Okie's NW Corner

It is time again, July 4th... 228 years earlier our ancestors declared their independence when in the course of human events, it became necessary for the thirteen colonies to dissolve the political bands which connected them with another -- to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind -- to declare their independence.

That takes us to the time, in 1776, when the Continental Congress met -- drew up, signed a unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America for the purpose of declaring their causes for separation from the system of government of King George III of Great Britain.

BUT... that was not the beginning of the American Revolution. The revolution began back in 1775, April 19 (over 229 years ago). It was dawn, on April 19 -- 70 armed Massachusetts militiamen stood face to face on Lexington Green with the British advance guard. An unordered 'shot heard around the world' began the American Revolution that lasted for seven years (1775 - 1782).

Have you ever wondered if your ancestors were Patriots, Loyalists or Privateers and what sacrifices they made back then?

We should all remember this weekend... and the sacrifices the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence must have gone through to put their lives, fortunes and sacred honor on the line to have the right to speak out against the government and form their own government by mutually pledging to each other their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in one of his letters, "The Declaration of Independence towers aloft as "the signal of arousing men to burst the chains -- to assume the blessings and security of self-government" -- to restore "the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion."

Do You Remember When...

Dacoma. Oklahoma had a hotel and Mrs. Haines was proprietor of that hotel (Rambler Hotel) in Dacoma, 16 miles southeast of Alva. I wonder if that Haines is the same Haines that had the E. A. Haines store in downtown Alva?

Transcontinental Air Transport... We were glancing through our copy of the Waynoka Chronicles this week to learn about Waynoka's Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) history. Did you know that the TAT erected a 58'x26' brick passenger station, ticket office south of Waynoka's Harvey house and 1200 citizens were at the dedication of the TAT Airport, June 22, 1929? The passenger building provided a place for passengers to rest between plane and train trips. After the TAT was closed 18 months later, the passenger station was moved to a new location on highway 281, serving for many years as the American Legion Hut until it was torn down in the 1970s. After 18 months of operation, TAT was loosing money. They sought other mergers. On October 1, 1930, a lucrative contract was awarded to Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA). By the end of October an announcement was made that TAT or TWA would cease it operations in Waynoka, Oklahoma.

PFC Simerly & Alva POW Camp... One of our readers is looking for the family of an army private (PFC Conley E. Simerly) who served at the Alva POW camp during WWII. All that is known at this point is that Mr. Simerly lived, at the time of his discharge from the Army, in Hampton, Tennessee. Rod Murrow bought some items on ebay and is trying to located the family of PFC Simerly to return the items. If you can help in this search, contact Rod or email us and we will pass along the information. Thanks!

A NW Oklahoma Ghost Town Mystery... Another one of our readers wrote and asked about a ghost town located northwest of Waynoka and northeast of Mooreland. About 30 years ago there were some foundations -- a stable. The main feature that stuck in this persons mind was a statue or monument that stood about 6 feet tall with a rifle implanted in the top -- the stock on the rifle had worn away but the rest was still there -- it was possibly a Sharps rifle. He recalls climbing down a ridge to get into the town, but that is about all the information that he can remember. Does any of this ring a bell with anyone out there? If you can help, please email us. Thanks.

Old Oklahoma School Pics...

"This is a picture of my mother taken around 1912 with her one room school and students. I think the school was around Lookout or that vicinity. My son has retouched and cleaned it up. I know that my Mother went to Normal school, but apparently didn't graduate as I went through the list that was on your newsletter recently and didn't find her name. She was Jennie Reba (Reily) Whittet. She was always in Freedom, in fact became the Postmistress for many years retiring around l950. Maybe someone will recognize a face." -- Doris Guntrum - Email: wrguntrum@comcast.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Prelude to Revolution - 1763-1775

Prelude to Revolution - 1763-1775... ".....1768 - In February, Samuel Adams of Massachusetts writes a Circular Letter opposing taxation without representation and calling for the colonists to unite in their actions against the British government. The letter is sent to assemblies throughout the colonies and also instructs them on the methods the Massachusetts general court is using to oppose the Townshend Acts. In April, England's Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Hillsborough, orders colonial governors to stop their own assemblies from endorsing Adams' circular letter. Hillsborough also orders the governor of Massachusetts to dissolve the general court if the Massachusetts assembly does not revoke the letter. By month's end, the assemblies of New Hampshire, Connecticut and New Jersey have endorsed the letter....." -- The History Place - American Revolution View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Conflict & Revolution 1775 - 1776...

