Caddo- My Home Town

Every Grave Has a Story

 

Madison Bouton

(Leaders and Leading Men of the Indian Territory, By H. F. O’Beirne, 1891)

The subject of this sketch was born in Roxburgh, New York, in January, 1839. In 1870 he came to the Choctaw Nation, and two years afterward married Christina Folsom, daughter of the late Israel Folsom, by which he became a citizen of the Nation. Mr. Bouton was engaged in stock raising and farming until his death, which happened on September 18, 1885. At five o’clock on that fatal evening, while the deceased was making a contract with one of his renters on the streets of Caddo, Willie Jones, son of the present Treasurer of the Choctaw Nation, stepped up to him and shot him twice, once in the heart and once in the back. No direct cause has ever been traceable to the origin of the trouble between Jones and Bouton, as they were apparently on friendly terms. The deceased had three children- W. J. Bouton, aged fifteen years, Nellie, fourteen, and Annie, eleven years. In 1888 Mrs. Bouton married Mr. H. Bates, a popular and highly respected gentleman of Caddo. They have a handsome residence and entertain with hospitality.

Herman Ten Kate

More from Mr. Ten Kate,

“Travels and Researches in Native North America, 1882-1883…November 9^th, with a sigh of relief, I turned my back on Dallas. Therewith I set out on the last leg of my journey: a visit to several of the civilized nations of the Indian Territory.

The train passes through rolling prairie land, alternating with corn and cotton fields and oak forests, past the little towns of McKinney, Sherman, and Denison and some other little hamlets along the route. Roughly a mile above the last-mentioned place, the train crosses the Red River, which here flows between high banks of whitish limestone and provides a stark but lovely contrast with its red waters emerging from the west and with its forests, resplendent in their autumn garb, along the bank. So we have reached the Indian Territory once more. The variegated magnificent dense forest continues up to a short distance before Caddo, my destination. In its trees, evocative of the centuries, which are entwined by climbing plants, the moist foliage rustles over the tall grass of the abruptly undulating prairie. In Dallas everything was a harbinger of summer: over there a warm sun, which from a fixed, blue sky cast its glow on the green oak trees, here a fine whitish cloud, suspended above the multicolored forests like a diaphanous veil, beckoning toward autumn.

Colbert, Durant, and Armstrong- three stations- are likewise so many tiny, isolated hamlets of log cabins. Around 1:30pm I step off the train in Caddo and have thus reached one of the most important places in the land of the Choctaw Indians."

Transition

I told you a few months ago about the fire in the Methodist Church education building. They have started the process of rebuilding and I thought you might want to see the first step. Sad, but necessary.

Fact, Fiction, and Lies

ethnology: a science that deals with the division of human beings into races and their origin, distribution, relations and characteristics.

People exaggerate, misrepresent, amplify, embellish, misquote, fabricate, misreport, embroider, misinterpret, concoct, and lie. No where is this more evident than in the written word. Talk to a person face to face and there is a limit to what he will tell you because he understands that you might interrupt him, question him, or look him in the eye and just call his bluff. Talk to him on the phone and he has a little more leeway to improve upon his story. Let him write it down, especially in a book, and the limits of his story are bound only by his willingness to go to jail for plagiary or slander. Some lie for fame, some for fortune, others for power. We’ve all seen this backfire in recent times. You may even have the mistaken idea that lying is more prevalent in our time- that our ancestors were decent, honest, law abiding citizens and that history, especially really old history, is fact. Well, guess again. My relentless digging into Caddo’s past has turned up yet another mystery: the Zambo village. Fact? Fiction? or Lie? You be the judge.

In 1876 a book titled “White Conquest” was published by Chatto, and Windus, Piccadilly, London. It was written by William Hepworth Dixon (1821-1879), an English author and traveler. He was only in his twenties when he decided on a life of literature and became published. He wrote on social and prison reform for the London Daily News. He traveled in Spain, Switzerland, the East, Russia and America and went on to become well-known for his travel books and a few works of fiction. However, Wikipedia makes this statement: “Though a diligent student of original authorities, and sometimes successful in throwing fresh light on his subjects, Dixon was not always accurate, and thus laid himself open to criticism;” Indeed. Remember that statement as you read these excerpts from the two chapters he wrote about Caddo…

“Chapter XXVII, A Zambo Village- Caddo, a village in the Choctaw district, thirty-two miles north of Red River, thirty-seven miles south of Limestone Gap, is a Zambo settlement, one of the most singular hamlets in a country full of enthnoligical surprises. A scatter of log-cabins, standing in fenced fields, surrounds a little town, with school and prison, chapel and masonic lodge, main street and market-place, billiard –room and drinking-bar…These people of Caddo are the sight of sights; these cabins in the fields and nearly all these shanties in the town being tenanted by the new race of mixed bloods known to science as Zambos- the offspring of Negro bucks and Indian squaws…Indian blood appears to mix imperfectly with Black…A breed so droll in figure and complexion as the Zambo imps who sprawl and wallow in these ruts is hardly to be matched on earth. Yet these ugly creatures are said to be prolific. Every cabin in Caddo shows a brood of imps; and if the new school of ethnologists are right, they may increase more rapidly than the ordinary Blacks. What sort of mongrels shall we find at Caddo in a hundred years?”

