Volume 7 , Issue 31

Doolin, Black & Yeager Gangs & Anti-Horsethief Assoc. ...

"I'd be happy to get your e-mail and subscribe to your letter. I just chanced to find you while researching the Bill Doolin Gang and some others, Black and Yeager among them. Two of my family were part of the Anti-Horsethief Association that were used as possemen to bring Black and Yeager in. They were unsucessful on the first try, and were involved in a pitched battle while the posse was trying to find cover on a bald knob in the gypsum hills near Enid (Oklahoma).

My great Uncle, who shall remain nameless, was not able to afford western boots, so he borrowed his wife's high heels (I'm not lying). During the gunfight he and another man who were both trying to hide behind a small rock on the hillside were unable to get completely behind the rock. My ancestors foot stuck out and the banditos were taking potshots at it. At least one shot took effect and the heel of one shoe was shot off. Luckily, or due to good marksmanship, my ancestor wasn't injured except for a bruise. But he was almighty upset because, What was he gonna tell his wife about how her good shoes got ruined?

My great-grandparent were in the Stampede in 93'. They staked some good black bottomland, but when they made the run, there was a squatter setting on it. He'd jumped the gun and so my grandparents took a place down between Fairview and Longdale in that old red dirt country. They fought their whole life trying to make a go of that land. Then my grandparents did the same right down the road from the old original homestead. Drought and poor soil and no crop rotation took it's toll and finally most of the family died or quit farming. I still have a cousin or two who are working at it, but like most, they are raising cattle or doing custom harvesting.

Last time I was in Oklahoma, I drove out past the old place. The man who owns it now lives elsewhere. There is a big oil pump where the house used to be.

My Oklahoma families are the BAUMs, GREENs, WINTERs, and LEEs. Most of them found greener pastures further north.

Oh! By the way... the Old Cedar Springs Church that you mentioned is where my mother and father were married. The preacher at the time was Sister Felder, a lady of the cloth. Mom and Dad attended the church there for many years. I have been there a few times long ago. My mother's family lived in Fairview. Her dad was the local Chiropractor, Dr. E.K. KUSCH. Most of the family can be found in trhe Major County Centennial history book. I guess they helped me figure out who I am. Like them, I'm just a plain old American with some kinks and oddities. I love my country and I'm pretty proud of my family. You won't find them on Wall Street. They didn't do anything of great importance. They lived and worked, loved God, raised families and died believeing that they lived in the greatest land in the world. I guess I do too.

You have my permission to print my story if you want to. If it's alright with you, I may send more from time to time. I write and it's good practice. It's fun also." -- Lauren - EMAIL: eikenbaum@hotmail.com

[EDITORS NOTE: Check out The OkieLegacy, Vol. 6, Iss. 21]   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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