Caddo- My Home Town

Mrs. Jim Tom Story Dead

Jim Tom Story was a Confederate veteran, long-time newspaper man, and editor of the Bokchito News. His son Robert was editor of the Bryan County Democrat.

Bokchito News

March 27, 1913

At the hour of 3:20 Saturday morning at the family residence in Bokchito, occurred the death of Mrs. Leonora Story, wife of Col. Jim Tom Story, after an illness of a few days of pneumonia.

Funeral services were held at the family residence Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Hotchkin of Durant, officiating. The remains were shipped to Mineral Wells, Texas, where interment followed.

Deceased was a native of Alabama and at the age of fourteen she was married to Col. Jim Tom Story. They lived in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, the greater part of their married life being spent at Hot Springs, Ark.

From Texas they came to Oklahoma some two or three years ago, living at Sulphur, later at Durant, and thence to Bokchito some nine or ten months ago when Col. Story assumed control of the News.

Deceased had been in poor health for some time. Some eight or ten days ago she was helped to her bed, where she gradually became weaker. Pneumonia set up and it was but only a short time until death came to her.

She was a most devout Christian woman, being a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. Those who knew her best say that no sweeter and nobler character ever graced the earth. She was as the lilies of the valley, as the star in the heavens.

Deceased leaves her husband and six grown children, who are Robert F. Story of Durant, Jim Tom Story of Mineral Wells, Texas, Jasper Story of Phoenix, Arizona, Alex Story of Nebraska, Will Story of Arthur City, Texas, and Miss Hattie Story of Bokchito. 

Money Troubles for Corn Carnival

The Caddo Herald

May 2, 1919

Do We Want the Corn Carnival This Year?

A meeting of the stockholders of the Caddo Corn Carnival was held in the office of John L. Boland Monday afternoon at which time a resolution was passed authorizing the directors to sell the property of the corporation.

This was made necessary by the fact that the Carnival was in debt about $2,000, and enough money could not be realized by assessment of the stock to meet it. It would require about $2,000 more to put the grounds and buildings in shape for use.

So also many of the stockholders have moved away, other are dead, and it might not suit some to stand an assessment, so it was decided to sell.

It may be that another company or association will be organized to buy the property, in which case they will use it for Carnival and Picnic purposes, or it may be sold to individuals for farm purposes.

It depends upon what the people want. If they want to come across with the necessary money to buy the grounds and put them in shape, we can have the Carnival, and frankly this is what The Herald believes Caddo folks will do. The property as it stands is just about worth what the company owes, so the old stock is practically worthless. Stock in the new company could not be hoped for as dividend paying property, for the very nature of the institution is such that no profit is hoped for when the entertainments are put on. It is purely an advertising and pleasure proposition, and Caddo likes to have her friends come to see her. It is good for the town. It is good for the people that they mingle once a year in festive entertainments such as the carnival offers.

The matter is in the hands of the officers and directors of the Carnival for such disposition as they see fit. If you favor having the carnival, see one of them or Mr. Chiles, the president and say how much.

First Christian Church

The picture shown here is an artist's sketch from the newspaper. Surely someone, somewhere, has an actual photo of the building. I'm also having a bit of difficulty finding the story of the dedication of the completed building because several issues of the paper are missing. I'll keep looking!

The Caddo Herald

March 21, 1913

The First Christan Church of Caddo under construction

Too much praise can hardly be bestowed upon the noble, public-spirited citizens whose names are in the charter and on the subscription papers for the erection of the Christian Church displayed in the above picture. "In union there is strength" to do large things for Christ the King. The foundation is finished and paid for; four car loads of brick on the lot paid for and so many kind offers of money and help. It will only be a few weeks till the day will be announced for the Corner Stone Ceremonies. My acquaintance justifies the confidence that five hundred people will join heartily in the splendid enterprise. Again, thanking the donors enrolled and the wide-awake people who offer assistance, and thanking The Herald, particularly, I am, in Christ, W. B. Young, Minster, Caddo, Oklahoma, March 17th, 1913

May 16, 1913

Christian Church Cornerstone Ceremony

At the church lot Sunday afternoon the cornerstone ceremonies of the Christian Church were held, lead by Bro. W. B. Young, who has charge of the building operations.

