How Our Garden Grows

We haven't showed you how our southwest Colorado Summer veggies are doing here south of Bayfield, Colorado. So... here's a sampling of some of our cherry tomatoes, peppers, squash and potatoes. The tiny red cherry tomatoes are smaller than a dime and a cherry, but they have a "BIG" tomato flavor. The same goes for the gold cherry tomatoes -- sweet tomato flavor. Here's a photo of the BIG tomato (on the right) that I've been keeping an eye on. I can barely put my two hands around it from thumb tips to finger tips (if you know what I mean). The plants are so heavy with green tomatoes, we had to reinforce the stakes to keep them from falling over. My cucumbers are starting to show. I think my yellow squash must have cross pollinated with the zucchini, cause I see yellow squash sprouting on the zucchini plants. and a squash that looks like half yellow and half zucchini. BUT... maybe its my eyes playing tricks on me. See more of our Tomatoes at our Vallecito Webshots - August 2006 Tomatoes.
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Pioneer - Joseph Tyler Fash

Joseph "Joe" Tyler Fash was determined to stake his claim and retain control of it. Joe dug his heels deep into the flanks of his horse at the sound of the starting gun on 16 September 1893. Joe made the run into "Old Oklahoma" in 1889 and had staked a claim next to the one selected by his father in the Kingfisher area, but some "sooner" beat him in filing so Joe went back to Barber County, Kansas and waited until the opening of the Cherokee Strip.

Joseph Tyler Fash was born 4 February 1866 at Clarence, Iowa, the fifth child of James Kentner and Rebecca (Miller) Fash. James K. Fash was from Peoria, Illinois. He married Rebecca Jane Miller who was from Ohio. She died 28 October 1922 in Alva. James K. Fash was a farmer and like most farmers of his day kept looking for that spot to settle. When Joe was two years old his parents moved to Missouri and later to Barber County.

After having his claim jumped, Joe Fash went back to Eldred and on 7 May 1890 married Joanna Frances MacGregor. Joanna MacGregor was born 15 February 1871 in Washington County, Kansas, the first of twelve children of John and Lucy Ellen (Riley) MacGregor. Her father, John Jr., was from Edinburg, Scotland and came to the USA with his parents about 1856 settling in Kentucky. At the age of 16 John Jr. enlisted in Co. "D" 19th Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a drummer boy and served until the end of the war. Lucy Ellen Riley was from Kentucky. She was married to John MacGregor at Dowingsville, Grant County, KY. They later moved to Kansas.

After their marriage Anna continued to teach school as she had done since the age of 16, and Joe continued to cowboy until the opening of the Cherokee Strip. Joe got his claim this time, about four miles south of what is now Capron, Oklahoma. Their first house was a sod house of the dugout type, with half above and half below the surface of the ground.

Water was one of the biggest problems of those that did not settle on a creek or where there was a good spring. Water was also the cause of some very frightening hours to the Fash family. Anna and her four-year-old daughter, Helen, were visiting the farm of John Strothers near Sharon, Kansas when Helen pushed the boards away from the well and fell in. Anna slid down the well rope, burning the flesh off her hands, and held Helen up until she could be pulled out with a bed sheet wrapped around her. Anna was too heavy for the lady to pull out so she stayed in the well until the men came in from work in the evening.

Joe was a good carpenter and a good cabinet maker, and supplemented his farm income by building houses. He built his own house which was moved to Alva upon his death and this house still stands. He also helped build the Methodist Church in Capron. Joe operated a hardware store in Capron and Anna taught school at Centerview and worked part time in the postoffice. During the drought of the 1930's, it was Anna's egg money that kept the family in needed supplies. It seemed she could always find some eggs to take to town or some money she had hidden from the sale of eggs. All of the Fash children attended the Capron Methodist Sunday School and church where their mother was a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years.

