It is a matter of great importance to every one to learn early in life

the difference between monthly or yearly savings and wages; and also the

difference between personal expenses and profitable investments.

When a boy works on the railroad and has to supply all his daily wants,

he knows what his wages are and answers the question quickly, stating

what he receives by the day when he makes a full day's work. But when he

is asked, "What are your monthly savings?" he is bothered and frankly

confesses he cannot tell. Before the end of the second month the wages

of his first month have slowly passed through his hands for personal

expenses and little or nothing has been saved for profitable investment.

When a boy works for a farmer, who receives him into his home, providing

for him a furnished room, fuel, light, boarding and washing, he does not

seem to receive more than half what the other boy receives who works for

the railroad. When he is asked the same question, "What are your monthly

wages and what your monthly savings?" he makes reply by stating the

balance in the farmer's hand as his savings, and that is correct; but he

cannot tell what his wages are, by way of comparison with the other boy.

The first boy at the end of the month has received wages the other boy

his savings, save for his clothing. The latter at the end of the year

has ordinarily saved more than the former, though all the time he may

have imagined he was not receiving sufficient wages, merely because the

monthly allowance of the farmer is commonly called "wages," instead of

by the right name, "monthly savings."

That which the farmer does for his boy, in providing him a home and

helping him to save his earnings, this Industrial Academy is now doing

for every boy, that is received into the membership of the Oak Hill

Family and makes his home there during the summer season.

At the Academy he not only finds steady employment, but is removed from

the places that call for worse than useless daily expenditures; and the

monthly allowance, made by the Superintendent, represents not his wages

but his monthly savings, in the deposit bank of the institution.

When a parent or boy makes the discovery, that the boys who remain at

the Academy during the summer months have more funds to their credit in

the Bank of the institution in the fall of the year, than many of those

who receive a higher daily wage elsewhere, and that they also make the

most rapid progress in their studies, they begin to see the difference

between working for savings and working for wages; and how much better

off is the boy, who takes the training and grows up under the

stimulating and elevating influence of a good educational institution.

INVESTMENTS

A personal expense is an expenditure of money for some article that may

indeed be necessary, as a pair of shoes, but it begins to depreciate in

value as soon as the expenditure has been made. A profitable investment

is an expenditure of money, time or talents, that is expected to

increase in value or yield an income. If a lamb is purchased it will

grow into a sheep and its value is doubled. If an acre of good land is

purchased it is sure to increase in value according to its quality and

location.

The ability to avoid personal expenses and to make profitable

investments is one of the things that determines our good or ill success

in life. The education of a thoughtful, earnest boy or girl is

ordinarily a good and profitable investment, for their value or

usefulness may be increased many times more than that of the lamb or the

acre of land. If they are gratefully responsive to their training no

better investment can be made, than that which has for its object the

intellectual, moral and religious training of our boys and girls.

A christian educational institution is an investment for producing

manhood and character, things that money will not buy. One may invest in

bonds or stocks, and make or lose money; but he who aids in the

production of christian men and women, trained for service, increases

their usefulness and continues to live through their consecrated lives

and achievements.

This institution makes its appeal to the friends who have money and who

would make a profitable investment; and also to the thoughtful boys and

girls, who would greatly increase their value to society, the church and

the world, by obtaining a good education in their youth.

[Illustration: GOING TO SCHOOL]

[Illustration: THE ORCHESTRA--1912]

[Illustration: YOUTHFUL SWEEPERS

Holding and using the broom aright]

[Illustration: OAK HILL--Weimer Photos]

XXXIII

SUMMER NORMALS AND CHAUTAUQUA

"Apt to teach, patient."--Paul

The summer normals were established at the academy in October, 1905, and

were continued during the next two years. Their object was to prepare

candidates for the ministry, under the care of the Presbytery, to serve

also at that time as teachers in the mission, and later in the public

schools; and to afford ambitious young people the opportunity to prepare

for the same work. They were conducted by the superintendent and Bertha

L. Ahrens, the latter serving as instructor in the class room.

At the time they were held, they afforded the only opportunity in the

south part of the Choctaw Nation, for the Freedmen to receive this

training. When the McCurtain county normal was established at Idabel in

1908, they were no longer needed and were discontinued.

Those that attended the normals were as follows:

In 1905, Mary A. Donaldson of Paris, Texas.

In 1906, Mary A. Donaldson and Lilly B. Simms, Paris, Texas; Mrs. W. H.

Carroll and Fidelia Murchison, Garvin, Mary E. Shoals, Grant, and James

G. Shoals, Valliant.

In 1907, Zolo O. Lawson, Shawneetown, Mary E. Shoals, Grant; Delia

Clark, Lehigh; Virginia Wofford and Solomon H. Buchanan, Valliant.

When the first summer normal was held at the academy in 1905, a request

for some lectures or an instructor a part of the time addressed to Hon.

J. Blair Shoenfelt, Indian agent, Muskogee, brought the following

response from John D. Benedict, superintendent of schools.

"The colored citizens of the Choctaw Nation have not been allowed to

participate in the benefit of the school fund of that Nation; hence we

have not been able to establish any schools for colored children in the

Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, until this year. We have now a few

colored schools in both of these Nations. There has never been any

demand for normals or summer institutes for colored teachers in these

two Nations. They will enjoy an appropriation of $100,000 for the

ensuing year, but there are no funds available for normal schools among

them this year." John D. Benedict, Superintendent.

This letter indicates the lapse of provision for the general education

of the Choctaw Freedmen and its renewal during the last years of the

Territorial government.

LICENTIATES

Those that pursued the course of study, provided during these years, for

those that were preparing specially for the ministry, were Noah

Alverson, Griffin, and John Richards, Lukfata. Mr. Richards died at 28

in 1908 and Mr. Alverson was ordained in 1910.

CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY

In April 1911, Riley Flournoy, Sylvester S. Bibbs, Fred McFarland and

Clarence Peete expressed the desire to become ministers of the gospel

and were received under the care of the Presbytery at Eagletown, as

candidates. All were members of the Oak Hill church and school.

THE FIRST CHAUTAUQUA

In 1907, the last year under territorial government, arrangements were

made for a patriotic celebration, in the form of a Chautauqua at the

Academy. The following account of it is from the columns of the Garvin

Graphic:

The Fourth of July meeting by the Freedmen at Oak Hill Academy, near

Valliant, was a real patriotic Chautauqua, the first meeting of the

kind ever held in this part of the Territory, and well worthy of

more than a mere passing note. The preparations for the occasion,

which included a comfortable seat for everyone, were fully completed

before hand. The speakers' stand and the Academy buildings were

tastefully decorated with our beautiful national colors, one large

flag suspended between two of them, being twelve feet long.

"The exercises included three series of addresses, interspersed with

soul-stirring patriotic music by the Oak Hill Glee Club, and the

speakers included several of the most eloquent orators in the south

part of the territory. The occasion afforded ample opportunity for

the free and full discussion of those questions, relating to the

administration of our public affairs, that are now engaging the

attention of the people; and this fact was greatly appreciated both

by the speakers and the people.

"At the forenoon session James R. Crabtree presided with commendable

grace and dignity. The Declaration of Independence was read in a

very entertaining and impressive manner by Miss Malinda Hall, who

has been an efficient helper in the work of the Academy, since its

reopening two years ago. The principal address at this session was

delivered by Rev. Wiley Homer, of Grant, a large, well built man

with a strong voice, who for many years has been a capable and

trusted leader among the Freedmen of this section. Others that

participated were Johnson Shoals, of Valliant, who has been pursuing

a course of study at the Iowa State Agricultural college, Ames,

Iowa, and W. J. Wehunt, one of the prominent business men of

Valliant.

"At the afternoon session Isaac Johnson, a natural born orator,

presided and, both in his address and happy manner of introducing

the speakers, enlivened the occasion with unexpected sallies of

natural mother wit and eloquence. Rev. W. H. Carroll, of Garvin,

one of the instructors of the Academy, discussed in an able manner a

number of questions relating to the educational and church work

among the negroes; and he was followed by Prof. P. A. Parish, of

Idabel, the well-known "Kansas negro," but of full-blood African

descent, who seemed at his best in the discussion of current and

local public questions.

"Rev. Wiley Homer presided at the evening session and the address was

delivered by Rev. Chas. C. Weith, of Ardmore. This address, delivered in

the cool of the evening, marked the climax of interest. In an eloquent

and forceful manner he recalled the events that led to the first

declaration of independence, which was for the freedom of the soul by

Luther in Germany in 1517; traced the growth of this sentiment in other

countries until it found its expression in the Declaration of

Independence for the citizen, by our forefathers in 1776; and pressed

the urgent need of Godliness on the part of every American citizen, in

order to have the highest type of patriot and to insure the permanency

of our civil and religious liberty. This address was a rare treat for

the people of this section.

"Patriotic solos were rendered by Miss Bertha L. Ahrens, organist, Rev.

W. H. Carroll, S. H. Buchanan, Mrs. J. A. Thomas and Miss Hall.

"The barbecue was prepared during the night previous by Charles Bibbs.

"Rev. R. E. Flickinger, the superintendent of the Academy, at the close

of the day's sessions, received hearty congratulations for the excellent

character of the arrangements for the day and was encouraged to provide

for similar patriotic celebrations in the future."

XXXIV

GRACES AND PRAYERS

"In all things, give thanks, pray without ceasing."--Paul.

The following forms of grace and prayer are intended to be suggestive

helps to young people, who have the desire to be ready always to lead in

prayer and conduct family worship, with interest and profit to others.

Bible reading and private prayer prepare for public prayer; but the

latter is rendered much easier, when it is remembered, that it should

consist of expressions of thanksgiving, confession, petition and

intercession. Those that lead should speak loud enough to be easily

heard by everyone, and with an earnestness, that suggests sincerity.

GRACE AT MEALS

BREAKFAST. We thank Thee, our Father, for sweet rest and refreshment

in sleep, thy bountiful supply of our wants and the right use of our

faculties. Give us wisdom this day in the discharge of duty and in

the employment of our time and talents for Jesus' sake. Amen.

DINNER. We thank thee, our Father, that thou dost give to us health

and strength to perform our labors and hast surrounded us with the

blessings and comforts of life. Feed our souls with the bread of

life and enable us to serve thee acceptably for Jesus' sake. Amen.

SUPPER. We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast enabled us to

perform the labors of the day and graciously supplied our wants.

Establish the work of our hands and forgive our sins for Jesus'

sake. Amen.

HELPFUL FORMS OF PRAYER

"Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep;

If I should die before I wake,

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take;

And this I ask for Jesus' sake."

We thank thee, O Lord, for strength of arm to win our daily bread;

for enough on which to live and some to give to those that are

unfed. We thank thee for shelter from the cold and storm, a place

that may be shared with a friend forlorn. We thank thee for thy

wonderful love on us bestowed, that we should now be called the

children of God.