"April 19, 1775 -- At dawn on April 19 about 70 armed Massachusetts militiamen stand face to face on Lexington Green with the British advance guard. An unordered 'shot heard around the world' begins the American Revolution . A volley of British rifle fire followed by a charge with bayonets leaves eight Americans dead and ten wounded. The British regroup and head for the depot in Concord, destroying the colonists' weapons and supplies. At the North Bridge in Concord, a British platoon is attacked by militiamen, with 14 casualties.
May 10, 1775 -- The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, with John Hancock elected as its president. On May 15, the Congress places the colonies in a state of defense. On June 15, the Congress unanimously votes to appoint George Washington general and commander-in-chief of the new Continental Army.
July 6, 1775 -- The Continental Congress issues a Declaration (signed by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress) on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms detailing the colonists' reasons for fighting the British and states the Americans are "resolved to die free men rather than live as slaves.
June-July, 1776 -- On June 7, Richard Henry Lee , a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, presents a formal resolution calling for America to declare its independence from Britain. Congress decides to postpone its decision on this until July. On June 11, Congress appoints a committee to draft a declaration of independence. Committee members are Thomas Jefferson , Benjamin Franklin, John Adams , Roger Livingston and Roger Sherman. Jefferson is chosen by the committee to prepare the First Draft of the declaration, which he completes in one day. Just seventeen days later, June 28, Jefferson's Declaration of Independence is ready and is presented to the Congress, with changes made by Adams and Franklin. On July 2, twelve of thirteen colonial delegations (New York abstains) vote in support of Lee's resolution for independence. On July 4, the Congress formally endorses Jefferson's Declaration, with copies to be sent to all of the colonies. The actual signing of the document occurs on August 2, as most of the 55 members of Congress place their names on the parchment copy."
July 4, 1776 - Declaration of Independence -- Hear - Declaration read by Peter Thomas Text - Declaration of Independence
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Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents...

Chronology of Events June 7, 1776 to January 18, 1777 Drafting the Documents - Continental Congress on June 11 appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as a committee to draft a declaration of independence. Objects in the Exhibition
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75 Years Ago - Transcontinental Air-Rail Travel Comes to Waynoka (Oklahoma)...

It was seventy-five years ago, July 8, 1929, that transportation history was changed when travelers from the east and west coasts began a 2-day air and rail trip that would take them across America in 48 hours. Charles Lindbergh was an officer in Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT). TAT was the company that developed the service and selected Waynoka as the western terminus of the eastern division. A place where passengers would switch between trains and planes morning and evening -- eating breakfast, dinner at the Harvey House. You can read about TAT in this issue (Spring 2004) of the Waynoka Chronicles distributed by the Waynoka Historical Society. The Waynoka Historical Society & Waynoka Airport Commission will be celebrating with an Open House at the site of the Transcontinental airport five miels norhteast of Waynoka from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Tennessee Death Certificates...

If anyone has relatives or ancestors from Tennessee there's an easier way to get their death certificates than through the Tennessee archives and you can order online. The URL for the website is: www.tndeathcertificates.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

POW Camp Alva...

"I have been reading through your various pages about the Alva POW camp, searching for information about an Army Private who served there:  PFC Conley E. Simerly.  I bought a packet of items on an eBay auction, intending to donate them to the Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva for their POW collection.  On second thought, I have decided to attempt first to try to locate Mr. Simerly or his relatives.  All I know at this point is that the items came from an estate sale in the Johnson City, Tennessee area and that Mr. Simerly lived, at the time of his discharge from the Army, in Hampton, Tennessee.  If Simerly or his kin are interested in these items, they may contact me at my email address (rod@murrow.com). Thanks for another fine issue.  Hope you are enjoying your holiday in Colorado." -- Rod Murrow, Freedom, OK View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Still enjoying your Zine!...

