Ethel Ray Green, born on November 25, 1892, near Vinita, was the daughter of Joseph and Margarette A. Green. She received her education at the Female Seminary in Tahlequah. On December 23, 1917, she married Grady L. Grimes in McAlester, Oklahoma. They are active members of the Methodist Church, with Grady being a Mason and working as an automobile mechanic.
Martha King, an 85-year-old former slave from McAlester, Oklahoma, recounts her experiences during and after the Civil War. She recalls the day her master declared freedom for his slaves, though many, including herself, chose to stay due to fear and uncertainty. Her family history includes her grandmother’s capture from Africa and her own sale at a young age. King describes her life on the plantation, working with her family and attending church, and reflects on the emotional toll of separation during the war.
Eliza Evans, an 87-year-old former slave from Alabama, recalls her life under Master John Mixon, who owned about 400 slaves. Her grandmother, captured as a child in Africa, was bought by Mixon and treated well, with promises not to separate families. Eliza describes the slaves’ living conditions, their limited freedoms, and the community’s gatherings for church and celebrations. She mentions the hardships, including encounters with Union soldiers during the Civil War, and reveals her reluctance to embrace freedom, holding fond memories of her life as a slave.
Matilda Poe, at 80 years old, reflects on her life as a slave on Isaac Love’s plantation in Indian Territory, where conditions were relatively favorable. The Love family, particularly Isaac, treated the enslaved population well, ensuring they had ample food and limited heavy labor. Despite the cruelty of an overseer, Matilda’s memories include joyful times, religious gatherings, and community. After the war, she recalls gaining her freedom and moving to Texas with her family, expressing a fondness for notable historical figures.
Della Fountain, 69, recounts her childhood experiences and those shared by her parents about slavery. Born after the Civil War in Louisiana, she describes her grandmother’s capture in Africa and her family’s life as enslaved individuals under the care of a benevolent master, John Rogers. Della details their resourcefulness in daily life, celebrating community gatherings, and the bonds formed among families. She also reflects on the challenges after emancipation, asserting that her community adapted well despite hardship. Emancipation Day held special significance for them.
Lizzie Farmer, an 80-year-old woman from McAlester, Oklahoma, shares her experiences of slavery and life on a Texas plantation before the Civil War. Born shortly before the war, she recounts the kindness of her master, John Booker, and her upbringing among his family. Lizzie describes traditional cooking methods, cultural practices, and community celebrations, illustrating the social life of enslaved people. She reflects on her beliefs in luck and dreams, as well as the hardships faced during and after slavery, expressing a profound sense of memory and history.
William Curtis, at 93 years old, recalls his life as a slave on a plantation in Georgia. He reflects on the songs and stories shared among children, and his mother’s skill as a housewoman. Curtis describes the kindness of his Master, who provided well for the enslaved, although overseers could be harsh. He details responsibilities he had as a youth, including caring for horses and errands, and his experiences during the Civil War. After emancipation, Curtis and his family remained on the plantation, navigating the challenges of newfound freedom.
Mary Frances Webb, who lived to age 92 in McAlester, Oklahoma, recalls her grandmother’s experiences as a slave on Baxter West’s farm in Sedalia, Missouri. The Wests were kind to their slaves, providing sufficient food and clothing. Webb’s grandmother worked as a field hand, engaging in various tasks including plowing and weaving. Community ties were strong, with neighbors helping each other in daily chores. After the Civil War, many former slaves, including those who fought alongside their masters, returned to support their former owners in rebuilding their lives.
Roscoe Simmons Cate, born on September 2, 1876, in Tennessee, was an attorney based in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Benton College of Law in 1901 and began his practice in McAlester. From 1908 to 1915, he served as chief clerk to the superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes. Cate specialized in Indian affairs and was active in the Muskogee and Oklahoma Bar Associations. He married Martha Annette Griffin in 1905 and had two children. He is also involved in the Presbyterian Church and Masonic organizations.
Wood Hurt, born on August 16, 1877, in Hazen, Arkansas, is a prominent businessman with significant contributions to the Muskogee Wholesale Grocery Company and other enterprises since 1918. Educated in public schools, he began his career in retail before shifting to furniture and grocery businesses in Oklahoma. Hurt later ventured into wholesale produce and the motor industry. Married to Nellie Robinson, he has three children and actively participates in community organizations, earning a reputation for his progressive ideals and commitment to civic responsibility.
Dr. Robert Lee Mitchell, born in the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, in 1880, practiced medicine in Vinita from 1909 to 1921. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, he later served as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps during World War I, participating in major offensives in France. He was involved in various medical and civic organizations and held positions such as County physician and surgeon in the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Mitchell is recognized for his contributions to the medical field and his community.
This record documents the application for the enrollment of Sallie Colbert as a minor Chickasaw by blood, submitted by Ballinger & Lee. Edmon Colbert testified in December 1910 regarding his family’s Chickasaw status, stating that Sallie was born in October 1905. His wife, Martha Colbert, and midwife, Hallucher Lewis, provided affidavits confirming the birth. Additional affidavits were filed seeking the posthumous enrollment of John Lewis, a full-blood Choctaw, to secure land allotments for his heirs. The case was reviewed by the Department of the Interior, with testimony taken in McAlester, Oklahoma.
This document is a transcript of the 1910 proceedings regarding Peggie Coker’s application for enrollment as a citizen by blood of the Choctaw Nation. The hearing, held in McAlester, Oklahoma, before C. F. Bliss, includes testimony from Peggie Coker and several witnesses regarding her lineage, residency, and prior attempts to gain enrollment. Peggie, daughter of Humphrey McGee (Chickasaw) and Eunice McGee (Choctaw), had been denied enrollment previously. The testimony details her family history, efforts to be recognized, and objections from the Choctaw Nation’s attorneys.
Gilbert and Martha Arpealer sought Chickasaw Nation enrollment for their children, Nicey and Sidney, who had not been included in earlier registrations. Gilbert, a full-blood Chickasaw, and Martha, of mixed Choctaw and Chickasaw descent, were already enrolled. Testimonies in 1910 confirmed the children’s births, with midwives and family members providing affidavits. Despite their eligibility, the case highlights the complexities of tribal enrollment processes, particularly for children born after initial allotments.