Oklahoma Genealogy

On May 10, 1905, a devastating tornado struck Snyder, Oklahoma, leaving over a hundred dead and many more injured. The storm obliterated buildings, causing extensive property damage and rendering hundreds homeless. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes, with frantic rescue efforts amid chaos and destruction. The aftermath saw a community rallying for relief, as surrounding towns sent supplies and volunteers. Despite the horror, stories of bravery emerged, highlighting the community’s resilience. A memorial effort began promptly, with a General Relief Committee organizing assistance for the injured and homeless, as Snyder faced the immense challenge of rebuilding.

The following map cutouts come from the 1895 Rand, McNally & Company’s Indexed Atlas of the World. They are specific to the Indian Nation.

In August 1897, the National Keetoowah Convention members expressed strong opposition to the Dawes Commission, which aimed to negotiate new treaties that would change the Cherokees’ land and governance. They demanded that the U.S. respect their existing treaties, arguing that their rights had been violated. During conferences with the commission, full-blooded Cherokees eloquently conveyed their desire to maintain their sovereignty and criticized the imposition of white laws, urging for the preservation of their laws and treaties. The commissioners acknowledged their sentiments but stated that Congress’s decisions were beyond their control, highlighting tensions over tribal rights.

On January 1, 1870, the U.S. Government managed several trust funds for the Indians of Northeastern Oklahoma, including significant sums for the Cherokee and Creek tribes. The text critiques the misconceptions held by Easterners about Native Americans, particularly the portrayal of the Five Tribes. It highlights the disconnect between traditional stereotypes and the contemporary realities of these tribes, emphasizing their modern identity over outdated romanticized images. This underscores a need for greater understanding and respect for the current lives and representations of the members of these tribes.

Kiowa County, Oklahoma, was established in 1901 from lands that were part of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation. Originally home to the Kiowa tribe, the county’s seat is Hobart, and early settlers arrived between 1901 and 1906. Vital records began in 1908, and crucial historical events include the Great Western Cattle Trail and the 1905 Mountain View tornado. Researchers can access county records at the Hobart courthouse, which contain valuable information about early families and significant local history.

Grissom Cemetery is situated near Rocky, Oklahoma, and falls under the management of Kiowa County, responsible for its maintenance. The cemetery contains 55 marked graves and approximately 20 unmarked field markers. Notable burials include the families of Grissom, Bachelor, and Evans, with individuals dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The area serves as a historical site, reflecting the local heritage and ancestry of those interred there.