Happy Easter! Hope you do NOT let Uncle Sam take a bite out of your "arse" and "ears" like these little chocolate creatures! Thanks to Riddle's for the chocolate bunny Easter card.

That NW Okie has been feeling her oats the last few days as she journeys back and forth between 1910 and 2006, working on her "Old Opera House Mystery" article for the "Prairie Connection." In between here and there, she could be seen this week romping, playing around outside with us Pugs in the warm, spring temps, and listening to the old songs of the '50s, '60s on her "XM radio" in the mountain valley, of southwest Colorado.

The "Old Opera House Mystery" (Black Hand Letter Threats) article will make its debute at the newstands of the "Prairie Connection" newspaper in the near future. Meanwhile, we have included a few bio's of just a few of the cast characters involved during this murder mystery of November 9, 1910, in this week's OkieLegacy Ezine. We still are looking for a photo of Mabel Oakes.

We have also included bio's of some northwest Oklahoma Territory pioneers that helped shape this northwest part of the territory. In future ezines we will be adding more of these bios. IF ... you have a pioneer and town father that we haven't heard about or have on our website, we would love to give them a featured spot in "The OkieLegacy Ezine."

For those of you looking for the history book of northwest Oklahoma, "Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County," ... we have one FOR SALE in the "Mailbag" below.

We have a NEW OkieLegacy Guestbook. We are not asking for your E-mail address to be submitted unless you want to include it in your comments. We just want your NAME & any COMMENTS about Okie Legacies, histories, inquiries, etc... You can still sign our OLD Guestbook on the front page of OkieLegacy.

Last weekend we had some problems sending emails out through our subscriber database from our web site. AND... we are NOT sure it is going out this week, either. We have been told that our webhosting server thought it was spam because there was NO email address in the "To" field. We explained to them that it was NOT Spam. They (subscribers) are legitimate.

If this keeps up, we may have to go back to our old way of sending out the newsletter -- through our Groupmail program. We would like to hear from you to see if you did or did not receive your subscription this week. Thanks for your understanding and patience.
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Old Opera House Mystery Cast of Character...

These are just a few characters and town fathers that you will hear mentioned in the Old Opera House Mystery of 1910.

N. L. "Nelson" Miller -- Miller was born July, 1859, Michigan, and he came to Alva in 1897; built first Steam Roller mill which he conducted for year or more. On September 5, 1888, Miller (born 1859), married Rachel (born 1863). In 1903 he was with the firm of Bell (James W. Bell) & Miller. The Miller family consisted of: Lois, born 1888, Kansas; Eva, born 1891, Kansas; Minta, born 1892, Kansas; Bert L., born 1898, O.T.; and George, born 1902, O.T. In 1910, Miller was head of household residing in Alva, Oklahoma. Miller was arrested in 1910 for the murder of Mabel Oakes. Miller was Justice of the Peace and what is known by the Bill Posters as Official Bill Poster for Alva, Oklahoma; also ran a collection agency with his office in the Old Opera House, 400 block of Barnes Avenue. Justice N. L. Miller employed Mabel Oakes for over a year starting in winter of 1909.

Sandor James Vigg -- Sandor James Vigg was County Attorney of Woods County, State of Oklahoma, 1908-1916. Sandor J. Vigg was candidate for re-election as county attorney in 1912. He was was born in Austria-Hungary July, 1879. He came to Barber County, Kansas, with his parents, April, 1891. From there he came to Woods County about 16 years ago, where he has since resided, the first 12 years in Fritzlen township and the last 4 years in Alva. He was a graduate of the Northwestern State Normal at Alva and of the Law Department of University of Kansas. He was admitted to practice law before the Supreme and the all other Courts of Oklahoma in June, 1908, and since that time he had been a member of the Woods County Bar, engaged in the active practice of law. As a lawyer, had actual experience in conducting, and prosecuting about 400 civil and criminal cases in our Courts. From murder cases down to violations of the prohibitory laws, and from the famous assessor controversy down to the Pioneer printing 'grab.' He was known as a prosecutor of ability, strength and vigor. Vigg prosecuted Nelson L. Miller vs. State of Oklahoma, in the Old Opera House Murder trial, September 7-12, 1911, Woodward County, Oklahoma, Case #714.

