The SW Colorado trio (Maggie, Nugget & Doquoti) says, "Hello!" Hope your Friday 13th of October 2006 was a lucky day for Y'all. AND... Hope you all aren't too superstitious.

It was sunny around here yesterday after an evening of "frost on the punkins." Last weekend we totaled 1-3/4 inch of rain here in the southwest Colorado valley while the higher elevations were getting over 3 inches and flooding creeks. The early part of this week the rocky mountains around here were sporting another crop of fresh snow on their mountain peaks above 9500-feet.

Today... it started raining here again this Saturday, October 14, around 11:30 a.m. in the valley south of Bayfield, Colorado. AND.... finally had to light a fire in the cozy fireplace to knock off the cool that has settled in around here this weekend.

Last week we mention the Rustic Weaver's Coffee Shop in Alva, Oklahoma. We forgot to mention the location. The Coffee Shop is located 1/2 block east of NWOSU at 516 Olive Road, Alva, Oklahoma. It is open Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

We are looking for someone to get a few digital photos of grave markers at the Alva Cemetery (Cemetery Map), Block 08-028-08 (Wilbur Warwick, died 5/26/1896) and Block 09-025-06 (Catherine Warwick, died 12/25/1900). We aren't for sure, BUT... we think this Wilbur Warwick may be the young son of John Robert & Signora Belle (Guinn) Warwick (our great-grandparents) that died when he was a year old. We would like to see the birth, death dates and any other notations on the markers to know for sure.
View/Write Comments (count 2)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Boxcar Bill

~~ by Ila Wessels

William D. Schwab was born on 4 December 1884 in Denhoff, Russia to William and Katherina Schwab. They were married 1882 and had four children born in Russia of whom one was William D. They came to America in 1887 to Rush County, Ks and had four more children.

On 16 Sept 1983 William made the Run and staked a claim 4 miles west and 1 1/2 north of Ingersoll, Ok. There they had four more children. Two children, a girl and a boy of 12 died young.

William returned to Kansas to get his family and they lived in a covered wagon, then a sod house and then a frame house. The children's names were;C. Elizabeth, Catharina, Henry, David, Lydia Vera, Lena, John, Matilda, Naomi, Otto, and one I do not know the name of.

William D. married Mary Grace (Myrtle) Straw of Ashley, Oklahoma. They had three children; Alberta, Nellie and Donald. They later divorced.

William D. moved into a boxcar on the family farm in the sw corner. But it flooded and Paul Leon Schiffner and Quentin Hadwiger moved it to safer ground where it now sets. Boxcar Bill as he was now called had lost the sight in his eye when plugging a watermelon and was hit in the eye. He loved flowers. He was a farm laborer working for his father, families and neighbors. He was a very good farmer and worker.

Across the road was the residence of Harvey and Ruth Weigand. Harvey's brother Philip Weigand was married to Bill's sister. They cared for him in his later years and he would watch their three sons when needed.

William D. was called Mr. Schwab, Bill, Boxcar Bill and Uncle Bill to 32 nieces and nephews.

William D. died 10 July 1978 and is buried at the Short Springs Cemetery on the plot with his parents.
View/Write Comments (count 3)   |   Receive updates (1 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Another Set of McGill Bros.

It is a small world, isn't it. Heard from another Bob McGill that signed our "OkieLegacy Guestbook." Also, his name is Robert Lee McGill of central coast California whom also has an older brother named Merle Eugene "Gene" McGill of Union, Arkansas.

It amazes us every time we hear from others concerning a possible family connection. Yep! This week we heard that our northwest Oklahoma McGill clan are not the only ones out there. There is another set of McGill Brothers with the same names as our McGill brothers, Gene & Bob.

What is so amazing about this is... their names are identical to our McGill brothers of northwest Oklahoma (Merle Eugene & Robert Lee McGill). Although, our NW Oklahoma McGill brothers have been deceased since 1954 & 1986, these NEW McGill brothers of Edwards County, Kansas are still living in California & Arkansas.

Unlike the Edwards County, Kansas McGill Clan migrating from New York State in the early 1800's to Lewis, Kansas and then to central coast of California and Union, Arkansas ... Our McGill clan migrated from Soddy, Tennessee to McPherson, Kansas before settling in northwest Oklahoma Territory around 1893. We wonder if this could be another McGill family connection with these new Edwards County, Kansas McGills.

