempt for moral and religious sentiment and influence, is it any wonder that in the struggle for the survival of the fittest, for the establish­ ment of law and order, over 500 homicides were com­ mitted from 1907 to 1920? It may be safely and truthfully estimated that in 90 per cent of these killings the deceased got just what was coming to him. Like Gideon's enemies, the undesirables turned against each other, and ,vhile the law-abiding citizen deplored the general state of affairs, in most cases he said Amen! to the individual deed. Thees numerous homicides were not the result of the lack of law enforcement, but of drunkenness, mutual criminality, bad men, who were blots upon civilization, and men to whom the restraints of law were as gall and wormwood; men whom society could well afford to lose, even under the deplorable conditions in which they were removed. 176 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

A very large per cent of the killings in the county since statehood has been among and between the Indians, traceable directly to drunkenness. Aside from the fact that the Indian seems to inherit the belief that he has a right to destroy his enemy, when under the influence of whiskey his homicidal inclinations are not confined to his particular enemy. But in nearly every instance of killing by an Indian, an Indian was the victim. There is only one case in the records of the county where an Indian is charged with killing a white man. Financial wrongs do not worry an Indian, but are soon forgotten, and this class of wrongs being about all the v,rhite man ever perpe­ trates againHt him, he doesn't hold the grudge that he uHually doe8 for other wrongs. There never lived in any country a more peaceable, tractible and law-abiding people than the Choctaw Indian, when Hober. Only twice in the 17 years of local government has law enforcement been frustrated by mob violence. In 1 !)10, a negro charged with murder was forcibly taken from the custody of the officers ana hung. And again in 1 !ll 7, when a negro charged with rare was on trial. the horrible details of the crime so inrensed the people who were present at the trial, that he was shot to death at the courthouse door. When Clayton Thompson, the wholesale murderer of the community north of Wright City, and the cowardly slayer of Sheriff Felker in August, 1822, ,vas placed in jail, it is probable that his death from "'rounds inflicted by Deputy Richard Jones at the time, was all that saved him from the vengeance of an outraged populace. While McCurtain County, by reason of these num­ erous homicides, has acquired a reputation of lawlessness, the accusation is untrue. At no time has the peaceable, sober, law-abiding citizen ever been in danger of his life except in an effort to enforce the law against such char­ acters as those above described, or in defending himself from an attack by those who held the law as naught. After all, our county in its struggle8 for better condi- SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 177 tions and for the supremacy of the law has only followed precedent after precedent, only r~peated the history of nations and states since the beginning of civilization. Life, property and the blessings of liberty of our own nation were purchased at the expense of the best of American loss of life. We owe to the sacrifice of human life, the unity and happiness of the greatest country on earth, which was reunited and cemented \\1 ith the blood of brothers. We are indebted to the sacrifice of life and blood for Christian civilization that is today the light of the world. In fact, all through the annals of hh,tory, adversities have proven a blessing. Within the past few years, vigorous pro~;ecution of criminals, public sentiment, perHistent enforcement of the prohibition laws, the steady removal of illiteracy through a wonderful system of school8, teaching morality and citizen~hip, the establishment of ~hurches whose benign influences have had their effect, and the natural reaction that always comes in the wake of excesses, have combined to bring -order out of chaos, to establish law and order, to separate the gold from the dross and to make of l\1cCurtain County a country which anyone may be proud to call home. From a melting pot of all kinds of char­ acters, McCurtain has emerged with colors flying, and has taken her place in the galaxy of counties of the State to which her natural advantages and splendid citizenship entitle her. The good things of life perpetuate themselves. The things that are worth while continue through the ages. The simple virtues of an honest people forever stand un­ adorned upon their immaculate pedestals. Storm and stress, fire and famine, war from ,,rithout and strife from within, can never destroy those better things that have been honestly built upon the rock of political and religious liberty. Therefore, it is with admjration and pride that we have witnessed the passing into history of conditions that for a time, like a hoar frost, blighted the prospects and progress of a community and a country. 178 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Confederate Veterans Capt. W. S. Ray.

Capt. W. S. Wray was born in Orange County, North Calolina, in 1844, and while a boy his family moved to Tennessee and settled near the old Shiloh Church, after­ wards made famous by the battle of Shiloh, fought between the armies of the Civil War. Capt. Ray left McNairy County, Tenn., with the first Confederate company organ­ ized there, while he was not yet 17. His command was the 15th Tennessee Regiment, Infantry. His first service was in Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky, engaged in the battles of Belmont and Shiloh. Later, he was placed under SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 179

Capt. Smith as a scout, and served with that officer in West Tennessee for more than a year, and while in this service was in the battles of Okolona, Paducah and Fort I Pillow. In 1864 Capt. Ray was transferred, with others, to Johnson's army which was then near Dalton, Ga., and had part in all the battles of the Georgia campaign from Dalton to Lovejoy Station. After Hood's return from Tennessee, he rejoined the 16th Tennessee Cavalry, where he served until he was parolled at Corinth, May 15th, 1865. In 1908, he moved to Idabel, this county, and lived here until his death in October, 1920. Capt. Ray was a man whom to know was to love, and the State and county lost a good citizen and a Christian gentleman, at his death. I-Iis descendants are today among the best citizens of McCurtain County.

Dr. J. D. Bledsoe. Dr. J. D. Bledsoe, Idabel, born in Carroll County, May 31st, 1838, educated in the common schools and had one year in college. He enlisted in the Confederate army in Anderson County, Tenn., in June, 1861, Company G, 55th Tennessee Regiment, under command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson, and served during the war east of the Mississippi River. At the battle of Atlanta, he was wounded in the right hand, resulting in the loss of the thumb and index finger. Was taken as a prisoner at Tiptonville. He was discharged at Nashville in 1865. Dr. Bledsoe is still active but his eyesight has failed to such an extent that he cannot read very well even with a reading glass. He has not practi~ed his profession since coming to Oklahoma in 1907.

J. C. Hutcheson. J. C. Hutcheson, of Haworth, was born in Mississippi in 1842, enlisted in the Confederate service at Clarks­ ville, Texas, in 1862, in Company F, \Vhitfield's Regiment, 180 l\1cCURTAIN COUNTY AND and served in the army of Tennessee. He was at home on furlough when peace was declared in 1865, and never received a formal discharge. However, he is pensioned by the State , as that State has been his residence for more than a half century. He spends much of his time with his children in this State, among whom is Pat Hutcheson of Haworth. ·The old fellow doesn't get about very lively, but he is jolly and com­ panionable.

W. S. Brookes.

\V. S. Brookes, of \ralliar.t, Okla., an old Confederate solider and a member of the First Arkansas Cavalry, enlisted in the Confederate service in 1864, when a mere boy. When Gen. Lee surrendered in 1865, he went to SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 181

Helena and surrendered with his batallion. Mr. Brookes is the father of our fellow-townsman, F. M. Brookes, who for many years was the efficient. court clerk of McCurtain County. He is a well-preserved man and is now in splendid health, active and takes great interest in current events. He is loud in his praises of Oklahoma for her generous support of the old heroes of the Southland, and compli­ ments the author of this work for his interest and efforts in trying to preserve the salient features of the country's history. Mr. Brookes was born in Yallabusha County, Miss., in 1847, and is now in his 77th year.

Claiborn M. Woods. Claiborn M. Woods was born September 18th, 1841, in Sabine Parish, La., enlisted in the Confederate service at Mansfield, La., with Company B, April 1st, 1862, Col. Landry's Regiment, Allen Thomas' Brigade, Buckner's Division. Was discharged at Natchitoches, La., in 1865. Mr. Woods carries his four score of years easily, and doesn't fail to speak his appreciation of his adopted State's care for the old soldiers of the South.

M. D. Waddle. M. D. Waddle, born in Cobb County, Georgia, in October, 1840, raised on a farm, and at the age of 21 volunteered for service in the Confederate army in Cal­ houn County, Alabama, in 1861, by enlisting in Company I, 25th Alabama Infantry, Withers Division. He was in the Army of Tennessee under Hood, and was in the battle of Shiloh. Mr. Waddle is in his 83rd yEar, and having had a leg broken ·when a boy, he limps a little and carries a cane, but he is still active and alert. Like many others of his old comrades, he lives with his children, some of whom are in Texas, but he claims Oklahoma as his home. 182 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

C. Reed .

' ..

'

' ' • I. ~ /

C. Reed, was born August 14th, 1844, near Columbia, Ga. Was a member of Terrell's Artillery, an independent company, subject to the orders of Gen. Lee. Captain of hjs company was Edgar G. Dawren, of Sparta, Ga. He enlisted in Columbia, Ga., at the age of 17, April 26th, 1862, and surrendered at Greensboro, N. C,, April 26th, 1865, thus giving three years of boyhood to his country and the ·cause that he believed was right. Notwithstanding his 78 years, Mr. Reed is still active and spends his time with his children who delight in catering to his comfort and enjoyment in life. He makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. James H. Crook of Idabel, and is a member of Ben McCullough Camp, U. C. V., No. 1748. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 183 W. G. Fail.

W. G. Fail, born in Alabama in 1839. Had one year at the University of Alabama and three years at the Universit;·· C'f Virginia, which at that time was a military institution, anu considered the best school in the United States, except W t~t Point. He enlisted in infantry in 1861, but later joined Company D, Cavalry, Hagan's Regi­ ment, under Joe Wheele:r' s command. Mr. Fail has devoted p1·actically all of his time to the school room since the end of his army service, and now, with his children and his good wife, is enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life-a ripe old a re and a clear conscience. 184 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

C. N. Robertson.

C. N. Robertson was born in Wade County, North Carolina, August 13th, 1845, raised on a farm till he was 18 years old and then entered the Confederate army, enlist­ ing at Camden, Ark., in the artillery service. :.1 May, 1862, Blocker's Battalion, Trans-Mississippi DP~artment. After a three years' term of service, he was discharged in Louisiana in ~iay, 1865. Mr. Robertson lives in Idabel but spends much of his time among his different children in Oklahoma and Texas. He is a member of Ben Mc­ Cullough Camp, Idabel, Okla., and for his age is very active and alert. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 185 B. R. Jacobs.

B. R. Jacobs was born in Pike County, Ark., in 1840, raised on a farm and has followed that occupation all of his long and interesting life. He came to McCurtain County in 1898 and settled upon Lukfata Creek where he lived for several years, then moved over on Mountain Fork River near Hochatown. He is the father of eleven child­ ren-8 boys and 3 girls-only 5 of ,vhom are living. His services as a Confederate soldier were confined to the campaigns west of the Mississippi and included the battles of Elkhorn, Wilson's Creek, or as otherwise known, Oak Hill, and other battles. He was discharged at Washington, Ark., in April, 1865. .Notwithstanding his 83 years of life Mr. Jacobs is·' still active and frequently walks 20 and 30 186 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND miles a day on his visits from one of his children's home to another. He is of medium height, strong and active, iron gray hair worn in long curls about hs shoulders, and is a jolly companion and especially interesting in his many reminiscences of forest and stream. Uncle Rect is known better as one of the oldest and most successful hunters of Arkansas and Oklahoma. He and his wife, who is near his age, have broken up housekeeping and live with the families of their children.

Patrick Henry Crenshaw. Patrick Henry Crenshaw, of Broken __Bow, was born near Athens, Ala., in 1849, a direct descendant of the American patriot, Patrick Henry (great grandson); must have had the blood of his ancestor coursing through his veins, for he joined the Confederate army by enlistment in Company K, 6th Regiment, Arkansas Regulars, and was under heavy artillery fire before he was 13 years old. He was in all the hard-fought battles of Tennessee and Georgia, under Bragg, Johnson and Hood. After being honorably discharged· from the army at Greensboro, N. C., he came home and began the study and practice of law. 1 During his residence in Arkansas, he served one term in the Legislature of that State and two terms as district attorney in 16th Arkansas circuit. After moving to this State, he joined the ranks of Oklahoma teachers, and until the last three or four years, has followed that profession. He and his estimable wife, who is still teaching, now reside in Broken Bow, and spend a great deal of their time at the home of Mrs. W. S. Paden, who is their daughter.

Garrett Igo. Garrett Igo, the subject of this sketch, was born at Ashline, Ky., November 17th, 1840. Moved to Texas before the Civil War, and resided in that State until 1906, when he moved to McCurtain County, Okla. He SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 187

GARHETT IGO entered the Confederate service at an early age as cavalry­ man and fought his first battle at Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo. After this battle his command was ordered into the .Indian Territo1~y to take old Fort Arbuckle, which at that time was in possession of the Federal troops. The fort surrendered without firing a gun. On leaving the old fort his command encountered · on the southern slopes of the mountain a Comanche force of 300 warriors under the command of ---. Sixty of the Indians, including the chief, were killed, and the remainder took to the mountains for protection. He next found himself at Clarksville, Texas, where he joined Whitfield's First Texas Legion, and was transported east of the Mississippi River, 186 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND miles a day on his visits from one of his children's home to another. He is of medium height, strong and active, iron gray hair worn in long curls about hs shoulders, and is a jolly companion and especially interesting in his many reminiscences of forest and stream. Uncle Rect is known better as one of the oldest and most successful hunters of Arkansas and Oklahoma. He and his wife, who is near his age, have broken up housekeeping and live with the families of their children.

Patrick Henry Crenshaw. Patrick Henry Crenshaw, of Broken __Bow, was born near Athens, Ala., in 1849, a direct descendant of the American patriot, Patrick Henry (great grandson) ; must have had the blood of his ancestor coursing through his veins, for he joined the Confederate army by enlistment in Company K, 6th Regiment, Arkansas Regulars, and was under hea'vy artillery fire before he was 13 years old. He was in all the hard-fought battles of Tennessee and Georgia, under ·Bragg, Johnson and Hood. After being honorably discharged- from the army at Greensboro, N. C., he came home and began the study and practice of law. During his residence in Arkansas, he served one term in the Legislature of that State and two terms as district attorney in 16th Arkansas circuit. After moving to this State, he joined the ranks of Oklahoma teachers, and until the last three or four years, has followed that profession. He and his estimable wife, who is still teaching, now reside in Broken Bow, and spend a great deal of their time at the home of Mrs. W. S. Paden, who is their daughter.

Garrett Igo. Garrett Igo, the subject of this sketch, was born at Ashline, Ky., November 17th, 1840. Moved to Texas before the Civil War, and resided in that State until 1906, when he moved to McCurtain County, Okla. He SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 189 May, 1861, enlisted in Company G, 8th Tennessee Infantry, Cheatham's Division. He served one year in Northern Virginia, then went into Tennessee. Was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro in 1862, and again at the battle of Resika, Georgia, in 1864. He was one of President Davis' escort from Greensboro, N. C., to Washington, Georgia. His long beard is snow-white but he is still straight and gets around Ike a boy.

A. W. Gladden. .

A. W. Gladden enlisted in the southern army in South Carolina in 1862, and served most of the time east of the Mississippi. He was a member of Company B, 4th Cavalry, Col. Rutlage, Gen. Wade Hampton. Was in the battle of 190 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Port Royal and many other hard-fought battles. Surren­ dered at Greensboro, N. C., and was parolled at Chester, S. C. Mr. Gladden moved from Arkansas to this county in 1906. He is regarded as one among the best citizens and is still active for a man of his age.

W. O. Carter.

W. 0. Carter, a native of Louisiana, born in Natchi­ toches Parish in January, 1846. Received a common school education and enlisted in the Confederate army in April, 1863, at the age of 16, in Company E, 2nd Louisiana Cavalry. He served the remainder of the war in the trans­ Mississippi department under Col. Vincent in General SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 191

Taylor's command. He fought in the battles of Mans­ field and Pleasant· Hill, La., and all the other battles of that State. He aided in the organization of Ben McCul­ lough Camp of Idabel, and is still a member of the camp.

Robert \V. Jones.

Robert \V. Jones was born December 8th, 1841, at Washington, Hempstead County, Ark. Enlisted in the Confederate service in March, 1861. In May, 1861, went to Little Rock, thence to Fort Smith. His regiment was organized with John R. Gratiot as Colonel, and known as 3rd Arkansas. Was in the battle of Oak Hill, Mo., August 10th, 1861, and after the battle was changed to the 2nd 192 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Arkansas Regiment, which was disbanded in Benton County in September, 1861. Re-enlisted and went across Missis­ sippi River; was in the battle of Corinth, Miss., October 4th, 1862. Surrendered at Vicksburg, July 4th, 1863. Was parolled and afterwards exchanged and sent back west of the rver. Discharged at Marshall, Texas, latter part of May, 1865. The roster of Ben McCullough Camp at Idabel shows his rank in the army of the South. Mr. Jones is still active for his age, and it is to his efforts, to some extent, that the old - soldiers' pensions have been increased in the State. He has put in the most of his time since coming to Oklahoma in the State's ser­ vice as justice of the peace, and ~s regarded as one of the best in the county.

F. S. PATTERSON, A. McCURTAIN COUNTY VETERAN. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 193

C. J. Stewart.

C. J. Stewart, born in Johnson County, Ark., January 28th, 1848. Attended common schools and afterwards completed high school work. Enlisted in the Confederate service at Clarksville, Ark., in September, 1864, in Company C, Hill's Regiment of Cavalry, Fagan's Division. Fought his first battle at Pilot Knob, Mo., and was later in the battles of Franklin, Boonville, Independence, Grand Prairie and Utonia. From Missouri he went south into winter quarters. Was discharged at Marshall, Texas, in May, 1865. On coming home he entered and attended Franklin College one year. Moved to Oklahoma, or rather Indian Territory, in 1897 and took charge of the Poteau High School. Came to McCurtain County in 1901. Elected 194 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

District Clerk at the election for statehood and served three years. Since that time he has been regularly engaged in school and church work. Mr. Stewart has always been a zealous supporter of the prohibition cause and is outspoken in the denunciation of crime and immorality. Mr. Stewart was appointed State Pension Commis­ sioner in January, 1923.

St. Etienne r;::====:~~::::;:i MONG the 90,000 Oklahomans -referred to in the following graphic description of the hellish battles of France during the late war, were ----~~--' many lads from the towns, hills and valleys of McCurtain County who never returned to their native heaths. . "Four years ago Sunday the old First Regiment of Oklahoma National Guard received its baptism of fire at St. Etienne. It was on the morning of October 8, 1918, that those citizen soldiers of Oklahoma went down into the valley of the shadow amid the chalk hills of the Cham­ pagne. Accompanying them in that whirlwind charge were other Oklahomans fighting under the flags of other regi­ ments in the Panther Division. There was the end of more than two long years of intensive training. The weapon fashioned beneath the skies of San Benito and on the field of Bur-Sur-Aube first flashed in battle at St. Etienne. Lads who never before had heard the growl of unfriendly cannon were hurled against the troops of Prussia, who since the early Autumn of 1914 had lain behind their guns in the Champaign sector and shot down the flower of France. But those troops for the first time met in battle grips the spirit of Oklahoma, and when the bugles sounded truce after days of murderous fighting the Sooners had cut their way through the teeth of death itself to the banks of the Aisne. Death swung a fearful scythe at St. Etienne. Many SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 195 an Oklahoma laddie \Vho followed the flag of his country on that wild· October morning is sleeping quietly today in the bosom of France. The companies from Chandler and Wewoka were decimated. Every commissioned officer of the Wewoka contingent was a casualty. The other com­ panies of the regiment suffered but little less. Hardly a village in Oklahoma failed to deck itself with crepe when the casualty lists of that fatal field reached home. But more heroic valor was never displayed on any field of battle than was shown by these lads from the villages and farms of Ok~ahoma. Of the 90,000 men from this State who answered the call of mobilization, only three won the Congressional n1edal for bravery and two of these wore the uniform of the Oklahoma National Guard. Pr3:ctically every odd that is known to modern warfare ·was against the boys from Oklahoma at St. Etienne. Their orders were ambiguous and never fully understood. No barrage preceded their desperate advance. No machine gun backed them in their hazardous enterprise. · No hand grenades were furnished as they" :rushed into the welter of death. They had nothing-nothing but stark courage and their rifles. Like those of the French at Eylau were their orders "Advance and die." N·o regiment in the entire Amer.ican contingent fought under more adverse circumstances, few suffered heavier casualties, and none advanced farther under fire. Waterloo and Balaklava never witnessed more desperate courage than that dis­ pla·yed by the soldier boys of Oklahoma at St. Etienne. The sons of Oklahoma served in practically every division that crosse~ the seas to France. They served in every line of duty. And of all that number who heard their country's call, not one has given the State a record of which it might be ashamed. They were heroes, all. At St. Mihiel. at Sedan, and in the wilderness of the Ar­ gonne, they covered the name of Oklahoma with imper­ ishable glory. And the bravest that ever marched to battle from Marathon to the Meuse were no braver than those who fought or fell at St. Etienne. 196 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

JOSEPH OKLAHOMBI, McCURTAIN'S WAR HERO SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 197

-Campaigning In McCurtain

, HE Democrats of l\tlcCurtain have never for­ saken the ways and precedents of the fathers. They still enjoy a politicaI,.scrap and the spoils of victory. In elec_tion y~ars, when the crops are off the farmers' hands, business a little dull and the political bee begins to hum ar~und the ears of the embryo candidate, whispering his honeye4 1Nords, such as, "Many are called but few are chosen," and '.'You are one of the few," the arena for the contest is cleared, and the war of words is on. The publishers of the county news­ papers chuckle with a degree of satisfaction felt only by publishers in a campaign year, for they see in the near future their usual biennial harvest. ·The customary method of campaigning is the "Col­ lective Drive," but occasionally a "Stillhunter" shows up in the ranks of the candidates and causes no little uneasi­ ness among his opponents. Anent "Stillhunting," it is said of John M. Post, who peld the office of county assessor for twelve years, that h~ had reduced that mode of campaigning to a science. . Qanvassing the county on horseback, he was said to disrqount just before · arriving at the house of the elect~r i~ or~et · to convey the im­ pression that he was still .tog :p0qr to make the canvass otherwise than on foot. Th~t he would help the women with their milking (for. the women do the milking). The boys with their chores; .that his account at the grocer's • . _,.t • for apples, candy and che.wing gum was the biggest item ~ ~ • .~. • "I/ ' -t ... ' in his campaign expenses.'~::' If he happened at Sunday school or.. church, he would~·.take an active part, or, if a .....,. • -, ~ ...... t.. .• • dancing party, he would· ~~~~~~ttE:!1U

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,.__ . ,, .. ··.,_, . . ,·•,--,.-:_ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 199 the county was flooded with card3, posters and photo­ graphs. The mission of the posters was to notify the electors of the day and hour when the candidates would address them on local issues and personal aspirations. After the campaign began to warm up, and the issues between the candidates were clearly defined, large crowds would greet the party at every schoolhouse, and with few exceptions these campaigns have been conducted by the candidates with the best of feeling for each other, and the greatest respect for their audiences. The Republicans have not made a systematic cam­ paign since 1910. Had they done so in 1920, perhaps there would have been as great a surprise in the county as there was in the State, when they. captured the lower house of the Legislature and the U. S. Senator. The politicians say that the cause of this sudden shifting of political faith was due to business depression consequent upon the "Readjustment" of conditions, while the rural voters say that it was on account of the manner in which the poli­ ticians treated their old and tried friend and servant Senator T. P. Gore in the primary election. The result of the elections of 1920-22, rather vindicates the position of the rural voter. In 1914, the Socialist Party cast a large vote, but only succeeded in electing a few. minor officials in dfferent parts of the county. This party has had no ticket in the field in recent. elections, but in the earlier years of state­ hood-1912 and 1914-they were strong enough to force an informal coalition of the Democrats and Republicans.

A Love Feast and a Glass Eye. Many amusing incidents in connection with cam­ paigning in the county are stored away in the memories of the old timers. In the campaign of 1910, the Democratic Central Committee held a meeting in Idabel, at which many of the faithful, in addition to the committeemen, were present. Among the visitors was a local politician of Garvin, who was the unfortunate owner of a beautiful 200 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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··.~,~- -~ ~ )~ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 201 glass eye. During the deliberations of the committee a dispute arose and hot words and blows followed. The Garvin politician was struck in the back of the head and the glass eye went spinnng across the room. He imme­ diately withdrew from the melee to search for his lost eye. Meanwhile, peace was restored, the ludicrous inci­ dent of the glass eye created a general laugh and a love feast followed. During the same campaign a large party. of candi­ dates made a tour of the north part of the. county. At Hochatown, a beautiful village nestling at the foot of the mountains on the east side of the ]1Iountain Fork River, the candidates were so well entertained and the scenery was so fine and inspiring, they were loth to leave. How­ ever, the appointments were out for Smithville and other places, and with an ample supply of the means of their late entertainment, they proceeded up the river to Sher­ wood, taking in the beautiful scenery along the river, making speeches, singing and discussing politics. Sher­ wood, at this time consisted of a small farm and ranch, the main attraction being a bold ~pring of soft limpid water. The spring was a barrel Runk about two-thirds of its length in the ground, at the bottom of which the water came bubbling up out of the white sand and found an outlet through a hole at the top of the ground. It ,vas surrounded by dense shade trees and a plat of soft green grass, and here the party stopped for lunch, water being of fist importance. When many ::>f them had drunk, a good old home-made candidate remarked, "Boys, I'll sho,v you how we do it in Tennessee." Placing his hands upon the rim of the barrel, he put his head deep down into the spring. But his head was heavy and his biceps weak, therefore his feet and legs were soon straight up. His friends went to his rescue, remarking incidentally, "A Tenneseean always wants it all, or none." Campaigning in McCurtain has developed one fact in connection with success. The candidate must "Blow his own horn." The capital I's must .~hoot out of his mouth like bullets out of a rapid-fire gun. 202 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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McCurtain County Fruit Growers Association

N the year 1920, the business men and farmers of Broken Bow and vicinity came to the con­ cl us ion that something should be done to pro­ mote the agricultural and horticultural inter- ests of the county, something that would insure the county more than a three months' business season in each year, which is all that can be expected from growing cotton alone. Acting upon this conclusion they got to­ gether and organized the "McCurtain County Fruit Grow­ ers Association," an organization that, while young, is dem­ onstrating the wisdom and foresight of the men who backed the entertprise with their money and efforts. The Association was at first capitalized at $5,000, but later raised to $10,000. The Texas, Oklahoma and Eastern Railroad runs through the county east and west, and north of this road lies thousands of acres of land awaiting development in fruit and berry farms of the best and safest quality in the South or Southwest. This land is cheap, and its prepa­ ration for cultivation in fruit and berries is easy and inex­ pensive. The lands are what is known as the cut-over lands of the Choctaw Lumber Company, and the company is now putting it on the market at a very low price and on terms that anyone can afford to pay. The fact is, that if a bona fide farmer can make proof that he means business, price and terms are arranged to suit him. The Association bought 280 acres of this land and decided, first, to try out 100 acres in strawberries, Ind selected the farm in what seemed to be the roughest part of the tract, the berries were put out in 1921, and about 5,000 crates of berries were harvested during the season of 1922, although a very unfavorable season on account of the extreme wet weather. 204 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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The cost of producing the first crop of berries was about $75.00 per acre, which included preparation of land, setting and cultivation of the crop. The Klondyke variety only have been planted up to date, but Mr. I. T. Murrah, the manager, announced his intention of putting out other varieties in the next two years. Much of the land in this part of the county, from which the merchantable timber has been taken, is gravel and loose rock in rich dirt underlaid with a heavy clay subsoil, rolling, but not to such an extent as to cause wash­ ing. It is in the same latitude, practically the same alti­ tude and the same character of soil as that of the fruit and berry farms of Arkansas, on the east. Those of the farmers who have put out orchards of apples and peaches are well pleased with results. But there are others who believe that fruit trees can be brougl1t to perfection with­ out spraying, fertilizing and cultivating, and such as these fail, of course. The example and efforts of the Fruit Growers' Asso-­ ciation have become infectious. The farmers around Broken Bow are obsessed with the id~a of diversified farm­ ing, of having a business season of 12 months in the year, of arranging their industry so as to get the full benefit of the public schools for their children, and of dealing a death blow to the annual credit system. As the results of the Association's experiments become better known, the great tracts of land in the northern part of the county, now lying idle, will be the best paying farms of Southeast Oklahoma. There is one feature of agriculture, or rather horti- ·culture, that hes never been demonstrated in the county, that of grape culture. The lands in the hill country are peculiarly adapted to this industry. The streams all run southward and the sunny southern slopes will make ideal vineyards. The dominant plan of the McCurtain County Fruit Growers Association is to lead the farmers out of the old "one crop method" to abolish the annual credit sys- SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 207 tern, to co-operate in marketing farm produce, to have all-season c1·ops and to bring to the fore a part of the territory of our county that has hertofore been over-­ looked. A region that offers a home to thousands of men who are renting other men's lands at a price and on terms that anyone can afford to buy a home. Ten · years, or less time, will demonstrate that the leaven put into the agricultural bread of McCurtain County by this institution of enterprising men has borne results.

