Kiowa County, Oklahoma, established in 1901 from lands opened by the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation allotment, lies in the southwestern part of the state and was originally part of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribal lands under the 1867 Medicine Lodge Treaty. It was organized as part of Oklahoma Territory and named after the Kiowa tribe, one of the area’s original inhabitants. The county seat is Hobart, and early land openings brought the first settlers primarily between 1901 and 1906. Vital records such as births and deaths began being recorded at the state level in 1908, though some earlier records may exist in local repositories. The Washita River flows through the county, which historically influenced settlement patterns and agriculture. The Great Western Cattle Trail crossed the area, and early transportation routes included the Rock Island Railroad. Researchers should consult county courthouse records in Hobart for deeds, probate, and civil court records, which date from county formation.
Kiowa County Oklahoma Pioneers
The following articles contain information about a variety of early pioneering families of Kiowa County, Oklahoma. They come from a variety of published and unpublished sources.
- Marie Bailey Anderson
- Fannie Bramblett’s Letters
- Colonel Lewellen Clay
- Arthur T. Henderson, Merchant
- Dick Holly, Trail Drive
- Frank Lugert
- Mansell Family
- Sauerberg Brothers
- Charley Tannyhill
- Mrs. W. A. Thompson, To Her Children
- Wanzor Family of Mountain View
Kiowa County Oklahoma History
- 1905 Mountain View Tornado
This Mountain View Progress article recounts the devastating cyclone that struck Mountain View, Oklahoma, on November 4, 1905, resulting in seven deaths and numerous injuries. The storm caused extensive destruction, uprooting buildings and machinery, including the local gin where several victims lost their lives. Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos and the community’s quick response in caring for the injured and deceased. The article highlights the tragic loss of J. S. Barkley and his family members, as well as efforts made by neighboring towns to assist in recovery and relief.