The program was as follows:

Song

Scripture reading, I Cor. 3:9-11

Song

Prayer

Song

Address by chairman J. L. Campbell

Song

Announcement of articles to be placed in cornerstone, by A.C. Chaney

Address by W. B. Young

Song

Benediction

The ceremonies were attended by a large number or people.

The work on the church building is rapidly progressing, and it is hoped the work will be competed before many weeks. When completed, the building will be a monument to the zeal, enterprise, and faith, not only of the members of the church, but of others who have aided in its building.

Research List

This is a list of the people and things I am currently researching. If you have information, questions, photos, or comments, please contact me.

1. Fedelia Edelen- Listed on the 1910 census as 62, born in KY, widow, residence- Brown, OK.

2. Nicholas Cochnauer- Probate Judge of Blue County, Elder of the Pleasant Hill church (1844).

3. David Cochnauer- Justice of the Peace of Blue County (1858).

4. Eva Irene Dodd- Wife of W.F. Dodd, died June 2, 1954.

5. Construction (1913) and history of the First Christian Church, Caddo.

6. Death of Lizzie Dobbs, 1913.

7. Closing of the Caddo courthouse.

8. More information about the murder of Thomas Craghead (1921).

9. Death of Oscar Moon (1923-26??)

10. Spanish Flu epidemic (1917-18).

WPA and other Caddo News from 1942

The Caddo Herald

Thursday, April 9th, 1942

Liberty- A 9-lb girl came to make her home with Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Springer, Sunday.

Lafe Coulten is experimenting in his garden this spring. He is trying to cross an eggplant with a milk-weed to raise custard pies. (Rufe Bolts)

Caddo Schools Now have WPA Band and Music Worker

Oakley Wixon, who is a student of STC in Durant, is now assigned as WPA music and band director for Caddo and assumed his duties last week. Mr. Wixon is to be at the high school each morning and has assumed charge of the C.H.S. band and Mr. McKinnis, school superintendent, has announced that he will be available to the music students in Caddo during the months of May and June after the close of the regular school term.

Mr. Wixon replaces Mr. J.D. Cunningham, who resigned as a member of the high school faculty in February to join the work of the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Barney Wood Died Wednesday at Fort Smith

Mrs. Lillian Wood, widow of the late Barney Wood, died at the home of her daughter Mrs. John England, Wednesday. The remains were brought to Caddo by Gus Pool, and the funeral will be held in Caddo Friday afternoon.

Mrs. Wood has been in poor health several years. Survivors are two sons, Clifton Wood, of Greenville, Texas; Clovis Wood of Caddo; two daughters, Mrs. John England of Fort Smith, and Mrs. H. F. Bassett of Weeleetka, Okla.

Mrs. Wood was 62 years of age, had lived near Caddo 35 years, and was a member of the Methodist Church.

Jim Steel and Miss Mildred McGraw Wed

At the home of the bride's parents in Caddo last Friday evening, Mr. Jim Steed and Miss Mildred McGraw were united in marriage by Rev. A S. Eggner, former pastor of the Methodist church here.

After the ceremony the newly-weds left for a short honeymoon trip, and arrived home Monday and for the present are at home at the McGraw home.

The groom is the vocational agriculture teacher in Caddo schools, having filled this position three years, and is the son of Mrs. B.M. Steed of Benton, Ark. He is a graduate of A. & M. college at Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. I. McGraw of Caddo, is a graduate of Caddo high school and is now a student in Southeastern, where she will continue her studies.

Rep. W. Parrish to be Baptist Church Speaker

Sunday night at 8:15 Wm. Parrish of Durant, representative from Bryan county and a prominent Baptist layman, will be the guest speaker at the Caddo Baptist church, at which time the members of the boys and girls basketball squads of Caddo high school will be the special guests at the services of the church. A cordial invitation is extended to one and all to attend this service and hear this talented speaker.