The Three Counties ONCERNING the wealth, resources, natural and industrial, prospects and economic advantages of the three counties embracing extreme South­ east Oklahoma, J. R. Knight, ex-representative, of Ida, has the following .to say in the local newspapers: Idabel has a Chamber of Commerce that is largely a McCurtain County institution and has done the whole county good by advertising McCurtain County and enter­ taining visitors. We should have a three counties organization of this kind, embracing the County of Pushmataha, Choctaw and McCurtain. We are in the same Senatorial, Judicial and Congressional district. We are next door neighbor, our interests are identical and we like each other; (note how independently we vote in our District Judges and State Senators races). Why not form a business working team for our common good? An editorial in the Ada Evening News, says: "In some places the Chamber of Commerce is made up of members of both the town and rural districts of the county. The county being the unit. In Western Texas they go even farther than that, and have a Chamber of Commerce embracing several counties. This is a good plan, for it brings all classes together in a united effort to advance the interests of all classes at once. The in- t,:) 0 00

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: SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 211 terests of town and county are identical and what is for the advantage of one class is for the advantage of all. Co-operation is the keynote of prosperity." In these three counties we have wholesale grocery houses at Idabel, Valliant and Hugo and we have bottling works at Broken Bow, Valliant, Idabel, Hugo and bakeries scattered all over the district. There is a good chair factory at Smithville and another at Eagletown. Mighty good lime is burnt at Fort Towson and there is a patent medicine manufacturing concern there also. When we need anything in this line we should look close to home. There are lots of good things kicking around our own back yard ; look for them. The Broken Bow bottling works in an "ad." in the Broken Bow News, says : "If you are real patriotic you will demand home-made products as far as possible." That is very true and if you have common horse sense you will do so. When you go into a store and buy canned tomatoes that are put up in Maryland or California, when you could get the same put up close to home or buy the same from a next door neighbor's surplus stock, you are committing a crime and paying tribute to "lost motion." The idea of railroading carload after ·carload of corn, tomatoes, beans, etc., all over the lTnited States. If we buy closer to home both the consumer and producer are benefitted. It is estimated that one-third of. the value of all com­ modities in the United States go for freight and we are troubled with car shortaie all on account of buying long distance stuff and paying tribute to "lost motion" and still we are· considered civilized. Let us quit it, let us look around home for what we need and we will all prosper. In this district of three counties, we have wonderful resources and very much to be proud of. The Fulsom Training School at Smithville is in a class by itself, the greatest institution of the kind in the State. The training is spiritual, practical and thorough. It helps youth to get 212 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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- SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 213 their educational foundation on solid ground. Any boy or girl who is willing can work his way through. This institution is a great asset to Southeastern Oklahoma. It is an inspiration and a benediction of solid practical worth one hundred per cent good. It was named in honor of that grand old Choctaw Missionary, Willis Fulsom. Peace to his memory. The court house at I

The ,Jumbo Mines in the western part of Pushmataha County is a 30-foot vein of coal, asphalt and gilsonite. There is a showing of asphalt all over the three counties. There are out-croppings of lead and zinc at Bethel and north of Bethel and various other places in McCurtain County. We have unlimited water power in the. Kiamitia, Mountain Fork, Little River and various other s·mall streams that could be hitched to wheels, such as Glover, White Oak, Eagle Fork, Boktuklo and Pine Creek. We have unlimited gravel beds, building stone, brick shale and finest white oak and pine timber· in unlimited quantities. In fact, we have the stock in trade. Let us organize on a permanent working basis and get results. Once at a State Democratic Convention we organized a three county committee and got everything we asked for. And above all let us love and respect each other. It did my very soul good when I heard that seven sheriffs came to Wheelock Cemetery to do honor to our dead sheriff. Among them were the sheriffs of Pushmataha and Chocta\v Counties. Let us keep up this spirit and when you see anything that pleases you in a friend, tell him of it or write to him, it will do him good. Let us form this TRI-COUNTY COMMERCIAL CLUB this fall and "go from here." SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 215

Manufactures

~~~"71 ECIDEDLY the largest manufacturing interests are located at Broken Bow and Wright City, on the Texas, Oklahoma and Eastern Railroad. These concerns are engaged in turning out pine lumber in the finished state, and· hardwood lumber in the rough. The mills of the Choctaw Lumber Company, at these places have a daily output of 250,000 feet in finished pine, and about 60,000 feet of oak and other hardwoods. From 1905 to 1910, the Choctaw Lumber and Veneer Co., operating at · Garvin on the Frisco, manufactured immense quantities of hardwood lumber and red and white oak and gum veneers in both rotary and quartered forms. At this place was also located the Steeger Lum­ Ber Co., the McDonald Hoop Co. and the Kilgore Stave Co. These combined manufacturing concerns made a monthly payroll for Garvin of nearly $100,000. At this time--1907-Garvin's population was nearly 2,000, while that of Idabel was about 500. The Frisco Lumber Co., located at Bokhoma on the Frisco Railroad, has had a steady output of finished pine lumber of 60,000 feet daily for the past twelve years. In 1907-8, W. T. Wilcoxson & Co. operated a wagon material and farm supplies factory at Haworth. The freight rates over the one railroad on the finished product got the profits, and this concern suspended operations. The Miller Lumber Co. of Millerton, believing that there were better returns in the finished hardwood prod­ ucts, have done a large business since 1906 in wagon, farm and automobile supplies, and in the manufacture of erates and boxes. In 1921, the first ice factory of the county was in­ stalled at Idabel and has continued in successful operation. A broom factory was started at or near Haworth in 216 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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1920. The output was small ~oth on account of limited facilities in the way of machinery and the lack of acreage planted to broomcorn. The maker of these brooms, who was well versed in the qualities of broomcorn, said that the climate and soil of McCurtain County was better adapted to the growing of this crop than any locality in the State. In the same year, a mattress factory was installed at Idabel, which manufactured a superior grade of mat­ tresses and kindred articles. During the years 1912-13, a joint stock company of local business men, headed by a Texas company, built and began the operation of a cotton seed oil mill at Idabel, with a capacity of - tons daily. The manufacturing industry of the county is yet in its infancy. Lack of transportation and skilled labor has done more to retard manufacturing interests than any other cause. While there are two railroads in the county, one of them is practically a dependent of the other for shipping out of the State or county, or at least has been until its recent connection with roads in 4rkansas. At the time of the organization of the state and county governments, the wealth of the county in the various hardwoods could hardly be estimated, and at dif­ ferent times and places, local capital has been invested in small concerns for its manufacture, but for the reasons above mentioned, and perhaps others, these enterprises have failed. In the meanwhile, this vast source of wealth, or a great part of it, has been cut from the forests and shipped out in the raw state to other points to be manu­ factured, thus the goose that would have laid the golden egg has been killed. 218 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

McCurtain County Educators

OUIS NAPOLEON GRAY was born and reared on a farm in central Missouri, having descended from sturdy V'irginia and Kentucky ancestors w·ho emigrated to l\'.lissouri at an early day. As a boy he attended the rural schools which were very poor, and remained in session only about four months in the year, consequently he made but little progress. When he was about eight years old, his father died, leaving a vddow and a large number of small children. Louis, as he was familiarly known by his boyhood ac­ quaintances, had to depend almost wholly on himself for an education. At the age of fourteen, timid and bashful, he entered a private academy from which he graduated. two years later. He then taught rural schools, saved his money, and went to the state university from which he finally graduated, having worked his . way through, by alternately teaching and then going to school. All his elective studies in college were chosen with a view to making the legal profession his life work. In fact, he was in the university law school one year and was ad­ mitted to the senior law class before he completed his academic course and received the degree of bachelor of arts. "Judge," the only name by which Gray was known among university students, was several hundred dollars in debt when he left the university. The quickest way to pay the debt was to engage in teaching again, which he did, and for two years he was superintendent of schools at Kingston, Mo. At the end of the second year, he resigned and was just r~ady to enter a law firm, when a more lucra­ tive position lured him to accept the superintendency of schools in Oregon, Mo. After two years' service in that position, he again prepared to take up the study of law ; SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 219 bu 1: yielded to a call to the presidency of the academy for thl training of teachers from which he had graduated years before. It was while in this position that he defi­ nitely decided to make teaching his life work, and to qualify himself thoroughly for the chair of English in a good college or university. He left the academy and re-entered his alma mater from which he received the degree of master of arts, the following year. He then did one and a half years' work toward the degree of doctor of philosophy in the University of Chicago. Before obtaining his doctor's degree, how­ ever, he accepted the superintendency of schools in Bonne Terre, Mo., where he remained five years. It was here that he met and afterwards married Alice Blanchard, who has worked side by side ,vith him in the schools for many years, and has been his mainstay. · He resigned from the schools of Bonne Terre to accept the presidency of Hartford College, Kentucky. After five years at the head of this college, he spent a year in rest and travel, then came to the wild, new unsettled country of Oklahoma, and settled in Idabel, McCurtain County, where, for t~ree years, he was city superintendent of schools. From this position he was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools which he held for three terms. In both these places, Prof. Gray rendered emi­ nent service in the upbuilding of a splendid system of schools. Coming, as he did, in the pioneer days of this county, he quickly became identified with its growth and development. Therefore, he is entitled to a place along with the most noted men in the county's history. He is again at the head of the Idabel schools and hopes to make them second to none in Southeast Okla­ homa. Prof. Gray is broad and liberal in his views, and has splendid success in life, not only as a teacher, but also as a business man. 220 , McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Mack R. Phillips. Mr. Phillips, the present Superintendent of Schools for McCurtain County, was born at Granette, Ark., in Sep­ tember, 1888, and after finishing the common schools, graduated at the University of Arkansas with the degree of B. A. in 1910. He began his career as a teacher the same year by being employed as principal of the high school at Steelville, Mo. From there he was sent as state aid in the schools of Fordyce, Ark. The following year he was chosen as princir al of the high school at Ashdown, Ark., ,vhere he served for two years. In 1914, he came to McCurtain County and was elected principal of the Idabel High School, and held that position for three years. After his service in the Idabel school he was employed t9 take charge of the school at Wright City, in this county, where he remained until his election on the Democratic ticket as county sui::erintendent of schools in 1920. After two years service in that office, he was nominated by his party for a second term without opposition, which, in this county is equivalent to an election. Mr. Phillips work in, and management of the office to which the people have called him a second time, has been very satisfactory, · especially to the teachers and boards of trustees with whom he is in close personal touch. As an educator of the pioneer days of the State, he has made a record that redounds to the credit of both himself and the county, and is yet only in the prime of his useful­ ness as such. SOlJTHEAST OKLAHOMA 221

J. F. Sharp~ J. F. Sharp was born at Erie. Tenn., in May, 1873. Mr. Sharp received a common school education in his native State, supplemented by one year at high school at Gainesville, Ozark County, Mo., at which place he taught his first school. He came to McCurtain County in 1905, as a teacher in the "Neighborhood Schools," under Federal supervision. When Oklahoma became a State he continued to teach in the rural schools of the county until 1919 when he moved to Smithville and established a real estate and law office, having pursued. the study of law during the time he was engaged as a teacher. He was one of the pioneers in educational work of McCurtain County and several of his former pupils are among the business and professional men and women in the northern part of the county. He has been active in local politics since state­ hood and has frequently been the nominee of the mi"nority party for important county and State offices. Mr. Sharp is rated among the best rural teachers of the county, and since retiring from the profession, is making a· success· of his chosen ·work in the thriving little town of Smithville.

Charles Straughn.

Charles Straughn, of Haworth, Okla., was born in Bullard County, Kentucky, and educated in the common schools of his native State and the Kentucky State Uni­ versity. He began teaching in 1895, and has been con­ tinuou~ly on the job ever since. His work has been practically confined to 1\1:cCurtain County since 1907. How­ ever, having been raised on a farm, he still has a soft place in his heart for that occupation, and in a small way, carries it along with is professional labors. He loves his work ~nd is conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a teacher, ·and says that he expects to continue teaching until the State pays him a pension to quit. 222 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 223

William T. Cooper. \Villiam T. Cooper, of Valliant, this county, is a product of Alabama, having been born in Jackson County of that State in January, 1872. In the way of education, he had only the common schools and high school training at different places in the State, and began his life's work at an early age in the country schools of Alabama, and dur­ ing this period pushed his own studies . of the higher branches of learning. He came to this State in 1909, and was at once employed by the Council Hill High School in Muskogee County. In 1912, he moved with his family to McCurtain County, and has taught in the county con­ tinually to the present, except one term. He is considered among the best mathmaticians in this part of the State, and is the author of "Cooper's Arithmetical Expression and Methods," a work that is helpful to both teachers and pupils. He is now 50 years old, but in his prime as an educator and one that McCurtain County appreciates.

Charles E. Pittman. Charles E. Pittman, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Texas, having been born in that State March· 23rd, 1881. Reared in the country, he had only the com­ mon schools until well up in his boyhood, and then one year at college. After his year at college he served several years as postman and clerk in a country store. At 22 years of age he began work as a teacher in his native State, where he taught in the rural schools for four years. As soon as the State government of Oklahoma was or­ ganized, he cast his lot with her fortunes, and has been a zealous and efficient worker in the educational field of our own McCurtain County ever since. Mr. Pittman is at present, and has been for the past three years, prin­ cipal of the Denison School in District 35. He is an enthusiastic member of the State Teachers' Association and his heart is in his work, for he declares that he expects to die in the harness. 224 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Arthur A. Westbrook. Arthur A. Westbrook was born at Center Point, Howard County, Ark., in March, 1896, and after completing the common school course finished a high school course, at Locksburg. In 1913 he entered the Southeastern Teachers' Collegt at Durant and graduated there in 1916. Immediately thereafter, he entered the Oklahoma Uni­ versity at Norman, ·where he remained for a year and a half, and only lacked four months of taking his degree. Mr. Westbrook has had ten years experience in the educational field, practically all of which has been given to the rural schools of McCurtain County. He is a con­ scientio11s and successful teacher; his heart is in his work; he teaches because he loves the duties of his chosen pro­ fession. in which he says that he expects to continue the remainder of his life, not, however, because of a large remuneration for his services, but because the profession affords a wonderful opportunity to render lasting service to the boys and girls of the country. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 225

D. M. Cochran. Among the many old and successful teachers of Mc­ Curtain County is D. M. Cochran, of Valliant. A native of Arkansas, Mr. Cochran came on late enough to get the advantage of a high scl1ool training, and after teaching a f e,v years in his native State came to McCurtain County in 1908, and resumed his work in the rural schools and taught continuously until 1920, since when he has lived on his farm near Valliant. J. R. Sprague. J. R. Sprague was born in Summerville, Ind., and during his boyhood attended the rublic schools of Ken­ tucky, Arkansas and Texas, did high school, normal and college work at the State Teac_he!s' College at Durant, Oklahoma, and took his A. B. degree at that institntion in 1921. He began his career as a rural teacher in Bryan County in 1911, later was principal of a village school, and in 1920-21 was ~mpioyed as principal of the Idabel High School, which position he still holds. Mr. Sprague has given much of his time in school work to athletics, in which he has been very successful in the Idabel schools. He coached five of his pupils in athletics to break the State record in the shot put in 1921, and at the district meets in 1921 and 1922 his class made "B" in track and "A" in other events~ Mr. Sprague says that the educa­ tional field is his chosen life's work and that he expects to live and die in the harness.

W. I. Whiteley. W. I. Whiteley, of Garvin, Oklahoma, teacher in charge of the Farmers' Hill School, is a native of Arkansas, born in that State, at Lamar, December 24th, 1889. In addi­ tion to the common schools, he has had normal school training. He began teaching in 1909 and has taught con­ tinuously since, except 14 months while in the army, taking his normal courses between terms. He says that he has chosen the educational field for his life's work and expects to keep up with the procession in improved methods. 226 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

1'HE PACT. By Catherine Carter.

I said to life: "If thou wilt walk with me, Till those that thou thyself, hath given me No longer need my circling arm's support, I pledge thee in return, my very best, And will not fail thee in the hour of need, But ever lend my strength to weaker ones Who walk along my way." "Just walk with me till they have older grown, Till they are strong, and brave, and know thy ways; Then lead me to some quiet spot Where thy twin brother waits, who will unbar The way that leads to that blessed land, Where no child needs my help."

228 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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TO THE BIG TREE.

By Catherine Carter. Big Tree, Big Tree, how I long to know, All the things that you hav·e seen, in the long ago; Long before the foot of man trod beneath your shade, When the wild things roamed the wood, free and unafraid.

Ere my father's grandsire lived, you were tall and grand, Like a sentinel you stood,. watching o'er the land; Long before the cruel axe laid your brothers low, You were king of all your kind, in the long ago.

Many changes have you seen, like a passing show, Scenes of love and scenes of hate, in the long ago. High ·within your leafy crest, voices come and go, Telling of the many things that I long to know.

But my listening ear is dull, and but faintly hears, All the tales that you would tell of the passing years. Only birds can understand whispering soft and low, Wondrous stories that you tell of the long ago. 230 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

THE lTNCHANGING PINE.

(By Catherine Carter.) The sombre pine tree lifts its stately head ·Above the budding beauties of the spring, Above the drifts of dogwoods' gleaming white . And blushing redbud, where the wild birds sing.

But to the pine the springtime brings no change, 'Tis still the same it was in days gone by, And in the world of tender growing things It seems almost a blot against the sky.

And in the fullness of the summer.s bloom We quite for get the · sombre of its green, Until the glories of the autumn comes, With all its gleamng wealth of golden sheen.·

Upon the pine no crown of gold is set, With autumn's briliant red it is not dressed, It sings the song it sang in days of old, The changing season brings it no unrest.

But when the winter winds doth sob and sigh, And flowers are dead and other trees are bare, Against the dreary grayness of th~ sky, The pine tree gleams most fair.

Oh, sombre pine tree, with thy stately grace, Teach me thy secret of unchanging calm, That when life's winter I am called to face. I may not shirk or cry for healing balm, Teach me thy secret that my soul may be Serene and calm and beautiful like thee.

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IlEV.. JAMES DYER SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 233

Rev. __Tames Dyer Rev. James Dyer was born near Eagletown, McCur­ tain County, in 1838, and died August 7th, 1921, within a few miles of the place where he was born. He was one of the most prominent Indians of the Choctaw Nation from his early manhood until within a few years of his death. When he was 18 years old, Rev. Cyrus Kingsberry, a Pres­ byterian minister, took him to Nashville, Tenn., and gave him four years in school. On his return home he was eltcted representative to the Choctaw Council at Naniwaya, near Tuskahoma, from what was at that time, Eagle County, Indian Territory. From then on, he represented his people in their councils from time to time until state­ hood. He also represented the nation as a delegate at Washington on one or two occasions. He served as a member of the Dawes Commission and assisted in winding up the affairs of the five civilized tribes preparatory to statehood. He joined the Presbyterian Church and at the age of 30 was ordained a minister, and until his death waf, engaged in ministerial work among his people. His was an active life and he accomplished a great deal in a moral and religious way for his race. 234 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

McCurtain's History Makers

Hon. G. M. Barrett. Hon. G. M. Barrett, judge of the 27th District of Oklahoma and a McCurtain County product, was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee, in 187 4, and moved to. Arkansas with his parents when a boy, where he had the- benefits of the common schools of that State, and afterwards a high school c.:ourse. On leaving school he began teaching in the rural districts and operated a Georgia stock on his father's farm in between schools. In 1889, he began the study of la"! at Nashville, Ark., and in 1902, was admitted to the bar of Arkansas at Ashdown. With an eye single to the advantag-es that were to be offered by coming to the State of Oklahoma, he immigrated to McCurtain County in 1905) and settled at Garvin, the then booming town of Southeast Oklahoma, where he practiced his profession with varying success until 1912, when he was elected county attorney on the Democratic ticket. He served a second term of two years as prosecuting attorney, and then retired and took up his practice as a member of the firm of Steel, Lake and Head, located at Idabel. In ~ very short \Yhile after he began his private practice he ,vas again called to serve the public, this time as U. S . ..A.ssistant Prosecuting Attorney, for during his four years' ,vork as county attorney, he had acquired a State repu­ tation as a prosecutor. Later, he resigned this position and accepted the aprointment as judge of the 27th Judicial District and after serving out the term of appointment, ,vas elected to succeed himself in the election of 1922. While still a young man, Judge Barrett has given about ten years of his life to public service. He is a splendid lawyer, and as a prosecutor ,vas a hard hitter. Off the bench, he is a pleasant and affable gentleman; on the bench, he is stern, but just and able jurist. In an earnest and conscientious desire to discharge the responsible duties of his office with credit to himself and honor to his State, SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 235 he has to some extent, impaired his health. He is a 32- degree Mason and a Shriner, member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other fraternal orders.

James Dyer, Jr. James Dyer, Jr., was born at Eagletown, this county, in 1890, of full-blood Indian parents, educated in the country schools of that day, ,vhich were few and far be­ tween, and the Presbyterian College at Durant. James Dyer has forged to the front· as one of the prominent citizens of the county and has proven hh;nself a worthy son of splendid parentage. When the question of statehood came up in 1906 and 1907, young Dyer opposed the change, for he disliked to see the almost unlimited privileges of his native home and the old hunting grounds taken over by a people whose energies he knew ·would absorb them. but he, at that age, could see the inevitable, and aligning him­ self with the dominant political party-Democratic-he became interested in public affairs, and as a private in the rear ranks, did all he could to further the interest of his party and the economical and industral progress of his country,. especially the agricultural interests, as he is a farmer. In 1920, he was urged to become a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected to represent the county in November of that year. When the Legislature met in 1921, he was at once appointed a member of several com­ mittees, and began his career ·as a public servant. His E:ervices in the 8th Legislature, were such that his con­ stituency returned him in 1922. Notwithstanding the fact that his parents were Presbyterians, James Dyer and his family are members of the Baptist Church. He is connected with some of the oldest and most prominent Indian families in the country, and while he is in the front of progressive ranks, he is true to the traditions of his people. 236 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

.TAMES DYER .TR. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 237

Paul Stewart. This young man is an Arkansas product, and that old State will have reason to be proud of her issue in this instance. He was born at Clarksville in February, 1892, of Scotch-Irish descent from both parents. Came to Oklahoma in 1897, at a time when there were only a few community schools in this i::ortion of the State. But his father was a teacher and ~pared no pains in giving Paul the best the county afforded at that time. By 1910 he completed the high school course at Idabel, under Prof. L. N. Gray, and shortly thereafter moved to Haworth, this county, where he entered the mercantile business in a small way, during which time he studied law at night, and was admitted to the bar in 1915. His first public 238 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND work was that of census enumerator in 1910. In 1914 he was appointed postmaster at Haworth, in which office he served for six years, when he resigned to become a candidate for the Legislature but was defeated by James Dyer, the present incumbent. Then we find him out of public life for the next two years, and engaged in his law practice in "\\rhich he is considered successful. In 1922 he again became a candidate for the Legislature in the Demo­ cratic primary, was nominated and elected in November of that year. Paul Stewart is a reality, physically and intellectually. About six feet, weighs 240 pounds, has a pleasing personality and a smile that nature has given him, which doesn't rub off, and which is proving a winner. His achievements at the age of thirty are sufficient evidence of his energy and intellectual attainments. His ambition is to go to the top in a representative capacity, and if association with hard-boiled politicians doesn't mar the honest, generous and truthful qualities that nature and proper training have given him, the goal is his.

Judge George T. Arnett. Judge George T. Arnett, of Idabel, Okla., a native of Texas, born at Manchester, Red River County, June 20,, 18~4, was raised on a farm and remained there until he was 24 years old, practically the sole support of his mother and four younger brothers and sisters, his father having died when he was but 12 years old. His education was obtained, even in the common schools, under difficulties that required grit and determination-plowing all day and studying at night. When he had finished with the public schools, he took a course at Commercial College, Tyler, Texas. In November, 1908, he came to Idabel, and began work for the Smith Lumber Company as bookkeeper. A few years later he attended the Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn., ~nd was admitted to the bar in that State in January, 1915. In June, 1915, he went before the of Oklahoma and was licensed to practice law in his adopted State, and opened an office in Idabel, SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 239 where, as a citizen and a lawyer, he is respected and trusted. On March 3rd of the present year-1923-under a special Act of the Legislature providing for an additional judge for the 27th District, he was appointed district judge, and for the first time, McCurtain County has a resident district judge and one whom her people appreciate. During the late war he served faithfully as a mem­ ber of the local board for the county. Judge Arnett is a lawyer of ability, and this ability has been acquired by persistent study and hard work. He has been successful in his chosen field of work, financially and as a practitioner. llis appointment as additional judge met the hearty approval of the people of the district-the right ·man in the right place.

R. C. Oldham. R. C. Oldham, the subject of this sketch, was born in Maury City, Crockett County, Tenn., October 31st, 1881, was brought up on a farm where he lived until his 20th year. During this time he attended the common schools of his native State and acquired such a knowledge of the text books as the schools of that day and time had to offer the pupil. His further course of learning was at the "University of Hard Knocks," the university whose course of study consists of common sense and tough experiences. Of this school, Mr. Oldham is a graduate, but he says that he occasionally takes a post-graduate course. On the 17th of July, 1903, in a railroad accident, he lost both legs, one above, and the other below the knee, the loss of which is supplied by artificial limbs. This misfortune doesn't seem to embarrass him or impair his usefulness as a man and a citizen. In October, 1919, he was appointed treasurer of the county to fill the unexpired term of F. B. West, resigned, and at the end of that term was elected to succeed him­ self. In the election of 1922, he became a candidate for, 240 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND and was elected to the office of County Commissioner. from the Second District over C. J. Townsend, one of the best and most popular men in the county. Under our law, the offices of treasurer and tax col­ lector are combined, and the successful handling of the business of this combined office requires an expert ac­ countant. l\tlr. Oldham and his trusted help have invari­ ably received the commendation of the State experts whose duty it is to inspect the books of the various county officials. There is a romance connected with the loss of his legs and the gaining of his wife, who is a daughter of the late Captain W. S. Ray of this county, which may find place in a later biography of his life. As a companion and friend, Mr. Oldham is cheerful and entertaining; as a citizen he is A-1; and •as a public official, he is accommodating, popular, capable and trust­ worthy.

.J. Richard Jones. J. Richard Jones is a native of the State of Arkansas, born in 1882, in Nevada County of that State and raised on a farm. He attended the common schools and had a high school course in the high school of the town of ---. Richard came with his father's family to McCurtain County in November, 1909, and settled in Idabel. In 1912 he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Holman and served in that capacity during the four years of Hol­ man's two terms. In 1916, he was a candidate for sheriff but was defeated by John W. DeWitt, when he returned tu the farm. In 1920, he was appointed under-sheriff by A. W. Felker and served as such until Sheriff Felker's death in August, 1922, when he received the appointment of sheriff. Mr. Felker having received the Democratic nomination for sheriff in 1922, was killed at Wright City a few days afterwards, and his :r:lace on the ticket was vacant. At a meeting of the Central Committee held for the purpose of nominating a candidate for sheriff to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sheriff Felker, J. R. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 241

received the nomination and was elected at the November election over C. 0. Allen, the Republican nominee, and one of the most popular men in the county. Sheriff Jones' official family is composed of S. R. Bryant, under-sheriff, with Charles H. Holman and Joe Johnson as deputies, Mayo James, office deputy, Victor Buchanan and Forest Parsons day and night jailors. Richard Jones is a quiet, modest man, conscientious in the discharge of the duties of his office, and while he is courageous, he is not a gun man. Only once has he had to use his gun effectively, and that was in defense of a peaceable community against the willful and whoesale mur­ derer, Clayton Thompson, at Wright City, in August, 1922. For this, he received the plaudits of the people, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." 242 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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A. W. Felker. A. W. Felker was born in Union, Alabama, in De­ cember, 1875, and raised to manhood in that State. After finishing the common schools, he had high school training at Collinsville, Alabama. He came to the Indian Territory in the early days and settled near the town of Valliant, or rather where that town was afterwards built, and followed farming and stockraising, until he entered the service of the U. S. Government with the geographical surveyors who surveyed the Choctaw and Chicasaw Nations, with whom he worked for three years, and afterwards served in Texas in like capacity. In 1907 he was elected county surveyor, and served for two terms. In 1916, he was a candidate for sheriff and was defated by only 48 votes in SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 243 the primary election. In 1920, he was again a candidate for sheriff, and was his party's choice by a large ma­ jority, and was elected by the Democrats in the general election. Again in 1922, he received the Democratic nomi­ nation for a second term, and his popularity as a man and officer assured his election had he lived until that time. His tragic and untimely death is recorded elsewhere in this book, and is the saddest and most regretable in the county's history. Felker was not only a splendid officer, but a good citizen and a kind and affectionate father and husband. While he had accumulated only a small property-a farm well stocked and his home in town-he had provided for his wife and children amply in the way of life insurance. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was buried by that order at Wheelock Cemetery in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives.

Judge George A. Spaulding. Judge Spaulding, now of Ardmore, but for many years a resident of McCurtain County, is a native of New York, born in 1855 at Glenn Falls. His education consisted of an academic course at Mechanicsville and a term at Bryan & Stratton's Business- College at Troy, N. Y. When a young man he moved to Kansas and was admitted to practice law in that State in 1881, and to the U. S. Supreme Court in 1906. He came to the Indian Territory in 1896, and located at Poteau. In 1898 was appointed U. S. Commis­ sioner and moved to Goodwater, and from thence to Garvin in 1902, where he served as commissioner until in 1907. Immediately after statehood he opened a law office with Judge T. G. Carr at Idabel, and continued in the practice until in 1917, when he moved to Ardmore and again accepted the appointment of U. S. Commissioner. Aside • from his ability as a lawyer and a judge, he is a splendid citizen, a staunch friend and a good neighbor. 244 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Charles E. -Brown. Charles E. Brown was born in Hallsville, Texas, lived in Jefferson, Texas, until coming to Oklahoma. Entered school at Carnegie, Okla., in 1903, and immediately after finishing his high school he entered the Farm Loan busi­ ness, holding the position of cashier in the firm of Gum Bros. in Oklahoma City for four years, when he decided to establish a business of his own. Coming to Fort Tow­ son, in Choctaw County, he liked the situation and opened an office in that town, and also in Valliant, this county. Later-1916-he saw the advantages offered in his line in a county seat town, so moved his office to Idabel, Mc­ Curtain County, where he has established one of the most extensive business of this kind in the southeast part of the State. In 1922, he opened a branch office in Hugo, Choctaw County, where he spends much of his time, leaving the management and work of the Idabel office to his trusted and competent clerical 1nan, Mr. Frank Lamb. Up to date, he has made over 700 loans in southeast Okla­ homa, aggregating one and a half million dollars. There is a prevailing opinion that a thorough business man should be reserved, austere, and even grouchy, but Charles H. Brown contravenes this idea, for he is cheerful, entertaining, tolerant and altogether pleasant in his ad- ' dress and manners. When asked, "To what in your opinion do you owe your success in business?" The short answer came readily, "Fair Dealing."

Francis D. Taaffe. Francis D. Taaffe, born in Indian Territory, of Indian blood, May 6th, 1877, near the village of Tom, in McCur­ tain County. After taking the local schools, he completed the entire high school course at Jones' Academy at Harts­ horn, and in 1897 was with U. S. Geological Survey of Indian Territory. In 1900, to 1902, he was employed as one of the surveyors in locating route of Arkansas and Choctaw Railroad, from Hope to Ardmore, and from 1902 SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 245 to 1908 was local surveyor and timber man for the Red River Timber Co. Later, he was appointed County Assist­ ant Surveyor and elected to that office the same year. In 1914 he was appointed Assistant State Engineer and served until 1918. He then entered the U. S-. Service, Indian Department, \vhere he served until his re-election as County Surveyor in 1922. · Mr. Taaffe doubtless has a better knowledge of the topography of southeast Oklahoma than anyone in the State. He is reliable in his line of work, and conscientious in the discharge of his public duty.

IDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. NE of the livest businesg organizations of this, or any other county in the State, is the Ida Chamber of Commerce. Ida is a little rural village situated in the foot-hills of the Kiamichi range at the extreme northwest corner of McCurtain County, on an elevated plateau of rich lands and has an ideal climate. The village and the surrounding community have good schools, many churches, and the people are noted for t,_,eir kindly hospitality and a keen insight for anything by which their county may be made to prosper. At a 1neemting of their Chamber of Commerce held on November the 28th, 1922, a series of resolutions were adopted, and as evidence of a spirit of public enterprise ~hould go down in the history of the county. The resolu­ tions show that the members of the chamber are familiar ·with the best methods of securing State and local aid in any public enterprise that ,vill accrue to the interest of their county and State. They assault the walls of S~ate, National and local legislative bodies from every conceivable angle; i:oint out their troubles an