May thy gracious presence go with us this day. Put good thoughts

into our minds and good words into our mouths. Make us strong to do

that which is pleasing in thy sight, by making thy word the guide of

our lives. Bless our friends that are near and dear unto us. May

their lives be found precious in thy sight. Command thy blessing to

rest upon our neighbors and all with whom we associate.

May thy richest spiritual blessing rest upon thy servant, our

pastor, and all the people to whom be ministers; so that the work of

the Lord may prosper in our hands. Bless our children and youth by

writing their names in the Book of life and inclining them to walk

in thy commands.

Forgive our sins, comfort our hearts, strengthen our faith and

enable us to serve Thee acceptably; we ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen.

ANOTHER ONE

We thank thee our Father, for the Bible, thine own blessed word,

that teaches us, what we are to believe concerning Thee, and what

duties Thou requirest of us. Help us to read it with the

understanding heart, that it may prove a lamp to our feet and a

light to our path.

We thank Thee for the voice of conscience, prompting us to do right.

Enable us by Thy grace to do promptly, that which we know to be

right. Help us to remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy unto the

Lord. Help us to set our affection on the "house of the Lord;" and

when we worship Thee, may the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.

Bless our friends and neighbors; all who seek an interest in our

prayers. Forgive our sins and enable us to serve thee acceptably,

for Jesus' sake. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE AGED

Ever blessed and gracious God, our Father, I humbly pray that thou

wilt not cast me off in the time of old age, when my strength

faileth. Preserve unto me the right use of my faculties for my soul

trusteth in Thee. Comfort and strengthen my soul in the day of

weakness that I may attest thy faithfulness in fulfilling all thy

gracious promises.

Thou hast taught me to know mine end and the measure of my days,

that I might apply my heart unto wisdom; and desire to dwell in Thy

presence, where there is fulness of joy; and at thy right hand,

where there are pleasures for evermore.

When the time comes for my inexperienced soul to leave its earthly

temple, send the blessed angels to carry it to the mansions, thou

hast prepared for the redeemed, who put their trust in Thee; and

accord unto me an abundant entrance into the Kingdom of our Lord and

Savior, Jesus Christ. To whom be praise, dominion and glory, now and

forever. Amen.

"How beautiful to be with God!

To lay aside this toil-worn dress,

To wear a crown of righteousness,

And robes of purest white possess;

And sing the sweet redemption song."

--Frances Willard.

XXXV

PRESBYTERIAL MEETINGS AND PICNICS

OAK HILL IN 1905.--NOT A BUCKET.--GOING TO PRESBYTERY.--ENTERTAINMENT

FOR EVERYBODY.

On August 31, 1905, the Presbytery of Kiamichi met at Oak Hill, at a

time when an attack of malaria at his summer home at Fonda, Iowa,

prevented the return of the superintendent. The attendance of visitors

was unusually large. It fell to the lot of Miss Eaton, matron, and Miss

Ahrens to provide for their entertainment. They were ably assisted by

Miss M. A. Hall and Mitchell S. Stewart. They had sixty for dinner on

Friday and Saturday and one hundred and twenty-five on Sabbath.

On this occasion three new members were added to the roll, Jack A.

Thomas was elected and ordained an elder, and Samuel Harris, a deacon.

The meetings of the Presbytery, which are always evangelistic, have now

come to be the most attractive, interesting and profitable meetings held

in their respective communities. As the available churches are few in

number, the meetings are held in each every two or three years. The

coming of the Presbytery is anticipated with a great deal of interest,

and a "big crowd" is the delight of the congregation, receiving and

entertaining it. This is a fact worthy of special note.

NOT AN OAK HILL BUCKET

In the Territorial days, or, rather previous to the allotment of lands

to them individually in 1905, the most attractive meeting, in their

various neighborhoods, was the annual old-time picnic, made interesting

by the presence of a "merry go round" that relieved them of their

nickels, and a platform, where promiscuous dancing was sure to be

continued through most of the night, and be accompanied with

considerable dissipation and immorality.

When the superintendent discovered the nature of these gatherings, he

did not hesitate to declare their dissipating and demoralizing tendency.

He also stated the attitude of the institution in regard to them by

giving utterance to the following sentiment: "Whilst everything at the

academy is available for the betterment of the colored people, there is

not an Oak Hill bucket available for use, at a dissipating and

demoralizing dance in the timber." This sentiment sounded a little harsh

and cruel at first, but it now commands the approval of all the good

students and of those, who are doing most to promote the happiness and

welfare of the young and rising generation. Since the young people have

come to participate, to a greater extent, in the frequent meetings of

the Presbytery and in an annual Sunday school convention, the old time

"dance in the timber", has become a "thing of the past."

EVERYBODY GOES TO PRESBYTERY

The meetings of the Presbytery are sure to be attended by everyone,

living in the vicinity of the meeting, and by as many others as can

manage to "get there." It is unusual for any colored minister and his

elder to be absent from any meeting, no matter how great may be the

difficulties, that have to be overcome in getting there. If the place of

meeting can be easily reached, additional delegates are chosen to

represent the Sunday school, the aid, Endeavor and Women's Missionary

societies.

If these additional delegates get to the meeting, they are duly enrolled

and later are accorded all the time they wish in making their oral

reports of the work they represent. All seem to enjoy making reports and

addresses at Presbytery. Many are animated with the earnest desire to

aid in giving their race an uplift, and the address in Presbytery seems

to be one of the nicest opportunities to do this. This is especially

true of some of those among the older people who cannot read, survivors

of the slavery period who inherited good memories and good voices.

Several of the most eloquent and deeply impressive appeals, it was the

privilege of the author to hear at the academy or Presbytery, were

delivered by those, whose condition of slavery in youth and isolated

location afterward prevented attendance at school. By frequent

participation in religious meetings, where they endeavored to repeat and

enforce Bible truths, to which they had given an attentive ear, caused

them, like some of the famous philosophers in the days of Socrates and

Aristotle, to be held in high esteem as persons of intelligence and

influence in their respective communities. Henry Crittenden, Elijah

Butler, Mrs. Charles Bashears, and Simon Folsom were all good examples

of unlettered, but natural orators, who found their widest sphere of

usefulness in the activities of the church.

GOING TO PRESBYTERY

Those, attending the meetings of the Presbytery, often experienced

serious disappointments on the way and some little inconveniences, when

they got there. Previous to the organization of the church at Garvin in

1905, there were only two churches, Oak Hill and Beaver Dam at Grant,

that were located near the railroad. All the other churches were located

in rural neighborhoods, 8 to 20 miles distant from the nearest station.

The roads to them were merely winding trails through the timber, that

crossed the streams where it was possible to ford them, without any

grading of the banks.

That which we witnessed and partially experienced, in making our first

trip through the timber to a meeting of the Presbytery at Frogville,

about fifteen miles from the station, was characteristic of three other

meetings we attended, at a distance from the railroad.

The delegation, that arrived at the station, consisted of nearly two

dozen and about half of them were women. We arrived at the place the

wagons were to meet us, after walking across the railroad bridge over

the Kiamichi river, a short distance west of the station. When we

arrived there, we found only one wagon of the three, that were expected.

That was a serious but not a stunning disappointment. The luggage was

crowded into the bed of that wagon and it carried also a few of the

older women. The rest of us set out on a good long walk, indulging the

hope other teams would surely meet and relieve us somewhere on the road.

As the hour of noon was approaching, we anticipated our needs on the

way, by having a box of crackers and a slice of cheese put on the wagon.

When we reached a half way place, where there was also a spring of good

water, this lunch was greatly enjoyed. We managed to ride the remainder

of the distance, and at the end of the journey we heard no one complain

the "road am hard to travel."

ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYBODY

The problem of entertainment, always seemed before-hand a rather serious

one for the few families, living near the church in a rural

neighborhood. Their generous hospitality, however, never seemed to be

over taxed, but to have an elasticity, that included a cordial welcome

to every one, and as much of comfort during the night as it was possible

to extend. Many of the younger people on Saturday and Sabbath evenings,

when their number would be greatest, would be grateful when they were

accorded a pillow and blanket for a bed on the floor, or a bench.

The happy, hopeful spirit, manifested by both hosts and guests, in

meeting the responsibilities and unexpected disappointments, that are

sometimes experienced while attending meetings of the Presbytery in the

rural neighborhoods, reminds one of the happy remark of a little six

year old boy, in regard to a sunny visitor, whom he knew had experienced

many trials and had just left their home: "Yes, I like her; she goes

over the bumps as though her heart had rubber tires."

XXXVI

FARMERS INSTITUTES

1905-1912

FOREST CHURCH.--OAK HILL.--SHORT COURSE IN 1912.--ISAAC

JOHNSON.--EMANCIPATION DAY.

"Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble

employment of man."--George Washington.

The first meeting, conducted by the Choctaw Freedmen, it was the

privilege of the author to attend was their annual Farmers Institute,

held in Forest Presbyterian church on Monday, Jan. 1, 1905. Others had

been held in other places during previous years but this was the second

annual meeting in the Forest church, and it was called the county

institute of Fort Towson county. It was their own original method of

endeavoring to make a pleasant and profitable observance of Emancipation

Day.

On this the first historic occasion the meeting was conducted by Johnson

W. Shoals, president, in a very dignified manner. An interesting annual

report was read by the secretary, James G. Shoals, Fidelia Murchison

read an essay on gardening and Elsie Shoals-Arnold, one on making and

marketing butter. The author indulged in a short address and other

addresses were delivered by Simon Folsom, Lee V. Bibbs, Charles Bashears

and Mitchell Stewart. The principal address however, was by Isaac

Johnson, one of their number living along the north bank of Red river,

who had learned the teacher's and speaker's art in Texas.

He seemed to be at his best and discussed good morals, agriculture and

the destiny of the Choctaw Freedmen, with so much native wit and humor,

we felt well repaid for the long, wearisome journey to the place of

meeting.

The meeting consisted of one long session, called a forenoon meeting,

and at its close, it fell to our lot to accept an unexpected invitation

to enjoy an old-time picnic dinner, which was soon spread on the

backless benches in the church. Isaac Johnson was chosen as the new

president and he has continued to serve in that capacity.

The meeting the next year was held in this same place and commencing

Jan. 1, 1907, they began to be held at Oak Hill Academy.

The meeting held at Oak Hill on Jan. 1, 1907, had some features worthy

of special mention. It was the first occasion, when the meeting included

the sessions of two days, or any effort was made to have an exhibit of

the products of the garden and field. McCurtain county, though not yet

organized had been established, and the officers took more pains than

usual, to invite the farmers in all parts of the new county to

participate in its discussions. It was the first time, that an effort

was made to have a special lecturer from the Agricultural college and

the young people at Oak Hill, trained to supply the needs of the

occasion with vocal and instrumental music. It was very gratifying to

note the increased attendance and interest.

For this occasion, Miss Eaton prepared an artistic design, with grains

of corn of different colors, for the center of the decoration over the

speaker's stand, that attracted the attention and called forth the

admiration of all. It consisted of a large tablet having a

representation of a large broadly branching oak tree on the summit of a

little hill, having a canopy of bright stars over it and the words "Oak

Hill" in the form of an arch near its lower branches. Over the tablet

was the word "Welcome" and over the ends of it "Happy New Year."

The entire program had been previously arranged, so that all the

addresses and discussions might form a part of the course of

instruction, in agriculture and animal husbandry to the students. All

the proceedings proved interesting and instructive to them. In

furnishing the vocal and instrumental music, which formed a very

pleasing feature of each session, they were enabled to participate in a

way that was very profitable to them, and entertaining to others.

Among those who participated by addresses, on topics previously

assigned, were Isaac Johnson, James G. Shoals, Rev. W. H. Carroll of

Garvin, Rev. R. E. Flickinger, Adelia Eaton, Malinda A. Hall, Bertha L.

Ahrens, who also served as organist, Solomon Buchanan, who also served

as pianist, John Richards of Lukfata, Noah Alverson of Lehigh, whose

lectures on raising corn and cotton were worthy of special commendation,

Rev. Samuel Gladman of Parsons, Martha Folsom of Grant, R. H. Butler of

Bokchito and Charles Bibbs.

Illness prevented the attendance of W. S. English, director of the state

college.

One of the resolutions adopted was as follows:

"That we note with great pleasure the manifest increase of interest

in this session of the Farmer's Institute, on the part of the

superintendent, teachers and students of Oak Hill Academy and of the

people generally, there being a good local attendance and a larger

representation than ever before of interested farmers and speakers

from other parts of the surrounding country."

At this meeting it was decided the annual membership fee shall be for

men, twenty-five cents; and for women, ten cents.

SECOND OAK HILL INSTITUTE

The closing day of the second observance of Emancipation day by a

two-day Farmer's institute at Oak Hill Academy occurred January 1, 1908.

Among the new speakers were Rev. Wiley Homer of Grant, Rev. William

Butler of Eagletown and Jack A. Thomas. Isaac Johnson and James G.

Shoals served as president and secretary and were again re-elected.

Prof. C. A. McNabb of Guthrie, Secretary of the State Board of

Agriculture, promised two addresses, but failed to arrive. The

resolutions included a memorial to congress for the establishment of

postal savings banks and a parcels post, both of which were established

a few years (1912) later. They also included the following one in regard

to the Mexican boll-weevil that during the previous four years had

nearly ruined the cotton crop.

"In order that we may do something practical in the way of checking the

ravages of the boll-weevil, we encourage every one raising cotton in

this section, to plow up and burn as early as possible each fall, all

the old cotton stalks, which principally furnish their fall and spring

food supply; and as far as possible to avoid planting cotton in the same

ground two years in succession."

The record of these two Farmer's institutes at Oak Hill Academy, and of

three preceding ones at Forest church, by the Choctaw Freedmen during

the period of the Territorial government, is of historic interest, since

these annual institutes preceded any similar meetings, by the other

folks, in that section of the country. This observation is true also of

the three summer normals held at the Academy, during the months of

October in 1905, 1906 and 1907; and of the first Oak Hill Chautauqua,

held July 4, 1907.

SHORT COURSE IN 1912

For 1912 the institute was held on the last half day of a three day

short course in agriculture and animal husbandry conducted by Prof. E.

A. Porter and Mr. R. L. Scott, expert farmers at Hugo; assisted by Prof.

J. W. Reynolds of Muskogee, the superintendent and Rev. W. H. Carroll.

In 1913, when the first opportunity was afforded ministers in California

to attend a short course in agriculture, lasting one week, at the state

university farm, it was attended by five hundred pastors of churches,

representing twenty denominations. This fact, as an expression of the

trend of public sentiment, is noted with a good deal of interest.

ISAAC JOHNSON

Isaac Johnson, (B. 1859) organizer and president of the Farmer's

institute, 1905 to 1912, is a native of Hopkins county, Texas, and in

1865 located near Clarksville. In 1876 he married Anna Wilson of the

Choctaw Nation, who died in 1880. He then went to school in Texas and,

receiving a certificate in 1889, taught school there four years. In

1893, '94 and '95 he taught successively at Forest, Lukfata and

Eagletown, I. T. In 1894 he married Winnie Durant and again located

along Red river, south of Valliant, where he is widely known as one of

the leading farmers and stock raisers.

The people of the community in which he lives, under his leadership, on

January 1, 1897, began to observe Emancipation Day by holding a Farmer's

institute, a kind of social meeting, that afforded an opportunity for a

number of them to make short addresses, on any topic of public or

general interest, and all to participate in the enjoyment of a picnic

dinner. He enjoys the distinction of having served as president of this

organization a number of years before any similar organization was

effected in McCurtain county.

EMANCIPATION DAY

The reasons for the general observance of New Year's day as a legal

holiday seem eminently appropriate, for the attention of the people is

seldom directed to them. There are several good reasons worthy to be

remembered.

It was on January 1, 1863, that President Lincoln issued the memorable

proclamation, that emancipated the slaves in all the states, then at

war against the general government. The number of the persons accorded

freedom was about four millions.

This event, considered from the standpoint of the number of people

affected, was even greater than the Declaration of Independence, for the

latter resulted in the freedom of only a part of the people, and their

number was one million less than the number set free in 1863. In 1790,

when the first census was taken, fourteen years after the Declaration,

the entire population was not quite four millions and of that number

697,624 were left in a state of slavery.

That "all men are created free and equal," is a fundamental principle of

the Declaration, but, for more than four-score years, it was regarded as

true of only a part of the people. It was not realized by the other part

of the people, that was gradually increasing from one to four millions.

For them there was but one law and it was, "Servants obey your masters."

This was the only rule of conduct for the negro. Under it he became

socially "a curiosity." He had no laws or ceremonies regulating

marriage; and if such ties were formed, they were liable to be broken at

any time, by their sale to other and different owners. This rule did

not regulate his moral, economic or political life, for he was not

recognized as a person or citizen, possessing these faculties and

functions. It did not prevent him from worshipping his Creator, but this

was done in an ignorant way, that served more for entertainment and

amusement, than the development of morality and piety.

After the lapse of a half century, he has not yet been wholly

emancipated from these illiterate and low social conditions; but he is

approving and pursuing the better way, as he learns from the Bible,

"what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of

man."

The Emancipation proclamation thus affected the destiny of more persons

than the Declaration of Independence, and it marks the beginning of the

era of universal freedom; when all the people could unite in saying,

America is the "land of the free," as well as the "home of the brave."

It also effected national unity, by completely removing the one great

cause of previous political dissension. It prepared the way for America

to be the home of a happy and united people, knowing no north or south,

east or west. In these great facts of national importance there are

found good reasons for the annual observance of Emancipation day, as a

legal holiday, as well as the anniversary of the Declaration of

Independence.

XXXVII

THE APIARY

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; which gathereth her food in the

harvest; consider her ways and be wise."--Solomon.

The Oak Hill apiary consists of twenty or more colonies, and their

annual yield of comb honey ranges from 300 to 500 pounds. It was started

with two colonies in the summer of 1905. These were obtained by the

superintendent and H. C. Shoals, from two hollow trees in the timber

near Red river, and were what are known as "wild bees." They and their

comb were placed in movable comb Langstroth hives, and the native queens

were soon afterwards replaced by two pretty yellow Italian queens,

obtained by mail from Little Rock. By this means the two colonies of

wild bees, in the fall of the year, had become golden Italians.

A DOUBLE SWARM

On a pretty warm day in March, 1910, when the locust trees in the campus

were in full bloom, two swarms of bees left their hives about the same

time, and both clustered on the low, branching limbs of a small plum

tree. After taking a photo of this unusual sight, Miss Weimer and

Clarence Peete, who is standing behind the tree, each using a tin cup,

gently lifted the bees from the limbs of the tree and placed them in a

hive so arranged, that instead of destroying one of the queens, the bees

naturally separated into two clusters around their respective queens.

On the following morning, the swarm intended for Clarence was lifted out

by him and put in a separate hive. The operations of hiving and

separating the swarms were very successfully performed, without either

of them receiving a single sting, and in the fall both colonies had a

good supply of surplus honey. As an inducement to the young people to

learn to manage bees profitably, a colony was presented to those who

undertook the responsibility of caring for them at the Academy.

[Illustration: THE APIARY

Orchard and Swarm-Sack at left]

[Illustration: STANCHIONS FOR CALVES

Ora feeding them with pleasure and profit]

[Illustration: THE HEN HOUSE; OPEN FRONT, SEMI-MONITOR ROOF]

[Illustration: PIG PEN; MANY CONVENIENCES]

The first frost in the fall of the year indicates the time to remove the

surplus honey from the hives; and to cut a bee-tree merely for its

supply of honey and wax. April and May however, are the months to

transfer colonies from boxes and hollow trees to movable comb hives, so

as to save the "bee."

A MODEL HOG HOUSE

The following description of the hog house is given for the benefit of

students and patrons. It was intended to be a model in the arrangement

of every part and it is yet unsurpassed in the number of its

conveniences. It was built in 1906 and is 24 by 32 feet.

An entry, four feet wide, extends through the length of the building and

the pens, with outlots, are arranged on each side. The drip boards of

the troughs are arranged along each side of this entry making them easy

to fill without wetting the stock or pen. The floors intended for litter

are further protected from dampness, by being elevated one inch from the

rear to a line parallel with the trough, and about two feet from it. The

litter is held on this elevated part of the floor by a guard, 2x4

inches, around its edge. Hanging partitions separate the entry from the

pens. Fat hogs are easily and quickly loaded, by merely lifting the

partitions and driving them through the entry into the open end of a

wagon box, placed at the rear end of the entry.

It has a floor over head for receiving the corn from the field; husking

and sorting it. On this loft there is a bin for storing the good corn

intended for meal, and mouse-proof boxes for preserving seed corn on the

ear until planting time. There are two hatches, one on each side at the

rear for passing the husks for litter to the pens below. At the right

near the front, there is a shute that conveys the corn for the pigs to a

crib at the right in the first apartment below, from which it is taken

at feeding time, by raising a self-closing lid near the floor. In the

corner of this open apartment there is a large box covered with a hinged

lid for ground feed, and a set of steps to the loft. Under the stairs,

there is an elevator and purifying pump, that brings up pure and cool

water from a brick walled cistern, underneath the floor of the building,

and it has never gone dry, when used only for the hogs.

OLD LOG HOUSE

The old log house, which remained until 1910 and in which the school was

founded, was for a half century the largest and best building occupied

by the Choctaws in the south eastern part of their large reservation.

During the period previous to 1860, when it was occupied by Bazeel

Leflore, chief of the Choctaw Nation, its halls and spacious porches

were the favorite places of meetings for the administration of tribal

affairs, social and religious gatherings.

An Indian graveyard was located a few rods from its southeast corner. A

neat little marble monument still marks the grave of Narcissa LeFlore,

wife of the chief Bazeel. She died at forty in 1854. Small marble

tomb-stones, bearing the names of LeFlore and Wilson, mark a half dozen

other graves. One long, unnamed grave is marked by a broad wall of

common rock, three feet high, covered with one large flag stone.

Chief LeFlore, about the year 1860, located at Goodland, where he spent

the remainder of his days. He left the log house to be occupied by John

Wilson his nephew. About twenty years later Wilson left it to his

son-in-law, Frank Locke, its last Choctaw occupant. He soon afterwards

left it to Robin Clark, the Choctaw Freedman, from whom it was obtained

in 1884, for the use of the school.

PAINTING

The pretty and attractive appearance of the premises at Oak Hill was due

to a considerable extent to the good work of the boys that learned to

use the brush in painting and white washing. The following facts are

noted as an aid to them and others.

All the school buildings were painted cream and white. The materials

used were white lead and flaxseed oil, mixed in the proportion of 15 to

20 pounds of lead to a gallon of oil. A gallon of the mixture is

expected to cover 225 square feet of surface with two coats. The cream

tint, a warm color, was obtained by mixing a little chrome yellow (and

burnt sienna) with a pint or more of oil and adding as much of this

mixture as was needed to produce the desired tint.

The red paint, used on the farm buildings and large gates, consisted of

Venetian red, a dry paint, and oil, five to eight pounds of paint to the

gallon of oil. A white trimmer was used on the face boards of the roof,

doors and windows.

The white wash used on the board and pale fences consisted of quick lime

slacked under water and gently stirred during this process. It should be

allowed to stand a day or two before it is used. A pound of salt to the

gallon of quicklime, the salt being first dissolved in water, improves

its wearing quality. A little boiled rice flour improves its

adhesiveness for indoor use.

Skimmed sweet milk, used the day it is mixed, is an inexpensive

substitute for oil in applying Venetian red to old gates. One coat will

make them look right well for one or more seasons. Milk however should

never be used except to brighten up some old work for one or two years,

and each gallon should contain three pounds of Portland cement,

frequently stirred.

SEED CORN IMPROVED

Large yields of corn are secured only by planting seed that has vitality

sufficient to produce a good ear as well as a stock. Careful and

successful farmers raise and endeavor to improve their seed from year to

year. This may be done on a small scale as follows:

Select ten good sized, straight rowed, deep-grained ears. Remove the

tips and butts. Shell each ear separately and plant in separate rows,

marked and numbered from one to ten. As soon as the corn in these rows

begins to tassel go through them every few days and remove the tassel

from every stalk that is not forming an ear; so that the pollen or

tassel dust of the barren stalk may not fall on the silks of the

corn-bearing stalks.

At husking time husk and weigh the yield from each row or ear of seed

separately. Missing hills and barren stocks indicate a low vitality in

the seed-ear and also in the crop. Select the seed for the next year

from the rows that yield the largest crop.

The yield of the cotton crop can be increased two fold by gathering the

seed at picking time from only the best fruited stocks.

HEALTH HINTS. Health means a sound mind in a sound body.

"Know thyself", and remember, that "self-preservation is the first law

of nature."

An open window, day and night, is better than an open grave.

"Warm sleeping rooms have killed more people, than ever froze to death."

"A good iron pump, over a well protected well, costs less than a case of

typhoid."

"Wire screens in the windows may keep crape from the door."

"A fly in the milk often means a member of the family in the grave."

Work when you work and rest outstretched, when you rest.

[Illustration: PLANTING SWEET POTATOES

Carriers, Droppers, and Trowelers]

[Illustration: READY FOR A PULL]

[Illustration: DOUBLE SWARM OF BEES]

[Illustration: OAK HILL 1902, LOOKING NORTHWEST]

[Illustration: OAK HILL, 1903, LOOKING NORTH

M. S. Stewart at left, Mary Stewart at right of Supt.]

Avoid all sins of the flesh. Overeating and eating injurious foods or

drinks are responsible for many ills of body and mind.

He who said, "I am the bread of life," said also, "He that eateth me

shall live by me."

Cherish a cheerful, hopeful spirit by reading at least one promise from

the Bible, for meditation, every day. Learn how to look pleasant, even

when you may be feeling otherwise.

Fix the mind on the virtue to be cultivated rather than on the vice to

be overcome.

If the heart action is sometimes weak, avoid all acts of over-exertion

and sleep on the right side. Avoid snoring, by breathing through the

nose.

Sleep is "nature's sweet restorer." Pure air, pure water and proper

exercise are nature's healthful invigorators. Use them freely.

HEADACHE. Headaches are due to three causes, namely, eye-strain,

indigestion, and exposures to dampness and cold.

To avoid eye-strain, bathe the eyes frequently with cool water, and

avoid using them intently too long, when the light is not good,

especially in the twilight after sun set. To avoid the sick headache eat

slowly and temperately; and drink water frequently both at and between

meals. The ache in the back of the head, caused by exposure to drafts of

air, cold and dampness to the feet, may be relieved by the application

of hot damp cloths to the parts affected, and warming the feet and limbs

until the perspiration is started. Never use dopes or preparations for

headache, pure sparkling water is always much better.

Hot water, sipped frequently, tends to relieve a cough, difficult

breathing and a weak heart action. Pure air, inhaled by frequent daily

deep breathings, and out-door exercise do more for weak lungs than

medicines.

CHILLS. A chill is the protest of the liver or lungs after an exposure

one or more days previous, that was not followed by a proper warming of

the feet, especially in the evening. Sulphate of quinine, a tonic for

the stomach, is a standard remedy for malarial troubles but its use

should always be preceded or accompanied with a tonic for the liver.

SMALLPOX. A mixture consisting of one ounce of cream of tartar, and two

ounces of sulphur flour, should be in every home, to be taken a little

occasionally as an antidote, and kept as an approved remedy for

smallpox.

XXXVIII

THE OAK HILL AID SOCIETY

AND OTHER CONTRIBUTING SOCIETIES AND INDIVIDUALS.

THE OAK HILL AID SOCIETY

On Oct. 30, 1904, during the period of vacancy, ten persons interested

in its continuance met in the Academy and organized an aid society, to

aid the Freedmen's Board in maintaining it. Solomon Buchanan and Samuel

Harris took the lead in calling the meeting. James R. Crabtree served as

chairman and Bertha L. Ahrens as secretary. The others present were

Mitchell S. Stewart, Wilson Clark, S. S. Bibbs, Charles B. Harris and

Mrs. J. A. Thomas. The organization was effected by the election of M.

S. Stewart, president; J. A. Thomas, (absent) secretary; B. L. Ahrens,

treasurer; and Samuel Harris, field secretary:

May 28, 1905, George Shoals was elected president and S. S. Bibbs,

secretary. On June 25th, 1905 a constitution was adopted, in which its

object was stated as follows:

"The aims and object of this society shall be: To help the

Presbyterian Board of Missions for Freedmen; to raise the funds

required to pay for the land on which the buildings are located; to

devise ways and means by which the academy may be directly aided

with supplies of food, live stock and other things, when money

cannot be given; and, to do what we can, to enlarge its course of

study and provide new departments of industry."

"It is understood, that all money raised shall be sent to the

aforesaid Mission Board and be applied by it to the general needs of

this institution, when no specific object has been named by this

society. It is also understood, that this society shall not hinder

the aforesaid Board, in its absolute control of the academy and

farm."

The annual membership fee is twenty-five cents, other offerings being

entirely voluntary, each giving, "as the Lord hath prospered him." The

first week in October was designated, as the time for an annual public

meeting, to give emphasis to the work of the society and solicit

free-will offerings from everybody. Other congregations were requested

to form similar organizations, to create a visible bond of union in the

support of the academy.

The first visible result of this lowly organization, founded as a

forlorn hope, appeared on the 15th of April 1905, when at the close of

the eloquent appeal of Samuel Harris, its field secretary, before the

Presbytery at Grant, Rev. F. W. Hawley, the Synodical Missionary of

Indian Territory, challenged all present to unite with him in making a

pledge of support toward the purchase of the land. Heading the list with

a pledge of $10.00, all were surprised to find it increased, in a few

minutes, to $210.00. Two weeks later Mr. Harris made a similar appeal at

Oak Hill, and $45.00 more were pledged. He visited Forest church and

received pledges to the amount of $45.00. George Shoals visited Bethany

church at Parsons, and $15.00 more were pledged, making the amount

pledged, $315.00.

Sam Harris, in the fall of 1905, voluntarily went to Atoka and had

forty-five acres of land allotted to his wife and four of his children,

in order that they might later be added to the Oak Hill farm; and the

education of his children be provided for, at that institution. His

death occurred the next year, and in 1912, the last of these lands were

added to the Oak Hill farm. His children are now enjoying the privileges

of the institution.

He belonged to a generation that could neither read nor write, and that

which he accomplished for Oak Hill and his needy children during the

short period of his co-operation with the superintendent, is but another

beautiful illustration of what may be done for a needy and worthy cause,

by one, however unlearned, whose sincere and burning interest leads him

to lend a helping hand and to use the power of his voice in its behalf.

He had come to appreciate and, before the Presbytery, emphasized the

importance of these three vital facts:

1. The need of a good christian education for all the members of his own

rapidly growing family.

2. The great value of the educational and religious privileges, and the

facilities for industrial training, afforded the young people of the

colored race at Oak Hill Academy, located in the very midst of them.

3. The great meaning of the changes, that were taking place in the

country around them since the building of the railroad, the transition

to statehood, the allotment of the lands to them individually, and the

incoming of large numbers of white folks from Arkansas, Texas and other

sections; who were founding and building towns, leasing and occupying

the farm lands, gaining control of the business interests of the

community; and thus making it ten fold more necessary for the young

people of the colored race to have sufficient intelligence to enable

them to do their own thinking and manage successfully their own business

interests, in order to avoid the impending doom, of being soon crowded

out of their present homes and possessions.

His burning desire as he often expressed it, was to bring it to pass,

that their children and the generations to come might rise up and be

able to say, "Our Fathers, in grateful acknowledgement of the

inestimable value of the educational, moral and religious privileges,

that the Presbyterian Board of Missions had established and so long

maintained, for the benefit of the colored people of that section, had

contributed the funds, paid for and donated the lands occupied by the

buildings of Oak Hill Industrial Academy."

The members of his family, in whose names the allotments for Oak Hill

were secured, were Catherine, his wife; Roland (died Nov. 24, 1911),

John, Margie and Ellen.

LAND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED

The following is a brief summary of the funds contributed for the

purchase of the land at Oak Hill.

Rev. F. W. Hawley, Sam Harris, Bertha L. Ahrens, Adelia M. Eaton, Wiley

Homer, William Butler, R. D. Colbert, Malinda A. Hall, Noah S. Alverson,

R. E. Flickinger and Jo Lu Wolcott, each $10.00; Samuel Gladman, W. J.

Starks, S. H. Buchanan, John Richards and Finley Union Sunday school,

Lehigh, per Isabella Monroe, each $5.00; Virginia Williams, and Matt

Brown, each $3.00; Simon Folsom and Alonza Lewis, $2.50; specials from

churches in Oklahoma, as follows: Anadarko, Bartlesville, Perry and

Vinita, each $2.00; Chelsea, $2.50; Muskogee and Wagoner, each $3.00;

Oklahoma First, $5.00; Oak Hill $10.00; and Alva $50.00.

The Oak Hill Aid Society in 1906 gave $39.00; in 1907 $46.00; in 1908,

$16.00 and in 1910 to 1912, $19.00; making for it $120.00, and

altogether $335.00.

This amount covers the cost of the forty acre allotment of Samuel A.

Folsom, on which the Academy and Boy's Hall are located. This was the

first tract purchased, and it was obtained August 30, 1908, a few days

after the Choctaw Freedmen were legally authorized to execute warranty

deeds.

These facts are worthy of note, since to that extent they indicate the

achievement of that object, for which Sam Harris plead so earnestly and

effectively at Presbytery.

A lady at San Jose, California, gave $200 in 1909, for an annuity bond

to cover tract No. 5, on the Oak Hill plat, containing twenty acres and

allotted to Caroline Prince. Bertha L. Ahrens in 1908 purchased the

three fourths inheritance of three of the heirs of William Shoals, in

tract No. 8, containing thirty acres, that in course of time, it might

be included; and in 1909 and 1913, R. E. Flickinger donated tract number

4, containing twenty acres north of the buildings. These three specials

include and cover the 70 acres on section 20, north of the public road,

north of the buildings.

The Oak Hill Women's Missionary society was organized in October 1906,

and at the end of its first year contributed to Home Missions, Gunnison,

Utah, $5.00; and to the Board of Freedmen, $15.00.

LOCALITY OF DONORS

The following exhibit shows the location of the generous contributors,

who united in furnishing the general expense funds for the support of

the students and furnishing the Temporary Boy's Hall, as it appeared in

the report for July 1, 1909.

Expense Furnishing

Fund Boy's Hall Total

California $444.20 $13.41 $457.61

Illinois 55.00 55.00

Iowa 96.75 5.00 101.75

Kansas 19.23 12.25 31.48

Ohio 105.00 105.00

Oklahoma 117.00 80.49 197.49

New York 5.00 5.00

Pennsylvania 329.00 5.00 334.00

Total $1166.18 $121.15 $1287.33

DONORS TO THE GENERAL SUPPORT

A record has already been made of those who contributed toward the

purchase of the farm in response to the appeal through the Oak Hill Aid

society. A grateful mention of the Women's and Young People's societies

and individual donors, who contributed to the support and extension of

the general work of the institution, seems eminently appropriate. They

include the following list:

ALABAMA: The Negro in Business by Booker T. Washington, Tuskeegee.

CALIFORNIA: Alhambra, Dinuba, Rev. H. J. Frothingham, Elsinore; Eureka,

Lampoc, Long Beach, Mrs. O. L. Mason; Los Gatos, Los Angeles, First;

Mrs. Margaret Daniels, Mrs. Archibald; Central, Mrs. Hiram Leithead;

Highland Park, Mrs. Kate C. Moody M. D.; Third, Mary A. Clark, Boyle

Heights, Hollywood, Immanuel, Spanish Mission, Carrie E. Crowe,

Westminster; Nordhoff, Margaret Daniels; North Ontario, New Monterey,

Monte Cito, Oakland, Mattie Hunter; Orange, Red Bluff, San Diego First,

Mrs. A. W. Crawford; San Jose First and Second, Mrs. Frances Palmer,

Mrs. G. H. Start, Mrs. Mary Langdon; Lebanon of San Francisco, San

Martin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Santa Paula, San Louis

Obispo; Upland Ventura, Watsonville.

COLORADO: Fort Morgan, Gunnison, Timnath.

CONNECTICUT: Miss A. C. Benedict, Waterbury.

ILLINOIS: Cairo; Chicago, Bethany, J. H. Jones, Leslie Music Company;

Fairbury, Mrs. J. J. Pence; Mason City, Springfield Second.

INDIANA: William Elliot, Lafayette $5,000 for Elliott Hall; Greensburg,

Winona Lake.

IOWA: Alta, Lucy M. Haywood; Boone, Burlington First, Clarinda, Corning,

Corning Presbytery, Crawfordsville, Creston, Des Moines Central, Fonda,

M. E. Church, Mrs. A. S. Wood, Adele Curkeet, Adelia M. Eaton, Mrs. R.

E. Flickinger, Geo. Sanborn, Mrs. J. B. Weaver, Mrs. John E. Jordan,

Clark Perry; Fort Dodge, Gilmore City, Mrs. Bert C. McGinnis, Clarence

M. Patterson; Grimes, Hamburg, Knoxville, Lenox, Malvern, Manchester,

Nodaway, Princeton, Red Oak, Rockwell City, Ella T. Smith, Elmer E.

Johnson, John H. Mattison; Sanborn, Sigourney, Shenandoah, State Center,

Storm Lake, Washington, Bethel, Winfield, Walnut.

KANSAS: Auburn, Burlington, Clay Center, Derby, Edgerton, Herrington,

Halstead, Highland, Humboldt, Junction City, Kansas City, First, Grand

View Park, Western Highland; Lincoln Center, Lawrence, Lyons,

Manhattan, Morganville, Mulberry Creek, Neodesha, Oakland, Osawatomie,

Oswego, Phillipsburg, Roxbury, Stanley, Sterling, Syracuse, Topeka,

First, Second, Third and Westminster, M. B. True; Waverly, Wichita,

First.

MASSACHUSETTS: Marblehead, Mrs. J. J. Gregory.

MICHIGAN: Coldwater, Harrington.

MISSOURI: Kansas City, Montgomery Ward & Co., Maryville, Prof, J. C.

Speckerman; St. Louis, Majestic Range Co.

NEBRASKA: Beatrice.

NEW YORK: Mexico, Mrs. Mary O. Becker, Mrs. Mamie G. Richardson;

Plattsburg, Mrs. M. D. Edwards; Honoye, Anna M. Bowerman; New York, Am.

Bible Society, Oliver Swet Marden.

OHIO: Bellefontaine, Mrs. D. O. Spade; Columbiana, Mrs. Mattie C.

Flickinger; Dayton Lorenz Music Co.; Denison, College Hill, Miss H. M.

Wilson; East Liverpool First, Mansfield, Springfield First, Wellsville

First.

OKLAHOMA: Alva, Mrs. H. E. Mason, Anadarko, Atoka, Annie Osborne,

Ardmore, Rev. Charles C. Weith, Bartlesville, Blackwell; Mrs. Emma F.

McBride, Coalgate; Cement, Central, Cimmaron Presbyterial; Chickasha,

Edmond, Elk City, El Reno, Mrs. F. R. Farrand, Enid, Eagletown, Kiamichi

Presbyterial; Garvin, Rev. and Mrs. W. H. and Emma A. Carroll; Hobart,

Mrs. Geo. D. Willingham; Frederick, Griffin, Charity Glover; Granite,

Grant, Susan Seats, Kaw, Kingfisher, MacAlester, Millerton, Rance

Cherry, Joseph Garner; Muskogee First, Mulhall, Norman, Prof. Geo. N.

Gould; Oklahoma First, Phil C. Baird D. D., Mrs. W. A. Knott; Okmulgee,

Perry, Ponca, Shawnee, Stroud, Tulsa, Tonkawa, Oak Hill, Valliant,

Solomon H. Buchanan, Dining Table and Chairs, Samuel Folsom, Front Door

of Elliot Hall, Lucretia C. Brown Communion Service, Bertha L. Ahrens,

Adelia M. Eaton, John Claypool, Malinda A. Hall, R. E. and Mary A.

Flickinger; Vinita, Wagoner, Watonga.

NORTH DAKOTA: Fillmore, Mary I. Weimer.

PENNSYLVANIA: Armagh, Bakerstown, Black Lick, Blairsville First,

Blairsville Presbyterial, Braddock, First and Calvary; Buelah,

Coatesville, E. Lilley; Cresson, Congruity, Derry, Doe Run, Easton,

College Hill, Brainard and South Side; East Liberty, Ebensburg,

Greensburg, First and Westminster; Anna B. Hazleton, Irwin, Jeanette,

Latrobe, Ligonier, Johnstown, First, Second and Laurel Avenue;

Lewistown, Manor, McGinnis, Murraysville, Philadelphia, Lena D. Fieber

and Prof, H. W. Flickinger; Pittsburgh, First and Second, Ellen M.

Watson, Mary R. Scott; Port Royal, Parnassus, Pleasant Grove, Poke Run,

Plum Creek, New Alexandria, New Kensington, South Danville, Mrs. W. A.

Reagel; Turtle Creek, Westmont Chapel, Wilkinsburg, Martha Graham, Mrs.

J. J. Campbell, Williamsburg, Windber and Windsor.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Volga, Hartford, Mrs. M. E. Crowe.

TEXAS: Bushy Creek, Mary A. Pierson, Crockett, Mrs. John B. Smith.

XXXIX

TRIBUTES TO THE WORKERS

AHRENS.--EATON.--CLAYPOOL.--WEIMER.--WOLCOTT.--HALL.--DONALDSON.--BUCHANAN.

"Our lives are songs, God writes the words,

And we set them to music at pleasure;

And the song grows glad, sweet, or sad

As we choose to fashion the measure."

MARY A. FLICKINGER

Mrs. Flickinger is gratefully remembered for five years of untiring

service as assistant superintendent.

The sphere of her observation and suggestion included all the women's

work in the buildings, occupied by the students, and the special care of

the garden and Boy's Hall. In connection with this daily oversight,

there was always manifested a feeling of personal responsibility, to

carry to completion at the end of the day, any unfinished work, that

would otherwise prevent some of the larger girls from enjoying the

privileges of the school, during the evening study hour.

