Cool Fall Temps Hit Alva

We either followed a cool front of Fall into northwest Oklahoma last week, OR... it followed us! The grass pastures look more like Spring than September and August, though.

All that moisture they have received this Summer has the weeds almost as tall as an elephant's eye By the way, "How tall is an elephant's eye, anyway?"

Ever since we got back to northwest Oklahoma the high weed pollens, moderate meldew levels have had these NW Okie eyes itching the whole time. The Pugs have enjoyed it more, though, with the comfortable cool weather and being able to be outside.

Before we send you off for another Oklahoma history lesson, we want to thank the city council of Alva for their patience, understanding while we waited for the Fall, cooler temperatures to do the clean-up, demolition on our 12th street houses.

A BIG Thank You, Alva City Council! Thank You!

Oklahoma Pioneer Tidbits
Here is a tidbit of pioneer legacy that concerns some information about the Alva Pioneer newspaper. It appeared in The Alva Pioneer, dated September 22, 1893, Alva, M County, O.T., with this headline: "Pioneer Pointers" concerning the Alva Pioneer printing house in Alva, Oklahoma Territory.

"The 20x40 two story printing house of the Pioneer, on the south side of the square, will be ready to occupy by November 1st (1893), and the printing material will be promptly moved in."

OkieLegacy Centennial Moment

The Run For Homes... Seventy-Five thousand In The Scramble. The Strip Is Opened At Last. The Horses Beat the Railroad Trains, Because of the Terrible Crash -- The Crack of 100 Carbines -- The Signal -- The Stampede For Land -- No Casualties of a Serious Nature Reported -- Scenes and Incidents.

These headlines appeared six days after the famous Cherokee Strip Land Run of September 16, 1893 in Vol. 1, No. 1 of this northwestern Oklahoma Territory newspaper, The Alva Pioneer, dated Friday, September 22, 1893, in Alva, M County, O. T.

Do you have any Ancestral Land Run stories that you would like to share with us? Send them to NW Okie - mcwagner.lk@gmail.com.

Where were your ancestors 114 years ago? Were they a part of the Cherokee Land Run of 1893? Did they make the Run by train, covered wagon, horse, bicycle or on foot? Were they a Boomer or Sooner?

Here is the "Rest of that news story 114 years ago: Arkansas City, Kansas, Sept. 18, 1893 -- "At high noon today 100 United States carbines cracked in the dry air and with exulting yells 30,000 men and women, all American citizens, rushed into the Cherokee strip -- almost the last section of the public domain that will be thrown open to general settlement.

"The following figures show the number of people who made the run:
* From Arkansas City -- By train, 8,000; by horse, 22,000.
* From Orlando -- 25,000.
* From Caldwell-By train, 3,000; by horse, 7,000.
* From Stillwater -- 10,000.

"The view of the rush at 12 o'clock from the observatory on the Chilocco school was full of exciting interest. Just before the hour, with a field glass the long line of horses and men densely packed for 200 feet back could be seen. At high noon the sharp crack of a revolver was distinctly heard, and immediately following came the reports of the carbines. A hoarse yell went up, softened by the distance, and the line got in motion.

"Horses were seen to shoot out from the pack and dash across the prairie. Then a dense cloud of dust obscured the line for a moment, but a brisk wind from the west cleared it away, and the men and wagons could be seen scattering as the slowest were left behind. Now and then a wagon would go over with a wheel knocked off.

"A horse was seen to rear in the air as he was struck by a wagon tongue and fall back. His rider was up in an instant and bent over his horse. Then he arose, and from his gestures it was plainly seen that he had been left at the post.

"The last of the rushing hosts were not long in disappearing over the hill into the swale at the south line of the Chilocco reserve, the rear being brought up by a throng of men and women on foot and a few teams on a walk.

"The whole thing was spectacular, but it was soon over, too soon.

"The trains did not pull out of the Santa Fe station until sometime after 12 o'clock when the jam then was awful. At least 15,000 people including, most of the population of Arkansas City, were there to board the trains. Special trains from Wichita, Winfield and other near points came in loaded with sightseers.

"The way the trains were run was a bitter disappointment to town lot seekers, as any wagon which left in the rear of the line could have beaten them to Ponca.

Great recklessness was displayed in jumping on and off the trains by the crowd eager not to get left, and there were many narrow escapes. No casualties happened, however, and after considerable delay the first section moved out slowly. Most of the people who went in on the trains carried blankets and provisions and some of them small tents. All will have to sleep on the ground tonight, as they will not be able to get back, all of the regular trains having been laid off.

"The crush to get on the trains was awful. After the cars were full people climbed to the roofs and soon covered them. They clung to the steps, invaded the engine and even crawled upon the trucks. Inside the cars the jam was frightful, people were crushed in and the pressure at the doors could not be stopped. The efforts of eh deputy marshals did not avail much after the first few had shown their certificates. The trains left hundreds of disappointed people behind who were unable to get a foothold. At the edge of the strip a horde of people were waiting to board the rains but there was no room for them. The Santa Fe sold 8,000 tickets for the trains, most of them for Kildare.

"Camped along side the track at the state line were about 200 men. They had walked out to take the trains there this morning. When they could not even secure foothold they threatened to throw ties under the cars.

"The town is literally deserted, banks are closed and most of the stores are in possession of the proprietors, all the clerks having gone to the border to make the run.

The Alva Pioneer newspaper on September 22, 1893 reported that Sooners were reported shot. Also... there was mention from Guthrie, Oklahoma, on September 18, 1893 that four (4) Sooners were shot and fatally wounded September 17, 1893 by soldiers. AND... there were guards on duty at Guthrie with about 100 men armed with Winchesters who were guarding the city from bandits said to be preparing for a raid."
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September Celebrations In Northwest Oklahoma

The Campus... "A Silent message thru the ages - Is delivered to the races passing by, - And the wisdom of the sages - Flashes futily from the sturdy eye, - Watching Life's laughter, song and tears - Thru the eager march of onward years; - With quiet, unperturbed, mobile face - Inspires us to live with equal grace.' -- [Taken from The Ranger 1926 yearbook.]

We read in the local paper that Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Northwestern Normal School; NWOSU) will be celebrating 110 years (Sept. 20, 1897 - 2007) as the second Oklahoma Territorial Normal School to open its doors -- began teaching its first classes in the Congregational Church. Edmond had the first territorial normal school.

It was September 20, 1897 when the Congregational church was rented for $150 for the school year. There were 48 applicants for the office of president that year when a school administrator from Illinois, James E. Ament, was finally chosen.

From reading the newspaper article it sounds like they started with an initial enrollment of approximately 58 students and the number grew to 70 by the end of September. By early November, it had expanded to 100. AND... by the end of the first year the enrollment was 166. AND... it sounds as though Northwestern had the biggest enrollment of all the territorial schools, agricultural school at Stillwater and the school at Norman at that time.

We all know that the first building (Castle on the Hill) was erected on the 40 acre tract of land donated by J. T. Fryer and was first occupied by 413 students and 10 faculty on September 11, 1899.

BUT... Did you know that back in 1907 there was a copper time capsule buried behind the 1907 cornerstone dedication at the northeast corner of the Fine Arts (formerly Science Hall) building?

What all will they find when they pull out the capsule and re-dedicate the cornerstone that was originally dedicated by the Oklahoma Masonic Grand Lodge, March 1907? Will it be preserved? OR... will it contain dusty remnants of the past?

The local newspaper stated, "According to newspaper accounts of the day, those items include a list of officers of the masonic Lodge; names of students in a choir assisting in the program; the roster of the Alva post of the Grand Army of the Republic; a document from the Odd Fellows Lodge; military letters of S. T. Carrico; a jewel from the Cherokee Lodge; Northwestern bulletins; copies of Alva newspapers; photographs of state and university officials, a bogus dollar, and a Master's Journal from the Ingersoll Masonic Lodge."

We understand that Dr. Aaron Mason, assistant professor of political science, is collecting items for the new capsule to take the place of the old capsule. They are/were taking suggestions from the public, but this Friday was the deadline to submit business cards, photos, etc...

For those of you interested in this re-dedication celebration, ceremony, it will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2007, at the northeast corner of the Fine Arts building. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the ceremony will be held in Piercefull fieldhouse. If I am correct, the old Fine Arts building (Old Science Hall) is the red brick, castle looking structure that faces North towards Seventh Street -- just east of the President's home.

Also happening on September 20, 2007, at Northwestern Oklahoma State University for their 110/100 celebration, "First Day of Class celebration," is the ringing of the bell on the north Herod Hall lawn at 10:45 a.m. Starting at 11 a.m. to noon -- again at 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. there will be short tours of the one-room schoolhouse located north of the education center. We understand that there will be a short re-enacment of a 1937 campus visit from Eleanor Roosevelt at 11:30 a.m. in Herod Hall Auditorium.

If you are a student or employee of Northwestern and feeling on the hungry side around noon, September 20, 2007, lunch will be served to Northwestern students and employees in the NEW Greenspace parking lot, northwest corner of the campus.

If you would like additional information, you may contact the 110/100 Northwestern-Oklahoma Centennial committee co-chairmen, Dr. Mike Knedler (580-327-8590) or Kathy Earnest (580-327-8472.

Click here for more history of Northwestern Normal School on our OkieLegacy website.