I~ . .\l. DE \Y ITT Idabel Chamber of Commerce , HIS body "yas organized in 1919, however, there ~VII had been other organizations prior to this time, known as the Board of Trade, etc. In its con­ stitution it is stated that th·e purposes of the organization is "To promote and advance the Civil, In­ dustrial, Commercial, Agricultural and Laboring Interests of Idabel and McCurtain County, and to further a united and friendly intercourse between its members." Officers and Directors. After a permanent organization had been effected, H. A. Olliver was employed as secretary and the following SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA . 247 named members chosen as Board of Directors : John M. Tyler, president; Waldo Watkins, vice-president; W. L. Niedermier, R. C. Newton, Wade Stevens, J. G. Griffith, W. A. Loftin, E. M. Fulmer, H. C. Morris, D. B. Strawn, J. B. Goolsby. These officers and members of the Board were succeeded in 1920 by themselves, except a few changes in the personnel of the Board membership, and the resigna­ tion of H. A. Olliver, secretary. Mr. L. N. Gray filled out his unexpired term as secretary. In 1921, W. L. Nieder­ mier was elected president and H. A. Naylor, secretary, with a few changes in the membership of the Board. In 1922, L. G. Griffith was elected president, R. M. DeVvitt, secretary. In the same year the by-laws were amended so as to elect half the Board of Directors every six months. The officers for the present year-1923--are: F. E. Alex­ ander, president; L. G. Herron, vice-president; J. W. De­ \Vitt, treasurer; R. M. De\Vitt, secretary.

Achievements. The following list of measures J.nd things secured for Idabel and McCurtain C~unty furnishes proof of what a united effort can do for a comn1unity by broadminded men: They were largely instrumental in making of Idabel a city of the first class; secured a reduction of fire insurance rates; for the Bankhead highway, they aided materially in putting over a bond issue of $350,000, which was matched by the Federal Government; routing of Lee highway; rout­ ing of Ozark trail; building local roa

SPANISH-AMERICAN VETERANS OF THE COUNTY.

J. C. Howell. J. C. Howell, at present · a citizen of Garvin, this county, enlisted for the war with Spain at Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1898. After a year's service in the Philippine Islends, was sent back home and was honorably discharged at Fort Sam Houston in 1900. I-le immediately re-enlisted and was sent back to the islands as a member of Troop A, U. S. Cavalry. The full time of his service was five and a half years.

Robert E. Ginn. Robert E. Ginn, a Spanish-American war veteran, was born at Salem, .._1\rkansas, March 11th, 1881, educated only in the common schools of the State, and when 21 years of age, enlisted in the U. S. Army for the war with Spain, at Bonham, Texas, in 1902. He was sent across to the Philip­ pine Islands w!-:ere he served for the term of his enlist­ ment, came back to the United States, and was honorably discharged at San Francisco in August, 1903. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOl\1:A 249

Women.'s Clubs of the County

Pioneer Reading Club of Idabel. ir,;:;iz~&Tra, HIS Club was organized in May, 1910, by resident v.~omen of Isabel, with Mrs E. C. Armstrong as president and Mrs. 0. L. Byrns secretary. ·The charter members were: Mrs. Armstrong. Mrs. Baxter, Miss Armstrong, Mrs. Byrns, Mrs. ,Jessie DeWitt, Mrs. Etheredge, Mrs. Graydon, Mrs. James, Mrs. J. A. Jordan, Mrs. W. A. Loftin, Mrs. R. C. Martin, Mrs. E. G. Nelson, Mrs. \Valter Ray, Mrs. J. F. Roberts, Mrs. Gus Rowland and Mrs. Carl \Veaver, constituting a charter membership of fifteen. One of the outstanding features of the club's constitu­ tion was the limitation of membership to 20 members. However, when a vacancy occurs, there are always appli­ cants for membership on the waiting list. Mrs. Roy Abbott is the present presiding officer, and Mrs. E. A. Coy le is secretary. Usually, a year-book is prepared, outlining the subjects for discussion during the year. Such subjects as the "Bay View Courses," "Mentor Courses," "American Literature," "Citizenship," and many subjects of a miscellaneous nature are discussed at the club's semi-monthly meetings The Pioneer Reading Club is a member of both State and District Women's Federated Clubs. There is a bit of interesting history connected ·with this club, or more probably with its origin. The first club ever organized in Idabel was a Needle Work Club, known as the "Princilla Club," of which Mrs. E. C. Arm­ strong was president, the members of which, feeling the need of a study club, decided to merge the "Princilla" into the Pioneer Reading Club. After this was done, the members turned their attention to aecuring a public library 250 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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for Idabel, and with some assistance from other sources, are making it a success. . There are now about 1,0Q0 vol­ umes in the town library, which is opened to the public every Tuesday and Saturday afternoons.

Delphian Club of Idabel. N April, 1919, after the excitement and busy times attending war work had subsided, about forty of Idabel's good women got together and organized a Delphian Club, the work and influ­ ence of which have proven a boon to the social and intel- lectual status of Idabel women. Mrs. Niedermier was elected president, Mrs. Latimer vice-president, Mrs. Arm­ strong secretary, Mrs. I-Iouston treasurer, and Mrs. West parliamentarian, and with this coterie of efficient officers, the club was a success from the beginning. The objects and purposes· of the club were for self and mutual improvement of the membership, to promote and foster a higher plane of thought and action, and be­ sides the regular Delphian course, many interesting papers and talks are presented at the semi-monthy meetings on current and other interesting subjects. The officers for the present club year are: l\'Irs. Tyler, president; Mrs. Niedermier, vice-president; lVIrs. McCaskill, secretary; l\frs. Coyle, treasurer; Mrs. Knoch, parliamentarian; Mrs. Clov:dis, critic. The Advisory Board is composed of three members-Mrs. Etheridge, l\Irs. Foshee and Mrs. Stevens constitute the board for the present year. To the Delphian Club, \vhile under the presidency of Mrs. Demma Oldham, is due the credit of promoting the County Federated Club. 252 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA . 253

The Chocta\v Lumber Company ROGRESS and development of the methods of logging and lumbering furnishes one of the rr1ost interesting features of American indus­ tries. In fact, the n1anufacture of lumber has been brought to a degree of efficiency that is almost miraculous. The questions, "How is it made?" and "Where does it come from?" are interesting in connection with any commodity. As to the manufacture of lumber~ the "How" and the "Where" are answered in th~ following brief sketch of one of the largest and most succesful industries of this kind in the. Southwest: 'A'hen from a small beginning, and in a compara- tively short while, a business concern attains to a prominent place in any particular line of industry, it is safe to say that there are basic reasons for its success, and in the case of the Choctaw Lumber Company there are many reasons that may be given. Tr,e con1pany's fixed purpose and policy in the be­ ginning---which has been persistently adhered to- was to produce lumber from the .best grade of pine and hard,vood timbers to be four:d in the south·west-lumber of superior quality,. correctly manufactured and graded, handled ·with care and judgment fron1 the forest to the car for shipn1ent. This purr:ofe and policy not only required the best grade of timber, but the most modern and thoroug:1 equipment . .A. vi.;;itGr to the company's two mills, located at Broken Rffw and Wright City, this county, n1ust be impressed ,vith the splendid arrangement anrl efficient management of these large and ur-to-date mills. There is a double band mill at \Vright City with a daily capacity of125,000 feet, and another at Broken Bo\\' \\rith almost equal capacity. A hardwood mill, capable of turning out 60,000 feet of oak, gum, cotton\\·ood and other hardwood lumber, is located at Broken Bow. 254 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

The system of handling the logs in the· woods, their transportation to the mills by rail and finally through the ponds to the saws, is little short of wonderful. Every­ thing except falling the trees and cutting them into Jogs, is done by machinery. Especially is this the case in hard­ wood logging. Mule teams, of which there are hundreds, are used in the pine logging districts. The greatest asset in the efficient and economical management of this vast manufacturing plant, is the prac­ tical knowledge of the business and close attention given it by the owners and operators, who are men that have come up from the bottom of the industry and are familiar with every detail. Their long and intimate relations with the retail lumber trade enabled them to know just what the trade demanded. The founder of the business, Hans Dierks, started in the lumber business in 1880, with a retail yard at Walnut, . Selling out there, he went to and opened a series of retail yards in different towns of that State. In 1886, Herman Dierks entered the business as a partner, and the retail business was continued under the name of Dierks Bros. until 1895, in which year the Dierks Lumber & Coal Co. was organized with headquarters at Lincoln, Neb. In 1897 the headquarters of the company were moved to Kansas City, Mo., and the concern began manufacturing in a small ,vay at Petros, Indian Territory. In 1900 the company bought out a plant at DeQueen, Ark., with a considerable st um rage, and to this nucleus have been added something like a quarter million acres of pine and hardwood holdings. The company's Oklahoma timber sup­ ply alone, is sufficient to continue operations for fifteen years. In the woods, and at the plants at Broken Bow and Wright City, about 1200 men are employed. The total annual output of the McCurtain C'?unty plants is over 100,000,000 feet of pine and 12,000,000 feet of hardwood lumber. All lumber is band-sawn and the latest type of SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 255 finishing machinery with careful handling and grading, insure a perfect product. The Choctaw ·Lumber Company owns and operates, besides many miles of logging roads, about 45 miles of railroad running from Valliant, Okla., to DeQueen, Ark., connecting with the Frisco at Valliant, and the K. C. S. at DeQueen. This road is now, and has been for several years, a common carrier, and has done more towards winning the virgin forests of North lVIcCurtain for agri­ cultural development than any other factor. To give some idea of the equipment necessary to operate their railroad mileage, the company uses 16 loco­ motives and 150 40-f oot steel underframed logging cars. Besides the vast holdings and operations in McCurtain County, Okla., the company has equally as large interests in Southwest Arka·nsas, with mills located at DeQueen and Dierks in Sevier County. The outstanding feature of the Choctaw Lumber Com­ pany is its consideration for, and . fair dealing with em­ ployees. \Vherever the logging camps are located, there are to be found schools for the children of the employees' families; a place for worship; Sunday School; athletic conveniences; comfortable portable houses, conveniently located and kept under sanitary conditions. Every means of precaution are taken for the health, safety and protection of employees; there are no strikes, no suits for damage, nor any con1p!aints of unfair treat­ ment. The department managers have been with the com­ pany since its organization, and many of them have been promoted from the rank and file of the ,vorkers to places of trust and responsibility. The heads of large industries owe their success, in nearly every instance, to their lieu­ tenants' and employees' efficiency, and the Choctaw Lum­ ber Company is to be congratulated on their ability to get the righ ~ man for the right place. 256 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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One of the oldest schools, and the only academy in the county, is situated about a mile east of Millerton, known as Wheelock Academy. This school is under the super­ vision of a faculty employed by the Federal Government and is confined to the education and domestic training of

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Indian girls. Many of the mothers of our best Indian families are products of this institution. In 1915, a cyclone destroyed many of the church build­ ings of Idabel, but they have been replaced with modern brick and stone structures that have few equals in the State. Seven of the Protestant denominations are repre­ sented by church organizations and church buildings. Ida­ bel is essentially a church town. The majority of her people are members of some one of the churches. Her women are zealous workers in behalf of their respective churches, and they talk and do religion. Nowhere in this land of ours are more charitable, kind and Christian women to be found than in the town of Idabel. 260 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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The white people of the rural districts, so far, have contented themselves with the community school buildings as places of worship. While there are church organizations in nearly every community, of one or more denominations> there are very fe,v church buildings outside of the rail­ road to"\\1ns. The Indians have their church buildings in every one of their settlements and are very punctilious in religious and church matters. The fraternal orders are well and numerously repre­ sented in the county. Masons and Odd Fellows have lodges in all the towns and in some localities of the rural dis­ tricts. Many of the fraternal insurance orders are repre­ sented. Most of the Negro population is in the Red River district. They have good 8chools and churches.

Highways and Bridges URING the last ten years the changes and im­ provements that have been wrought in the county, her towns and villages are little short of ,vonderful. By and with the co-operation of the Federal Government and the State's help and indi­ vidual push and contributions, the county has managed for a system of State and other highways running in all directions through its territory, some of which have been completed and others nO'w under construction. Most of the smaller· streams crossed by these high­ ways have safe and permanent bridges, and but for the exhorbitant prices of steel bridge material since the be­ ginning of the late war, all of the large streams would have been bridged at places most convenient to the travel­ ing public. In 1916, R. M. DeWitt and others built a steel bridge across Little River, three miles north of Idabel, on the highway leading to Broken Bow, which was operated for toll, but the Chamber of Commerce of J dabel came to the 262 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND rescue of the traveling public and chartered its use for free traffic. The Williams Highway, out of Broken Bow northward, runs to Bethel, a distance of 30 miles, and connects with the road froJ!l that place to Smithville and eastern Arkan­ sas towns on the K. C. S. Railroad. This road was very much needed, as it opens the way for the development of the northern part of the county and brings the markets many miles nearer to the people of that region.

The Merry High\\1 ay, going out of Wright City to Bethel and Ida, 25 miles north, is also a splendid piece of engineering and a great convenience to a large part of the county's ropulation. The people of the county are largely indebted to Judge R. L. Williams, who, while Governor of the State, aided in securing the appropriations for building these roads, ,vhich will prove a lasting monu­ ment to the kindly interest in behalf of the people of McCurtain County. The Bankhead I-Iighway, as per survey and adopted route, will extend through the county from the northeast to the southwest, thus completing a system of splendid roads intersecting all parts of the county. With a continued zealous spirit of public improvement it is only a matter of a few years ,vhen all the streams will be bridged, and as the highways will be kept up by the State and county, the people -will only have to keep up the roads intersecting them. As the axe and the saw have been the fore runners of settlement and development of our country, so has the automobile been the· forerunner of good roads and high­ ways. vVhile it is true that the automibile is more de­ structive to roads than any vehicle that runs over them, they are doing more to facilitate travel, shorten dis­ tances, _fraternize people and perpetuate good roads than any other means of travel. SOUTHEAST OKLAH01\1A 263

Public and Private Buildings S yet, very little has been done in any of the towns in the way of public buildings. The town and city courts are held in private build­ ings and so are the meetings of city councils, chambers of commerce and other like bodies. However, the county has one building of which her people are justly proud. Near the center of the business section of Idabel stands a structure of brick and stone that does honor and credit to tb e artistic taste and public spirit of her people. This building--the County Court House-was begun in 1919, and informally oi:ened for business in the fall of 1920. It is fireproof and modern throughout. The jail constitutes a fourth story and is sanitary, safe and con­ venient. The cost, including the furniture and · equip-• ment, was $160,000. In all the towns of the county are many handsome and modern residences with beautiful grounds and lawns. The shacks that are peculiar to the rapid growth of towns in a ne,v ce,untry, have given way to substantial and commodious brick buildings for business and other pur­ poses. In the rural districts, log cabins have been suc­ ceeded by neat frame buildings with, in some instances, modern tendencies, and so has the little 10 by 12 log crib sheded on one side, bEen lost in the slogan for better barns. The old worm rail fence is rarely ever seen any more, post and wire having taken its place. One of the latest additions to the public buildings is the American Legion Hut, a photo of which is seen on page -, situated on South Central A venue. Not an im­ posing, but a commodious, roomy and homey building, owned by the local rost, and used by the public for balls, concerts, etc. The post has installed a radio in the hut, and here their friends are frequently entertained. 264 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

World War Soldiers George M. Oakley. "Come on, boys; if I get out of this, I am all right; and if I don't, I am all right anyway_" These are the words of George Oakley to his comrades just as they got up from prayer before starting into battle at St. Mihiel, -on the morning before the armistice was signed. When they had gone into the fight a shell came whizzing and exploded in the midst of the nine who were together Oakley was cut completely in halves while everyone around him was wounded by the bursting shell. He was a member of Company K, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division, of which -a complete history has been written. Enlisting at Idabel, Okla., June 28th, 1917, he crossed the sea aoon after and was rushed to the front, where on November 10th, 1918, he made the sacrifice with many others of his country. He was the son of J. W. and Fannie Oakley of this city, and it was he for ,vhom the local post of the ...t-\merican Legion has been named.

Clyde Buchanan. The subject of this sketch was born in Little River County, Arkansas, 1896. He came to McCurtain County with his parents in his early boyhood, and was raised to young manhood near the town of Valliant. On the first of February, 1918, he enlisted in the U. S. Army at Idabel, Oklahoma, and after a short period of training in camp was sent overseas, and was killed in France on August 5th, 1918. Later, his remains were sent home from France and buried in the Valliant Cemetery, surrounded by the many friends of his home community. Clyde was a son of E. V. and Ada Buchanan, nee Chapman, and was one of the most popular young men in the county. To know Clyd2 Buchanan was to love and respect him. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 265

Gilbert W. Daney. G-ilbert W. Daney was born near Talahina, Choctaw Nation, June 15th, 1876. Attended neighborhood schools and had two years at Jones Academy. Later, took a course ·at Neal Commercial School, Fort Smith, Art Began the study of la,v and was admitted to the bar of the State in 1917, after having taken a year at Lebanon, Tenn., Law School. Enlisted in the U. S. Army at Idabel, February 12th, 1917. Left the United States for France March 3rd, 1918. Returned to the United States July 18th, 1919. Awarded ·victory Medal per G. 0. 48, W. D. 1919. His service was honest and faithful, so says his military record. He was honorably discharged from the army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 11th of February, 1920. On his return home, Mr. Daney resumed the practice of law at Idabel, where he has since resjded.

Herbert Risenhoover. (By J. R. Knight.) This McCurtain County boy, who formerly resided at Ida, ,vas one of a class of 30 who were sent to Camp Cody, in New Mexico, the latter part of October, 1918, just when the flu was raging in its most malignant form. He, with n1ost of his comrades, contracted the disease and rounded out "taps" towards that "bourne from which no traveler returns." His last remarks to the folks at home ·were, "If I have to die, I want to die for my coun­ try," and on November first, after his arrival in camp, he passed a,vay ,vithout ever having an opportunity to strike a blow. Herbert McKinley Risenhoover was born at Y ocana, Ark., July 18th, 1898, where he lived with his parents until coming to McCurtain County in 1913. He attended school at Ida, and was a leader in social affairs of the village and community and a general favorite especially with the younger set. The Government sent his remains home and now he rests in the beautiful Woodman Cemetery near his chosen home in the mountain village of Ida, Okla. 266 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Thomas E. Daniels. Thomas E. Daniels, a World War veteran, was a na­ tive of Fannin County, Texas, and was raised to young manhood in that county, having only the benefit of the public schools. In 1917 he enlisted in Company E, 359th Infantry, and the 90th Division. After a short time· in training camp was sent overseas, and was almost imme­ diately rushed to the front with his company where he was, engaged in hard fighting that occupied the 90th Division. After passing through several of these battles, he was killed on the field of battle just eleven days before the signing of the armistice. llis brothers and sisters all live near Millerton, in this county.

Luther Dickey. Luther Dickey, son of E. F. and V. A. Dickey, of Broken Bo,v, was born at Emmett, Ark., in 1889. En­ listed in the army at Dawson, Texas, 1917. Went across seas soon after, a_nd was fatally wounded and died at base hospital in France, February 6th, 1919. His remains have been brought home and buried in the cemetery at Broken Bow.

Emmett Blanton. Emmett Blanton, ,vhose parents live at Broken Bow, this county, was born in Red River County, Texas, in 1892. Enlisted at Idabel and after a short stay at Camp Travis, was sent overseas with the 2nd Detachment, Company C, 340th Infantry. He was gassed at Forest Hill, captured by the G~rmans and was in prison until the armistice. On coming home he was sent to Fort Ward, in New Mexico, for treatment, but died there on the 15th of May, 1919, and was brought home and buried at Wright City.

C. B. Wilson. C. B. Wilson, of Broken Bow, was born in Hugo, Mo., SOUTHEAS'f OKLAHOMA 267 in 1896, enlisted for the ,var at Waynesville, that State, in 1918. Saw overse~s service for the remainder of the war, and was honorably discharged at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He is now in the jewelry business at Broken Bow, this county.

Sylvester Pate. Syilvester Pate, son of Benjamin and Ora Pate, born at Bagwell, Texas, January 20th, 1896, and had only a short course in the common schools of Texas and Okla­ homa. He enlisted for the World War at Idabel in June, 1917, and ,vent into training at Camp Travis at once. Left Camp Travis for France on the 9th of June, 1918. He was fatally wounded October 12th, somewhere in France, and died the next day. Was a member of Com­ pany E, 358th Infantry, 90th Division. His remains were brought home and buried at the Denison Cemetery, near Idabel. Roster of Ben McCullough Camp U. C. V. No. 17 48, Idabel R. W. Jones, Commander of Camp, 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, 20th Arkansas Infantry. A. W. Gladden, 1st Lieutenant 4th South Carolina Cavalry, Volunteers. B. R. Jacobs, Company D, :1rd Arkansas Infantry, Volunteers. Garrett Igo, Company F, V{hitfield's 1st Texas Legion, Volunteer Cavalry. C. N. Robertson, McAnaly's Company, Blocher's Bat­ talion, Volunteer Artillery. T. J. Robinson, Company G, 8th Tennessee Volun- teer Infantry. C. J. Stewart, Company C, Hill's Regiment, Cavalry. Z. T. Watson. W. G. Fail, Company D, 3rd Alabama Volunteer Cavalry. W. 0. Carter, Company E, 2nd Louisiana Volunteer Cavalry. C. Reed, Terrell's Artillery, Indepedent Company. 268 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

United Daughters of the Confederacy AXEY-RAY CHAPTER, No. 1738, Idabel, Okla., was chartered July 22nd, 1921, and accom­ paning the charter to lV.f rs. James H. Crook, president, was a letter from headquarters at Oklahoma City, as follows: "Maxey-Ray Chapter Number 1738 largest charter membership in the United States-86 members. Accept my congratulations. Signed, Emily Horness, Prest. Okla. Dist. U. D. C." Besides the social features of this organization of Idabel women, they enjoy, in connection with the old sol­ diers of the county, the programs of their monthly meet­ ings, and are untiring in their 8fforts to promote the comfort and material interests of the old fellows who gave their young manhood to the lost cause. May they continue in the good work of making the last days of these heroes pleasant and profitable, is the prayer of all who love the Southland.

Dr. S. Addison McEiroy Dr. S. Addison McElroy, minister in charge of the First Presbyterian Church of Idabel, was born at Louis­ ville, Kentucky, November 30th, 1860, of Scotch-Irish parentage on both sides of the house. Education and Training. His education and training for the ministry was well attended to. At the proper time he entered Center Col­ lege at Danville, Kentucky, when~ he graduated with the degree of A. B .in 1884: He next became a student at Princeton Theological Seminary, and graduated thete, after taking the full course in May, 1888, and was the prize man in Hebrew exegesis during the last year of the SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 269 course. He also took a post-graduate course under the celebrated Dr. McCosh. His collegiate honors were added to in 1898, when Center College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Licensed to Preach. He was licensed as a preacher on August 30th, 1887, by the Presbytery of Louisville, in session at Jefferson­ town, Ky., and was ordained as a minister at Eufala, Ala., by the Presbytery of Southern Alabama, on November 4th, 1888, and entered upon his work in the First Presby­ terian Church at Eufala, Ala., on September 15th, 1888. Ministerial Field and Work. On August 15th, 1891, he resigned the Eufala charge to accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he labored with signal success until May 1st, 1899, when he was compelled to give up his work for a time on account of ill health. In No­ vember, 1899, he accepted a unanimous call to the pas­ torate of the Cynthiana Church, beginning his work on the first day of December, a work that was greatly bl est. After several years' ,vork, teeming with results for the benefit of the church at €ynthiana, he accepted a call from the church at Lancaster, Texas, where he remained until called to the work at Itasca, Texas. Here, he re­ mained, zealously and eloquently preaching the gospel and doing the work of the Master, making hosts of friends and admirers, until called to the work he is now engaged in. In April, 1921, the Presbyterian Church of Idabel, Okla., secured the services of this eminent divine, and under his pastorate the church has prospered wonderfully, not­ withstanding business and financial depression. The church now has a membership well over 200, more than 60 of whom have been added since the beginning of his work here. His Career. His career as a pastor has been marked with success here and elsewhere. He preaches Christ and Him cruci- 270 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND fied with fervor and eloquence. His favorite theme is salvation by grace, holding out to the sinner the tender mercy of God and beseeching him earnestly to give his heart to Jesus. In Idabel, and wherever known in the county, he is loved, respected and admired, not only as a preacher, but as a Christian gentleman, a citizen and a neighbor. His Family. Dr. McElroy married Miss Eloise Richter, of Georgia, the adopted daughter of Matthew Richter. She died on March 5th, 1906, leaving four children-two sons and two daughters. Dr. McElroy has never contracted a second marriage, preferring to devote his life to the welfare of the children and grand children. He has . two brothers who are prominent in the nation's affairs. The McElroys are descendants of families who have played important parts in the history of our country.

McCurtain County Banks State National Bank. The First State (now State National) Bank of Idabel was organized in 1908, with T. J. Barnes, C. Gamble, G. A. Spaulding, ,J. W. George and Dan B. Strawn as incorpor­ ators and with a capital of $10,000. J. W. George was chosen president and Robt. M. DeWitt cashier. The other original incoporators were made the directors of the bank. The present personnel of the officers and directors consist of some of the best and most successful business men of the county. They are: D. B. Strawn, president; J.E. Dooley, cashier; Geo. T. Arnett, J. G. Griffith, W. H. Prim and W. W. Hendrix, directors. The capital stock has been raised to $50,000, and this by the profits of the bank, as nothing has been paid in from any other source. In_ February, 1922, the _bank obtained a national charter, but there have been no changes in the standard and reliable business methods of the bank. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 271 Idabel National Bank. This institution was organized in 1921 with a capital of $50,00 and $10,000 surplus. The bank is located on the southeast corner of the junction of M~in Street and Cen-

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tral A venue, and is fully equipped to do a general banking business. 11:r. Herstein, the cashier, has had eleven years' experience in the banking business in McCurtain County. The officers and directors are as follows: R_ D. Williams, President; J. \V. DeWitt, Vice-President; Bernie Herstein, Cashier; M. M. Gibson, Assistant Cashier. Directors, Bernie Herstein, H. H. nibson, J. W. DeWitt, Barton R. ~IcLendon, R. D. Williams. The bank fixtures and equipment are strictly modern and very attractive. Whether a customer's account is small or large, he is accor~ed the same kind and courteous treatment. 272 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

First National Bank of Haworth. First National Bank of Haworth was organized in 1910 with a capitalization of $10,000; W. H. McBrayer, President; A. lVI. Uoffman, Cashier. The bank operated under a State charter until 1\1:arch 27th, 1914, when it was converted into a national bank with a capital of $25,000, under the same president and cashier and the following Board of Directors: A. M. Hoffman, George DeLaughter, N. P. Hutchinson, R. P. Kirby, W. H. McBrayer, W. J. Whiteman, Willis W. Wilson, J. H. Flowers, J. Y. Fuller and A. E. Johnson. The bank now has a capital and sur­ plus of $30,000, and is at present under the management of W. J. Whiteman, President; W. H. McBrayer, Vice­ President; C. H. Morris, Cashier, and Jubal A. Wilson, Assistant Cashier.

Farmers' State Bank. Farmers' State Bank, Garvin, Okla., instituted in 1905, as the Bank of Garvin, B. L. Denison, president; C. Gamble, cashier. Later-in January, 1913-the bank was reorganized with a capital stock of $10,000 under the management of L. D. Schoonmaker as president and W. A. Goforth as cashier. The institution suffered a severe loss by fire when a splendid bank building was completely destroyed. The bank no,v owns a convenient brick build­ ing on the corner of Main Street and First A venue, oper­ a ting under the efficient management of J. P. Boddy as president and G. L. Kirk as cashier, with the same capital and a neat surplus.

McCurtain County Bank. McCurtain County Bank of Broken Bow, Okla., or­ ganized in 1918; capital, $25,000; Bernie Herstein, presi­ dent; J. W. Metcalf, cashier. The capital stock has re­ mained the same with $3,000 added as surplus. 0. E. Thompson is now president f)f the bank. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 273

First National Bank of Idabel. First National Bank of Idabel, the first bank insti­ tuted in the county, went into business at Idabel in 1904, under the management of C. A. Denison, as President; Rush Record, Cashier, and the following Board of Di­ rectors: C. A. Denison, W. J. Whiteman, J. W. Costillow, Q. Herndon, W. A. Coleman, J. R. White, W. W. Wilson and R. D. \iVilbor, with a capital stock of $10,000. In 1922, the American National of Idabel and the First National consolidated, and now operating as the First National with a capital and surplus of $100,000, and under the management of H. C. Morris, as President; R. C. Newton (former president of the American) as Vice­ President; F. B. West, Cashier.

The Citizens State Bank. The Citizens State Bank, Haworth, Okla., organized in November, 1919. R. C. Newton, President; G. C. Flake, Cashier. Capital, $15,000, to which has been added a sur­ plus of $1,500. R. C. Newton is still president, with H. E. Pendergrast, cashier.

Citizens National Bank. Citizens National Bank of Valliant, Okla., organized in 1919, with A. L. Story as president and S. E. Barnett cashier, and a capital stock of $35,000. The capital and surplus is now $38,000. Bernie Herstein of Idabel, presi­ dent, ar.d S. E. Barnett, cashier.

First National Bank. First National Bank of Broken Bow, corner Second and Main Streets, Broken Bow, Okla.; organized in July, 1913, with a capital stock of $25,000; J. W. Costillow, pres­ ident, and F. L. Mallory, cashier. The bank now has a surplus of $5,000, the same man for president as at organization, and Asa Ponder, cashier. 274 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

First State Bank. First State Bank of Smithville, Okla., was organized in· May, 1921, with a capital of $10,000; P. P. Claypool, president; \Vm. F. Cleckler, cashier. The capita.I is the same at present with a neat surplus added, and the same officers in charge.

HISTORICAL MISCELLANY.

Alexander Reid. Alexander Reid, of Jackson County, Ala., who was an uncle of J. M. Beeson of Idabel, was one of the battallion of federal soldiers who escorted the Indians from Alabama and Mississippi' to this country.

Dr. Ben Denison. When Dr. Ben Denison was deputy marshal along in the nineties, he was sent up in the hill country to arrest some parties charged with making and handling whiskey. There was a dance in the settlement and the deputy fig­ ured that he would find his parties there, and he did. They got the drop on him, took his gun, and made him fiddle all night. for their dance. The doctor resigned his com­ mission as deputy and resumed his study of medicine. Since then he has no taste for violin music.

Tom Watson Indian Sheriff. It is said of the late Tom Watson, the long-time In­ dian Sheriff, that he has whipped and shot more men (officially) than any other officer of the Indian Territory --even many more than Judge Parker of the Fort Smith federal court ever sentenced to hang.

Whipping Rules. The Choctaw Statute prescribed just how the punish­ ment of whipping should be administered: The switch used must not be over 30 inches, of seasoned hickory, and not larger than the smallest finger of a man's hand. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 275

The sheriff was required to stand not farther or nearer than two feet of the victim and must not raise his arm past a right angle when delivering the blows. If the vic­ tim fainted during the punishment, he was to be released and return at a later date for the remaining lashes.

