Fannie L. Eisele’s book, “A History of Covington, Garfield County, Oklahoma, and Surrounding Territory,” is a folksy chronicle of the pioneering era in southeastern Garfield County following the opening of the Cherokee Strip. Published in 1952 by Newel A. Ellis, this 214-page volume documents the transformation of untamed prairie claims into flourishing farms and the lives of the settlers who cultivated the land. Growing up just west of what is now the town of Covington, Eisele’s personal history and connection to the land add depth to her account. Her work not only chronicles the development of Covington but also aims to include the surrounding townships of Wood, Otter, Reed, and Marshall, each contributing to the broader history of the Cherokee Strip and Oklahoma.
Drawing from her childhood memories and extensive research, Eisele provides a vivid portrayal of the experiences and contributions of these early settlers and their descendants. Despite some damaged and unnumbered pages, the sequence and narrative remain intact, preserving the rich history of Covington and its surrounding areas for future generations.
Eisele’s narrative captures the practical and often harsh realities faced by the pioneers as they established their homes and communities. The book also highlights the joy and discoveries experienced by the children of that time, whose memories have endured more vividly than those of their parents. Eisele, herself a child of pioneers, shares these recollections, ensuring that the history of these early settlers is recorded and remembered.
As the Old Settlers of southeastern Garfield County gather for their annual September reunions, the book serves as a testament to their enduring legacy. The younger generations, descendants of these pioneer families, have continued the transformation of the region, turning it from an expansive plain into a productive and thriving area.
Growing up just west of what is now the town of Covington, Eisele’s personal history and connection to the land add depth to her account. Her work not only chronicles the development of Covington but also aims to include the surrounding townships of Wood, Otter, Reed, and Marshall, each contributing to the broader history of the Cherokee Strip and Oklahoma.
In her preface, Eisele acknowledges the challenges and hardships faced by the pioneers and expresses her hope that her account will be both accurate and engaging. The publisher’s note highlights the book’s role in preserving the local history of the “Okies,” despite minor errors and delays in publication.
“A History of Covington, Garfield County, Oklahoma, and Surrounding Territory” stands as an invaluable resource, capturing the spirit and determination of the pioneers who shaped the region. Through Eisele’s knowledgeable account, the legacy of these early settlers is preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
A History of Covington, Garfield County, Oklahoma, and Surrounding Territory
Index
- Billville, p. 190
- Boy Scouts, p. 127
- Canning Center, p. 127
- Cemeteries, p. 194
- Churches
- Assembly of God, p. 91, 107
- Baptist, p. 92, 95
- Christian, p. 94, 105, 159
- Church of Christ, p. 90
- Gospel Center, p. 93
- Lutheran, p. 80, 86, 88, 158
- Methodist, p. 98, 101, 160
- Nazarene, p. 160
- Oilfield, p. 107
- Our Church, 107
- United Bretheren, p. 76, 103
- Clubs
- Bethel Boosters, p. 117
- Bon Temps, p. 117
- East Side, p. 109
- Evergreen, p. 118
- Fairview, p. 110
- Hopewell, p. 119
- Lotus, p. 118
- Merry matron, p. 114, 119
- P A Q, p. 115
- Pollyana, p. 114
- Pricilla, p. 162
- Quest Study, p. 113
- Rainbow, p. 124
- Rose Unit, p. 110
- Rotary, p. 162
- Sunshine, p. 117
- Thimble, p. 115
- Tri Community, p. 125
- Covington, p. 29
- Country Store & Postoffices, p. 187
- Douglas, p. 175
- Fairmont, p. 167
- Goff, p.
- Hayward, p. 143
- Lodges, p. 71, 72
- Lot Sale, p. 39
- Lucien, p. 185
- Marshall, p. 180
- Mortgages – Deeds, p. 200
- Prices, p. 198
- Red Cross, p. 115
- Schools
- Bryan, p. 193
- Cactus Valley, p. 192
- Convington, p. 141
- Cracker Box, p. 192
- Fager, p. 192
- Fairmont, p. 172
- 4 D, p. 191
- Garber, p. 165
- Green Valley, p 194
- Hayward, p. 147
- Hopewell, p. 192
- Keystone, p. 192
- Paul Valley, p. 192
- Possum Hollow, p. 192
- Potter, p. 191
- Red Star, p. 191
- Riley, p. 192
- Sandusky, p. 192
- Sinclair, p. 134
- Zion, p. 79
- Stringtown, p. 131
- Township Plats, p. 137
- Wheatland, p. 35
Source
Eisele, Fannie L., A History of Covington, Garfield County, Oklahoma, and Surrounding Territory, Covington, Okla. : Newel A. Ellis, 1952.