Caddo- My Home Town

Weather, 1892

 

Dallas Morning News

April 12, 1892

Caddo, I. T., April 11- The most destructive cyclone prevailed here last night known in the history of the town. About ten dwellings were blown off their blocks, while others were blown to pieces. Some damage done to several storehouses, but the exact amount cannot be ascertained. No one was seriously injured.

 

Omaha World-Herald

April 13, 1892

Blowing Up the Nation

A Cyclone Tears Things Loose in the Indian Territory

Caddo, I.T., April 12- A terrible cyclone passed over this place Sunday night sweeping houses and buildings from their foundations, but luckily no one was killed. Nearly every building in the town was destroyed. Three persons are seriously injured.

 

Albuquerque Morning Democrat

May 17, 1892

High Water in the Indian Territory

Caddo, I. T. May 16- The heaviest rain for years fell last night and all the streams are out of their banks. Several wagon bridges have been washed away and the railroad bridge across the Blue River is so weakened that trains cannot run over it for some hours.

 

This was reported by several Eastern newspapers. The Plain Dealer (OH) also stated: “During the storm lightning struck the Presbyterian Church, demolishing the roof and cupola. The church had just been repaired from the wreck caused by a previous storm.

Transitions

Sometimes keeping up with changes in Caddo businesses was liking watching a game of musical chairs. 

The Dallas Morning News

April 26, 1906

Caddo, I.T., April 25- The Moon Hotel and Opera House, a fine brick structure, will be opened about May 1. This is claimed to be the finest hotel structure in any town of the Territory of twice the size. The cost is about $40,000.

 

The Dallas Morning News

March 15, 1910

Classifieds- Hotel Directory

New management and new name. The Moon Hotel of Caddo, Ok. has changed hands and the name has been changed to the Brick Hotel. Everything first class and up to date. The patronage of the public is solicited. T. G. Bedwell, proprietor

 

The Caddo Herald

May 2, 1913

New Williams Hotel

Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Williams have leased the Brick Hotel building, taking charge Monday, moving their belongings from the Williams Hotel and combining the two into the name of The Williams Hotel.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been in the hotel business in Caddo the past ten years, and have been very successful, giving complete satisfaction to all their customers, who are many.

In taking charge of the new hotel they expect to give the same excellent service that has characterized their hotel in the past. In the new quarters they will have a better plant, more room, and consequently be able to give better service to the people.

Caddo hotel service will now be adequate and a credit to the town for all of which we are duly appreciative.

 

The Caddo Herald

June 11, 1915

H.C. Kuschke has reopened the Williams, or Brick Hotel, calling it the New Royal. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have moved to the Robbins residence on Arkansas Street where they serve meals. Mr. Kuschke and his excellent family come from south Texas and are splendid people, whom Caddo is glad to have as citizens. 

 

Corn Carnival Boosters, 1914

I am amazed by how much effort went into promoting this event each year. In addition to these items, an advertisement about concessions stands ran in the classifieds.

 

The Dallas Morning News

August 6, 1914

(State Press Column)

Caddo Corn Carnival

A catalogue of the Caddo Corn Carnival, from the office of the Caddo (Ok.) Herald, has reached State Press. It is an attractive publication and will doubtless promote the success of the institution in question. The carnival is to be held Aug. 26, 27, 28, 29; and although S. P. probably will be unable to attend, he admits that the likeness of the four queens, as portrayed on page 13, is powerfully magnetic. He can scarcely look at the picture without feeling the pull.

August 12, 1914

Advertising Caddo Corn Carnival

Special to The News, Tishomingo, Ok., Aug. 11- The Caddo Corn Carnival advertisers were in Tishomingo, a hundred strong today. A special train came over the Rock Island via Wapanucka.

 

August 14, 1914

Special to The News, Sherman, Tex., Aug. 12- One hundred Caddo, Ok. Business men, accompanied by a twenty-four-piece band, arrived in Sherman over the Katy at 9 o’clock yesterday morning and spent two hours mingling with Sherman business men. The visitors were met at the depot by a committee of fifty from the Sherman Chamber of Commerce and after a parade over the city were shown the moving pictures of this city in one of the theaters and a lunch was served at the assembly rooms. Sherman manufactured bottled goods and Sherman-made cigars were served the visitors.

 

August 21, 1914

To Visit Caddo Corn Carnival

Special to The News, Denison, Tex., Aug. 20- According to present plans of the Chamber of Commerce, a large delegation will attend the Caddo Corn Carnival on the day of the big parade, Thursday, August 27. The trade extension committee has called a meeting to inaugurate a campaign for the trip, for which a special rate oil be made by the railroads.

August 25, 1914

Caddo Corn Carnival to Begin Tomorrow

Special to the News, Aug. 21- The sixth annual Corn Carnival will begin here the 26^th of this month and lasting four days. Already large crowds are gathering. This is Southeastern Oklahoma’s greatest event. While the crop conditions in this section are short, still there is expected a large attendance.

Trouble on the Train

Durant Weekly News

December 15, 1905

Trouble on Freight Train

Trio of Train Riders Make Rough House in Box Car

 

From Saturday’s Daily- Yesterday as a through freight was pulling south on the Katy between Caney and Caddo, three train riders had a difficulty in a box car in which one man was shot in the leg, the bone being badly shattered by the ball. As soon as the train came to a stop the party who did the shooting went back to the caboose and surrendered to the train crew.

When the train reached Caddo the men were turned over to the officers, who took them back to Atoka.

It appears that the man who did the shooting had money and the other two were trying to hold him up for it. He wouldn’t stand for the game and put a period to the transaction as above stated.

Marriages, 1906

Pre-Statehood Marriages, 1902-1907

Bryan County, Oklahoma

 

The following are just a few of the many marriages listed:

 

1906

December 16- Eugine Dicsus, 24, Blue, to Iva Ward, 17, Blue

Book 2, Page 254, License 1691, R. C. Alexander, M.G.

 

December 17- S. H. Moore, 33, Durant to Rena M.  Labor, 15, Bokchito

Book 2, page 255, License 1693, C. Stubblefield, M.G.

 

December 23- George G. Holliman, 31, Caddo, to Sinda J. Flowers, 21, Caddo

Book 2, Page 256, License 1696, J. O. Wagner, M.G.

 

December 19- George W. Burnfers, 26, Caddo, to Nellie G. Park, 19, Caddo

Book 2, Page 257, License 1697, P.C. Atkins, M.G.

 

April 9-G. W. Stephenson, 34, Caddo, to Mrs. Theo Mugler, 36, Caddo

Book 2, Page 100, License 1383, John D. Wagner, M.G.

 

April 8- C. W. Eslick, 27, Caddo, to Lethis Smith, 26, Caddo

Book 2, Page 100, License 1384, John D. Wagner, M.G.

 

April 8- A. G. White, 20, Nail, to Mary B. Hill, 16, Nail

Book 2, Page 101, License 1385, W. W. Golden, M.G.

 

April 15- T. W. Martin, 23, Bokchito, to Hestora Westmoreland, 17, Bokchito

Book 2, Page 101, License 1386, L. P. Hamilton, I.T.

 

April 8- W. W. Thomas, 23, Boswell, to Aggie Powers, 16, Boswell

Book 2, Page 101, License 1387, J. B. Chapman, M. G.

John F. Donly

Blue County Court

Choctaw Nation

CTN 24, Book 1

January 4, 1875

A bill of complaint was presented by John F. Donly, against himself, for killing one John Lafferty, and demanded a trial for the same.

An order was issued that a special term of the County Court would be held on the 14^th day of January, 1875 for the purpose of examining the several cases on the docket….and the case of John F. Donly.

The case of John F. Donly was called up, the witnesses not appearing, the case was continued until Friday morning.

Friday…no mention of Donly.

Monday morning the court met. The witnesses still not appearing in the case of John F. Donly, the court adjourned until Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock a.m.

Tuesday, the court met pursuant to adjournment in the case of John F. Donly. Court adjourned until Wednesday morning.

Wednesday morning the court met pursuant to adjournment. The witnesses still not appearing, the case was continued until Tuesday morning, the 26^th.

The case of John F. Donly was called up, witnesses all present but one.

The Judge being incompetent to try said case by being related to the parties. The parties having no objection to him, the case was taken up.

A motion was made by the defendant’s attorney, J. P. Folsom that he was willing to proceed to take the evidence of the witnesses present, providing the court would allow him the other witnesses if he thought it necessary, before he would submit the case. The said motion was granted.

The Court proceeded to take the testimony of the witnesses which were present. After the witnesses were heard a few remarks were made by J. P. Folsom. The case was submitted to the court, no decision was rendered.

Case No. 26 Choctaw Nation vs. John Donly was brought to a final hearing before the County Court of Blue County of said Nation. The court being satisfied with the evidence given in the case. The Court does hereby decree and discharge the said John Donly, according to law.

G.W. Thompson, County and Probate Judge

Blue County, Choctaw Nation

 

The Court adjourned until the regular term in February, 1875.

G.W. Gardner, clerk

 

Note: I can’t find any record of the death of John Lafferty…yet.

Lewis Battiest

Court Minutes

Blue County, Choctaw Nation

CTN 25, Vol. II

Page 105

Be it known to all whom these presents concern:

That I, Lewis Battiest, citizen of Blue County, Choctaw Nation, not very well in body, but in good mind, make this as my last will: That I bequeath to my daughter, Ellen Lolin, all of my possessions as follows: eight cows, six yearlings, one three-year-old, two two-year-olds, and horses- one mare, one two-year-old colt, one young colt and one work horse. And hogs- three sows with thirty choats at Ben Moss’s place, one sow with pigs at Alamer’s place. I desire that one market steer was sold to Sam Toli, but never paid for, to be returned and turned over to my daughter. I desire that Sam Toli return the horse he sold Wethers immediately. I desire that Elxil Boland to look after the return of a horse as that was sold without authority of the County.

I bequeath my field with all attachments to Ellen Lolin. I desire to have one horse sold- the proceeds to be used to pay my debts. I owe Alex Christy $3.00, Lyman Mosely $2.00, Elsie Perkins $1.25, George Hale $2.00, Christy $.50, Fulkachi $20.00, and N. A. Iklamea $.25.

I desire Nicolaus Cochnauer to sell the horse and the stall now on prairie near Tanupeahommi place. If there be any funds left over, I desire it be paid to my daughter.

I desire that my desires be carried out, this May 4, 1860. Witness, Lafayette Mosely, Fellitobbi and George Hale.

 

Robert T. Lynch, 1903

Found a couple of new items regarding the Lynch murder. 

The Caddo Herald

January 16, 1903

Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Lynch left Sunday for St. Louis where Mrs. Lynch will enter a sanitarium to be treated.

 

February 13, 1903

R.T. Lynch returned from St. Louis Wednesday. He reports Mrs. Lynch as getting along nicely, and that she will be home in a few weeks. All of which their friends are glad to hear.

Dallas Morning News

August 21, 1903

Killed by Unknown

R.T. Lynch, A Well-Known Barber

Shot to Death Without a Warning

Fires Through Screen Door

Man Doing the Shooting Not Known

Special to the News- Caddo, I. T., Aug. 20- While sitting in his shop at 9:30 tonight playing with a big dog, R. T. Lynch, a barber well known in Texas and here, was shot from behind with a shotgun, eight shot taking effect in his head, killing him instantly. No one was in the shop at the time, but a number of people were in front and barely escaped part of the load.

The person approached from the alley and coming to the rear of the shop, fired through the screen door with two loads of buckshot. Seven took effect in a store directly across the street.

No clew can be obtained as to who committed the deed. Lynch was about 30 years of age and married. He has lived in Caddo Mills, Texas, but originally came from Chronicle, N. C.

 

Charlotte Observer

August 29, 1903

The Silence of Bob Lynch

He is Dead; That’s All

Mysterious Murder in the Indian Territory

“Col. Tom Black, of the police force, is trying to collect money from a dead man,” said Mr. Hazel Gray last night.

“How’s that?
“Well, you see, the colonel sold, last February, eight game roosters to a man named Bob Lynch, who is a native of Lincolnton, but who has been living at Caddo, Indian Territory for several years. Lynch has won fights with those cocks all over the Territory and in New Mexico, but never a word has the colonel heard from him. But I got a letter from Caddo a few days ago that explained Lynch’s recent silence at any rate.” continued Mr. Gray. “He’s dead. One day as he was sitting in his barber chair a man fired two charge of buck-shot into him and killed him instantly. Nobody seems to know who killed Lynch or why he was killed. Lynch’s wife was until a few weeks ago in a hospital in Kansas City.”

 

August 31, 1923

20 Years Ago (1903)

R.T. Lynch was killed last Thursday night. He was sitting in his barber shop and was smoking a cigar when the assailant shot him from the back of his shop, the shots entering his head from the side.

His murderer has never been found to this day.

War Effort

Durant Weekly News

July 6, 1945

One Thousand Dollar Club

Enrollment of 26 more members during the past week brought to 310 Saturday the total membership in the Bryan County War Bond “One Thousand” club, O. R. Salmon, chairman, announced. This means that $310,000 worth of war bonds, (maturity value) have been purchased during the Mighty 7^th War Loan Drive by purchasers of $1,000 bonds.

Mr. Salmon is still working for his original goal of $600,000 and the purchase of a Bryan County B-29 Super Fortress.

T. Miller Davidge, city chairman, made the following statement Saturday:

“The Federal Reserve Banks have issued an order which will extend the 7^th War Loan through this week, so it has been decided to publish another list of $1,000 Club members next Sunday, so you can still get in this club, if you buy this week. We are sure there are persons who have bought bonds of various denominations that aggregate the value of $1,000 during the 7^th War Loan Drive and have not been reported, so if you will tell any member of the War Finance Committee your name will appear on the final list.”

 

Note: the list of club members is very long, so I copied only the Caddo members

J.C. Davidson

R.P. Dickey

Henry F. Bass

Joe McKinnis

Mrs. Helen Loyd Thompson

Luther M. Wood

James N. Broadhead

Miss Mary McIntosh

Mrs. Mollie Markham

C.N. Witherspoon

D.A. Haggerty

1906

Durant Weekly News

March 16, 1906

A subscriber sent Guy Crossett of the Caddo Herald a fine lot of sausage and steak. He thinks now he can pull through till grass rises.

 

Dallas Morning News

May 2, 1906

Conditions at Caddo

Caddo, I. T., May 1- A drizzling rain fell here all day yesterday. It came in good time as the farmers were pretty well up with their work. Corn is about all coming up. Bad weather and too much rain caused some to have to replant. Good stands of oats and corn are reported. Cotton being planted, some is already up. Everybody reports a good garden. The fruit was not injured by late cold spells. Prospects are good for an immense fruit crop.

 

Durant Weekly News

May 10, 1906

…Guy Crossett, secretary-treasurer of the Indian Territory Press Association.

 

Dallas Morning News

June 6, 1906

Caddo, I.T.- The Caddo Public schools will close Friday afternoon. There has been a large attendance. The following teachers have been elected for the ensuing year: Principals L. A. Ellison and George B. Morris, assistants Miss Sarah Huntington, Hattie May Smith, Lucille Rogers, and Mrs. Mollie Gregg. This week is being devoted principally to examinations.

 

Dallas Morning News

June 12, 1906

Durant, I.T.- In the Federal Court today, C. W. Faulkner was found guilty of forging a money order for $19.55 on May 6, 1905 while assistant postmaster as Caddo, I.T. and fined $500.

 

Daily Ardmoreite

July 19, 1906

Wants to be Congressman

Chas. E. McPherren of Caddo, has announced his candidacy for congressional honors from the 4^th district.

Mr. McPherren is a young lawyer of ability and has many friends throughout the Territory. He says, “It is my intention to make a vigorous campaign, managing it myself, and stating my position on all political questions on all “stumps” in the district.