Yep! It looks like Lewis, KS is straight North of Alva, OK. (Yahoo Map Link - Lewis, KS & Alva, OK) It is a small world out there, isn't it?! How often do you suppose that happens? Has this ever happened to you?
View/Write Comments (count 2)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

101 Ranch Photo Collection

"All but one of the following 101 photos came from Mike Sokoll's limited edition book, Roping the 101 Ranch, and he (Mike) wrote the info for the clippings. Several of those kids he taught the rope tricks to have been personal friends and acquaintances of mine. A couple were CB Radio buddies and one of the girls was a baby sitter for my 3 sons. The picture of the fancy 'circus truck' leading a parade through a town was scanned in from a framed 11-inchx14-inch photograph (not just a print/copy) hanging on my wall here at the house. I bought it from one of my dealers. I also have a large framed print of 'The Whitehouse' (the ranch headquarters before it burned) that I bought from one of the members of the '101 Ranch Old Timer's Association.' I cannot recall seeing any photos of the 101 activities in the Perry Paper. Lots of articles at one time (before I came here) though. Just no photos. Here's a picture from Robert Cunningham's book, Perry, Pride of the Prairie. He devoted a chapter to the 101 Ranch and included 7 photos in that chapter. AND... Our gas prices seem to be steady at $2.06.9 so far." -- Roy Kendrick
View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

101 Ranch - Fancing Roping

"Fancy roping is almost a lost art. You seldom see real rope artists today, even at rodeos and other western sports. I remember a time when it was as much a part of rodeo as bronc riding and calf roping. And there were some great ropers -- Chester Byers, Tex McLoud, Jack Webb, Hank Darnell and Mexican Joe Borrero, who gave me my start, all from the 101 Ranch and many of them world champions. I guess that's why I'm so proud of the 101 Ranch Rodeo in 1971 he acclaimed them as the best youth ropers in the country. The group has performed at several events, including the Oklahoma State Fair. Members of the roping group are Brian Kemble, Tommy Roland, Bart Snyder, Alen Bunkin, Gary Degraffenfried, Terry Hayes, Anna Bunkin, Pam Degraffenfried, Mary Steichen, Cathy DeWitt, Barbara Hayes, Avis Hunt, Carma Ware, Darla Bentley, Sherie Minor, Linda Silvy, Becky Steichen, Evelyn Galutia, Sharon Wilson, Debra Church, Becky Roland, Edith Primeaux, Marcella Arkeketa, Liza Morford, Jennie Biggoose, Sherri Riley, Christiana Kemble and Jolynn Walker." -- clipping written by Mike Sokoll
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

101 Ranch Old Timers

"In 1966 when we reorganized the 101 Ranch Old Timers as a sort of sucessor to the Cheroke Strip Cow Punchers Association, we voted to hold a reunion every year during the 101 Ranch Rodeo. This picture shows our meeting in August, 1970. Seated around the table left to right are George Miller of the 101 Ranch; Austin Pricer, show 1928-29; Ashton Applequest, ranch, 1919; Jerry Goodman, ranch, 1920; W. A. Mulke, ranch, 1928; Phil S. Stover, guard on Geronimo, show, 1905; Mike Sokoll, trick roper, show 1909-1915; second row, Delbert Cummings, ranch; George Murch, Bronc rider, show; Col. Frank S. Giles, ranch; Mrs. Giles, ranch; Barton Carter, cowboy, ranch; Red CArter, ranch; Charles Godlsborough, show, 1929; Annie Richardson, ranch, 1926; Mrs. Emma Williams, ranch; Larry Williams, ranch; and Larry is presenting me a pair of chaps he made at his home at Niagrara Falls, N.Y." -- clipping written by Mike Sokoll
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

101 Ranch Show Troupe

"This 1926 picture of the post-War I 101 Ranch Wild West and Great Far East included Cossacks, trick ropers, Sioux Indians, Bandsmen, bronc riders and cowgirls. That's Mexican Joe Borrero beside the drum, and next to him is Hank Darnell, another famous trick roper." -- clipping written by Mike Sokoll
View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Darrow, Blaine Co., Oklahoma Territory

"I don’t know if you can help me or not but here goes. While going through my mothers family records I came across the following: Abstract Of Tiel (To the following Described Real Estate situated in Blaine county, Oklahoma Territory). A Deed to Robert S. Shook from Gutherie, Fairview and Western Construction Co., dated 5 July 1905, recorded in Book 18, page 298. A Plat Map of Darrow and several receipts of Taxes paid to the County Treasurers Office, Blaine County. My question is simply this does Darrow, Oklahoma still exist? Thank you in advance." -- Robert C. Boyett, Du Quoin, IL - EMAIL: Rcb6966@aim.com -or- Peck_boyett@yahoo.com
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Branson Family Farm - Burlington, OK

"Saw the picture of the boxcar made into a house in last week's ezine. I'm wondering about 2 mysterious boxcars on my family (Branson) "farm" near Burlington, OK. My cousin sent me the attached pictures of 2 boxcars and a windmill but no one knows how the boxcars got there nor when or why. The RR trackes USED to cut across the corner of the Branson farm but there are no longer any RR tracks there. So, how, when, and why did the boxcars settle on the property? Anyone have any ideas? I think it would be neat to use some of the boxcar wood to make memorabilia from the family but don't know anything about them? Can any of your readers shed some light? Thanks again." -- Karel
View/Write Comments (count 4)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy Guestbook

10/13/2006 - Robert Lee McGill - Email: bogey76@verizon.net -- "Interesting my name is Robert Lee McGill and have an old brother named Gene (Merle Eugene McGill). Small world."