Trained in her youth to execute speedily all the kinds of work, usually

required on a well arranged farm, and also as a sewer and nurse, one

proved a very valuable helper. She became the home physician,

administering the medicines and caring for the sick. Her method of

treatment included the prevention of some of the milder, but common

forms of disease, by the regular administration of some inexpensive

antidotes. These two principles were frequently expressed:

"Self-preservation is the first law of nature," and "Prevention is

better than cure." The young people were also encouraged to learn, how

to keep and intelligently use, a few simple remedies in the home.

She and her husband are both natives of Port Royal, Juniata county, Pa.,

and their marriage occurred there, June 20, 1878. They have filled

pastorates at Doe Run, Pa., Walnut, and Fonda, Iowa. They raised the

funds and secured the erection of churches at Marne, Fonda, Pomeroy and

Varina, Iowa; and a commodious parsonage at Fonda. He has served as a

trustee of Corning Academy, Buena Vista college and of the Presbytery of

Fort Dodge; stated clerk and treasurer of the latter twelve and a half

years, and as Moderator of the Synod of Iowa, at Washington in 1901; and

by special request, as author of the Pioneer History of Pocahontas

county, Iowa, in 1904. Mrs. Flickinger in her youth became a teacher in

the Sunday school, and during all the years that have followed, has been

an efficient and aggressive solicitor and teacher of the children, in

that important department of the work of the church.

She has ever manifested an unusual degree of energy, always preferring

to do all her own home work, rather than have it done by others. One who

enjoyed the privilege of witnessing her unflagging energy and

enthusiastic devotion to her work, rising early and working late, at a

time when she was supposed to be unable to do more than take care of

herself, paid to her this friendly compliment: "You work with the

untiring industry of a bee, the patient perseverance of a beaver, the

overcoming strength of a lion, and the double quickness of a deer."

Her liberal responses to the calls of the needy have been limited only

by her ability to work, save and give.

BERTHA LOUISE AHRENS

"I'll praise my Maker with my breath;

And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my nobler powers."

--The Psalmist.

Bertha Louise Ahrens (B. Feb. 26, 1857), missionary teacher among the

Choctaw Freedmen of Indian Territory since 1885, and principal teacher

at Oak Hill Academy, 1905-1911, is a native of Berlin, Prussia. Her

parents, Otto and Augusta Ahrens, in 1865, when she was 8, and a brother

Otto 5, came to America and located on a farm near Sigourney, Iowa,

after one year at Bellville, Ill.; and four, at Harper, Iowa. The

schools and churches first attended used the German language. Her first

studies in English were in the graded schools at Sigourney and here at

seventeen, she became a member of the Presbyterian church under the

pastorate of Rev. S. G. Hair. He loaned her some missionary literature

to read and it awakened a desire on her part to become a missionary.

This desire was expressed to the Women's Missionary society of the

church and she was encouraged to attend the Western Female Seminary, now

college, at Oxford, Ohio. After a course of study at this institution

she enjoyed a year's training in the Bible school connected with Moody's

Chicago Avenue church, Chicago.

During the next year, after hearing in her home town an appeal in behalf

of a Negro school in the south, she was led to offer her services to the

Presbyterian Board of Missions for Freedmen. In December 1885, she

received a commission with request to locate among the Choctaw Freedmen

at Lukfata, in the southeast part of Indian Territory. The route at that

early date was quite circuitous. Going south through Kansas City over

the M. K. T. Ry., to Denison, Texas, she passed eastward by rail to

Bells, through Paris to Clarksville, Texas; and thence northward forty

miles to Wheelock and Lukfata. Clarksville, south of Red river continued

to be the nearest town and station during the next ten years.

She has now completed twenty-eight years of continuous and faithful

service as a missionary teacher among the Freedmen. During these years

she has served the following communities and churches.

Lukfata, Mount Gilead 11 years 1885-1896.

Fowlerville, Forest 3 years 1896-1899.

Goodland, Hebron 1 year 1899-1900.

Grant, Beaver Dam 4 years 1900-1904.

Valliant, Oak Hill Academy 6-1/2 years 1904-1911.

Beaver Dam 1 year 1911-1912.

Wynnewood, Bethesda Mission 2 years 1912-1914.

She is now serving as principal teacher in the Bethesda Home and School,

located three miles northeast of Wynnewood in the Chickasaw Nation. This

school was opened Nov. 1, 1899. It was founded by Carrie and Clara Boles

and others; and its object is to provide a home and christian education

to the orphan and homeless youth of the colored people.

Miss Ahrens has been a life long and conscientious Christian worker,

among the Freedmen of the Choctaw Nation. Her name is a household word

to all of them. She found it necessary from the first to locate as a

lonely teacher among them in territorial days, and share with them the

unusual privations, incident to a life of such seclusion and unselfish

devotion. During the first fifteen years, she had to live alone in

little, rudely constructed huts in a sparsely settled timber country,

where quarrels and murders, among both the Indians and colored people,

were events of common and almost annual occurrence; yet she never

thought of leaving her work or forsaking her mission on account of

personal danger.

The following is an accurate description of the little hut she occupied

three years while at Forest church. It was built of saplings, eight feet

square and chinked with mud. It had a fire place, an opening eighteen

inches square for light, and another one for entrance, that was about

three inches lower than her height. The chimney was built of mud, so

small and crooked that only a part of the smoke could be induced to go

up it, on a windy day. The blind for closing the window opening was so

open, it merely broke the force of the wind, it could not keep it out,

nor the lamp from blowing out. The little door left similar openings

above and below it. On windy days the smoke found its way out through

these and other openings overhead. These conditions after a while were

relieved, by the insertion of a window in the opening, and covering the

walls of the room with sheets.

The floor space was fully occupied, when it was supplied with a bed,

trunk, sewing machine, book case, table and one chair. It lacked room

for the organ, which had to be kept in the chapel.

There was no porch, and into this little room the children on Sabbath

afternoons would crowd to sing, standing until they grew weary, and then

sitting on the floor. This rude and lonely hut was located about one

fourth of a mile from the church. Near it was another and larger

one-room cabin, having a porch, that was occupied by a good elder of

the church, his wife and a family of six children.

The school rooms, that she had to occupy, in order to fulfil her

mission, though the best the colored people could afford, were also of

the rudest sort. It was a difficult task, to make them look within like

tidy temples of knowledge.

Her work was also very elementary. As the pupils would advance and their

work become interesting, they would drop out of school. Yet it never

occurred to her the work was wearisome, because it was monotonous and

often disappointing. If experiences were disappointing, or the day,

gloomy, there remained to her the Bible, with its precious and

unchanging promises; and the organ, responsive as ever to the touch of

her hand. These were home comforts, that enabled her to forget the

trials and burdens of each day, before its close.

Her work as a teacher has been increasingly attractive. The secret of

this unflagging and ever increasing interest, is found in the large

place, given the Bible in all her teaching work. It has been a daily

text book in the school room. On the Sabbath, her opportunity to read

and explain it to all the people of the community, as superintendent of

the Sunday school, has been even greater than that of some of the

ministers in charge, when the latter was only a monthly visitor, while

she served faithfully every Sabbath.

The world is needing the light of Bible truth. It is life giving. "Go

teach," is as urgent as the commission, "Go preach." The opportunity to

supply the world's great need, with the life giving Word of God, is an

inspiration to the consecrated christian teacher.

She has felt this inspiration, and has become a very capable interpreter

and practical expositor of the Bible. She has been well equipped to lead

the people in song, and has received many evidences of the highest

appreciation of her work, as a Bible instructor.

Though not possessing what might be termed a rugged constitution, she

has never lost a week, at any one time, from the school room on account

of illness. She has been free to express the desire to continue to

labor, as a faithful and efficient teacher, among the Freedmen as long

as her strength will permit. Ruth expressed her sentiments, when she

said to Naomi:

"Entreat me not to leave thee; where thou lodgest I will lodge; Thy

people shall be my people and thy God my God."

She has been a true missionary hero. She has been willing to work in one

of the most solitary places, for the lowliest of people, without the

ordinary comforts of home and friends. Whilst her Bible work has been

continued through the entire years, with but two exceptions, her

income--a mere pittance--has been limited to the terms of school. This

has made necessary very close economy in personal expenses, but has not

prevented liberal offerings to promote the work of the church. Her

seclusion, privations and dangers, during the first fifteen years, were

as great as of many of those, who have gone to the remote parts of the

earth. The heroic spirit of Martin Luther, translator of the German

Bible she learned to read in youth, has always proved a source of great

inspiration, to be faithful and courageous. When he was warned of the

danger of martyrdom at Worms, where he had been summoned for trial for

declaring the plain words of the Bible, he bravely said, "Were they to

make a fire that would extend from Worms to Wittemberg, and reach even

to the sky, I would walk across it, in the name of the Lord, I would

appear before them and confess the Lord Jesus Christ." And a little

later, "Were there as many devils (cardinals) in Worms, as there are

tiles upon the roofs, I would enter," for the Elector had promised him a

safe conduct. When he arrived at Worms and stood before his accusers, he

finally said: "Here I am, I neither can, nor will retract anything. I

cannot do otherwise; God help me." These noble and courageous words of

Luther are well adapted, to prove an inspiration to every one that reads

them.

Her courage has led and kept her in the place of privilege and duty. Her

faithfulness and devotion have enabled her to win the confidence and

esteem of all who have come within the sphere of her acquaintance and

friendship. She continues to pursue her chosen and loved employment, of

serving as a missionary teacher among the Freedmen of Indian Territory,

now Oklahoma, in the spirit of the Psalmist.

"My days of praise shall ne'er be past,

While life, and thought, and being last,

Or immortality endures."

ADELIA M. EATON

The superintendent, teachers, students and friends of Oak Hill were

called upon to sustain a great loss and experience a deep sorrow, as the

sun was setting, on June 5, 1908, when Adelia M. Eaton, our highly

esteemed matron, after three and one half years of unusually efficient

service, and a brief illness of one week after the end of the term,

peacefully and trustfully passed from the scene of her faithful

missionary labors, to the enjoyment of her eternal reward. Her illness,

which terminated with heart failure, seemed to be the outcome of a

weariness that ensued after rendering some voluntary but needed services

for the comfort of others.

She was the second daughter of Harvey Eaton, one of the hardy,

prosperous pioneer farmers of Pocahontas county, Iowa, She grew to

womanhood on the farm, where she learned to be industrious and earnest.

She early became identified with the work in the Presbyterian church and

Sunday school at Fonda where she received her first training in

christian work. After enjoying a four years' course at Buena Vista

college, Storm Lake, associated with her elder sister, she spent four

years in mercantile pursuits in Sioux City and Fonda. All of these

previous employments and experiences seemed to be parts of a varied

training, to fit her most fully, for the position she filled as a

missionary teacher at the Academy. In the management of the affairs of

this institution, her responsibilities and duties made her the executive

helper of the superintendent. Here she found responsibilities and

opportunities, that called forth all her noblest powers, and enabled her

to make it the most highly useful and crowning period of her life.