He goes on to compare the Indian culture to the hierarchy found in ant colonies. He talks about the Negro slaves of several tribes. He discusses the lower status of dark races in other countries. I don’t think you have to read much more to understand his attitude.

"Chapter XXIX, In Caddo"- (This chapter opens with a discussion of what it was like for freed slaves, raised in servitude, to cope with suddenly being self-sufficient.) “A life of servitude unfits a man for independent arts. Helpless as a pony or a papoose, the Negro was now cut adrift…To many fugitives from Choctaw lodges and Chickasaw tents, Caddo has become a home. The site on which these outcasts have squatted is a piece of ground abandoned by the Caddoes, a small and wandering tribelet, who in former days whipt these creeks for fish and raked these woods for game. Reduced in numbers, the Caddoes have moved into the Washita region, leaving their ancient hunting fields to the coyotes and wolves. In theory the district lies in Choctaw country, but the Choctaws never occupied this valley, and the coming in of railway men, with teams and tools, induced the nearer families to move their lodges farther back. Caddo, abandoned to the iron horse and liberated slave, became a town. (Here he goes on to talk about Granville McPherson putting out the Oklahoma Star once a week, Granville’s marriage to Lydia Star Hunter, and the fact that he should have “taken himself a squaw” instead.) Caddo, as might be expected from her origin, is radical, not to say revolutionary, in her politics. The Negroes and their Zambo offspring not being Indians, and having no part in the Indian system, the people of Caddo wish to change the whole existing order of things…”

Jump forward with me to the work of Dutch ethnologist, Herman Fredrick Carel Ten Kate who was a scholar and world traveler, son of the painter Herman Ten Kate. Herman, Jr. studied anthropology, earned a PhD in zoology, and also an MD. “The primary aim of Ten Kate's first fieldwork in North America was to get a firsthand and representative impression of aboriginal tribal cultures and their current status under white political and cultural domination.”(Journal of the Southwest, Sept. 2004)

In 1883 he traveled to America, specifically to Caddo, to see the Zambos spoken of in Dixon’s work. However, he says “On closer examination, though, I found that not a single zambo was present in Caddo and that zambos had never even dwelled there. I found only whites, blacks, and Indians numbering 350, who made up the entire population. I had even less luck finding the ‘billiard rooms’ and ‘drinking bars’ of which the aforementioned author speaks. The Indian Territory maintains not a single establishment of this kind.” Mr. Ten Kate stayed with one of the members of the Odd Fellows lodge and mentions meeting: the former riding master of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a deserter from Kassel, a Swiss ex-cavalryman, a pastor, and Mr. Folsom-“a totally civilized Choctaw Indian, whose grandfather was white”. He reports on the circus arriving in town and several hundred Indians arriving from the area to see the circus. Among the crowds he at last saw some Negroes and “occasional zambos”.

I’ll report more on the findings of Mr. Ten Kate and his emergency medical treatment of the circus “doctor” in another post. For now I will leave you with the idea that “history” is not always what it seems. For more examples you might want to read “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong” by James. W. Loewen.

The Wheel

page 85 of

History of the Wheel and Alliance and the Impending Revolution

by W. Scott Morgan 1968

The Wheel in Indian Territory

The first subordinate Wheel was organized by J. H. Bogard, Fannin county Texas, at Bennington, a country church twenty miles east of Caddo, August 2, 1886. Mr. Bogard went into the Territory at the solicitation of A. H. Nuttall and organized two Wheels. Mr. Nuttall was then appointed deputy organizer, and in a few weeks had organized twelve other Wheels. Delegates from these met at Caddo, April 1, 1887, and organized a Territorial Wheel with the following officers: President, A. H. Nuttall, Vice-President, M.M. Impson, Secretary, H. C. Bouton, Treasurer, Wiley Stewart, Chaplain, M. C. Clark. In November 1886, the Blue County Wheel organized and adopted a store in Caddo. The store consisted of a small grocery, the larger houses refusing to have anything to do with the Wheelers. This store, owned by C.A. Hancock, a shrewd young business man in Caddo, was subsequently enlarged and a good stock of dry goods and farming implements added. In the meantime the Wheel continued to prosper. The first annual meeting of the Territorial Wheel was held at Pleasant Hill, July 27, 1887. All the deputy organizers made favorable reports and much important business was transacted. The second annual meeting of the Territorial Wheel met at Kiowa July 25, 1888. About one hundred delegates were present. A. H. Nuttall was re-elected President, Gus C. Schueler, Vice-President, D. S. Ivins, Secretary, W. G. Ward, Treasurer. At a called meeting at Caddo, October 1, 1888,  J. W. B. Lloyd was elected a delegate to the National Wheel at Meridian, Mississippi. The Wheel in Indian Territory deserves great credit for its success.

*To read more about the Agricultural Wheel or the Farmers' Alliance go to Wikipedia.

Caddo High School Fire 1921

Caddo Herald, January 21, 1921

Caddo High School Building Burned

            Last Friday morning at eight o’clock the Caddo High School building burned. Nothing but the walls and iron work was left.

            School began again Monday morning in the Club house, Woodman Hall, and Odd Fellow Hall.

            The fire was first discovered to be under the stage in the auditorium and must have had good headway before discovery for by the time alarm was given and the fire hose got there half the inside of the building was ablaze, and had reached such headway that nothing available could have saved the reminder of the building.

            Some of the teachers and a few pupils had gathered for school, and they succeeded in saving three desks, a few books, the piano and some of the experimental apparatus.

            Many people gathered to see the building, but they could do nothing, the pall of smoke was so dense that there was no penetrating it, so the work of salvage had to be abandoned soon.

            No one was injured.

            A meeting of patrons and school board was called and met in the Woodman Hall, and there offers were received from the Woodmen, The Odd Fellows, the Methodist church, the Christian church, Mr. Boland, Mr. Maddox and Mr. Bass for use of rooms and buildings. This meeting was largely attended and upon consultation it was decided to use the Club House for the fifth grade, the Woodman Hall for the seventh and eight grades, and the Odd Fellow Hall and the McCoy building for the High School; the work was immediately begun to get these rooms in shape, together with making what furniture was necessary.

            It was not then known just what the cost would be for this work; but it was known that the school board had no money available for this contingency, so a subscription list was started to get money to pay for it; some $400 was subscribed there and on the street. Later developments indicate that this cost will be something like $800, because three complete toilets had to be connected with the sewer, six stoves had to be installed, another toilet connect with water, partitions built and black boards made. Two stairways also had to be constructed for fire escape purposes.

            A further loss was that each of the 250 children attending the High School lost from one to five dollars worth of books, but this naturally, was met by each individual parent, a total of something like $1,000.

            The High School building was erected in 1913 at a cost of $30,000 and the equipment cost another $10,000. At today’s building costs it would require better than $80,000 to replace building and equipment.

            There was $30,000 insurance on the building and $1,000 on the equipment, which money with perhaps secured by a bond issue will be used in erecting another building. But the earliest that another building can be hoped for would be the beginning of the next term of school.

            Of course the board and citizenship will lose no time in making provisions for another house, but the present arrangements will have to be used until the close of another term of school.

            Mr. Dodd is chairman of the Patron’s Club, and he appointed a committee consisting of himself, Mr. Crossett, and Mr. Boland to raise the funds immediately needed for putting the rooms in shape, and to oversee their expenditure. Mr. Davison, Mr. Styron, and Mr. Everett Pitchlynn are the members of the school board and each of these men have been very active in getting things ready for school. Mr. Shaw, assisted by Prof. Early and Prof. Hart, especially and all the teachers at the High School have worked incessantly to the end that no break will be suffered by catastrophe, and right well have they done their work. The rooms secured and arranged are nicely equipped now for work. Classrooms, study halls, and necessary equipment have been provided.

            And while there will be something like 200 children housed downtown for school purposes there will be little inconvenience experienced by anyone thereby, for such regulations have been established as to minimize the lack of playgrounds and recreation places. 

            The public spirit manifested by every Caddo citizen in this calamity is very commendable. Nearly everyone approached have contributed liberally toward this fund; all have been willing to help in arranging the buildings- showing a unity of spirit that must be a good thing for the town and for the interests of the school.

            It may be perhaps, that since schools are downtown, that more men may visit the schools and see how things are going. The superintendent and teachers each will welcome your visits. They are doing their best to take care of the children, and have no secrets from the parentage. They seek your aid and guidance.

            In this connection Chairman Dodd announces another meeting of the Patron’s Club at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, at which time there are several matters to be taken up. It is set for Sunday afternoon so that business will not interfere with attendance. It is desired that every parent or citizen who is at all interested in this school be present at that time. Your presence, advice and cooperation is wanted. It is by assembling together of all minds that the best results are obtained. The school board and the school teachers will be there and they want the parents to know of some things.

            So if you are at all interested in your schools, be present Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock. 

            

Current Events

Thought I’d bring you up to date on some happenings around town.

TRAC had their first annual member recruitment meeting last night. It was a lovely dinner meeting at the Rowland’s home. Their house overlooks the prettiest view in three counties! Ten members and eight guests, including Stacy Cramer from the State Chamber office, were present and had a wonderful time visiting and discussing Caddo’s future.

Work is progressing on the Ben Siegel building. It sustained substantial damage when the roof collapsed during the heavy rains.

The Cowboy Depot is still for sale if anyone is interested in a wonderful site for a restaurant. The Caddo Café is also now vacant.

The annual Buffalo Trail BBQ will be August 4 at 11:00am under the downtown pavilion. This event is sponsored by TRAC.

Anyone wishing to participate in Heritage Day should get on the phone. If you are interested in a booth or the parade call 580-380-1202. If you want to sing, or entertain call 580-365-0807 or 580-378-2697. HD will have a new event this year: a chili cook-off. Get those recipes ready!

1899-1900

1899, Caddo Banner

Ads: Tucker and Lawrence Grocery

Smith & Belote variety store

H. B. Counsel, watch repair

Rev. G. H. Worthen

E. G. Lloyd Grocery

Ben Siegel Store

February-

J.C. Hampton is preparing to open a real estate office in Caddo.

Miss Ada Bradley is visiting her sister, Mrs. Henry Richards in Durant.

Dr. Long made a business trip to Armstrong the first of the week.

Married: At the bride’s residence, Caddo Hills, on the 8^th inst. Mr. Alfred Davis and Miss Maggie Winton, Elder J. N. Cooper officiating.

Mrs. Morning Gooding, the mother of Judge Frank Gooding, living three miles north of Colbert, died on the night of the 14^th. Her death was caused by burns received while making a fire in the stove Sunday evening.

Bud Benton was killed by an unknown man who stepped from behind a tree and shot him. Benton was riding home. He was found by Deputy Marshal Wall just before he died.

March-

B. L. Cooper of Caddo Mills, TX has a position in the store of A.C. Pace.

Ladies- Call at W. J. Moon’s. (Mason’s building.)

Edna Green visited her father, Dr. Green.

The Woodmen are arranging for a grand ball and banquet on the 19^th instant. The ball will occur in the opera house and the banquet will be spread to the Nail Hotel. A large crowd will attend and of course they will have a fine time.

April-

The Shakespeare Club will meet at the residence of J. S. Hancock tonight. “As You Like It” is the subject under discussion at this time.

Jan. 1900-

On Monday last week at Smith & Swinney’s parlors, Rev. B. N. Haultman united in marriage M. L. Patterson of Caddo vicinity and Mrs. Grace Drummond of New York. A bit of romance is attached to the affair in that the parties to the rites had conducted their courtship by mail. The bride came here and remained a few days in single blessedness before the knot was tied.

(Does that last one seem to imply that the editor knows something about Mr. Patterson?)

Honor for Huddleston

Caddo Herald- March 5, 1937

Hugh Huddleston is Adopted by Indian Tribe, Ponca City

Ponca City, Okla., Feb. 25- Hugh Huddleston, Caddo, Oklahoma was adopted as an honorary member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians in special tribal ceremonies at a dinner held here this week in connection with Continental Oil Company’s Dealer Guest Week program.

Upon agreement to comply with tribal code, Huddleston was presented with a beautiful, specially designed Shea-Gea-Thea, certificate of honorary membership signed by Horse Chief Eagle, hereditary chief.

This unique honor was conferred upon Caddo Conoco dealer in recognition of the friendly spirit that has existed between the Ponca Tribe and Continental Oil Company ever since the company’s first Oklahoma oil discovery was made on lands of these Indians. His adoption was made upon recommendation of the company.

Menus for the dinner were printed in Ponca Indian language and entertainment was furnished by tribal members, who presented some of their ceremonial dances.

Blog note: I've added two new permanent pages. See links on left. One is for surnames you may be researching. The other is for alumni information.

Big Horses

Caddo Herald, March 5, 1937

(G.A. Crossett, Editor-Owner, Guy G. Crossett, Manager)

Caddo Farmer Buys Purebred Percheron Stallion at Sale

            A total of $8,762 changed hands on February 22 for purebred Percheron draft hoses offered at the first consigned sale of the Oklahoma Purebred Horse and Mule Association at Stillwater, Okla. Eighteen mares averaged $302 each, the top mare selling for $630. 16 stallions brought an average of $207 each. These animals were not in show flesh and most of them had just been brought in from winter pasture.

            Among the buyers present was J. A. Wells of Caddo, who purchased the purebred Percheron stallion, Hileux 213209, consigned to the sale by W. B. House of Nardin, Okla.

            Hileux is a black four year old of double Carnot breeding. His sire, Laddy Boy 191156, is a great grandson of the famous $40,000 Carnot, one of the most colorful stallions in Percheron history, and his dam, Lady 199238, is also a descendant of this famous stallion.  (For a look at Carnot, click on his name, above.)