Oakie's NW Corner...
 The
last few days here in NW Oklahoma has seen a cool, wet and over
three (3) inches of rain. But... do not despair! With the Oklahoma
wind and sunshine we found on Friday and hopefully again Saturday
of this week, the wheat fields should be drying out in time for
the 2003 wheat harvest that should be getting underway sometime
next week. The photo to the left is a close-up of a wheat field
out near the NW Oklahoma ghosttown of Fair Valley, Oklahoma.
Besides driving the roads near FairValley and snapping shots of
wheat fields and wildflowers, I have been doing some transcribing
of the Old Opera House
Murder (Alva's 1st Homicide). This time I am working on Miller's
Appeal & Brief of Plaintiff in Error, dated 29 June 1912
For those of you who are just showing up... the Old Opera House
Murder took place, 9 November 1910, on the southside of the downtown
square SW corner of Barnes Avenue and 4th Street, two doors west
of the corner, in Justice Nelson L. Miller's Office and Old Opera
House, in Alva, Oklahoma. Mabel Oakes was the victim found on this
1910 Election day. Miss Oakes was found in the backroom of the Old
Opera House, allegedly strangled to death. A Coroner's Inquest was
held the next day and Justice N. L. Miller was arrested. There was
a change of venue from Woods to Woodward County. The jury trial
was held September, 1911... ending in the guilty conviction and
sentencing to life in the McAlester prison for Miller. March, 1912,
L. T. Wilson and Swindall, attorneys for the defendant Miller, filed
an extension of time to file their Appeal to the Criminal Court
of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. The
Appeal - Brief of Plaintiff In Error is what I have been transcribing
to our OkieLegacy website.
The prosecuting attorneys were Moman Pruiett, hired by the Law
Enforcement League; J. N. Tincher of Medicine Lodge, Kansas hired
by George Oakes (father of Mabel Oakes) to assist the Woods County
Attorney Claud McCrory in the prosecution of N. L. Miller.
Speaking of McCrory, it always amazes me how once in awhile another
connection is made from something found on our OkieLegacy website.
This time a connection was made with the GG-Grandson of a Albinas
McCrory. He stated that Claud McCrory was a 1st-cousin of Albinas
Neal McCrory.
As to Moman Pruiett... There was an article written 3 November
2001 for the Oklahoma
Bar Association, Vol. 72, No. 32, concerning a book written
by Howard K. Berry about the life of Moman Pruiett - He Made
It Safe To Murder: The Life of Moman Pruiett. I am very interested
in finding a copy of this 700 page book that supposedly is out of
print, according to the Oklahoma Heritage Association.
The Oklahoma Bar Association article written by Judge Lee Card
had this to say about Moman Pruiett, "....The son of a former
Confederate Army officer, Pruiett was admitted to the bar of Indian
Territory on a judge's motion. At the time of his admission he had
a first grade education and two felony convictions. He also had
a first-rate mind, wonderful oratorical skills and unquenchable
ambition. Moman Pruiett became an outrageous character. He had little
or no regard for the truth or the court system. He combined bullying
with persuasiveness and was fabulously successful as a criminal
defense attorney. Eventually, bad investments, bad luck and alcohol
abuse ruined Pruiett's career and he lost everything. He died in
a rooming house in 1944."
Thanks to another reader we have made another connection of a distant
cousin in the Conover/Covenhoven family. You can read about that
in the Mailbag Corner below.
While you are browsing the Mailbag Corner, check out the Behel-Howell
Marriage of 1939. There was a connection made by a viewer this week
when he found "with interest" his parent's (Raymond &
Lois Howell) wedding announcement from 1939.
Another reader did some online searching for me this week and came
up with a possible clue to finding a close friend (Ellen Faus).
I did some follow-up and letter writing, but haven't heard back
anything yet. I will keep you informed if something develops. Thanks
for your help.
Another new subscriber mentioned that he was born and raised around
Sobol, Oklahoma, but now resides in San Antonio, Texas. I am not
quite sure where, what part of the state Sobol is located, but I
will eventually find out more about this unique Oklahoma community
with your help, of course.
