History - Oklahoma Genealogy

1905 Snyder Oklahoma Tornado

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.

Dawes Commission Negotiations

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.

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.

The Art of Cattle Trailing

Cattle trailing emerged as the primary method for transporting cattle to market in the late 19th century, particularly in Texas. Spanning from 1866 to 1890, this practice allowed cattlemen to market surplus livestock economically, often facing challenges like hostile farmers and quarantines. Notable trails include the Chisholm and Western Trails, which facilitated the movement of millions of Texas cattle northward, especially after the Civil War. Innovators like Joseph G. McCoy established key markets, while contract drovers played a vital role in cattle drives, underscoring the significance of this tradition in American frontier history.

Additional Cherokee Treaties

Eleventh Cherokee Treaty A delegation, soon afterward, explored the Arkansas River country and reported that they had found a suitable tract which was not claimed by any other Indians, and on July 8, 1817, the chiefs, head men and warriors again met Gen. Andrew Jackson and two other United States commissioners at the Cherokee Agency and negotiated their Eleventh Treaty, by the terms of which the Indians ceded a large portion of their rapidly disappearing reservation east of the Mississippi in exchange for an equal number of acres out in the White and Arkansas rivers country. The United States authorities … Read more