Congratulations to Northwestern on its 110/100 and first day of class celebration.
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1893 Pioneer Tidbits

We thought, being 114 years ago this weekend, that we would share the following pioneer prairie pieces of tidbits that we gathered from The Alva Pioneer, dated Friday, January, 1894, Alva, Oklahoma Territory (O.T.).

• "Dr. J. D. Karr of Medicine lodge was in the city Monday."
• "Geo. W. Crowell spent Sunday with his family in Attica."
• "Buy meat of B. J. Scanland, near northeast corner of the square. Fresh meat, game, etc. at Scanland's market, northeast corner of the square."
• "F. C. Langley went up to Kiowa last Saturday to visit his family."
• "Notice of contest blanks printed and for sale at the Pioneer office."
• "G. Willers & Co. are ready to supply the public with fresh bread, pies, etc."
• "Attorney I. F. Shannon is acting county clerk in the absence of Mr. Smith."
• "J. E. Fritzlen went up to Kiowa on sunday morning and returned Monday."
• "John W. Bishop left last Saturday for Iowa, and will be absent a week or ten days."
• "The family of Wm. Whitworth of the Chronicle, arrived from Harper last Friday."
• "A line of sample Shoes at Suyder's Store, north of land office. See bargain counter."
• "Will Walborn of Harper was in the city last Saturday and filed on a claim 20 miles south."
• "While your are buying candy, cigars, and groceries, try a chance at the prize knives, at Beegles."
• "W. C. Douglass and Dr. Wheeler left last night for Pratt, Ks. Mr. Douglass will return Monday."
• "Contractors will find it to their interest to figure with us before buying. G. R. Follett & Co."
Frank Kragh of harper county was in the city last Friday, on his way to visit relatives 12 miles south."
• "Rev. M. T. Lolig left for his home in Benton, Ks., last Saturday. He will return in about six weeks to remain."
• "Miss Gertie McKeever came down from Hazelton last Saturday and visited her father and friends here until Monday."
• "Dr. F. B. Wheeler of Sawyer, Ks., arrived in the city last Tuesday on business, but will return to Pratt, Ks., where he intends to locate."
• "Karr Bros. have a well selected stock of Drugs, Paints, oils, and everything usually to be found in a first class drug store."
• "S. W. Ramseyer of Harper, Ks., was in Alva last Saturday and filed on a claim 13 miles east and five north of the city. He says there are many Germans in that locality."
• "If you want a first class Fried Oyster or Stew, go to Baxter's meals and Lunch at all hours. come and drink a cup of our Java coffee, first door east of Follett's hardware store."
• W. D. Nelligan, roadmaster of this division of the Santa Fe, is making preparations to build a dwelling house 26x26, four rooms, 2 1/2 miles this side of Waynoka. R. M. Davis will do the work."
• "Thos. J. Crow wife and daughter departed from this city Wednesday morning for Alva, Oklahoma, where they expect to locate. Mr. Crow has not moved his goods yet, but expects to in a short time. -- Coldwater Star"
• "Andrew J Winters and Miss mary Foster were married by Probate Judge Alexander on Monday evening, Jan. 8th, 1893, at the Alva hotel. They live near Cleo. We hope their claims on each other may never be contested."
• "R. M. Davis, the wide awake car center, last week finished a dwelling house 30x30 ; five rooms, for H. W. Noah, four miles east of Alva. Mr. Davis will immediately build a house of the same description for G. P. Chestnut near Waynoka."
• "The young men at the Home Restaurant are becoming desperate, on account of a long absence from their best girls, we suppose; anyhow it has become public that they call each other pet and dear, and exploit remarkable affection for each other."
• "V. W. Whiting, one of teh prominent citizens of Cleo Springs, was in the city Monday on business. He says they have made arrangements for a man and team to make two trips a week to Alva, leaving cleo on Mondays and Fridays and returning on tuesdays and Saturdays. John Kidder is the mans name."
• "E. R. Trask, started for emporia, Ks., last Monday on a visit to his family and friends. he will return in about four weeks to commence improvements on his claim just north of Alva. he has one of the most valuable claims in this vicinity, and with proper improvement will be worth from one to two thousand dollars in a short time. Mr. Trask is one of the pioneer printers of Kansas, a resident of that state for over 38 years. We wish him a safe journey and enjoyable visit."
• Mrs. Wm. Landy who was spending the holidays among friends in this city returned to her home at Alva, O. T. sunday. Judge Soutes and A. T. Bragg returned Saturday, from their trip to Oklahoma. The latter has established a branch grocery in the Territory about 17 miles from Alva. f. H. Bowman and wife left for Alva, O. T., Monday. They will remain there as long as Mr. Bowman has plenty of building to do. -- Attica Tribune."
• "The festival on Wednesday evening was a grand success, socially and financially. Three large tables were bountifully supplied with oysters, cold meats cake, coffee, pickles & everything presented a neat and inviting appearance. Over 150 people were fed, and the receipts were $38.75. Without naming the parties interested in getting up the supper, we will say, and they undoubtedly feel, that their efforts were very highly appreciated."
• "Band meeting was held in Rule Bros. feed store last night, quite a number of Alva's musicians were out with their instruments. Each one present was given a part and after electing a chairman and secretary they adjourned to meet Saturday night."
• "Married -- last Thursday evening, january 4th, 1893, at the residence of the bride's parents in this city, Mr. Harry E. Briant, of Alva, O. T., and Miss Carrie B. Jackson of pratt, Rev. E. C. Beach officiating. The happy couple will make Alva their future home where Mr. Briant is now located and is making arrangements for the bride. The times congratulates these young people upon a step in the right direction. -- Pratt, (Ks.) Times."

Alva! Where Is It?

In an old 1893 newspaper, The Alva Pioneer, Alva, O.T., M county, there was an article with headlines that read: "Alva! Where it is Located; How it is surrounded."

The article goes on to state, "Alva is 18 miles west of a line running south through the center of Kansas. 218 miles west of the Missouri line and 14 miles south of the southern border of Kansas. All of Barber and half of Harper counties in Kansas adjoin "M" county on the north, and there are no two better counties in central Kansas than the two named."

Alva was the county seat of "M" county, which is 57 miles north and south, by 54 east and west and contains nearly two million acres of land. At Alva is also located the land office for a district 18 by 57 miles.

It goes on to state back in 1893, "Among other advantages Alva has is the old reliable Santa Fe railroad. The people need not be burdened with taxes in this county as they have in their old homes."

The reserved lands were to be sold for public purposes that would make it unnecessary for the settlers to vote bonds for erecting a courthouse and other public buildings. The country tributary to Alva is about 1,400 feet above sea level, only about two-fifths as high as land on the Kansas and Colorado line.

The soil is about like that of southern central Kansas, whose reputation for wheat growing is known far and near. The climate is as healthful as any in America, being half way between the ocean-sde and the rocky mountains.

During two months prior to the opening of this land to settlement, very damaging untruths were circulated through the daily papers in the east in reference to the drouth; but the fact is, the eastern part of the strip was suffering as severely and at the same time, and the heavy rains ever known in the west gave relief at the same time the east received it.

"M" county was settled by people from all over the United States, but perhaps 40 percent of the people were from central and southern Kansas.

The news article goes on to state: "The reader may ask why a Kansas man would settle in a country so much like Kansas? For the reason that they came west 8 to 12 years ago, all alike ignorant as to what the soil and climate were best adapted, and if they made one good general crop they forthwith became enthusiastic mortgaged their homes to buy more land, make (in many cases) unnecessary improvements or to speculate in cattle. A partial failure of crops came, (as they do in all states) and interest could not be met (but they could have lived well if the farm had been kept clearly) and finally the mortgage took their farms. This class of farmers are sensible enough to see and acknowledge that their "bad luck" was the result of their inexperience or mismanagement, and they know better how to manage now -- know that crops are best adapted to the soil and climate. They are going to try it over again, and they will succeed."
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The 1893 Run At Caldwell

Fully ten thousand people make that grand rush for land in 1893.

Caldwell, Kan, sept. 18, 1907 -- "Two minutes after noon today 10,000 people who had gathered along the border south of Caldwell were rushing helter skelter into the strip in every direction as far as the eye could reach. Five minutes later the fleetest and foremost horsemen were mere specks and clouds of dust in the distance and behind them were hundreds and hundreds of white covered wagons and buggies trooping into the land, leaving behind them great clouds of dust to mark the line.

"The people did not become impatient until a few minutes before 12 o'clock, when the cavalrymen made their last ride up and down the column. For five minutes before the signal all had been getting ready and there was more excitement than ever along the lines of people who had stood so many hours waiting for the opening.

"At 12 o'clock a cannon sounded away of several miles east of the hills where sightseers had assembled. There was a cloud of dust in the distance.

"The race at first was a fast one and hundreds of men on horseback darted out of the mass and began to lead the crowd. There were some lively races, but there are too many entries to observe individual contests.

"Two men on safety bicycles who had really gone into the strip along the Rock Island track unobserved ten minutes before 12, were for a long time in the lead of every one and they went out of sight first.
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The 1893 Run At Orlando

The newspaper reported twenty-five thousand people make the rush -- many sooners already were there and jumped the sounding of the gun.

