Duchess' Domain

The weather and temperature in SW Colorado on Monday morning, August 24th, 2009, was at 52F witht he humidity at 54% and an overcast, cloudy Monday morning. The Albuquerque, NM weathermen were talking last night of the monsoon's coming through SW New Mexico all this next week. Before that our temps were in the high 80's. It is good to see the rain!

How many Northwest Oklahomans and former Oklahomans showed up last week on the Main Street of Freedom, the "Queen City of the Cimarron?" Did they have a huge crowd at their Old Cowhand Reunion & Rodeo last weekend? We would love to share your reunion and rodeo stories in "The OkieLegacy eZine."

A couple of the Wagner clan is in the process of moving our oldest son, Michael, and his furnishings to Fresno, California for his new job and adventure on the West Coast. Some of us are dog sitting. We did have a nice visit with David's older brother and his wife towards of the beginning of last week as they made their way back to Florida from the West Coast.

Has it cooled yet in Oklahoma? I am hoping to pass along some of this wet, cool weather from SW Colorado down you way in a few days when we get finished with it up here in the Rocky Mountain State. Just one more week of August left to go before Fall and September roll around. Slow down through the school zones. It is that time of year.
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John Wesley & Martha E. Goodsin Gwin

Kim (EMAIL: mokiroo@gmail.com) says, "I found your site on the internet. I am trying to research John Wesley Gwin (born about 1860 possibly in Alabama, died 24 December 1895 in Arkansas) and his wife Martha E. Goodsin Gwin (born about 1867 in Arkansas). I am not sure if there is any relation but I thought that I would email you and see if you knew anything about them. I have some oral history that says that John was a U.S. Marshall in Fort Smith, Arkansas. However, I come up to a brick wall when trying to find any verifiable information about him. I appreciate your time in reading this. Thanks for any assistance that you can provide."
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Remembering ... Woodstock

Floyd says, "Woodstock! The event that defines our generation. I was well over 10,000 miles away on a small island named Ie Shima, just off the northwest coast of Okinawa. I've met several friends who attended the festival. Personally, I loved everything that I have seen from the festival. But to think, some 40 years later, there are still some of those people going strong in their music such as Carlos Santan. And then there are those who's lives were cut short because of their life style, people like Janis Joplin and 'The Man' Jimi Hendrix. I still get out the now DVD of the original movie and play it, both discs. There have been some nice documentaries of late about Woodstock. Now days, just the mention of Woodstock takes many of us back to those days."
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Prairie Home Companion Visits Las Cruces, NM

Marvin says, "Prairie Home Companion came to Las Cruces for a show May 31, 2008. Was the best entertainment I have ever purchased a ticket for, and anytime they are near, will be in the audience again."

Barbara says, "Prairie Home Companion starts a new season this fall, broadcasting from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, MN. It's on Minnesota Public Radio, which unfortunately not everyone is able to access, but it's great fun to listen to. Hopefully they will come to your town for a performance again soon."
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Oklahoma Weather & Gas

Roy of Perry, OK says, Aug. 17, 2009, "Last night's storm brought Perry another 7/8-inches in my rain gauges. I'm told that north of Enid got over 6-inches of rain and that two highways were under water. Our gas prices dropped again today. Conoco has posted $2.45.9 for regular. I wonder if it's because school has started here, signaling that vacation time has ended. Dark clouds are beginning to form again west of here!"
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Looking Back ... Marland, OK

Anita says, "Yes, I agree that Marland was first known as Bliss. At least, that's what I had always heard in my growing-up years. I was born northwest of Marland on the former Garber Ranch headquarters - on the north bank of the Bird's Nest creek and south of the Salt Fork. Went to school my first two years at the Bird's Nest rural school."
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Coy Cemetery

Sandie says, " I have a map which shows the Coy Cemetery to be about 8.5 miles north on Highway 34, and one mile east, from US 64 west of Alva in far northwestern Woods County. The Coy School was about 9.5 miles north of US 64 on Highway 34."

