by William D. Welge, Research Division Director

Fred Barde was considered the dean of Oklahoma Territorial journalist in the first decade of the 20th century. Born in Hannibal, Missouri in 1869, Barde worked with newspapers in Missouri then landed in Kansas City where he joined the staff of the Kansas City Star. In 1896, Barde was assigned to cover the emerging political activities and other social issues in Oklahoma Territory. He operated from Guthrie where he wrote about many topic’s of the day, interviewing prominent persons who were instrumental in shaping what would become a new state in 1907.

Barde died in 1916 at the age of 47. In 1917, the Oklahoma Historical Society requested an appropriation from the state legislature for $5,000.00 to purchase Barde’s papers from his widow.

by William D. Welge, Research Division Director

March is Women’s History Month. In celebrating the many accomplishments of Oklahoman’s and there have been many, I am reminded of a person who is little known in the annuals of our heritage. Louisa Rohrer Fair was a native of Warren, Pennsylvania, though her birth is not mentioned she married Michael Fair in 1860. In the 1880’s she and her family by this time had six daughters and one son when they moved from the east coast to Clay County, Texas. When the opportunity to stake land in the Cheyenne and Arapaho country happened in April, 1892, the Fair’s were successful securing land between Rocky and Sentinel. Louisa in 1901 started keeping a diary where she would write about the weather or family gatherings which were many. Sometimes Louisa would mention Michael’s trips away from home as the family had retained their property in Texas. One can sense how hard life was in what seemed an unforgiving land, but Louisa would mention good times as well. The entries cease in 1903, but the diary has been preserved by the Research Division when Carol J. Vinson of Shreveport Louisiana donated her great-grandmother’s memories written in a care-worn ledger book back in 1989. It’s appropriate that the diary begins in late March, 1901 when she wrote the following, “Thurs. 28, Cold norther this morning…wind blowing, oh when will it get warm.” Something Oklahoman’s can relate to today.

Louisa Rohrer Fair, Rocky, Oklahoma Territory
Ms. Coll. 89.07

This diary along with millions of pages of history can be viewed at the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

by William D. Welge, CA, Research Division Director

The following document is from the Intruders file found in the Cherokee National records. In commemoration of Black History Month, this document provides a unique experience for the man trying to remain in the Cherokee Nation. The document can be found on microcopy CHN 83 in the first folder of intruder files.

Click to view a PDF of Jack Nelson’s application.

by William D. Welge, Research Division Director

In 2010 the 23rd federal census will take place later this spring. In the past decade Oklahoma gained population thus it becomes important that all persons fill out the forms or take time to work with a census taker when they come to your home. Some feel that the census asks too many intrusive questions. Failure to properly fill out the census form is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine up to $5,000.00. Also, any misinformation provided on the form or to the census taker is a felony!! As most genealogists know, the census is restricted for 72 years. So the 2010 census does not become available until after April 2082. However, you can spare the lengthy wait for future family members by copying the form filled out and leave with your personal papers so that the information is can be gleaned after ones death.