"Just want to share something which should be of interest to all Oklahoma educators, statespersons, and parents:  Phi Delta Kappa, arguably the world's foremost general association of professionial educators, is having its International Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada from 21 to 24 October 2004.  Prominent authorities will discuss the No Child Left Behind law, getting help for disadvantaged youth, promoting equity in education, and many other imperative topics of the day.  All are welcome; one does not have to be a Kappan to attend. Full details about Phi Delta Kappa International, the Conference, and the Walk for Education  are on the Web at www.pdkintl.org." -- Joel and Lanie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Hang on to you Pugs...

"Duchess, I just read where you are in for some possible rough weather. Your Mama told us to hang onto our Pugs. Please let me know if she hangs onto you. :) Hope she is feeding you well and giving you plenty of attention. Take care and write us a note from the Colorado mountains. You may be heavy in the chest area little lady but your behind is a little lighter. <G> Pay attention to your mom." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Looking for NW Oklahoma Ghost Town...

"I found your site on the internet and thought that you may be able to help me find a ghost town that is located somewhere in your area. A friend came across this town about thirty years (1970s) ago and has been trying to find it since. He has been unable to find the name of the town. His memory of the town has it located northwest of Waynoka and northeast of Mooreland. There were some foundations and he was able to identify a stable. The main feature that stuck in his mind was a statue or monument that stood about 6 ft tall and had a rifle implanted in the top. He recalls climbing down a ridge to get into the town but that is about all the information that he can remember. When my friend came across the town he said the stock on the rifle had worn away but the rest was still there. I think he said that it was a Sharps rifle. He was young and having a day with the boys and hadn't realized at the time what they had found. The boy who had driven them to the spot was killed in a car accident soon after that trip and none of the others knew how they had gotten there. No pictures were taken but my friend would like to take some if we can find the town again. Any help that you could give would be appreciated. Thank you for your help." -- Carol - Email: bhesket@excite.com
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E. A. Haines Store - Alva, OK...

"According to R.L. Polk & Co.'s Oklahoma and Indian Territory Gazetteer and Business Directory 1907-1908 in the Alva listing, there is a Haines E A, W H Weinrich mngr, clothing. Also in the Alva listing is Weinrich W H, mngr E A Haines so I assume the name of the clothing store was E A Haines. I hope this helps." -- Pat Weaver - Major Co. Genealogical Society View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Smokey the Bear...

"What a tour de force on the Smoky story! You are a true wizard in ferreting out informational websites to support your information. Thank you so very much." -- Bill View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Bartlesville - The Town That Oil Built...

" I enjoyed the links on your Oklahoma links page and would love to my mine added to it. It's www.bartlesvillebooks.com and is called Bartlesville - The Town That Oil Built. Thanks for your consideration and adding my site to your OkieLegacy site. Thank you." -- Rita Thurman Barnes
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Fairvalley Weather...

"Just thought I would let you know, Everette finished the first round on the fieldwork and just in time. It rained l.5 on the wheatfield, l.9 on the pasture. The weather here has been like Colorado weather -- cool at night and just in the lower 80's in the daytime. In fact I think they are predicting 79 here tomorrow (June 29), it is wonderful." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Warwick/Gregory Genealogy...