Reva Hoffman Maddox (EMAIL: revamaddox@yahoo.com) says, "Hi, Dean. I have done some research on the Coy community / cemetery / school since I grew up there. My maiden name was Hoffman. Who were your parents? I'll be glad to trade some of my information for any pictures, copies of documents, etc. that you might have."
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Isaiah C. Warrick Family

Linda Chesson (EMAIL: chwarwick@charter.net) says, "My GG-Grandfather's name was Isaiah C. (for Claire) Warrick, born December 02, 1853 in Indianapolis, IN; died January 02, 1885 in Blair, Nebraska from typhoid at the age of 47. He married Caroline Margaret Johns in Indiana. She later married a second husband, Andrew C. Free, in Blair, Nebraska."

And I believe either Isaiah C. Warrick and his eldest son with Caroline Margaret Johns, my grandfather (Lloyd Vernon Warrick), born May 22, 1881 in Blair, Nebraska, died January 16, 1929 in Silver City, New Mexico, were saddlemakers.

If ANYONE has any information on this family, would you please contact me directly at EMAIL: chwarwick@charter.net."
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Mary Bukovsky Family Inquiry

Lena & Bo Kindblom (EMAIL: kindblom@bredband2.com) says, "Good morning! I am investigating my siblings in USA. My grandmothers once went to USA and grew a family there. One of his sons Frank Oscar Carlson married a Mary Bukofsky, 1920, in Lake, Lake county, Indiana. They lived 7807 Muskegon Avenuw, in Chicago. Han was employed at 501 Plymoth Court in Chicago. Social Security death index says that he passed away in April, 1968 in his home at 60430 Homewood, Cook, Illinois. SSN: 348-16-0920. Is this Mary related to yours? Looking forward to hear from you - I am been searching for many years."
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The Babcock's of Pringey, OK

Carol (EMAIL: cdwsltfrk@kanokla.net) says, "I, Carol Babcock Wolgamott, was born in Freedom, OK in 11-1940 in my grandparent's home. They were Albert Baker Babcock and Myrtle Shelby Litten Babcock. My great grandpa Elia J. Babcock was the postmaster at Pringey, Oklahoma, Woodward County, Oklahoma in the mid-teens, perhaps 1913-1915. The correct dates are available in the Oklahoma Chronicles which is a government document of the State of Oklahoma.

Albert "Bake" and Myrtle lived in a dugout on Girl Creek just West of Pringey. Elias J. Babcock started the post office in Jay, Oklahoma and I have a picture of them on the porch of that establishment.

Bake and Myrtle owned a produce business in Freedom in the 1930's and until 1941 when my grandfather died from a heart condition. Interestingly, my father, Glenn, and my brother, Lyle Baker, both have the same heart issue. Dad passed away in 1978 but suffered from heart attacks and the accompanying health issue when he was 47 in 1963. Heart meds gave him extra years, and my brother, Lyle, has a defibrillator now and had bypasses in '99. Medical science has given him a greater and longer life.

When we visited Pringey at family reunions I picked up shards of glass and crockery as well as rusted metal from harnesses. I also have a picture of the dugout on Girl Creek. Oh my what stark living conditions! Also, on my first visit there were still indentions from the dugouts. They were in gyp hills and hard ground. The next time they were overgrown with cedar trees. I haven't seen them in many years.

I love history and hope to have time before long to do genealogy of the Babcocks and Littens. I sat at my Grandma's knee and listened to stories for hours when I was a child. How I wish that I had written them down.

Chronicles of Oklahoma, Volume 6, No. 4, December, 1928, EARLY POST OFFICES OF OKLAHOMA -- Chronicles of Oklahoma, Volume 7, No. 1, March, 1929, EARLY POST OFFICES OF OKLAHOMA
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Looking Back ... 1909

Orville Wright demonstrates the success of the Wright brothers' airplane and wins assurance of its acceptance by the US Army in July. The brothers would establish the American Wright Company to manufacture aircraft.

The Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad reaches Seattle and becomes the seventh line to link the Mississippi to the Pacific Coast.

The first transcontinental US motorcar race pits two Model T Fords against an Acme, an Itala, a Shawmut, and a Stearns, which fails to start. Five cars leave New York June 1, 1909, and a Ford wins the race, arriving June 22, 1909, at Seattle where the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition was being held.

The Hudson Motor Car Company is founded by R. d. Chapin and Howard Earle Coffin, 35, with backing from Detroit department store magnate J. L. Hudson. Coffin is a veteran of the Olds Motor Works and has designed the Chalmers Motorcar for the Chalmers-Detroit Motor Company.

Marmon motorcars switch to water-cooled engines, and the first Marmon to compete at the new Indianapolis Speedway performs well enough to bring the car some publicity.

General Motors corporation acquires the Cadillac Motor Company from Henry M. Leland for $4.5 million. Cadillacs are made with interchangeable parts and in that respect are unusual in the fledgling automotive industry.

The first Lincoln head penny, issued by the Philadelphia Mint, replaces the Indian head penny that has been in circulation since 1864. The new 1-cent piece would not be redesigned until 1959.

Philadelphia's Shibe Park was completed for Connie Mack's Athletics at a cost of $1 million. The Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox 8 to 1 on opening day; the 23,000 seat ball park would be Connie Mack Stadium beginning in 1953, and it would remain in use until 1970.
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Insight Into Grandma & John C. McClure

This weeks letters are dated August 17-30, 1905, from John C. McClure of Alva, Oklahoma Territory to Miss Constance Estella Warwick, whom is vacationing at her Uncle Paul Warwick's home in Mountain Grove and receiving her mail at Vanderpool, Virginia. In the last August 1905 letter Constance had visited the seashore of Virginia. Also, There was an empty envelope dated August 16, 1905, but no letter. That must have been the empty envelope John was talking about in the August 17th letter.

August 17, 1905 -- "My Little Dearie, I rec'd two letters from you today. I also rec'd that picture, that Ihave been longing for. But I am not satisfied yet. Bet you can't guess. I spect you will think it funny that I don't write but this hot weather has nearly fixed me up. I have been sick for over a week. I would like to have been with you on your trip.

"We had a terrible rain and wind storm. I wondered where I could have been while it was all going on.

"I must tell you about our picnic. The Wiley girls got it up. A whole hay rack load of us went out to Kings Grove. We had a good time. I took Josie home. I like Josie fine. I see Miss merchant on the street nearly every day. Lowe is sporting a $175 diamond now. I reckon he thinks he will beat me out of my S.H. but I guess he won't. I guess he has a girl out by Ashley. Grace is dead gone on him I guess. Ross Frazier were out surrey riding Sunday eve. I had Miss Titus. He had Grace Wiggins. I reckon you have heard it by this time. You have not told me how many fellas you have had. My brother-in=law is coming from Illinois tomorrow night. When are you coming home? I want to see you awful bad. Lovingly, John McClure.

"P.S. I reckon you got that envelope. I did not know I had not put in the letter until this eve. When I started to write another. If you get it before you get this, I can guess what you will say.

"I got an invitation to go to another picnic Friday. A watermellon picnic out east of town 6 or 8 miles. I am supposed to take Hazel Camel. Guess I and Ross will go in a surrey. I will close. Yours Faithfully, John."

August 21, 1905 -- "Alva, O.T., Sun Eve, Dear Girl, I rec'd your little receipt today. I don't want no more of those little fellows. It rained nearly all forenoon. I have not been to church today. Bummed around a little this evening.

"Well! We had that watermelon party. All went in buggies. Had a good time. I nearly broke my back in that swing. Josie was not there. I was sorry, taws me ikes here (sic). Fred black said he carried a letter out for you from the County Superintendent Cooprider. I saw Gertha and Grace parading the streets last Saturday. Guess I know why you did not write me a longer letter.

"There was a Dutch wedding at the church this eve. Jno Schafers daughter married a man from the East. Lowe went on an excursion to Oklahoma City today. Don't believe there were very many going.

"When are you going to start home, or can you tell when you will get in Alva? If I can not meet you drop me a Kaird (sic). I will close. Yours Lovingly, Jno McClure. Write soon."

August 30, 1905 -- This short letter was written on the First national Bank of Alva, Oklahoma stationery and began, "I rec'd your letter a day ago. The reason I have not been writing was I thought you were on your way home. Perhaps home. I have been sick for a while but have been working all of the time. Merchant told Lowe you would soon be home. Tell me when you will reach Alva. Jno McClure."

August 30, 1905 -- Here is another letter postmarked August 30, 1905, 3p.m. which began with, "Alva, O.T., Friday Eve, Dearie, I rec'd two letters from you today. I would have been in better humor, if Ihad got one yesterday. They suited me quite well though, but that picture.

"Gee you must think lots of that Aunt of yours. When I get my pictures you shall have one as soon as ma. If you want one.

"It was hot today. I went to the Band concert last eve. Lowe was there too, of course. He walked home with Forbis and Merchant. Lowe is terribly afraid I might say a word to either of them. So I have hardly spoken to them. Connie, I want to know if Lowe asked you if he could take you home that night of the street fair? I mean take you out in the country the next day. I and Lowe get along fine, except that he is the least bit jealous.

"I don't propose to go out of the way to speak to Forbis or Merchant, and it is hard to tell what I would do if I met them.

"I hope you have a good time at the sea shore. You can sve me a little boddle (sic) of sea water, and anylittle old thing you happen to pick up. There is going to be an excursion to Wichita Sunday. I hope you are taking in a portion of that preaching. You had better come back converted. Then with that two hundred lbs more or less you can guess what I'd do. Affectionately, John McClure."
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Freedom OK - 2009 Honored Old Cowhand

The 2009 honored old cowhand of Freedom, Oklahoma is Phillip Schultz. Schultz is a dedicated, hardworking, top-notch cattleman. He has been a familiar face at the Freedom Rodeo since it began in 1938. At the age of 75, Phillip says, "He is Flattered to be part of its legacy."

Phillip Schultz was born on October 25, 1933 to Ben and Edith Schultz in Coldwater, Kansas. His sister, Phyllis Sherman, is one year older. He was raised on a ranch 25 miles northwest of Freedom. As a young boy, Phillip thought his dad to be an impatient man. But he also remembers that he went everywhere with his dad, whether Ben wanted him to or not. Phillip fed cattle with him, rode the tractor with him, and harvested the fields with him. Phillip says he was always under his dad's feet. And because of this, he now realizes that Ben was actually the most patient man he has ever known.

Phillip's cowherd got an early start when his grandfather, Boss Parker, gave him and his sister a bottle calf. Although Boss passed on when Phillip was only 11, fond memories of him remain. One of the skills Boss taught Phillip was how to use a rope. Phillip learned quickly, and he remembers one particular day at the age of 7 when he really wanted to rope something that moved. There just happened to be that something nearby, and he roped himself a rascal of a hog! After a grueling struggle, he swallowed his pride, located his grandpa, and asked for some help in getting his rope back from that stubborn critter. To this day, he remembers Boss Parker's advice, "Never put a rope on an animal unless you know how you're gonna get it off."

Phillip attended Mound Ridge School through all of its eight grades. Phillip went to live with his grandmother in Coldwater, Kansas to attend high school. AFter one year of the 'city life," he moved back home, attended Freedom High School, and graduated with the class of 1951. He was a member of the Freedom FFA, owned 15 cows, and received the Junior Master Farmer Award. It was at Freedom High that he met Carol Jo McCammon, daughter of the late Willard and Margaret McCammon. They dated for one year and to this day, Phillip remains convinced that he skimmed the cream of the crop when he and Carol Jo were married on January 20, 1952.

Past honored Old cowhands:
* 1956 - Lucy Welty Snapp
* 1957 - Ed Mahoney
* 1958 - Green Selman
* 1959 - Ed Coles
* 1960 - Doc Olmey
* 1961 - Rudy Eden
* 1962 - Simpson Walker, Sr.
* 1963 - Lena Selman
* 1964 - Jim Bliss
* 1965 - Bob Litton
* 1966 - Brad Shaull
* 1967 - John D. Hinton
* 1968 - Walter Blevins
* 1969 - Bill Romjue
* 1970 - Ray McMoran
* 1971 - George Annis
* 1972 - Earl Armantrout
* 1973 - Jim Wardrop
* 1974 - Sinah Welty
* 1975 - L. C. Mulnix
* 1976 - Harley Wares
* 1977 - Exra Blackman
* 1978 - Vernie Burkhart
* 1979 - M. A. Gibson
* 1980 - Ed Gaskill
* 1981 - Hugh Robinson, Sr.
* 1982 - Wilbur Olson
* 1983 - Ottis Bickford
* 1984 - Walt Bishop
* 1985 - Paul Hepner
* 1986 - Jim Powers
* 1987 - Gene Earnest
* 1988 - Mart Fulson
* 1989 - Cecil Nixon
* 1990 - Bill Daughhetee
* 1991 - Tom Schroeder
* 1992 - Lloyd Rockhold
* 1993 - Oscar Hughes
* 1994 - Thomas "Pod" Welty
* 1995 - Simpson Walker, Jr.
* 1996 - Lewis Kamas
* 1997 - Orval Lee Darr
* 1998 - Vernie Hackney
* 1999 - Wesley Nixon
* 2000 - Chet Dauphin
* 2001 - Foy Wardrop
* 2002 - Lynton Gerloff
* 2003 - Arlo Darr
* 2004 - Helen London
* 2005 - Vernon Bliss
* 2006 - Edwin "Smiley" Olson
* 2007 - DeWayne Hodgson
* 2008 - Dean Wilson
* 2009 - Phillip Schultz
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Freedom Rodeo History

The following was taken from the 72nd Freedom Rodeo & Old Cowhand Reunion program and gives a history of the Freedom Rodeo beginnings since September, 1938, when a group of men in Freedom, "The Big Little Town', planned an event, a Rodeo, for the young men in the area to test their skills against the calves, steers and each other. No previous rodeo experience and under 21 years of age was the entry rule.

These men of many years ago, even though they dreamed, could not have ever dreamed how their idea would take hold of an entire community and become the "Biggest Little Rodeo In the West" being held the third weekend in August each year, in what is now lovingly referred to as the "Queen City of the Cimarron."

A real Chuck Wagon Feed was started to honor the old cowhands and their wives of the area. That year, September, 1939, 125 cowhands received an invitation to come tot he feed and join under one brand. The main items on the menu then, as now, consisted of beef, beans and black coffee with the beef being donated by local people and being prepared and served by a community minded group of volunteers.

Also in 1939 the tradition of having a Rodeo Queen was started and to this day it is considered a true honor to be named Queen of the Freedom Rodeo. From 1939 thru 1955 the Chamber of Commerce selected the girl for Queen, but in 1956, as an economic measure, the Queen Contest was started with all contestants welling advance rodeo tickets. AT this time the contestants started receiving many nice gifts, saddle, bonds, buckle, trophies, plaques and tiara, to name a few, plus a percent of their ticket sales.

Before the years of stock contractors,t he stock was purchased by local men, who traveled the area and surrounding states in order to find the best stock possible.

In the beginning there was always a parade which started at the schoolhouse after the Chuck Wagon Feed, pranced down the main street and out to the rodeo grounds for the Grand Entry so the rodeo could begin at 2:00p.m The Chamber of Commerce has a colored film of some of these activities, 1940, that can be viewed on Saturday of the Rodeo in the American Legion building by anyone at nay time.

Because the hearts of the people in our area have always been giving and civic minded the profits of the 1942 Rodeo were all given tot he USO which was Freedom's way of doing something to help the boys who were serving in the Armed Services. Also in 1942 the wives of the Cowhands decided to have their own organization and meet at the same time as the Cowhands had their meeting, thus giving the women something to do.

Wanting to preserve a true statement of the Old Cowhands of the area a plan was begun in 1943 to have a Memorial to the Early Day Cowhands. The next few years were spent planning and raising money to bring this plan to a reality. Once again, 1946, the giving spirit sprang forth and the profits of the rodeo were donated to the building of the Memorial.