Looking at the old clock on the computer, I see it is time to wind
this down before I bore you silly. BUT.... If you are in NW Oklahoma
this weekend stop awhile in Alva and venture to the downtown square
where their annual Nescatunga Arts Festival will be setup on the
courthouse park.
Thanks to all the new subscribers and a special thanks to those
who shared their inquiries and Okie Legacies. I am out of here and
heading West for a few days to help our youngest son celebrate his
birthday this month of June. See you all next weekend.
~~ Linda "oaKie" ~~
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Fair Valley Wildflowers
Happy 30th B-Day, Robb!
Duchess' 1st-Bath
Menu:
Linda K McGill Wagner
c/o WWW Publishing Co
PO Box 619, Bayfield, CO 81122
Thanks! You can also view The OkieLegacy online. Copyrighted © 2008 by WWWPubCo & OkieLegacy.
All Rights Reserved.
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Mailbag & Links Corner....
Covenhoven Family... "Hi,
Linda. Small, small world. I've been receiving you Okie Legacy
for a few weeks now. I'm from Carter County, OK, living in IL. Your
info on the Covenhoven family (and its spellings) was a neat surprise.
My connection is Lydia Covenhoven m. Josiah Van Meter. I went back
and read some of the links you provided. How very nice. I'm a registered
nurse, first and foremost a Granny. Spoil my five grandkids to the
bone. I get myself back to Oklahoma at least 2-3 times a year to visit
my Mom and siblings. Drag as many grandkids with me as I can. It's
strawberry time here in Southern IL. The weather has been cool and
wet, just like the strawberries like it. Excellent crop this year.
I'm not a farmer, but my home is surrounded on two sides by corn fields.
I like it when they put in corn. It seems to envelope one. The wheat
also looks good this year. My berries are doing wonderful this year.
I also have grapes, raspberries, apple trees and my vegetable garden.
My peach trees got nipped by a late frost so won't have many peaches
this year. Just thought I'd tell you a little bit about one of your
readers and looks like distant cousin.
I looked at your Covenhoven tree and
mine. Looks like we both go back to Gerretse from Holland, but we
connect up at Jon
(John) Willmse Kowenhoven b. 1681. You from son Dominicus
b. 1724. Mine from his son John, b. 1719. From John, b. 1719,
then William b. 1752, then daughter Lydia, Lydia and Josiah Van Meters
daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth married William' Wynkoop. Their son,
John Wynkkoop had daughter Naomi. Her daughter Ida Fear, to my father,
Jacob Vines. Didn't mean to bore you, I was just so taken with what
would probably flabbergast our ancestors. I had to hunt them down.
Look forward to your newsletters. I get to come to Oklahoma for vacation.
Can't want to get to Mountain Lake at Woodford for a dip at the bottom
of the dam. The kids are looking forward to Turner Falls. I'm already
singing Oklahoma. You should hear the grandkids and I singing
the song from the movie Oklahoma. We are truly a mess. Enjoy
that beautiful Oklahoma sky." -- Anna Shelton, Benton, IL
 Claud
McCrory Cousin... "A very interesting site. I was glad to
find it. It contained some information and a picture about Claudius
(Claud) Franklyn McCrory, a first cousin of my great-great-grandfather
Albinas Neal McCrory." -- Jim McCrory - E-mail: MacRorieJA@aol.com
[Editor's Note: Check out the Cast of Characters in the Old
Opera House Murder of 1910. Click the photo for the Link and scroll
down to Claud McCrory.]
Behel-Howell Marriage - 1939... "I recently found your
website and what memories it provides! I read with interest my parents
wedding announcement from 1939. I can honestly say I don't think I've
ever seen it. Many thanks! My grandparents William and Sylvia Behel
and Walter & Linnie Howell were lifelong Alvans as were my parents
Raymond & Lois
Howell. I married my high school sweetheart, Diane Burroughs,
in 1963. Her parents were George and Hilda Burroughs, also from Alva.