Ben Easley Dies Saturday in Denver Hospital

Ben Easley, aged 42, died last Saturday in a veterans' hospital at Denver, Colo. Burial was in the Caddo cemetery Thursday afternoon with Rev. R.L. Hunnicutt, pastor of the Methodist Church, conducting the services.

Deceased is the son of Mrs. Ella Easley and was born and raised in Caddo. He was a veteran of the World War and had been in the hospital for several years prior to his death.

He is survived by his mother and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Vestal of Addington, Okla. and Mrs. Luella Stilwell of Soper, Okla. and one brother, Cullen, at Baltimore.

Court Notes

The Caddo Herald

February 10, 1928

District Court closed a most successful term this week at Durant. Due to the hard work of A.A. McReynolds, the county attorney, and his assistant, W.W. Gates, the criminal docket is about clear.

The case of Mayfield Fannin, Frank Moore, and Roy Tillet, charged with he killing of McBride near Matoy a year ago was tried. Fanning was adjudged guilty and given fie years. The others were found not guilty.

There were many pleas of guilty, so that as a result of the term of court the population of the penitentiary and jail will be increased sixteen.

Notice of pardon application

Notice is hereby given that I, Wood R. Jamerson, have applied to the Governor of the state of Oklahoma for a pardon, and a hearing on said matter has been called for the 20th day of February 1928, in the office of the Pardon and Parole Attorney, State Capitol building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and any person desiring to protest or contest this matter may file their objections with the above designated officer or appear in person on or before the above mentioned date of hearing.  Wood R. Jamerson

Help

I have a little problem to solve this morning. Several people have left comments lately, on older posts, that have contained questions I would be happy to answer. The only problem is that they have failed to leave any way for me to contact them. If you need research, or have a question about Caddo, please use the "email me" link below my photo. My email is maryemaurer@hotmail.com. I'm happy to try to locate ancestors for you, but I need a way to contact you.

Memories of Home

We have a rare treat today! I have received a copy of a letter, written in 1963,  containing the personal memories of Oscar Bloom, youngest brother of Peter Bloom. Their uncle, Peter Hamer was Caddo's first blacksmith. Oscar's folks, Henry and Anna Bloom, moved here in 1881 when Oscar was five months old. Today I'm going to pull out some excerpts about his years as a school boy.

"In 1887 my folks moved into town (from five miles out in the country) and my brother John and I started to school. I was six and John was 9 years old. We lived on the north end of Main Street and the church school was a block west on Buffalo. Main and Buffalo were the center of the business stores. My Uncle's blacksmith shop was about half way from Buffalo and home on Main Street.

The only school we had was the Presbyterian Mission school to the Choctaws. Of course the whites had to pay. There were three churches in town- Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, which was also the schoolhouse. There was a folding door partition in the church to make it into two rooms. The small room near the pulpit was fitted out with small folding school desks used for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. The big room was about twice as big as the first three grades. The big room had folding desks for two students each, for 4th grade up to 9th.

For church service, the folding door partition was opened up and older people had to sit in the large room and the kids in front. The desk top folded down and you could lock your books in the desks. The school was run by a father and daughter. Mr. Knight taught the 1st through 3rd grade and his daughter, Kate, taught 4th to 9th.

Every day after school, John and I had to go into the corn crib and shuck corn to feed the horses after a day's work. That is, remove the shuck from the ear of corn so the horses can bit the kernels off the cob. We also had to get some hay down form the hay loft. On Saturday we had to chop wood for the cooking stove.

After our chores were done, we could go and play until six o'clock, when we had to be in our own yard. We could play in our own yard until bedtime, when it got dark. Remember we had no electric lights.

The father of the family living next door was an ex-confederate soldier. He had 7 children. The three young boys were playmates and we went to school together. Living with them was a bull-blooded  Choctaw Indian boy about my age. His folks owned the house Willis lived in. George Hunter and Homer Willis were pals of mine. We made ourselves bows and arrows and used to go hunting together whenever we had some spare time from school.