Many will remember the fun of traveling in the booster trips, 1947, to other towns in our area in a caravan of cars telling everyone along the route of our Freedom Rodeo.

By now, 1948, the older cowboys wanted to participate in the rodeo so a spot was added for Senior ropers.

Public donations were given to install lights around the arena and so began the evening performances in 1949.

The Rodeo has been managed by several different organizations thru the years. 1938-1951 Chamber of Commerce, 1952 Cimarron Roping Club, 1953-1954 American Legion, 1955 Freedom Ropers Club, 1956 to present Freedom Chamber of Commerce.

Only one performance of the Rodeo has ever been cancelled and that was the Saturday evening performance in 1955 because of such terrible rain storm. Because of the cancellation the Rodeo went in the red and the local cowboys and others came up with enough money to pay al bills.

1956 was the first year that an individual was selected to be honored at the Chuck Wagon Feed and Rodeo. Mrs. Lucy Snapp was chosen as the Pioneer Rancher of Freedom Community to receive the recognition. This special recognition honor has become a highlight of the dinner and Rodeo. The Ladies Auxiliary now has the responsibility of inviting friends of the honoree, decorating the tables and planning a short program at the Feed and Reunion.

Through the years the events have changed some to go along with the times but the Rodeo itself has always met with the same response -- VERY GOOD -- thanks to the cooperative effort of all.

Improvements are made yearly to the grounds. There are always two work days prior to the 3rd weekend in August and in many years it has taken much more volunteer time. With the addition of new and more bleachers, restroom facilities on both sides, concrete floors in concession stands, new broadcast both, bucking shutes, catch pens, fence, stock pens a on the west end and much more room for parking cars, the Rodeo grounds are really in fine shape.

In researching this history of the Freedom Rodeo, which was possible through the old copies of our Freedom newspaper that are housed in the Freedom Museum, it became quire clear that the people of the Freedom community have a cooperative spirit and have always been, as they are today, interested in public and civic affairs, their community and other people. The main goal of the volunteers who have donated many hours to the improvement of the Rodeo weekend has been to give the guests who attend a good show and hope they will come again.

No individuals were named in this history but you can be certain of the fact that anyone you ever knew or hearof, living in Freedom and the community around, both sides of the Cimarron, has helped with the Freedom Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion -- Some more than others and some longer than others -- but one thing is certain -- it takes the cooperation of everyone to bring about the success that the Freedom Rodeo has enjoyed for over 50 years. All indicators point to another successful 50 years, thanks to the continued work and cooperation of the newer generations taking their place in the community.

It was once written by a visiting newspaper man, about Freedom, "These people can adapt themselves to all manner of conditions, but have the needed pep and energy to shape circumstances to their liking. Proof is the Rodeo and Cowhand Reunion. I the Shortgrass vernacular, they are a LIVE BUNCH."
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Freedom's Old Cowhand Reunion & Chuckwagon Feed

This ongoing tradition began way back in the year 1939, when members of the Freeodm Chamber of Commerce decided to sponsor a reunion and chuck wagon feed in honor of the oldtime cowhands of this vast area who braved the perils and hardships of the range in search of their fortune.

Previous to the day of the reunion, invitations were sent to all old cowhands whose names and addresses could be obtained. One hundred twenty five invitations were sent out that first year, and back came enthusiastic assurances s that nothing would keep the old boys away.

Come they did, from Wichita to Arkansas, from Fort Supply to Woodward -- a splendid group of old time cattlemen meeting in a happy reunion.

The tradition continues to this day in light of a few changes over the course of time. The meal is till free to those who attend the gathering. The Chamber of Commerce now gears up to feed nearly a thousand beef and bean dinners on Saturday afternoon. A huge number of people donate not only beef for the meal, but also their time and effort to plan, prepare and serve for the occasion. It is a gala celebration, and it provides a great opportunity for young and old to reunite in celebration of our rich heritage. One of the most recent changes the Chamber has made to the reunionvis to add a reminder of days gone by, and stage the event outdoors.