We met in Conrad Knox's chemistry class at AHS!! We'll celebrate our
40th anniversary in August. Some chemistry, huh? After graduating
from NWOSU in 1966, I spent 32 years in the oil and gas industry,
retiring in 1999. We were blessed with three sons who know live in
California, New Jersey and Texas. We are very proud grandparents of
six grandchildren. Diane and I now reside in Athens, Texas. Diane's
Mom and my sister Sherry (Howell) Rock and brother-in-law (Dan Rock)
still reside in Alva. Reading the history of Alva and looking at the
pics brings back fascinating memories, especially the Monfort
fire as well as Neumans Boys Choir!" -- Richard Howell
- E-mail: howells@intergate.com
Utah Remembers - September 11, 2001... Utah
remembers the victims of September 11, 2001 - Something we didn't
hear about that is quite moving.
Ellen Faus... "I tried the following website to look for
your friend's address... at www.worldcom.net
and found some information on Harry Faus in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Hope this is your friend's address." -- Kay
[Editor's Note: Thanks, Kay! I will follow-up and see if it is the
same Faus'. Waiting to hear back as I type this newsletter tonight.]
Lu Harper's TwinOaks Publishing... "Just a note to let
you all know that I've launched my TwinOaks
Publishing Company. Please take a look. Be sure to read what Author,
Loren Moore wrote. It is at the bottom of the page. He managed to
express precisely what many writers feel about getting published.
We all want to be discovered and become famous, but, if we're
not, we might settle for having small books of our collected work
printed so we could sell them or give them as keepsake gifts to friends
and family. My best to you all." -- Lou Harper
Robert Stephenson Family... My husband, Jerry Saul, is descended
from Mary E. Whiteley b. Dec 12, 1841. She married John Root (I have
no further information on him) born 1829 in New Jersey. They were
married 1857 in Wayne County, Clinton Township, Iowa. Her Father was
John A. Whiteley, son of Joseph Whiteley, son of Thomas Whiteley,
son of Joseph Whiteley. Joseph's son William was born abt 1784 so
Elizabeth would not be his son. However, because of the relationship
to Daniel Boone and the locations, I believe this may be the same
family." -- Please reply to Nancy - E-mail: nancyvanorden@hotmail.com
Moman Pruiett Book... "Richard Woolery, Special Judge,
from Creek County, gave the presentation on Pruiett. He might be able
to help you. The book he used as the basis for part of his presentation
is now out of print according to Oklahoma Heritage Society. The address
and phone number for Judge Woolery are on the Sapulpa
Chamber of Commerce website. I believe he would be willing to
give you any information you needed on Moman Pruiett. This is a link
(He
Made It Safe To Murder: The Life of Moman Pruiett, 700 pages
- by Howard K. Berry) for the book which is out of print. You might
be able to find it in a library." -- Nancy
Daniel Brown, Whitehorse (Okla.) & Al Fisher Ranch... "This
site is wonderful. My Grandfather, Daniel Brown b.1886, worked as
a teen at the Al Fisher Ranch at Whitehorse, Oklahoma. At least your
site mentions such a place having existed at one time. I hope to visit
the graveyard that is still there in hopes of finding his parents,
Paul and Dora. Daniel had a brother who died young. We think and a
sister Dora - who supposedly married a John Stone. We believe the
family moved from Fairgrove, Missouri. to Oklahoma at the time of
the land run. Al Fisher had two kids, Glen and Cora. Haven't found
either family in Oklahoma records yet, but now I have a good place
to start. Thanks so much for your interesting writings. Perhaps Daniel's
facts aren't made-up after all! -- Diane Kolaskey - E-mail: geowkolaskey@netzero.com
AHS Goldbug Class of '63... Class 1963. live in Las Vegas,
Nevada. Richard Fisher Quinn - E-mail: Quinnlv@webtv.net
Alva's Nite Life for the College Crowd... "Hey guys!!