Orlando, Okla., Sept. 16, 1893 -- "Twenty five thousand men and women with a goodly number of boys and girls started at the sound of carbines held by cavalrymen sharp at noon today. Hundreds went in on trains which were jammed but the grand rush was by horse and wagon.

"Trains both north bound and south bound yesterday and today ran in many sections and all were loaded to the platforms. Women clung to the guard rails and men hung to the engines and the roof like bees. The rush was especially big from Arkansas City and was made up of men who came to this side of the strip to run for Perry town lots. Conductors estimate that no less than 5,000 men crossed the strip yesterday.

"yesterday trains encountered prairie fires on the strip which burned so fiercely that in a number of places the ties were so badly scorched that there was danger in passing over the track. Frequently, the trainmen had to get off and pour water upon the burning ties and once a bridge was found to be on fire. The slow speed necessitated by the fires enabled the men to get off the trains in great numbers. Fully 300 boomers managed to get off the run into hiding in the Ponca reservation."
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The 1893 Run At Stillwater

Ten thousand sturdy farmers make the run from that line.

Stillwater, Okla., Sept. 18, 1893 -- "Ten thousand sturdy homeseekers were let loose on the heretofore forbidden lands north of here sharp at noon today.

"All of this army of men were after homesteads and none wanted town lots. In consequence, there were no thoroughbred racers in the line. Scores went into the land in wagons with equipments necessary to begin farm work at once.

"There were of course many exciting races for quarter sections believed to be extra good, but these contests were not marked features of the run.
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1893 -

The Alva Pioneer, in Alva, M County, O.T., dated Friday, January 12 & 19, 1894 had a drawing of "M" county that the county commissioners had drawn up on January 12, 1893 and updated a week later on January 19, 1894.

The January 12, 1894 article with drawing read: "We present the above map of "M" county as divided into municipal townships by the county commissioners this week. Municipal townships are represented by the large lines, and congressional townships -- 36 square miles- -- by the small lines. The Cimarron river is the north line of Crowell township and the south line of Waynoka township. The cut is a crude one in an artistic sense, but the townships are correctly shown according to the government map of the county. With only a screwdriver and a pegging awl for tools we have no apologies to make for the appearance of the attempted map."

The updated portion (January 19, 1894) shows a line between the Fritzlen and Alva townships redrawn. The county commissioners changed the lines of the Fritzlen townships, by adding the east portion of Fritzlen to the Alva township. They scratched out the old line and added a new one to their map. That map is below the original map of January 12, 1894.

At that time townships that made up M County were: Fritzlen, Driftwood Stella, Alva, Saline, Waynoka, cleo, Dicks, Crowell, Cimmaron. M county was bordered on the east by L & O county and on the west by N county.
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September 22, 1893 News

The First Issue, Volume 1... The Alva Pioneer, dated September 22, 1893, Friday, in Alva, O.T., M County, there was another headline: "Desperate Burglars." Two Wretches attempted to burn a Newton woman for shooting one of them in the leg.

Newton, Kan., Sept. 18, 1893 -- "Two unknown men entered the house of C. W. Nicodemus in the center of the city last evening at 9 o'clock and gagged and bound Mrs. Nicodemus, who was alone. Then they saturated her clothing with coal oil and were just about to set her on fire when Nicodemus returned and the men made their ex=scape

"Two nights ago these same men broke into the house and secured $25. In departing Mrs. Nicodemus shot one of them in the leg and he told her that he had returned to burn her for this.

A large party of men is scouring the town in search of the men. A good description of both men is at hand and should they be found lynching is feared by man."

Enid, Oklahoma, September 20, 1893... About 1 o'clock, six miles east of Enid, there was a fatal prairie fire where a father lost his wife, two children and $1,400 in money.

Baker Tomlinson, who had settled on a claim at the place referred to, left his wife and two children at his new found home and went to the land office to file his papers. While absent a prairie fire, fanned by the terrible southwest wind which had prevailed for the last few days, overtook his family, who were unable to run away from it. His wife and two children were terribly burned. Mrs. Tomlinson and one of her children did not recover. The man had $1,400 in his wagon on the claim, all of which was destroyed."

Ad - S. T. Carrico Real Estate... On that same page of The ALva Pioneer, dated September 22, 1893 we found mentioned of an ad for S. T. Carrico, Real Estate Agent and Notary Public, located on the South Side of the square, in Alva, Oklahoma Territory. they made deeds, mortgages, etc... correctly and legibly. They also collected rents and investments for non-residents. they had business and resident lots for sale. They proclaim in their ad, "Parties who have lots for sale will get fair treatment if left in my ands. correspondence solicited -- any information in our power cheerfully furnished. -- S. T. Carrico, Alva, O. T."
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A Shrewd Old Mam (Man)

Here is another news item that appeared in The AlvA Pioneer, dated Friday, October 20, 1893, Alva, M County, O.T., with a notation that it was pulled from the Wichita Eagle newspaper. The headlines read: A Shrewd Old Mam, but not sure the "Mam" might have been a typo and should have read "Man."

An Incident of the Opening of the Cherokee Strip -- "a peculiar case concerning the settlement of a claim has come to light in the territory, and one that has never yet been published.

On Sept. 16, two citizens of Oklahoma settled on one claim in the cherokee strip. One was an old man who had long since passed the meridian of life, while the other was still entering into the noon-day of manhood. The latter was in the run at the opening of the original Oklahoma, and succeeded in getting one of the best claims in Oklahoma proper.

His brother, in another state, desired to come to the Cherokee Strip and get a claim, but for some reason or other did not arrive in time. Thinking that some accident delayed him and that he would turn up in a day or two, the Oklahoma brother went to the booth at the line, registered and made a run for a choice claim for the purpose of holding it till the brother came.

As stated, he and the old man referred to got onto the claim about the same time, and a controversy immediately arose between them. The young man stated that he was on the claim first; that he was entitled to it, and hinted to the old man that he had better leave it if he knew what was good for him.

He did not know the old man, but the old man knew him. The old man took the hint, picked up his stake, traveled south with a placid countenance and, entering Oklahoma proper, made straight for the young man's farm and, after he had planted his stake in the middle of a promising wheat field, he put up a sign, "This claim is mine," and held it down.

He is still there, and every attorney in the territory who knows of the circumstances says he can hold it for the reason that it was deserted by its owner when he applied for a certificate to take a claim in the strip. The young man's farm is well improved, is all, or nearly all broken and has growing thereon a very fine crop of wheat. In about seven months more he would have proved up on it and it is said that he had a standing offer of $4,000 for it when he could make a deed.
,br> It is also said that the old man has the sympathy of the settlers in both Oklahoma proper and the Cherokee Strip, and that they are willing and prepared to defend him in his rights under the law. -- Wichita Eagle"
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Union Pacific Railroad's Steam Engine #844

Union Pacific Railroad's Steam Engine #844... "Hi All, I am a steam engine interested party. I have chased this engine all over NE Kansas. Just one caution, plan on it not making the schedule to the minute. Especially if it is on a main line where there is competing rail traffic such as coal or intermodal movement. But, never give up - it is a sight to see with its 14 car consist.' -- Jim Bradley - Email: Jbrad723@bluevalley.net

"Regarding the UP steam locomotive #844 - it also has a GPS system on it and you can follow it on the website referred to in this latest issue. Makes it a lot of fun to follow and much easier than waiting somewhere and wondering where it is." -- Anita Cheatum - Email: sfdepot@sbcglobal.net

"The departure time from Enid to El Reno has been moved to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, at least it was the last time I checked. There is another web site with more detailed information: http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/excurs/trace.cfm." -- Rod Murrow
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Surnames of Short Springs Cemetery

"I have made an error and thus I have forced you into an error. Sorry. They are in the Cherokee cemetery and I have a great uncle in the Short Springs Cemetery. His name is William Schwab. Please forgive me for asking you to do something that is not correct. I was in both cemeteries last weekend and sent you the wrong information." -- Stan McDaniels View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Great-Grandparents (HURT/MARKVICKA)

"My name is Diana Anne Hoffmann-Rodriguez, my maiden name is Bazar and we have a connection in common. John Hurt and Mary Markvicka's daughter, Mary, married John Wasielewski and they had my great-grandmother, Mary Cecelia, and she married Anthony Walter Bazar (Antanas Bazaras) and they had 10 children and their first born is John Maximilian, my grandfather. I would love to hear from you and share information. I am overwhelmed with the info on okielegacy and am working my way thru.

Here is info I did not see on your genealogy site for Hurt/Markvicka surnames -- John Wasielewsky was born March 1857 near Swiecie, Poland. John and Mary married about 1880. John died in 1905 and Mary remarried to Stanley Nutowc (daughter Vernie also married a Nutowc)Daughters - Mary Cecelia was born 2 Nov 1881 in Posen, NE. She died 29 Dec 1954 In Chicago, IL, Sophia born 15 May 1883; Anna born Feb 1885; Vernie 30 May 1888; Amelia and Emma and one son, John N. born 1897.

Mary Cecelia and Anthony Bazar had the following children -- John, Frank, Elizabeth, Mary, Henrietta, Helen, Julia, Genevieve, George, and Frances. I will add the dates I have if you would like them.

Just a little about myself, I was born on 21 June 1971, I have 3 boys, Christopher, Tyrone and Jarrett. I have lived, in Nebraska, Iowa and Germany--where I still live at present." -- Diana - Email: d.rodriguez@arcor.de

[Editor's Note: Paris/Conover/Hurt/Markvicka genealogy information.} View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Indiana POW Camps (WWII)

"Can you tell me about the prisoner of war camp at Windfall, Indiana? We have a few pictures but we wanted the name of the prisoners, and all that has been written about POW camps, never mentions this place. I knew where it was and a woman in Tipton, Indiana lived next to the POW camp." -- mary Lontz - Email: mblontz@dejazzd.com
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Fly the Flag 9/11/07

"My flag here at home will be out this week and next. I put it out yesterday and it's out today. Next week is our annual celebration (here in Perry, Oklahoma) of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of September 16, 1893 and we expect thousands of extra people in town (especially for the BIG parade and celebration on Saturday 9/15). My ex-wife has already arrived from her home in Dodge City, Kansas (is staying with my oldest son, Kevin and his family) and my youngest son, Scot, is flying in from his home in Phoenix, Arizona. My antique mall flies the flag daily." -- Roy
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Oklahoma History & Family Genealogy Site

Link to Oklahoma History & Family Genealogy. Here is a link sent in by Roy for those inerested in Oklahoma history and family genealogy. Oklahoma History & Genealogy
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1893 - Alva Building & Loan Assoc.

On the first week or so of January, 1893 the Alva Building and Loan Association met in the Alva State Bank on Wednesday evening, January 10th, 1893, and the following officers were elected: W. W. Murphy, president; W. S. Fallis, treasurer; H. A. Noah, secretary; P. R. Smith, attorney. The captial t=stock will be $125,000 -- 1250 shares of $100 each. A charter will be applied for immediately. We are glad to note the formation of such an association, and the originators of this enterprise are experienced and substantial business men."
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1893 - O. T. Guidelines For Homesteaders

The 1893 The Alva Pioneer also had these guidelines for homesteaders:
This 1893 news article came from The Alva Pioneer, dated September 22, 1893, Alva, M County, O.T., with the following guidelines for entries, fillings, contests, appeals, etc... for the settlers making the '93 Cherokee Strip Run.

The qualified homesteader acquires a right to enter public lands in two ways. First, by actual settlement upon the land; second, by appearing in person at the United States land office in the district in which the land is situated and presenting his application for the land together with the proper affidavits and fees. When the right to enter has been acquired by settlement, the entry must be made in person before the expiration of ninety days from the date of settlement.

After filing the claimant is allowed six months in which to establish a permanent residence upon the land. By permanent residence is meant actual bona fide residence; he must reside upon and cultivate the land in accordance with the law for a term of five years. Occasional visits to the land once in six months, or oftener is not residence. The homestead party must actually inhabit the land and make it the home of himself and family, as well as cultivate it. Five years residence is necessary before final proof can be made, and final proof must be made within seven years from date of entry.

Leave of Absence
There are two laws providing for leaves of absence from lands (after entry) which provides generally for cases of destruction or failure of crops, sickness, or other "unavoidable casualties" rendering the settler unable to support himself or persons dependent on him, upon the land.

Extension of Time
Homestead settlers may have the time in which they are required to make settlement extended for a period not exceeding twelve months where climatic causes render it impossible for him to commence residence within six months.

Contents
The fees required to initiate a contest is two dollars. This is the entry and docket fee of the register and receiver o the land office. Personal service is required in cases where it is possible to obtain same; or notice may be given by publication in a newspaper published in the county where the land is situated. The register and receiver will set a day and hour for hearing testimony, and on the day set, the parties must be present with their witnesses. Before testimony is offered, the register and receiver will demand a deposit of a sum of money sufficient to cover the costs of reducing the same to writing, and they may demand another deposit when first is exhausted. Ordinarily a sum of from eight to ten dollars will cover all the fees connected with a contest.

Appeals
After the decision of the register and receiver has been rendered, an appeal may be made to the commissioner of the General Land Office, and from him to the Secretary of the Interior, who may remand the case, or take final action. No fees are required in making an appeal.
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1893 - Pioneer Citizens

This 1893 news article came from The Alva Pioneer, dated September 22, 1893, Alva, M County, O.T., had these pioneer tidbits concerning citizens of "M" county and Alva, O. T. (Oklahoma Territory).