A focal point of the reunion today is a program to honor the year's specially selected "Old Cowhand. One person is selected each year by the Chamber of Commerce, and is recognized for his or her pioneer spirit, dedication to the Freedom community, goodwill toward others, and for generally just setting a good old fashioned example for others to follow in our "cowboy" way of life.
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Cowboy Cemetery Captures the Past

Have you heard the story of the Cowboy Cemetery north of Freedom, Oklahoma that has been passed down from generation to generation since 1878? The Cowboy Cemetery is located on Wayne and Bonnie Wares ranch, about 12 miles north of Freedom, Oklahoma.

Back in 1878, history records and legend embellishes, Fred Clark and Reuben Bristow were cowhands working for what later became part of the huge Comanche Cattle Pool based out of southern Kansas. Clark and Bristow were dispatched to ride south into what was the Indian Territory in northern Oklahoma near where the town of Freedom now stands. Their task was to get salt from the flats on the Cimarron River and haul it back to the ranch to be used for supplementing the diet of cattle.

At about the same time, a band of Northern Cheyenne had enough of the hardship imposed on them after being displaced from their home and stashed away like cattle at Camp Supply (now Fort Supply), and later ... in even harsher conditions ... at Cantonment (now Canton). The Cheyenne vowed they'd rather die on the trail home to the Dakotas than rot in confinement with their southern cousins. So they headed north.

Most of the band of about 500 Cheyenne were tired, sick and starving older people and children. Ranchers of the day reported spotting them many times along the route. But off in the distance, supplying them and keeping a watchful eye on the band, was a group of younger braves who stayed out of sight to avoid attracting danger to the children and elders.

In what is recorded as the last Indian raid in Oklahoma, the braves crossed paths with Clark and Bristow on what is now the Sprawling Hill Ranch net to where Wayne & Bonnie Wares live.

When the cowboys failed to return tot he ranch in Kansas, several more cowboys were sent to follow the trail in an effort to locate them. Ranch foreman Frank King was among the search party.

King died in 1914, but his wife, Almeda survived him by 50 years and often told her niece, Iona Wares (Wayne's mother) about how King and the other cowboys discovered the bodies of Clark and Bristow -- still in the bed of the salt wagon, their bodies so badly bloated they filled the bed from side to side. Bristow had been shot in the back of the head, and both men had numerous arrows embedded in their bodies.

The cowboys' mule team and guns were gone.

Charles Colcord helped bury the men and later wrote: "The September weather was intensely hot and dry. It surely was a hard job to dig that gravel with a shovel and spade in the dry joint clay. Always two of us would dig while the third man would remain on watch at the highest point of the divide."

Two cedar stumps were erected at the head and foot of the single grave site which contained the remains of the two cowboys. R. E. Hill, who homesteaded the land some two score years later, erected a fence around the grave site to keep the cows from trampling over it.

It wasn't until the 1940's when another rancher, John Watters, carved the crude sandstone misspelled marker that still guards the site where the cowboys rest.

"2 cowboys and salt hall killed by Indias," it proclaims.

For years the curving county dirt road into the Wares ranch has passed right next tot he grave site. Wanting to preserve the dignity of the site they began taking care of it on their own.

Now, the remote site atop the wind swept ridge -- a site where one can easily see clearly all the way to Kansas -- has a quiet dignity al its own. The crude marker has been enhanced by an attractive new monument that briefly details the sad story. The monument was donated by Buddy Sams of Alva Monument and Southern Granite Company, and David Edwards of Elberton, Georgia. Both markers are surrounded by flowers, a clean white fence, and a hand-painted sign that reads simply, "Cowboy Cemetery."

The Cowboy Cemetery is located north of Freedom about 11 miles past the Camp Houston Junction of highway 50 and highway 64. Shortly after the paved road ends and the road turns to gravel, turn left where the sign points toward the Wares ranch. The site is about two miles from there on the right hand side of the road.

But be alert! Some locals warn: "The ghosts of Clark and Bristow have been known to get a little frisky just about sunset, when the wind blows gentle and warm through the surrounding Buffalo grass."
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