She naturally possessed an attractive personality. She was tall, slender

and erect in form, very prompt, dignified and graceful in movement. Her

countenance indicated intelligence, energy and culture. She had a good

voice for public address, possessed rare executive ability and was so

gentle in manner that obedience to her commands was accorded with

pleasure and delight. Though never unmindful of her resources, she never

manifested any pride, save that which every truly noble soul manifests

in the quality of its work, by putting forth a constant effort to

perform every duty in the most thorough and efficient manner.

She was a happy, willing worker. The key note of her work as a teacher

seemed to be the one expressed in the words: "My meat is to do the will

of Him that sent me and to finish his work." John 4, 34. Although she

had many other important duties on that day, she was always present at

the services on the Sabbath. The memory of the living will not soon

forget the personal interest she manifested in the spiritual welfare of

every member of her large class of older students in the Sunday school,

her tender and affectionate appeals to the young people at the Endeavor

meetings, her interesting and instructive addresses at institutes and

conventions, and how she voluntarily lingered to extend friendly

greetings at the close of the church services.

The call, to engage in this educational work among the Freedmen in

Indian Territory, came to her at an unexpected, but opportune time. When

the need for her services and desire for her co-operation were stated,

she immediately gave her assent to make a trial of the work for a term

of three months. As the work progressed her interest in it increased,

and she became more firmly attached to it. Her affections, interest and

ambitions seemed to be transferred to the people and work at the

Academy. Her attachment and devotion to this work was as remarkable as

it was unexpected. This was the secret of the unusual merit of the

service rendered. In this new sphere of usefulness, she found a field of

opportunity that afforded full scope for the exercise of all her

intellectual, moral and spiritual powers, and, engaging in this work

with all the enthusiasm of her noble nature, she rendered a continuous

service so faithful and efficient, as to call forth heartfelt

appreciation and words of highest commendation.

MRS. JOHN CLAYPOOL

Mrs. John Claypool, matron 1908-9, the successor of Adelia Eaton, came

from membership in the class of Mrs. A. W. Crawford of the First

Presbyterian church of San Diego, California. Her work is gratefully

remembered for its uniform faithfulness and efficiency, and the sweet

beneficent influence exerted by the noble womanhood and manhood of

herself and husband, previously employed in a bank, who also came and

remained with her at the institution. Through the aid of the latter, the

profit on the poultry was greater that year, than in any other. The

garden that year was greatly enlarged and surrounded with a new fence.

He nailed the pales on the panels and they remain as a memento of his

interest and handiwork. The fact that she represented one of the

churches giving most loyal and liberal support to the Academy, and was

thus a living link connecting the work of the institution with the many

friends, supporting it on the Pacific Coast, gave to her work an

additional charm that was greatly appreciated. They are now living in

Texas.

MARY I. WEIMER

Mary I. Weimer, who served as matron 1909 to 1911, a native of Port

Royal, Pa., came to Oak Hill from Knox, in the Devils Lake Region of

North Dakota; where, after a course of preparation at the state teachers

college at Fargo, she achieved an unusual degree of success, both as a

teacher and manager of affairs on the farm. These interests prevented

her from coming the previous year when first solicited.

At the Academy she rendered a service so efficient and faithful as to

merit the gratitude of all. After the loss of the Girls' Hall, which

occurred during her first year, when all of its occupants were deprived

of comfortable quarters, the fear was entertained she would want to be

excused from further service. Instead of pursuing this course she became

one of our best counselors and helpers in the effort to provide for the

comfort of herself and the girls, and keep the latter from returning

home at that critical period.

The superintendent will never cease to be grateful for her favorable

decision at this trying hour, and the self-denial she voluntarily

proposed to undergo, in order to make it possible, to continue the work

of the institution. It was the period when Mrs. Flickinger was a

helpless invalid at Fonda, patiently awaiting the return of her husband,

with daily anxiety. He could not leave, however, until the cellar

excavation and concrete walls of the building had been completed. This

done, Samuel Folsom was ready to serve as foreman of the carpenters, in

the erection of the new building, and it fell to the lot of Miss Weimer,

to serve as general manager, in the absence of the superintendent. The

situation was one, that required unusual courage, as well as prudence

and self-control. Her heroism was equal to the call to duty. Loyalty and

faithfulness were her constant watchwords.

At the end of the next term in 1911, she found it necessary to give her

personal attention anew to the interests of her own home and farm. She

enjoys the distinction of having served as matron, the last year in the

Girls' Hall and the first one in Elliott Hall. She is gratefully

remembered by all, who became the subjects of her daily care and

domestic training.

MISS JO LU WOLCOTT

Miss Jo Lu Wolcott, matron, February to June, 1912, was a daughter of

the late Dr. Wolcott of Chandler, Okla. She has had considerable

experience as a teacher in the public schools of Kansas and Oklahoma,

and in the government school for the Indians at Navajo Falls, Colorado.

She is now serving as a teacher in an Indian school in South Dakota.

MALINDA A. HALL

Malinda A. Hall rendered six years of faithful and efficient service as

assistant matron, and teacher. Having completed the grammar course at

Oak Hill in 1900, and then a four years course at Ingleside Seminary in

Virginia, she was well prepared for the work at the Academy, and proved

a very reliable and valuable helper. She was capable and always willing,

when requested, to supply any vacancy occurring among the other helpers.

She enjoyed good health, and never lost a day from illness. Her strength

and energy enabled her to execute promptly and efficiently, every work

entrusted to her. Her work throughout was characterized by a never

failing promptness, faithfulness and energy. She was familiar with the

needs and traits of her people, was thoroughly devoted to the promotion

of their best interests, and her suggestions were always gratefully

received. The ability and enthusiasm of her work, as the teacher of a

large class in the Sunday school and leader of the young people in their

Endeavor meetings, will never be forgotten by those, who came within the

sphere of her voice and influence.

Since her marriage in 1911 to William Stewart she has been devoting her

time and attention to the improvement of their home on the farm near

Valliant. She is needed on the farm, but the thought lingers, that

there continues to be a great need for her services in the educational

work among her people.

Miss Hall's exploits, as a sharpshooter with her own gun, during her

first year as a teacher at Oak Hill, indicate her responsiveness to the

spirit of chivalry, that prevailed among the people during the period of

her youth.

One day in the spring of the year, while hunting eggs in the second

story of the old log house, she discovered a large snake on one of the

rafters over her head. Hastening quietly to her own room for a gun, she

brought the snake to the floor with the first shot. It measured over

four feet in length, was dark in color and was of the kind, that eats

eggs and chicks, commonly called a chicken snake. She also, at the

request of Mrs. Flickinger, stunned a small beef, that they together

butchered, at a time the superintendent was absent.

MARY A DONALDSON

When Carrie E. Crowe was called away in January 1906, the place was

rather reluctantly assumed but very acceptably filled by Mrs. Sarah L.

Wallace of Fairhope, Alabama. After two months she also was called away.

The place was then filled by Mary A. Donaldson of Paris, Texas. She had

been an attendant at the first Oak Hill Normal, in 1905, and then became

a missionary teacher at Grant. Attendance at the Normal led to her

recognition, both at Grant and Oak Hill. After teaching several years

she pursued another course of training at New Orleans and has become a

professional nurse.

SOLOMON H. BUCHANAN

"He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful."

Solomon H. Buchanan is a native of Glen Rose, Somervell Co., Texas. At

the age of eight he was bereft of both of his parents, and those, into

whose care he drifted, were not willing he should learn a letter. By

some means he attracted the favorable notice of Miss Mary A. Pearson, a

missionary of our Home Mission Board. Furnishing him the funds for the

trip, she sent him at the age of 18 in 1903, to Oak Hill Academy with

request to become an earnest Christian teacher. At the Academy Mrs. Mary

R. Scott of Pittsburgh became his teacher. She taught him his letters

and first lessons in spelling and reading, giving him considerable time

and attention, while the other boys were playing. Perceiving his special

fondness for music, she taught him the chords on the piano, and thus

gave him a start on that noble instrument, which has ever since been his

favorite.

He has always found the study of books a rather difficult task, owing to

the lack of early training in them; but he has proved a good student and

a very valuable helper at the Academy. The longing desire to become a

capable and successful teacher, has kept him there, amid all the changes

that have occurred since his arrival in 1903. He has now acquired an

unusual degree of skill as a performer on the piano and his enthusiastic

accompaniments on that noble instrument contributed greatly to the

pleasure and delight of the work at the Academy. He has become an

earnest worker in the Sunday school and endeavor meetings. He has a

strong voice for song or public address, and has become an excellent

leader of religious meetings. He served one year as an assistant teacher

at the Academy. He has proved himself a very efficient and valuable

helper at the Academy, always looking after the entertainment of

visitors.

In 1912 he was ordained an elder of the Oak Hill church and in May of

that year was sent as one of the commissioners of the Presbytery of

Kiamichi, to the general assembly at Louisville, Ky. Through the

courtesy of Rev. E. G. Haymaker, he spent the summer of 1903 at Winona

Lake, Ind. He is now serving, as superintendent of the farm work and

musical instructor, at the Bethesda Home and school at Wynnewood, Okla.

The boy who wins is,

"Not the one who says, 'I can't';

Nor the one who says, 'Don't care;'

Not the boy who shirks his work,

Nor the one who plays unfair.

But the one who says, I can',

And the one who says, 'I will;'

He shall be the noble man,

He the place of trust will fill."

STUDENT WORKERS

These tributes to worthy workers seem incomplete, without some reference

to the faithful co-operation of some of the young people, who, making

rapid progress in their studies and industrial training, during the

later years of this period, and serving efficiently as workers, foremen

and occasional teachers, made possible the large amount of improvement

work necessary to overcome the losses sustained. The memory recalls the

names of the following students, whose responsible and efficient

co-operation was thus worthy of grateful mention.

Occasional Teachers and Leaders: Paul Thornton, Vina Jones, Delia

Clark[*], Isabella Monroe, Ruby Moore[*], Virginia Wofford, Sarah

Milton, Celestine Seats, Solomon Buchanan, Riley Flournoy, Clarence and

Herbert Peete.

Carpenters and Cement Workers: David Folsom [*], Solomon Burris, Louis

and Alvin Pitchlin, Isaiah Nelson, Clarence Peete, Noah Alverson, Riley

Flournoy, Fred and Percy McFarland, Thomas Wilson, George Hollingsworth,

Frank Dickson, Ashley and Alonza McLellan and Brown Gaffony.[*]

Painters: Solomon Buchanan, Frank Dickson, John Black, Eugene Perry,

Wesley Lewis, Herbert Peete and Cornell Smith.

