Happy 1st B-Day, Sadie Sadie...

Our Sweet, Snoozing Sadie Sadie, (pictured here) will be celebrating her first birthday, April 25, 2006, Tuesday. She is almost as smart as Duchess, but has a way to go ... yet!

For those of you we have not explained to so far, the reason for the second copy of last week's "The OkieLegacy Ezine" arriving in your "Inbox", Tuesday morning (4/18/2006) is because we were testing our database mailing list with our hosting server to see if we had the solution to our problem worked out. Yep! We think we are on the cyber-road again!

After finding the solutions to keep our hosting server from marking it as 'SPAM', we are back in business again. NOW ... our hosting server tells us our emails have a rating of 0.1 on the spam scale. If emails fall over a 5.0 rating, then it gets shoved to the 'SPAM' folder and not sent. WHEW! BUT... This is probably more than you ever wanted to know, huh?

NOW!... We are venturing onto another challenge & adventure for this NW Okie! LOL... That's just what this "Old" Lady needs! We have been setting up two NEW databases to make their appearance in the near future ("OkieLegacy Genealogy" and "OkieLegacy US History Collections").

We are still in the process of working out the bugs before we finally enter data and clean, organize data on our OkieLegacy website. How do you feel and what are your suggestions as to a more interactive, searchable database driven website? That is our plan for now, anyway. We will let you know when the debute shall take place.

Gas Prices Rising Again...
We heard this Saturday morning that Oklahoma gas prices went up another 2 cents this morning. Our Perry, Oklahoma informant says, "Independent stations went back to $2.779 while the branded one's went to $2.799 headed toward that 'magic' $3 they're predicting. I have a sinking feeling that we are seeing our lowest prices right now and that as vacation-time travel gets into full swing -- prices will soar higher again. We may yet see $4 or $5 per gallon."

Some have been stating, "Since it's 'the good old summertime,' I think I might have to get my motor-scooter running again. Perhaps I may even put some bicycles back together and see how much I can sell some of them for. I probably have 20 or more just gathering dust in my storage area. Those things don't even need the hay or oats that your horse would consume (and there's no 'exhaust' to be concerned about)."

Durango, Colorado's gas prices Friday were between $2.929 thru $3.029 for regular. BUT... Premium Plus was another 20-cents higher. Saturday in Bayfield, Colorado gas prices are surging ahead of Oklahoma's gas prices to over the $3.00 range. Bayfield's Conoco station had regular Gas at $3.029 and Premium Plus at $3.229.

For a second vehicle, we may have to retreat back to the horse and buggy days ... you know, the surrey with the fringe on top buggy. BUT... the hay, oats and upkeep on a horse probably wouldn't save any more money. We don't drag the streets or squares like those days of our youthful years, either. We need to do more cycling and walking, though!

Speaking of horses...
Cassie (5 year mare) had her 2006 colt April 17, 2006. NO! We have seen the NEW colts ... Yet! Here is a list of our other horses -- CLICK HERE We haven't laid eyes on either of them as yet! Cassie is back in NW Oklahoma at Clarks Quarterhorse Farm, East of Alva, Oklahoma, just East of the Dacoma Blacktop road. If you are driving out by Clarks Quarterhorses any time soon, we would love for you to stop and asked Bud or Lovina if you can take a picture of "Wagner's Cassie mare & NEW colt." Anyone out there looking for a good sweet quarterhorses? See Bud or Lovina Clark, P. O. Box 803, Alva, Oklahoma 73717!
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Town Fathers - Woods (M) County, Oklahoma Territory...

(photo on left, W.S. David) -- These are just a few of northwest Woods (M) County, Oklahoma Territory (O.T.), "town fathers" and Pioneers that shaped, built the northwest part of O.T. In the coming weeks "The OkieLegacy Ezine" will be featuring more "Pioneers" & "Town Fathers" from northwest O. T.

W. S. David, county clerk (1900) -- W. S. David was a native of Illinois, but came west in his youth, and to this county September 16, 1893. He had large farming interests near Cherokee. He was elected county clerk 1900 and re-elected 1902. His increased majority being evidence that his public service had been satisfactory to the people.