In Trouble. (The following letter is an excerpt from a Southeast Oklahoma banker's letter during the last year of the late war:" "I have been held up, held down, sand bagged, walked on, flattened out and squeezed; first by the United States Government for Federal War Tax, excess profits tax, Lib­ erty Loan bonds, thrift stamps, Capital Stock tax, mer­ chant's license and auto tax; and by every society and or,. ganization that mind of man can invent, to extract what I may or may not possess, from society of St. John the Bap­ tist to the F. A. R., the women's relief, navy leag:ie, the Red Cross, the Black Cross, the Iron Cross, the Double Cross, the Children's Home, the Dorcas Society, the Y. M. C. A., the Boy Scouts, the Jewish Relief, and every hospi­ tal and church in town. The Government has so governed my business that I don't know who owns it. I am inspected, suspected, exam­ ined, and re-examined, informed, mis-informed, required and commanded, so I don't know who I am, where I am, or why I am. "All I know is that I am supposed to be an inexhaust­ ible source of money for every known need, desire, or hope of the human race. Because I will not sell all I have and go out and beg, borrow, or steal money to give away, I have been cussed, discussed, boycotted, talked to, talked about, lied to, lied about, held up, hung up, robbed, and nearly ruined, and the only reason I a:rn clinging to life is to see what the hell is coming next."

Two Play at the Game One of the favorite schemes of the small grafter, was to pay an Indian a· small sum and take a deed to a part 276 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND of his land prior to removal of restrictions, and place it on record. Of course such a title was not worth the pa­ per it was written on, but being of prior registry, it was sufficient to cloud the title of the subsequent purchaser in good faith. The grafter would then demand 100 per cent or more on his investment for a quit claim deed. The In­ dian soon got on to this scheme, and some of them sold the same land to different parties, getting a snug sum for each sale.

lncubi. The Social Incubus-One who pursues the lines of least resistance. The Political Incubus-One who has a specific for every political wrong. The Industrial Incubus-One who keeps his eye on the clock and is first at the paying teller's window. The Religious Incubus-One who thinks he knows the only road to Heaven. The Business Incubus-One who has a "System." The Professional Incubus-One who disregards the code of ethics. The Official Incubus-One who thinks he is the peo­ ple's master, rather than their servant. The Servant Incubus-One who demands more pay for less work. The Charity Incubus-The constitutional heggar, whether for himself or others. The Mineral Incubus-.Gold. The Vegetable Incubus--The state flower of Okla­ homa. The Animal Incubus-The Tick. Dip all of them says a McCurtain County philosopher. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 277

"Not Failure Bt1t Low Aim Is a Crime" (By Scotta Davis Townsend.) ('.fhe following was written by Mrs. Seotta 'J'ownsend of Idabel, and submitted to the Women's Federated Cluhs of the 4th Distriet of Oklahoma at the Club meeting in Idabel, 1!)21, ancl took the prize offerecl by the Club for the b£:st paper on any subject. Mrs. .J. A. Hogan, presiclent of the, Fourth District of li"'ederatecl Clubs, after r0~ding the essay, wrote Mrs. Townsend, "I enjoyed reading your ·article, a1Hl eonsider it an inspiration." Mrs. 1'ownsencl has lived in what Is now McCurtain County nearly all her life, nncl was one of the pioneer school teaehers of the country.)

r7"":~~'7 UCCESS has ever won the plaudits and com­ mendations of the world. Before it we kneel, as it were, in humble adoration, losing sight of the fact that success itself is not what calls forth our praise and approval, but the efforts by which that success was obtained. The long hours of striving, the many obstacles over­ come, the tho~ns along the way, have all been covered up in the blossoms of success, the laurel wreath of victory and the wholesome laudation of the multitude. Yet these are the things that make success all worthy of the hJnor we bestow. But what of him ·who has striven .i ust as hard, nay perhaps harder than the ·winner·? Is he any the less worthy because force of circumstances was one too many for him and he has fallen just short of success? No. "Not failure, but low aim is crime," and his aim was just as high, his aspirations just as real, his efforts just as great as the successful one, and on those with whom he came in contact, no doubt the impression he made, the aspiration he inspired, the slumbering geniuses he stirred to life, having begun to ripple because of his having tried, like the ripples on a pool that create one within another, getting wider and wider, his influence goes on; and may• haps the day comes when one of these impulses he has 278 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND stimulated will be crowned by the very success that has eluded him. Has he failed? As we count failure-yes. But count­ ing the good his exalted aims have done in calling into being a desire on the part of others for things really worth while, we could not call it so. A concrete example of this we have. today in ex­ President Wilson and his world peace. Strictly speaking it is a failure. Granting that, and that his visions ,vere fantastical and far-fetched, yet these very drearns have brought us one step nearer our longed-for Utopia, and on the wings of those dreams will yet be borne an inspira­ tion to some one who will perfect them, and the world will crown him as one of the great. To him will go the honors, distinction and admiration of the world. He has won. Yet is not Mr. \Vilson just as much entitled to the credit even though he failed? Ilis aim was high. Even the sainted Abraham Lincoln, whose memory is forever enshrined in the hearts of all true Americans, was ·a failure in his dreams of a UJ?.ited country, where peace, happiness and brotherly love should reign supreme. Would you call him a failure? He failed, 'tis true; but he, aiming high created a ripple which taken up by others has been brought to the highest point of per­ fection. Did you ever notice that the failure of one person, whose aim was high, just brings the realization of that aim one step nearer? 'Tis "Not failure, but low aim is a crime." Had all the people who have accomplished things been deterred by the fear of failure, I tremble to think what this old world would be. I am thankful that we have had men and women, too, who were big enough to realize that failure mattered not if their aim was high. It is not to their discredit that they failed; they put forth their best efforts, they gave to the world all the best there was in them. Can anyone do more? SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 279

Where would the air service be today without these failures? Where all our modern improvements, our very civilization? The failures of the world have furnished the stepping stones to greater things. Beginning where those we called failures left off, they have fewer difficulties to encounter, less of obstacle& to overcome; and shall we say when they succeed, that their success is more worthy of honor than they who have gone before paving the way, and as is too often the case, "By all the world forgot." Nor do we find all the examples of high aim in the limelight of higher walks of life. There is many a mother bending over the washtub or sewing machine today whose aim is high. An aim to make her children good, useful citizens, to give them a good education, to make her own little bit of world a better place to live. She may not accomplish quite all of this, but will not her efforts be an inspiration to others and they be benefitted? Will not the cheap curtains at the windows all fluttering white and clean, the tiny house with its well-kept yard, and her children with clean clothes and shiny faces lead others in the neighborhood to want to do likewise? Effort is contageous. Plant a flower and your neigh­ bor will plant two. Whitewash your fence and your neighbor will whitewash his barn. Send your children to school or Sunday school one-half the time and your neig}1- bor's children will go two-thirds if not all the time. This is not from a sense of rivalry, as we often erron­ eously suppose, but just the stimulating of an aim. On the other hand, if fearing failure, we never try, what do we have to answer ·for? Should we never strive for a better home because we may always have to live in a hovel? Should we never aim at a college education because we may never get further than high school? Let us aim high, then should we fail, we have done our very best, and failure is no crime. Rather we can be 280 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND thankful that our efforts encouraged some boy or girl who did get a college education, or some man or woman who did achieve a better home. But it behooves us as individuals, churches, clubs, etc., to put forth our very best efforts. We may not succeed in what we undertake, but failure is not a crime; yet were we to lower our aim, ,vho knows the conse­ quences? Someone is watching, and as our aim is high, or low, so will we influence that someone. Then let each do their very best, whatever they may be called on to do. Perhaps you cannot write a brilliant club paper, but you may put forth an idea that your more gifted sister may enlarge upon, making of it a spectacular success. You may not sing like a nightingale, yet the uplifting of your feeble voice may stir the musical instinct in someone who will give to the world a really great voice. Aim high. Your pictures may be mere daubs of color, yet someone by your efforts may be led to paint a master­ piece. Aim high. You may not be a power in the church but you may be the inspiration of a truly wonderful missionary. Aim high. "Not fail nre, but lo,v aim is a crime." What is high aim in one is lo\\' aim in another. We are not all gifted alike, and in determining success, so often this isn't taken into account. We have all known boys and girls in school who never had to study their lesson, who never had to practise their music, who were so gifted they could win the coveted honor marks, seemingly, without trying. Is it to their credit that they won? No. Their aim, for them, ·was low. God having so abundantly blessed them with intel­ lect, surely expected some greater effort on their part. Had they aimed high, putting forth their very best efforts, what may they not have accomplished? And what has been their influence on their· less for­ tunate associates? Seeing the brilliant one putting forth SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 281 so little effort, they try it perhaps, and are branded failures, the gifted one a success ; truly an example of "Not failure, but low aim is a crime." On the other hand, there is the boy or girl who must put forth every effort to win, losing sometimes, even then. All honor to them, lose or win! They have aimed high and their influence has stimulated others to greater efforts. Efforts that will leave their marks upon the world. Efforts that will be crowned by what we call ~uccess. But which is the more to be admired-the genius who won easily and influenced the failure of others, or the failure who influenced others to win? "Not failure, but low aim is a crime." To fail throuh no fault of our own is no crime. If we do the very best we can, aim at high ideals, no matter how far short we fall, we have given something to the world; we have strengthened our own character, broad­ ened and illuminated the horizon of those about us, giving them an inspiration to do great things. Let us ''Hitch our wagon to a star" although the trail be rough, the incline steep and discouragements broadcast. \Ve may never reach the star, but there "'·ill be someone following in the beaten path we've made, reach our side as we falter or fail; being fresh they will forge ahead, reaching the goal at which ,ve have aimed. There, reflected in the scintilating light of the star, Success, with the laurel wreath of honor on their brow, and the world bowed in homage at their feet, methinks if we could pierce the mystic veil, we would see in the background the shadowy outlines of the Failure who has gone before, and underneath the picture in letters of gold, these words: "NOT FAIL URE, BUT LO\iV AIM IS A CRIME." 282 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Towns ·and Villages

DABEL, county seat of McCurtain County, situ­ ated on the divide between Little River and Red River, and on the A. & C. branch of the Frisco Railroad. Settlement began in 1903. Town government first organized in 1906, with H. L. Lightsey, mayor; John F. Marshall, recorder, and J. E. booley, treasurer. Population at this time, about 350. The town continued under this government with succeed­ ing officers until 1920, when it reorganized its govern- . ment as a city of the first class, with W. L. Neidermier as mayor until the city election in 1921, when A. R. Mitchel was elected mayor. Mr. Mitchel had been mayor continuously since 1914. During the year 1920, an elec­ tion was held for managerial form of government, but the proposit~on was defeated. Population in 1910, 1,493; 1920, by U. S. census, 3,617, and by a census taken by the Chamber of Commerce nearly 4,100. It seemed that the citizens were not satisfied with the census enumerator's figures· and made an enumeration at their own expense with a difference as above shown. Bonds have been issued by the city as follows: First Water Works bonds, 1910 ...... $ 40,000 (The contract let under this bond issue was for wooden mains, which proved worthless and about which there was some scandal in connection with the letting of the con- tract.) Second Water Works bond issue, 1912...... 35,000 Bonds for purchase and beautifying park, 1915 ...... 8,500 Bonds for reservoir and electric pump, 1916 ...... 7,000 Bonds for sewage, 1919...... -...... 70,000 Bonds for fire department, 1921 ...... 7,000

Total bond issue...... $167,500 284 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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The interest on these bonds has been promptly paid and the sinking fund necessary to liquidate them at ma­ turity is taken care of to date. The present 'officers are: A. R. Mitchell, Mayor; T. J. Bookout, Clerk; E. E. Epperson, Chief of Police; W. M. Smith, Night Police; M. F. Hudson, City Attorney; J. M. Craig, D. B. Strawn, C. C. Flake, and S. G. Swan, ; Street Commissioner, Lon Ingram. The original town by government survey, shows only 40 acres, and was called Mitchell, but to this have been added and included within the corporate limits 12 addi­ tions, besides three that have not yet been incorporated, and the name changed to Idabel. The water and sewage systems. seem to meet the demands of the public at present The lighting system is privately owned and is satisfactory, and while the fire­ fighting equipment is limited, it is sufficient to take care of r resent conditions. The annual volume of business cannot be very accur­ ately arrived at, but basing the figures on the deposits of the four banks and other data, $5,000,000 is perhaps less than the true figures. The school facilities are excellent, but 8th grade graduates from the rural schools are demanding hig~1 school advantages to such an extent, that greater accom­ modations must soon be provided. The manufacturing interests of Idabel are yet limited, consisting at present of cotton seed oil and bi-products, ice, mattresses and brooms. The timber-the best in the southwest-has been shipped out in the rough. Thousands of cars of rosts, poles, logs, handle material and rough hardwood lumber have been shipped out of Idabel in the past ten years. Idabel of Today. POPULATION-4,065; Native white, 75 per cent; rative white and mixed, 1 per cent; foreign born, .005 per c~nt; Negro, 21 rer cent; Indian, 3 per cent. 286 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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•..'- -.....:. ... ' 'if. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 287 GOVERNMENT-City, Aldermanic form, biennial election. Mayor, Chief of Police, Aldermen, City Clerk, Street Commissioner, Treasurer and Board of Education elective offices, Water Commisioner, Police and other officers, appointive. LOCATION-22 miles east of west boundary line of county, 26 miles west from east boundary line of county, 12 miles from Red River (Texas) south boundary_ line of county, 3 miles from Little River (mountain stream) source of water supply. On divide between Red River and Little River valleys. On Frisco Railroad. 40 miles east of Hugo, nearest county seat town west. On Bankhead highway (National highway no\v being completed under Federal supervision). 34 miles west from Foreman, Ark., nearest town of any consequence east. PUBLIC PROPERTY-City l-Iall, Fire Station, equip­ ment, etc. Complete adequate Water Works system. Com­ plete sewer system. Three modern brick school buildings and equii:ment, property of city. Modern, four-story, brick and reinforced concrete court house building, prop­ erty of county. Three National Banks; four modern cot­ ton gins; one cotton oil mill; head office, land and timber division of Choctaw Lumber Company; ice factory. BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS-Modern three-story fire­ proof hotel; shipping :roint for various hardwood lumber, tie and timber companies; Idabel Light and Fuel Com­ pany, 24-hour service; various mercantile and other busi­ ness (stablishments in keeping with a modern city of 5,000. CHURCHES, LODGES, ETC.-·Baptist Church and parsonage, cost $52,000; First M. E. Church and parson­ age, cost $31,000; Presbyterian Church, parsonage and other property, valued at $12,500; c:1ristian Church prop­ erty, valued at $5,000; Protestant M. E. Church, parsonage, etc., $6,000; American Legion hut, $10,000; Masonic Tem­ ple, owned by Masonic Lodge, $20,000. SCHOOLS-High School, four year accredited; Com- 288 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 289 mon School, various grades. Students, 981; Teachers, 22; Superintendents, 1. Under control of Board of Education, consisting of five members. lIOMES-The homes of Idabel will compare favorably with those of any modern city of five thousand population. Practically every dwelling house in the city is the property of a home-owner who resides therein. There being but very few tenant houses. This, of course, has a tendency to advance civic pride, contentment, etc. Most of the dwell­ ings are practically new (the resident district having builded with the last ten or twelve years). Through the local Chamber of Commerce and the local Building and Loan Association it has been made possible for all good citizens to own their homes and the building of tenant houses has been discouraged, with the result that when a good man moves to our city with the intent to become a permanent resident he does not remain in a tenant house very long. In 1920 there were six hundred thirty-seven dwelling houses in the city proper, this did not include urban, property, which has since been included in and become a part of the city. (See census 1910). Since this report of 1910 the population has increased from fourteen hundred to four thousand and the building of new homes has kept pace with the increase in population. BUSINESS HOUSES-Some seventy-six in number, built of brick and concrete, in a manner and style ap­ proved by modern architecture, among which are bank and hotel buildings that would be a credit to any city.

Broken Bow. While Broken Bow is just able to count her years in two figures. the town has made up for lack of years in giant strides of progress and improvement. In 1910 the Choctaw Lumber Company platted the town on the com­ pletion of the Texas, Oklahoma & Eastern Railroad to this point and the town lots were sold at public auction, and in less than 24 hours the saw and hammer reigned su- 290 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

00. ~..... 0 ~ SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 291 preme. Only that part of the tract north of the railroad was platted and sold, the Company reserving all south of the railroad for their own use and purposes, where the immense mills and lumber yards are located and on the west of which many of the residences of the employees were built. In their haste for shelter and trade, many of the purchasers of lots erected temi:orary quar:ters but these soon gave ,vay to more substantial buildings of brick and reinforced concrete. The business district is · on Main and Broadway and First and Second Streets, which cross each other at right angles. The residences occupy the out­ lying sections and many of them would do credit to· a much larger and older town.

Business, Trades and Professions. A directory of the town recently made shows: Two banks, 27 business firms, six hotels, five cafes, two jewelers, one r hotographer, three garages, three shoe­ makers and re:pairers, four barber shops, one bakery, two meat markets, three drug stores, a bottling works, a millinery shop, three attorneys, two dentists and five physicians. The principal manufacturing industry is the two large saw mills operated by the Choctaw Lumber Co., a pine mill of 100,000 feet capacity and a hardwood mill of 60,000 feet capacity. A planing mill and lath mill are also operated in connection with the pine mill. These industries furnish employment for hundreds of men at the mills and in the logging departments, with a monthly payroll of. $75,000.00. There are many small mills adja­ cent to the to,vn that furnish employment to a large number of men also. The Tie and Piling Department is another branch of this enormous industry. The Choctaw Lumber Company owns thousands of acres of virgin timber which insures the operation of the mills here for many years to come and as further proof of the permanency of their operations, improvements at the present time representing an expenditure of possibly 292 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

$100,000.00 are being made, add°itional machinery will be installed, the capacity of the dry kilns doubled and im­ mense sheds are being built for the protection of the finished lumber. Broken Bow has a population of 2500 and there are no drones in this hive of industry. There are jobs for all. Only a small portion of the employees have gardens large enough to support their families during the year or keep cows, pigs and chickens, hence the splendid local market for vegetables, fruit, milk, butter and eggs. The volume of business done in Broken Bow exceeds that of any other town in the county. Thirty-two cars of cattle have been shipped from Broken Bow within the past 30 days. ·

Schools, Churches and Lodges. Broken Bow has f_ive organized churches with a large membership, each of ·which has a · well attended Sunday School. There are two ward schools and a high school ,vith an enrollment attendance of more than 600 pupils, a Masonic, Odd Fellows and \iVoodmen Lodges, Chamber of Commerce, Women's Clubs and a theater. The civic spirit of the town will compare favorably vvith other to,vns of its ag-e and size.

~ublic Improvements. A most excellent system of water works and sewage has ,iust been installed by the town at a cost approximately SlG0/000. The lighting system is owned and opP.rated by the Chocta-w Lumber Company, and is thoroughly satis­ f2.ctory to the patrons. There is a privately ou;ned tele­ phone system, carrying extensive connections in the rural di ~tricts.

Rural Development. Ten years ago, the roads leading out of Broken Bow plunged into the forest at the town limits but now they are lined with splendid farms for miles out and there is no section that has more nice farm homes, painted, papered SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 293 and modern in every respect. Before these farms were settled, the roads were nothing . more than rugged path­ ways, winding around streams and the points of hills, but now we have graded highways with graveled surface, concrete bridges and culverts and a grade not exceeding 6 per cent at any place. Where the forests were once, splendid crops of berries, fruits, vegetables, corn and cotton are now seen growing. The crowning success of Broken Bow's prosperity lies in the fact that through real and harmonious co-operation of her merchants and business men with those who are largely interested in the development of the lands in the surrounding country and securing a class of farmers who are taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered.

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Valliant. The town of Valliant is situated on the Frisco Rail­ road, on the divide between the two rivers near the western boundary of the county, and is the western terminus of the Texas, Oklahoma and Eastern Railroad. The place began its existence as a town in 1903, when it was platted by the Choctaw townsite commission and sold at public auction by the lot. It was incorporated in 1905, with Ransom Turley as mayor and E. J. Gardner as recorder. The present town office rs are : T. C. Reynolds, town justice; W. R. McAlester, clerk; Charles M. Herndon, city marshal. The city owns her water works and the supply is ample and of the best quality. The water is pumped from Clear Creek, a distance of three miles with water power, hence the rates are cheaper than that of any other town in the State. The light system is privately owned but seems to be entirely satisfactory. There are approxi­ mately three miles of concrete sidewalks and the main streets have a coating of asphalt, which is taken from the mine near town. Valliant has a progressive and pub­ lic-spirited citizenship, a live commercial club, a splendid school system, three organized churches of different denominations, two parks arid other public conveniences. The first wholesale grocery in the county was established at Valliant more than ten years ago. The best agricul­ tural region lies south of the town, but on the north and west are the truck farms that mean so much to Valliant in a commercial way.

Garvin. Founded in 1902, during the construction of the Frisco road. At one time Garvin gave promise of being the best and largest town· in the county, but after the contest for county seat privileges was abandoned, and Idabel succeeded in making the goal against her, her star of fortune de­ clined until her population was almost decimated. In 1907-8 296 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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~' SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 297 and 1909, her manufacturing interests alone, far ex­ ceeded that of the entire county. The first rotary veneer plant of the State was located in Garvin, giving employ­ ment to over two hundred men. Here, too, was located the Steeger Lumber Co., McDonald Dry Barrel Hoop Co., Kilgore Stave Co., and the Choctaw Lumber and Veneer Co.'s immense hardwood lumber mill. When the census was taken in 1907, her population exceeded that of Idabel by more than 300 per cent. From 1907 to 1909, inclu­ cive, Garvin's volume of business \\Tas more than that of the entire county, but in 1910 her rival on the east cap­ tured her laurels, and after this, like Rome, her decline was fixed. During her palmy days, Garvin was a live town. Filled with public-spirited men and women, an efficie:1t town government was installed, having, in addi­ tion to her town courts, under the territorial law, the only U. S. Commisioner's Court in the southeast part of the State, the first bank in the county, the first con­ structed sidewalks and graded streets, the first and most eff:cient water works system, a splendid brick building for school purposes, and three organized churches vvith good buHdings, one of which (the Presbyterian), stands out today, as almost wonderful in rustic beauty and graceful form, a handsome pile of native stone. Garvin's history is pathetic, but her citizens of today say she will come back. And why not? The location is naturally healthy; the garden srot of the county lies south of her, and there are left a few of the old public-spirited men who are capable of bringing her back.·

Odell. A village ten miles east of Idabel in what is known as the "Redland District," the farms on which are fertile and very productive. The village consists of a general store, a shop and postoffice. There are no historical memories connected with this village except such as comes from the Goodwater settlement, which is farther east, six or eight miles. 298 McCURTAIN COUNTY Ar-{D

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Ida. 'The center of a splendid agricultural region extend­ ing 25 miles east and west and about 15 miles wide, between Signal Mountain on the south and the foot hills of the Kiamitias on the north, Ida claims to be the metropolis of northw~st McCurtain. The town is situated on the Williams Highway at the junction of the Merry Highway, the latter leading up from Wright City, which is its shipping point, while Valliant, farther south, is the cotton market. The northern terminus of the Choctaw Lumber Co.'s tram is just eight miles south of Ida. In 1910, the postoffice at Old Noah was absorbed by and moved to Ida. What is now known as the "Knight Farm," on which a part of the town is built, was settled by Judge Baker, County Judge of Neshoba County, Choctaw Na­ tion, about 85 years ago. Later, Judge Byington Bat­ tiest acquired the property, made additional improvements and lived there until 1900, when he moved near Wright City and died there a few years later. He was the father of Miss Agnes Battiest, who afterwards became the wife of J. R. Knight. Ida's history, as a village may be said to have begun in 1909, when Dan Griffin built the first store house and began a general mercantile business, followed in 1910 by Peninger & Harris, who acquired building sites from J. R. !{night. The town has three general stores, sawmill and planer, grist mill, cotton gin, t-wo blacksmith shops, a broom factory, a daily mail, a splendid school with prospects of a high school, and several church organizations. The I. 0. 0. F. and W. 0. W. both have live working lodges. Ida was named for Miss Ida Griffin, who is now Mrs. Leonard Ward. The elevation is near a thousand feet, the soil of the country surrounding is rich, the people are industrious, law­ abiding and church-going. The Choctaw church at this place was organized in 1860, and many of the old Choc­ taw preachers who presided have since passed away. Among the old preachers were Gaines and Byington Battiest, Morris and Solomon Williams, J. T. Cephus, and others. 300, •. McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Millerton. This McCurtain County town, situated on the Frisco· Railroad, · 13 miles west of Idabel, was settled by W. S. Parsons in the 90' s and was called "Parsons Post Office," and just on west about a mile was Old Fowlerville, now a part of the farm of E .B. Herndon. The town never assumed any prorortions until the Miller Lumber Co. began building and operating there in 1906. This com­ pany, headed by Ben Miller, Sr., purchased a tract of land adjoining the railroad and began the erection of a box factory plant, in which they also manufactured wagon and auto material and the finished product of pine and hard­ ,vood lumber. The company installed a water works sys­ tem, a light plant, built cottages for their workmen, and erected several nrick buildings, and for several years Millerton was a thriving town of perhaps five or six hundred population. Millerton is surrounded by a splendid agricultural region and does a good trade. The factory has not been in operation for the past year, and this has had its effect ui:on the trade of the town. Besides the factory, there is a bank, a gin and grist mill, two churches and a splendid school that emplo~rs three teachers.

Haworth. Haworth is a live town east of Idabel twelve miles on the Frisco Railroad, founded in 1902. This town has its own government waterworks and lighting system. There are two banks, several business firms, a grade and high schcol; churches of different denominations and a newspaper. Ha_worth is the center o f3: fine agricultural region and does a large business for a town of its size.

Silver Creek. Silver Creek is located near the site of Old Noah, which was a postoffice in Territorial days. Silver Creek is noted for its school, the morale of its community .and the fertile lands surrounding it. H02 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Sherwood. This little village and community is in the north part of the county and is one of the villages that is located on the plateau between the Bok Tukilo Mountains and the range on the south. It was settled by Sherwood Davis in the late Territorial days. l\fr. J. H. English and his large family of sons and daughters came later, and soon there­ after the little Red School House made its appearance. There are two organized churches, a good school and a postoffice. It is here that the county game warden, John Beavers, Jr., and the custodian of the State Game Park, Wesley Henry, live.

Smithville. This little McCurtain County town is situated in the northeastern part of the county about 21/t miles from the county 1ine between LeFlore and McCurtain, and is in the heart of the healthiest region of the State. While as a settlement, it is among the oldest in the county, yet it never assumed the dignity of a village until Wm. L. Burkhart, with his Indian bride moved there in 1903. Will Burkhart, who married the daughter of Plemon McClure~ was a native of Indiana, a good citizen, a man of great energy and business ability, and it may be tru~hfully said that it was by and through his progressive spirit that Smithville ,vas founded and has become one of the thriving villages on the county map. Smithville, and the county, too, have missed him since his tragic death a few years ago. He was thrown from his horse and' almost instantly killed. Town government was instituted in April, 1922, when Wm. F. Cleckler was elected mayor, Otis Henderson~ clerk, and ..J. L. Harpending, George Henderson and Myrtle Johnson, trustees. The present population is given at 300. The town is an old place of some historic interest. Located on the old Doaksville road, it was a stopping place for travelers in the old days. The Presbyterian Church early established a place of worship for the Choe- 304 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

....., ' 0,.,, SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 305 taw Indians at Smithville, which is still in existence, but with a much better church building than the first one. The first Choctaw payments which distributed thousands of dollars to the Indians were made at Smithville, and it was one of the first places at which a "Neighborhood School" was established under government superv1s1on.

Pickins. Pickins is a village in the extreme northwest part of the county and is situated on the proposed extension of the Williams Highway from Ida to Antlers in Push­ mataha County. There are two stores, a grist mill and saw mill and a postoffice. Mrs. Mary Pickins is the post­ mistress. Pickins has a fine school with Prof. Branson in charge.

Goodwater. There is nothing certain as to whom or by whom this village was first settled, but it is certain that it is one among the first settlements of this part of the State. Shortly after the passage of the Curtis Act, a U. S. Commissioners' Court was established at Goodwater, over which presided Judge G. A. Spaulding, which was later removEd to Garvin, ·on the Frisco road. During the palmy days, when Goodwater was a court town, there were five practicing lawyers located there, all of whom, it is said, did a gocd practice. They were, Judge Jno. C. Earl, T. J. Barnes, Col. Adair, J. D. Farr and Sam Dollarhide. The Whiteman and Prewitt families are among the oldest vvhite settlers who have remained in Goodwater. It is here that the first Masonic Lodge was instituted in what is now McCurtain County, a photograph of which may be seen elsewhere. While the old building has been moved east of the village, the material, exc.ept the roof, is the same, and there is no change in the original form. 306 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Golden. This little town, ten miles west of Broken Bow, on the T. 0. & E. Railroad, is situated in the midst of splendid agricultural lands, lands adapted to every kind of farming. On the Eouth are thousands of acres of hammock, or second bottom lands, and on vv hich are many good farms already in cultivation. To the west of Golden is. the bottom lands of Glover River and to the north is the uplands of a I sandy loam formation until the foothills are reached, when the gravelly lands set in and continue to the mountains on the north. On the Highway from Golden to Wright City, two miles north is the village of Glover. Golden has three stores, a postoffice, a gin and grist mill. Many cars of ties, posts and railroad piling are shipped from this point every month. There is a good school and two organized churches.