10/12/2006 - Scott Bumgarner - Email: sooner1944@verizon.net -- "Love anything about the great state of Oklahoma, the state of my birth."

10/12/2006 - DeWayne Shepard - Email: dshepard@aisd.net -- "Beautiful land... I recently met a beautiful young lady from Osage. I was fascinated with her heritage (half Osage Indian) and started researching her homeland online when I stumbled onto this website... I read so many fascinating stories and saw so many beautiful pictures of the land, I can't wait to come to Osage County to do some bicycle touring. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to bring that beautiful young lady with me."

10/9/2006 - Ben Beard - Email: brbeard@comcast.net -- "Kemper Military School Alumni lunch... Attention all Cadets, We will be holding our Kemper Alumni lunch on the 16th of October 2006 in Salem, Oregon. We will be lunching at the Olive Garden. Off I-5 (exit 256) go east on Market about two stop lights and turn right/south, the Olive Garden will be on left hand side about one to two blocks. The wives are always welcome, bring them along so they can enjoy the crowd of Cadets. If there are any other Cadets that you know of in the area, please feel free to invite them and there wifes. From the Alumni Director of Oregon. Ben Beard (503) 6125-5047

10/9/2006 - Keith Grady - Email: kgrady5@cox.net -- "Appreciate those who combined this historical information. Thanks for keeping history alive!"

10/5/2006 - Lance Ingham -- "Texhoma Memories... So many fond memories in my younger years in and around Texhoma. Hard to believe family finally moved away after a century."

10/4/2006 - Ace Johnson - Email: acej39@yahoo.com -- "Very nice website. I have not seen one like it. I attended Kemper 54-57."

9/29/2006 - Deb Groves - Email: tgroves@bresnan.net -- "It was great to find family information on your site. Thanks."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

The Rest of the Story

Rustic Weaver's Coffee Shop... Where is the coffee shop located?

Rustic Weaver's Coffee Shop... Rustic Weaver's Coffe Shop is located 1/2 block east of NWOSU at 512 Olive Road. Seems to me there was a cabinet, furniture repair shop there at one time. I believe it is just south of the baptist student center on the eastside of NWOSU. Rustic Weaver's Coffee Shop is open Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- NW Okie

NEW Alva Group Photos... Wow! this is impressive. All these pictures just amazes me. Thank you for sharing.

Hermit's Home Sweet Home - East of Alva, OK... by Ila Wessels - "Boxcar Bill" -- "William D. Schwab was born on 4 December 1884 in Denhoff, Russia to William and Katherina Schwab. They were married 1882 and had four children born in Russia of whom one was William D. They came to America in 1887 to Rush County, Ks and had four more children. On 16 Sept 1983 William made the Run and staked a claim 4 miles west and 1 1/2 north of Ingersoll, Ok. There they had four more children. Two children, a girl and a boy of 12 died young. William returned to Kansas to get his family and they lived in a covered wagon, then a sod house and then a frame house. The children''s names were; C. Elizabeth, Catharina, Henry, David, Lydia Vera, Lena, John, Matilda, Naomi, Otto, and one I do not know the name of."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Sheep Trailing In the High Country

"..... Casey's family is one of only three sheep ranching families left who carry on this trailing tradition. In the 1800's, sheep and cattle were trailed up into the forests above Bayfield, Colorado, for summer pasture. Native Americans, homesteaders, and immigrant herders moved their animals from southern Colorado and northern New Mexico into the high mountains for the summer. In the fall when the animals came down, the herders often did not know when they had reached New Mexico because there were no fences. Just as was done over a hundred years ago, Casey will trail his sheep home to Ignacio at the end of September when the lambs are sold, then trail the ewes down into New Mexico for the winter..... Believing that this trailing tradition is a unique attraction, the community of Bayfield created the Sheep Trailing and Heritage Days Festival last year (2000) to honor its farming and ranching heritage. Spectators are invited to come and watch the actual trailing home to fall pasture as the sheep parade through the main street of town. " -- written by Geri Lasater - Website: Sheep trailing in the High Country
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Edwards Co., Kansas McGill Clan

Other McGill Brothers (Merle Eugene "Gene" & Robert Lee "Bob") - My family settled in Lewis, Edwards County, Kansas in the early 1800's. I understand they relocated from New York State. There are no McGill's left in Lewis (Kansas). My immediate family moved to Cheyenne Wells, CO in 1948 - then to California in the mid-'50's. My brother Gene lives in Union, Arkansas. I am retired living on the Central Coast of California... Gene and I (and our families) are sadly the last of the Edwards County McGill clan." -- Robert "Bob" Lee McGill - Email: bob.mcgill2@verizon.net
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe