4th Indian Land Opening, O.T., 19 April 1892...
 Last
week's newsletter (Vol.
III, Iss. 50) had some Oklahoma History about the nine (9)
Oklahoma Territory land openings. This week let us explore the 4th
Indian Land Opening, April 19, 1892.
In the map to the right (outlined in red)
is the 4th Land Opening, April 19, 1892 (Cheyenne-Arapaho Indian
Reservation). It is located on the west edge of Oklahoma Territory
- South of the Cherokee Strip - North of Old Greer County, Kiowa-Comanche
and Apache reservation, and Wichita-Caddo reservation.
According to the Act of Congress provisions...
dated the 24th April 1820 (An Act making further provision for
the sale of the Public Lands), President Grover Cleveland gave
in trust to Amos A. Ewing (Probate Judge), the S/2 of Section
19, Township 16 North, Range 11 West Indian Meridian (WIM), and
described on official Plat as Lots 3-4 E/2 SW/4 and SE/4 of Section
19, Township 16N of Range 11 WIM, containing three hundred nine
and thirty hundredths (309.30) acres, at $1.50 per acre, for the
total sum of $463.95, said receipt and certificate being issued
to said Probate Judge for the use and benefit of the occupants thereof
according to their respective interests.
The Watonga history of 1892-1992... goes
on to say that the county seat towns were designated by the proclamation.
At 4:00pm deeds to the town lots were issued by the Probate Judge
(Amos Ewing). Judge Ewing, as Trustee of Watonga Townsite of Watonga,
"C" (Blaine) County, Oklahoma Territory, sold all the
lots mentioned in this book to the first title holders in 1892,
except those mentioned otherwise. W. R. Granger was register of
deeds, "C" County, O.T.
Watonga is located... in the exact center
of Blaine County and is named after an Arapaho Chief, Wa-Ah (means
black) Dan-Ga-Ah (means coyote). A well-versed Arapaho
once told someone, "You know how the white man mess things
up, they just spelled it like it sounded to them."
The Watonga history also mentions... Judge
Ewing was accused of wrong-doing in selling lots for his personal
gain to his henchmen (Sooners/Boomers) when they had no entry
certificate allowing them to be able to purchase lots. It was never
proven that he had henchmen, and the other accusations were never
proven. The land was patented to Amos A. Ewing, Probate Judge, October
22, 1895.
W. S. Wishard's Letter... Attorney for Watonga
(W.S. Wishard) wrote a letter to the Department of Interior
in regard to a patent. Wishard also must have inquired as to the
Lot reservation to Judge Amos A. Ewing. You can read the Reply to
Mr. Wishard's Letter. (
SEE: Wishard's Reply)
In 1895... in the City of Watonga, there
were two grocery stores, three blacksmith and wagon shops, one feed
store, one drug store, one meat market, two clothing stores, Post
Office, three hotels, Court House, jail, two saloons, bank building,
three livery barns, one feed stall, power mill, five real estate
and law offices, three newspaper buildings, one school building,
two churches, one bakery, one cotton gin, one implement sotre, three
general merchandise stores, one dry goods store, one millinery,
and three hardware stores.
Difference A Year Makes...
One of my readers sent me the following, "Do you
remember the old song -- 'What a Difference a Day Makes?' Well,
think of the difference a year makes -- Today! Maybe this will help
all of us think about changes since this time - last year!"
Last Christmas... we were thinking about all the things we wanted.
This Christmas... we are thinking about all the things we have.
Last Christmas... we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes.
This Christmas... we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.
Last Christmas... we were counting our money.
This Christmas... we are counting our blessings.
Last Christmas... we were lighting candles to decorate.
This Christmas... we are lighting candles to commemorate.
Last Christmas... we paid lip service to the meaning of the holidays.
This Christmas... we are paying homage to it.
Last Christmas... we thought a man who could rush down a football
field was a hero.
This Christmas... we know a man who rushes into a burning building
is a hero.
Last Christmas... we thought angels were just in heaven.
This Christmas... we know some angels are right here on earth.
Last Christmas... we believed in the power of the pocketbook.
This Christmas... we believe in the power of prayer.
Last Christmas... the people we idolized wore sports uniforms.
This Christmas... the people we idolize wear police, firefighter and
military uniforms.
Last Christmas... peace on earth is something we prayed for on Sunday
morning.
Now... it’s something we pray for everyday.
Oakie's NW Corner...
 'Twas
a few days before Christmas and all through the land... we were
scurrying around for our journey over the river, byways, mountains
and through the woods and snow to spend the holidays in the Rockies
again this year. Here is a photo of some nightly, mountain holiday
lights and scenery.
No! I got the snow skiing bug out of my system last year. I'm just
enjoying the snowy, christmas, scenery, the crackling fireplace,
family and friends this year. Plus some holiday shopping.
Has anyone out there ever heard of Foraker, Oklahoma? A reader
sent me some Links & Stories about this little ghost town. You
can check them out in the "Mailbag" section. If
someone has any other info to share, please feel free to Email
Oakie .
A Riddle for You... a reader sent me the other day. If you
think about it, it is really simple and easy to come up with the
answer. It really isn't that hard, BUT... 80% of kindergarten kids
got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University Seniors.
Where in the percentage do you fit? Why not give it a shot? Email
Oakie your answers for next week's Issue #52. I will include
the answer and some of your replies in the last issue of Vol.
III, for 2001 before we start the New Year with Vol. IV,
Iss. 1.
Here is the Riddle... "What is greater than God, More
evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if
you eat it... you'll die?" Good luck!
As to last weeks mention, "....Some Oklahomans had
their lights, halls and balls decked already... "One reader
wrote and asked if it should have been "Balls"
or "Boughs." I know some of you traditional deck
your halls with "boughs of holly," BUT.... It was
NOT a typo! I put "Balls" intentionally! It was
the oneriness in me to bring a few smiles (BIG GRINS) to some readers
out there.
Anyway... Keep smilin', grinnin' and laughin'... They say
laughter is the best medicine. (((hugs)))
Thanks to all who have shared their legacies, thoughts this last
year. I couldn't have done it without you. As you will probably
notice, this is Issue
#51, Vol. III. One more Issue of Vol. III before we start all
over again in 2002, VOl. IV. This year we honored the Millennium
with these "millennium editions." If you have any
suggestions of what you would like to see, read, share -- Send them
along my way! Thanks again for helping make this a great Millennium
Edition.
Seasonal Thanks...
To our wonderful friends we extend our sincere appreciation for
their loyalty and goodwill... and best wishes for a Happy Holiday
Season!!!
~~ Linda "OaKie" &
Family~~
And Other Mammals.... Moon, Kassie, Cindy, Rosie,
Daisy, Zeb
|
Dear St. Nick,
It has been awhile since I have written
a little Christmas note to you, but here goes anyway....
While you are soaring
over NW Oklahoma this Christmas Eve, would you make a special
stop over the Clark's place in Woods & Alfalfa County (Oklahoma)?
You see... There is
a special lady there that shares a birthday on Christmas (Dec.
25th). Also, could you make sure that Lovina and Bud get something
special this year?
You might stop for
a chat, visit with the Clark's while you are there, 'cause their
black Lab Retriever had nine (9) little puppies a few weeks ago.
Those puppies would
make great Christmas presents for some children, grownups. You
might keep an eye out for families who are looking for a black
Lab Retriever puppy for Christmas and give me or the Clark's a
holler.
The farmers/ranchers
sure could use some moisture in their crops, pastures this year
in NW Oklahoma. It was awfully dry, dusty on livestock this Summer,
but... we did get a great Spring rain. Thanks for that.
As to my yearling filly
(Kassie)... All she is singing this year is, "All I want
for Christmas is my front tooth."
Other than that....
Just help me, mine and others around the World help spread a New
Year with Peace, Understanding and Respect for All Religions.
Have a safe trip this
year!
Thanks!
Oakie
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