When I was ten we moved out on the Manning ranch about a mile out of town. John and I had to walk to town to go to school. Pete and Andrew worked in the blacksmith shop and my Dad sent to Sweden for his nephew, Eric (Holm) to come over. When we were not in school, we had to work on the farm.

After Dad built a new house of our own in 1899 we moved into town but kept the farm. One day our old school teacher, Miss Kate Knight, visited my folks and persuaded my Dad to let John go to Henry Kendall College in Muskogee Indian Territory. When John came home at Christmas, he told me all about college and football. I made up my mind to go the next year. My Dad did not like it much. Mother said that Dad needed me at home. But he said he would not stand in my way. "If you can work your way, go ahead," he said.

Well, I did graduate from the Preparatory Course in two years instead of three. A professor there was a Lake Forest Graduate. They got me a football scholarship to Lake Forest, Ill. I graduated in 1906 and started in Chicago. In 1907 Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory came in as the State of Oklahoma. So you see I never lived in Oklahoma. I was graduated from Lake Forest and was working in Chicago Heights, Ill before it became a state. My home town of Caddo, Indian Territory, was changed to Caddo, Oklahoma five years after I left it." Oscar Bloom

Prisoner of War Camp in Caddo

Caddo High School was a temporary P.O.W. Camp in July of 1943. To read more, go to Stories Too Long.

Caddo Facts- 1926

G.A. Crossett, editor of The Caddo Herald, was always ready to extol her virtues, especially when he had an expanded audience. This was written just before a meeting of the Oklahoma Federation of Women's Clubs.

April 30, 1926

Facts About Caddo

                Caddo is one of the oldest towns in Oklahoma. It was for several years the terminus of the M.K.& T. railway, and wagon shipments were made from Caddo to Bonham, Paris, Sherman, Ft. Sill, and other points in the early 1870’s.

                With the passage of the Curtis bill in 1898, when titles were possible to town property, better buildings began to arise in the place of wooden shacks that composed the town. Now, in 1926 we have a thriving town of 1500 people.

                Caddo has two splendid school buildings, our schools are fully accredited, and are classed as Superior Models. Seven hundred children are enrolled, and the attendance is very good. Twenty-two graduates will leave our high school this May to go into life or into other schools.

                Seven churches provide spiritual nourishment and Christian instruction to our people. They are: Methodist, Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Catholics, Apostolic. These churches reflect credit upon the better natures of our people.

                There are three splendid women’s clubs in Caddo. The Civic- which has a wonderful accomplishment in keeping our City of the Dead, by taking a vital part in our schools, and generally by looking after better civic conditions. The Music Club looks after the aesthetic tastes of the people, so that our town is noted for the quantity and quality of its music. The Woman’s Club has a fine library which furnishes quality books to its members and others at a nominal cost.

                All of these clubs have constructive programs, and in their studies have enlightened themselves beyond the average, and as a result our culture is of the best.

Caddo has one newspaper, established in 1889 and it compares favorably with newspapers in towns of this size.

                In mercantile establishments Caddo is singularly fortunate. The best the markets afford are to be found here, so that necessity for going elsewhere to trade is eliminated.

                With good schools, good churches, good newspaper, and good mercantile establishments, we are fortunately blessed, and then to top it all: we have splendid homes, not just mere houses, but homes where we rear our children, where the beauties of life are taught and realized, where respect for law and deity are evidenced, where the nation is replenished and where God is worshipped.

                This is a tabloid of Caddo. And it is no wonder our people are proud of their town.

                The Herald might, if space permitted, go into some of the history, and much has been made here. In Choctaw days, in days of tribal government, Caddo was the county seat of Blue County, and was an important factor at that time in tribal affairs. After statehood Caddo took her part in the establishment and maintenance of the state.

                The lands about Caddo are very productive, the average yield of cotton being about 8,000 bales per year. In addition, we raise corn, oats, poultry and hay.