Claud McCrory -- Claud McCrory was a native of Indiana and lived in Kansas several years, then came to this county at the opening and secured a farm near Waynoka. Afterwards he sold it and bought property in Alva where he still resided in 1904. He had taught school, was instructor in the county teachers institute, and was nominee for county attorney in 1900. He was reading clerk in the territorial council in 1901. He was elected city attorney 1901. He was re-elected 1903. He was a good lawyer and public speaker. McCrory conducted the Coroner Inquest in the Miller case, in Woods County, Oklahoma.

L. T. Wilson -- L. T. Wilson was a native of Missouri and came to Alva at he opening from Butler County, Kansas. He settled on a farm five miles southeast of Alva, and taught school. He also practiced law. He was also instructor in the first county teachers' institute. His law practice in 1904 demanded all his attention. Wilson was on N. L. Miller's Defense with Charles J. Swindall, C. H. Mauntel, etc...

Erskine W. Snoddy -- Snoddy was a Missourian, but came to Barber County, Kansas, in the eighties; was the first deputy US Marshal in this part of Oklahoma, having been appointed long before the country was opened for settlement. He selected a farm two miles southeast of Alva, but afterwards sold it, leased school land in the western part of the county and engaged in the cattle business; sold that around 1902 and located in Alva as a partner with his father, Col. Snoddy, in the practice of law which he had studied several years.

Capt. R. A. Cameron -- Native of Illinois; Apr. 19, 1861, enlisted in Co. C, 11th Illinois Infantry; some months afterwards, on account of changes and consolidations, he joined the 110th regiment and was elected First Lieutenant of Co D, but in a few weeks the captain of Co. K resigned and Mr. Cameron was elected to the position, which he held until 1864 when he resigned and entered the Ohio University at Athens, and remained two years; then spent a year in the law department of Michigan University. Practiced law in Ohio and Missouri a few years; was a member of the Missouri legislature 1876; 1880 moved to Eldorado, Kansas, and 1885 to Medicine Lodge, Kansas, and 1888 held office of county attorney; came to Alva, Sept. 16, 1893, established a law office, and entered a farm two miles norhtwest. July 24, 1897, was appointed register US Land office at Alva, and filled the position efficiently for four years. The Flynn and Barnes fight in Oklahoma, and treachery of Cong. Grosvenor of Ohio, defeated his re-appointment. Cameron was also the Judge in the Old Opera House Murder of 1910.

C. H. Mauntel -- Mauntel was a native of Indian; came to Alva and opened a law office; was elected county attorney in 1900 and served two years, after which he resumed the general law practice. He gave his official duties careful attention, and is one of the best educated and most sociable gentlemen in the county. One of the attorneys & witnesses in the Old Opera House Murder of 910.

Geo. W. Crowell -- George Crowell was a native of North Carolina, came west in his youth with his parents and lived several years near Pittsburg, Ks. Came to Attica, Ks., in 1884 and engaged in the lumber business; came to Alva, Sept. 16, 1893, and opened the first lumber yard. Was appointed a county commissioner of the First District by Gov. Renfrow, chosen chairman of the board by the other two members. Mr. Crowell's service on this board during the formative period of the county's affairs was especially attentive, and has proved more and more valuable as the history of the county is recalled. He served in the office faithfully and creditably until Jan. 10, 1895. Geo W. Crowell is a liberal, public spirited, pushing citizen whose assistance in every public enterprise has been of great and lasting benefit to Alva, and he has served the city well as councilman and treasurer. He was vice-president of the First National Bank, and president of Crowell Bros, Lumber Co., with yards and elevators at several different towns; dealers in lumber, coal and grain.

Dr. G. N. Bilby -- Dr. Geo. N. Bilby was sworn in as the State's sixth witnesses in the Old Opera House Murder. Bilby was a native of Iowa. He lived in Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Louisville Medical college, Louisville, KY. Settled in Stroud, OK and practiced medicine since 1894. He came to Alva in 1899. He had his Doctor's office upstairs in the building on the NE corner of College Ave. & Flynn St. (where the Johnson Ins. Co. is today). Dr. Bilby married Alberta Mae Stockbarger. Their children were Afton, Paul and Lee. Dr. Bilby was an influential Democrat and represented the Woods County District at the 1906 Constitutional Convention when Oklahoma became a state in 1907. He was one of three doctors that had done the post mortem on Miss Oakes body 9 November 1910.