Farmers and Trustworthy Teamsters: James Stewart, James Burris. James

Richards, Dee McFarland, Robert Johnson, Robert Maxie, S. S. Bibbs, and

Everett Richards.

[*] Deceased.

XL

CLOSING DAY, 1912

ELLIOTT HALL DEDICATED.--CONCERT.--RESOLUTIONS.--STUDENTS

AFFECTION.--FAREWELL NOTE.

The following account, of the closing day of our last term of school, is

taken from the last issue of the Oak Hill Freedman's Friend, a

news-letter, intended to promote the interests of the Academy, and sent

to its patrons and friends as a quarterly at first, but later as an

annual, from February 1905, to September 1912.

CLOSING DAY, 1912

June 13, 1912, was a day of unusual interest. It was the last day of the

last term of school, under the management of the superintendent, and the

contemplation of this fact frequently suggested a thought of sadness,

since it meant the last meeting with many friends and co-workers.

It was also the second day set for the dedication of Elliott Hall, and

the third day announced for a visit and address by Rev. Phil C. Baird,

D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Oklahoma City. His

leading and unusually happy participation in the events of the day, made

his visit and services on this occasion thrice welcome and valuable.

At 2:00 p.m. Dr. Baird delivered the principal address to a large and

very appreciative audience in the Academy. He chose for his theme, The

Essentials of Success; and emphasized these three, namely "Labor,

purpose and perseverance."

ELLIOTT HALL DEDICATED

At the close of the address of Dr. Baird, the meeting was transferred to

the cozy and spacious front porch of Elliott Hall.

The story of the Hall as a grateful and permanently useful memorial of

the late Alice Lee Elliott, and the generous gift of $5,000.00 on the

part of her surviving husband, David Elliott of Lafayette, Indiana, now

at Minneapolis, Minn., was briefly related by the superintendent. Rev.

W. H. Carroll reported that voluntary offerings to the amount of $29.48

had that day been donated toward the expense of furnishing the two bath

rooms. The prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. Wiley Homer of

Grant, who has been a faithful annual visitor and constant guardian of

the good name and welfare of the institution ever since it was founded

in 1886. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. P. S. Meadows of

Shawneetown, moderator of the Presbytery of Kiamichi.

CLOSING CONCERT

The program provided for the evening consisted of a vocal and

instrumental concert by the students, such as had been given, with one

exception, at the close of each term. Several of the selections,

rendered as full choruses, were from Leslie's Ideal Class, the music

book most frequently used by the superintendent in the training work of

note reading and vocal culture. They included the anthems, "Break forth

into Joy," "I was Glad," by I. B. Woodbury, "Before Jehovah's Throne,"

and patriotic Glees, "Hail to the Flag," "Now a Mighty Nation," and

"Unfurl the Sail."

When the time arrived to announce the closing chorus, the

superintendent, after expressing appreciation of the fact there were

present so many ministers of the Presbytery, patrons and friends; and

gratitude for their constant co-operation, then made known to them, for

the first time, the fact that several months previous he had tendered

his resignation to the Board of Missions for Freedmen, and that in due

season, Rev. W. H. Carroll, the principal, would be promoted to fill the

vacancy, when it occurred.

After hearing these announcements, every minister present manifested a

desire to participate in the meeting, by bearing voluntary testimony to

the good work that had been done at the Academy under the leadership of

the superintendent. Rev. Dr. Baird was the first speaker, and he acted

as a leader or chairman during this temporary interruption of the

program. He bore testimony to his previous knowledge of the faithfulness

and administrative ability of the superintendent, and his pleasant

surprise at the results achieved at this institution. Grateful tributes

to the efficiency of his work, as superintendent of the Academy, were

then expressed by Rev. Wiley Homer of Grant, Rev. T. K. Bridges of

Lukfata, Rev. P. S. Meadows and Rev. W. H. Carroll.

Rev. W. J. Starks of Frogville read and presented for adoption the

appreciative resolutions that follow:

Their unanimous adoption by a rising vote was immediately followed by a

general waving of handkerchiefs, a touching expression of good wishes

and parting cheer.

RESOLUTIONS

Whereas the Rev. R. E. Flickinger, our beloved superintendent and

friend, has announced his resignation as superintendent of Oak Hill

Industrial Academy, now Alice Lee Elliott School; and whereas such

resignation has come to us at a very unexpected time; We, citizens of

the neighborhood, patrons, students and teachers of the Academy, and

members present of the Presbytery of Kiamichi, do hereby unite in

adopting the following resolutions:

First. That the announcement of his resignation brings to us profound

grief and disappointment, as it takes from among us a friend and brother

bound to us by many unusual and lasting ties.

Second. That we lose in Rev. R. E. Flickinger, the founder of the new

and the real Oak Hill Industrial Institution, through the accomplishment

of the following achievements, during his administration:

When he re-opened the doors of this academy seven and a half years ago,

it had been closed for the year, and for months there seemed to be but

little prospect it would be opened again. The evidences of neglect,

decay and desertion were manifest on every hand. Under his magic hand

the school was re-opened, only a few students were enrolled the first

term, but the piles of rubbish in every corner, and underbrush began to

disappear, and one of the buildings was neatly painted by the boys. At

this time the Board did not own the land on which the buildings were

located. After the removal of the restrictions in 1908, the title to one

small tract was promptly secured by purchase. A dozen other adjoining

little tracts have since been added to this first one, as their purchase

became possible and at their virgin price; so that now there belongs to

this school, as a means of promoting its local support, the magnificent

domain of 270 acres of beautiful and valuable tillable lands of which

about one-third is now cleared, enclosed and under cultivation.

"Enlargement and Permanent Improvement," became the watchwords of

progress, when the title to the second tract was secured. Upon this

stable material basis there has been systematically organized and

developed an important Industrial institution, where boys and girls are

trained not only in the great fundamentals of the best intellectual and

moral culture, but also in the essential industrial arts of life.

The accomplishment of these results has cost the superintendent an

indescribable amount of toil and labor. His great staying powers and

ingenuity were taxed to their utmost, when, in quick succession, the two

largest buildings were suddenly destroyed by unexpected fires, that left

nothing but ashes and discouraged friends. The testimony that he has

proved himself capable of overcoming these staggering losses appears in

the temporary Boys Hall, an addition to the Academy building after the

first fire in 1908, and in the large and commodious new building,

bearing the name "Elliott Hall" of which he enjoys the honor of having

been its architect and builder, through the labors of the students and

the teachers of the academy; and, in this creditable student body of

well trained young people.

Third. In grateful recognition of his unusual patience and perseverance,

his unceasing toil and never failing interest, his self denying

generosity and for his noble, manly exemplary christian life, we tender

to him our heartfelt lasting gratitude; and, enrolling his name among

the worthy founders of Oak Hill Industrial Academy, shall enshrine it as

one to be given to children's children, as the educator and organizer,

who infused new life into this institution and greatly enlarged the

scope of its work.

Fourth. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Board of

Freedmen, to the Interior, The Valliant Tribune and the Times, Fonda,

Iowa.

PHIL. C. BAIRD, Chairman of Meeting.

A TOKEN OF AFFECTION AND REGARD FROM THE STUDENTS

Dear Superintendent:

I have been requested by the boys of this institution, to offer you a

slight token of our affection and regard. I cannot tell you how

delighted I am to be the means of conveying to you this expression of

our united love. What we offer you is a poor symbol of our feelings, but

we know you will receive it kindly as a simple indication of the

attachment, which each one of us cherishes for you in our hearts.

You have made our days and months pleasant to us. We know that we have

often tried your patience and forbearance, but you have dealt gently

with us in all our waywardness; teaching us by example as well as

precept, the advantages of magnanimity and self control.

We will never forget you. We shall look back to this institution in

after life; and, whenever memory recalls our school days, our hearts

will warm toward you as they do today.

I have been requested by my school mates, not to address you formally,

but as a beloved and respected friend. In that light, Dear

Superintendent, we will regard you.

Please accept our good wishes. May you always be as happy as you have

endeavored to make your pupils; and may they--nothing better could be

wished them--be always as faithful to their duties to others, as you

have been in your duties to them.

Very truly yours,

W. RILEY FLOURNOY.

In behalf of the boys of Oak Hill Academy.

An expression of gratitude from Simon Folsom, an elder of the Forest

church, who gave us very cordial co-operation, and whose voice, ringing

with pleading eloquence and words of glad encouragement to the students,

was frequently heard at the Endeavor meetings or morning services, by

the young people during term time:

Dear Sir: I want to thank you for your interest, help and work among my

people. I feel that you have done us a great service here. It is my

prayer that God will reward you in time for all your services in labor,

thought and interest. This is the plea of one whom you have been

serving.

July 21,1912.

A Friend,

SIMON FOLSOM.

FRUIT BULLETIN

The superintendent continued to have charge of the improvement and other

work of the Academy and farm, until the first of October; publishing in

the mean time the last issue of the Freedman's Friend in September; and,

remaining during the month of October, prepared and published a bulletin

entitled, "Approved Fruits for Southern Oklahoma."

The aim of the author, in preparing and publishing this fruit bulletin,

was to furnish a short and reliable text book on horticulture, for use

in the Academy; and to supply the patrons of the institution, the

information they were needing, to enable them to secure, when making

their first investments, profitable early, medium and late,

fruit-bearing varieties of trees for a small home orchard on their

respective allotments.

FAREWELL

The farewell words of the superintendent, briefly summarized, appeared

as follows in the last issue of the Freedman's Friend:

With the sending forth of this issue of the Oak Hill Freedman's Friend,

Rev. R. E. Flickinger lays aside the mantle of service, as

superintendent of the Academy and Farm, and cordially commends Rev. W.

H. Carroll, his successor, to the confidence and esteem of all the

patrons and friends of the institution.

The opportunity afforded here during the last eight years, to engage in

the educational work among the colored people of our beloved land, has

been the realization of an earnest desire awakened in the early part of

our ministry, but not expressed until the opening occurred at this

place. The silent but deeply impressive cry of need, the golden

opportunity to lay the foundation for the organization and development

of an important Industrial Educational Institution in this new section

of country, and the cordial co-operation of local ministers, teachers,

patrons and friends, have combined to make this work throughout,

intensely interesting.

It has enlisted our noblest and best powers of mind, heart and hand. The

constant probability that our term of service would at best be brief,

and the desire to accomplish the greatest possible results, have proved

an incentive to incessant industry. When difficulties increased, they

served as a signal to go forward more earnestly.

We have done what we could to add our mite, most, effectively, to the

great educational work needed in this south land. That which has been

done, has been due to the constant and cordial co-operation of our Board

of Missions for Freedmen, and of the immediate patrons and friends of

the institution. It remains, that we express to you all our lasting

gratitude, for your cordial co-operation, and for the present, say,

Farewell!

"God bless you, till we meet again."

Very truly,

R. E. FLICKINGER.