* "Dr. Karr of medicine Lodge, is putting in a stock of drugs in the Jobes & French building, southeast corner of the square."
* "J. E. Fenn moved his grocery and restaurant out of the big tent into the new large store house east of the land office, and is getting things fixed up very neatly."
* "Messrs. duncan & Havaland, surveyors, have gone about 40 miles southeast of town to do some surveying this week."
* "Carloads after carload of freight are passing through to Santa Fe towns in the Strip. There are now 60 cars on the switch at Alva and as many more at Woodward. -- Wellington Standard."
* "C. E. Rogers and David Walborn of Harper, Ks, came in on Wednesday's train, and Mr. Rogers says he will immediately contract for the erection of two dwelling houses in Alva."
* "As sunflowers star up in this locality as soon as the sod is turned, why not call Alva the Sunflower City of the Strip."
* "A flock of prairie schooners passes through town nearly every day headed west, the occupants looking for homesteads."
* "J. A. Stine, of Amarillo, Tex., southwestern agent for the Pabst Brewing Co., who was looking after the business here, went home last Friday."
* "Roberts & Roberts moved into their new building the first of the week. A nice stock of groceries and a beautiful room are the chief attractions."
* "Mrs. J. J. Todd, of Kingman, visited her husband here the first of the week. Mr. Todd has bought property here and will probably move his family here soon."
* "E. H. Nixon this week purchased Judge Stevens' lot in Alva, paying $12 for it. He went to Alva Wednesday to make arrangements for the erection of a business house on the lot. -- Medicine Lodge Cresset."
* "Gloyd Bros., lumber dealers, of Prat and St. John, Ks., are putting in a lumber yard on the south side of west Main street, half a block from the northwest corner square. They have a neat office building, and are receiving lumber rapidly."
* "Every settler who has the corners of his claim established should plow ten or fifteen furrows around it. Such work would serve a double purpose -- prevent fire from burning off the grass and prepare the soil on the lines to receive trees next spring."
* "Henry Nichols, who resides on a claim on the Eagle Chief, was the first man to bring eggs to market in Alva. He took his chickens with him, and on Tuesday following the opening came to market with several dozen eggs."
* "Occasionally a visitor in Alva makes a great roar about the water being unhealthy. The fact is, the water is as good as the average found anywhere, and within a short distance of town there are inexhaustible springs of as pure water as ever flowed out of the earth, and in a year from now it will be supplied to the people through water works."
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The Spirit of Northwestern

The following "Spirit of Northwestern" was taken from the 1937 The Ranger Annual, Northwestern State Teachers' College as written by Ed Aud.

"The opening of the Cherokee Strip within a few hours populated a great prairie land with a courageous, determined people.

Northwestern State Teachers College is a true product of these hardy pioneers. A bill creating the school was signed by Third Territorial Governor William C. Renfrow, about midnight on March 12, 1897. James E. Ament, an Illinois educator, was appointed president.

The cornerstone for the first building, Administration, was laid on July 1, 1898. Plans for this building were drawn up by Joseph Foucart, a native Frenchman. Its general outline was that of an old Norman Castle. In Architectural design and superior workmanship, it was in advance of any other school building in the Southwest. In June, 1906, a bill was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt appropriating $50,000.00 for the erection of a Science Hall. In 1918 a palatial president's home was erected on the campus at a cost of approximately $15,000.00.

A $50,000.00 gymnasium was built in 1919. The seating capacity of the gymnasium is about fifteen hundred. In 1923 Herod Hall Auditorium, a large structure costing $100,000.00 was erected. This building also contains nine classrooms.

Northwestern was one of the most modern teachers colleges in the Southwest until the destruction of the historic old Administration building by fire on March 1, 1935. This was an irreparable loss in eyes of the old settlers, but the fighting spirit of Oklahoma's citizens asserted itself and immediate action was taken to secure its replacement. A total of $545,000.00 was obtained for the erection of Horace Mann Hall and mammoth Jesse Dunn Hall, named in honor of one of northwestern Oklahoma's early settlers.

Northwestern stands to-day as a monument to the progressive spirit of Oklahoma's early settlers.
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What A Statue! Perryan Creates Larger-Than-Life Billy Sims Tribute

This news article appeared in the Perry Daily Journal, Wednesday, September 12, 2007, headlines: "What A Statue! Perryan Creates Larger-Than-Life Billy Sims Tribute" - written by Hailey R. Branson, Correspondent.

This 9-foot, 6-inch heroic size statue of the 1978 Heisman Trophy winner, Billy Sims, was unveiled east of Gaylord Memorial Stadium hours before the kick-off, Saturday (Sept. 1, 2007) at OU's first home football game. And... a Perryan, Jim Franklin, was responsible for sculpting the statue. Franklin is an award winning sculptor with a studio on the south side of the square, in Perry, Oklahoma.

Sims' statue was the third of a planned four to be dedicated in OU's Heisman Park. Statues of 1952 Heisman winner Billy Vessels and 1969 winner Steve Owens were dedicated in 2005 and 2006, respectively. A statue of 2003 Heisman winner Jason White was dedicated Saturday, September 8, 2007. -- news clipping sent in by Roy K.
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