Volume 15 , Issue 9

The Negro In the early life of Oklahoma

It was during the Run 1889 that we find the negro life during pre-statehood of Oklahoma Territory where many negroes among those who were anxious to secure homes in the new territory of Oklahoma.

They came with determination and many were successful. some of those were John Lilliard, Robert Larkin, John Barber, Emmitt Cooper, John Woodard, Robert Garnegay, F. Smith, Harrison Blackfost, Isaac Samuels. Many made the 1889 run on foot, and built rude homes, log huts, dug-outs of poles and began life anew.

The Run 1891

It was the opening of the Iowa, Sac and Fox and Pottawatomie reservations, sept. 22, 1891, that we find numbers of negroes on the line in an attempt to gain homes for themselves. They were ready at the signal to go, as they rushed madly, in wagons, horseback, and on foot. Many were women in the race and were successful.

Some of those making successful runs were John G. Key, Jake Johnson, John Scott, John G. Scott, Mark Weddinton, Emanuel Moore, Harry Hunter, Tom Wilbourne, Geo. Wilbourne, Tom Clopton, Sr., Joseph Taylor, Albert Clayton, and H. C. (Parson) Clark, S. K. Smith.

There is an interesting story told of Parson Clark, who was fairly well educated and, an extensive reader. somehow he over heard the whites talking of their plans for filing and learned that instead of using rags or other things to identify the land on which they filed, that they were to use US flags. When these flags were seen, no one molested the area, for it was understood that it belonged to a white settler. Parson Clark, somehow got one of these flags and when he made the run staked a claim on a rich bottom farm, northwest of Luther. He stuck up his flag and then hid himself. Thus he was able to hold his claim without the least bit of trouble.

These negro pioneers went to work to make homes for their families. Many wives worked in Guthrie as domestic help in order to help to supply family needs.

It was the shacks, dugouts, sod houses, etc., with dirt floors, that served as their first homes. The food was coarse, often scarce, crude furniture. Those who were lucky enough o secure work were often paid in food.

The first school in this area was organized in 1894 and taught in a log house on NE4 of Sec. 5, Twp. 14, R 1E, by Mrs. John B. Key whose husband had filed on a claim in Sec. 6. later a school site was located on the Albert Clayton farm, Dist. 72 and in 1939 it was known as clayton school. They thought nothing of walking to Guthrie for food and supplies.

Kickapoo Reservation Opened

It was just before the opening of the Kickapoo reservation that a colony of people migrated to Oklahoma Territory from Kentucky. Heading the colony were D. W. Anderson, who bought a homesteader out and purchased other farms. prof. Carlyle, graduate from Talledega, farmer, preacher and ex-teacher of Alabama and Texas and Re. H. H. Martin, graduate of Biddle University. There were 82 in this colony, and they chartered 2 freight cars, and one passenger car.

many made the run and were successful in securing good farms. among them was Miss Lulu Anderson. Others who secured homes early were T. J. Grayham, R. M. Campbell, Milton Lee, Pete Foster, Jess Rogers and Will Collins.

they settled west of Luther and one of them, Rev. Martin, founded the Douglas community. Some of them had money and were able to get along fairly well. Their homes were crude affairs, but they were home to the owners. They often made trips to Oklahoma City for supplies, afoot, in wagons and horseback.

Tom Traylor was the first post master with Miss Lulu Anderson assistant, followed by John Smith with W. H. Anderson assistant. T. J. Grayham, assisted by his wife was the last to hold this job, holding it until the post office was discontinued.

Pete Foster was employed to take the mail to Oklahoma City twice each week. His salary was to be two-thirds of the salary paid the postmaster. On receiving his pay at the end of six months, the postmaster received two dollars and the mail carrier received four dollars.

Civil War Veterans Migrating to Oklahoma Territory Lited among the soldiers who had seen actual service in the civil War, and were proud of the type of service they rendered were Isaac Samuels, Robert Larkin, Alexander Payne, Emanuel Moore, Frank Meyers, Thomas Franklin, William Hoggin, J. G. Greanhoward and Silas Norman.

Business and Professional World

The first medical doctor in the town of Luther, was Dr. J. T. Jeter, who gave unstinted service in the building program. He was rated as the best doctor and served all races. After he moved to Okalhoma city, both white and colored continued to use him in preference to other physicians.

As merchants, John B. Key operated one of the best general stores int he town and contributed largely to all elevating activities. Mr. Key later moved to the oil town of Okmulgee and was succeeded in business by his brother W. S. Key, who continued the fine services of his brother more than a score of years.

Another main street merchant was O. H. Perry, who successfully operated a grocery store several years.

Luther was not without its hotels, for Clarence StClair of Montana and Marshall Steiger of Omaha, Nebraska, built and operated a hotel that was a credit to the town, and served as the home of many pioneer families.

Among the first barbers and soft drink stand operators of Luther were John F. Moore, John Kelley and L. J. Gilbert.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

---