Bokhoma. This Httle town, in the southeastern part of the county, is located on the Frisco Railway near the county line and was founded by Sam Scratch in 1905, who built and operated a large milling plant, and afterwards sold to the Steeger Lumber Co., and who in turn sold to the Wilson Lumber Co. The· entire town is now owned by the Web­ ster Townsite Com:rany, as ·well as a goodly share of the surrounding country. The village consists of a postoffice, hotel, Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, general merchan­ dise store, a good school, an organized church, a drug store and resident physician, a furniture store and under­ taking establishment and a large sweet potato storage plant. It is here that what is known as the Ptak oil well is being drilled with what is said to be a bright prospect for gas or oil. The country, or lands adjacent to Bokhoma are of a light sandy nature, peculiarly adapted to the cultivation ond successful growing of fruits, berries and truck, and especially potatoes and peanuts. 308 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Wright City. This McCurtain County town is in a class strictly by itself, it bEars the distinction of having the largest vol­ ume of business in proportion to size and population of any town in the Southwest. The town is not incorporated, therefore, has no town government, and yet, is noted as being peac.able and law-abiding; thus verifying the adage that "the devil has no place in the minds of a busy people." Wright City was founded in 1910, by the Choctaw Lumber Comrany, and is the only town along the T. 0. & E. Railroad where the comi:any reserved the right of control. It is here that the big mill and planers of the company are located, giving employment to hundreds of men. The shops of the railroad and its many branches are locat€d at Wrig~t City. Its business concerns consist of a bank, hotel, ice factory, several cafes, and a big department store, complete in every detail, and under a management of the same business efficiency that charac­ terizes every industry of the Choctaw Lumber Company. The annual volume of business of this town, the popu­ lation of which will not exceed 500, is more than a million and a half dollars. There are four organized churches, three fraternal organization8, and a splendid school, em­ ploying six teachers. The bottom lands of Little River are on the south, southwest and southeast while north of the little city are the upland-the fruit, truck and berry lands-anxiously awaiting development at the hands of American industry. The place was originally called Bismark, but during the late war was changed to Wright City in honor of a young man who drowned when the steamship Tuscania was sunk by a German U-boat. For its size, Wright City furnishes the best market for truck, fruit and berries of any town in the county, ninety per cent of the population work at the mills and planers~ and most of them do not pretend to make gar­ dens. If you love business life, and the hum of industrial machinery, visit Wright City. If you want a bit of land SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 309

adapted to the successful growth of any kind of crop, you can find it adjacent to a gocd local market at Wright City.

1 T - e lumber mills at Wright City consist of two band saws that have a capacity of 60,000 feet of lumber each and a line of planers sufficient to handle the output as fast as it comes from the dry kilns. If it were possible for one to take in the details of this vast network of machinery, it would be a mechanical education within its€lf. There is a place for everything and everything in its place If· the man on t~:e job is disposed to t:o~dier, he cannot do it. for his job is on him. Every wheel starts and stors on the minute and the worker must be on the dot. The negro ·workers have their dwellings on the south side of the railroad track and there they stay, except w~1en on business. The homes of the white laborers are on the r:orth side, and many of them are modern in detail. 'The Lig sto!"e carries in Btock everything that the town, the community and the mills need. Many small farms have been imrroved since the founding of Wright City and find a splend:d market for thir produce in the town.

Oak Hill. The first stop on the T. 0. & E. Railroad west of Broken Bffw. This little village has two stores, a good school and one organized churc~. Outside of Valliant, Oak Hill has a greater elevation than any other point along the T. 0. & E. Railroad. Some of the best land in McCurtain County can be found in the vicinity of Oak Hill, which is especially adapted to the growing of berry and truck crops. While diversified farming has not been tried out very extensively at this point, different kinds of truck crops have been grown and it is only a question of time - !.!ntil the progressive farmer of this section will be falling in line with the other up-to-date farmers of the county. 310 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Death of Felker NE of the most tragic events that ever occurred in this, or any other county, was the killing of A. W. Felker, sheriff, on the morning of August 14, 1922, at which time he had gone to Wright City to make the arrest of Clayton Thompson, who was charged with the killing of two men the evening before. After making a thorough search for Thompson on the night of the 13th, the sheriff, his deputy and Cleve Chris­ tian, a posseman, were driving into town in a car, when they overtook and came near passing the murderer, who was walking along the sidewalk with his Winchester in his hands. Christian, who was driving the car, stopped as Thompson came over towards them. Here was the crucial moment. The sheriff must have thought rapidly. The street was full of people, and he knew he had a dangerous and depraved character to deal with, a murderer w~10 had already sho,vn that he had no regard for human life, and saying to Thompson, "Will see you down town," he gave the order to drive on. As the car moved slowly off Thompson's rifle, a 30-30, cracked, and Christian pitched forward on the steering wheel, shot in the back. Before the occupants of the car could realize what had haprened, a second shot rang out and Felker fell forward, dead, with a bullet wound in the neck, near the base of the skull. Deputy Jones succeeded in stopping the car and helped Christian out, who was taken in charge by the by-standers, not knowing at the time that his chief was dead In the meanwhile, the murderer walked leisurely down the street and into a restaurant where he sat down and ordered his breakfast. It was here that Deputy Jones found him, sitting with his face toward the front door with his rifle in his hand. But the deputy had gone to another door and the first Thompson knew of his presence was the order "hands up." Thompson, instead of holding up his hands, under­ took to bring up his gun, but he was not quick enough, ana SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 311 he received a load of buckshot that knocked him to the floor. Bud Felker was one of the best known men in the county. While he was courageous, he was modest and un­ assuming. He was not a gun man, and to this fact may be attributed his untimely death. He had served the county as sherjff for two years, and had been nominated to suc­ ceed himself in the primary election just two weeks before he was killed, for a second term.

High Schools Idabel lfigh School. Idabel High School was founded in 1910 in the old building at the east end of Main Street. Prof. L. N. Gray was sel€cted as principal. There were several matricula­ tions in the junior year who graduated in 1911. The present building was completed in 1910, and the school has been gaining in credits every year until it now stands accredited with 31 ~/~ units. The principals of the school in order of their succession, are: L. N. Gray, Prof. Ellis, Mc. R. Phillips, 3 years; T. A. Houston, 2 years; Miss Middlebrook, and J. R. Sprague, 2 years. In the athletic field of Southeast Oklahoma the class in this school has made a splendid record. Prof. Sprague, ,vho is also the coach in athletics, is a very zealous supporter of this branch of his school work. Valliant High School. Valliant High School was founded in 1919, Prof. S. A. Hamilton, Principal. The first class of this institution will graduate at the end of the present term. Prof. R. S. Zachry is the present principal. Lack of equipment re­ quired by law is practically all that prevents this school from attaining to a rank equal to that of any in the county, and with the usual pride of the citizens of Val­ liant in their schools, churches and other institutions, this defect will soon be cured. 312 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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Haworth High School. Haworth High School had its beginning in September, 1916, at which time Prof. G. C. Anderson and his wife moved to Haworth and assumed management of the school. The year began with four teachers doing the work of the grammar grades and the Freshman class of high school. Eight pupils enrolled that year for high school work. Within three years the school had outgrown its building, when an adition was made to the structure consisting of two class rooms, hallways, library and a beautiful and commodious auditorium. At the same time, two addi­ tional teachers were added to the faculty, enabling Mr. and Mrs. Anderson to give their entire time to the high school work. At this time the school was accredited to 2 years high school work by the State Department of Education. This growth of the school was .continued and a third teacher was added to the high school department, and the school is now doing four years of accredited high school work. The enrollment in high school in proportion to the scholastic enumeration of the district is probably the largest of any district in the State-one-third of the sc~1ool enrollment being registered in · high school. The school building is situated on a campus og 6 acres, in which the teachers, students and community at large take great pride. The cam~us .is fenced, has abundant athletic courts, is supplied ·with water., and a system of tree planting and flower culture for beautifying the grounds is continually 1n progress. 314 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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W. Barton Hopkins vV. B. Hopkins ,vas· born at Ozark, Arkansas, raised in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, and had high school train­ ing in his adopted stated. He enlisted in Headquarters Company, engineers' corps for the World War at Okla­ homa City in 1917, and immediately was sent overseas. It was in France that he pushed his study of photography and on his return opened a studio at Idabel, Okla., where' he has established a splendid business on South Central A venue, and to which he has lately added an extensive Musical Emporium. The illustrations in this book are from photos taken by him. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 315

THE HERO. OF NO MAN'S LAND

(Written by W. Barton Hopkins, in a German dugout rn the Argonne Forest, September, 1918.) On the battle fields of Europe, In a place called ''No Man's Land," L:es a Hero, "Died in Battle," For Freedom of the land.

He had heard the call to colors, And knew the cause was right, So he answered very qu:ckly, "Send me jnto the f1ght."

"Let me help to free the children Of Belgium's beautiful land, And of France. who've been trodden By the bloody German band."

So he quickly crossed the ocean When the call was made to go, To a land of faith and valor, A land where flowers grow.

He had heard how the infants From mothers' breast were torn. Of the mother's tender oleadings Which were only met with scorn.

Bravely he entered into battle For right against the wrong, To defend the~e hPlpless children And to crush the German throng.

As he facPd the fearful cannon ,And the ~hells went s-:-reaming past, H.s onJy tborght was victory And he stayed there 'till the last.

Tn the thi,..kest of the battle W~th a cra~h he crt1mpled down, 'Twas the bursting of a shrapnel, Th2t brcught hin1 to the ground.

~till h~ 11rged h=s comra,1e~ onward. Trou9'h h;s breath was fa1ling fast, Urg-ed them on to vi,,t-:>ry's crown, And completion of their task.

Let us stoo for just a moment; Rreatr.e a pr~yer to God on high,. To recP:ve him in His Kingdom With the angels of the sky. 316 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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. McCurtain County Today

~,,,,, HE location of McCurtain County brings it within the corn and cotton belt of the South ~nd for this reason her first settlers and many of those who have moved in since state11ood believed that the planting and cultivation of any other crop was labor lost. While it is true that the black land belts and the river bottom lands are best adapted to corn and cotton, these lands represent a comparatively small per cent of the county's area. The upland of the Central and Northern portion of the county, being largely a sandy loam and gravelly nature, were not looked upon with favor by the cotton farmers, but recent years of experience along agricultural lines have developed the -fact that corn and cotton can be successfully grown but other crops are more profitable, and "The stone re.i ected by the builders has become the chief corner stone." Up to 1910 for many years afterwards, there were very few farmers who raised enough fruit, berries and vegetables for home consumption and rarely any of these products for sale. Not,vithstanding that diversified farming was preached, it was never practiced until within the last few years. However, recent and repeated failures of cotton by reason of boll weevil ravages, has led to what seems a promising change in farming, especially in the Central and Northern parts of the county. The building of the Texas, Oklahoma & Eastern Rail­ road from Valliant on the Frisco Railroad to DeQueen, Ark., on the Kansas City Southern Railroad, traversing the county east and west, opened up facilities for market­ ing and opportunities for buying and building homes on lands that were theretofore considered inaccessible. These lands have been put on the market at prices and on terms that are a very little more than rental values. The :result is a majority of the farmers around Broken Bow and 318 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND other points along the railroad have bought' homes and are fast getting a way from the one-crop method of farming. For several years the farmers of Sevier County, Ark., have been raising and shipping strawberries and canta­ loupes at a profit. Sevier County lies just east of McCur­ tain and has practically the same character of soil, the same altitude and climate, and in the light of the profitable results in that county, the farmers along the T. 0. & E. Railroad decided to take action. Hence during the year 1921, many of them planted small acreages to strawberries, melons and sweet potatoes, following in 1922 with toma­ toes on a larger scale. In 1922 the harvest of berries, melons and potatoes exceeded the most sanguine expecta­ tions. The strawberries yielded from 50 to 100 crates per acre with an unfavorable harvest season. Twenty-two cars cf tomatoes were shipped out of Broken Bow and Valliant, at satisfactory prices and the melon crop found a ready market. Marketing Fa.cilities. In addition to the fact that the lands along and adja­ cent to the Texas, Oklahoma & Eastern Railroad are espe­ cially adapted to the gro'\ving of tomatoes, s,veet potatoes, cantaloupes, melons and all kinds of fruits and berries, the important feature of the marketing facilities must not be overlooked as the question of service and freight must be reckoned with. The T. 0. & E. Railroad connecting with the Frisco at Valliant and the Kansas City Southern at DeQueen, offers an outlet to the great markets in two different directions, which enables the business to be handled on a competitive basis. The T. 0. & E. Railroad is vitally interested in the agricultural develoi::ment in the districts continguous to the road and therefore have and will continue to offer every reasonable inducement in freight rates and shipping facilities. Schools and Churches. Oklahoma has already acquired a National reputation for her splendid public school system and McCurtain SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 319

County shares to the fullest extent this reputation by offering to the children of the county this educational advantage. Every scho9l district is provided with a neat and comfortable school biulding with up-to-date equipment and with competent teachers who receive salaries com­ mensurate with their services. The rural districts carry all the grades to the eighth, inclusive, and there are High Schools in all the principal towns. One of the outstanding features of the _grade schools is the teaching of agriculture and domestic science. a feature that is doing much for the elevation of the time-honored occupation, farming. There are organized churches of one or more denomin­ ations in every town, village or community with a strong membership and a large Sunday School attendance. In­ deed, if good schools, church membership and Sunday School attendance count for anything in sizing up the community for morality, culture and refinement, McCur­ tain County is entitled to a place in the front ranks. Roads and Highways. Twelve years ago the only means of travel through McCurtain County was by wagon, buggy or horseback. The change and improvement in this respect has indeed been ,vonderf ul. In 1919, largely through the good offices of Gov. R. L. ,villiams, the construction of a high\vay north out of Broken. Bo\v to Bethel, a distance of 30 miles, ,vas begun and completed in the Spring of this year. At about the same time the county began and completed another highway north out of Wright City to the towns of Ida and Bethel. These two roads are some distance apart but are connected with intersecting highways and open up the northern parts of the county to the markets and shipping points along the railroad. It is along these two highways that the earnest homeseeker may find his • goal. Tourists often visit the , California and other places for scenery but none of these places offer anything grander in scenery than these highways and the mountain streams whose divides they traverse. The Bankhead Highway enters the county near the 320 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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'l. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 321 village of Ultima Thule on the Arkansas line and runs almost due west to . Broken Bow, a distance of 20 miles, nearly parallel with T. 0. & E. Railroad, thence south­ west 14 miles to Idabel, the county seat, thence parallel with the Frisco to the west line of the county. This road is now under construction, is to be hard-surfaced and will be completed early in 1923. All of these highways are intersected by section line public roads, built and main­ tained by the county and volunteer labor. When the Bankhead Highway is completed, there will be more than 120 miles of hard-surfaced roads through the county. The intersecting roads are not hard-surfaced but so constructed as to afford easy and comfortable use during the greater part of the year. Since we have come to realize the advantages of good roads to a community, how much more convenient and comfortable to travel; how much closer to market they have brought us, we wonder how we managed without them. A trip through the c·ounty from south to north that required a week ten years ago, may be now made in a day. The cost of road building in McCurtain County may be reckoned at the minimum for the best of material is plentiful and convenient and this fact insures a com­ plete system of roads within the next few years.

Live Stock. A glance at the article on the county statistics else­ where, will furnish some idea as to what has been accom­ plished in the last ten years in raising live stock in the county. And yet this important industry has not been pushed to the extent that its importance on the farm justifies, though the figures taken from the census of 1910 and 1920, show an increase of several hundred per cent in all live stock except sheep. One of the biggest advantages McCurtain County has in this industry is the ten months natural pasturage out of the year. The open range is immense and even with rapid settlement of the county, will be for years. None except work stock are I 322 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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..:.. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 323 ever fenced in except by preference. · In the late spring, summer and fall, cattle are shipped direct to market with­ out feeding. In the winter carloads of hogs are shipped off the mast without feeding. Universal dipping for the eradication of the fever tick will place McCurtafn County above the quarantine line this year. Another advan­ tageous feature in the live stock business in McCurtain County is the fact that expensive barns are not necessary for the protection of stock during the winter. Dairy· cattle, as a rule, are house~ and fed during the winter and fed but little during the summer when they are run­ ning on the range. Health Conditions. The natural condition8 in support of good health are climate and water. What says McCurtain County with respect . to these conditions'? From an elevation of 5·00 feet along the T. 0. & E. Railroad to 1300 feet 40 miles north, we have an average of 800 feet altitude. The winters are mild and except a few weeks in n1id-sun1mer, the remainder of the year is pleasant. The gro,ving season is often eight or nine 1nonths, giving ample time for any kind of crop to 1nature. There is no malaria off the strean1s and rarely a ease of sickness of any kind. Spring and pure ,vell ,vater are easily acce~sible1 and in n1any places n1ineral ,va ter is to be had. The black sulphur springs near old i\.likchi. have been a noted health resort for n1any years.

COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.

McCurtain Gazette. McCurtain Gazette, a semi-weekly newspaper, pub­ lished at Idabel, Okla., by W. J. Old. The Gazette \\'as founded in 1906 by Robt. Steel and W. A. Story, \\'ho sold in 1907 to Marion Henderson. In 1909, W. J. Old bought the paper, and in 1915 acquired the Democrat-Record of 324 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Tom G. Taylor and consolidated the two offices. The Democrat-Record was the successor to the Beacon-Times, a paper founded by C. J. Stewart, and afterwards acquired by J. R. Knight, of Valiant. Garvin Graphic. Garvin Graphic, a weekly paper formerly published at Garvin, Okla., by B. F. Grandy, was founded in 1905, and was the only Republican paper ever published in the county, and had the distinction of being the first news­ paper east of Hugo. In 1919, the Graphic was sold to a company in Idabel, and published by Mr. Atterberry, under the name of The Idabel News. Is now owned . by a pub­ lishing company and under the management of Col. Geo. H. Wyatt. Valliant Tribune. Valliant Tribune was started in 1910 by W. A. Story and others, and later sold to L. E. Nelson, then to Waldo Watkins who in turn sold to J. C. Olliver ,the present owner and editor. The Tribune is a weekly paper and has a splendid patronage. McCurtain Democrat. McCurtain Democrat, successor to the Garvin Graphic, published weekly at the county seat by Col. George Wyatt, has a ,vell-equipped office and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest paper in the county. Ha worth Herald. Ha,vorth Herald, formerly published at Haworth for several years, but recently };>ought and moved to Broken Bow by Toni G. Taylor, where it is published under the name of The Broken Bow Advertiser.

Broken Bow News. Broken Bow News, a weekly, published at Broken Bow, this county, by W. A. Estes, was founded in 1912 by W. F. Temple, afterward sold to John M. Craig and W. J. Old, who are the present owners.

326 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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A STATE'S FIH8T OBLHL\TfOX l~ THE CARE OF l'IS CHlLlHU<;N. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 327

Citizens of Tom or row

To the Youth and Children of McCurtain County: OU on whom will devolve the duties and re­ sponsibilities of continuing and improving on the work of your fathers; you to whom will be left an inheritance far greater than riches- the i::rivi~ege to work, to construct, to improve and _to bring nearer to perfection the work they have begun; you to whom the hardships of pioneer life have been mitigated by reason of the energy and strenuous efforts of your parents: Are you willing, and are you preparing to meet these responRibilitieR, these dutieR '!

Preparation. No work can be succesRfully undertaken without preraration, and the better the preparation the greater will te the success attending the effort, and the less effort required. No country is greater or better than the men and women who make up its citizenship, and the citizen-

EVERYBOnY LOVE8 U~

IT IS A GR.\ YE RESPOXf--JBILITY TO IXHERIT THE CARES OF ('ITIZEXSHIP. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA· 329 ship depends upon character, and characters are built just the same as houses or other structures. In building-char­ acter or houses-the foundation is of first importance, for upon the foundation depends the strength of the entire superstructure. The chief corner stone in character build­ ing should be the love and admonition of the Lord, for no youth can afford to make of his life a thing without purpose or certitude. "Life should be deeply laid in its bases, strongly cemented together in its principles and noble in its convictions." Obedience and Truth. Among the many other virtues that give strength and beauty to the structure of character, the foremost is

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~YHIJ, 'l'hree-Ypar-Ola111.:-l1tPr of ..\rtllnr A. arnl ""ilma \\"est­ hrook, of Illahel-\ron first pri;w at Child':-- \\"p}f:tre ~how, 1!1:.!:.!.

llllllllllll'llllllllllllllllllltl:!lllllllllllltlllltlllllllNllllllllllllllllllllltllll lllltllllllltlttlllllllllttnlllllll1l!llllllllllllllllllllllllrtllllllllllllllllllltlllL obedience. Obedience in the home, in and al1out the school, obedience to the laws of the country and the laws of God, obedience without question, implicit obedience, for without having le.arn€d obedience we cannot command or expect it, no matter how necessary. There are so many of the youth of today ·who are prone to resist this sublime virtue. They seem to lose sight of the great reward that is prom­ ised for its observance--Long Life and Happiness-to say nothing of a clear conscience resulting from a perfectly executed command or request. It is by and through obedience that the cardinal virtue, "Truth," is learned 830 :McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

BOYS AUE THE FIN'EST THINGS OS EARTH SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 331

EXCEl'T GIHLS 332 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

LAYAUGN AND LEYEHNB T\VIN GIHLS OF Mlt. AND ~IHS. C. R :\IORELAND. and fostered, and truth is the olive-crowned virtue of life. While "Thief and Liar" are not synonimous terms, yet these two infamous traits of character are inseparable, and together lead to the highway of moral destruction.

Trusts. As citizens of the future, many of you will be placed in positions of public trust, and practically all of you will be trustees in some capacity, sooner or later, and these positions will prove the crucial test as to the character you have formed in youth. No matter how small the trust imposed it is sacred, and abuse of it is sure to be followed SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 333

LOUISE ANlJ ~LUl::o,E, 'l'W IN DAUGH'.f EHS 01◄' MH. AND MRS. JOE HENDRIX, ,v1TH THEIR BIG SISTER. MARY FRANCES. by punishment both by the law and the lash of con­ science. Don't think for a moment that you can refund appropriated money or property held by you in trust, for the very nature of things combine against you to prevent it. What is due by a trustee who has appropriated the funds or property intrusted to him, is not a debt, but a theft and as such is punitive in its nature. Taxation. Except perhaps a few wild ideaed anarchists, we all agree that government is essential, and we also know that the administration of government must be supported by money raised by taxation. As to the form or manner of 334 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

WE AHE \rEHY ~luCH SFRPHISED THAT YOU HAVE NOT REALIZED 'II-IE POSSIBILITIES OF :\lcCCRTAIX COCXTY BEFORE THIS. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 335 levying taxes, we have nothing to do at present, other than we know that taxes should be uniform, fairly and justly distributed. The ad valorem (according to value) system, used at present by our State and has been severely criticised, but is the fault in the system or the taxpayer? Once each year the citizen is required by law to list his property ,vith. the tax assessor and swear to the value thereof, and just here he has a test of his character for truth and veracity,_ for obedience to the laws and respect for his oath. Some of them are conscientious in the discharge of this duty in rendering a correct list and a true value of their property, while many of them, never having been taught to regard the truth nor respect the law and their oath, will render an incorrect list and under-value their property, thereby shifting the burden of taxation to the honest, upright citizen. But you say this class of citizens exhibits a degree of shrewd­ ness, business acumen and thrift that if not commendable is excu,sable. Yes, if it is commendable to lie, to s,vear falsely ·and to cause others to carry your burden in addi­ tion to their own, you are right. It has been said that "We have the poor with us always," which is true, and such characters as the taxdodger, both in public an

Service. Public service, with or without remuneration, is cor­ rectly placed among the first duties of a citizen. Services as a public official, as jurors, commissioners of any kind, work and repair on highways and aiding in the admin­ istration of the laws, constitute a few -of the duties of patriotic citizens in the way of service to their country. It is a deplorable fact that the modern tendency of those who serve is to make such service one of pay and pelf rather than an honest and willing desire to serve. It was citizenship of this kind that brought about t~1e decay of the great Roman republic, but your sires feel that in 336 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

INI~Z AND NELLY-TWIN DAUGHTERS OF JIR. AND MRS. GEO. H. )lONTGOMERY. trusting to your honor, integrity and intelligence, the ship of state will be guided into chansels of safety and perpetuity. Schools. If there is any feature of our plan of government that should appeal to you above all others, that feature is our public school system. Upon the education, physical and moral training of your children will depend the suc­ cess of your government. The liberal legislation and zeal­ ous care given this feature of our government by your predecessors insure its future success, provided you give SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 337 it the time and attention that it so richly deserves. The time was, in McCurtain county, when illiteracy could be classed as a misfortune, now, it is a fault, and if allowed to continue will prove a curse. The public schcol is the chief corner stone of the na­ ticn. All that this greatest of countries is destined to be, is now growing in her public schools. Protect the schools against their enemies of different kinds-duty number one. Develop the schools, making them better every year, in proportion to the country's growth, wealth and develop­ ment-duty number two. What your children will be to you and your house­ hold, the public schools will be to the nation, and the single minded care and attention that you give to your children, is the care and devoted attention that the coun­ try should give to the public schools, and it is your busi­ ness to see that it is done-duty number three.

Civic Improvement. The honest expenditure of public monies for needed public improvements, is never a waste. A government that makes no provision for civic improvements and public conveniences is like the miser who hordes money for money's sake. Properly built and maintained highways, safe bridges across streams, handsome public buildings, parks and play-ground reservations are the hallmarks of progress and a higher civilization. The son or daughter who has lived out the usual span of life without accom­ plishing something more than his or her parents, is at best, a partial failure. Therefore, on assuming the duties of a citizen, should you find a crude or other attempt at civic beauty and improvement left unfinished, it is clearly a duty to make every effort to bring it to perfection. Elbert Hubbard, an American writer who went down in the Lusitania, has said, "Had I two loaves of black bread, one would I sell to buy white hyacinths for my soul." While the practical citizen will not endorse mushy sentiment of 338 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 339 this sort, yet the contemplation of civic beauty and splendid public improvements will largely compensate for the· expenditure of time and money.

Law Enforcement. The 18th amendment to our organic law provides for National Prohibition. This law, like many others of states and municipalities, has not met with universal approval, but it is the law nevertheless. Now what is our plain and bounden duty with respect to this law as locally applied? There can be but one intelligent and patriotic answer: use every legitimate means to enforce its provisions. Do not sanction its violation, either actively or passively; give all possible aid to the officers whose duty it is to enforce and administer the law; sever social and other re­ lations with those who violate its provisions, or sanction such violation in any form. If a law is bad in its nature or effect, the surest way, and the quickest, to effect its repeal, or abrogation, is to rigidly enforce its provisions.

What You Will Find. On assuming control of your local government you will be confronted with a bonded county indebtedness of something near a million dollars. These bonds were issued by and with the approval of a majority of the people of the county, for roads, highways and bridges, for school buildings, court house and jail and other county-,vide pur­ poses, while most of the towns of the county have sold bonds for water works systems, se,ver, lighting systems, parks and other civic improvements. Most of them were issued on Ion gterms and will not mature for many years, while some of them will mature before many of you will have reached your majority. The bonds recite that the interest must be paid annually, or semi-annually, as the case may be, and a certain per cent of the principal, called a sinking fund, must also be paid each and every year, during the life of the bonds, to liquidate the entire indebtedness at maturity. There will be those among you, doubtless, who will cry out against this condition as unfair 340 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

LENNELL AND LANCE T\YIN SONS OW :\IR. AND ;\IHR. AUNOLD KINCAID, H10CIIATOWN. and unjust, but they will be wrong, for several reasons, one of which will convince the fair-minded: "The pro­ ceeds of these bonds made it possible for you to have and enjoy the comforts and conveniences, which, without these bond issues you could not have had during your natural life. You step into an heritage that no other generation of our country has ever enjoyed." Then why not accept this indebtedness as full beneficiaries, which you are, and liquidate it as a pleasurable duty? In some of these bond issues, the public may not have received a full and fair consideration, but the ends justified the means, and in any event you will reap the benefit.

The Blessings of Labor. Remember that work, honest labor, either physical or mental, is the greatest boon the plan of creation ever conferred upon the children of men, except perhaps, the salvation of the soul. The time was when the sons and daughters of the southland were taught that physical la­ bor was disgraceful, that the hand hardened by toil, the skin browned by the warm rays of the sun, were hallmarks SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 341 of plebeian blood, but having been broght face to face with the Divine command, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," since the days of chattel slavery and southern aristocracy, we now know better. Of the two charact~rs of laziness, mental or physical, mental laziness is the more deplorable. Procrastination is the chief serv- ant of "laziness' and always advises, "Never do today what you cat,f.possibly put off until tomorrow." "Luck/' or chance comes ,next with the delusive suggestion that "Something may turn up." Just as certain as the intelligent applica­ tion of industry will bring its reward, just that certain will laziness put you to the bad.

