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Sapulpa Somebodies

That You've Never Heard Of. Probably.
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Do you ever say, "you know, that one person that one time.." or "so-and-so did this..." or "so-and-so did that..."? Well, this is the series that shares those stories of people in Sapulpa that had an impact on the community. These people may have lived here all their lives, or for a short while, or did something that impacted another community, but still called Sapulpa their home at one time.

​These are their stories.

Dr. Elizabeth McCoy (December 18, 1880-April 21, 1928)

12/18/2024

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Elizabeth Estelle Alliston was born to Sallie Elizabeth Alliston in Rankin County, Mississippi on December 18, 1880.

Sallie Alliston was married to Robert Ruci on May 15 1869. Sallie was listed in the 1880 Census as “white,” whereas Robert was not listed at all. Robert was more than likely an Albanian immigrant or of Albanian descent. Sallie had three children, Elizabeth, John, and Benjamin. It is unknown if Robert is their father, however.

The three children were listed in the Census with slight variations in ethnicity: “Freedman,” “Free Negroes,” or “Mulattoes.”

It is also unknown what Sallie’s economic status was during this time after the Civil War. In Rankin County, MS, the county seat town of Brandon, during and after the Civil War was a town with less than 1,000 people.

“During the Civil War, Brandon felt the full wrath of the Union Army under command of General Sherman as it marched through Jackson to Vicksburg. Most of the town was burned by the Union soldiers. At the center of Brandon stands a monument of a Confederate soldier placed there in 1907 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The site of the monument is believed to be where General Sherman had his soldiers stack arms while they occupied the town.

“There were bouts of massive yellow fever epidemics during reconstruction years (1871, 1878, 1888, 1893). 1878 was the worst, and many schools and churches closed. Brave citizens continued to rebuild and educate their children as the 19th century ended. Street lights were installed in 1911, and, in 1917, the City allocated a $5,000 bond issue at 6% interest for paving streets.

“Tragedy struck again, in November of 1924, when a fire destroyed most of downtown Brandon, including the courthouse. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, times were hard in the entire country. Residents of Brandon, as well as Rankin County, did not feel the hunger as desperately as others, because it was an agrarian society and the rich farmland provided enough for the local population to survive.”
Elizabeth “finishing her high school course she taught in the public schools of her community for a number of years.”

Just after her 16th birthday, Elizabeth was married on January 21, 1897 to Augustus G. McCoy in Brandon, MS. Within a year or two, the McCoy family left Mississippi for Tennessee.

Augustus was listed as a sophomore at Meharry Medical College - Walden University in the 1900-1901 school year. Elizabeth was listed as a freshman that year.

“In the 1820s, 16-year-old Samuel Meharry was hauling a load of salt through Kentucky when his wagon slid off the road into a muddy ditch. With rain and nightfall limiting his options, Samuel searched for help. He saw a modest cabin that was home to a black family recently freed from slavery. The family, still vulnerable to slave hunters paid to return freedmen to bondage, risked their freedom to give Meharry food and shelter for the night.

“At morning’s light, they helped lift the wagon from the mud and Meharry continued his journey. The black family’s act of kindness touched young Meharry so deeply that he vowed to repay it. I have no money now, he said as he departed, but, when I am able, I shall do something for your race. Tragically, history never recorded the name of the courageous black family, and perhaps their identity even receded in the mind of Samuel Meharry as he grew prosperous in the years that followed.

“Even so, 40 years later, as the Civil War ended and black citizens began their long struggle for rights guaranteed by the Constitution, Meharry seized an opportunity to redeem his vow. When leading Methodist clergymen and laymen organized the Freedmen’s Aid Society in August 1866, to elevate former slaves, intellectually and morally, Meharry acted. He and his four brothers Alexander, David, Hugh and Jesse, pledged their support to Central Tennessee College’s emerging medical education program. With $30,000 in cash and real property, the Meharry brothers repaid the black family’s Act of Kindness with one of their own. In 1876, they funded the College’s Medical Department, which evolved over time into what we now know as Meharry Medical College.”

In two years, Elizabeth McCoy graduated with a pharmacy degree in 1903. She was listed among the six graduates for Class of 1903. “She took charge of a drug store, and studied and finished medicine, organizing the East Side Infirmary, remaining in charge of said institution for nearly eight years. She held many creditable positions in keeping with her ability and profession, being Assistant Instructor in Meharry Medical College and also a teacher in Mercy Hospital for a short time.”

Augustus and Elizabeth welcomed three children to the world. While going to school, the pair raised their children: Eva McCoy, born December 27, 1897, a son born and died October 17, 1899, and Katye McCoy born February 28, 1901.*

*Note: A death record for an infant McCoy: black male, age zero, born and died 17 October 1899 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. The child’s address was listed as 416 Fern Street, with father unnamed but having been born in Mississippi, and mother listed as Elizabeth McCoy, born in Mississippi. The child was not named and was shown as buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Nashville, TN.

Dr. Elizabeth McCoy and Dr. A.G. McCoy were granted divorce in July 1905 in Knoxville, TN. Dr. Augustus G. McCoy moved to Arkansas and died in 1924.*

*Note: the 1910 and 1920 Census records for Crittenden County, Arkansas showed Dr. A.G. McCoy was a “widower.” However, his death certificate in 1924 listed his marital status as divorced.

Dr. Elizabeth McCoy continued her education in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville Medical College in 1908. Elizabeth was among the first and last graduating students from Knoxville Medical College.

“After the closure of the medical department at Knoxville College in 1900, Knoxville Medical College was organized as a replacement facility that opened on December 6, 1900 by the City of Knoxville. At the time of its opening, the only other Black medical school in the state was Meharry Medical College in Nashville. In January 1909, the school was visited by Abraham Flexner who authored the critical Flexner Report (1910) about the state of medical education. By 1910, Knoxville Medical College was forced to close, most likely due to the poor educational conditions and its reputation for ‘mediocrity’ in its training. The college had graduated 21 students in the 10 years of operations. After the closure of Knoxville Medical College, Lincoln Memorial University bought the college in 1910.”

Elizabeth took her Tennessee State Medical Exam in May 1908. And the following year, she applied for her physician’s license in Knoxville, June 1909.

One of her first recognitions in the medical world was within her first month after her license, she successfully delivered triplet girls. “Born into the home of Will Watkins and wife, colored…this morning at 4 o’clock, triplets, all girls…The husband was somewhat taken back this morning when Dr. Elizabeth E. McCoy, who attended the mother, announced the arrival of three baby girls, and it was some time before he was able to reply as to the unusual and large increase in his family. Today he has considered the matter and has stated that he is very anxious that they survive and that he will do everything in his power to care for and provide for the triplets. He is a brick-mason by trade. There are two other children in the family.”

Dr. Elizabeth McCoy was found in the 1910 Census for Knox County, TN. She was a physician and was listed as “single.” At her home, it was listed that at least two others were living in the home: Sadie Browder, a nurse, and Erskin D. Johnson, a medical student.* Erskin Johnson was born in Jackson, MS on June 20, 1887. He took his Tennessee Medical Exam in June 1912.

*Note: Eva and Katye McCoy were not listed on the 1910 Census record, however.

It is not known if Dr. Elizabeth McCoy and Dr. Erskin Johnson were legally married, but a handful of documents and articles mention Elizabeth as: “Mrs. Dr. McCoy,” “Dr. McCoy-Johnson,” or “Dr. E.E. Johnson.” However, most documents and articles name her “Dr. Elizabeth McCoy.”

In 1913, Drs. Elizabeth and Erskin moved to Sapulpa. In the 1914 Sapulpa City Directory, Dr. Elizabeth McCoy Johnson lived at 319 Johnson.* It is also unknown why the couple moved to Oklahoma.

*Note: The address is also listed as 419 Johnson.

Dr. Erskine Johnson’s military draft card (1917) stated he was a physician and married, even though it did not list his wife’s name. However, the address, 419 W. Johnson was the one registered to Dr. Elizabeth McCoy. He also received a draft card during WWII. It is not known if Dr. Johnson was called to serve in the military. 

The 1918 Sapulpa Directory listed both Elizabeth McCoy Johnson and Erskind Johnson, physicians, living at 419 Johnson. Elizabeth lived and worked out of the home address, while Erskine worked at 515 E. Hobson.

During the 1918 year, a divorce must have taken place. In August of that year, Dr. Erskine D. Johnson applied to practice medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.*

*Note: In 1920, Dr. Erskine D. Johnson applied for a marriage license in St. Louis, MO. In 1942, Dr. Erskine D. Johnson was living and practicing medicine in St. Louis, MO. He was found again in the 1950 Census for Missouri, where he was listed as a school doctor. Dr. Johnson remained in St. Louis for the remainder of his career. Dr. Erskine D. Johnson died March 14, 1964 at age 76.

Both daughters came with Dr. Elizabeth McCoy to live in Sapulpa in 1913. Eva would have been nearly 17, and Katye would have been nearly 13 years old.

Eva McCoy is listed as a teacher from 1914. It is possible she was a teacher at Booker T. Washington in Sapulpa. Katye  was first listed in 1920 as a student. It is unknown where she received her education, however, it is possible either Eva and Katye joined the Oklahoma Baptist College, just blocks away from Booker T. Washington.

In summer 1917, a search for Dr. McCoy’s vehicle was added to the newspaper. “A Ford roadster was stolen on Wednesday night from Dr. McCoy’s private garage. The doctor’s name was painted on the right side.” Dr. McCoy also put an ad in the newspaper for an award of $25 for the “recovery of car and arrest of thief.” About 3 weeks later, it was announced that someone was charged in the theft of the vehicle.

According to a February 2, 1918 article in The Tulsa Star newspaper, Dr. Elizabeth McCoy Johnson was reported to have been ill for the past two weeks due to nervous strain brought on by overwork. It listed her extensive practice and extra time devoted to Red Cross work. Her strain may have also been due to domestic issues, as this was around the time Dr. Johnson left.

By the summer, Creek County Red Cross listed many workers for the districts’ women in the organization. “All of the members of the board with but two expectations, were in attendance at the meeting also the following representatives, Mrs. B.C. Kinnaird, Bristow, Mrs. College, Oilton, Mrs. W.S. Cole, Kiefer, Mrs. H.P. Newton, Shamrock, Dr. McCoy Johnson, representing the colored auxiliary, and Mrs. J.W. Hoover, the Sapulpa chapter.”

“The colored Red Cross auxiliary held quite an enthusiastic meeting Tuesday night and a nice amount of money from the big drive was turned over to Dr. McCoy, chairman.”

From the Black Dispatch, October 11, 1918, “Dr. Elizabeth McCoy Johnson , who has erected at Sapulpa, a handsome two-story brick structure. Dr. McCoy-Johnson began business in the oil city with a capital of thirty cents and is an example of the womanhood of the state of what one woman unaided, by thrift, economy and skill, has accomplished. The state should be proud of this progressive Negro woman.”

In 1920, Dr. McCoy aided in helping an injured officer from Enid. Four men were arrested for “assault and intent to kill of Willie Carol, negro constable of Edna. This assault occurred several weeks ago at a picnic at Edna when Carol was acting as officer of the day. A negro man was disturbing the peace and the consable had ordered him to be quiet when some body slipped up behind him and struck him over the head with a club. He was not found until the next morning. He was brought to Sapulpa where he was given treatment by Dr. Elizabeth McCoy.”

The trio McCoys lived at 403 Johnson by 1920. As early as 1921, the two daughters were listed as teachers. In 1924, Katye was listed as the only teacher found at East Side School. In 1926, the Sapulpa City Directories also listed Hayden Carter, who worked at Schram Glass, and Roy Anderson, a laborer for the Frisco Railroad. These men would become the husbands of Eva (McCoy) Carter and Katye (McCoy) Anderson.

Dr. McCoy was “not only succeeded as a physician and surgeon, but was a financial success, acquiring property and erecting a beautiful brick building to be used as an office and store purposes on some of her Sapulpa property.”

In 1914, Dr. McCoy purchased Lot 12, Block 1 in Businessmen’s Addition to the City of Sapulpa. In January 1915, she also purchased the West 16 feet of the East Half of  Lot 13, Block 1 in Businessmen’s Addition. This property served as both her residence and medical practice.

After struggling with illness for a few weeks in 1928, she succumbed to her illness.
Dr. Elizabeth Estelle McCoy passed away on April 21, 1928. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery on the northwest side of Sapulpa.

“The death of Dr. Elizabeth McCoy, prominent physician of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently, marks the passing of a woman high in the ranks of the medical profession, and one of whom all Oklahomans in every section were proud.”

The headline of her obituary in the Black Dispatch labels her as “Oklahoma’s Only Woman Doctor.”*

*Note: It is not known for certain if she was the first or the only physician in Oklahoma. The Tulsa Star had mentioned in 1914 when Dr. McCoy moved to Oklahoma stated: “Mrs. Dr. McCoy the lady Physician is doing quite a deal of practise now. We are proud to note that we are one of few cities in the state who have a lady physician.”

Just two short years after Dr. McCoy’s death, Eva Carter passed away. Hayden Carter had just lost his mother in May 1930. In late June, Hayden Carter had to say goodbye to his wife. Creasie Carter, Hayden’s mother, and Eva Carter are buried in Fairview Cemetery. They are buried near Dr. Elizabeth McCoy’s grave.*

*Note: Hayden Carter moved to Iowa after their deaths. He remarried in 1933. He passed away in 1972.

It is unknown on the timeline of when Roy and Katye Anderson moved out of Sapulpa. There are listings of the couple living in Earlsboro, Oklahoma at the time of Dr. McCoy’s death. However, it is also known they owned land in Sapulpa. The Andersons are listed in Sapulpa’s City Directory from 1930 to 1934 living at 410 E Hobson. Based on the 1940 and 1950 Census the Andersons lived in Seminole County.

In 1955, Roy and Katye Anderson were found in San Jose, California.*

*Note: Royal “Roy” Anderson died in 1967 and is buried in Earlsboro, OK.

Katye continued teaching her whole life. In 1962, Katye Anderson, “a widow,” executed a warranty deed in favor of L.A. Hudgins for Lot 12, Block 1, Business Men’s Addition to the City of Sapulpa. Her signature was notarized by Lon T. Jackson of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. However, the county was listed as Payne County, and not Creek County. Katye sold land to the Turnpike Authority in 1951. A few years later, it was sold back to her in 1955.

Katye Anderson passed away in 1980, buried in San Jose, CA.
​
(Tulsa Star, September 19, 1914, February 2, 1918, April 17, 1920; Sapulpa Herald, March 27, 1917, June 14, 1917, June 18, 1917, July 6, 1917, July 7, 1917, January 8, 1918, May 24, 1918, May 29, 1918, August 20, 1918, February 4, 1920, July 13, 1920, August 5, 1920, April 23, 1928; Black Dispatch, September 21, 1917, October 11, 1918, May 18, 1922, May 17, 1928, July 3, 1930; Creek County Republican, October 10, 1919; Tennessean, October 22, 1899, September 9, 1911, June 11, 1912; St Louis Globe-Democrat, August 15, 1918, April 30, 1920; Nashville Banner, May 14, 1898, May 26, 1898, October 8, 1904, July 8, 1912; Knoxville Sentinel, May 5, 1908, June 30, 1909, July 27, 1909; Journal and Tribune, July 13, 1905, July 25, 1905, July 1, 1909; FindAGrave.com; Wikipedia; FamilySearch.com; History of Brandon; Meharry Medical College; Ancestry.com; Sapulpa City Directory)
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Mary McDougal Axelson (August 15, 1891-November 28, 1973)

8/15/2023

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“Oklahoma Mary” Part One: Life Begins

Mary Carmack McDougal was born on August 15, 1891. Mary is one of the daughters of one of Sapulpa’s first mayors, Daniel Archibald McDougal, “In early years [of the 20th] century, the ‘Home Seekers Excursion’ train departed twice a month from the deep South…One of its scheduled stops was Sapulpa, Indian Territory…On a day in June 1904, Myrtle Archer McDougal, and her three young daughters, Jennie Myrtle, Mary, and Violet, disembarked from the passenger car…waiting eagerly for his family was D.A. McDougal.

The family coming to Sapulpa, to Indian Territory, would make history.

“[In 1903, D.A.] had journeyed west to Sapulpa, where he had a wooden sign, ‘attorney-at-law’ in front of a Main St office…reunited with his family in anew from a shabby cottage on Sapulpa’s South Elm St.*’”

*Note: The McDougals lived at 217 S Elm St; the residence is long gone, however.

D.A. moved to Sapulpa for an opportunity. D.A. was mayor from 1908 to 1910. He was an attorney and judge for our district. “Attorney McDougal won his case for the Clantons, a Muscogee Creek family who were petitioning to have their name registered on the Creek Tribal rolls in order to be eligible for a share of the Native lands then being distributed. He accepted forty acres of land in lieu of a fee and acting on a ‘hunch’ hired a wild-cat well dug on his new land…he found himself an oil millionaire.”

Mary would later write in her book about her father, Thirteenth Child: the Store of D.A. McDougal, “We waited - forever it seemed. I knew I would die if something didn’t happen soon. Then suddenly there was a roaring and the men yelled and scattered in every direction, running for their lives. And there it came out of the pipe at the side - black oil glittering in the slanting sun! Now we had oil, we wouldn’t have to scrimp and do without anymore. Colle! Fudge parties! Midnight feasts! Kodaks and chafing dishes! Kansas City! Colorado, Niagara Falls, maybe! Even New York! And books - all we wanted!”

After the money came in, the family moved to what Mary referred to as “the 13 room house in Sapulpa that oil bought.” Mary wrote, “oil bought us one of the largest and most imposing homes in Sapulpa - on nearby South Oak Street…we built on to this house until it soon had thirteen rooms - dad’s lucky number.*”

*Note: The big house was located at 216 S Oak St.

Myrtle McDougal, like her husband, became a leader in the area. She became a pioneer in Indian Territory-turning-Oklahoma statehood. “The national press hailed her as a ‘suffragette and crusading leader and organizer whose work in political, literary, and women’s groups spanned nearly a century’…she was a leading figure in women’s club movement, suffrage, democratic party politics, health reform, and the world peace campaign.” Myrtle McDougal went on to lead or begin over 40 organizations.

“Arch and Myrtle enjoyed these house parties with great gusto and were a happy part of the groups that were reading poetry or arguing over some favorite or hated author or some artistic theory her and there over the big house.*”

*Note: Mary referred to her father as Arch, but many townsfolk knew him as D.A.

Mary recalled her parents entertaining guests in Sapulpa. “If you come to Sapulpa at all, the McDougals will entertain you one way or another - in their home, or in the McDougal jail (the city had rented one of my father’s buildings for a temporary jail), or in the McDougal cemetery (my father had helped a friend in financing a cemetery).”

It is unsure if Mary graduated or attended Sapulpa schools. One of her sisters, Jennie Myrtle, graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1907. “Oil sent the three McDougal girls to ‘finishing school’ and to university.”

Mary enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, during the First Great War. With Myrtle and D.A. as parents, Mary and her sisters took an interest in economics, education, writing, women’s rights, and motherhood. At the University, Mary became a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Mary would often stay in Sapulpa and be a part of her community. This week in Sapulpa history, in 1915, “one of the crowning events of the forthcoming Creek County Fair is the Better Babies Contest, which is to be put on and which is being looked after Mrs. George Weztel, Mrs. Bassett, and Miss Mary McDougal.” It was a competition held in state fairs during the early 20th century, judging for their health.
At the University, Mary began her journey for the love of writing and poetry. She often published articles in Oklahoma; many of these articles could be found in magazines across the country.

In March 1918, Mary’s first nationally recognized break occurred. “Miss Mary Carmack McDougal is now head of the magazine publicity work for the national fuel administration at Washington. Miss McDougal has spent several years attending the University of Oklahoma and was still a student there when appointed magazine publicity head. At the present time she is in Washington and will return to Norman when the war ends. Miss McDougal is the author of several articles which have already appeared in the Century Magazine, World’s Work, the Women’s Home Companion, and the Ladies’ Home Journal.”

With the 1920s just around the corner, Mary McDougal became a recognizable name in Oklahoma. “Mary’s own life evolved from serious of adventures that were in themselves made of the drama that theater relishes.” Frequently, Mary would as soon to visit the big house in Sapulpa, turn around and leave for Washington or New York.
With D.A. McDougal’s oil finances, D.A. also purchased acres in Florida. The family also would frequently vacation in Miami. Miami would soon become the headquarters for the McDougal family when they left Oklahoma for raising families and retirement for others.

The McDougal family would often vacation in Colorado, New York, and travel back to their roots in Tennessee. “Mary balanced several careers with originality and skill, becoming in turn, suffragist, author, social reformer, political activist, oil and land broker, and maverick.”

By 1921, the McDougals and Mary were regulars as featured speakers and writers for Oklahoma organizations. Being originally from Tennessee, the McDougals knew about their families' past of owning enslaved people. With many efforts, the family tracked down two former enslaved people of the family’s plantation. One lived in Tennessee, and the other lived in Indiana; both people had the McDougal last name*.
*Note: many enslaved people were named after the slave owners. Mary even wrote in her book, “I knew that the freed slaves took the name of their master.”

D.A. McDougal sought out these two people, bought food and medicine for them, and had a conversation before they died. The McDougals then returned to Oklahoma as the Ku Klux Klan began to rise.

In Mary’s book about her father, Mary writes about the Tulsa Race Massacre. “I was doing a story for an Eastern newspaper on the riots, so Dad and I were in Tulsa the next morning. We had to get a pass from the Governor to go where we wanted to go, for there was martial law in the devastated section and there were still a few instances of Negroes being shot that morning.”

Mary’s book went page after page describing how she and her father aided people from the devastation. One instance, Mary said, “we saw an old black woman there shivering in a flimsy kimona and old wet house slippers, and we offered to drive her to town to get clothes at a relief shop, but she reused to get out of the car and cross the sidewalk unless one us came with her, she was so afraid of being shot at! I took the woman’s arm and led her into the store, and found her a coat and some strong comfortable looking shoes.”

Mary went on to write about the similar situation in Sapulpa, just a little over a year later. Mary wrote, “it was not long after this terrible butchery of Negroes in Tulsa that the kind of thing happened in Sapulpa…no one knew what was going to happen. The Sapulpa Negroes, with the Tulsa massacre fresh in their minds, were panic-stricken.”

Mary said that they moved their cook to the “big house from the servants’ quarters on our back lawn.” Mary and her family went all over town and county,  urging people back to their homes. “My father promised them that they would be protected there. The Negroes trusted this promise and went home and stayed there safely. So decency prevailed; that is something I have always been proud of little Sapulpa for.”
For Mary, the aftermath of these events began an infatuation for caring for others. Including her career in writing, nursing was one of the many careers Mary took on as her passion. “The source of Mary’s story was the autobiographical journal that she kept…In the best tradition of the independent woman of her era, Mary eschewed marriage for a career…There in the center of the reform idealism of the 1910s and 20s, she filled scrapbooks with clippings of her published poetry and records of her activism.”

Mary kept writing and publishing, in New York, Washington, and Oklahoma.  By July 1923, “she is now at work on a poem which will be given the position of official state poem, expressive of the individuality of Oklahoma…Miss Mary McDougal is a poet of ability.”

Writing ran in her family's veins. Violet McDougal, Mary’s sister, too joined her sister in New York. In 1925, Violet and Mary published their poems. The poems were also published in New York Herald-Tribune, University of Oklahoma Magazine, New York Times, Daily Oklahoman, Kansas City Star, Miami Herald, and many others.

Mary continued to devote her time to working and activism. “Hailed in the press as ‘Oklahoma Mary,’ she received notoriety for idiosyncrasies that included such habits as carrying a pistol and doing her automobile repairs, while she earned a reputation for her fiery speaking technique…”

Mary’s work pushed her from coast-to-coast. She also worked hard for the states in the between. “Mary was an organizer and publicist for the New York STate Women’s Suffrage Association during the ‘decisive battle’ period and an early volunteer of the Women’s trade Union League. Always a woman of many enthusiasms, she combined her feminist and political interests by becoming the first woman campaigner in a presidential election, when she was sent in 1916 to organize the women voters of the suffrage state of Kansas for the Democratic Party.”

While in her busy schedule, Mary found time to attend her sister’s and her niece’s wedding. “Lucky it was and happy it was to live in that [Sapulpa] house. Here, standing in front of the long rose velvet curtains that hung in the archway between the living and dining rooms. Jennie Myrtle married Hugh James McKay, oil geologist; Jennie Myrtle saw her own daughter, Myrtle, married to James Hocker, engineer.”

Mary would also marry at the home, too. In 1923, Mary met Ivar Axelson. “I married Ivar, an economist and darling.” Ivar secured a job at University of Oklahoma as a professor of economics. The two moved to Norman and got back to work.

“The subject of parenthood became a strong force in their lives. Although the physicians who examined Mary warned her that 37 was a dangerous age for a first pregnancy, she stubbornly preserved.” In 1928, Mary decided to keep a journal of her pregnancy and motherhood.

Mary and Ivar Axelson took a risky operation and decided to have a Cesarean operation. On February 12, 1929, a little girl was born in the Axelson family: Mary Ivonne Axelson.

With their new baby, the Axelsons moved back to New York. Ivar began to study for his Ph.D. at Columbia University. “Ivar suggested that [his wife] study playwriting, an idea that intrigued her enough to take a course at Columbia.”

Mary wanted to write while being a new mother. The meaning of motherhood became the inspiration for Mary's first play. “Hatcher Hughes, the theatrician and Mary’s teacher, recognized the potential of his student’s work, putting the play into production.”

‘Life Begins’ opened on Broadway on March 28, 1932. The Selwyn Theatre at 227 West 42nd Street, New York, had “full houses with an extended run to accommodate ticket purchasers. Birth is pretty raw stuff, competently enough written to be not all revolting i its depiction of the maternity ward of a hospital.’” It had “thoughtful reviews, but the public did not come.” It closed on April 1, 1932.

However, this did not stop Warner Brothers production contacting Mary. “Undismayed by the drama’s brief stage life, Warner’s embarked upon the filming with a stellar cast and plans for an extensive publicity campaign geared to bring the company out of its depression year decline by bringing in high-box office returns with ‘Life Begins.’

Warner Brothers introduced Loretta Young, Eric Linden, Aline MacMahon, Glenda Farrell, and many others to their new film production. It was released to theaters on September 10, 1932. 

Warner Brothers, in a sense, used the production to rebirth their business. “Warnes’ indicated the special expectations pinned on the film: ‘Make Life Begins the beginning of a new life in our business…we are doing a sincere job in trying to make the kind of entertainment that will make the country happier.’”

The adaptation swept the nation. “Held in over in movie houses throughout the nation, Life Begins became one of the major film successes of the era.” As it continued to grow in popularity in the United States, it, too, had some setbacks elsewhere. “It was banned in the United Kingdom until 1935” for its realistic portrayal of birth and motherhood.

Due to the setback, Mary and Ivar moved between New York and Los Angeles and back again. Mary continued to write, for screenplays, poetry, and articles. Warner Brothers reached out less than a decade later to relaunch Mary’s hit. “Warners’ was scheduling to re-make Life Begins with a new title: A Child is Born.”

It was released nearly exactly seven years later, January 1940. “This drama of woman’s great adventure boasts such screen players as Geraldine Fitzegerald, Jeffry Lynn, Gladys George,” and many others.

However, in less than ten years, the national perspective shifted. “There was less tolerance of ‘risque’ or ‘sacred’ (as in maternity) subjects in 1939 than in 1932.” The Motion Picture Code began in 1934 which added restrictions to those viewing pictures to a certain age. “In some communities audiences were segregated,” for men to view films at night, and women to view films at matinee.

“The film had an especially hard time in Mary’s home state of Oklahoma. Report Malvina Stephenson, of Sapulpa, sent a Central Press Association release to over five-hundred newspapers charging, ‘Best Sellers Arouse Oklahomans…two current best sellers are smearing Oklahoma - John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath and Mary McDougal Axelson’s A Child is Born.’”

On the other hand, Tulsans reported “‘Women Leaders See Preview - a handpicked group of Tulsans, civic and social organizations, parent teacher associations, will view the film to see if the neurotic character of women Mary McDougal Axelson is portrayed.’ Apparently, it was not, since the women liked and approved the film for general viewing.”

In Sapulpa for the premiere, the Yale Theater “was filled with Sapulpans, most of them women. They applauded as Mrs. Axelson’s name flashed from the projection room and after the showing, they crowded around the author’s sister and nephew,” Mrs. Jennie Myrtle MacKay and Archie MacKay.

Mary’s novel “billed as a ‘woman’s story’ was a commercial success, even though the critics were enthusiastic.”

Mary Carmack McDougal Axelson was a woman, a writer, a wife, a columnist, a mother, a feminist, and nurse. She was given the nickname “Oklahoma Mary” for her dedication and her outstanding career. She kept Sapulpa in her mind and heart. In her own words, she signed her book about her father: “For the Sapulpa Historical Society, this book about a family who cherished Sapulpa, from a daughter of Sapulpa, Mary McDougal Axelson.”

One of Mary’s dreams was to be a writer. She also kept her dream of being a mother. “The irony of Mary McDougal Axelson’s life is that the inspiration behind the creation of her career work - the play, the movies, the book - the birth of her daughter, Mary Ivonne Axelson, would ultimately become the reason for her death.”

(Wandering Fires by Mary and Violet McDougal; Lonesome Angel and Other Poems by Mary McDougal Axelson; Last Dream and Other Poems by Mary McDougal Axelson; Thirteenth Child: the story of D.A. McDougal by Mary Carmack McDougal Axelson; A Child is Born by Mary McDougal Axelson; Life Begins by Mary McDougal Axelson)

(Yellow Brick Studio; IMDb; Playbill; Chronicles of Oklahoma, Vol. 60, No. 3, 1982; Sapulpa Herald, August 14, 1915, March 11, 1918, July 2, 1921, July 10, 1923; Creek County Republican, July 5, 1918; Tulsa World, January 25, 1940)



“Oklahoma Mary” Part Two: The Death of Birth

This is “‘Oklahoma Mary Part Two,” as it is the continuation of Part One. In “Oklahoma Mary Part One: Life Begins,” we described the life, the work, and the extraordinary life of Sapulpa’s author, Mary McDougal Axelson. We released Part One on Axelson’s birthday, August 13th, in celebration of her life. Part Two will focus on more of her work, activism, her motherhood, her daughter and her work, and the tragic end to the author’s life with cancer, on November 27th, 1973.

Backstory: Mary Carmack McDougal Axelson’s parents brought their three daughters to Sapulpa in 1904. D.A. McDougal, the father, became the town’s fourth mayor; he was also a lawyer and judge. Mary graduated boarding school in 1906; she went to University of Oklahoma, and became a journalist. She worked for many local newspapers, and at the age of 19 worked for a magazine in Washington. By 1923, she would marry an OU professor, Ivar Axelson.

They became parents at an older age, for that time. At age of 37, Mary gave birth via Cesarean, to their daughter, Mary Ivonne Axelson. The family moved to New York, and while Mr. Axelson worked on his Ph.D. at Columbia University, Mrs. Axelson began writing as a playwright about motherhood.

In just a few short years, Mary Axelson’s play would become a cinema film, showing all over the country in 1939 - the film and book: Life Begins.

At the end of her life, the family moved to Florida. She had leukemia and sadly spent the last two years of her life, in and out of the hospital.

Although Warner Brothers’ take on Life Begins (1932) was pretty well received in the box office, their remake, under the name A Child is Born (1939), was not a smash hit the studio was looking for. “The studios were eager for scripts, since 1939 was a time when depression weary people flocked to the inexpensive entertainment that films offered. The movie house was a place where national myths were upheld, giving citizens hope in the future, and a welcome respite from a dull and uncertain reality through a world of fantasy and dreams. In this case, a ‘formula’ that worked once was tried again.”

It seemed Mary’s wishes were rejected. “Mary was avid to have a role in the production, but Hollywood’s reputation for heartless cruelty was upheld when producer Sam Bischoff told a demoralized Mary that they would make the picture ‘horrible’ because that’s ‘box-office.’”

Mary wrote in her diary, a journal she kept for her entire adulthood about her experience in motherhood, “The one bright monument of my writing career to be sullied and wrecked.”

With movie stars Geraldine Fitzgerald, Jeffrey Lynn, Gale Page, Gldys Geroge, and Spring Byington, Mary’s hope for a successful film was in place. “Mary haunted the studio each day, maneuvering her way onto the set. Fearful that if she left during the lunch brea, she would not be allowed back in, she hid and ate fudge. Ignored by the staff, she brooded, ‘I am flung out, pushed aside, forgotten as if I didn’t exist,’” she wrote in her diary.

“Mary worked exhaustingly to finish a draft which was submitted and rushed into print. The book jacket featured the film’s stars in an embrace with copy reading ‘The novel of every woman’s great adventure.’ In what was one of the original movie and novel marketing package tie-ins, readers were told, ‘Read the book - see the picture.’”

When the film was released, Mary thought Sapulpa, or the very least, Selmer, Tennessee, where she was born, but Sapulpa where she was raised, would be the ideal location for the premiere. However, Warner Brothers sent her to Kansas City. In her diary she wrote: “‘I am sick of being exploited for Warners’ benefit…They are making a fortune from the dream of my heart.’ She requested a salary for promotional work and when she was turned down, refused to attend” the world premiere. “As a final insult the studio sent out press releases saying Kansas City was Mary’s birthplace and that she would attend the opening.”

In Sapulpa for the premiere, the Yale Theater “was filled with Sapulpans, most of them women. They applauded as Mrs. Axelson’s name flashed from the projection room and after the showing, they crowded around the author’s sister and nephew,” Mrs. Jennie Myrtle MacKay and Archie MacKay.

As stated earlier, the journals Mary kept were about her experience into motherhood. The play was based on her journal entries, thus becoming a movie, and a remake of the film. Mary’s experience in motherhood intrigued many readers and movie-goers. “Women liked and approved the film for general viewing.” In her diary, Mary wrote: “‘The challenge of motherhood is precisely the same appeal to heroism that was felt by the young men who went to the trenches during the great war. Adventure, the gamble with fate - that is what motherhood means.’”

With A Child is Born, the novel, “many women enjoyed the novel,” and it was a success. The novel was translated into six languages. Mary wrote in her diary about the success as she looked back on her career, “‘I once had a taste of triumph when my first play was produced by Warner Brothers and shown all over the world.’”

In December 1941, just under two years after the movie came to Sapulpa, Mary McDougal Axelson came to visit Sapulpa. “When cowboy melodeer Gene Autry comes back home here soon to Saulpa to do his ‘old trick’ for a day at the railroad dispatcher’s office, according to his erstwhile pals here, there’s goin’ to be such a time in the old town that bronco bustin’ will look like a taffy pulling. And speaking of homecoming for notables, Sapulpa puts out its best foot when it greets Mary McDougal Axelson, author and playwright…”

Mary and her family would often visit Sapulpa. “Mary McDougal Axelson, Sapulpa’s own writer ‘who has made good in the big city,’ is back home making some of the old rounds and incidentally full of more ideas for stories and plays than you ever heard of!”

The family had made a home in Florida. D.A. McDougal had taken his wife and daughters to Florida as a second home as they lived in Sapulpa. But after his retirement, Judge McDougal and his wife moved to Florida to spend their late years in the south.

Mary, her husband, Ivar, and their daughter Mary Ivonne, would also live in Florida for some time. The three would often live between Miami, Florida, Washington, New York, Oklahoma (Norman and Sapulpa), and Los Angeles.

In 1945, Mary’s sister, Violet McDougal, and herself wrote a book of poems. These poems were read over the radio from Miami, Florida, and many listeners in Sapulpa got to listen to a local author read her own pieces. “Poems of Miss Violet McDougal and Mrs. Mary McDougal Axelson will be broadcast from Miami, Fla, this evening at 8 o’clock, Sapulpa time. Mrs. Axelson will read them at the request of the Miami station.”

In 1955, D.A. McDougal passed away in Coral Gables. “McDougal crusaded for prohibition and supported women’s suffrage in Oklahoma. During the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, McDougal assisted the legal advisor for the U.S. State Department. During the land boom of the early 1920s, McDougal came to Florida with his daughter, Mary McDougal Axelson. Here, he teamed up with her husband, Ivar, and began a permanent home in Coral Gables, and spent his last years fighting the expansion of the Everglades National Park and the retention of his oil rights.”

“Ivar Axelson served as president of the Everglades National Park Landowners Association and led the Association for the Best Use of Florida Lands. He crusaded for many years against the expansion of Everglades National Park in Monroe County where he and Daniel McDougal owned a great deal of land.”

The same year, the daughter of Mary and Ivar, Mary Ivonne, made her debut in show business. “In 1955, chosen out of 1,000 contestants to train at the exclusive Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan. Sat between Marilyn Monroe and Eva Marie Saint in their first session. Became a member of the Actors Studio Theatre along with Sidney Poitier, Bruce Dern, Jane Fonda, Rod Steiger, Eli Wallach, Rip Torn, Burgess Meredity and dozens of other future mega-stars.”

Mary Ivonne went by her stage name, Sandra Stevens.

In 1958, the Axelson’s moved to a new home at 3590 Crystal View Court, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL. Some of Mary’s Sapulpa friends received a Christmas card from the family with their new address and picture of their new home. She also sent her poetry book “The Lonesome Angel.” The Sapulpa Herald praised her work “The poems are quite good, but then Mary is established well in the literary world, and everything she does is good!”

Now in her late 20s, Sandra Stevens or  “Mary Ivonne seemed to have had a promising future at one point.” Similar to her mother being nicknamed after where she’s from like “Oklahoma Mary,” the Miami Daily News named her a “Gables Girl.”
The article “cited her ‘meteoric rise,’ a phrase used in the title largely to reflect her accepting the risk of making the big leap to the big time of New York and Broadway.” From her supporters, “there is ‘no net to catch her.’”

Sadly, Broadway and Hollywood were not an easy career to begin or even keep. “But just as Mary Ivonne would allude in this same article, Broadway would prove impossible to break into. ‘New York is a tough nut to crack,’ she is quoted as saying, “Some theatrical agents use the same girls over and over again, and it’s useless to try to get in through them.’”

Sandra Stevens kept working. “‘I feel as if Broadway from 55th Street to 41st is all mine,’ she exclaimed. But it was noted that she had been featured in a film, ‘East of Broadway,’ and that she would appear in a movie, Sonny Tufts.”

The same article often boasted her optimism. “The article exudes with all of the overly optimistic dreams that Mary Ivonne must have possessed at the time. But the $100 that she left home with to strike out for fame and fortune would be gone in a week, and her sum total of official movie credits is relegated to the role in Cop Hater, a crime film noir movie made in 1958.”

Mary Ivonne married Harry Cropper in 1964. Mary Ivonne and her husband moved to New York. Mary Ivonne owned a club in New York, and was also a club singer.

The Axelson family, specifically both Marys, had an estranged relationship. “Mary McDougal’s later years were marred by misspent energies, family misfortunes, grief, and illness. Her own idealized dream of motherhood was shattered by a series of deplorable events in the life of Mary Ivonne, resulting in their estrangement.”

The turn of the new decade, the 1970s, were the hardest years for the family. In 1971, Mary McDougal was diagnosed with leukemia, at the age of 80. The following year, Mary McDougal’s husband, Ivar, passed away in Coral Gables, Florida. Mary McDougal was in and out of the hospital with her cancer.

Mary McDougal would die the following year in her hospital bed in Miami.

This week in Sapulpa history, on November 28, 1973, articles across not only Florida papers, not only Oklahoma papers, but across the country, read about the death of Mary McDougal Axelson.

“When Mary was 82, exhausted with life and incurably ill, she was hospitalized in Miami. Then, four days before she died, as though she herself were writing one of the contrived endings for more than twenty melodramas she authored - patients, nurses, and doctors were invited to Mary’s room to watch with her, a televised screening of A Child is Born.”

One of Mary’s dreams was to be a writer. She also kept her dream of being a mother. “The irony of Mary McDougal Axelson’s life is that the inspiration behind the creation of her career work - the play, the movies, the book - the birth of her daughter, Mary Ivonne Axelson, would ultimately become the reason for her death.”

The relationship between both Marys became very toxic. “For after an estrangement between the two that might have encompassed most of her life, sometime on November 26, 1973, while visiting her elderly mother in the hospital as she lay in bed suffering from leukemia, Mary Ivonne beat her mother in a fit of rage and left the scene, leaving her mother on the floor bleeding from a head wound. Mary McDougal Axelson would die from her injuries the next day.”

According to the police report, “Mary McDougal Axelson died Tuesday, 22 hours after she was beaten in her hospital bed. Police said they were seeking Mrs. Axelson’s daughter, Mary Ivonne Cropper of New York, for questioning. Joseph McAloon, administrator at Doctor’s Hospital said Mrs. Axelson was admitted Nov 1. On Monday, McAloon said Mrs. Cropper visited her mother then left the room abruptly. Mrs. Axelson’s private nurse was sent out to ‘obtain something special for lunch.’ He said the attack occurred while the private nurse was out of the room. Mrs. Axelson called for an aide who found her bleeding badly from the mouth. An autopsy by the Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office showed Mrs. Axelson died from a brain hemorrhage caused by a blow to the head. According to McAloon, Mrs. Axelson told them before she died that her daughter had beaten her.”

Mary Ivonne was arrested for second degree murder December 3, 1973. “A former New York City nightclub singer has been jailed on second degree murder charges in the beating death of her mother. Mary Axelson Cropper, 44, surrendered to police and was booked into Dade County jail.

“Stories of the 1973 murder and the trial that ensued in 1975 were covered by dozens of newspapers across the United States.”

The newspapers announced that “Mrs. Axelson willed one-third of her $850,000 estate to her daughter.” This meant that Mary Ivonne Axelson Cropper would inherit $280,000 from her mother’s estate after Mary McDougal passed*.

*Note: today, $280,000 of the $850,000 is $1,886,657 of today's $5,727,353.

“A woman on trial for the murder of her mother could inherit, if acquitted or convicted of a lesser crime, more than $280,000, according to Robert Gunn, executor of the estate.”

In April 1975, witnesses, psychiatrists, and many others testified in the trial. “Psychiatrists testifying at her trial said that she suffered from chronic schizophrenia throughout her adult life, and had been under extreme emotional stress at the time of the incident.”

Mr. Harry Cropper, now ex-husband after their 1967 divorce, also testified. “Harry Cropper testified that Mary Ivonne told him she hit her mother because ‘she’d never in her whole life been able to touch her.’”

At the end of the trial, the verdict was read. “In another twist of fate, she was ultimately found innocent by reason of insanity. Later, she would inherit her parents’ estate.”

“Mary Ivonne died in New York in 2007,” just a few weeks before her 78th birthday. Today, her daughter in Florida is a psychiatrist. In addition, the University of Miami has a large collection of works, documents, letters, and photographs of the McDougal and Axelson family, and the Everglades Library and Museum keep their biographies and work.

In more recent development, Yellow Brick Studios and Legacy Vision Films announced two developments coming along for a piece titled The Death of Birth and another called Trials of Two Marys*.

*Note: the last update for both titles was in July 2023.

The Death of Birth: “Based on the life of Mary McDougal Axelson, whose experiences in giving birth inspired her to write a play that was made into the movie Life Begins, which was a hit in 1932.” There have been two drafts from 2018 and 2019. “Continuing research to this matter is being pursued for which a few more drafts of the script is likely to ensue before hopefully a premiere of this play can occur possibly in 2024 at TAG - The Actors’ Group.”

Trials of Two Marys: “Mary McDougal Axelson, the famous writer who inspired the Hollywood hit, Life Begins, is dead and is on trial in heaven for her failures as a mother to Mary Ivonne Axelson, her daughter, who is also on trial back on earth for the murder of her mother.” This is supposed to be an extension to The Death of Birth. “Principal photography is scheduled to commence either in December 2023 or January 2024.
​

(Yellow Brick Studio; IMDb; Playbill; Chronicles of Oklahoma, Vol. 60, No. 3, 1982; Sapulpa Herald, August 14, 1915, March 11, 1918, July 2, 1921, July 10, 1923; Creek County Republican, July 5, 1918; Tulsa World, January 25, 1940; Everglades Library and Museum; The Mercury, April 4, 1975; Oklahoma City Times, November 28, 1973; April 4, 1975; Oakland Tribune, December 4, 1973; Sapulpa Herald, November 28, 1973)
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Denver Grigsby (March 24, 1901-November 10, 1973)

3/24/2023

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On March 24, 1901, Denver was born in Kentucky. The Grigsby family moved to Sapulpa when Denver was six, just before Oklahoma statehood, in 1907. He and his siblings made many new friends and became a part of Sapulpa and its history.
​

Denver would graduate from Sapulpa High School in 1921, alongside Frances Hutt, the opera singer and nearly-First-Lady-of-the-United-States we wrote about a couple of weeks ago. As Hutt made news about her singing and performances while at the High School, Grigsby made a splash in the news for his performances on the diamond.

In high school, Denver was the pitcher on the mound. Not only could he throw, he could bat, too. In the Sapulpa Herald, Babe Ruth was given a nickname of “king of the swing” and the “mighty swat artist.” Other nicknames George Herman “Babe” Ruth were the “the Bambino” and the “Sultan of Swat.” Grigsby was often compared to some of the greats in baseball when it came to homeruns.

Sapulpa High School Sappers, then before being renamed the Outlaws, before being renamed Chieftains, came home as baseball champions in 1920 and 1921. “By winning four straight games, one of which was a thirteen inning game, the Sapulpa High School ball team is coming home tonight the champion team of the great new state of Oklahoma. Shawnee, Norman, Miami, and Nowata went down to defeat at the hands of the locals…Sapulpa was ready to come home with the bacon.

“Grigsby starred pitched throughout the series, having pitched the Miami and Nowata games besides otherwise making himself famous.” The Sappers were acknowledged as one of the best teams in high school baseball.

These great games and the extraordinarily versatile player of Denver Grigsby caught the attention of the New York Yankees. At the end of 1921, Grigsby signed on to play for New York. At the time, Babe Ruth was being transferred from Boston Red Sox to New York Yankees during the 1919-1920 seasons. Grigsby would’ve played alongside one of the best home run hitters of all time.

However, he went to spring training with the Yanks in New Orleans. He was converted from a pitcher to an outfielder, and competed for an outfield position against Babe Ruth and others. He was farmed out to Albany, NY in the Eastern League. He later went to Sioux City, Iowa in the Western League. The town of Sapulpa also had their own Minor League team, the Sapulpa Yanks.

Grigsby came back to Sapulpa and played his heart out to earn the spot in the Major Leagues. “Denver Grigsby sets a new home run record. Boy! Page Babe Ruth, Ken Williams, Home Run  Baker, and all the mighty swat artists. Then tell ‘em this story: Denver Grigsby, outfielder with Sapulpa Yanks, smashed all the present day home run records in the major leagues and tied the world’s record hung up since the first organized baseball game when he knocked four home runs yesterday!”

Grigsby was immediately “gobbled up” by the Chicago Cubs after receiving word on the great batter. “Denver Grigsby, Sapulpa’s offering to the major leagues, has won his berth in the outfield with Killefer’s Chicago Cubs, National League aggregation. He would be flown out to California for the Cubs training in February 1923.

While training in California in 1923, Denver turned twenty-two. He was praised by the Cubs. “Denver Grisby, who will soon reach the age of 22, is one of the most promising young outfielders in Killefer’s roster of recruits.” Grisby threw right-handed, and batted left, and was said to be “one shining light.” “That young man is right handed and he has plenty of power back of his cast. Denver throws low and he paints speed on his throws. Grisbsy is proving the most apt pupil. Grigsby is fast and rangy and stands well at the plate. He bats left-handed and hits the ball hard. Thus far he has displayed no weakness against pitchers.”

His contract stated he would earn $400 per month for his services*. He earned three seasons with the Chicago Cubs. In 1924, Grigsby was a starter. “Grigsby had a respectable career batting average of 2.89 with an on base percentage of .355 over a period of 199 MLB games.” He also had 73 RBI, 179 hits, and had 3 home runs during his time in the Major Leagues**.

*Note: in 1924, the earnings of $400 per month (or $4,800 a year) is nearly $7,000 a month (or $84,000 a year) in today’s inflation.

**Note: there have been debates about Denver Grigsby being awarded the Rookie of the Year in 1924. The actual award for Rookie of the Year didn’t begin until Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The Most Valuable Player in 1924 went to Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees. However, there was an article after Grigsby’s death about Grigsby being Chicago Cubs’, the clubhouse, Rookie of the Year. However, on the Baseball Reference website, is the only place that mentions this status of the 1924 Rookie award. The website states: “exceeded rookie limits during the 1924 season.” This does not prove nor disprove the claim of Rookie of the Year for Grigsby.

Sadly, in the middle of the season in 1925, Grigsby broke his collarbone. He was out for the rest of the season. He was then sold to the Minor Leagues for the Kansas City Blues. He played for the Blues for eight seasons.

While playing ball, Grigsby lived off and on in Sapulpa. He even surprised the town with a wedding and marriage to a local woman, Louise Coley. “The romance of the pair dating back to the days of ‘readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmetic.’” The news broke out about their marriage almost a full month after their ceremony. After the surprising announcement, friends of the newlyweds threw a party. “In recognition of Mr. Grigsby’s popularity among baseball fans the predominant motifs used in the decorations were baseball gloves, mitts, bats, and masks.”

Grigsby was selected to the All Star Team on two different occasions while with the Blues. He then went to Montreal in 1934. The following season he played for Tulsa in the Texas League. His baseball career ended in 1935.

He and Louise settled down in Sapulpa, and made home at 223 N Linden. Denver leased the Skelly Service Station at 517-519 E Dewey before purchasing the lot and naming it the Grigsby’s Skelly Service Station. Grigsby retired from the station service in 1972. Denver Grigsby passed away on November 10, 1973 at Bartlett Memorial Hospital.​
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Mabel Bassett

8/16/2022

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Mabel Bourne was born in Chicago on August 16, 1876. Mabel was the only child of Stephen Bourne and Martha Ellen Bourne. Stephen was a merchant in Chicago and had been a Civil War veteran. Martha, a suffragist, was one of the first women in the country to edit a newspaper.

Mabel found fame at an early age. At ten years old, she began giving beautiful readings, establishing her as a great child elocutionist or orator. With this, her family hoped she would have a stage career. However, she used her voice for another stage, as a public servant.

Mabel married her husband, Joseph Bassett, a railroad conductor, at the age of 16. She continued her schooling, and graduated in St. Louis from Missouri School of Social Economy*. They had three children Clara, Clyde, and Herbert.

*Note: Today, the program is named School of Social Work at the University of Missouri.

The family moved to Sapulpa, Indian Territory, in 1902. They lived at 318 S Linden. Joseph continued his work for Frisco. By 1910, Joseph became a night guard at the County Jail; he retired the following year.

Mabel, in 1910, organized the Creek County Humane Society, one of the first in the state. She also helped establish the first Children’s Home, at 408 S Walnut.

At the same time, she and her family were managers and editors of the local newspaper, the Sapulpa Daily Star. Herbert was the circulation manager and Mabel became the society editor*. 

*Note: Sapulpa Daily Star was owned and operated by Joseph and William Cathriner; this was located at 8 N Water. It was short-lived, until mid-to-late-1913, when it was sued for liable, and lost the case.

In August 1911, Mark Hillies, Commissioner of Public Safety, advised the town that he believed it would be in best interest to retain Mabel Bassett as Police Matron. “Since my incumbency of the office, Mrs. Bassett has rescued four young girls…she daily administers to the sick and poor, aiding those who are distressed…she saves her salary many times over by providing ways for the distressed, sick, and poor.” He further explained that she would not have the authority as a patrolman, with arrests, raids, etc. but to aid those in need.

The following winter, January 1912, the Katz Department Store owner, Lester Katz, wanted to donate from his inventory “proper winter clothing” for those in need. He teamed up with Mabel to donate the clothes to the ones coming to Mabel’s office: children, mothers, and even working men.

At the end of the next summer in 1913, townsfolk and Mabel were able to end the summer days before school started on a high note.

Mabel Bassett organized a group of citizens to help bring entertainment to about 150 children. These children piled into ten or so “big autos.”

In 1913, not many streets had a complete pavement, however, that didn’t stop the enjoyment of riding in the back of the car. “Piled into autos, the kids were thrilled over the paved streets of Sapulpa for two hours.”

Ten citizens helped along with Mabel to take the children to the big lake. They were able to spend another hour or so in the water. They sipped on ice cold lemonade that evening. “The ‘party’ lasted four hours and not a mishap occurred.”

That same week, Mabel Bassett put an ad in the paper pleading for old school books. She said she would gladly take in any book that pupils had finished, and give them to students in need.

The town praised Mabel for her service. “It is such things as these that helps a community, brings neighbors closer together, and teaches love for the better in the hearts of the rising generations. Mrs. Bassett is doing a splendid work.”​

In 1913, Mabel Bassett wanted to pursue more, outside of Sapulpa, to aid the state. In September 1913, she announced her plans to run for the State Office of Charities and Corrections*.

*Note: The office was established in 1907 to investigate the entire system of public charities and corrections in the State; such as jails, prisons, industrial schools, hospitals, dispensaries, orphanages, and many others were under the umbrella.

Ten years later, in 1923, she became Commissioner of the Charities and Corrections. She held this position until 1947. She had stayed in Sapulpa in those 10 years before gaining the position as the Police Matron and Humane Agent.

While in office, Bassett followed the footsteps of Kate Barnard, first woman to hold state office in Oklahoma*. During this time in office, the Legislature underfunded the office, but she managed to achieve many tasks.

*Note: Kate Barnard, elected in 1907, was a key player in educational laws, ban on child labor, and handled many acts of public service.

Mabel Bassett established a women’s unit of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. She also is credited to making wife-and-child-desertion a felony. Mabel also was among the first to promote a State Pardon and Parole Board in Oklahoma, and standards for state juvenile and state’s mental institutions. In 1925, also to her credit, she transferred African-American juvenile delinquents from the State Penitentiary to a Training School, or Industrial School, in Boley*.

*Note: This would become the John Lilley Correctional Center.

In 1932, she ran on the Democratic ticket for a seat in the House of Representatives. She lost to a Moore teacher, Will Rogers.

Mabel retired in 1947. When Mabel passed in 1953, Governor James Berry had ordered her body to lie in state at the State Capital’s Blue Room, so the public could mourn her passing.

Today, the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center is a prison for women located near McLoud, opened in 1974, was named in her honor for her civil duty. She was also inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1937 for her public service.
“As long as there’s breath left in me, I’m going to fight for the people who put me here,” Mabel Bassett.

(Information from: Mabel Bassett Correctional Center; Oklahoma Hall of Fame; Oklahoma Historical Center; Wikipedia)
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Frances Hutt (February 7, 1903-July 19, 1970)

2/7/2022

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Frances Hutt was born in Sherman, Texas to Mr. Orla Thomas Hutt and Mrs. Lee Davis Hutt. The Hutts moved to Sapulpa in 1910 when Frances was seven years old. O.T. Hutt worked as a railroad worker, a brakeman, for the Frisco in Sapulpa. Lee Davis Hutt is a descendent from the Jefferson Davis family of Mississippi (President of the Confederacy). The Hutts lived at 1018 East Line Street (the home still stands).

Frances graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1921 as Valedictorian. Unfortunately, the museum does not have a 1921 yearbook (nor any other of her years at Sapulpa), but a Freshman image of her and her class appears in the 1918 Sayonara yearbook for the high school.

While in Sapulpa, Frances performed in the arts. She often sang and performed for school plays and church groups. After graduation, Frances moved to Chicago and New York to pursue her opera career at Chicago Musical College and Stephens' New York Singing School. While attending the school in Chicago, she met Thomas Dewey. They moved to New York together and married in 1928.

"Thomas Dewey would eventually revolutionize the methods of a criminal prosecutor, but his first calling was as an opera singer." "Convinced that he could never 'set the opera world on fire,' Dewey ultimately turned to the law, and in 1925, graduated form the Columbia University School of Law in New York." "Possessor of a marvelous, deep, rich baritone voice that would also make him the second most effective radio speaker in politics after FDR." He fell in love with Frances Hutt "a five-foot-three-inch brown-haired beauty."

"Although she once sang professionally, the former Frances Eileen Hutt sought to avoid the spotlight after she was married to Mr. Dewey. She was able to do so with marked success while Mr. Dewey won fame as a prosecutor of racketeers, from 1931 to 1939, and while he was New York Governor, from 1942 to 1954, she managed to keep herself and the Dewey's two sons pretty much out of the public glare.

"However, after Mr. Dewey won the Republican party nomination to run against President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, she emerged as an indefatigable campaigner who quickly became accustomed to 'the gold fish bowl,' as she called it." Thomas Dewey would also run again in 1948, losing the Presidency against Harry S. Truman. But these two moments were not his only chances for presidency - he ran earlier in 1940, and aided in the 1952 campaign for General Dwight Eisenhower.

"Even so, a close friend said, 'facing a camera barrage, Frances looks as though she wished with all her heart that she were somewhere else.'

"In the five years preceding her marriage, she made many theatrical appearances under the stage name of Eileen Hoyt. She was a soloist in a variety show at the Paramount Theatre shortly after its opening in 1926 and she made two 20‐ week tours of the Paramount theaters circuit. She appeared in a touring John Murray Anderson 'Almanac' show, and was understudy for the principal soloist in a road company of George White's Scandals."

"The Deweys lived at 1148 Fifth Ave, in an eight-room apartment with two baths. If Dewey was inaugurated January 10, 1949, Mrs. Dewey would be the first ex-showgirl who has entered the White House as its mistress and easily its most decorative occupant since Dolly Madison. The apex of Frances Hutt Dewey's stage career was reached in 1927, when, after an apprentice in concert work, she had a singing role in a road company of George White's 'Scandals,' billed as Eileen Hoyt."

"Mr. Dewey was elected Governor in 1942, and as First Lady of the state, Mrs. Dewey commuted between Albany and the farm home in Pawling, which the Deweys acquired in 1939. She instilled in the Dewey sons, Thomas Jr., born in 1932, and John Martin, born in 1935, their parents' love of music, giving them their first piano lessons.

"Mrs. Dewey, wife of the former Governor of New York, died Sunday, July 19, 1970 in Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases, after a long ill ness. Mrs. Dewey, who was 67 years old, lived at 141 East 72d Street and at the family's country home in Pawling, N. Y."
*Bonus* Below are videos of Frances Hutt and Thomas Dewey. Unfortunately, we were unable to find videos or sound bites of Hutt singing or speaking. Once we find a video or clip of her voice / singing, we will post an update.
The video above was filmed by Otis R. Rule, owner of Rule Furniture, of Sapulpa. It was donated by Wendell Evans, grandson of Rule.

The videos below were found on Youtube.
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Richard C. Nelson (C. 1885-November 28, 1921)

11/28/2021

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Richard C. Nelson, the first known black officer of Sapulpa. Patrolman Nelson’s first article praised him for working along with the Sheriff’s Department in 1913, stating “Officer Nelson Grabs a Party Wanted in Lincoln County for Stealing from Sheriff”. Within his first year as a patrolman, Officer Nelson’s first wound-on-duty would be from a drunken couple. Officer Nelson was (nearly) shot in the face, receiving a burn on his cheek from the gun powder. Little did he know, not even 10 years later, he would be inflicted with a  similar wound that would kill him.
 
By 1918, the City Directories began listing Nelson as Deputy Sheriff. Although his position was for the black community of Sapulpa, Officer Nelson had high marks and standings in the community. Mrs. Nelson owned a Meat Market for a short time within their household at 208 N Hickory from 1920-1924.
 
A respected citizen, and a former interpreter for the Native American agency, Legus Brown was in a car accident with his brother, Tom. The other car had the passengers of Officer Nelson, David Croston, and Floyd Conner. Legus stated that shortly after exiting his own vehicle to check on Nelson’s vehicle, gun shots rang out. Both Nelson and Croston were shot in the head and killed instantly. Legus claimed self-defense, and his brother, Tom Brown, and Floyd couldn’t describe the scene when police arrived.

The morning after the shooting the articles about the night stated:
"Nelson and Croston were found dead beside their car on the road, just east of the Pageant grounds...Floyd Conner came to the sheriff's office and was an eye witness to the shooting...
At the Glass undertaking parlors that Nelson had been shot twice. One shot was said to have entered at the left corner of the mouth, coming out at the back of the neck, and the other above and behind the right ear, emerging over the left eye. Both shots were pronounced fatal, the one through the mouth breaking his neck...
The bullet striking Croston is said to have entered the corner of the right eye, and to have emerged back of the right ear. Apparently all wounds were made by a steel bullet...
Conner stated they passed another car and accidently struck it, tearing loose the bumper. An argument started over the accident, and both Nelson and the [Native Americans] drew guns. Nelson put his gun up offered to pay for the damage saying he was a deputy sheriff, and started to take one man's name when the shooting started...
Brown has a good reputation as a law abiding citizen. He was one of the first men from here to volunteer for duty in the army during the war ([World War I]). He owns a farm near here...
Both Nelson and Croston also bore good reputations here. Nelson, who was 36, had a number of years experience as a deputy sheriff and policeman. He was married and had thirteen children. He owned a store in the addition. Croston was 24. Their bodies were taken to the Sapulpa Funeral Home undertaking parlors ([Glass Funeral Home])."
 
However, Legus Brown confessed to the shooting and killing of Officer Nelson and Croston. Little is known about the trial, however, the jury acquitted the Browns the following year*.
 
The Nelson family moved to Detroit, Michigan by 1931. In May 1990, The Michigan Chronicle wrote an article on the Nelson family. It stated: “William Nelson is proud that his father, Richard C. Nelson, was once considered the fastest gun in Oklahoma...members of his family were recognized as Creek County community leaders among White residents as well as Black ones.”

*In the Sapulpa, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City newspapers, states that Legus Brown was a known, wealthy Native American, and had killed (in self-defense, drunken brawls, and other cases) at least five people in the 1920s-1930s. All cases he was acquitted.
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Sapulpa (c. 1824-March 17, 1887)

3/17/2021

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Sapulpa (Ah ha Lovk Yalola*), a Creek Native American, from which our town is named after, has a gravestone that marked he's passing on March 17, 1887. The marker also states he was 75 years old (making his birthdate circa 1812). However, Sapulpa's Civil War discharge paperwork describes Sapulpa being 40 years old at five feet and eight inches tall, with black eyes, black hair (April 1, 1863). If the age is correct on the paper, Sapulpa would have been born closer to 1824. Although we do not know his birth date, on this day, we celebrate Sapulpa and the family history.

Sapulpa was born of full-blood, lower Creek parentage of the Kasihta Tribe in the area later known as Alabama. His father's name was Omiya (the Swimmer), and his mother's name is unknown.

Sapulpa was well-educated, well-traveled, and learned to speak English. Because of his education, Sapulpa began to trade and establish relationships with merchants and customers.

One account of Sapulpa's life states that Sapulpa and another Kasihta leader, Ispocogee, traveled to the Creek Nation, Indian Territory (later Oklahoma) circa 1840. They then left the council in Ocmulkee (now Okmulgee) and started council three miles south what would become the Sapulpa town. Sapulpa settled first overlooking the confluence of Polecat Creek and Rock Creek, calling the place Cone Hutchee (or Kunahutcha) Polecat.

It was unsure what happened to the marriage - or in the correct order - but Sapulpa married three times. Tenofe was (possibly) his first wife, but because they didn't have any children, they separated. Sapulpa's third wife was Chopok-sa.

Around this time, NaKitty, of the Fox Clan, moved to the area with her family. NaKitty and Sapulpa married, and had three children: James, Sarah, and Hannah. Soon the house was full with eight children at home (three girls and five boys) - it is unknown if the other children were born or adopted in the family.

NaKitty passed away in 1889 and is buried at the Sapulpa family cemetery**. The three children mentioned above are confirmed as their children, but the other children at home: John, Lucy, and unknown two children***. Chopok-sa died in 1890, and is also buried at the family cemetery. With Chopok-sa, Sapulpa had Moses, Yarna, Samuel, William, Rhoda, Rebecca, and Nicey****.

In 1850, Sapulpa opened a store in connection with his blacksmith shop at his home. They raised cattle, horses, and hogs. When the Civil War broke out, Sapulpa loaned $1,000 to the Confederacy. He joined the Creek Regiment of the Confederate Army, serving 3 years, and rose to first lieutenant rank.

After his discharge in 1864, Sapulpa moved his home, one-half mile up the hill from its former location, building a large long log house. In 1872, he established another store, larger than the last one, trading with Sac and Fox Agency.

Sapulpa devoted his later years in life to his ranch, lying ten miles of Sapulpa township. By 1883, the railroad line was extended to Sapulpa for freighting out the walnut logs found on the banks of Rock Creek. In 1886, the first passenger train came down and his son, William, took his father to Tulsa at the invitation of the Frisco officials, to ride on the first passenger train into Sapulpa. "Chief" Sapulpa - a given nickname from the Frisco workers - died on March 17, 1887 and is buried at the Sapulpa family cemetery.

​(Image from Merle Sapulpa, great-grandson of Sapulpa).

*Sapulpa's Creek Native American name may be misspelled.
**Sapulpa family cemetery is located on S Division St in Sapulpa, OK.
***James, 1847-1931 (buried at cemetery), married Elizabeth Barnett; Hannah, married Ahulah-Laso, died before 1899; John died before 1899, married Nellie Tiger (they had one child, Esther); Sarah, 1861-1940, married Shawnee Harjo/Hayes (they had Henry Hayes), she later married Timmy Fife and had Jessie, Bixby, and Dawes; Lucy died in 1900.
****Moses, 1856-1864, buried at Porter family cemetery, Leonard Cemetery (believed to have married into Porter family); Yarna died in 1898 or 99 married Marshall Macellius McCombs, having Joe and Mollie; William, 1861-1942, (buried in Sapulpa cemetery), married 3 times: Elizabeth Hardridge - had Harrison - then married Phoebe Perryman - had George - and  then married Susan Biggs -  had one child; Rhoda, 1865-1886, (buried at Sapulpa cemetery), married Archie Bruner, having Maggie, Bessie, and Mary; Rebecca died at 8 years old; Nicey died as a baby.

Click the link "Where Is Sapulpa Buried?" to learn more...
Where Is Sapulpa Buried?
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    Disclaimer

    The information found on this page has been researched through Sapulpa (and area) newspapers, Sapulpa Historical Society archives, books, and photographs, Sapulpa yearbooks, city directories, and other local authors. Any other sources will be labeled and named as the research continues. Any mistakes will be noted and adjusted as needed.

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