"I thought you might be interested in a bit of the story of David Gregory and Margaret Warwick Gregory.  They were my great-great-great-great-grandparents. Their grave markers are located in LeSourdsville, Butler County, Ohio (within the 412 acres of their original homestead).  I have photo's of the markers that were taken in 1928, and have just recently visited to find that David Gregory's original marker is no longer readable, but Margaret's is still in very good shape.  At the time the 1928 photo was taken, I believe that the descendants who took the photo, reset the original markers in concrete and had an additional marker placed.
      There are two newspaper articles about the family and the story of their settlement in the Ohio Territory, which I can scan and send to you if you are interested.
     In brief,  the following was written by my great-grandmother Sophia Bartmess Gregory (great-granddaughter of David and Margaret Gregory) in 1947, when she was 85 years old:   "My great grandfather David Gregory and his brother William came west to Kentucky with Daniel Boone.  They left the party and went north to the Ohio Territory and took homesteads on the Miami River above Fort Hamilton.  The creek on the farm was named Gregory Creek. Anthony Wayne had his soldiers at the fort to protect the early settlers from the Indians.  He was a personal friend of David and Margaret Gregory."
     David's original marker is no longer intact, but I have the inscription from the 1928 photo: David Gregory, Died Feby 9, 1802, Aged 34 years - Here lies the man never known to falter When sickness and death drew on the halter But like the Samaritan by the Divine He poured on the balsam the oil and the wine.
      Margaret's inscription reads: Margaret, Wife of David Gregory, Died Aug. 12, 1821, Aged 66 years - Here lies the woman the first save one Settled on Miami above Fort Hamilton Her table was spread and that of the best And Anthony Wayne was often her guest." -- Tracey Saucy, Salem, Oregon - Email: T.Saucy@comcast.net
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From Oklahoma to Oregon...

"Nice website. I was born in Shawnee, but I am researching my husbands roots in Oklahoma and Kansas. His uncle and aunt lived in the Slapout area for many years - James and Percy Landon. After Percy died, his neice, my mother-in-law, brought James to Oregon to live the rest of his years. He is buried in, I believe, Clear Lake cemetery just out of Slapout. His parents are also buried there. Their names are James H. and Saraah A. Landon. I don't have a lot of information, but would love to hear from anyone that might remember them or have any stories about them. I've been to Slapout and my husband has been there a lot of times. It's a neat area. We are in Oregon now, but plan a trip back, hopefully next year." Lynda - Email: lqward62@hotmail.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Former Oklahoman...

"My name is Lynda and I am from Oklahoma. Born in Shawnee in 1941. My mother and her family are from the Brittain area. I have lived in Oregon since 1960, but the older I get, the more I think about my home state. My husbands grandmother is from the Slapout area of Oklahoma. His gr-grandparents are buried there. I have grandparents buried in Oklahoma City and Shawnee. So my roots are deep in Oklahoma. I am researching both of our families. I would love to get your newsletter and thanks in advance. My email - lqward62@hotmail.com." -- Lynda View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Great Site! WOW!...

"I was searching for unrelated information and happened across the HURT website. I continue to work on my own family info, so I was browsing you site. Very nice -- the nicest one I've been on. Great searching! WOW!!" View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Homer's Place...

A fictional Novel written by Harlan G. K och and set in small town in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. It is a story of a town's determined people who stayed, struggled outlasted the Depression and the howling dust and then went to war. The story focuses on Tom Cable and his father, Homer, possessed by the memory of a car wreck that took the life of his lovely young wife. His relationship with Tom varies from exceptionally warm to demonic. Homer, who owns the local picture show, is the only man in this Bull Durham, cowboy town of Winelda to sport a cigarette holder and occasionally wear pearl-gray spats. During the annual 4th of July rodeo, Homer, replete with necktie, new Florsheim brogues and a double-breasted suit, surprises the whole town by riding a bronc.

Order Novel from... Waynoka Historical Society - PO Box 193, Waynoka, OK 73860, (580) 824-5871, or Email: sandieo@pldi.net. $23.95 + Shipping USPS media mail ($3.00 first book, 75-cents each additional book). Oklahomans add 9% sales tax.

About the Author... Harl Koch was born in Anthony, Kansas, and was raised in Oklahoma's Cimarron Country. He is a graduate of the Oklahoma Millitary Academy and of West Point and holds Masters degrees in Asian studies from the Universary of Illinois and the University of California at Berkley. Koch served a distinguished career as a regular US Army officer in general staff and in infantry, armored, and sairborne divisions. His overseas duty included Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Iraq, and all of mainland Southeast Asia. He now lives in San Francisco with his wife, Judy. Formerly and avid marathoner and 10K competitive runner, Koch has tapered to writing, pushing a little iron, and riding his Harley.
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