Four Square. In laying the lines of your structure, make them "Four Square." Under the first and chief corner, place the sublime principles of the Christian Religion (not sec­ tarian,) for they have no equal in character building. Under the next the tenets of the orders of Masonry and Odd Fellowship, for the teachings of these orders will carry you farther in learning and wisdom within a few weeks than you can hope to attain in half a life time. Place under the third corner the duties and responsibili­ ties of citizenship. (I have placed the benevolent orders before citizenship, because their teachings embody all of the duties and accomplishments of a good citizen.) Under the fourth and last corner, place Permanent Home Mak­ ing, for the permanent homes of a country are the nur­ series of education and the mud-sills of patriotism.

Contentment. This erstwhile mistaken virtue has been held up be­ fore the young of our country for centuries, as the acme of all good in life, when as a matter of fact it is cnly a trait of character of the shiftless and inefficient. By the industrious and intelligent citizen, contentment is r~­ garded as a fake. Of a truth, it should have no place in the life of an American, whose motto is "Onward, and upward for all time." 342 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

TllE I·:Ill'C.\Tlo~ OF ITS CHILDRI•:~. IS THE STATE'H BF~'L I~,. LST ~I E~T SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA · 343

Broadmindedness. The ability and kindness to extend to others the un­ questioned privilege of their own religious, political or social opinion, that charity of judgment that can only find place in the generous, noble mind, that comprehen­ sive intelligence that is able to view a given subject or proposition from more than one angle. It is only the narrow-minded biggot that thinks everyone wrong but himself, and I regret to say that we have a few of these in the educational and religious world. Concessions are the natural sequence to broad mind­ edness. While it is true that "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, intolerance and persecution should not be the consequence of such vigilance. There may be among your various religious sects, one or more denom­ inations who are aggressive and would even usurp the powers of state, national or local government, in such instances, intolerance, and persecution would promote, foster and aid these institutions, instead of repressing their aggressive efforts, as has always been the case in the religious world. Of what benefit to us is a system of education or a religion that will not bear the calcium light of investigation and criticism, or even the death-dealing blows of ridicule? 344 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 345

Asphalt Mine Near the town of Valliant-underlying part of it­ the largest bed of asphalt in the Southwest. Beginning near the surface, the vein of asphalt extends down to an unknown depth. Efforts to develop the mine for commer­ cial purposes were begun in the early part of 1922, when the company in charge of the work had trouble from two sources: a machine that would successfully pulverize it for use, and freight rates. However, both these difficulties have been overcome, and the work of developing the mine is now progressing satisfactorily. The peculiar advantage for practical purposes of the product of the Valliant mine is in the fact that it is applied cold, just as it comes from the shaft and pulverizer, requiring only to be rolled. The company guarantees the satisfactory surface of the road on which it is laid for a term of five years and will bear all expense of repairs for that length of time, if the asphalt is laid according to their instructions.

Charles Wilson. Mr. Wilson, a resident of the town of Bethel in North McCurtain, is a native of Louisiana, but was raised on a farm in Arkansas, and in the way of education, says he had a hard time in reaching the ninth grade. He came to the Territory in 1905 and settled near the old Indian village of Bethel, where he has since lived, pursuing the dual occupation of farming and merchandising. In 1907, when county government was instituted, he was elected County Commissioner from District Number One, and was re-elected in 1910. Mr. Wilson has given much of his time and means in securing better roads for the northern part of the county. 346 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

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ST.ATISTICS FOR THE COUNTY.

Statistics are usually very dry and prosaic, but the citizen who is really interested in his country and its wel­ fare, and wishes to inform himself as to matters of busi­ ness, trade, etc., will find something of vital importance in their study. Indeed, those who study statistics and take advantage of the knowledge thus gained, are better able to promote their own interests and to render effi­ cient aid in promoting the general welfare. For instance, ,vhen in 1915, by digging into statistics, the fact was as­ certained that our county had been for years importing more feed and food supplies than the entire cotton crop of the county was worth, thinking people began to act, and the result was, a radical change in our agricultural methods, to the great benefit of the county. A study of the following will reveal the fact that McCurtain County has made wonderful progress from every angle since the census of 1910. The volume of bus­ iness has increased more than a hundred fold; the num­ ber of farms have quadrupled; farm property values have increased from $2,565,740, to $17,989,518; domestic ani­ mals have made a like increase; tenantry has decreased from 76 per cent of all farmers to 53 per cent, anrl farm mortgages, while not decreased in· number, have decreased in amount, materially. Only sixteen counties of the state exceed McCurtain in the value of production. Our county produces $3,080,140 in values annually, and $2,145,838 of this is manufactured products. Just six of the 78 counties of the state exceed McCurtain in primary horsepower; only one-Osage-ex­ ceeds her in size; none of the counties exceed her in na­ tural ,vealth and resources except those producing oil and gas, and who knows what McCurtain will do in this re­ spect within the next twelve months from the efforts now under way? The average farm land is $25 per acre. The land area in farms is less than 20 per cent. 348 McCURTAIN COUN,TY AND

Population. The population of McCurtain County in 1910 was 20,681; in 1920, 37,905. Agricult ore. Number of farms 1910, 1,954; in 1920, 4,511. Color and nativity of all farmers, 1920, whites, 3,534; foreigrt born, 14; negroes and other non-whites, 963. Farm acreage in 1910, 137,823; in 1920, 313,018. Value in farm property in 1910, $2,565,740; in 1920, $17,989,518. Percentage of tenantry in 1910, 76.4; in 1920, 53.6. Number of horses in 1910, 3,973; in 1920, 6,745; value $770,136. Number of beef cattle in 1910, 2,223; in 1920, 30,733; value $878,- 136. Number of dairy cattle in 1910, 2,027; in 1920, 12,- 298; value $373,499. Number of mules in 1910, 1,711; in 1920, 7,013; value $978,889. Number of sheep in 1910, 364; in 1920, 533; value $3,926. Number of goats in 1910, 380; in 1920, 2,781; value $12,984; number of hogs in 1910, 1,926; in 1920, 33,070; value $345,336. Value of all crops in 1910, $566,331; in 1920, $6,120,209. Value of cereals in 1910, $300,461; in 1920, $1,390,014. Value of other grains and seeds in 1920, $65,000. Value of hay and for­ age in 1910, $4,621; in 1920, $233.270. Value of fruits and nuts in 1910, $31,141; in 1920, $100,209. Value of all other crops in 1910, $214,039; in 1920, $3,800,439. Value of farm land mortgages in 1920, $2,489,581. Amount of mort­ gage debt in 1920, $764,581. Rate of mortgage debt to value, 30. 7 per cent. McCurtain, Oklahoma and Tulsa were the only coun­ ties in the state that had an increase of more than 50 per cent in population from 1907 to 1910. McCurtain's increase was 56.7 per cent. The per cent increase of pop­ ulation from 1910 to 1920 is approximately 84 per cent.

Assessed Values of County for 1922. The total assessed values of the county for 1922, in­ cluding real estate, personal property and public eervice SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 349 corporations, · is $12,381,159. By political 4 townships as follows: Frisco Township ...... $2,439,459 Fowler Township ...... 246,059 Kirk Township ...... 1,148,427 Eagle Township ...... 1,239,669 Mountain Township ... :...... 1,077,264 White Township ...... 1,502,000 Sulphur Township ...... 1,637,298 Wilson Township ...... 622,205 Broken Bow, Town ...... 692,452 Idabel, Town ...... 1,220,569 Haworth, Town ...... 152,057 Garvin, Town ...... 82,758 Valliant, Town ...... ~...... 321,249

Court Statistics. Probate cases filed since county organization ...... 2,739 Dead Claims filed and adjusted ...... 2,409 Civil cases filed in county court ...... 696 Criminal cases filed in county court...... 1,919 Civil cases filed in district court...... 4,125 Criminal cases filed in district court ...... 1,578

Total filings in the two courts ...... 13,466 AREA-1,214,080 Acres. In cultivation, 242,816 acres; cotton, 145,689 acres; corn, 60,704 acres; alfalfa, oats, sugar cane, berries, fruits, vegetables, 36,423 acres. Timber and pasture lands, 871,264 acres. This estimate for 1923, obtained from Federal Farm Demonstration Agent. The average production of cotton for past ten years has been 19,000 bales, with the increase in acreage the next ten years should show an average of something like 30,000 bales per annum. V ALOE-Lands in McCurtain County were estimated to be worth an average of $10.74, in 1910, (see Bulletin, Department of Commerce Bureau of Census), or the total sum of $13,061,250.00. Land values in this county have 350 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND increased from fifty to three hundred per cent during the past ten years and to estimate the lands of McCurtain County at this date to be worth twenty-five to thirty million dollars would be conservative, the im­ proved lands now totaling more than two hundred thousand acres, whereas the estimate of 1910 shows but 61,000 acres improved. Under treaty with the United States Government with the Choctaw-C:1ickasaw Indians there is a minor portion of this land that will not become tax­ able until 1931. POPULATION-(1920) 37,905. Native white, 29,139; native negro, 6,914; native Indians, 1,766; Japs, none; Chinese, none; foreign born, 86. ' SCHOOLS-Public school buildings, 108; teachers em­ ployed (1923), 243; number of school age, 14,336; number attending, --; cost of maintaining public schools of Mc­ Curtain County, scholastic year 1922-23, $234,001.00. Whee!ock Academy, an Indian school for girls, suported by the Federal Government. Fulsom Training School, sup­ ported by M. E. Church, College Course. HIGHWAYS-One hundred froty-five miles State highway; fifty-two miles of inter-state highway. (Inter­ state highway referred to is portion of scenic route of National Bankhead Highway now being completed under Federal supervision.) Diverse county and township roads. BANKS-First National Bank, Idabel; State National Bank, Idabel; Idabel National Bank, Idabel; First National Bank, Haworth; First National Bank, Broken Bow; Citizens National Bank. Valliant; 1\1:cCurtain County State Bank, Broken Bow; Wright State Bank, Wright City; Farmers State Guaranty Bank, Valliant; Farmers State Bank, Gar­ vin; Citizens State Bank, Haworth; State Guaranty Bank, Smithville. LU:rvIBER-Two of the largest sawmills in the United States, those of the Choctaw Lumber Company, located at Wright City, and Broken Bow, Okla, employing 1200 wage SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA - 351 earners. Numerous independent mills cutting both pine and hardwood lumber. RIVERS-Red River forms the south boundary ; this is a muddy stream from which the waters are unfit for use unless chemically treated. Glover, Mountain Fork and Little Rivers, are the principal fresh water streams of the county. They, with their diverse and various tribu­ taries, assure an everlasting supply of the purest and best water to be had, and it is easily accessable to all parts of the county. COUNTY GOVERNMENT-The various county offi­ ces are located at Idabel, the County Seat of McCurtain County, where the business of the county is transacted. The county court in probate is in continuous session. The District Court non-jury civil is in continuous session, while the various terms of criminal court and civil .i ury terms of both courts are held at regular intervals. The county is divided into townships, and each township has its various minor officers elected by the people. l\'.IINERALS-The mineral resources of the county have not been developed, though lead, zinc and copper have been found at various points in the county, as yet but one industry has entered the work in a con1mercial way and their progress has not been sufficient to give note at this time, but with the coming of better highways, and easier transportation development in this line, minerals are known to exist in good quantities, but not being accessible have not been exploited, new highways no,v under construction and under contemplation will no doubt place some of this prop­ erty within reach of transportation. OIL AND GAS-The south half of the county is looked upon with favor in this line and the work now in progress having the backing of large concerns involves an expendi­ ture of something like a half million. At this date there has not been a well completed in the county, but the next few weeks should find one or more wells com:rleted, and others well on their way. There is every indication that the large 352 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND responsible companies have determined to develop an oil field here or spend a considerable sum in their efforts. RAILROADS-Commercial-Approximately 98 miles of the road in the county; St. L. & S. F. R.R., 51 miles; T. 0. & E., 47 miles. Industrial-Approximately seventy miles of road used in various industries. These roads are not public carriers, but a good portion thereof is standard equipment and will probably become public carriers when it may be deemed profitable to owners.

McCURTAIN COUNTY BAR. Idabel. Andrews, J. A. Hosey, H. P. Abbott, F. R. Hudson, M. H. Armstrong, E. C. Jone8, J. Will Arnett, Geo. T. Lee, R. E. Barnes, T. J. McLendon, Jeff D. Carr, T. G. McLendon, Barton R. Carter, W. A. Montgomery, G. H. Connell, J. R. Mifflin, L. E. Cochran, E. E. McPherson, W. L. Daney, G. W. Parks, J. D. Deck, M. D. Potts, H. D. Earl, J no. C. Ray, H. C. Etherage, E. G. Sprague, I. C. Finney, Thomas Wilkinson, C. D. Fortner, J. N. Williams, W. T. Head, John C.

Broken Bow. Crenshaw, P. H. Temple, F. W. Paden, W. S. Thorn, Paul C. Haworth. Stewart, Paul Valliant. Rider,-.-. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 353

McCURTAIN COUNTY MEDICAL A.SSOCIATION. Idabel. Baylis, I-I. E. Moreland, J. T. Denison, C. A. Moreland, W. A. IIoover, Z. A. Williams, R. D. McCaskill, W. B.

Valliant. Clarkson, \V. A. FostBr, E. T. Huckaby, C. R.

Haworth. I-looper, E. C. McBrayer, W. H.

Broken How. McDonald, C. T. Wisdom, W. D. Sherrill & Barker

Garvin. Denison, B. L. l{elliam, E. A.

Millerton. Howard, vV. E.

Bokhoma. Taylor, W. D. 354 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Jn fflemnrtam

SACRED to the memory of the REV. ALFRED WRIGHT who entered into his heavenly rest March 31, 1853, age 65 years Born in Columbia, , March 1, 1788. Ap•pointed Missionary to the Choctaws 1820. Removed to this land October, 1832. Organized Wheelock Church December, 1832. Received to 1ts fellowship 570 members. AS A MAN he was intelE gent, firm in principle, prudent in counsel, gentle in spirit, kindness and gravity, and conscientious in the discharge of every relative and social duty. AS A CHRISTIAN he was un:form, constant, strong in faith and in doetrine, constant and fervent in prayer, holy in life, filled w:th the spirit of Christ and peaceful in death. AS A PHYSICIAN he was skillful, attentive, ever ready to relieve and comfort the afflicted. AS A TRANSLATOR he was patient, investigating and diligent, giving to the Choctaws in their own tongue the New and part of the Old Testament and various other books. AS A MINISTER his preaching was scriptural, earnest, practical. and rich in the full exhibition of Gospel truth. He was labcrious, faithful and successful. Communion with God, faith in the Lord Jesus. and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, - made all his labors sweet to h:s own soul and a blessing to others. In testimony of his worth, and their affection. his mourning friends erected this Tablet to his Memory. · "There rem a ineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

'l'HE ABOVE IS THE IX~CH.IPTION 0~ THE TO:.\IB 01? REV. ALFrtEb WRIGHT I~ ,YHEELOCK CE'.\IETERY. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 355 George M. Oakley Post No. 8, An1erican Legio11 SAMUEL HARRIS, of Idabel, born July 18, 1893, at Fate, Texas. Enl:sted July 12, 1916, at Dallas, Texas, corporal in 111th Engineer Corps. Ihree years' service, 11 mon tbs over­ seas. Discharged at Ft. W crth. Texas, June 18, 1919.

G. F. PARSONS, of Idabel bo1n at Hartley, Ar1L, Ju.y ~1, 1890. Enlisted at Idabel, Sept. 19, 1917, in Co. M. 140th Reg., 35th Div. One year in France. In battle of the Argonne for­ est. Discharged at Littb Roct May 14, 1919.

W. B. HOPKINS, of Idabel, born Ozark. Ark. Enlisted at O ~laho­ ma City, May 24, 1917, Co. H, 111th Reg., 36th Div. Eng:­ neers. Overseas service part 01' two years. Discharged at For~ Worth, Texas, June 18, 1919.

BASCOM COKER, of Idabel, bor:a at Yellville, Ark., Feb. 25, 1896. Enlisted at Camp Travis, Texas, Sept. 5, 1917. Overseas service 1 year, pro­ moted to sergeant. Discharged at New York City May 28, 1919.

E. MARK EVANS, of Idabel, born at Calera, Okla , May 6, 1897. Enlisted at Dallas, from Durant College June 5. 1917, in the U. S. Navy. on·e year and 10 months' service. Dis­ charged at New York City. :March 23, 1919.

JESSE T. RYLE, of Idabel, born Basin Springs, Texas, Dec. 9, 1897. Enlisted at Oklahoma City, June 25, 1917, Co. F , 111th Engineers, 36th Div., 23 months' serv· ce, 11 months overseas. Discharged at Camp Bowie, June 18, 1919. 356 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

CARL M. PENDLETON, of Ida­ bel, born Sept. 19, 1889, at Hope, Ark., and enlisted in the U. S. army Sept. 19, 1917, at Idabel, Ok~a. Was with the A. E. F. overseas, from June 20, 1918, to Nov. 6, 1918. Wounded in action at St. M'hiel Sept. 12, in left leg, resulting in amputation, lower third. Discharged at Fort Mc­ Pherson, Jan. 31, 1919. IRA RONE, of Idabel, born April 4, 1884, in Ohio County, Ky. Enlisted at Camp Pike, Ark., Sept. 11, 1918, officers train­ ing school. Still in the ser­ vice, National Guard. TIM BILLINGSLY, born at Foreman, Ark., March 11, 1893, enl:sted at Antlers, Okla., June 27, 1918, overseas ser­ vice, gassed at battle of St. Miheil. Discharged at Fort Sill, Okla., March 22, 1919. GEO. L. COFFEY, of Idabel, born July 1, 1899, at Pawne~, Okla. Entered service in U. S. Navy at Dallas. Texas, July 3, 1917. Two and a half years in the navy, 16 months in France. On Admiral's signal staff, U. S. ship, Bridgeport . •J AS. E. HALL, of Idabel, born at Paris, Texas, AUJ!. 7, 1893, enlist­ ed at Fort \Vorth, :\lay 28, mis. was overseas from Au~. 3. 1918. to Mar<.·h 12, mm. Corporal in 111th trench mortar battery. Dis­ eharged at Camp Travis, April 1. 1919. Joined Nat'l Guard in .Jan .. 1922, made 2nd Lieut. Feb. 15th. promoted to 1st LiPut. in .June. 1922, now battalion ag'nt 2nd hat­ talion, 180th lnft. asd res:.:1r,•p Com. 1st Lieut. in regular army. GILBERT W. DANEY, born near Talihina, Ind. Terr., June 15, 1886, enlisted at Washington, D. C., March 15, 1918, over­ seas 17 months. Discharged at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 357

ROBT. M. DeWITT, born at Paris, Texas, Oct. 17, 1885, enlisted at Camp Pike, Ark., Sept. 10, 1918, officers train­ ing camp until discharged, Dec. 10, 1918.

CLAUD HERNDON, born at Kurituklo in July, 1901, en­ listed in the U. S. Navy, 1918. Served three years, was dis­ charged in 1921.

CLYDE H. HERNDON, born in Indian Territory in 1901. En­ listed at Ardmore, Okla .. April 15, HHS. Hospital Service. Dis­ charged at Fort Bayard.

G. M. OAKLEY, born in Arkan­ sas, enlisted at Idabel in June, 1917, killed in battle at St. Mihiel Nov. 10, 1918.

HERMAN D. HERRON, born Paris, Texas, Nov. 10, 1895, enl' sted in Oklahoma City, May 3, 1917, two years' ser­ vice in U. S. Navy, boat­ swain's mate on U. S. ship, Zelanda, made 12 trips over­ seas, discharged Oct. 10, 1919, at Dallas, Texas.

ROBERT L. MARTIN, of Idabel, born at Mena, Ark.! in 1901. Enlisted in U. S. navy at Ok­ lahoma City in July, 1918. Overseas service. Discharged in June, 1919. 358 McCURTAIN COUNTY AN.,J

ROBERT COOPER, of Idabel. born in Arkansas. Enlisted at Idabel in September, 1918. died in Camps.

CLYDE BUCHANAN·, of Val­ liant, born in Little River County, Ark., in 1896. Enlisted at Idabel, Okla., Feb. 1st, 1918. After short train~ng was sent overseas and was killed in France August 5th, 1918.

ALBERT L. BALL, born at Ho­ ratio, Ark., May ·22, 1906, en­ listed at Idabel June 28, 1918, and served remainder of war as :Znrl cook in Med. Dept. at Fort Bayard, N. M., where he was di~ehargcd in Jan., 1920.

.1-·:•: -r.:,:f . ' ~:;:. .,, ¥ JAMES S. JONES, of Idabel, • ,I J .... ', ;-~ ·'t:'· l::orn in Nevada County, Ark., , I '•· . Dec. 10, 1890. Enlisted at Ida­ '1' ' bel, J li'ne 28, 1Dl8, training service at Camp Beauregard, La. Discharged at same camp, Dec. 4, 1918.

HERBERT RISENHOOVER, of Ida, born in July, 1898. Elisted in October, 1918, died in camps at Camp Cody, New Mex:co.

A LEX NOWELL, of Glover, en­ listed at Idabel, Okla., Sept. 18, 1917, was assigned to Co. E, 358 th regiment. Died at Camp Travis, Jan. 31. 1918. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 359

A. P. MARTIN, of Idabel, born at Mena, Ark., in 1899. En­ listed in U. S. Navy in July, 1918. Overseas service. Dis­ charged in 1919.

CHARLES MADDRY, Gilliam, Camp Freemont, Cal., and Camp Mills, New York. Dis­ charged at Camp Pike, in Oct., 19'20.

PAUL C. THORN, Br·oken Bow, born at Palestine, W. Va., May 26, 1893, enlisted at Valpariso, Ind., June 28, 1918, private 22nd Inft. Co. 0., training ser­ vice at Camp Lee, Va. Dis­ C'harg-ed at Camp Lee, Nov. 23, 1918.

THOMAS PRUETT, of Bethe] FRANK HARRIS, of Haworth, Okla., horn Aug. 2, 1896, in Okla., born June 11, 1897, at RcJ River County, Texas, en­ Haworth, enlisted at Idabel, listed Junt· 15, 1918, at Bethel, O!· la., 8 1nonths in service, Okla., ~l'rvice in training camp corporal in ordnance depart­ unt:l disrharged at Can1p Lo­ ment, dischar~ed at Wingate, gan, Hou:-:ton, Texas, Dec. 4, N. M., May 20, 1919. 1918. IRWIK .JONES, H:::oks, Texas, G. LAWRENCE HOLMAN, born born NoY. 8, 1896, at Bryans in Arkansas in May, 1893, en­ Mill, Texas, enlisted at Idabel, listed at Idabel, Okla., May 28, Okla., Ju:y 2G, 1918. While in 1918, overseas service, dis­ training at Camp Pike was charged at Camp Bowie May 20, 1919. thrown from a wagon and sus­ tained a broken leg. Dis­ VOLLEY S. WILLIAMS, born charged at Camp Pike, De('. at Annona, Texas, Jan., 1894, 24, 1918. enlisted at Denver, Col., June F. B. WEST, of Idabel, born at 21, 1915. and after 3 years' Clarksville, Texas, Nov. 1, 1891. service in U. S. army, during En1isted at Idabel, Aug. 6, which t~me he was promoted 1918. Discharged at Newport 2nd Lieut., was discharged at News. in March, 1919. Re-en­ Fort Sill, Okla., ~-larch 3, listed in National Guard. 1919. DR. L. H. HILL, of Idabel, born HENRY E. ROBERTS, born in in Nashville~ Ill., Nov. 9, 1884. Clinton, Ky., Dec., 1888. En­ Enlisted at Idabel, May 26, listed at Jefferson Barracks, 1918. Capt. Med. Corps, 90th Mo., March 15, 1918. Over­ Div., overseas 13 months. Dis­ seas service. Discharged at charged at Camp Dix, N. Y. Camp Funston, Kans. 360 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

R. 0. KUYKENDALL, of Henri­ ED WRIGHT, of Idabel, Okla., etta, Texas, enlisted at Paris, born near Cleburn, Texas, Sept. Texas, April 16, 1917. Two 13, 1895, enHsted at Hug_o, years overseas, corporal, dis­ Okla., Sept. 19, 1917, was six charged at Fort Worth, Texas, months in training and 13 1919. months overseas. Discharged CLAUDE P. SPRIGGS, of Ida­ at Camp Pike in April, 1919. bel, born at Magnolia, Ark., RAGAN L. MA YER, born at Dec. 28, 1875. Enlisted at Fort Clarksville, Texas, Sept., 1895, Sill, Okla., Noy. 2, 1918, in enlisted at Idabel, Okla., Sept. clerical department. Discharged 18, 1917. Sergeant overseas. at Camp Bowie, Texas, Dec. Discharged at Camp Pike, 15, 1918. Ark., June, 1919. JOHN P. SHADOCK, born at CLAUDE A. WADE, born Little Hallsville, Texas, Oct. 8, 1894. River Cou,nty, Ark., April, Enlisted at Oklahoma City, 1894, enlisted at Ashdown, May 21, 1918, in Hdq. Co., Ark., June 24, 1918. Camp 53rd Pioneer Infantry as cor­ training. Discharged at Camp poral. Discharged at Camp Pike, Ark., Nov., 1919. Pike, Ark., May 21, 1919. Over­ seas service. C. H. BROWN, born Hallsville, Texas, Jan. 8, 1892, enlisted JASPER N. CLARK, born in at Idabel, Okla., March 30, Dec., 1887. Enlisted at Idabel, 1918, overseas service. Dis­ June 27, 1918. Assigned to charged at Camp Mills, N. Y., Hdq. Co., 154th Reg., 39th June 25, 1919. Div., and sent overseas. Dis­ charged at Camp Pike, Ark. HENRY JOHNSON. born Harts­ horne, Ind. Terr., March 1, C. W. ARMSTRONG, of Idabel, 1893, enlisted at Poteau, Okla., born at Petty, Texas, Jan. 15, July 23, 1918, in training at 1897. En~ered U. S. army ser­ camps, and service at Taylor. vice May 8. 1917, at Fort Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. Discharged Root, Ark. Saw overseas ser­ at Camp Taylor Jan. 9, 1919. vice and was discharged at Camp Dix, N. Y., May 25, PARIS RUSSELL, born in Ne­ 1919. vada County, Ark., March 9, JOE MOREHEAD, of Idabel, 1894. Enlisted at Idabel, Sept. born at Par:s, Texas, in Oct., 19, 1917; 19 months in ser­ 1885. Enlisted at Camp Pike, vice, overseas. Discharged at Ark., Sept. 10, 1918. Infantry Camp Pike, April 18, 1919. Cent. Officers Train. School. H. A MORGAN, born Feb. 12~ Discharged at Camp Pike, Dec. 1896, at Naples. Texas. En­ 9, 1918. listed at Ida'Jel Sept. 18, 1918. D'.scha~ged at Camp Pike April JOE G. HENDRIX1 of Idabe1, born at Buckner, Ark , in June, 28, 1919. 1896. Enlisted at Lewisville, HARRY LOVE, born at Shaw­ Ark., Sept. 4, 1918. base hos­ ne2town, Ind:an Territory, Jan. pital serv:ce. Discharged at 7, 1897. Enl.isted at Idabel, Camp Bowie, March 15, 1919. A~g. 7, 1918. Discharged at F. E. WADE, of Richland, Ark., Camp Freemont, Cal. born July 8, 1895, enlisted at W. S. GREEN. born in Arkan­ Dallas, Texas, May 11. 1917. gas, Jan. 8, 1893. Enlisted at Discharged at New Yor.k City Hope, Ark., April 2. 1918. Dis­ June 26, 1919. Over two years charged at Galveston, Texas, in service of navy. Dec. 28, 1918. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA · 361

RAYMOND W. JONES, born in SAM E. SAWYER, born Honey Honey Grove, Texas. Enlisted Grove, Texas, Feb. 22, 1895, at Dallas, Texas, May 21, 1917. enlisted at Idabel, Okla., Sept. In U. S. Navy, promoted to 17, 1917; overseas serv:ce, yeoman. Discharged at St. supply department. Discharged Louis, June 13, UH9. at Little Rock, Jan. 21, 1919. CLAUDE SMITH, born at Chapel CHARLES H. BROWN, born in Hill, Ark., June 6, 1891. En­ Nashville, Tenn., June 10, 1889. listed at Camp Travis; 22 Enlisted at Idabel, Okla., May months service, 8 months over­ 19, 1918; 12 months overseas. seas. Discharged at Camp Discharged at Camp Pike, Ark., Pike, July 20, 1919. Aug. 19, 1919. C. B. WALLS, Roxton, Texas, C. B. WILSON, born at Hugo, May 29, 1895, enlisted at Mo., Feb. 16, 1896. Enlisted Paris, Texas, March 18, 1918. at Waynesville, Mo., May 28, Medical Corps. Discharged at 1918. Overseas service. Dis­ Whipp'e Barracks, Ariz., Jan. charged Jan. 31, 1919. 15, 1919. JAMES R. EARL, born at Mar­ J. WILL JONES, born in Ken­ shall, Ark., enlisted at Idabel, tucky, Aug. 27, 1881. Entered April 18, 1918, sergeant me­ first off ice rs training camp teorological signal corps, over­ Fort Logan H. Roots, Ark., seas service. Discharged at May 11, 1917. Commander Co. Camp Pike, Ark., March 26, H, 345th Infantry, 87th Div. 1919. Overseas service. Discharged at Camp Dix, N. J ., March, I. H. MILLSAP. born in Red 1919. River County, Texas, Sept. 27, 1895, enlisted at Dallas, Texas, GUY DAVIS, born Fayvi1le, Ill., July 26, 1917, in U. S. Navy, enlisted at Idabel, Aug. 25, was overseas 11 months. Dis­ 1918. Radio operator. Dis­ charged July 26, 1919, at Dal­ charged in .Dec., 1919. las, Texas. EARL LEWIS, born at Dalby ARTHUR LOVE, born at Kulli­ Springs, Texas, in 1888, en­ tuklo, Ind. Terr., Aug. 26, listed June 27, 1918, at Idabel, 1891, enlisted at Fort Worth, Okla.; 9 months overseas. Dis­ Texas, May 30, 1918, saw charged at Camp Bowie, May overseas service and was dis­ 14, 1919. charged at Camp Pike, June 30, 1919. NORMAN COYLE, born Coal Hill, Ark., Sept. 13, 1889, en­ BILL OAKLEY, born at Cerro­ listed at Riley Field, Texas, ~orda, Ark, 1896, enlisted at Dec. 29, 1917; Kelly Field, Idabel, Okla., Sept. 8, 1917, Texas, and Camp Taylor. Dis­ was overseas 9 months and charged at Camp Taylor, Lew­ wounded in action. Discharged isville, Ky., Nov. 30, 1918 at Camp Funston, Kan., May 17, 1919. C. L. DUNHAM, born at Union City, Tenn .. May 24, 1894, en­ C. T. LOFTIN, born June 6, listed at Eldon Mission, May 1896, at Thornton, Texas, en­ 26, 1918, went into training listed at Fort Logan. Colo., at Camp Dodge, Iowa, 352nd one year overseas, in Argonne Inft., transferred to Hdq. Co., and St. Miheil offensives. sent to Hoboken, N. J., for Army occupation in Germany. embarkation. Discharged at Discharged at Camp Pike, Camp Dodge, March 3, 1919. Ark., July 18, 1919. 362 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

J. D. Tanner, born at Smithville, TOM FINNEY, born at Law­ Texas, Nov. 29, 1895, enr sted renceburg, Tenn., Feb. 21, 1899, at Ardmore, Ok1a., Sept. 1, enlisted in the service at 1918; 12 months' service, pri­ Nashville, Tenn., Sept., 1918, in vate. Discharged at Camp tra·ning at camp ··------· Dis- Bowie, July 17, 1919. charged at Nashville, Tenn. ·

WRAY LOFTON, born at Thorn­ DR. H. E. BAYLISS, born in ton, Texas, in May, 1893, en­ Jones County, :Miss., Sept. 7, listed in Colorado, March, 1867, enlisted at Camp Logan, 1914, served in Hawaii and Houston, Texas, De~. 27, 1917, Central America and othe"( 1st Lieut., one year's service Posts of the United States.' in medical corps. Discharged Djscharged at Miami, Fla., In at Camp Shelly, Miss., Dec. 2. 1919. HHS. THEO BUCHANAN, born at "\V. I. \VHITELEY, born at La­ ArJ-:inda, Ark., Aug. 3, 1896, mar, Ark., Dec: 24, 1889, en­ enlisted Au~. 27, 1918, at Mc­ listed at Mena, Ark., Feb. 28, Kinney, Te:,xas, 45th Co., 165th 1!)18, overseas service 12 Reg. Training camp 4 months. monthf:. Discharged at Little Discharged at Paris, Texas, Ro(.'.k, April, 1919. De~. 27, 1918. VICTOR BUCHANAN, born in CHARLES C. GREEN, born at L~tt · e River C8unty, Ark., Fredonia, Ky., July 23, 1DOO, Nov. 28, 18D3, enl:sted at !da­ enlisted at Ardmore, Okla., te!, 0, la., June 28, HHS, act­ Dee. 18, 1!)17. Service, 4 years ing corporal and assistant and G ffi'.)nths. Staff Se)'geant. drill master at Camn Travis. l)is(.'.harged at Kelly Fie:d, Dec. Discharged Dec. 24, -1918. 27, 1922. GUY SMITH, born at Chapel CHARLES B. WHITTEN, of Hill, Ark., Dec. 3, 1894, en­ Idabel, born in Cooper, TPxas. listed at C:1mp Travis, Texas, .July 14, 1893, e~:isted at Mo:i­ Sept. 5, 1 :n 7, corporal or en­ tlcello, Ark., July 27, 1917; 6 g·nce!'s, 19 months overseas. months service, private. Dis­ Discharged at Camp Pike, charged at Camp Pike, Jan. Aug. 15, 1919. 25, 1918. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA

General Directory

COlTNTY OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.

Election of 1906. Constitutional Convention Del2gate...... Poleman McClure, Idabel

Election cf 1907. District Judge 27th Dis~rie:t ...... D. A. Richardson, Durant County Representative ...... W. H. Harrison, Idabel Courity Judge ...... T. J. Barnes, Garvin Sh Jrifi...... Tom Grah~m, Valliant District Clerk...... C. J. Stewart, Haworth Coi;.nty C1erk ...... W. L. Ray, lda'}el County Attcrn2y ...... Robt. E. Steel, Idabel County Trcasurer...... E. L. N cl son Valliant Co~ nty Supt. of Schoolr-: ...... P. K. Fa.sen, Garv:n Register of Deeds and Mortgages ...... E. B. Herndon, M llerton County Assr.fsor...... Tom 1\1ills, Valliant County EurvEyor...... Bud Felker, Valliant f D stdct L ...... Cha:·les Wilson County Ccmmissioners. . . .. i District 2 ...... : ...... l~obert Short l District 3...... E. Blue

Election of 1910. District Judge ...... Summers Hardy, :Madill County Repr<:sentative ...... James R. Kn'ght, Valliant Coun.y Jt.:dge ...... T. J. Barnes, Idabel Sher.ff...... Tom Graham, Valliant (Dur:ng the first year of th:s t2rm, Mr. Graham resigned and John R. Bu ke was appJinted to fill the unex1;iired term.) District C!erk ...... C. J. Stewart, Idabel County Clerk ...... W. L. Ray, Idabel County Attor:~ey ...... Robert E. Steel, Idabel (Mr. Steel disd during this term, and N. W. Gore, of Idabel, was appointed to fill the unexp~red term.) Covnty Treasurer...... E. L. Nelson, Vallian1i County Sur:t. of Schools ...... P. K. Fais:>n. Idabel Register of Dee'.is and Mortgages ...... E. B. Her,don, M·nerton County Assessor...... J. M. Post, Ida'.>el County Surveyor...... Bud FPllrer. Va llia"'lt I District L ...... Charles Wilson, Bethel County Commissioners ...... i D!strict 2 ...... Bob Short l D: strict 3 ...... E. Blue

Election of 1912 Distrlct Judge...... Summers Hardy, Madill Representative...... Sam Dav:s, Eagletown County Judg;? ...... E. E. Cochran,• Valliant 364 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Sheriff...... Dan Holman, Garvin District Clerk...... C. J. Townsend, Idabel County Clerk ...... J. DeWitt, Idabel County Attorney ...... G. M. Barrett, Garvin County Treasurer...... Leon White, Idabel County Supt. of Schools ...... L. N. Gray, Idabel Register of Deeds and Mortgages ...... H. P. Hackworth, Valliant Assessor...... J. M. Post, Idabel County Surveyor...... F. D. Taaffe, Idabel I D:strict L ...... John Dorsey, County Commissioners ...... ~ District 2 ...... H. X. Whitten LDistrict 3...... Ed Buchanan

Election of 1914. District Judge ...... C. E. Dudley, Antlers County Representative ...... T. G. Taylor, Id:1bel County Judge ...... E. E. Cochran, Idabel Sheriff...... Dan Holman, Garvin Court Clerk ...... H. P. Hackworth, Valliant County Clerk...... J. W. DeWitt, Idabel County Attorney...... G. M. Barrett, Idabel County Treasurer...... Leon White, Idabel County Supt ...... L. N. Gray, Idabel County Assessor...... J. M. Post, Idabel County Surveyor...... J. R. Earl, Idabel · I District 1 ...... J. M. Gates County Commissioners ...... • 1 District 2 ...... H. X. Whitten l District 3 ...... E. B. Herndon

Election of 1916. District Judge ...... C. E. Dudley, Antlers (During this term Judge Dudley resigned and Judge A. A. McDon­ ald of Hugo was appointed in his stead. Later Judge McDonald resigned and Judge G. M. Barrett was appointed to fill the unex­ pired term.) County Representative ...... Jerry E. Rowland, Ida'Jel County Judge...... J. D. Parks, Broken Bow Sheriff...... J. W. DeWitt. Idabel Court Clerk...... Fred M. Brooks, Valliant County Attorney ...... N. W. Gore, Idabel County Treasurer...... F. B. (Son) West, Idabel County Supt. of Schools ...... L. N. Gray, Idabel County Clerk...... H. A. Sm:th, Idabel County Assessor...... J. M. Post, Idabel County Surveyor...... J. R. Earl. Idabel f D~strict 1-...... J. W. Gates County Commissioners...... • { District 2...... C. W. Stewart LDistrict 3...... G. G. Merry

Election of 1918 District Judge...... G. M. Barrett, Hugo County Representative...... Jno. W. Scott, Idabel County Judge...... J. D. Pa1 ks, Idabel Sheriff...... J no. W. DeWitt, Idabel Court Clerk...... Fred M. Brooks, Idabel [Ol1THE\:T OKLAHOl'.lA 36E

County Clerk...... H. A. Smith. Idabel County Supt. of Schools...... Mac R. Phillins, Bismark County Attorney...... N. W. Gore, Idabel (During th:s term, Mr. Gore resigned and C. D. Wilkinson was appo~nted.) County Treasurer...... F. B. (Son) West, Idaeel ( During this term Mr. West resigned and R. C. Oldham was appointed.) County Assessor...... J. M. Post, Idabel County Surveyor...... J. R. Earl. Idabel r D:.strii::t 1 ...... J. W. Gates County Commissioners ...... { District 2 ...... C. W. Stewart [ District 3 ...... G. G. Merry

Election of 1920. Djstrict Judge ...... G ...M. Barrett, Hugo County Rep~ esentative...... James DyPr, Jr., Broken Bow County Judge...... J. D. Parks. Ii!abe\ ~heriff...... A. W. FPlker, Valliant County Attorney...... C. D. Wilkinson, Idabel Conrt CJ~rk...... Fred M. Brooks, Idabel County Clerk...... Mrs. Leon White, Idabel County Treasurer...... R. C. Oldh1n, Idabel County Supt of Schools ...... Mac. R. Phillips, Idabel County Assessor...... D. S. Randolph, Bokhoma County Surveyor...... J. R. Earl, Idabel r T);~t.ric• 1 W. B. Lam 1~e,.t, Broken Bow County Con1missioners.. .. ~ D"str~ct 2 ...... H. X. Whitten, DPceased I D;strict :~-.... -G. G. Merry, Valliant ( On tr.e