Dr. Elizabeth Grantham -- Dr. Elizabeth Grantham was a native of Illinois, but lived some years in Nebraska. She graduated from John A. Creighton Medical College, Omaha, Neb. She came to Alva in June, 1903, and opened an office on south side of the square. Dr. Elizabeth Grantham was also the Oakes family physician and was one of the Doctors that testified in the Old Opera House Murder in 1910. Dr. Grantham had been practicing medicine for ten years. Grantham was one of three Doctors called in to do post mortem autopsy.

Sheriff Hugh Martin, Jr. -- Woods County Sheriff. On 27 June 1910, filed a 'Petition for Injunction' against Justice Miller & Constable Lewellen in a civil case concerning a confiscated barrel of Beer. Sheriff Hugh Martin, Jr. made the land rush into Woods County. His horse threw him and he got no claim. His father-in-law, Joseph Barnett and brother Lemuel Barnett made the run as well. Only Lemuel got a claim, although all of them stayed in Woods County. Martin was the first Sheriff after statehood. Martin served as government assessor in this sector prior to statehood and was elected sheriff after statehood was granted by congress. He was defeated for re-election by a single vote on 9 Nov. 1910. He later ran again and was elected in 1923. He served two terms before retiring from public office. Martin lived in the Dacoma community. He was born in Mexico, Missouri, August 23, 1871. Martin died 9/15/1941, 70 years of age, in Pratt, Kansas hospital Sunday afternoon and was buried north of Dacoma, in the Union Center Cemetery the following Tuesday. He came to this sector of the state from Turon, Kansas. He lived in this county for 48 years. His wife (Ida Barnett) died 12/4/1940. Martin was a charter member of the Alva Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Martin was a native of Iowa and came to Oklahoma at the opening of the Cherokee strip, settling on a farm seven miles southeast of Alva. She lived there with her husband until about 1936 when they moved to Dacoma.

D. C. Oates, Sheriff -- was a native of Alabama. He came to Alva, September 18, 1893. Oates secured a farm in southeast part of the county. He was deputy sheriff 1895 to July 16, 1898. When he enlisted in the first Oklahoma regiment he tried for 9 months to get to the front in the war with Spain. He was elected as sheriff in 1900 by 106 majority, and re-elected in 1902 by 1175 majority, which is ample evidence of his excellent official ability and general popularity.
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Town Fathers of Woods County, Oklahoma...

These are just a few of Woods County, Oklahoma's town fathers of that helped shape and build this northwest part of the State. In the coming weeks in "The OkieLegacy Ezine" we will be featuring more of our "Pioneer Town Fathers" from northwest Oklahoma Territory.

J. A. Stine -- Native of Pennsylvania; came to Missouri when a young man and lived there several years; thence to Harper, Kansas, where he was engaged in the drug business, and in the latter eighties moved to Amarillo, Texas. In the fall of 1894 he came to Alva and started the organization of the Exchange Bank, which was perfected Feb. 15, 1895, by the election of J. A. Stine, president; Geo. W. Crowell, vice-president, and Percy R. Smith, cashier; a few months afterward bought the old Alva State Bank and consolidated them, making the Exchange the oldest bank in the county, which was made a National bank, Oct. 1, 1899. Mr. Stine and family owned four banks and he was president of all of them. (First National of Alva, First National of Woodward, Bank of Ingersoll, and Waynoka State Bank.) He was also the first president of the Alva Commercial Club, which was organized in the fall of 1896, which position he ably filled for three or four years; and to the old "Push" club, as it was called. Capt. Stine, in the presence of several members of the club and other citizens, March 19, 1898, drove the locating stake of the Normal college. That stake still stands where the main tower of the Castle on the Hill once stood. He was also elected mayor of the city when it was organized as a city of the first class in May, 1901, and his name will always remain prominently in the history of Alva. On the southwest corner of Alva's government square, southwest corner of 6th Street & Barnes Avenue, stands the Stine building today.

Jesse James Dunn -- Dunn was a native of Illinois. He came with his parents to western Kansas in the eighties. He was a graduate of the law department of Kansas University. He came to Alva, Sept. 16, 1893, and opened a law office. He was always ready to give a liberal share of his time and assistance in city and county affairs of public interest. He was elected county attorney in 1896 and re-elected 1898, served four years and made a creditable record. Mr. Dunn is one of the best known lawyers of Oklahoma and was president of the Oklahoma Bar Association 1903. He was one of the ablest and most entertaining public speakers in the west. Cowgill & Dunn, lawyers, hade a large acquaintance and lucrative practice back in 1904.