YES I still own the Nite Lite! It's been almost 19 years now. You
can check us out at www.niteliteparty.com,
live web cam, and lots of party pix! You can also send mail directly
to the club." -- Mark Bellah - E-mail: markebel@swbell.net
Ghosttown Inquiry Along I35 & I40 West... "Hello -
I will be traveling thru Oklahoma from Texas on I35 and then west
on I40. Are there any neat ghost towns along that route that are fairly
accessible from the freeways? I don't have a lot of time but I am
willing to travel off the beaten path a bit. Thanks." -- Clint
Letter To My Dogs... Donna wrote, "I am a dog lover, and
believe me this letter is for real!" --
Dear Dogs... "When I say to move, it means go someplace
else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two
dogs in the way.
The dishes with the paw print are yours
and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my
food. Please note, placing a pawprint in the middle of my plate and
food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor
do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by Nascar
and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a
kingsize bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue
to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort. Look at videos of dogs
sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary
to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest
extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and
having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space used is
nothing but doggy sarcasm.
When I am playing the pinball machine,
jumping up and trying to grab the ball through the glass is not helpful.
Barking at me because I'm not helping you achieve your goal does not
win you any extra brownie points.
My compact discs are not miniature
frisbees. For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut,
it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your
paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through
the same door I entered. In addition, I have been using bathrooms
for years, canine attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go
smell other dogs butt. I cannot stress this enough. It would be such
a simple change for you guys to make." -- author unknown
Class of '94 Goldbug - Alva High... "I went to Alva Elementary
until the 5th grade. My graduating year was 1994 so if you remember
me, please drop a line. I'm also looking for anyone who knows my father,
Allen Trekell class of 1960. Thanks." -- Tisha Trekell - E-mail:
hotrodhonee@yahoo.com
Seiling
High School Seniors - 1936... "I hadn't checked your
website for awhile and was just typing in Emil Grade, etc.
when I ran across the note and pictue of my mother. Thanks. It looks
really nice. I tried to save the picture of the high school class
of 1936 but it is very small. Would it be possible for you to e-mail
a larger copy to me? Thanks! I sent the senior class picture to some
relatives. My brother was wondering how Irene and Lorene England might
be related to Gary England, the weather man. Do you know? They had
a smaller class than mine at Taloga in 1960. We had 15." -- Gloria
[Editor's Note: I re-scanned the 1936 Seiling Seniors and you
can download it at 1936-SeillingHS-seniors.jpg.
I think that you will be able to read the names a lot better now.
I sent a copy of the Seiling Seniors - 1936 to Gary England and asked
him if Irene and Lorene England were any relations... He said, "Yes!"
they are his Aunts.]
Sobol, Oklahoma... "I was born and raised in Sobol, Oklahoma.
I have covered a lot of the world since then. I presently reside in
San Antonio, Texas. but, my heart is still in Sobol." Travis
HURT Connection... "Hi,Linda! My name is Brett Hurt. I
live in SW Florida. There are many of us scattered about. My dad grew
up in Macon, Georgia. He has 6 boys. His brother, Paul, had 4 boys
and one girl. Their father's name was Grady Hurt. I would love to
hear from you and would hope we are somehow related." -- Brett
- Email: Mrhope66@cs.com
ParisTimes Cookbook Recipe Submission - Lemon Sherbert... "It
will be added to the online ParisTimes
Cookbook & database - under Sweets. Lemon Sherbet - Source:
Lillian Dyer (my aunt) from the 1940's. Ingredients: 6 or 8 lemons
(to make 1 cup of juice); 2tsp. grated lemon (add to the juice); 3
cups sugar; 1 tall can Carnation evaporated milk); 2 quarts whole
milk. To Make: Put dasher in can, add 1 Qt. milk and canned milk.
Put lemon juice in NEXT. Add sugar and rest of milk. Should fill to
1-1/2 inches or 2 inches of top of 1 gallon can. Freeze and pack until
ready to eat." -- Joy Sherman - Email: shermansj@pldi.net |
Thanks! You can also view The
OkieLegacy online.
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