Treasures Of Indian Territory Of Oklahoma

Treasures Of Indian Territory

Of

Oklahoma

Author

Will Welton

Smashwords Edition

Copyrights 2010

Copyrights on all Welton Novels wrote by

Will Welton are held by

Crystal Welton-Hamm

Copyright at the Library of Congress

2002

ISBN: 978-1-4523-7049-9

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents either is products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental unless other wise noted.

Dedicated to

James (John) Thomas Welton

My Father

And

Frank Wesley Johnson

My Step Father

Two of the people in which told me some of the stories

of the days before statehood of Oklahoma.

One of the stories, in this book, is about what one of the men did in real life.

Prelude

When most people hear the word Oklahoma, they think about the Oklahoma Land Run, cowboys and Indians, and the oil boom, however, they do not realize that there are many treasures that were lost throughout history in the state of Oklahoma.

Things told and remembered of outlaw gold but none has ever been reported are supposedly recovered. Even though there has been hundreds of moneys recovered that could have been outlaw gold that has been reported. The following items have never been recovered or reported.

Some of the lost treasures have no exact location. The owners just knew that while traveling through the Oklahoma territory their treasures disappeared, mainly because they forgot where they hide the money. One such incident is the story of an Atoka cattleman. All of his gold was lost in Oklahoma most likely close to Atoka. Whether he buried his gold or in fact lost the gold, no one knows for sure. Other stories are centered about outlaws such as the silver coins that were buried in Le Flore County on the Holsum Valley road near the old Sulpher River Bridge. The legend states that around half a bushel of silver coins was hidden by bandits somewhere along the roadside.

More outlaws gangs as tales were told, buried their stolen loot at what is now Roman Nose State Park close to Watonga in Blaine County.

Famous outlaw gangs Henry Starr, Doolin and Dalton, Rufus Buck, Belle Starr, Jessie James, Frank James and Ned Christie hid their loot in Robber’s Cave State Park close to Wilburton in Latimer County.

The James brother’s careers lasted nearly 16 years, and over 75 robberies totaling $6 million! Northeastern Oklahoma Counties. There are many stories of Jesse James loot being hidden in the state from the northern Counties to Bryon County on the Red River in the south. Since the James gang came from Missouri, many people believe that they hid out in the Nation during a cooling off period from robberies.

Doolin and Dalton stayed around Ingalls, now a ghost town, east of Stillwater. The Dalton gang had no particular spot for hiding their loot however, it is rumored that they normally used caves and one of the favorite places were the caves near Sand Springs close to Tulsa.

Famous outlaws have also buried or hidden their ill-gotten gains in the state of Oklahoma. Pretty Boy Floyd’s treasures are hidden close to Sallisaw in Sequoyah County also in Pittsburg County near Rain Creek. Stashed robbery loot variously estimated from $ 50,000 to $100,000

This is some of the stories told by folks in the different parts of the state where I lived at the time while working in my younger days. Also of other information that I have acquired over the years.

Any names of the living or dead people which I wrote in this book, was not meant to insinuate or used in a bad way. These people all are proud to be from Oklahoma. This book is a work of fiction of names, characters, places, or incidents either are products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locality or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental unless other wise noted.

Index

Spoofs Treasure

Wetumka Oklahoma Graves Creek

Lucky Thirteen

Meers Indian Territory Oklahoma

Military Gold

Mysterious Treasure

Rock

Treasures in Bryan County Oklahoma

Hidden Gold

Places to Pan for Gold

Introduction

The towns and places named in these books were all real at one time. As the Indian Territory came closer to becoming the State of Oklahoma, a lot of the town names changed or simply no longer existed. Towns such as America, Moon, Ida (Battiest), Dookesville, Punkabua (Broken Bow), Bismarck (Wright City), Chance, and Scullyville (Bartlesville), wouldn’t make it after the Indian Territory was awarded statehood, some became ghost towns, or just places with some reminisce of where they was. This novel in no way reflects on the living or dead when using names. Even if the names might refer to some of your kinfolks or mine.

Towns and places named in Welton Novels were all there at one time. Now they might have the names changed or only be the remembrance of some of the old folks like me. A lot of the towns are under water now, some towns moved to the lakes shore, some became never more, from the numerous lakes the Corps of Engineers has created in the state of Oklahoma

This novel and others that follow of stories told from over fifty years ago. One of the men who told some of the stories fought under the only Indian General, Stan Waite of the Cherokee in the Civil War between the States. Other members of the family have delivered food and supplies to Robbers Cave in Oklahoma, as late as 1915 until the Officers of the Law knew about the cave. In addition, they delivered to other places near the cave until the 1930s to what people of the time called the modern day outlaws.

Spoofs Treasure

Author

Will Welton

She was having trouble keeping up with the three grandchildren. However at eighty plus years old she still got around fairly good. But she had agreed with her daughter that she would bring them to the Public Library each Saturday. But as she neared the Library steps the three children were standing looking up at the name engraved above the doors. As she neared close enough to hear them talking the oldest boy said, I think they named it for great grandpa because he gave it to them.

She smiled and told the children, Hurry on inside so you could find some more books to read in the up coming two weeks. Because next weekend they wouldn’t be able to come to the Library for it was Thanksgiving weekend. The children hurried through the doors and off toward the children’s books. The old woman paused at the center of the room just before getting to the counter where the Librarian was standing. There was a pedestal with a glass covered case setting on top and a book of poems inside. The front of the book was opened to show the pencil writing on the inside cover, which had grown dim over the years, but she remembered the words as if it was yesterday she had seen them in the book.

She stood there for some time, then went to the counter, and laid the six books which she was returning for the children on the counter top. The lady behind the counter smiled and checked the books in to the system. The old woman turned and went over to a bench near the doors and set down. Taking out her knitting bag she began to work with the yarn. From time to time she could see the children towards the back of the room taking books from the shelves and after they looked some at the book they would either put them back or tuck one under their arms to check out latter.

The only great grand daughter, who had came with her that day, came over and asked, Granyma Star did them folks really name this place after Great Grandpa?

Yes they did Dorothy. Why do you ask that for?

Toddy said they did and some times he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Dorothy said and turned running back over to the children’s section of books.

The Liberian came over to where the old woman was setting and commented, Excuse me but did I hear you say the Library was named after your husband?

The old woman looked up and smiled before answering the very young woman, Yes he built the first one with his own hands and then in later years hired rock masons to build what is her now.

The children came back about that time and the young lady took them over to the counter and checked the books out for them. The old woman had put her knitting up and walked over to stand looking at the book in the case on the pedestal. A slumped shouldered old long white haired man, in a motorized chair which was the same complexion as the woman, came over to where she was standing.

He was smiling and said, Morning Star why don’t you have them put a seat here by the stand so you can look at that book whenever you come in.

She smiled at him answered, Rabbit don’t talk about such foolishness. It does me good to stand now and then.

Will you do something for me sister?

What would that be?

The Saturday after Thanksgiving Holidays that we are open you come in at two in the evening and tell your story about that book to the children and what folks want to hear about how the Library was founded. You know it’s been twenty years since the story has been told. Rabbit said with a grin.

When you gona get a hair cut, Rabbit?

Sister you know the Army made me cut it when I was a Tow Talker for them and that’s the only time it has ever been cut and you know it. Rabbit said with a serious look on his face.

The young lady had been listening to what the curator of the library had been saying to the old woman and also the children had gathered around her. The old woman smiled and replied, Ok Rabbit I’ll do it for you.

As the old woman and the children were leaving the young lady came over and asked, Mr. Two Deer you mean you let people come and set in here and tell stories about books?

Two Deer smiled and answered, Yes and the reading will be held in the main auditorium of the collage.

You mean they will be more people than what the library will hold?

Yes because I’m going to get the news paper and television station to let the public know that Mrs. Spoofard Lindsey Jones with tell the story of the founder of this Library and collage. It will be the truth of the life story of the founder. You think you might want to come?

But sir how would you know it was the truth and not something made up about the man?

He was my brother-in-law and the teller of the story is my sister. I guess you could say that I personally know for a fact. He smiled and maneuvered the motorized chair away to get on the telephone and get started spreading the word. He knew his sister would be mad about what he was doing but figuring on five dollars a piece for the children and ten dollars for the adults this little venture would bring in a lot of needed money to run the collage better. On his way to his office he got to wondering what the papers would pay to run the true store and how much the TV station would pay just to setup and capture the whole story telling on the boob tube.

In his office Rabbit Two Deer was looking up the phone numbers he would need and said to him self out loud, Hell Star wouldn’t do it if I charged for the children to get in to hear the story. Better not charge them. Why the hell would I stuff more money in the rat hole of a collage that’s going broke and falling down around it’s self. Get them to bill this as a fundraising event for the Library.

Star put on her best dress as she looked into the closet at the old deer skin out fit hanging in a plastic case. The children of hers had the suit cleaned at the leather cleaners, she had reworked some of the quills, and beads to make the suit looked as it did forty years ago when she had made it. Spoof had wanted to wear it when he died and buried in it but push came to shove and the kids hadn’t let it happen. Her granddaughter Jessie had been working for the lady doctor who was a Veterinarian and be a god sent to get the Porcupine Quills at her job.

It was too late now to think of such things for Harold would be here any minute to take her over to the reading. Harold had ensured her there would be a comfortable chair for her and a small table for her to set a drink on for when she got thirsty.

She sensed rather than heard the man walk through the living room. Going out the bedroom door Harold was standing there tall and proud, his graying hair cropped close as the white man wore it now, with his face beaming a broad smile. Mother it’s time for us to leave now. Is there anything you want to take with you to be more comfortable at the reading?

No we must not keep the children waiting. Did you take Toddy, Dorothy, and John to the Library this morning for me to get their books for next week?

No mother, Lissy took them for us. But they will be right near the stage with you.

On stage? Star asked with a funny look in her eyes.

It’s just my way of talking Mother. Harold answered as he took her arm and they left going out the door to the car waiting in the driveway. He knew that if he said anymore she would refuse to go. Before they got to the Library, Harold turned off the main road and went through the road running around the college. Where we going? His mother asked.

Rabbit thought it would be better for you to set up on the stage in the auditorium so the ones that came to the reading could see and hear you better. Harold answered as he turned down beside the auditorium.

Getting out of the car she was having second thoughts about what these kin of hers was getting her into but what the hell she had been in worst places in her younger days. Moving up the ramp they went down a hall and up on the back of the stage. On the stage, the curtains were drawn, and Star couldn’t see out front. On the stage was a comfortable looking chair, table with several bottles of water, and other things she didn’t recognize.

Harold helped his mother to the chair as she asked, How come them blamed things or closed?

I’m going to give a short speech before they open so you are able to rest a few minutes. He answered and moved to where the slit in the curtains would part when they were closing. Stepping out to a small podium to the left of center he tried to stand at his full height. Looking over the crowd and realizing that all the seating in the auditorium people filled each seat and even the balcony had people. Glancing over to the edge of the curtains and a man standing in the wings nodded to Harold.

"Folks we thank you for coming and helping to support the Library but first I want to tell a little about the book under the glass case. Even though through the years most of you good people have noticed it on a pedestal in the front lobby of the Librarians desk and asked few questions about it. It is a book of a collection of poems of some of the greatest poets of the early 1800’s. It was give to my Father in 1885 by a known outlaw by the name of Bartholomew Harold Hanson. It was the first book my father had ever owned that was actually his.

The book is opened to the front cover with a hand written note in pencil which has faded and became hard to read over the years so I will read what is wrote in the book. He had taken a sheet of paper from his pocket as he had been talking and then he continued. To whom it may concern. I Bartholomew Harold Hanson bequeath my horse, gun, saddle, rifle, boots, and anything else that Spoof Jones wants. I do bequeath all my possessions to this young man. It is signed Bart Hanson.

Now I present to you the wife of Spoofard Lindsey Jones for over fifty years before his death Mrs. Star Two Deer Jones my mother."

The curtain opened and Harold moved the podium over to the side of the stage. A hush fell over the audience as Star looked across at all the people setting in front of her. She spotted Rabbit setting of to the side and she said, Rabbit Runs Two Deer you hoodoo me again but I’ll cut your hair off of your head and I got the Army her to hold you so I can do it for you. The audience roared with laughter.

As the laughter subsided Star could see hers and Spoofs whole family setting on the front row even though three of their sons died in the second big war. Well I’ll start with what Spoof told me about when he was ten years old and when I get to where we married I’ll tell it like I remember. The audience fell silent as Star took a drink of water and started with the story.

It had been a three days for Spoof since the town Marshal Ardisty Hill came to the house and told him that his parents had been killed. Their horses had run away and turned the wagon over on his parents, killing them both. Spoofs brother came home, two days later drunk as a skunk, and had taken everything from the house he could sell or trade for whiskey. Over the past two years Dad and Joe had several knock down and drag out fights over Joe’s drinking strong drink. Joe hadn’t even spoken to Spoof. Joe just loaded every thing that he thought might sell into a small wagon, with another man driving, and he left the house heading for town.

Spoof stood there in the cold dreary April day with pellets of sleet hitting on the people at times. Spoof wondered what he would do now. Standing at the foot of the two graves, with the fresh turned, almost frozen, dirt on each side, and watching the Joe Lipton the preacher saying good words over his parents made Spoof feel badly. Only a hand full of people had come to the services, Mister Henson from the Hardware store, Mister Dolman the barber, the two grave diggers, and Marshal Hill.

Beside the grave of his mother, two smaller ones that were Spoofs sisters that hadn’t been very old when they died of the crud, as mama called it, when she told him how they had died of the fever. Looking around at the people gathered at the funeral was Marshal Tibbs, the undertaker, and the two grave diggers were not much of a crowd to have as friends. It must have been that momma and dad didn’t have any friends.

Spoof was only ten years old, even though he would be eleven in May, and had a heavy burden thrown on him now of having to survive in life. Being skinny and he was only four feet tall, with the long black hair on his shoulders, which was helping to keep his tears seen by anyone. Joe hadn’t even showed up for the funeral today. The town Marshal was standing beside Spoof at the grave side, when the preacher was through talking, the Marshal turned Spoof, and the two of them went down the hill toward town.

As they were walking the Marshal said, You know your brother is selling the home place, livestock and equipment to the banker?

No sir I didn’t. Spoof said with concern in his voice.

Where are you going to live when he does sell the place?

Don’t know.

I’d hate to see you go to the orphanage. As big a town as Sedalia is, maybe we could find someone to take you in for a while.

Spoof knew he wasn’t going to that orphanage. Spoof had talked to one of the boys when they were working at Hallstead’s farm, clearing the brush, in the fields. The boy told Spoof they received a cold biscuit for the morning meal and corn meal mush at night when they went back to the house. The building they slept in didn’t have any heat during the winter and as soon as the boys or girls could get away, they would run off. The boy also told Spoof that he was running off by this summer. Spoof knew the kids looked starved for food and the clothes on their backs were nothing but tattered and torn rags tied together were what they had to wear.

The Marshal walked Spoof over to his Welch pony and as Spoof was mounting the Marshal asked, You be alright out at your place? You know you could spend the night over at the jail with me because I have a spare room you could stay in for a while.

I need to get home and milk the cow and take care of the other stock. Spoof answered as he wiped tears which were running down his cheeks.

You had better come back to town and bring what you want to keep by Friday night because if you have anything on the place, you want, it will be taken over by the banker on Saturday. So you need to bring your things into my office that you aim to keep.

Yes sir, was Spoofs answer as he turned the pony out from the hitch rack heading home. Spoof hadn’t any idea of what he wanted from the farm except maybe his two ponies.

That night, after milking the cow and taking care of his two ponies, there was the plow horses to throw some grain in their feed trough, chickens and hogs to feed. As Spoof was putting the feed bucket up, he looked around the barn. His saddle and gear was hanging from a peg, in the wall, also there was the pack rig for Penny his other Welch pony. Spoofs father and him had been camping several times and had used Spoofs small horses. His dad had rode, one of the wagon team horses. That was the reason for the small pack frame to fit his Welch pony. An idea started forming in Spoofs head, going up to the house Spoof started thinking of what he would need to take from the house.

That evening, Spoof walked around the house and set anything he wanted to take with him on the kitchen table. He had his mother’s bible, a picture of his mother and father, a pocket knife, two hunting knives, two shirts, two pair of pants and two pair of socks. Maybe tomorrow, he could find more but he was tired and went to bed. That night he woke with a start as the sun was coming over the horizon. He had been dreaming of the carpet bag in the attic. About every month, his father would take it down and go to his bed room and after about an hour, he would put the bag back up in the attic.

Getting dress and going into the kitchen, he was shivering from the cold. Spoof put kindling and some wood into the cook stove and struck a match sticking it to the kindling wood to get it burning. Looking around he could tell he would have to wait till the sun got brighter for he wasn’t going to take a burning lamp up into the attic. Spoof remembered he had nothing to eat since yesterday morning before the funeral. He pushed a chair over to where a ham was hanging from the rafter and taking the butcher knife, Spoof cut two big pieces of meat from the ham.

Moving over to the stove, he put the ham meat into a skillet and turned to the pantry table where his mother kept the flour and such. His mother had taught him how to make small batches of things in case they had to be gone and Spoof got hungry and needed to fix himself a meal. Spoof took a tin cup and dug a cup of flour from the sack, pouring the flour into the bowel, taking a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking powder mixing it with the flour. Then he added enough water to thin the mixture down some to a paste.

By now the ham was hot and cooked enough so Spoof took it out of the pan, placing the ham on a tin plate. He poured half of the flour mixture into the skillet and when he thought it was done on one side he turned it over to cook some more. When the pan bread was finished cooking, he took the fried bread from the skillet and cooked the rest of the flour mixture in the pan.

Spoof set down at the table and ate his breakfast as he was drinking milk cooled from last night. He had decided to mix some of the flour, salt, and baking powder together. In addition, he would sack up sugar, some coffee, the rest of the salt, dried beans, with mamas glass jar to soak the beans, and any canned good he could find to take along with him. While waiting on the sun to get higher, Spoof went to the barn and turned the animals out into the pasture near the barn where the creek was running on the back side. When he returned to the house, he took the small panders for the pack rig. Spoof started gathering his things up and putting them in the panders.

It was still early in the morning but Spoof got the ladder from the wall and propped it up against the cross beam in the ceiling so he could climb up into the