Caddo- My Home Town

What's in a name?

I’m going to pause between posts this morning to give you some advice about research. I know many of you are either dabbling in genealogy or would like to, or you long ago fell victim to the obsession like I did. Today’s tip about names may be too simple for some of you, but I ask you, as I do my students, to wait patiently for a few minutes while I help others. LOL And if I’m repeating myself from an earlier post, remember I’m old. I forget these things, and you probably do too.

I have been trying to find someone in the 1900 census. Since the research is part of my new book and I don’t want to use it here, at least not yet, I will use another name for this little exercise, but everything about the research is true.

Sarah Jane Jones appears in the 1920 census as S. Joan Jones. I know it is her because the rest of her information matches and the names of other family members are correct. She is listed on the 1910 census as Jane Jones, again with a correct family member and the other information about her is correct. I know where she lived in 1900 because I found an article in the paper about her as Mrs. A. R.  Jones (husband’s name). I tried to find her in the 1900 census and could not. Could not find her husband because she was a widow! I tried the online version. I tried a paper copy. Then I happened to get lucky and after looking through some family files at the library for the THIRD time, noticed her father’s name on a piece of paper. It was her funeral record, listing her as S.J. Jones. I went back to Ancestry and searched for S. J. Jones and was rewarded with several Sarah Jones listings. One of them was her, and by the way, it was spelled Sarey. Apparently in 1900 she preferred to use her first name, and spelled it with a “twang”!

I pass this on to you as a reminder that names were misspelled and misused in the census. Ancestry is filled with mistakes in transcription. Women often used nicknames like Mollie or Beth instead of Margaret or Elizabeth. Never let a name keep you from finding someone. Try different versions and spellings- James, Janes, Jim, Jin, J. Try first and last and combinations thereof. Try looking for other known family members. Try looking for children and in-laws. Patience and creativity are usually rewarded. Good luck!

First Cemetery

I think it is important for us to remember that nothing in Caddo “just happened”. Everything from the width of the streets to the location of the cemetery was the idea of either an individual or some group of people. A committee laid out the original streets and the locations of the school and parks, and then someone else had to give approval.  Everything we have now is the result of a process of some sort. Sometimes the process was “trial and error” followed by correction…one of the buildings at Buffalo and Main was actually moved farther north in order to widen the street.

The Caddo Herald

January 18, 1876

Caddo Cemetery

The Oddfellows of Caddo are making preparations for enclosing about four aces of ground on the hill east of town for a cemetery. This is something that has long been needed in Caddo; there has never been a proper place secured for this purpose. We hope our citizens will interest themselves in this matter and aid in raising sufficient money to enclose and lay off the ground into lots as we understand it is for the benefit of the public.

The Masonic Lodge and Grange have been invited to take part in the matter and we hope that every man and woman in town will feel that they have an interest in procuring a suitable place for those of us who may be called to render an account of the deeds done in the body to rest securely in, and not be layed in the public highway as is the case now.

“To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphans” are some of the peculiar characteristics of Oddfellowship  and we are pleased to see Caddo Lodge take the initiative in this matter of so much importance to this community.

Murders

The Caddo Star

Tuesday, February 1, 1876

Crimes Calendar

Ed. Star- Will you allow me through the columns of your paper, to draw the attention of the editor of the Vindicator to the following statement of facts:

I do so for the following reasons- Not long since he made the statement that lawlessness does not exist to any great extent in this country, not more than in many of the border States and Territories and as a general thing all is peace, order, and security.

Now I propose to make a statement of the number of murders (to say nothing of minor crimes) which have come to my knowledge commencing no further back than March 1^st, 1873, and then the public can judge for itself of the conditions of society in this part of Oklahoma. I only include points within thirty miles of Caddo. Some of the persons were found in out-of-the-way places and partly decomposed so they could not be recognized.

1^st. A white man killed in Caddo in the Spring of 1873, by the James brothers. They were arrested, gave bail, and fled the country.

2^nd. A white man murdered near Bouton’s ranch in May 1873. No arrest or effort to find the murderer.

3^rd. An old Indian preacher murdered in the timber near Caney station 1873- no arrest or investigation.

4^th. The partially decomposed body of a white man found on Caddo creek. No investigation.

5^th Spivy, murdered by a horse thief, since hung, making five murders near Caddo, Ind. Ter. from March 1873 to December of the same year.

Murdered in 1874

1^st. A negro murdered one half mile north of Caddo by another negro. Murderer sent to Penitentiary for two years and six months.

2^nd. A woman, mixed blood, Indian and negro, murdered one half mile south of Caddo by a negro woman. Murderess sent to Penitentiary to two years and six months.

3^rd. An Indian murdered and placed on the railroad track near Caney Station. No arrest.

4^th. Jack Lafferty, a white man, and citizen of the Choctaw Nation, murdered. Investigated.

5^th. John McGee and son, Indian, murdered. No investigation.

6^th. Indian boy on Blue, murdered found near Nail’s Ford. No investigation.

7^th. Levi Sidney, Cherokee Indian, murdered at a dance. Investigated, but could fix the crime on no one.

8^th. Colbert, Sheriff of Panola co., an Indian, murdered 4^th of July and could not fix the crime on any one on investigation.

9^th. M. Johnson, Indian desperado, murdered near Tishomingo. No investigation.

Pretty good work for one year inside of a circuit of thirty miles.

1875

1^st. An Indian woman accused of being “a witch” murdered by an Indian boy near Blue. Arrested and escaped.

2^nd. Four Indians murdered near Atoka by Indians. No arrests and no investigation.

3^rd. Three negro desperadoes and outlaws. Lynched by unknown parties for stealing and killing cattle.

4^th. Two white men from Missouri, murdered and thrown into a drift to hide the crime. No investigation.

5^th. White man killed by another white man at Dr. Stark’s. Investigation pending.

6^th White boy killed near Carriage Point by a white man and an Indian. No investigation.

7^th. Remains of a white man found between Fort Washita and Tishomingo. No investigation.

8^th. A white man and child killed by four Texas desperadoes and officers know where they are but have not the nerve to arrest them.

9^th. King, the murderer of Mr. Spivy hung. In all 32 murders. Puck-A-Che-Tuck

Besides the cases above named we know of five other murders inside of a circuit of thirty miles within the last year.

Now add opt the above sickening list the innumerable minor crimes which harass, vex, and disrupt society for which there is no law, no punishment on the one side, and no safety or salvation on the other, and then talk about exaggeration.

 

 

 

 

 

Sad, sad news...

There was a fire at Ft. Washita:

http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=13219394

Shooting, 1916

This isn’t really a Caddo story, but it was on the front page of the paper and is very interesting.

The Caddo Herald

March 31, 1916

Woman Shot Sheriff

One of the boldest escapes ever pulled off in the history of Oklahoma occurred this morning when a murderer in the charge of a Texas sheriff on the southbound Katy Limited No. 9, which reaches here at 4:25 o’clock, made his escape near Checotah, Okla.

From the information that could be obtained concerning the matter, the sheriff was from Beaumont, Texas and had been somewhere north after a man by the name J. O. Kendrick, who was wanted in Texas for murder.

The sheriff, whose name is understood to have been W. J. Biles, had captured his man and was on his way home with him on the Katy Limited. He did not have his prisoner handcuffed or shackled in any way and was sitting facing him in the coach.

When the train was about five miles north of Checotah this morning about 1 o’clock, a woman passed down the aisle of the car and when she got just back of the sheriff, placed the muzzle of a pistol in his head and shot. The sheriff was killed instantly, the bullet entering the back of his head just below the ear.

The woman who did the shooting is supposed to have been the prisoner’s wife, and as soon as the sheriff was shot the prisoner took the officer’s gun and he and the woman covered the passengers in the car and also the auditor who they made stop the train. As soon as the train slowed down the man and woman both got off and made for the hills in that section of the country.

The train proceeded to Checotah where the officers were notified and the names of all witnesses in the car at the time of the shooting were taken.

The officers immediately organized a posse and started in pursuit of the two daring criminals and a report was received this afternoon that the posse had surrounded the fugitives and captured the man and woman who were lodged in jail.

 

 

Locals, 1916

There isn’t a lot of background information to comment about today, but I do think it is worth noting that in Caddo’s early days a person could be busy attending something every night of the week. If you pay attention to these locals and other announcements there was certainly plenty to do! Between church and volunteer work, clubs, associations, parties, and events Caddo residents always had a choice of activities to attend.

It is also important for other genealogists to take note of the fact that Mr. Yaple was only here for eight months. That was often the case with people working for the larger companies and railroad or construction work crews. They were here for a couple of years or less, in between the census times, and thus overlooked sometimes by traditional searching methods. That is why local newspapers are such a valuable asset.

 

The Caddo Herald

April 7, 1916

Local News

The fire boys are called to meet Monday night at the city hall to attend to important business. Please be present.

The Presbyterian Aid Society will meet Tuesday afternoon with Mrs. J. H. Franks. All members are urged to be present.

Sam Maytubby, Jr. was here form Durant Sunday. Sam likes to come back home and the people here like to see him, too.

Have some Bronze and White Holland Turkey eggs for sale at $2.00 per setting of 12. Mrs. E. E. Pitchlynn, Box 102, Caddo.

Mrs. Joe Droke returned from Texas last week and left her brother more comfortable but the improvement is only temporary.

Durant Presbyterial (the union of the Ladies Aids and Missionary Societies of the Presbytery) will meet here April 18^th, 9am.

Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Smiser spend last Thursday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Holms and report a most enjoyable day and a fine dinner.

I.J. Draper was here a while Tuesday trading. Mr. Draper reports the Sunday Schools on route 2 and the Bockchito route as in flourishing condition.

One of the biggest and best things of the season is the Style Show at the opera house tonight. You cannot afford to miss it. Lots of style and barrels of fun.

The league is to have an entertainment and election of officers tonight at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pierson. Every league member is especially invited to attend.

The Civic Club is doing a great work for the betterment of the town. Attend their Style Show at the opera house tonight and show your appreciation of what they are doing.

A.C. Chaney was here this week attending to business. He is minister of the Christian Church at Cushing. His family is with him now and is doing a good work. He returned home today.

The Prescription Service at the Corner Drug Store is the very best to be had. If your prescription has our name on it bring it to us to be filled. It is has some other name on it be sure to bring it to us. We fill them right. W. F. Dodd, Prop.

C. O. Yaple, who for the past eight months has been manager for the Caddo Milling Co. left Monday for  Shawnee where he will be employed by the main company. Mr. Yaple is a splendid type of young man and made many friends while be he was here who wish him well wherever he goes.

V. D. Marshall, E. L. Powell, Bob Bell and P. A. Terry returned Tuesday from Tulsa where they had been to attend court, being witnesses in the case against W. R. Sanders. Mr. Marshall reports that Sanders was given six months on a plea of guilty.

We want to buy a few car loads of bois d’arc in sticks or blocks. Most any size or length will answer. See us about this. The Lingo-Leeper Co.

Tuesday night at the home of Mrs. R. L. Pace, Mrs. R. L. Pace and Mrs. J. H. Cossart entertained a large number of invited guests. “Hearts” was the interesting game and between games several piano and reading numbers were rendered by Mrs. Cossart, Mrs. Brewer, Mrs. J. K. Carraway and Miss Blackwell, which were immensely enjoyed. Refreshing refreshments were served.

Convicts to Work Roads

A crew of fifty convicts from the state penitentiary was due to arrive at Colbert yesterday where they will begin work on the roads of Bryan County. They will work north first on the route of the Jefferson Highway coming through Calera, Durant, and Caddo. The work so far as Bryan County is concerned will stop at the county line two miles north of Caddo.

Under the law allowing state prisoners to work the roads, the counties must pay the difference between the cost of the maintenance on the road and in the prison- a small item when it is consider that a great amount of work will be done.

It will not be long before Bryan County will have as fine dirt roads as anybody. After this the cost of macadamizing will not be so much.

 

 

 

Odd Fellows

The Caddo Herald

May 15, 1925

Two Thousand Here for Odd Fellow Jubilee

Two thousand people, Odd Fellows, families and friends, partook of the hospitality of Caddo Friday, it being the occasion of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Order in Oklahoma.

A welcoming program was had at the high school auditorium in the morning with A. N. Leecraft of Durant, the president of the Southeastern District Association, I.O.O. F. presiding. Rev. M. A. Cassidy cordially welcomed the visitors in his inimitable way. This was responded to by Past N. G. Shearer of Tishomingo.

A short session of the grand lodge was held, with Grand Master J. K. Wright presiding.

Adjournment to Lions Park where barbeque lunch had been prepared, for more than twice as many as attended. Being considerate folks, knowing that the town’s capacity for entertainment might be surpassed, many brought lunch baskets filled with good things to eat, and this with the thousand pounds of well cooked barbecue was enjoyed by those present.

Former Governor and Grand Sire J. B. A. Roberson was the first speaker at the grounds immediately after lunch, followed by J. K. Wright, grand master.

Owing to wet grounds the parade was dispensed with.

In the afternoon a session of the Rebekah Assembly was had at the Odd Fellow Hall, with Mrs. Higgins presiding. At the High School Auditorium the District Meet and Grand Lodge was held. At this time about 100 took the Grand Lodge Degree.

At night at the several places the subordinate lodge degrees were conferred by visiting teams.

Visitors were present from all parts of Oklahoma and several from adjoining states. The largest number, however, were from Durant, Hugo, Caney and Atoka. And the Odd Fellows brought their families with tem so that all might enjoy the season of Fellowship and friendship which always goes with Odd Fellows.

Mrs. Harley, widow of the founder of Odd Fellowship in Caddo fifty years ago was present and was introduced to the assembly.

Great strides have been taken in civilization in Oklahoma during the fifty years that Odd Fellowship has been in existence. From raw prairies and primeval forests we have seen the state grow into vast and numberless farms, thriving towns, and cities; and from a few scattered tribes the population has increased to nearly three millions. People familiar with the history of the state also know that the influence of men like Odd Fellows has had much to do with the establishment of this civilization. The ideas of Faith, Love, and Truth as exemplified by this Order has been a vital influence for good to all the people. Oklahoma owes much to these wonderful friendly people who have taught charity and practiced fraternity. Many a stony path has been rendered smooth by their kindly ministrations and many a sad heart has been cheered by their kindness.

Not one thing except the rain occurred to mar the proceedings of the day. Everybody was friendly and everybody was in a good humor. They came to enjoy the day and they enjoyed it.

The town was decorated with flags bearing welcome signs to Odd Fellows with U. S. Flags flying from each store and citizens placed many autos at the disposal of their guests, these cars being marked “I.O.O.F. FREE RIDE” which were used to convey the visitors from one place of meeting to another.

It was late that night when the last visitor departed and those who talked about it expressed themselves as having had a most delightful day and were high in their praises of the townspeople and local lodge who had done so much to make their stay pleasant.

And Caddo was equally glad to have had this noble band of men and women as guests and hopes occasion may again arise when the twain shall meet again.

 

Claude Smith

What can I say, except that I wish more candidates had to print their life story in the paper?

The Caddo Herald

April 14, 1916

Claude Smith for County Attorney

To the voters of Bryan County:

I take this means of announcing to the voters of Bryan County that I am a candidate for the Democratic nomination of County Attorney of Bryan County, subject to the Democratic primary.

In offering myself as a candidate, and in asking for your support and influence in the campaign, I do so with the full knowledge of the fact that the great majority of democratic voters desire and demand some information regarding the personal history and qualifications of any person who seeks to be elected to public office. And in view of that fact I deem it proper at this time for me to give you some information regarding myself and my qualifications for the office of County Attorney.

I am the son of W. T. and Louvina Smith who reside at Caddo, Okla. My father came from Tennessee and my mother was born and raised near old Mayhew, in Choctaw county, near the Bryan county line. My mother’s maiden name was Bohannon. I was born and raised in Bryan County and have lived in this county all of my life. I was born at Jackson, seven miles east of Bennington, on the 26^th day of March, 1891. When I was about one month old my parents moved to Caddo where they have resided ever since. As soon as I was old enough I started to school at Caddo and continued as a pupil of the public school there until I graduated in May, 1908. In September of that year I entered the Academic department of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. I was student of that department of two years and obtained a certificate in the study of Economics and History. In the fall of 1910 I entered the law department of the same University. I was out of school during a part of the year 1911 on account of trouble with my eyes. But I re-entered Washington and Lee in the fall of 1911 and resumed the study of law. I continued to study law there until I graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the spring of 1913. I immediately returned to Caddo and engaged in the practice of law, being admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma in June 1913. I continued the practice at Caddo until September 1914 when I entered the law department of Yale University at New Haven, Connecticut to take post-graduate work in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law. I remained at Yale until January 1915, and in February 1915 I moved to Durant where I engaged in the practice of law and where I have since resided, being at this time a member of the law firm of Smith & Stinson. I am a member of the Presbyterian Church.

If I am elected County Attorney it is my purpose to devote my every energy to the affairs of the office and I promise to perform the duties of a prosecutor fairly, honestly, earnestly, and vigorously, regardless of who a defendant may be or what station in life he may occupy. That is my conception of the duties of County Attorney and I shall do all in my powers to capably and conscientiously carry out those duties impartially without fear or favor.

It is not my purpose to make this campaign on the demerit s or lack of qualifications of my opponent. The people should choose their officers on merit and qualifications and if I am not fitted for the office by reason of my own merits and my own qualifications then I am certainly not fitted for the office because of some demerit or lack of qualification on the part of some other candidate.

I ask that you give my candidacy your carful and thoughtful consideration. I hope to see every voter personally before election day. Your support and influence is earnestly solicited and will be very greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Claude Smith

 

 

 

Cotton Contest

Hard to remember sometimes that cotton was king around here for many years. A combination of weevils and market changes finally resulted in most farmers turning to other crops. Quite sad that Mr. Riddels won this contest just months before his wife’s death.

 

The Caddo Herald

February 26, 1926

Riddels Wins Prize in Cotton Contest

The Durant Chamber of Commerce last Saturday awarded the $500 offered in it cotton contest as follows: Dewey Tarkington of Yarnaby, $300, 3,045 pounds of lint; R. A. Riddels of Caddo, $150, 2,528 pounds; A. L. Cordell of Colbert, $50, 2,537 lint. Colbert missed the first price because two of his six bales measured less than seven-eighths of an inch staple.

The purpose of the contest was to encourage the raising of more cotton on fewer acres, only five acres being used by the contestants.

Only seven farmers out of 62 originally entered finished the contest submitting reports and samples to contest committee.

Only Bryan County farmers could enter the contest. The towns represent by the seven men were Caddo, Colbert, Wade, Yarnaby, Bennington, Utica, and Kemp.

Riddels’ cotton was grown east of town.

New bits, 1926

The Caddo Herald

August 27, 1926

News items

Jones-Wood

At 7:30 o’clock Wednesday morning Rev. C. T. Davis united in marriage Mr. Clifford Jones and Miss Bertie Wood. The young people left by automobile for Sulphur. They will make their home in Madill.

Miss Wood is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wood and has many friends in Caddo. The groom is a business man of Madill and is well thought of by all who know him.

Mrs. Jones will teach in the public schools of Madill this year as she did last year, being an excellent teacher and gifted musician.

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery of Madill were the only witnesses for the wedding except the pastor and his family.

 

Royal Changes Hands

Mr. H. F. Bassett of Antlers has bought the Royal Theatre from E. L. Hunter and will take charge the first of September.

Mr. Hunter has not made his plans known. Mr. Bassett will make some improvement in the theater and will give a good line of pictures to his patrons announcement of which will be made in due time.

Caddo of course regrets to lose Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, but will welcome Mr. Bassett cordially.

 

Baston Smith Hurt

Near Shamrock, Texas, last Friday morning at 2 o’clock Mr. Baston Smith of Caddo was injured in an automobile wreck, having an eye put (?) and receiving several cuts and bruises. He was treated in a Shamrock hospital.

 

Mebane Gin Ready

J. W. Crutchfield is now owner of the Mebane Cotton Seed Co. which has one of the best gins in the state. This gin has eight stands and is in first-class running condition and is now ready for whatever cotton that comes.