Joe and Anna lived on the farm until 1949. When infirmities of old age began to catch up with them they moved to Alva. Joe and Anna had that companionable love that made them want to take care of each other. It was this love that kept her going the last few years of her life. She was in the hospital a week just before her final illness, and when her granddaughter took her home, Anna told her that she had spent all day exercising her legs so she could walk into the house and take care of Joe. She died 19 February 1958 at Alva. She is buried in the Capron cemetery. After losing his helpmate who had been with him for over sixty-five years, Joe lost his will to live and died 12 March 1958. Joe was laid to rest in Capron cemetery beside his beloved wife.

Joe and Anna had four children, three of whom were born on the farm south of Capron. Their first child, Alice Rebecca was born at Eldred, Kansas and died there the same year, 17 July 1891.

Charles Kentner "Kent" married Naomi Noble, the daughter of Fred and Nellie Noble. Kent, as he was known, graduated from Northwestern Normal and worked in the First National Bank. The last 14 years of his life he was the County Tax Assessor for Woods County. He died in Alva on 27 July 1964. Kent and Naomi's two daughters: Leona Maxine who married Byron Roberts and Justine Nellora who married (first) Robert Clifton Bright and (second) Ralph Stevens. Both were born in Alva, Oklahoma.

Lucy Helen married Charles Franklin Cameron the son of William J. and Carrie (Nelson) Cameron. Helen taught schools in Oklahoma and Wyoming after graduating from Northwestern Normal. She died at Stillwater, Oklahoma on 23 October 1950 and is buried at Capron. Helen and Charles had two daughters, Dorothy Jean who married Milton Leon Levy, and Joanna Lee who married William Philip Pipkin. They were both born in Capron.

Esther Louise was born 30 January 1910 in Capron. She married John Bruce Walters, the son of Ernest Finley and Gerturde (Bruce) Walters. Louise attended Northwestern Normal. She retired in 1974 from teaching and resides in Texas City, TX. Louise and Bruce have two daughters, Barbara Lou who married (Reverend) Houston Hodges and Janet Jo who married Yves Emile Jacobs, both of whom were born in Capron.

[This pioneer information about Joseph T. Fash was taken from the Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County history book, pages 211-213, written by Col. & Mrs. W. P. Pipkin in the 1970's.]
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2006 Old Cowhand - Smiley Olson

How do you get to be an "Old Cowhand" for Freedom's Biggest Open Rodeo & Old Cowhand Reunion? Is it the pick of the pioneer stock from that northwest region? Let us look at the bio of one Edwin "Smiley" Olson and see what makes him Freedom's Old Cowhand 2006.

Edwin "Smiley" Olson was born the second child of Claude and Ruby Olson on September 12, 1927 in northern Woods County. Smiley has two brothers, Kieth and Claude, as well as four sisters: Beverly, Joyce, Ruth and Bonnie.

Smiley was raised in the "laplands" (that area shared by the Oklahoma/Kansas border). Smiley's mother was a teacher at Edith school. Smiley attended Rose Hill Grade School and graduated from Capron High School in 1945. Smiley's favorite sports were basketball and baseball.

How did Edwin get the nickname of "Smiley?" One day while practicing baseball coach middleton told Edwin to hit the field and to try to "smile" about it while he was out there standing in 'no man's land.' Fellow team player Ted Snyder said, "Hey, that's going to be your nickname from here on out." Ever since then Edwin has gone by the name of "Smiley." Those who know him say that it's the endless smile that he has carried with him throughout his life.

Smiley's roots have always been in Oklahoma, and are deeply planted in the western town of Freedom, Oklahoma. Smiley did join the Navy in 1945, but within a year he was discharged because he was missing a finger due to a run-in he had with a cream separator as a child. Smiley has worked for the Santa Fe railroad as a signal maintainer; the smell of black gold took him to the oil fields with a job at Atlantic Refining Co. BUT... his oilfield days didn't last long. After a trip home on weekend he was told by concerned family members that the draft board was inquiring about his whereabouts. Smiley, instead of waiting for them to draft him, he joined the Army in 1950 -- spent time in Korea and Japan. Smiley was honorably dischaged in 1953.