Election of J922. District Judge ...... G. M. Barrett, Hugo; Fr::1nk Butler, Stenugrapher f James Dyer, Jr., Broken Bow. County Representatives (two) ...... ~ [ Paul Stewart, Ha worth. County Judge ...... Tom G. Garr, Idabel; Mrs. Lula B. Bryant, Stenog. Sheriff-J. Richard Jones, Idabel; S. R. Bryant, Under Sheriff, Charles Holman, J. H. Johnson, Mayo James, deputies, and S. A. Buchanan and Forest Parsens, jailors. Court Cle 0 k ...... •····--····Bascom Ccker, Idabel; W. W. Morris, Deputy County Clerk...... Joe Hendrix, Idabel; -----Deputy County Assessor...... L'elbert S. Ran--:nJph, Idabel; McGuire, Deputy County Supt. of Schools-Mac. R. Phillips, Idabel; Mrs. Vesta Green, Assistant. County TrE·asurer-Mayo James, Idabel;------Deputy County Attorney-L. E. M:fflin, Idabel; J. F. Hudson, Assistant. County Surveyor...... --•·············Francis D. Taaffe, Ida'.Jel f Dist. 1, W. A. Lambert. Broken Bow County Comm:ssioners ...... ~ District 2 ...... R. C. Oldham, Idabel l D~strict 3 ...... Jo3 Sessions, Garvin R. C. Blocker served the coenty ss County Agent from 1915 to July, 1918, when A. L. Edmaiston was appointed by the commis­ sioners' court and has served ever since. About the same time Miss Grace Clowdis was appointed Domestic Science Demonstrator, and is still serving as such. 366 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

CHURCH DIRECTORY.

MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF BOKHOMA-Was or­ ganized in Territorial days-1904-w th 12 members. The p ese:1t mcml::ersh p is 80, with a Sunday School enrollment of 75 pupils. Rev. Lige DeLaughter, preacher in ch::rge. EPIPHENY MISSION, EPISCOPAL CHURCH-Organiz2d in Idabel latter part of 1922, with a membership approximating 30. \ Pr1.or to the orgc:.nizat:on of the miss~on the local membersr.ip was served by Dr. Foster, who was then lccated at Hugo. He was suc­ ceeded by Arch Deacon Spencer MounsJy, who sub£equently accepted a call to a church on Lorg Island, N. Y., leaving the m~ssion at present without a m:nister. The local members have th~ promise of the b:shop to fill the vacancy as soon as possible. FREEWILL BAPTIST CHU TI CH-At Cisco, five miles west of Idabel, instituted in 1 !) 15, by the Rev. C. A. Sledge, w: th a member­ ship of 11. The present members of th,s church now n'~mter 163, and have Rev. H. W. Finney 2s minister in charge. Th~ Sunday school enrollment is 140. The membership for the 7 years marks a heavy per cer.t increase. MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH. Bokhoma-Org-<1n·zed in 1901, with 45 members, Ly Rev. Cook. The present membership is aJout the sam:._•, w:th Rev. DeLaughter in charge. The Sunday school enro1Im£~nt is about GO pupils and a full attendance. M. P. CHURCH, Idabel-Organiztd in 1911, by Rev. L. M. M::it­ thews, w·th a membership o-f 9. Th·.:> ehu··ch now has a member­ ship of G9, and a Sund:iy school enrollment of 90 pupils. Rev. H. W. Kelly, pastor in d:arg·e. MISSION ARY BAPTIST CHURCH, at Shults-was organized in 1920. by Rev. E. F. Tripp, wi' h a nwmbership of G-Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Oliver, l\ilr. and Mrs. C. Ansell. Mrs. M. J. Jones, and Mr. T. A. Nowell. The church now r.as a res'dent membersh.p of 61 and 11 non-resident mem'_:ers. The Sunday s~hool cn:·ollment numbers 112. OAK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH-Was organized by Rev. John Crane in Ju!y, 1919. with 11 m2mbers, with a ,prese~t membership of 30, and Rev. S. J. McCarroll as pastor. The church at Oak Hill is a I've, working body. However, there is no Sunday school in connection with the church. BAPTIST CHURCH-L0c~ted 6 miles cast of Valliant, was organ·zed with 6 members in July, 1922, ar.ers, and now has 235, with a Sunday school enrollment of 40. Rev. R. G. Dun­ lap is the preacher in charge at present. CHURCH OF CHRIST. Goodwater-Was organized in 1905, by the Rev. John Prewitt, with a membership of about 80, and has at present 120. There is a Sunday school enrollment of 110 in this church. M. P. CHURCH, at Goodwater-Was instituted in 1895, with 15 members, and now has a membership of 45, and a Sunday school en­ rollment of from 90 to 100 pupils. Rev. J. L. Overby is the preacher in charge at present. NAZARENE CHURCH, at Ida-Was organized in 1912, with only a few members and now has 18. Rev. R. T. Smith, pastor in charge. No Sunday school reported. WATER HOLE M. E. CHURCH-Was organized several years before the Civil War, and is therefore one of the oldest churches in the county, by Lowlin Shoate, who was the first pastor. The pres­ ent mem')ership is 20, and the Sunday school attendance is 12. William Keith is the present pastor, and Rev. A. S. Williams is the presiding elder. This is a Choctaw church. THE FIRST M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH, of Idabel-Was insti­ tuted by Rev. Pipkins, presiding elder, in 1904, Rev. Owens, pastor, in an unfin:shed building on Main Street. There were only six or eight members at the time. The first quarterly conference was held in W. J. Blaton's house. Services were held during the first year in the old school house at the foot of Main Street. With a hard struggle for four years and an increase of 40 or 50 members, we secured a lot and built a church house under the supervision of Brother Fultcn, who was succeeded by Rev. Rogers. Soon there­ after we built the present parsonage. In 1918, we tore down the old building and replaced it with a brick build~ng at a cost of something over $20,000, which the writer believes is the outgrowth of faith and perseverence. There are only three members of the original church in Idabel at present, and the church membership of today is over 300, for which blessing the writer says "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. The present Sunday school super- intendent is------W. J. Blanton. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 369

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VALLIANT-Organized in 1907, by Rev. John Crane, with a membership of 18. The present mem':>ership is 70 resident, and 65 non-resident. The Sunday school enrollment is----, with Everett Cotton, Cecretary.----­ pastor in charge. PILGRIM REST BAPTIST CHURCH, near Valliant-Was 1n­ stltuted in 1917, by Rev John Crane, with a membership of 12. The membership at present, is 19, and a Sunday school enrollment of 50. Rev. W. M. Gray, pastor. PLAINVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH, a few miles northwest of Valliant-Organized in 1921, by Rev. Crane, with a membership of 7. Present membership, 26, and a Sunday school enrollment of 78. Rev. W. M. Gray is also pastor of this church. COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH OF VALLIANT-Was organ­ ized in 1906, with 6 members. They now have 75 members and a Sunday school enrollment of 50. Rev. M. S. Stinson, present pas­ tor, in charge. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SMITHVILLE-Was in­ stituted in May, 1907, by Rev. J. T. Bowling, w'th a mem1Jership of seven. At present there is a membership of 94, resident and non­ resident, with a Sunday enrollment of 60, Dewey Maggard, superin­ tendent; Miss Clara Phill:ps. secretary. At present there is no pastor in charge of this church. MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF FOREST HILL-Was organized in December, 1908, by Revs. L. L. Rich and T. B. Neal, with a . membership of 15, as near as can be ascerta~ned. This church has prospered along with the community of which it is the center, and is one of the few churches off of the railroads that has a build:ng in which to worship. The present membership is 75, and the Sunday school enrollment is 95. It is in th~s com­ munity that the only consolidated school of the county is located, and, doubtless to this and the benign influences of the church, is due the credit for the peaceful, law-abiding and patriotic citizen­ ship of Fo1:est Hill. The present pastor is Rev. W. R. Merry, and here it may be truthfully said, that there may be as good preach­ ers as Bob Merry, but there are no better men in this or any other state. BAPTIST CHURCH OF GOLDEN-Instituted in July, 1920, with 23 members, by W. R. Merry, pastor. Present membership, 83, and an enrollment of 64 in Sunday school, with average attend­ ance of 47. Rev. W. R. Merry has done a wonderful work in this community, and is still retained as preacher in charge. BLACK RIVER CHURCH ( Choctaw, Cumberland Presbyterian.) -Locate

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BROKEN BOW-Organized in 1912, by Rev. John Crane, w th a m~mbership of 25. There are something over 200 members at the present time. The Sunday school enrollment reaches about 200, with an average attendance of 100 pupils. Present preac:her in cha1ge is Rev. J. B. Simms. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IDABEL-Was organized at the old school house at the east end of Main Street, in 1D07, with a membership of eleven, Re ✓• "\V. T. l\1atthews, who was at th:::t time cha:rman of the distrid board of missions. and who served th~ church once a month thereafter as pastor unt:1 the i employment of Rev. Burns. In 1908 the members, with the help of the boa· d of missicns, built a church house en the lot now oc­ cupied by t:1rm, which was de~troy':!d in the cyclone that visited Idabel in 1915. A year or so later the church rebu.lt on th~ same lot, and in addition a snn1l bungalow that is used by the Good Eamaritan E'.urdav school class. Th!s church now has a res:dent mem ·~ership of 210 and non-res'.dent members. 61. The Sunday schc-ol membership is something over one hundred. Rev. S. Addi­ son McElroy was employed in April, 1921. ar.d dur:ng his pastorate over fifty members have been added to the church roll.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY.

l>istri<'t No. Clerk of Bourcl. Addl'(!SS. Pri111'ipal or l4chool. 1 11. ('·app, ...... (:arvin ... ..IL 1'1. l•~nns. !! A. I~ l)aniP~s (Col.) .. 1:arYin ...... --·--~ ◄ 'ra11e:s \Vartl. :i Hoitt. Adams ...... <:an·in ...... _...... 4 Ali<"e ;\l. l>arling .... _{;arvin ...... '-;. \V. Adams. r, C 0. Allpn ...... ltlahPl ...... r,. N. Uray. ~upt. f► (~. (). A11Pn ...... -.. -••··· ''1~11,pl ...... r It. ~pra~11e, I•rin. H. S .. r, C 0. Allen ...... Tdahp} ...... J '.. K :\I Guirl', Prin. Geor~e S. !i C. 0. AllPn ...... ldahPl ...... I. 'I'. H~·Jp, Prin. IlPrr11lon S. H .T. A. H1•y11olds ...... l la worth ...... : L C. Antl ·rson, Prin. ll. S. 7 .T. II. Gree11...... '\nkhomn ...... !•~ II. White. s W. ,T. 1)11:111 ...... •...... •.. .T:ulie ...... L. ~. GrifCn. !I G. .T. Touehstone .... Broken How ...... '{ K. :\Id ntosh, Snpt. !I G ..T To11d1stone .... Broken J3ow ...... \lrs. \V. ~. P:ukn, Prin. TI. S. 10 L. D St'l10onmaker .. \lillerton ...... \Yilliam Hall 11 .T. :\I. Cecil...... -...... Ya1liant ...... "-. A. Hamilton, Supt. 1:! K Ii'. FP!lllel..._ ...... l{nfe ············-··--····················•··· \Ir~. Ruth O!h·e. t:i \Y. L. Davis ...... Y:u.!'IPtown ························'· \I. Gnn!!h. 14 .r. .T. \V,·an~r .... -·········~mithville -······················ l' ..T. Bowling. lri TT. N :\I irtin ...... Hethel ...... '!r~. H N King. lli C. E. Ciinton ...... Tlod1atown ...... T. F.. Bl'nnett. 17 H. R. Trammell...... Hnworth ...... , 'ha r!f'S ~tr:rnghn. lX R. E. Gi1111 ...... r 'altel ····-•-··········-·-········"zelia Rrown. 1!) .T. A 8impson(Col.) .. Boss ····-····························· \\". S. White. 20 W O H:1 rmon ...... i ,Ltl\el ···························-···· ,v. A. CIJyton. :!l .T. H. Wyley ...... ~m:thville ...... \lice Starr. 21 .T. H. Wyle.v ...... :--mithdlle ...... I 1ixie '.\lon~gomery. 22 F:. .T Whitten ...... Kulituklo -······················· ·. C. R:1rrett. :?~ E. Rmith ...... 1 : 1m·er --·········· ···•·········--··Tracy Powell. 2.t .J B. \Yillb ... ·-···········Tom ...... -\". IL Smith. 2:i \V. W. Cain ...... BrokPn Bow ...... _rrex Chandler. :2t:i I. L. RPnfro ....--····· \'alliant ··················-····· .. •' >. H. Park. 27 !\l:ithew Wa·son ...... \"alliant ...... 2~ B n Fisher ...... rraworth -··- .. ·········-·-······w, .T. Gafford. ~ 8idnev Barnett _ .... <}lover ...... ···································-····•·· :H; M. S ·st,,wart(Col.)_Yalliant ...... 1. D. C~l \Vilson. :i:~ \V. O. c•ampett...... odell ·······-·····················I. L. l\IeCombs. 34 H. C. Huffamn_...... !toss Mill -·······-····· ...... 35; Isham Stennett... < 'Pro Gordo, Ark...... SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 371

:J6 W. E. "'~allace-...... I :roken Bow ...... I•:ssie Foremnn. ;37 H. Foley ...... l dabel ...... K E. Pittman. 38 H. M. Goo,Iman ...... \lillerton ...... \V. H. Whilt=>y. 39 L. P. Barnette...... Wright City ...... W. E. S. Ui,·kerson. -!() J. D. fbtlflPrs ...... :--a111lt3 ...... _A. A. ,ve8throok. 41 Will Graham (Col.) .. I dabPl ...... S .•J. Bradford. 42 .T. N: Wells .... --······'~ingold ...... 1:3 ,v. H. '.\lorris ...... Ida ...... C-:·. M. Reynolds. 44 ,John Estell (Col.) .... lrlahel ...... Emme .Jorws. 4-f► w. H. Sanders ...... ShNW0Od ...... _G. F. Nkhols. .1fi L. N. Elliot...... !:Pac-t1ton ...... 47 \Vill .Tar·kson (CoJ.) .. IIarris ..... _.J. F. Mr·Donald. 48 E. W. Lewis ( Col. l .. Ir arris ...... - ...... 4!) B·rt Carp ·uter.... \":ulfkrtot, Ark ...... ~usiri LuttrPIL 50 ,v. n. Harper...... :...;tim ...... :J. n. Morris. 31 A. M. Power...... i'!Pas:rnt Hill ...... L. C . .Aday. 5~ H. ll. Phil lips...... \ lii-!.lla ····--········--· ...... . DPmpsy.... Watson ...... Solon Brown. :i5 M. C. Cunn ingh;1111 Tom ...... J 11:rn ita ~(!\.<•rs. ;,fi .T. I◄'. B:1sha111.. . . \\':itson ...... 1·1watham Ogden. :i7 \V. \V. Kent...... \ rldnda, Ark. _ r,•. 'l'. Edson. :i8 .1 L. na11i,•Js.... . ·1 ·11111 ...... :\lrs. A. L Ollivc·r. :if) Wm. Rpenc·. ~hPl'rilL.. .. Br11k1•11 How ( Ht. 1L. .. H. K. :\lc·l11tm~h, ~upt. 74 A. lJ RhNrill.... . 1:r11kp11 now (Ht. 1) ... .\lrs. W. H. l'a,leu. Prin. ll. S. 7r) }tpn VC'al 1 :ilha111, Ark...... Thomas Fl:t tt. i(i 1\1. V. KcnneortPr. 78 ~inwon \Vinshlp ..... 1,;:q.rlPtown ...... W. Huffman. rn 1\1 :rk . \Villis ...... I )p(}Ul'Cll, Ark...... \1111,\" Luttr .. ]l. ~o .lam11s .Ton('s ... ldahel ...... \l:iyP :\l•·LP01l. ~1 1\1. T,. '.\tasRPy... . ~. 1:ufp ...... l>alt•s Pate. 82 C. K Cotton ...... _... Ila worth ...... 8~ D. L. Clark ...... !:arviu ...... \. A. Hor..-n. 84 M. A. Rroclie.... -...... ,tim ...... \lary Hinds. ~ W. A. Nel80ll ...... BPthel ··········•·· ...... ~r, .T N. Ber·kman ...... ' •·1 k Hill ...... \L C. Hamilton. ~7 Roy F:1rley ...... Haworth ...... '·. .T. Stt>wart 88 N. D. Buttler...... H·1tfiPld, Ark...... \I Y. \\'ondnrd. ~!) n. L L{'ho ...... \ViC'kes, Ark...... LoniP Harrison. 100 ,v. \V. ,villi:nn~ ..... l'iekens ····----·• .... t >ne:-; Bronson. In addition to the above, there are 31 minority schools which are under immediate control and supervision of the county superin­ tendent, and it is possible that several schools, where there are two in a district, have been overlooked. 372 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

LODGE DIRECTORY.

WRIGHT CITY LODGE A. F. & A. M., NO.--Organized at Wright City in June, 1920, G. A. Allen, W. M.; Ed. McLeod, Sec. Membership at present, 62. E. C. Turner, W. M.; L. A. Neese, Sec. GARVIN LODGE, I. 0. 0. F., NO. 454, Garvin, Okla.-Organ­ ized April 14th, 1908, with the following Charter Membersh.ip: W. A. Carter, W. H. Coffey, A. B. McBride, G. A. Spaulding, J. M.1 Chapman, G. M. Barrett, W. S. Epperson, S. M. Kimbrough, Ed. Moore, S. D. Will:ams, 0. W. Parkinson, F. D. Taaffe, J. M. Up­ church, R. E. Alexander; S. H. Paul, John Madox, J. M. Golden, Lloyd Ayles, John Garland, H. C. Ward and C. R. Moore. W. A. Carter, N. G.; J. M. Chapman, Sec. The present N. G., W. J. Wil­ liamson, J. A. Gross, Sec. This lodge is now composed of some­ thing over 60 members. BROKEN BOW LODGE NO. 268, I. 0. 0. F., Broken Bow, Okla.-Organized June 29th, 1912, with J. A. Thompson, N. G., and the following Charter Membership: Jas. H. Calaham, H. C. Fran­ cis, W. L. Moore, Byron Alexander, W. L. Higginbotham and Roy Yates. J. P. Aycock is the present No'Jle Grand, C. M. Pendergrass, Secretary. The lodge is in first class working condition, with a membership of 84. BOKHOMA LODGE NO. 500, I. 0. 0. F., Bokhoma, Okla.­ Was instituted April 14th, 1909, with the following charter mem­ bers: J. S. Scott, Jno. Green, J. E. Hunka·pillar, W. M. Brown, S. J. Adair, W. D. Scott, J. S. Holloway, J .. R. Rowson, W. S. Williams, Ed. Harris, Jno. Ducker, Jack Matthews, Charles Wethers, D. C. Tomlin, James Hall, J. E. Miller and Dr. Van Alstine. Wm. Speer was first Noble Grand. Present N. G., W. 0. Miller; Sec., E. J. Atwood. CHAPTER NO. 202 OF THE ORDER OF EASTERN STAR, of Idabel, Okla.-Organized at the old school house at the foot of Main Street in 1908, by the follow:ng charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Algood, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ray, Doctor and Mrs. Gray­ don, W. A. and Mrs. Coleman, Romy Coleman, Doctor and Mrs. Mc­ Caskill, Misses Nellie Stewart and Carrie Herndon and others. Mrs. Graydon was the first Worthy Matron. The Chapter now has something like 100 members, and is in splendid working condition. Mrs. Lena Wh~te, W. M. IDABEL LODGE A. F. & A. M. NO. 264-This lodge was or­ ganized in the old school bu]ding at the foot of Main Street in 1905, with the following charter membership: A. F. Allgood, T. J. Barnes, W. J. Blanton, W. R. Burns, W. A. Coleman, J. W. Casti­ Iow, C. A. Denison, R. M. DeWitt. Albert Fuqua, J. W. George, A. W. Gladden, S. W. Grissom, C. H. Herndon, S. J. Herndon, N. P. Hutchinson, D. W. Holman, M. L. Henderson, Ed - Jaynes, Mayo James, W. R. Kir1.Jy. C. B. Luttrell, F. C. Latimer, H. L. Lightsey. D. C. Myers, J. C. Murphy. J. T. Moreland, F. L. Merry. Sam Mc­ Conathy, W. B. McGaskill, W. S. Penny, R. E. Roberts, W. L. Ray, G. W. Shults, D. B. Strawn, H. L. St~ff. C. W. St~wart. H. A. Smith, F. C. Steward, R. E. Steel, Jno. R. White, C. W. Waddell, W. B. Hinton. W. A. Coleman was the first W. M. under d~spensation. J. W. Costilow was chosen W. M. after the lodge obtained its char­ ter. The present W. M. is Bernie Herstien, John M. Tyler, secretary. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 373

The lodge owns a splendid three story building on North Central Avenue and a well equipped lodge room. There are 181 members at present. GOODWATER LODGE NO. 148, A. F. & A. M .. Goodwater, Okla.­ Instituted in 1889, by lecturer L. D. Swink, chartered in 1900. L. G. Batteest was fJ.rst Worshipful Master, W. J. Whiteman, Secretary. The present membersh~ p is 35, and the lodge is fine working shape. W. J. Doan is W. M. at •present, and J. L. Bowens is secretary. The Masonic lodge at Goodwater is the oldest in the county. Many of the old characters connected with the history of the county, are, or have been members of this lodge. BOKHOMA LODGE, NO. 429, A. F. & A. M., Bokhoma, Okla.­ This lodge was instituted in January, 1911, with Asbery P. Cone as Worshipful Master, and Ephr,am H. Peyton, Secretary, and the following charter members: A. P. Cone, E. H. Peyton, J. H. Kirby, Robert Littlejohn, G. C. Black, L. S. Bosley, R. B. Olliver, Louis Moore, Buck Clowdis, S. J. Ada:r. J. H. Green, Ed Randolph, F. L. Van Alstine, J. M. Hi11ier, . F. E. Whitlow, Ernest Harris, T. S. Kimbrough, and W. S. WilHams. The present W. M. is Burton D. Cooper and William Spencer, secretary. MILLERTON LODGE NO.--, A. F. & A. M. Located at Mil­ lerton, Okla.-Instituted 1909, with H. E. Robb as Worshipful Mas­ ter and John Marony, Secretary, (the charter membersh:p is not given.) There are 42 me:mbe1·s of the lodge at present, with A. T. Miller, W. M., and L. D. Schoonmaker, Secretary. It is claimed that some of the brightest Masons in the county are members of Millerton lodge. VALLIANT LODGE 301, A. F. & A. M., Valliant, Okla.-In­ stituted August 15th, 1906, James M. Cecil, W. M.; Geo. W. Curby, Secretary. The lodge now has 116 mem':;ers. S. V. Hackworth, W. M.; Carl Turley, Secretary. The charter membership was not given in the report.

IDABEL Business saddles and Harness. S. C. J. B. Dooley-New and second­ Ave. hand furniture, carpets and Western Union' Telegraph and r~6s. S. C. Ave. Cable Co.-16 N. C. Ave. 0. Roberts & Co.-Drygoods, gro­ Strawn-Lightsey-Dry goods and ceries and feed. S. Main St. shoes. E. Main St. J. E. Rowland-Hardware and Idatel Bakery-G. W. Bumpurs, farming implements. 9 N. C. Prop., 12 W. Main St. Ave. Central Meat Market-No. 105 Idabel Chamber of Commerce­ S. C. Ave. R. M. DeWitt, Secretary. S. C. Public Library-Cor. Washington Ave. and S. C. Ave. Mueller & Roan-Real estate and Idabel Grocery-W. W. Wooten, insurance. N. Main St. Prep., NNo. 101 S. C. Ave. G. M. Parish-'Groceries, 114 S. Wyrick's Garage and Ford Ex­ C Ave. change-Cor. E. Adams St. De Witt & Millsap-Cold drinks, and S. C. Ave. cenfections and cigars. E. Goff Motor Co.-Authorized Main St. Dodge sales and service sta­ W. L. N eidermier-Hardware, tion, N. C.. Axr. 374 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Art's Lunch Room-No. 12 W. Edison phonographs, W. Main Main St. St. W. H. Sto~king-Central Hotel, Joe Woo!-Dry goods, clothing 120 S. C. Ave. and shoes, S. C. Ave. L. P. Cofley & Sons-Licensed Bryant's Drug Store-Drugs, underta~_ers and embalmers, s~hool books, graphophones funeral d rectors, coffins and and records, S. C. Ave. ~askets, S Main St. A. P. Tribble-Grccer:es, 116 S. Idebel Light aP.d Fuel Co.­ C. Ave. Electrical supplies, 14 N. C. J. T. Jones (Col.) Cafe-Westi Ave., phone 90. Ida tel. Idabel Abs~ract Co.-Luther City West. Calahan, :Manager, 13 S. C. Garage-Edmond and Ave. Prc;ps., West Idabel. J.C. J.::p~in--Dry gooch;, shoes John Jones-Cafe, West Idabel. and gr0ccries, 11 E. Main St. George Woods-Cotton gin, West Chal' es. P. Mo1ehea

Lee Bradford-O. K. Barber Shop Acme Barter Ehop-J. A. Lamb, and ta1foring, West Idabe ... Fro). L . .t{, Ri.:.hard;Son-Groceri£s and R D. Stephens-Concrete, ce­ feed, Vv est Idabel. n:ent _and phsterer. Six years' Paris Gro.'..'.er Co.-Wholesa:e experwnce. frnur, feed and seeds, W. 2nd S. H. Alsobrook-Barber, No. 20 St. S. C. Ave. Griffith & Gooldsby-Cotton gin, Luther Smith-House carpenter 2nd St. and contractor. Woodson Add. Idabel Steam Lau,:1dry-Rice W. D. T~n2r-H'.luse carp2nter Bros., P1 ops., \Vest lua ... el. and contrac:tor. W ::-ods'.l:i Add. John H. Sanford-Groceries, W. ,Joh·1 Deryb~ry-B a::l smith and ldate .. whee1wr·ght, N. C Ave. £a1t.ett Meat Market and Gro­ VI. D. Scott-Carp~·n>T and con­ < er es, Idabel. ti-actor, Oakbw:1 Add. Hale Dickerson-Restaurant, W. · J. 1\1. H·1rbiso"•-Cu.rp,~n':e1· and Idabel. contractor, Oaklawn Add. Cof f cy & M~Bride-Grist mi], Jones & Son:;;-Carp2flters and V/cst Idabel. contradors, I di eel . Wooten':-; . Wholesale and Retail ,J amc-; PcTrin---Ca~n~~tcr Ida be!. C 1··;cerv---Vi/. :::n~l St. Lewi~; & K e~ny--IJhck~miths & A. H. L·~timer-Dry g0od8 and wr..e~Jwr;g-hts, West Idabel. g-1 oc:~ries, W. M:tin St. Clvdc• P!lTh..., 11-Picdmont Cafe, Art W. Main St. \V. il. Hop\ins--Photographi<­ Gt.•01} e Vi to.--Notary public and ~b.:.· iio, nn!sical cm~JDrium, S. intl'rpretcr, Idabel. C Ave. A. P Kas h-1-Iumbing-, tinning Mrs. Cathc,·ine C·11·tc1·-Karamie and he:1f n~. 1 Studio. (i08 Eouth Ave. J. PPrk ins & O'N ea -Ahstra~ts, · Profess:oi:a 1 n•al P8,.ate and ins·1r:'n~e. lvfr:;. FP'ix Morr·s--P·:'nJ and ,J. B. Kirkendall-Center Meat viGlin instru~tor. Iclncel. Marl.et. 1\I1s. Lee Mrutin-P't1n'.> and Yo~te 1n:tructor. S. Cc·1 ral Av. Trades I,I'.ss Vivian Dow 1s-I:-istructor H. L. Goad-Tai!or, dry clean°r in e-·w·es~ion arid dra.nati~ art. an LI dver. Fhone No. 123, W. H'gh School B1c1g. Main St. Cochr~rn & Con:1e'l-L:1wyers, G. :M Herron-Carpenter and M~so:11r> Bldg. general contractor. L. P.. :Mifflin-Attorney-at-law, C. R. Pennv-Draymrn and gen­ office, co·.~rt house era} de·ivery, Oa '· lawn Add. E C. Armstrong-Attorney-at­ Carl Knap:r-Shoe and harness law, offi"e_ west side S. C. Av. repair shop, S. C. Ave. C. D. Wilke1·s:n-Atlorney-at­ G. 0. Clegg-Barb2r, No. 5 E. l::iw. ro"rrs 4 and 6 Robinson Main St. Hotel Bldg., N. C. Ave. Mayer & Ru~seE-Tailors, clean­ J. T. More1'lnd-Fhys;,.,an and ers and pressers, No. 100 S. s·1r_g-ecn office over C!ty Drug C. Ave. Store, S. C. Ave Jesse Buzbee-House carpenter, T. G. Carr-Att0rnev (C-1• 1 nty ldatel. .Tu-lge Pleet), Ro'Jinson Hotel -George Camp1 ing-Brick and Bldg., N. C. Ave. ~tone mason, Idabel. Ledbetter & Hudson-AttornPys John Ash!ey-Carpenter, S. C. a ..... d coun~e1 nrs :1t law, Wyrick Ave. Bld2" ., E. M 'lin St. John Freeman-Carpenter and H. C. Rav-Attornev-at-1aw, contr~ctor, Irabel. rooms 1, ~ a..,d 5, Rob·nson 0. Goodman-Plasterer, Idabel. Bldg, N. C. Ave. 376 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

Etheredge & Arnett-Lawyers, R. D. Williams-Physician and 2nd floor, Arnett Bldg. surgeon, office over City Drug J. Wi1l Jones-Attorney-at-law, Store, S. C. Ave. office west side S. C. Ave. H. P. Hosey-Attorney, off:ce in I. C. Sprague-Attorney-at-law, Robinson Bldg., N. C. Ave. office over American National W. F. Jackson-Dr. of Chriro­ Bank, W. Main St. practic, Barnes Bldg., N. Main J. N. Fortner-Attorney-at-law, St. office in Wyrick Bldg., E. G. W. Daney-Lawyer, office in Main St. Robinson Hotel Bldg., N. C. Dr. Charles A. Hess-Dentist, of­ Ave. · ' fice in Denison Bldg. John C. Head-Attorney-at-law, Barton R. Mc:Lendon-Attorney­ office over American National at-law, off ce over Idabel Bank. Hardware, Fine Bldg., S. C. W. B. McCaskil-Physician and Ave. surgeon, office in Den:son H. E. Bay'iss-Physician and Bldg. surgeon, office over American C. B. Walls-Dentist, office ove1· Nat'l Bank, Deberry Bldg. American Nat'l Bank, Deberry M. D. Deck-Attorney-at-1aw, Bldg. office in Robinson Hotel Bldg., Jeff D. McLendon-Attorney-at­ N. C. Ave. law, office over Idabel Hard­ T. J. Barnes-Attorney-at-law, ware, Fine Bldg, S. C. Ave. office in Wyrick Bldg., E. W. T. Williams-Attorney-at-law, Main St. office in Robinson Hotel Bldg., W. A. Carter-Lawyer, Idabel. N. C. Ave. L. H. Hill-Physic· an and sur­ D. Steven·son-Veterinary sur­ geon, Wyrick Bldg., E. Main geon, Idabel, Okla. St. Jno. C. Earl-Attorney-at-law, W. A. Moreland-Physician and office, court house. surgeon, over City Drug Store, F. R. Abbott-Atty. at Law, S. C. Ave. Wyrick Bldg. East Main. Claude P. Spriggs-Attorney-at­ J. D. Parks-Atty. at Law, law, rooms 9, 10 and 11, De­ Idabel. berry B:dg ., W. Main St.

BROKEN BOW. Business The J. W. Trimble ,Co.-Dry Grocery-Whitehouse, 494 N. goods and groceries, N. Main N. Main St. St. Groceries and Feed-J. B. Potts, . McCurtain County Bank-E. M. Broadway. Tankersly, Prest.; R. R. Hern­ Variety Store-Mattie Mcguinn, don, Asst. Cashier. Capital Prop., 4S6 N. Main St. and surplus, $45,000. N. Main Bakery and Confectionery-C. St. Hansman, Cor. Boadway and Calahan Telephone & Electric . First. Co.-S. B. Calahan, Prop. Agt . Famous-Dry goods, shoes, cof­ for Radio Equipment. Cor. fins and caskets, Frank Ya­ Broadway and Second Sts. witz, N. Main St. George Touchstone-Re'll Pstate Scroggins Mercantile Co.-Dry and insurance, Second St. goods, clothing, etc., N. Main Florence & Montgomery-Meat St. market, groceries and pro­ Hurst & Mayo-Cash Meat Mar­ duce, S. Broadway. ket, produce and grocer:es. First National Banlr-J. W. Cos­ W. D. Fields-Dry goods and ti1ow, Prest.; Asa Ponder, groceries, S. Main St. Cashier. Established 1908. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 377

O. Covington-Manufacturer of W. E. Hodge-Shoe repairer. All pine and hardwood lumbe1. work guaranteed. S. Main St. Mill two miles north of Bro­ J. L. Lindsey-Photographer, S. . ken Bow. Broadway. Broken Bow Hardware Co.­ C. B. Wilson-Watchmaker and Dalton & Lacy, Props., Cor. jewe:er. Everything in my Main and Second. trade. Repair work a spe­ Broken Bow Bottling Korks­ cialty. Second St. J esse Ship, Prop., Cor. Broad­ Alf. Lee-Barber, 508 Main St. way and DeQueen Sts. W. H. Coffey-Tailor, cleaner Broken Bow Chamber of Com­ and dyer. Hats cleaned and ·merce-W. E. McGinnis, Sec'y. blocked. 374 N. Broadway. Membership, 147. Fallis Bros.-Barbers, 370 N. Broken Bow Garage-F. W. Broadway. Temple, Prop. Authorized Ford C. M. Pendergrass-Barber, 1st and Fordson sales and service St. station. J. R. Slater-Barber, 498 N. Dedman & Folsom-Sewing ma­ Main St. chines and repair work, 370 M. N. Ebbett-Shoe and har­ N. Broadway. ness maker and repairer, 350 Sherrill 's Pharmacy-Drugs and Broadway. school books, Second St. Boyd Bros.-Cash Store, Cor. Hotels and .Restaurants. Broadway and DeQueen Sts. Acme Hotel-Mrs. Laura Beard, City Cafe-E. J. Gerrin, Prop., Prop., 529 N. Main St. Rates, S. Main St. $1.00. Green's Cash Store-Dry goods Arlington Hotel-G. P. Wilson, and groceries, Cor. Broadway Prop. S. Main. Rate, $1.00. and First St. New State Hotel--J. W. Will­ Frank's Motor Co.-Weaver & iams, Prop., N. Broadway. Myres, Props., Cor. First and Rates, $1.00. Idabel Sts. American Hotel-Billy Morgan, Hearst & Merritt-Wagon yard, Prop., S. Main St. S. Idabel St. Palace Cafe-South Side, Second Highway Garage-Mosher & St. Lang, Props., Cor. Idabel and Charles Wesley Hotel-Mrs. DeQueen Sts. Dora M. Wood, Prop., N. Thompson Drug Co.-Drugs and Broadway. Rates, $2.50. sundries, N. Main St. Dell Hotel-Mrs. G. W. John­ L. B. Whitf" eld-Groceries and son, Prop., 484 S. Main St. feed, S. Main St. City Cafe-E. J. Gerrin, Prop., C. D. Riker-Second-hand goods, S. Main St. Cor. Main and DeQueen Sts. The Mecca Cafe and Confect;on­ Adcock-Dry goods and general ery-C. C. Lins~ey, Prop., Cor. merchandise, N. Main St. First and Main. Sam Adler-Dry J?oods, shoes and notions, N. Main St. Professional T. Harrison-Hardware, furni­ W. S. Rader-Gradaate veteri­ ture, coffins and caskets, Cor. nary, with Choctaw Lumber First and Main Sts. Co. H. Soble-Dry goods, clothing Sherrill & Barker-Physicians and shoes, Cor. First and Main and surgeons, office at Sher­ Sts. rill's Pharmacy, 2nd St. Trades A. _Peters--Dentist, office over M. W. Tucker-Watchmaker and T. Harrison's hardware, Cor. jeweler, 15 years' experience. First and Main Sts. Reference, any bank or busi­ W. S. Paden-Attorney-at-law, ness. S. Main St. office over First N at'l Bank. 378 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

J. W. Simpson-Dentist, office W. ~- Wisdo~-Physician and over First N at'l Bank. surgeon. P. H. Crenshaw-Atorney-at­ Paul C. Thorn-Atty. at Law, law, office over T. Harrison's office over T. Harri's Hard­ hardware, Cor. First and Main ware. St. VALLIANT. Business A. J. Reynolds - Department Jud Moore-Groceries, feed and store, dry goods, shoes and harddware. clothing. G. G. Merry-Drugs and con­ Joe ~arris-Dry goods and gro­ fections. ceries. George ~ray-Meat market and S. Just=s-Groceries, shoes and groceries. notions. J. H. Edwards-Hardware, gro­ Citizens National Bank. cer; es and feed. Farmers State Guaranty Bank. Valliant Dry Goods Co.-Claud H. Brown & Son-Manufacturers E. Roberts, Prop. pine and hardwood lumber. Grand Leader-Jake Foreman, manager and proprietor. Professional Taylor Bros.-Dry goods, shoes W. A. Clarkson-Physician and and clothing. surgeon. O'Bannon & Son-General mer­ E. F. Foster-Physician and sur­ chandise; 20 years at the same geon. stand. C. R. Huckaby-Physician and Planters Trading Company­ surgeon. Wholesale groceries. · Big Ten Te' ephone Co.-E. J. Trades Roberts, manager. J. F. Smith-City meat market, C. S. Mayers-Tailor, presser groceries and feed. and cleaner. The Valliant Tribune-Published City Barber Shop-A. J. Terrell, weel:ly by John C. Oliver, ed­ proprietor. itor and owner. B, Crouch-Barber. Frank Hodge-Feed and livery -··········· Hotels and Cafes ...... stables. Hotel Cooper-Wm. T. Cooper, C. A. Sledge-Groceries and feed. Prop. Rates, $2.00. Caldwell Bros.-Groceries and U-Need-a-Lunch Cafe-F. M. Wil­ feed. son, manager. Joe Harris-Garage, oil and gas Nelson Hotel-Mrs. Nelson, station, full lien of Fort sup­ manager. Rates, $1.50. plies. Cottage Cafe-J. J. Woods, Stroud's Drug Store-Drugs and Prop. sundries. Phone 46. Frank Hodge-Restaurant.

Valliant Hardware and Furniture Hotal Main-Joe Stafford9 Prop. Co.-Cecil & Scroggins, Props. Rates, $1.50. HAWORTH Business shoes. Aubrey Johnson, Mgr. Haworth Hardware and Furni­ Haworth Racket Store-T. C. ture Co.-W. J. Marsh, man­ Kirkland, proprietor. ager, Main St. May & McBrayer-Dry goods, Grand Leader-Dry goods · and shoes and clothing. clothing. J. Shafter, Prop. Farmers Exchange Store-Gen­ Johnson Bros.-Dry goods and eral merchandise. groceries. Special lines of Haworth Telephone System-E. SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 379

R. Meadows, manager. D. C. Myers-Real estate and \Vhiteman Bros. Cotton Oil Co. loans. notary public. -Cotton gin and seed buyers, Haworth Water Works System­ C. J. Townsend, present man­ Owned by and op­ ager. erated, J. W. Moore, lessee. Post Master-H. 0. Whala. Self & Moore-Gr:st mill, self­ Haworth Garage-Repair work, to Iler and cleaner. oil an_d gas station, auto ac­ Jet Hughes-Grist mill, best of cessories. meal. Robert Lee-Tailor, cleaning and H. R. Wh1teman-Groceries. pressrng. J. F. Goolsby-Groceries anct Citizens State Bank-R. C. New­ feed. ton. Prest.; H. E. Pendergast, First National Bank. Cash"er. Deposits guaranteed. Howorth Hotel-G. W. Bolt, pro­ Haworth Potato Co.-Dry house prietoP. Rates $2.00 per day. and potato slips. R. E. Wi1son-Confections and Hotel Walters-Mrs. M. J. Wal­ cold drinks, cafe in connec­ ters, Mgr. Rates $2.00 a day. tion Palace Drug Co.-S. B. Helms, Profession al Mgr., drugs and s11ndries. Pau 1 Stewart-Attorney-at-law, WiJson Mercanti1e Co.-General office in Nat'l Bank Bldg. merchand·se, V. L. McDonald, W. D. Taylor-Physician and M P.:r. surgeon. G. W. May-General merchan­ W. H. McBrayer-Physician and dise, R. E. Whiteman, Gen. surgeon. Mgr. E. C. Cooper--Physician and sur­ Haworth Dru·~ Co.-S. B. Helms, geon. Mf!r., druO's, confections and Z. A. Hooper--Phvsi~ian and sur­ school books. geon. GARVIN Business ~- L. Hog-le & Son-Garage and Boddy & Sess:ons-Cash Store, repairs. gas, oil and fixtures, Car. Ave. 1 and Main St. Ma=n St. W. S. Epperson-Groceries, Main Plan+ers Gin Co.-Cotton gin and St. grist mill, Front St. W. H. Ausmus-Dry goods and Hogle & Con-Owners and op­ groceries. Main St. erators of light system. Farmers' Store-South Main St. J. A. Wiles-Water comm1s­ E. H. W arricl,-Second hand s10ner. goods, Main St. Professional Farmers State Bank-Cor. Ave. Dr. E. A. Kelliam-Physician 1 and Main St. and surgeon. Mrs. S. A. Richardson-Cafe, ·------______Trades -·------______Main St. S. H. Short-_Barber, 1st Ave. A. H. Daniels-Transfer and ice, Kennedy-Blacksmith and wheel- Main St. wright. SMITHVILLE Business Harry Starr-Groceries, post­ master. W. F. Latham-General merchan­ J. J. Weaver-General merchan­ dies. dise. Black & Morgan-General mer­ The Smith Drug Co.-Drugs, chandise, flour and feed. school books and stationery. 380 McCURTAIN COUNTY AND

A. C. Blake-Dry goods, gro­ Mrs. I. 0. Woods-Drugs and ceries, feed and hardware. general store. First State Bank-Wm. F. Cleck­ Ti1man Tate-General merchan­ ler, cashier. dise. R. C. Pol!ard-Drugs and sun­ Professional dries. Wm. McKinney - Attorney-at- W. A. Daniels-Restaurant. la w. Pete Andrews-Groceries. W. B. Hubbel-Principal Ful­ . John H. Ryan-General mer­ som Training School. chandise. J. F. Sharp-Lawyer, notary Mrs. Ballard-Post Mistress. and real estate. J. A. McFarland-Groceries and P. J. Bowling-Principal Smith­ dry goods. vi.Je pub~ic school. Frank Stric1:land-Garage, auto repairs and equ:pment, oil and Hotels and Cafes gaa. Star Hotel-W. E. Johnson. Trades City Cafe-A. D. Sullivan. B. M. Murphy-Barber. Alton Hotel-Mrs. Laura B. C. R Wright-Blacksmith and Weaver. wheelwright. D. C. Sweatman-Blacksmith Trades and repair work. Dave Larmon-Barber. Professional C. V. Pool-Barber. Dr. Woods-Physician and sur­ J. D. Roi erts-Blacksmith and geon. wheelwright. W. E. Howard-Physician and M. J. Romine-Blacksmith and surgeon. wheelwright. IDA Telephone Exchange-A. 0. Da­ BETHEL vis, proprietor and manager. John W. Gates-General mer­ J. A. Knight-Broom factory. chandise. Isaac Winship-Notary pubUc, C. R. ~ilson-Dry goods and Indian police and precinct groceries. constable. H. C. Brown-Groceries. Charles Peninger-Tailor and Beauchamp Bros.-Gin, sawmill clothier. and grist mill. Green Vowell-Hotel and rooms. A. S. Prewett-Manufacturer of A. 0. Davis-Watchmaker and pine and hardwood lumber. jeweler. Thomas Harris-General mer­ GOODWATER chandise and auto supplies, gas and oil. W. J. Whiteman-Dry goods and Alva Akard-Postmaster. general merchandise. D. J. Griffin-General merchan­ Gin and Grist Mill-W. J. dise, also g:n, grist mill, saw Whiteman, owner and oper­ mill and planer. ator. The Cash Store-Peninger & MILLERTON Dickin~on, Props. Okla Moma Ittatata. Business J. K. Waldon-Blacksmith and W. S. Parsons-General mer­ wood workman. chandise, Ford accessories and J. P. Weddle-Blacksmith and gas and oil station. wheelwright. Cif zens Bank of Millerton­ Alva Akara-Surveyor. General banking bosiness. J,as. R. Knight, Sr-Notary Wm McC.ure-Frisco depot public and real estate. agent. C. H. Pope-Service car: SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA 381

BOKHOMA Oscar Baker-Restaurant and rooms. Wayne Reese-General merchan­ W. F. Martin-Blacksmith and dise. Ford fixer. Hotel Webster-Rates, $2.00 per day. GLOVER Oscar F. Boden-Furniture and G. M. Shane-Dry goods and coffins, licensed undertaker groceries. and embalmer. Tom Westbrook-Groceries and Dr. W. D. Taylor-Physician and produce. surgeon, drugs and sundries. OAK HILL N. G. W~stbrook-Dry goods and GOLDEN grocer:es. Will Westbrook-Blacksmith and J. L. Merry-Dry goods, grocer­ wheelwright. ies and feed. Buys country J. C. Westbrook-Dry goods and produce. groceries. W. F. Whitfield-Cotton gin and R. L Graham-Manufacturer of grist mill. pine and hardwood lumber. John Westmorland-Buys ties, lumber and posts. ODELL Pitts & Son-Retail grocers and A. R. Hughes-General merchan­ country produce. dise.