H. Clay McGrath -- Clay McGrath - Alva Pioneer was a native of Illinois, came to Barber County, Kansas, in the early eighties.One among the first to reach Alva, Sept. 16, 1893, secured the farm that is now the southeast quarter of the city, was the first elected sheriff of the county all of 1894, re-elected 1896; first to offer 40 acres of land for the Normal college and campus, but on account of delay in receiving his patent from the government, J. T. Fryer gave 40 acres of his land for the college and Mr. McGrath paid him for half of it. Mr. McGrath was a splendid officer and citizen. He sold all his property here and in 1909 was living at Larned, KS.
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The Rest of the Story...

Alva, Oklahoma - May 27, 1911 Postcard 'Street Scene' -- Today, 95 years later, the water still runs like a river after a "hard rain." Has there ever been a plan to create a drainage system for Alva''s streets? Will there ever be?

Oklahoma Gas Prices -- Here in Westmoreland, KS, [and NE Kansas] the price of Unleaded Regular was $2.65.9 today. That is up from a day or two ago. We hear that the price is set at the Commodities Market and every time someone in the world "passes gas" the Commodities Market trembles at ~3.0 Magnitude. That may have been caught on the USGS equipment last week.

Kamel Cohlmia at Antique Cash Register -- About a year ago someone made a large donation of clothing to our theatre/historic costume collection. In it was a really nice tailored jacket with Frank''s label inside. I said to my helper, "By all means, handle that garment carefully as one day it is going to be an historic treasure." I am so glad we did that, not knowing at the time that Frank''s would be history in another year. We also have saved other jackets with labels from stores in small Oklahoma towns because, to me, clothing is a very important part of our prairie history that is often overlooked. Unfortunately, today a lot of people foolishly cut labels out of their clothing, and it makes the garments useless for meaningful preservation. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NEW Guestbook Comments...

This is our NEW OkieLegacy Guestbook. We are not asking for your E-mail address to be submitted unless you want to include it in with "comments." We just want your NAME (that you go by) & COMMENTS about Okie Legacy, histories, our website, etc... THANKS! You can still sign our OLD Guestbook on the front page of OkieLegacy.org.

4/13/2006 Cathy Starbuck - My friends in Grand View Idaho... laughed when I showed them where I'm moving to in July

4/10/2006 J Redelsperger - I am working on my husband's family history and was told that his Uncle Ray Terrel ran the store or gas station in Slap Out at some point. This article provides the proof we needed. Thanks A bunch. Jan ( a niece by marriage)

4/10/2006 Vickie Jo Lile AKA Lac - I am trying to find some family history my father still lives in Freedom his name is Jerry Lile. His parents were Henrod (Tod) and Juanita Lile
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FOR SALE: Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County...

I purchased a "Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County" book a few weeks ago and found there are no people mentioned that I am interested in. I would like to put said book up for sale. I remember someone asking about this book a year or more ago. This book is in superb condition. Looks like new. The book is in what I would call mint condition. No tears nor discoloration of the pages. I have been told by an Oklahoma historian that it has sold for $250. I would be happy to let it go for that or a best offer. -- Lois Caywood Guffy, Byron, OK - Email: lguffy@sctelcom.net View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Tuttle, Oklahoma...

Tuttle, Oklahoma was where I leased my first theatre in this state. At that time the population was about 900 (a little smaller than neighboring Minco). It's grown considerably since Braums Dairy moved in. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Fundraiser For Fire Victims...

An article in today's San Antonio Express-News reports that country music singer Blake Shelton will host a fundraiser for victims of drought and the wildfires that have plagued Oklahoma since November. He has planned a three-day event called "Raindance" in his hometown of Ada starting May 14. Along with an archery tournament and a silent auction, Shelton and at least four country artists will perform in concert. The article stated that since Nov. 1, grass fires in Oklahoma have scorched an estimated 560,000 acres, damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses and killed at least three people. -- Elizabeth View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Surnames: Davis, Hobson...

Message Board URL: Looking for death information on Emma (Hobson) Davis. Born 1864 died 1921. Married to Albert A. Davis. Daughter of Kinneson Hobson and Hannah Beals. 1920 census shows them living in McKinley, Woods County, Oklahoma. I believe she died while in that area but haven't been able to find any record. OKWOODS Mailing List - Woods County, Oklahoma OKGenWeb View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Gas Prices...

They're at it again. Monday the cheapest gas in Perry was at $2.63, the next day it was at $2.65, and then the same day jumped to $2.69.9 and stayed there 'til yesterday and dropped to $2.62.9. Today it's at $2.65.9 again (probably 'til after Easter).-- Roy View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

The Share Brothers of NW Oklahoma Territory...

S. B. Share -- S. B. Share was a native of Michigan, came to Harper, Ks., about 20 years ago and engaged in the mercantile business; came to Alva in the spring of 1894 and opened a large general merchandise store; served two terms on the city council, years of 1894-5; always very liberal and enthusiastic in furthering the interests of the city. In 1909 he was of the firm of S. B. Share and Bros. large department store.

C. C. Share -- Share was a native of Michigan, but engaged in the mercantile business at Harper, Kansas, for several years. He moved his stock of goods to Alva in 1901 and consolidated it with that of S. B. Share & Bros' department store and had been cashier of that big institution in 1904. He was also in the class of Woods County progressive citizens.


J. D. Share -- native of Michigan. He located in Wellington, Ks., 1872, and engaged in the drygoods business until he came to Alva in Sept. 1895, where he was already interested with his brother, S. B., and they built the first brick business house in the city, afterwards adding two more brick rooms, making the buildings combined 75 by 150 feet. They also built the Alva National Bank block of four business rooms, with offices upstairs, and later the postoffice building. Mr. Share was vice-president of the first commercial club, and has always been active in furthering any enterprise for the genera benefit of the city. He served one year, 1900, as a member of the Territorial board of Education for Normal Schools, and in 1901 was elected a member of the city council and was active in re-organizing Alva as a city of the first class, making its laws, among other things.
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William J. Bryan Stumps Alva, Oklahoma On Old Courthouse Square...

William J. Bryan Stumps Alva, Oklahoma on the Courthouse Square, 28 September 1906. William Jennings Bryan drew a large crowd on the west Courthouse lawn when he stumped the state to urge the adoption of the proposed State institution and to gain support for the Democratic ticket of 1907. He praised the proposed Constitution by declaring it One of the great documents of modern times and assured his audience that it was "The best Constitution today of any state in the Union." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NW Oklahoma Territory Pioneer - S. L. Johnson...

S. L. Johnson -- The cut of S. L. Johnson represents features that are very familiar to the early settlers of Woods County. Mr. Johnson was appointed postmaster at Alva on the establishment of the town and on the first day of the "opening" had the post office in running order in a frame building on the government acre. During his incumbency of that position he was ever active and foremost in the establishment of institutions that make for good government and law and order, and during the formative period of society his influence was most potent and of such character as will be felt in this community as long as it exists. As postmaster, he not only gave us excellent service, but on his recommendation the first post offices were established in Woods County, and at one time almost the entire county received the mail through the Alva post office. Elected to the position of School director at the time when our bond issue was limited to $2,800, the board constructed Alva's first school house, which on the night of its completion was burned to the ground. Not appalled by this disaster, he boldly advocated the rebuilding with school warrants and before the ashes had cooled he called a school meeting and a new brick building was immediately constructed on the ruins of the first building and paid for with school warrants.

Alva lacked a church building and he arranged with the Board of Extension of the Congregational church of New York to move the large Congregational church, now standing on College Avenue, from Wichita, Kansas, to its present location, it was a Herculean undertaking in those early days and for several years was the finest church in Oklahoma, and its presence made the location of the Normal school possible here, for that institution was located in the church for the first two years of its infancy.

In the establishing of the city cemetery, Woods county fair and in fact every enterprise of a public character, he was foremost and tireless. In the location of the Normal school he was as had been aptly termed, "The Commodore Dewey" of the enterprise, many of our good citizens labored faithfully in this great work, but the faith of S. L. Johnson never wavered or faltered, from first to last. From the first time the matter was broached by him to the city council, until he negotiated and sold the first issue of bonds that made its opening possible; he was constantly "on the firing line," spending two winters almost constantly in Guthrie in its interests, until success had crowned our efforts. In fact and briefly, it is not too much too say that the early history of Alva and Woods County is closely interwoven with the life of our former respected fellow citizen, S. L. Johnson.

He has held many positions of honor and trust in fraternal societies and in the territorial Democratic committee, and while he has removed to the Indian Territory, we say that the coming state of Oklahoma and Indian territroy will need such citizens as "Sam Johnson" in its building, and that he will be one of the potent factors in directing its future.