My apologies for going two weeks without posting. I have been preparing for my research trip to Oklahoma and Arkansas and it is here at last.
On my first trip to Oklahoma, two years ago, I stayed ten days. I suspected that would not be enough time before I started the trip, and I was right. The days sped by and I wished that I was staying another two weeks. So this trip I have planned to be in Oklahoma and Arkansas between three and four weeks.
As I was planning my route and making my list of what I wanted to accomplish that seemed like enough time. However, now that I have set out, my list questions to research keeps growing and, once again, I realize I will not be there long enough.
When I came to Oklahoma in 2012 I knew so much less about my ancestors than I do now. My increased knowledge means increased leads to follow, additional towns to visit and more questions that need answering.
My itinerary for this trip starts with spending time in Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation capital. While there I plan to:
Visit the Cherokee Historical Society
Look through documents in the courthouse in nearby Wagoner to find out more about some 1922 legal dealings of my grandfather James West
Spend a day in Westville visiting the Talbot Library and Museum and the Going Snake District Heritage Association.
- I will be looking for information about my grandmother’s youth. She was born in Going Snake District, but that is all I really know about her childhood
- I will also be looking for information about the Quinton family – Lydia Crittenden Quinton and Nellie Quinton in particular. My great grandfather married his niece Edith Quinton, who was Lydia’s daughter and Nellie’s sister.
Find out who the Jim West is that Westville was named after in 1895. Is he related to my grandfather James West’s family?
Go to the following cemeteries near Tahlequah
- Pioneer – try to find and uncover grave marker for Margaret Crittenden
- Hulbert – Find Zeke and Dick Crittenden’s grave
- Elmwood – Look for David West and family and any other Wests.
- Proctor Sanders Cemetery – burial place of Emily Crittenden
Stand on my grandmother’s Dawes allotment land in Okay once again.
Meet with the genealogist at Stillwell Public Library to see what information she may have on Crittenden ancestors.
Next week I will post a journal of what I find while in Tahlequah. Next on the itinerary will be Vinita, Oklahoma, with a whole new set of research goals and questions!
Cherokee Roots Blog 