Smiley's cowboy life was soon calling him to Etna, Kansas to work at the Z-Bar Ranch. Smiley fondly remembers his mentor Dewey Reed. Dewey instilled into Smiley the "real way of the cowboy." Smiley carries those lessons with him throughout his life. Back in the cowboy days you didn't take sick livestock to the corrals for doctoring. You often found yourself roping, when necessary and doing it out in the pasture. It was good training for the horses and good training for the cowboy. Smiley found that the cowboy way of life was certainly the most rewarding but making a living at it was tough. In 1954 Smiley joined the Air Force and was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. It was during this time that Smiley married his first wife, Letha Burris and became the proud father of scott.

In 1977 Smiley retired from the Air Force. Smiley and Letha divorced. Smiley wanted to broaden his horizons and considered the oil fields in Alaska. Smiley never made it to the Alaska oilfields, though. While living in Alva and waiting for the weather to clear to head north, he ran into Doc McKinley who made him an offer that he could not refuse on McKinley's ranch northwest of Freedom.

It was in 1978 that Smiley attended a New year's Eve dance in Freedom at the American Legion building where Johnny Sue Gregory cught his eye. They combined their two families and lived on the ranch owned by Mackey McKinley. The rest is history. Some of said about Smiley, "When you meet Smiley you know you're in good company. He is as good a natured fellow as you'd ever want to meet."

Sounds like Smiley Olson is very deserving to be Freedom's Old Cowhand 2006 at the 69th Freedom Rodeo & Old Cowhand Reunion! Congratulations, Smiley, for being recognized for your pioneering spirit, dedication to the Freedom community -- goodwill toward others! Thanks for just setting a good old fashioned example for others to follow in our "cowboy" way of life.
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Warwick, Woods & M Questions

One reader asked us, "Where did you get the name Warwick from? Any relation to the Warwick's of Pocahontas County, West Virginia?"

As to our website name, Warwick West Web publishing, it came about from our father's maternal side of the family (WARWICK's of Pocahontas County, WV). We named our "Warwick West Web Publishing" in honor of our Warwick side of the family. Likewise, our ParisTimes website is named in honor of our Paris side and our mother's paternal side of the family. Hope this answers any questions that some of you are asking.

John Robert Warwick was a teacher in the Coldwater, Kansas area before he and his brother made the Run of '93 into Oklahoma Territory. J. R. was also a banker with the Hopeton bank during the 1930's and the dustbowl days, acquiring land out around the Fairvalley, Freedom and Waynoka area. J. R. & Signora Belle (Guinn) Warwick did have a homestead of 3/4 of land a few miles south of Alva on hwy 281 around Hopeton, Oklahoma along the Eagle Chief Creek, but that was traded for another piece of flatter cropland a couple of miles north of Hopeton. J. R. & Signora Belle had three children: Constance Estelle, Robert Lee and Wilbur (died at young age).

Another reader asked us when did they start calling "M" county "Woods" county. We went searching in our Pioneer Footprints Across Woods County history book and found the following written by our sister-in-law, Joan (Wagner) Hodgden, on page 3, ".....At the first general election held November 6, 1894, the three major parties were asked to place suggested names for the county on the ballot. The republicans proposed FLYNN, for Dennis Flynn. The Democrats like BANNER, for a "banner county," a popular booster term of the era. The Populists proposed WOOD, in honor of an important Kansas Populist. The Populists won, but through a clerical error the name was registered as WOODS,...."

So... perhaps the answer to that question is as early as November 1894 it was known as "M" & "Woods" county. Anyone else out there have any knowledge on the "Woods" & "M" county topic?

We have heard from a few of you that think the new lay out is great! Thanks for your feedback, input and encouragements! They mean a lot to us. Thanks again for taking the time to give us your feedback. We really appreciate it very much!

Our Louisiana techie says, "The best feature at the OkieLegacy eZine must be the ability for you as visitors to have a little bit more control to create communities by City and State or one of the surnames in your family. All you have to do is register and logon. I added a count of messages to let you know how many people register with the same surnames and locations. Please register using the two-letter state code. AND... What other utility would you like to suggest for this site?"
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A Good Book of Depression & Dust Bowl Era

"I've just finished a marvelous book -- The Worst Hard Time, by Timothy Egan, about survival of homesteaders and others during the depression and dust bowl. I recommend it to all as a reminder of the fortitude and courage of those who lived and survived during those times, which include my grandparents, Kent and Naomi Fash, and my great grandparents, Joseph and Anna Fash. I look forward to every issue of Okie Legacy and love what you do. Thanks for your work." -- Bob
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Cowboy's Code of Conduct

In the West, working cowboys followed rules of etiquette that had been handed down through generations. These are just a few of those rules of conduct between cowboys.

      A cowboy always gives a shout when approaching another rider from behind.

Wake a cowboy by speech, not touch. A cowboy startled in his sleep might awaken with his gun in hand.

No whiskey drinking allowed on a trail drive.

When riding up to a ranch or homestead, a true cowboy will shout, "Hello the House" to make his presence known.

A cowboy will not dismount until invited to do so.

never wave to another rider on the trail. It might spook his horse.

A cowboy does not bother another man's horse, under any circumstances.

A cowboy always has courage and is loyal to the very end.

A cowboy always keeps his word and never complains.

A cowboy never talks down to anyone. If one cowboy dismounts, the other does also.

A cowboy is always respectful to women. A cowboy never talks rudely in front of a woman and always tips his hat.

A cowboy takes his place on the trail drive and end the day in the same place.

A cowboy offers friendship to strangers.

A cowboy will risk his own life to save his partner.

A cowboy will never ask another cowboy about his past.

A cowboy always unbuckles his gun belt and removes his spurs before entering another's house.

A cowboy will always render assitance whenever he is asked.

A cowboy settles his horse before he sits down to dinner.

[taken from The Freedom Call, Vol. 85, Iss. 32, dated Thursday, August 17, 2006, page 6. Everything except the picture, that is.] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1906 Woods County Map

"Linda, I scanned the map of Woods County from the 1906 Standard Atlas of Woods County. It is in two scans, North and South, with a lot of overlapping in the center. My Atlas won't fit on my scanner to scan it as one page. I hope your readers find it interesting. We had reproductions of the Atlas in the Museum Gift Shop, but they have all been sold. We do have a 2' x 3' poster of twelve townships in the Waynoka area. The posters show ownership of properties. The area covers townships 23, 24, 25, and 26 in ranges 14, 15, and 16. I also scanned T24-R15 (shown to the left) which shows 1/12 of the information that is on the poster. That particular township has Waynoka and Heman in it. I didn't lay the book on the scanner straight, so there's a small area missing on the lower right. For those interested in the poster, please email me (Sandie) at waynokahs@hotmail.com. Incidentally, the Atlas is 100 years old this year. Do you know when M County became Woods County? I think I read it somewhere... don't know where. It was apparently before statehood." -- Sandie Olson
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Alva POW Camp Paintings

"Good afternoon. I have just ran across your article online about the paintings that originated at the Alva POW camp. It has created great curiosity as I too have a painting that is said to have come from the camp as well. My grandparents grew up in and around Alva and stayed there until my grandfather passing just a year ago. You mentioned in the article that you had the address for Ms. Lois Kinney and that she had the name of the artist and his address in Germany. I think it would be quite interesting if I was able to possibly get more information on my painting. If possible, since it has been three years since the article was published, please forward any information that could be useful in contacting the artist." -- Justin Walker - Email: Justin.R.Walters1@uscg.mil

[Editor's Note: SEE OkieLegacy, Vol. V, Iss. 13 Alva POW Camp Artist in the Mailbag Section.] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Unsolved Tulsa Murder - 1970

"Do you have any suggestions to links that would have information about the murder of my great grandmother in tulsa in july of 1970. her name was dorothy brown and it is still unsolved. if you could give some suggestions about how to get information on this i would really appreciate it. " -- Sussanna Farley - Email: sfarley424@earthlink.net
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Star House & Eagle Park Ghost Town (Cache, OK)

"Hello. I am trying to do research on the Star House and the Eagle Park Ghost Town in Cache Oklahoma, but am having a hard time finding anything but little tidbits that say basically the same thing, and all about the star house and nothing about the ghost town. Could you help me, please?" -- Sherrie Dotson - Email: starchildpyramid@yahoo.com
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Coyle, Oklahoma (Iowa City)

"If anyone has info on Coyle, Oklahoma (Iowa City), please e-mail me with it. I thank you all for any and all help!!" -- Jamie Albertson - Email: jlalbertson@netscape.com
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OkieLegacy Guestbook

8/24/2006 -- jamie albertson - Email: jlalbertson@netscape.com - would love to have more information you might have on Coyle, Oklahoma. He is doing research for the 100 year celebration next year.

8/20/2006 -- Joanna - Email: jokenrussell@yahoo.com - Carmen Odd Fellows Home... Last year Joanna and her husband were on a country drive and came across Carmen, Oklahoma. They found the odd fellows home. They were awed by it. Months later Joanna discovered our "OkieLegacy" web site - Carmen Odd Fellows Home! If there are ever tours of the Carmen Odd Fellows Home, they would like to know. Joanna says, "I can see things most people can't, and would like to find out who or what draws me to that building."

8/19/2006 -- Earl E. Joseph - Email: EJoseph4@Jono.com - Early Post Masters... Earl is trying to find out the early postmasters of Lookout and Saratoga, Oklahoma around 1906 thru 1910.
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Alfalfa County Ghost Towns

"There are many Ghost towns in Alfalfa Co., Oklahoma. Ashley, 9 miles east of Alva, Oklahoma, has only the grain elevator left of the town. Short Springs has only the springs left. It is 10 miles east and 1/2 south of Alva. Ingersoll is 3 miles north and 2-1/2 east of Cherokee has only 4 businesses left and several empty buildings. There are also many towns laid out in early 1900's that now are hard to find but if you are interested, please send me your address and I will mail you a drawing." -- Ila Wessels Email: gwessels@akslc.net
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Oklahoma Ghost Towns

"The Bartlesville History Museum has a book about Oklahoma Ghost Towns. I am sure there is no one there to do research for you, but I would be happy to do look-ups for you if you would like. Maybe there is a simular book in your area." -- Debbie Neece - Email: ccmokla@aol.com
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Woods County Borders In 1906

"The map is correct and when the counties were divided Woods County acquired part of Woodward County because the occupants were not able to cross the Cimarron river to get to Woodward the County Seat." -- Marty Myers
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Warwick/Warrick Researchers

"And they can contribute - they just have to be a male Warrick - since there is some question as to the spelling of Warwick we are willing to add any deviation of the word." -- Carolyn Scott - Email: Mooloolaba@aol.com
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Perry (Oklahoma) Gas Prices

"Prices of unleaded regular gasoline have dropped to $2.69.9 at the Phillips, the Conoco, and the 2 family owned major independents in Perry. The downtown Sinclair station which has been in another family for 50 years is just a penny higher. This week we've also had .15 (fifteen hundredths of an inch) of rain and my weeds are growing rapidly again." -- Roy
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Gas Prices Across the Country

"Hi, Linda! I just wanted to let you, and others, know what the price of gasoline in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, etc., was last week (2-10 Aug 06). We traveled 3400 miles to Minot, ND, and Glasgow, MT. We saw gas prices range from $2.959 up to $3.169. The highest being in ND and MT. Ethanol was cheaper than Unleaded Regular which was a switch from here in NE Kansas. Right now ethanol is back under the price of Unl Reg and road Diesel is $3.419. Someone pointed out the other day that everyone above the farmer can tack on a fuel surcharge, but the farmer has no one to 'mus-up'! Can't you imagine what would happen if the farmer took his products (grain, animals, etc.) to the market and said, 'Oh, by the way, there will be a $2.00 per ton/head fuel surcharge on this delivery.' He would hear the biggest laugh ever. Over the past two days or so we have had close to two inches of rain, most coming nice and easy here, though nearby that has not been the case. Attached is a photo of the plaza at the Scandinavian Heritage Association's park in Minot, ND. It is even prettier than the photo shows. Cheers and keep up the good work." -- Jim Bradley, Westmoreland, KS View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe