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By Donna Clark A very interesting article about the History of the Goingsnake District Heritage Association at Westville, OK, appears in the Goingsnake Messenger Publication, Vol. XXXVI, # 1, 2019, written by Luke Williams. The group was formed in June 1979 in Westville, Oklahoma. Monthly meetings were usually held at the John Henderson Public Library, in Westville, except for occasional special meetings held elsewhere. Virgil Talbot, Colcord, Oklahoma, had joined the G.D.H.A. around 1980. He had started his own local history collection and had a museum at his home on Flint Creek. . In 1983, G.D.H.A. members had discussed the possibility of publishing a regular periodical. Member, Virgil Talbot, agreed to serve as Editor of the publication. He stated “I believe such a publication would encourage more people to join and create more interest in the organization, telling the public what we are doing and trying to do”. The first issue was published February 1984. He served as Editor until his death in June, 1998. Jack Baker stated at the time “It was Virgil’s idea to start a publication to preserve many of the stories and documents relating to the history of the area. He alone did almost all of the work in putting out the Goingsnake Messenger. His quarterly--and truly it was his quarterly--increased the Association’s membership to around 400. His contribution to the history of the Goingsnake District is immeasurable. Not only will his work be missed but he will be missed as a very dear friend.” Glenita Guthrie, Siloam Springs Printing Co., and Gerald Hurt, both Talbot Library & Museum Board members served as co-editors during Virgil’s final illness. Glenita became Editor in 1999, retiring in 2017. Luke Williams served as Editor 2017-2022. Jack Baker was Editor in 2023 and Michael Wren 2024. Harry Styron is current Editor. All past issues of the Goingsnake Messenger, from 1984 to 2026 are available for sale at the Talbot Library and Museum, Colcord OK. (Glenita moved Siloam Springs Printing to Westvillle Ok a few years ago and now is Guthrie Printing. They are still printing our publications.) Virgil Talbot’s dream was to move his private collection to a permanent location for public access. This became a reality when he opened the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord OK in June 1990. This became possible with lots of help from the Colcord Chamber of Commerce, fundraisers, donations and many volunteers. Virgil belonged to many historical societies, including the Cherokee National Historical Society, serving on the Board. He wrote several books, “The Talbot’s, Centuries of Service, From Yadkin River to West Brand (West family History), “A Bit of History”, “Goingsnake Marriages”, “A 10 Year Index of Goingsnake Messenger” and “In the Shadow of the Hills” poetry. He started the publication “T. L & M. Genealogy Magazine” Summer of 1996. He served as Editor of both publications:” Goingsnake Messenger” and “T.L. & M. Genealogy” until his death. ”T. L & M. Genealogy Magazine” continues to be published twice yearly, all back issues are available for sale. Talbot Library & Museum has continued to carry on Virgil’s legacy, due to an active Board of Trustees, valued employees and volunteers. The facility offers the Walkingstick Research Library on site, containing research material covering the Cherokee Nation, N.E. Oklahoma and N.W. Arkansas, many items are not found elsewhere. It is the premier genealogy collection in N. E. Oklahoma. The onsite Bookstore contains new books on all of these subjects. Our website, talbotlibrary.org, contains announcements, Bookstore listings, and listing of publications for sale. The Museum area has recently been refurbished with many new displays. Several outbuildings were added to the two acre property in Colcord after Virgil’s death, including the Adair Building, Post Office building and the historic Springtown (AR.) Schoolhouse. Virgil and the Talbot Library Museum began hosting the July Goingsnake Meetings in late 1990’s, often including a potluck lunch. Many meetings also hosted guest speakers, book signings, the Cherokee Bike Riders, as well as in 2009 Becky Hobbs’s informal musical presentation of her play “Nanyehi-The Story of Nancy Ward”! (T.L. & M. Genealogy,Vol. XVII-#2, 2009).These meetings were held most years between 1998 and 2024. No Meeting was held at Talbot’s in 2025. We are looking forward to hosting the Goingsnake District Heritage Association membership meeting this year on Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10 a.m. Do come visit Talbot Library and Museum as well during our usual hours. We are open Tues. Weds, Thur. 8-4, Friday 8-2. And Like us on Facebook!

Recently, we had a need to get two of our large display cases moved into our main building. Our director, Leigh Brill, contacted Levi at Siloam Springs Moving and received a quote. The day that the movers arrived, they worked hard for two hours moving our cases plus some other cases we have in the museum. Much to our surprise, they informed us there would be no charge. They told us they were happy to do it and are doing in memory of Mr. Don Warden, who passed away on May 9. Mr. Warden was the Director of Collections and Research at the Siloam Springs Museum and was an avid historian. He had been with the Museum since 1991, and was a valuable resource and wealth of knowledge for the last 35 years. Levi and his team were truly a blessing to us and we are so grateful for them. We are thankful for their generosity to us and their kindness in remembering Don Warden. Our condolences go out to Mr. Warden's family and friends. (Special thanks to Glenita Guthrie, Donna Clark, and Leigh Brill for helping make this happen!) Link to Obituary and Service information for Mr. Don Warden

Join us Saturday, June 6 at the Talbot Library and Museum during Colcord's Old Settlers Day celebration! Stop by and visit and enjoy looking around the Talbot Library and Museum exhibits and grounds. We have newly refurbished exhibits! Stop by and see them! We will have our book collection on sale as always, too! Stop by, chat, walk around and enjoy Old Settlers Day at the Talbot Library and Museum! We hope to see you Saturday, June 6 at 9AM! For more information, contact us.

Talbot Library and Museum's featured publication TL&M Genealogy Magazine is now available in our online bookstore for purchase. All Issues from 1993 to the present are available. Click link to find the issues you are looking for or just to peruse them all! Print Issues available to ship (1993-present) $5-$15, depending on issue/year The shipping rates for the print magazine will follow the same shipping rates as books in our bookstore. You can view shipping rates here . Digital Issues available to download (2025-present) $10-$15, depending on issue/year Included on our website for each magazine is a brief outline of the contents of that issue so you may browse and find the information you are looking for before purchasing. As always, you may also purchase these issues at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, Oklahoma! Thanks for supporting the Talbot Library and Museum!

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, we had a great group of volunteers that came out and did many hours of hard work! This group was able to rake leaves, pick up old tree limbs and twigs, cut down one of our trees, blew out the Adair Building and burned debris. A little fun and creativity was thrown into the day when the tree stump (from cut down tree) was used to carve a "slim Jim" bear! Word has it the bear was fully completed on Sunday, the next day! (See the wonderful photo of this carving! Thanks, Ken Macken!) Now the grounds are ready for spring and summer lawncare maintenance! After they all worked up an appetite, the group fellowshipped and had late lunch together at Green Gate! Thanks so much to this group of hard workers! We are so appreciative. Included in our group, we hired three wonderful young men to help us: Jaylan Mendoza, Trent Wofford, and Hayden Martin. These young men attend Leach schools and are in the 8th grade. They are raising funds for their 8th grade trip! Thank you boys! Our volunteers included: Gerald Hurt, Elzie and Anne Cherry, Malia and Ken Macken, and Malia's mom, Rachael Martin. Thank you so much for the hard work!

In honor of recent "March Madness", we are spotlighting a great memory from our TL&M Genealogy Magazine found in our 2003 Issue #1 Volume XI. Party Is Held For Basketball Girls Mrs. Ralph Henry, coach of the Siloam Springs High School Pantherettes during the 1936-37 season, entertained the members of the team last night with a party at her home on South College street. Both the hostess and the guests were given surprises during the evening, the first one occurring when the girls presented a vanity case to Mrs. Henry; a jar of candy to their mascot, Narcia Lee Henry; and an initialed leather belt to Mr. Henry who acted as scorekeeper during the basketball season. The reason for the party was divulged when Mrs. Henry presented to each of the girls an individual girls’ basketball medal, gold plated, to be worn on a ribbon around one’s neck. These medals were made possible through liberal donations from various ball fans, Mrs. Henry explained. Various games kept the guests entertained for the remainder of the evening which was concluded by the serving of fruit salad with whipped cream, cake and coffee. Those present were Ercille Sims, Katherine Henry, Ruby Phelps, Mary Nell Durham, Joan Armour, Helen Bergenstal, Ruth Douthit, Theda Kriewitz, Jewell Howell, Lola Belle Herren, Eileen Pruitt. Pauline Meyers, who was absent from the party, will receive one of the medals. Photo courtesy of Mr. Ralph Henry SILOAM SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERETTES - 1936-37 You can purchase this TLM Genealogy Magazine Volume XI, 2003, #1 at this link . All issues of TLM Genealogy Magazine are available in print online now at this link .

We've added a new book to our online store. (Also available at the Talbot LIbrary and Museum in Colcord, OK) This book by Charlier Amos is the most recent book in the "Green Country" series and was published in 2026. Most exciting about this new release is the story, which contains many familiar local places and names, as well as the local history of northeastern Oklahoma. This is a western novel and continues the adventures of Turon Turtle, a Cherokee rancher, and his good friend Levi Kuratowski, better known as “Little Kansas”.  This book is a very good story on its own. Levi is determined to set up a trading post on the banks of Spring Creek, with a license approved by the Cherokee Nation. Turon Turtle’s family, especially his sister, Ruth, are helping Levi to accomplish this goal.  An escaped convict, Bill Kirby, is an old adversary of Levi’s and determined to locate him to settle an old score.  The author, Charlie Amos is a graduate of Colcord OK High School.Paperback. The book is paperback with 162 pages. It is $11.00 in our online bookstore or at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord ! We also offer the first book in this series online or at Talbot Library, " On The Scout (The Green Country Series #1)!

We are excited to announce that, on November 1, 2025, Leigh Brill was hired for the new position of Director at Talbot Library & Museum. Leigh's current main duties are fundraising, researching grant sources, attending events, and community engagement/meeting attendance representing the Talbot Library and Museum. Leigh will also be working with the Board of Trustees at Talbot to help develop our long range vision for the library and museum. She will assist in other functions, which include working closely with Jennifer Davis, our on-site manager. Leigh will be working at TL&M on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. ( You can view our hours here .) She is already making an impact on our small library and museum. Please come by and meet her! Leigh is a graduate of Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Social Welfare. She has previous work experience in these fields and is also avid historian. Leigh is also familiar with TL&M as she is related to Avis Talbot, wife of our founder, Virgil Talbot. Leigh Brill - Director at Talbot Library and Museum

Subscribers to our TL&M Genealogy Magazine : Depending on your subscription preference, you should have received/receive soon the latest print or email issue!  If you chose a print copy, check your mail box.  If you chose a digital version, please check your email.   For those receiving a digital copy via email: If you don't find the email, please check your spam/junk folder.  Find the message and click "not spam" or "don't block sender", depending on your email client.  You should find it in your inbox. For future emails, please add our email address ( talbotlibrary@earthlink.net ) to your contacts/address book to prevent future emails from going to the spam/junk folder.  Enjoy your new issue of TL&M Genealogy Magazine!

CARNES SCHOOL, MOSELEY PRAIRIE, OKLAHOMA: Carnes School was known to have been in existence in Indian Territory at least by 1904. The Carnes community was in the southwest part of what is now known as Delaware County, Oklahoma, on Moseley Prairie. Carnes School, District #52, was located on one acre of land that was in the northeast corner of Section 32, the northeast corner of a 50 acre Cherokee Nation allotment of Joseph E. Carnes (Dawes Roll#1306). The Joseph E. Carnes allotment was later sold to N.D. Sussmand, then to O.E. Thomason. Carnes School, Moseley Prairie, Oklahoma In all the transactions, the deeds read that one acre was reserved for schools. By the act of Congress, approved May 29, 1908, provisions were made whereby the Secretary of the Interior was authorized to sell, for use for school purposes to school districts of the State of Oklahoma, from the un-allotted land of the Five Civilized Tribes, not to exceed two acres in any one district. The School District #52 of Delaware County, Oklahoma had made application to acquire title to the tract of land.   The tract of land had been appraised by the board of appraisers, as required by the regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior under the act of May 29,1908.  School District #52 of Delaware County paid the sum of Five Dollars, the full amount of appraisement, into the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the Cherokee tribe of Indians, with the United States Indian Superintendent at Muskogee, Oklahoma.  On December 30, 1910, W.E.Rogers , Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation conveyed the land to School District #52, described as a square 12.66 rod located in the northeast corner of Section 32.   Carnes School was one of the Cherokee Nation Schools in the Goingsnake District.  An existing structure located on the land was used for the school building at least through the school year 1911-12.Between the years 1912 and 1915 a new school building was constructed. The building had a flue exiting the roof on the NE corner for a wood burning stove. The bell tower was mounted on the front center of the roof with a rope extending down through the ceiling between the two single entrance doors on the east end of the building. The building had four 8 ft. double hung windows on each side.   On May 21,1929, an additional one acre of land was acquired (by gift or purchase from T.D. Palmer) to the south of the original acre. Two cobblestone toilets were constructed by the WPA on the south end of the new property. Trees and underbrush were cleared to make space for the children’s playground. A woodshed building was constructed on the south side of the school building about the same time. The school building was also extended 10 feet east and an additional full double hung window was installed on each side of the new addition. Interior arrangement in the addition provided for two separate rooms, one on the north and one on the south used for coat storage. The existing two entrance doors became the entrance to the two new coatrooms. The center of the addition consisted of a covered entrance porch. And the new entrance to the one-room school was at the rear of the porch.   In the 1940’s or 1950’s, the wood shed was modified and expanded to provide a kitchen and lunch room. Several recreational facilities were added for the students, such as a basketball court on the NW corner, swings, merry-go-round, teeter-totter, etc.   The school continued in operation through the school year 1966-67. On February 23, 1968, Carnes School was annexed to Moseley School District #34. According to the County Superintendent’s School District Boundary Ledger:    “ February 23, 1968, All of Carnes School District number D-15, Delaware County, annexed to Moseley School District, Number 34, Delaware County---W.C.Everett, County Superintendent”.   The Carnes School building was later sold by the Delaware County School system to the highest bidder from sealed bids, and thereafter privately owned. Thus, Carnes School was in existence for 64 years as a place of learning and for community use. This historic building was destroyed by fire in 1983.   CARNES FAMILY, DELAWARE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA: The name of the school came from a pioneer family who settled in the community, participated actively in community affairs and took an interest in education of their children.   Three well known Carnes families in the area were Jeff Carnes, who had two children, Angie and Aubry; Andrew Carnes who had a son Earl, and Joe Carnes, who lived at Kansas, I.T.(OK.) and operated the Kansas Post Office. They were descendents of Joseph H. Carnes and his Cherokee wife, Diana Welch Carnes.   Many descendents of this couple still live in the southwest Delaware County, Oklahoma area. Diana’s obituary appears in the Delaware Tribune, Kansas, OK, 2 September 1910 newspaper as (transcribed by Virgil Talbot, 1984, from microfilm):   “It is with sadness and regret that we must record the death of Diana Carnes who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fredonia Connor last Thursday morning between one and two o’clock. She was a native of Georgia, coming to Oklahoma twenty odd years ago. She has lived in Delaware County and in the vicinity of Kansas (OK) ever since coming to Oklahoma. Mrs. Carnes leaves four sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. Three sons and four daughters and their families are of the very best people of Delaware County and are a heritage that any person might feel good. The Tribune extends condolences to the bereaved relatives.    Diana Welch was born 1831 in Georgia, the daughter of George Washington Welch and Margaret Jones and the granddaughter of David Welch and Elizabeth McSwain. Elizabeth was the daughter of Nannie Downing and Mr. McSwain and granddaughter of Major Downing. Diana married Joseph Henry Carnes. He was born 1823 and died 1892. Both Diana and her husband are buried in the Johnson Cemetery on Moseley Prairie.”   Information compiled by Ray Stinchcomb, data previously published in the “Colcord Alumni Hornet Buzz Newsletter”, dated April 15, 2006. Additional information compiled by Donna Clark, from materials available at Talbot Library and Museum, Walkingstick Research Room.     This article is an excerpt from the TLM Genealogy Magazine, 2008 Volume XVI, #3. You can order your copy of TLM Genealogy Magazine, 2008 Volume XVI, #3 on our website (click on the link)!

Virgil Talbot and President Lyndon Johnson Virgil Talbot was the founder of the Talbot Library & Museum.  He was born on March 13, 1927.  In addition to founding the Talbot Library and Museum, Virgil Talbot was also publisher of the Goingsnake Messenger and TL&M Genealogy magazines. He also wrote several books regarding his family and his wife's (Avis) family, as well as local history books and poetry.    Virgil's motto was "Preserving a Bit of History".  He was very dedicated to this purpose.  He worked very hard at collecting and preserving historical and genealogical material that would be available for generations.   Mr. Talbot belonged to several historical societies including the Cherokee National Historical Society. He was placed on the Historical Society Board by the Cherokee Nation--the first non-Indian to hold a position on the board. Virgil was very proud of this honor.   Virgil Talbot died June 17, 1998.  He was posthumously named to the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame in 2005 by the Oklahoma Historical Society.  He was an avid collector of historical records of this area and was so very proud of the Talbot Library and Museum. You can also view this information in the "About" section of our website.

History often hides in the stories passed down through generations. These stories reveal the lives, struggles, and characters that shaped communities long before modern records. One such tale comes from our 2009, Volume 17, #3 issue of the TL&M Genealogy Magazine , where a vivid account of law enforcement and family conflict in early Oklahoma unfolds. This post begins a continuing series where we will explore history and events documented in our past publications and bring to life the people, family lines, stories, and moments that defined their times. Excerpt from the article: "Stories told by Old Folks" by James Eugene Gibson TL&M Genealogy Magazine, 2009, Volume XVII, #3 FAMILY ARGUMENT My granddaddy Sam was always deputy sheriff, Justice of the Peace, constable, etc. He liked law enforcement work, and was nervy enough to do it. He was Chief Deputy for Sheriff Sam Caudle at one time. At times he would work with the Cherokee Lighthorsemen, or Cherokee police over in the Cherokee Nation, before the state of Oklahoma was set up. He knew Andy Akin, and other Lighthorsemen, including Ezekiel Proctor (Zeke). Now Zeke was, I am told, the man who started the Proctor-Beck feud, in which a lot of men were killed or hurt, and a few women. Sheriff's badge and belt from early Oklahoma law enforcement Anyhow, one day Sam had been over in the Nation on some kind of business, and returning home late and passing Zeke’s house, decided to stay all night, as it was nearly dark and he didn’t like riding another twenty miles at night. Zeke invited him in and soon they were sitting at the supper table. During the meal, Zeke and his wife got into an argument, and it grew heated. All at once she grabbed a butcher knife and made for Zeke with it. Zeke ran around the table, with his wife in hot pursuit, but she couldn’t catch up with him. Zeke yelled, “Grab her, Sam, grab her.” But Sam didn’t want any of that, and replied, “No sir, Zeke you grab her.” Well Zeke finally did grab her and got things quieted down. Zeke was counted a dangerous man. My daddy remembered seeing him at the Westville Picnic, and said he always wore two Colt .45’s, and kept a Bowie in the long hair at the back of his neck. He didn’t walk around and visit, but stood with his back against a big elm tree. "Preserving a Bit of History" For those tracing family histories, stories like this provide context that goes beyond names and dates. They bring ancestors to life, showing their struggles, relationships, and the world they inhabited. It reminds us that history is not just in official records but also in the memories and tales shared by families and others. This story, submitted by James Eugene Gibson under "Stories told by Old Folks," is a valuable piece of oral history preserved in our TL&M Genealogy Publication. This article has four other short stories, including another about Zeke Proctor and Ned Christie. And, of course, each issue of the TL&M Genealogy Magazine is filled with valuable stories, local family records, history and genealogy. TL&M Genealogy Magazine Issues now available online in our bookstore All TL&M Genealogy Magazines (Print Version) are available in our online bookstore! At last count, we have 110 issues of our TL&M Genealogy Magazine available from 1993 to present day! Recently one of our board members who has read all of our issues stated, "....each issue has brought so much understanding of the past history.....There have been so many valuable answers and “finds” to my many questions for multiple lines of ancestry going back three – four generations." We hope TL&M Genealogy Magazine will become a great resource for those of you interested in preserving history!

Talbot Library and Museum's featured publication TL&M Genealogy Magazine is now available in our online bookstore for purchase . All Issues from 1993 to the present are available. The shipping rates for the magazine will follow the same shipping rates as books in our bookstore. You can view shipping rates here . The TL&M Magazines are priced from $5 to $15 depending on the issue/year you are purchasing. Included on our website for each magazine is a brief outline of the contents of that issue so you may browse and find the information you are looking for before purchasing. As always, you may also purchase these issues at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, Oklahoma! We also offer digital download copies of all new issues from 2025 and going forward. You may access those issues for purchase in our online store here. Thanks for supporting the Talbot Library and Museum!

Teresa Allcorn, Talbot Board Member, passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2026. We are so sad about this news and wanted to share it with her friends and our generous supporters of the Talbot Library and Museum. Teresa volunteered so much of her time at Talbot Library and Museum for so many years. She was a valued member of our Board of Trustees and served as our treasurer. She was a friend to every one of us and to so many others who entered our doors. Teresa loved helping people with genealogy research and was an excellent researcher. She had studied and knew so much about our facility, our library and museum collections, and the history of our surrounding area. She also wrote many articles for TL&M Genealogy Magazine over the years. Teresa will be greatly missed by those of us at Talbot Library and she leaves a huge hole in our efforts at the library and museum, as well as in our hearts. She was a wonderful Christian woman and such a treasure for sure! --We love you Teresa, from your friends at the Talbot Library and Museum Teresa Lynn Allcorn Obituary : Teresa Lynn Allcorn, age 62, of Colcord, OK, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She was born December 27, 1963, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Drexal Hall and Barbara Ann (Howerton) Hall. She married her husband, Billy Vernon Allcorn on November 15, 1985, at the First Baptist Church in Gentry, AR, and was married for 40 loving years. Teresa was a member of the Solid Rock Church in Colcord, Oklahoma. Teresa sold collectables and vintage items on her eBay store. She enjoyed doing genealogy for the Talbot Museum, where she served as treasurer and was also on the Board. Teresa is preceded in death by her parents, Barbara and Drexel Hall. She is survived by her loving husband, Billy Vernon Allcorn of Colcord, Oklahoma; sisters Dea Ann Heinen, (Rick) of Siloam Springs and Angie (Scott) Ditto, of Ada, Oklahoma; brother, Kevin (Debbie) Hall of Gravette, Arkansas; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Fairmount Cemetery in Gentry, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Talbot Library & Museum in Colcord, Oklahoma.

Now, there are two ways to order our latest issues of TL&M Genealogy Magazine! NEW! Digital Version: Starting with our first 2025 issue of TL&M Genealogy Magazine, you can now purchase current single issues from our website digitally . You can place the digital product in your cart, checkout, and then receive an email which will allow you to download the current issue to your own device for reading. The link will be valid for 30 days. You can also download it from the final checkout window when you have finished the payment process. $15 per issue. No Shipping and Handling charges Print Version: If you prefer a print copy, as always, you can contact us online  or call us at 918-326-4532 to order and we will mail a copy to you. $15 per issue plus $4 shipping and any applicable sales tax. Order Single Issues - In print or digital!

Many of you may be interested.......This note is from Teresa Parker at the Dickson Cemetery in Gentry, Arkansas. We have attached the list of damaged monuments below her note: "(Below is)....a list of monuments that were damaged during the tornado at Dickson Cemetery. It is listed in alphabetical order so you can look for your family name(s). As monuments are owned by the family and not the cemetery, the monument companies are asking that you call them directly to have repairs done and we are working with them to keep a list. There are still many families that they have not heard from. If you have questions, you can reach out to me at tjparke8@gmail.com or 479-619-5839. There are about 165 stones that are damaged. We have many older stones from the 1800's and early 1900's that do not have any family left and we are taking donations to help with those. You can donate at www.DicksonCemetery.com  or contact us at the phone or email above. 100% of donations go to the upkeep of the cemetery. There are many more repairs to be done. We are working to get cleaned up enough that we can mow as much as possible, repair the pavilion, repair the sign, clean up trees, etc."

From TL&M Genealogy Magazine, Volume XXIII, Number Two, 2015 Written by Keri Parker, Board Member-Talbot Library and Museum Virgil Talbot’s mission to “Preserve A Bit Of History”, has been the constant theme and mission of the Talbot Library and Museum since its inception. If we break down the meaning of the individual words in the “name” of the organization we find a very broad and complete understanding of “preserving history”.   “Talbot”—obviously, this is the surname of its founder, Virgil Talbot. In his own words, “I am proud of that name and perhaps more so than most because I came into this world without right or title to a family name and for sixty years I never knew the identity of my natural father. Mine was no joyous moment of birth---there was no proud father waiting, nor caring mother. But there was someone willing to take me into their arms and into their heart and call me their own. That person was James A. Talbot, better known as Jim. He gave me the Talbot name and I have proudly borne it ever since.” “The name “Talbot” is up there on that building, not as a tribute to me but to a man who was born on Cowskin Prairie near Grove, OK, of ancestry reaching back to the Norman coast of France, and beyond that to the Norsemen from the far north; whose people came over the long Trail of Tears and settled in this country some 150 years ago; a man who loved history and passed that love on to me; who loved to read and gave me that love.”   “Library – a collection of manuscripts, publications, and other materials for reading, viewing, listening, study or reference.”   There is no doubt this “library” has one of the most impressive collections of written history and genealogical materials in the entire country. People from across the fruited plain request information and use the research materials contained in these humble walls in order to piece together a small part of their own family history and culture. Is this what Virgil intended when he established the TL&M twenty-five years ago?   “Museum- a building or place where objects of permanent value are kept and displayed.” Piecing together history is often accompanied with obtaining, retaining and learning the purpose of artifacts that have fallen out of use in today’s society. For example, what was it like to make your own butter in a Daisy butter churn using your own cream from your own cow? Learning specifics about these artifacts give us just a small picture of what life may have been like for those in long gone generations. Is this what Virgil intended when he established the TL&M twenty-five years ago?   We are sure Virgil intended for future generations to research and gain knowledge using the available publications in the library as well as to see, touch and understand about the artifacts of the past. But, did he also hope for something more? Probably. Perhaps he wanted people to desire an understanding of history and heritage. Virgil understood that heritage comes or belongs to one by reason of birth or an inherited share or portion. Our personal and collective stories tend to be handed to us as part of our birth right, or in Virgil’s case, his adoption. These narratives, comprised of how one’s ancestors fit into heroic stories of perseverance and bravery, are told at the knee of a relative or as part of a community heritage group. Our narratives cut to the core of our identity – of who we are. We hold our identities close and our emotional integrity is wrapped up in our identity.   So, after twenty-five years * , the Talbot Library and Museum still hopes to continue to entice all of us to learn more of our genealogy, history and heritage so we can fully understand where we came from and who we are in hope we can make our lives and the future count for good. In accordance with Virgil’s words “I pledge to you that I will do all within my ability to assure that the Talbot Library and Museum will be here for generations to come.” We hope to continue what Virgil began a quarter of a century * ago. * Talbot Library and Museum was dedicated in 1990, just over 35 years ago. This article was written in 2015 when the museum was 25 years old.

Photo from the Association of the Descendants of Nancy Ward (ADNW) Facebook Page Congratulations to our board member, Andrea Squires, who was recently chosen as the President of the Association of the Descendants of Nancy Ward (ADNW). Andrea has been active in the group for about 7 years and most recently served as Vice President. The group meets twice a year--with one of those meetings held during the annual Cherokee Holiday in Tahlequah. Membership in the Association of the Descendants of Nancy Ward (ADNW) is open to anyone interested in Cherokee History or Genealogy and includes lineal members (directly descended) and associate members (not lineal members). Andrea is serving after the previous President, David Hampton, decided to step down after 31 years. He will still serve as treasurer. A big congrats to Andrea! Making us proud!

We've added a new book to our online store. (Also available at the Talbot LIbrary and Museum in Colcord, OK) The late Lloyd D. McCombs (who died in August 2025) had written and published this book about his father, who grew up in the Colcord, Oklahoma area. Vernon Ted McCombs later settled in Wichita, Kansas, and, through many difficulties, became a successful businessman there. He was born in 1904, and died in 1952 at the young age of 48. At one time he also owned a farm near Maysville in Delaware County, OK, Du Mac Acres, and raised cattle. It was sold after his death. Vernon was the oldest child of Daisy Kirby McCombs Gibby, and was raised in the McCombs family home near Colcord. We have a limited number of copies and all are autographed by the late author. You can see more details about the book and order this book at our online store here !

We've added a new book to our online store. (Also available at the Talbot LIbrary and Museum in Colcord, OK) This is a newly published book by local author Charlie Amos, a 2001 graduate of Colcord, Oklahoma High School.  He has many family ties to the local area. This book is a western novel--a very interesting story about a Cherokee cowboy working in the Cherokee Outlet in the 1880’s and his journey back to his home and family in the Cherokee Nation in northeastern Oklahoma. It was a 600 mile journey, bringing a Hereford bull he had bought, and some horses gathered along the way, hoping to set up a ranch in his homeland. His friend, Levi, was with him on the journey, they faced outlaws and the elements and a few surprises along the way. An interesting read that mentions many familiar places and people along the way, as well as historical facts. You can order this book at our online store here ! Book #2 in the series will be published soon!

Well known author Michael Wallis has published a new book Belle Starr: The Truth Behind The Wild West Legend . You can now find it in our online store and at our library store. This is currently an Oklahoma best seller and tells about the life story of Belle Starr. Her life was action packed--through Civil War years, through her “outlaw” career, the many characters she knew, her husbands, children, her mysterious death and her descendants. Many stories have been written about her. This book contains extensive Notes, Bibliography, and Illustration Index.  It also contains new information that Mr. Wallis has found about Belle Starr. You can purchase this exciting book at our online store and also at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, Oklahoma!

Our Talbot bookstore has recently added two new books. You can order these books online at https://www.talbotlibrary.org/book-store-new-arrivals  . You can also stop by the Talbot Library and Museum and purchase these books! We'd love to see you! Eastern Oklahoma's Forgotten Frontier : An in-depth look at frontier life in Eastern Oklahoma. In the early nineteenth century, new arrivals began making their way into the rugged lands of Eastern Oklahoma, then Indian Territory. These included European settlers and the tribes who were forcibly relocated to the territory after 1830. Their biographies make up stories of over 200 years, including origin of towns and enterprises to profiles of pioneers of the early days of the Oklahoma frontier. $24.99 Murder and Mayhem in Northeast Oklahoma : Northeast Oklahoma was part of Indian Territory during the 1800’s. Many fugitives from US justice sought refuge in its hills and hollows, including Henry Starr and Cherokee Bill. Ater Oklahoma statehood, in 1907, little changed and the area remained a hideout for outlaws into the gangster era of the 1930’s -- outlaws such as Pretty Boy Floyd hiding out in the Cookson Hills. Even in modern times, the area has seen its share of desperate characters and notorious incidents. Award winning author Larry Wood describes many of these. $24.99

We would like to say a big thank you to everybody that came out and supported our Old Settler’s Day Festivities. It was a fun time. We enjoyed visiting with everyone, taking old time photos, watching the parade, and helping out with book purchases and information on our library and museum. We are keeping our old time photo booth set up so, when you have a chance, stop by and take a photo with you and your family!! Make some fun memories for $5.00 per photo. As always, you can also stop by to visit our museum grounds or do some family research in our research library. Our Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 to 4:00 Fridays 8:00 to 2:00. Closed holidays and weekends. We will be closed June 17th and 18th for vacation. Hope to see you soon! Talbot Library and Museum 500 S. Concord Ave. Colcord , OK

Join us Saturday, June 7 at the Talbot Library and Museum during Colcord's Old Settlers Day celebration!    **New this year!! Enjoy our Old Settlers Day PHOTO BOOTH and get a photo print for $5.00! Lots of old time fun!   **We will be selling COLD DRINKS and CANDY!      **ALL BOOKS--New and Used--will be 10% OFF only on Old Settlers Day!   **AND don't forget to check out our brand new GIFT SHOP! We hope to see you Saturday, June 7 at 9AM! For more information, contact us .

On April 23, 2025, the Talbot Library and Museum was so happy to welcome some students from Colcord (Oklahoma) Elementary School. The 4th & 5th grade Cherokee Cultural Class enjoyed themselves visiting our library and museum and playing games like blow dart and stick ball on the grounds of our beloved Talbot Library and Museum! We hope they visit us again soon! Colcord Elementary School, Cherokee Cultural Class, 4th and 5th grade at Talbot Library & Museum Colcord Elementary School, Cherokee Cultural Class, 4th and 5th grade at Talbot Library & Museum

MAKING RAKING FUN! On Saturday, April 12, 2025, two Leach, Oklahoma First Baptist Church students, Lydia and Nolan, along with volunteers, Ken and Malia Macken, served with a smile and hard work.  For several hours, they raked along our two-acre museum property fence line, trimmed trees, shrubbery and picked up branches and limbs on the property.  Sponsors from Lydia and Nolan's community have provided them their summer church camp fee for their work.  This work is so very much appreciated by the Talbot Library and Museum! Making Raking Fun! Thanks so much for your hard work!!

Subscribers to our TL&M Genealogy Magazine : Depending on your subscription preference, you should have received/receive soon the latest print or email issue!  If you chose a print copy, check your mail box.  If you chose a digital version, please check your email.   For those receiving a digital copy via email: If you don't find the email, please check your spam/junk folder.  Find the message and click "not spam" or "don't block sender", depending on your email client.  You should find it in your inbox. For future emails, please add our email address ( talbotlibrary@earthlink.net ) to your contacts/address book to prevent future emails from going to the spam/junk folder.  Enjoy your new issue of TL&M Genealogy Magazine! Print - US Mail version Email - Digital Version

We just added two new great books in our online bookstore. Learn more about the history of Arkansas during the Civil War and about Oklahoma and the movement for the state of Sequoyah and how it remains alive today. Great reads! 1) Civil War Arkansas, 1863: The Battle for a State By Mark K. Christ  This book is about the battle to wrest control of the Arkansas River Valley in 1863, thus gaining control of the state itself. The River was vital for moving troops and supplies. This campaign is often overshadowed by the siege of Vicksburg. The author offers parallel events in Arkansas, with consequences for both Union and Confederate powers. The Union captured Little Rock, taking the state out of Confederate control the rest of the war. Other battles were at Arkansas Post, Helena and Pine Bluff. This interesting book contains soldier’s letters and diaries, as well as civilian voices into the story as well. Paperback, 334 pages, w/ illustrations/maps, published 2014. $21.95 2) The State of Sequoyah: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Quest for an Indian State By Donald L. Fixico Published in 2024, the author describes how the forty-sixth state could have been Sequoyah, not Oklahoma. In 1905, the Five Tribes of Indian Territory gathered to form their own Indian-led state. Leaders of the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Muscogees and Seminoles drafted a constitution, which was ratified. In the end, Congress denied the request. President Theodore Roosevelt declared his support for the merging of Indian Territory with Oklahoma Territory, paving the way for Oklahoma statehood in 1907, ending the State of Sequoyah dream. This book tells the story of how the state of Sequoyah movement unfolded and the extent to which it remains alive today. Fixico concludes his narrative by highlighting recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, most notably McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020), that have reaffirmed the sovereignty of Indian nations over their lands and people—a principal inherent in the Sequoyah movement.Did the story end in 1907? Could the Five Tribes revive their plan for separate statehood? Fixico leaves the reader to ponder this intriguing possibility. Hardcover, 206 pages,13 illustrations,3 maps. $34.95 Both of these books are also available for purchase at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, Oklahoma.

Subscribers:  TL&M Genealogy Magazine 2024, Issue #2 has been mailed out! (TL&M  subscriptions  and  back issues  available at links!)

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Talbot Library and Museum held a fundraiser yard sale on our grounds in Colcord, Oklahoma! It was a hot day, but we appreciate everyone who attended, bought items and volunteered to help! All proceeds are going to the Talbot Library and Museum operating fund. These funds help keep us going! Thank YOU!!

We have just added two new book arrivals to our online bookstore! (They are also available at our Talbot Library and Museum location in Colcord, OK) Book Descriptions Below. Click on title or photo for link to book: The Road To Disappearance: A History Of The Creek Indians - $24..95 By Angie Debo Another classic book, by the late renowned author and historian, Angie Debo. Her contributions to Indian history of Oklahoma and the entire state of Oklahoma are numerous.   This fascinating history was first published in 1941 as Volume 22 in The Civilization of the American Indian Series. This is a compelling story of the history and internal life of the Creek people. Search For The Native American Purebloods, Third Edition - $24.95 By Charles Banks Wilson, foreword by Herman J. ViolaThis is a classic book, first published in 1983, this third edition in 2000, out of print since 2005. Now being republished. Over several decades, the late renowned Oklahoma artist, Charles Banks Wilson created a gallery of portraits of “purebloods” from each Oklahoma tribe. The series contained 77 pencil drawings, with narratives. This third edition contains 13 additional drawings and an afterword by Mr. Wilson.

We have just added this new book to our online store. It is also available at our location in Colcord, Oklahoma! The title is: The Cherokee Syllabary: An Illustrated Key To The Cherokee Language. This book by Brad Wagnon is a new unique, colorful book, and a great educational tool for children as well as adults!  It would be very helpful for becoming familiar with Native speech.  Each page contains illustration of syllabary character, how to pronounce the word in Cherokee and English. Illustrations are done by Beth Anderson. This is a hardback book with 40 pages. You can order it online now in our online store!

Talbot Lib​rary recently added this book to our Talbot Walkingstick Research Library.  This book is now located in our local history book section at the library in Colcord.  (We are not offering this book for sale, but it is for sale on Amazon) Resources for the writing of this book include the Row-Colcord History book and Heritage of the Hills, Delaware County, Oklahoma History. Please stop by and take a look at this latest addition to our Library. From Nothing-to Something”,  The Vernon Ted McCombs Story  By Lloyd D. McCombs Mr. McCombs has just recently written and published this book about his father, who grew up in the Colcord, Oklahoma area.  Vernon Ted McCombs later settled in Wichita, Kansas, and became a successful businessman there, through many difficulties. He was born in 1904, died in 1952, at the young age of 48. At one time he also owned a farm near Maysville, in Delaware County, OK, Du Mac Acres, and raised cattle. It was sold after his death. Vernon was the oldest child of Daisy Kirby McCombs Gibby, and was raised in the McCombs family home near Colcord. The book contains many color and black/white photographs and family history of Lloyd D. McCombs.  Also, photos and history of the Du Mac Acres farm are included. He references the Row-Colcord History book and Heritage of the Hills, Delaware County, Oklahoma History book as resources. The book will be a great addition to Talbot’s Walkingstick Research Library, placed in our local history book section.

This new book in our store was written by James Neil Barnes.  It is about his own great-great grandmother, Annie Spirit’s life from 1826-1910. The book includes Annie’s grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, children etc. and their lives parallel with the rise and fall of the Cherokee Nation. It contains informative Cherokee history as well as family history. Talbot Library and Museum was used as one of his resources in researching and writing the book.  You can get more information and order the book online here ! This book is also available for sale at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, OK.

Bobby (Bob) Gene Stinchcomb, 93, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed away on March 9, 2024.  He was born on September 13, 1930, in Yukon, Oklahoma.  Bob was one of seven kids who were raised on a farm in northeast Oklahoma near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border.  Bob learned valuable lessons of hard work while living on the farm.  He was a hard worker and early riser his entire life.    Bob attended Carnes School, a mile from their farm on the Moseley Prairie, then attended Colcord School in Colcord, OK where he graduated in 1948. He pursued his higher education with a focus on electrical engineering at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, OK, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Denver, and the University of Tulsa. Bob’s professional career in electrical engineering included employment at Douglas Aircraft, North American, and Gemco in Tulsa and Martin Marietta in Denver.  He worked on the Apollo space program as well as flight simulation systems. In the 1970s, he became an entrepreneur and owned Cash Plumbing in Broken Arrow, Ok and then worked at Heatwave Supply in Tulsa where he retired in 1995.   Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 during the time of the Korean War. Shortly after his honorable discharge from the armed forces Bob met the love of his life, Alice Joan Lay, while they both attended NSU.  They married in 1955 and were married for 68 ½ years.   Shortly after marriage they moved to Norman, OK where Bob attended the University of Oklahoma.  He had a job picking up stadium seat cushions after OU football games.  He liked to tell the story of being in attendance the day that Notre Dame broke OU’s 47-game winning streak.  He was a lifelong OU sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching OU softball in his later years.    Their first child, Regina Kay, was born in Norman in 1956.  Their married life then took them back to Tulsa where their second child, Bobby Lee, was born in 1958. They then headed to Littleton, CO about 1960 where the last two of their children - Keri Lynne and Sheri Ann-- were born in 1963 and 1964, respectively.   Bob and his family settled back in Tulsa in 1964.   After raising their kids in Tulsa and retiring, Bob and Joan moved to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma in 1999.  When his children were young, Bob coached many sports teams and attended sporting and extracurricular activities in support of his kids.   In his free time, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his kids and grandkids, and fixing anything and everything around the house. He found joy in these simple pleasures.  Bob had a closely knit and large immediate and extended family and always loved the times he could visit with any of his family members.   Upon retirement, Bob and Joan did some traveling which often included visiting their kids and grandkids living in other states. They were also active in church mission work and Bob volunteered as a board member at the Talbot Library and Museum in Colcord, OK for many years.   Bob is survived by his loving wife, Alice Joan (Lay) Stinchcomb; his children Regina Kay Cruze (Wayne), Bobby Lee Stinchcomb (Niketa), Keri Lynne Parker, and Sheri Ann Sharp (George); 10 grandchildren: Jared (Karen) Williams, Zack (Audrey) Williams, Josh Williams, Ryan (Josie) Stinchcomb, Krystal (Stephen) Wiser, Kyle (Brittanie) Stinchcomb, Nathan (Jodie) Parker, Mikayla (Kan) Prawalwichit, Kate Sharp and Keri Sharp;  11 great-grandchildren: Sam, Nathan and Isaac Williams, Wyatt and Hunter Williams, Sarah and Logan Wiser, Ben and Abigail Stinchcomb, and Noah and Jett Parker; sister Mary Ruth (Stinchcomb) McCoy; sisters-in-law Ulele (Rouse) Stinchcomb, Hilda Stinchcomb, Linda (Perry) Stinchcomb, and Walsie (Lay) Fitzgerald; and brother-in-law CH (Patti) Lay. He is also survived by numerous other nephews and nieces.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Osie Mack and Mille Ruth (Garrett) Stinchcomb; granddaughter Jerri Lynn Williams; brother/sister-in-law Glenn and Ruby (Campbell) Stinchcomb; brothers Ray and Bud Stinchcomb; sisters Zona (Stinchcomb) Brenner and Joyce Ann Stinchcomb; In-laws Carmon H. and Ruby (Eaton) Lay; brother/sister-in-law Andrew and Edith (Lay) Jolliff; sister-in-law Donna (Lay) Mitchell; and brothers-in-law Jack McCoy and Bobby Fitzgerald.  The funeral service for Bobby Gene Stinchcomb was held at Fellowship Bible Church in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma on Friday March 15, 2024 at 10:30AM with Pastor Steve Dennis officiating. Bobby Stinchcomb, Jared Williams, Ryan Stinchcomb, Zachary Williams, Kyle Stinchcomb and Nathan Parker served as casket bearers. Immediately following the service, Bob was laid to rest, with military honors, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 12:30PM. His legacy of service, toughness, love for his large family, and great work ethic will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Memorial donations may be sent to the Talbot Library and Museum, PO Box 349, Colcord, OK 74338 or  www.talbotlibrary.org . The family of Bob Stinchcomb has entrusted his care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Fort Gibson, 918-478-2555.  (You can view the online obituary at Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home .)

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Grace Puffinbarger Memorial Research Area The Talbot Library and Museum (TL&M) recently did some re-arranging in the library.  We added file cabinets that contain past issues of the TL&M Genealogy publication and the Goingnake Messenger publication.  We offer these past issues for sale! To utilize this space well, we decided to put a table top over the file cabinets.  George Davis, husband of our valued employee, Jennifer, created a table top for this area.   This area creates more room for research work and there is bench seating as well.  We also have a copy machine nearby to aid those researching.   (Thank you, George, for your great work on this!) We have named our new area the Grace Puffinbarger Memorial Research Area in honor of our late longtime employee and Talbot friend, Grace.   She always enjoyed visiting with those who came in to do research and peruse our large collection.  Talbot was a special place for Grace and we think she would have been pleased.