J. B. Doolin -- Doolin was a register of deeds in Woods County. He was a native of Missouri. He came to Alva in the Summer of 1899, and with C. M. Deppen, engaged in the clothing business, which they successfully conducted until January 1902, when they sold out. Mr. Doolin entered the campaign as a candidate for register, and secured the nomination and election.. During the his past years of services during 1903-1904 he was proved to be a model officer in every particular.

Luther Martin -- Martin was county attorney of Woods County. Martin was a native of Indiana and came to southern Kanasas in 1896, and to Woods County September 16, 1893 and settled on a farm. He went to WAtonga and served as prinicpal of schools from 1894 to 1896. He came to Alva 1900, and was elected county attorney 1902. He is a vigorous and progressive young man of many admirable qualities.

J. P Cooprider -- Cooprider was Superintendant of schools in Woods County. He came to Woods county soon after the opening and secured a farm. he was always active in school work. He was elected county superintendant of schools in 1900, and re-elected by a largely increased majority in 1902. He is a quiet, methodical and exemplary officer. There is Cooprider Cemetery was also known as the Livingston Cemetery located at Hwy. Jct. 8 & 45. It is 9 miles west of Helena. The cemetery marker reads, "Jonathan (1827-1919) & Sarah (1832-1909) Cooprider." A Jonathan Cooprider is buried in the Cooprider Cemetery.

J. E. Fritzlen -- Fritzlen Settled 8 miles northwest of Alva on Sept. 16, 1893, was appointed county commissioner for the second district, and served the people faithfully and well until Sept. 1894, when he resigned on account of his personal affairs demanding all of his attention. In 1904 he was living at Kiowa, but still had land and cattle interests in the this county in 1904.
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Early Day Lodge Brothers - McKinney, Texas...

Who are these "Lodge" brothers of McKinney, Texas? Are they IOOF? Shriners?

A lady in St. Louis, Missouri sent us a copy of this old photograph showing a group portrait of Lodge brothers of some kind. We suspect IOOF, because looking at the tent with the crossing shafts behind them you can make out the letters: F, H and C (Faith, Hope and Charity).

We did some searching on the internet for IOOF lodges in McKinney, Texas and found where their three-story IOOF lodge tumbled down around 1913.

If anyone out there has any more clues to the identity of this group lodge brothers, please send us or leave your comments under this feature. Thanks!
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Spring Special for OkieLegacy Readers...

"Special Spring Subscription" for OkieLegacy Ezine Readers: For The Prairie Connection Prairie Connect Website, Published 10 times a year by 'The Balmer Fund, Inc.' - 501(c)(3) non-profit organizaion, dedicated to preserving the history, art and culture of the prairies for future generations. It is sold by subscription and in newsracks for $1.00 in selected locations in the northern tier of Oklahoma, the southern tier of Kansas, as well as Wichita, Lawrence and metro Kansas City.

Prairie Connection Subscription Info -- The first subscription (your own renewal or gift) is $20 and additional subscriptions are $15.

Write your Name, Address, City, State, Zip; indicate whether the subscription is New, Renewal, and/or Gift (give address for the Gift subscription.

Make check payable to "Prairie Connection" -- mail information and check to: The Balmer Fund, 121 West Main, Harper, KS 67058.

Tell them, "You saw their ad in the OkieLegacy Ezine and the NW Okie sent you."

If you need more assistance, e-mail Rosalea Hostetler - EMAIL: iread@prairieconnect.com.
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The Rest of the Story...

... Vol. 8, Iss. 15 - Intro Coming in loud and clear here in Edmond and Oklahoma City. Keep up the good work. Always enjoyable to read about Alva and Cherokee. Our ancestors were pioneers in both places.

...Keep up the good work. Really enjoy reading about NW OKLA.

...I received "The Okie Legacy" right on time this week ... no problems. Enjoy the letter every week. My thanks to you and your hard work. -- Tom McCarrick, Squadron D, Army Air Corps Cadet, Alva (Oklahoma), Spring of 1944.

...FOR SALE: Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County Terry Kent @ terrykent@sbcglobal.net -- Terry has one, also. Wants to know, "How much did you buy yours for?"

...Warwick/Warrick DNA Project Carmon Conder McManigell - carm34@netzero.net -- "I have a cousin who lives in Houston, TX. His name is Rex Ira Warrick. I do not know if he would do the DNA or not. I sure wish he would. I have not been in touch with him in years. Maybe you could ask him?"
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Pioneer Town Fathers...

Woods County, O.T. Pioneers -- Here are some links to more of our pioneer town fathers and county pioneers that helped settled this northwest corner of Oklahoma Territory: Woods County Pioneers -- Prominent Citizens of Woods County -- MORE Woods County Pioneers
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One Dog Lady to Another Dog Lady!...

"I had to run to Wellington, KS the other day and in the middle of the US160 intersection I saw a little white dazed dog, soaking wet. It was nearly hit by a car. I pulled over, jumped out and could not see the dog. I got down to look under the car -- WHOP! I got paws from behind. I turned and she LEAPED into my arms.

Well! What do you do in a situation like that? I looked over at the car wash -- two older people were washing their car. I knew they had used the high powered washer on her to get her out of there, as she could not stop shaking her head to get water out of her ears. (She kept it up for half an hour.) She kept looking at me and licking me, so I took her with me, naturally. She got on my lap and would put her paws on the center of the steering wheel and 'help' me drive!

She's all white, fur looks wiry and has pink eyes so probably a mix of a terrier and a poodle. She can jump very high. No collar, nothing ... the end of her tail is missing. Maybe she was abused. I am guessing she is a year or so old. I called her my 'Easter Angel.' So that is what we will call her. In the meantime, I will try to find any owners.

My new little Office Buddy, ANGEL, is very small ... like a very small terrier. But she is strong and wiry and has a mind of her own! She's the boss, not me! She rides with me every morning now to the cafe and waits in the car while I have coffee." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Photos 50 Years From Now...

"Yes, I did get this week's edition of the e-Zine. Thank you! Had to smile at some of the pictures. Wonder what people will say when they see pictures of us 50 or 100 years rom now! You have been East to see us -- NOW it is time for you to come West! Let us know when you expect to be in Vegas. We'd love to see you!" -- Joel & Lanie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Markvicka /Mrkvicka Family - Nebraska...

"I came accross your Gencircles site (John & Mary Mrkvicka) and believe you described the Markvicka family of Posen, Nebraska. These are my wife's ancestors. Any help you could provide us in making our girls family tree would be most appreciated." -- Gordon Robertson - EMAIL: grobertson@students.wisc.edu View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Simmons of Galena, Woods Co., OK...

"My great-grandfather's first born son, William H. Simmons, lived in Galena, Woods Co., OK. He was born 20 May 1841 in Lawrence Co., Ill to Charlton Jackson Simmons and Mary Allison. He made his home in Wisconcin most of his adult life. His children were all born Henerretta, Richland Co., Wisconsin. Elnora, Laura, Clara Belle Mary, Albert, and Emma G. William's wife was Emalina Stewart.

I have been a genealogist for 38 years now and just found recently where William H Simmons lived in Oklahoma. I found Albert and Belle Archie and Viola then Viola's children. Are there Simmons decendants living in Woods Co., OK as yet?

My daughter is married to a Stephen Wood and his grandfather was named Alva Wood. I would like to hear from any decendants Charlton Jackson Simmons came from family of seven father named Charlton Demsey and mother was Mary Moore. They both died 1835 and 1836 in Lawrence Co Ill. Charlton J. had 14 children by Mary Allison and 6 children by 2nd wife Elizabeth Hileman. I have most of Charlton J. children and decendants on down. I am 77 years old and have 5 children, 8 grand children and 11 great-grand children." -- Glenys Simmons Gerlach -EMAIL: ggerlach@peoplepc.com - OKWOODS Mailing List - Woods County, Oklahoma OKGenWeb View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

The Pugs Pic...

"Aren't you girls just too cute? Just wanted to say hi ~ I'm glad you dropped in today." -- glenda View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1910-1925 - Young Ladies of Woods County (OK)...

"I have contacted you before on some Benningfield photos. I have another one this time. I am wondering if your readers could identify the girl on the left of this photo. The one on the right is Eva Benningfield. The photo must have been taken between 1910 and 1925 (I would say, but not sure). The Benningfields from this line lived in Woods County, Oklahoma. I also have created a new website that some of you readers may find of interest. The site is a work in progress and far from complete. It has families from the Woods County area - Benningfield Family. Thanks so much. I really enjoy your ezine." -- Alice View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Spring 1944 - Squadron D, 92nd College Training Detachment U.S. Army Air Corp...

This is NSTC's Squadron D, 92nd College Training Detachment U.S. Army Air Corp, in the Spring of 1944 (front and reverse side, with names on back). Just came across a picture from the past that I thought would fit into Alva history since it was taken in Alva by Ellis Studios in June of 1944 ... 62 years ago. WOW!! Most all of the cadets were 18 to 19 years old at that time going through our initial stages of training to become pilots. In fact we all received our first 10 hours of flight training right there in Alva. The picture was taken at one of the main entrances to what was then called Northwestern State Teachers College. We were put up in the school's dormitories, which was far better than some of the barracks we were to experience later on in our training. We also had our meals right at the school, which were far superior to the regular army food later on. Squadron D was just part of a much larger total group of cadets on campus at this time.

I hope the picture turned out OK in my transmission to you. I suppose it, plus the names could fit into page 2 of Oakie Webshots Pics where McCarrick's Alva Memories is located. Our Squadron shipped out of Alva in July, the next month after the picture was taken. I often wondered what the natives of Alva thought of our presence for those few months, Feb. to July and whether or not they were happy to see us leave. We did represent quite a bit of extra population for the small town. It would be interesting to hear from someone who lived in Alva at the time, as to what their reaction was to our temporary presence.

I continue to enjoy your newsletter every week. It brings back some great memories, and, after all I did meet and enjoyed the company of an Alva girlfriend. Thanks again." -- Tom McCarrick - San Jose, California ttmc21@aol.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Perry (OK) Gas Prices...

"On Monday, Perry, Oklahoma's gasoline prices for regular unleaded changed to $2.779 and stayed there until this morning (Friday, April 21) when the independent stations dropped the price 2-cents to $2.759. The majors had stayed at $2.779 as of noon today. I still think they are headed higher, especially with the news that crude was selling at an all time "high" price earlier this week." -- Roy View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Gas Prices Go UP...

"As I left Alva (Oklahoma) this evening (Wednesday, April 19th), Garnett's Conoco station by the university had the price of unleaded gasoline at the self-serve pump for $2.799 a gallon. When I got to Freedom (Oklahoma), I filled up at the Co-op for a mere $2.739 per gallon. It's not even MAY yet! When the prices jump for their annual "summer vacation" increase, maybe we'll all be walking instead of driving. I encourage your readers to remember this slogan at election time: OUT WITH THE INCUMBENT (especially at the national level)!" -- Rod View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Smith & Shirey Family of Seiling (OK)...

"I was searching for a website for the school, and I found this entry. My family lived in Seiling for 7 years when I was growing up, so this was very meaningful to me knowing the last names of the families in town." -- Rose (Smith) Shirey - Email: RShirey@com.edu View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Kissing Honey Pup's Hindquarters...

18 December 1946 -- The description of this picture should read: "Donnie Wilton (on the right) Kissing Honey Pup's hind quarters." Connie Jean McGill (on the left) and Dorthy McGill (in the middle). Donnie was Don Wilton's oldest son. Then there is Bobby (a.k.a. Bob and Robert Wilton).

Looks like Connie Jean is holding Honey Pup by the neck and stuffed a stick down "Poor" Honey Pups throat. BUT... Alas, "Poor" Honey Pup probably fetched the stick before these youngsters grabbed on to this cocker spaniel for the 1946 photo opportunity. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Ghost Towns of Noble County...

"In Noble County (originally County "P") alone, there were some fascinating ghosttowns, like the little community called (I think) "Jezebel" which was for females only. Not even a rooster was allowed among the chickens! Of course, it was doomed from the beginning because there wouldn't be any procreation. Even if had been around for a few years (instead of a few months) there couldn't be any growth except for immigrants.

And then there was Mendota later known as Wharton, just a mile south of Perry. The Santa Fe railroad established their depot there, intending for that to be the county seat, but since it became surrounded by Indian settlers, the Caucasians settled in what is now known as Perry Oklahoma) instead. We also had "Richburg" (where the "gold" fields were supposedly located), and Carthage, New Ponca, Burton, Bliss, Lela, Black Bear, Freeland, Polo, Gansel, Three Sands, Drace, and Arnold." -- Roy View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe