Baccus Home

Sheriff William Murray Baccus Sr. (W. M. Baccus) to most, and Will to those closest to him, Willie to his loving wife. was born in Allen, Texas 6.5 miles east of Frisco in 1883, on his Grandfather Godfrey Smith Baccus’s farm, To Patrick Henry (Pat) Baccus and Annie Hoffman. Patrick was from Texas and Annie was from Hoffman, Indian Territory. A town of her name-sake like Huttonville to the "Great Joe Hutton Sr." and his decedents. He was raised like most Americans of that era as a farmer. His parents would move to McKinney where they would open a successful restaurant and feed store. He learned how to conduct business and was very adept in the language of business. On October 2, 1902 at the age of 19 his first child William J. Baccus was born in Texas. The relationship didn’t work out and he decided to answer the call to come to Indian Territory for prosperity. Mr. William Murray Baccus Sr. was a member of Texas branch of the prominent Baccus family.  The Baccus family was prolific throughout the United States in the 1700 and 1800, and were involved in all phases of commerce and politics as Doctors, lawyers, Judges and business men and were constantly in the headlines.

“THE BACCUS HOME”, Formerly the Ft. Smoth & Western Railroad office and its historical significance.

W2 NW T9N R13E SEC 34

1893 The Ft. Smith & Western Rail Road is formed and begins laying tracks from Ft. Smith Arkansas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma/. (The Ft. Smith & Western Railroad, Wikipedia museum photos and information)
 

1895 Edward P. McCabe negotiates with the Muscogee Nation and acquires 40 acres at the aforementioned location to setup the town at what was then an unnamed outpost that containg a Hotel and a couple frontier homes. It is reported that this was at the time part of the Tankard Ranch however, neither the Muskogee Nation, Hughes County (as it would first be designated), or McIntosh County (as it would become), have any record of the Tankard Ranch. What we know for sure is that it was Muscogee Nation restricted land. Meaning it could not be owned by any individual but belonged to the Tribe collectively. The Land runs from 1898 – 1901 and the congressional act of 1901 changed all that and opened up the land to individual and non-tribal ownership. (Muscogee Nation Reality Trust Office, Lori Tiger Reality Specialist II, National Historical Society Vernon, Oklahoma)

 

1898 House is built as the office for the Rail Road officials during the construction of the Eastern Oklahoma leg of the railway tracks.  The Ft. Smith & Western railroad also at the time operated the South Canadian River Ferry located just south  of Hanna.

 

1901 All Muscogee Nation Lands are unrestricted and ordered allotted by Congress on March 1, 1901 and ratified by Muscogee Nation.

1902 Railroad depot is built on the south side of the tracks directly in front of the railroad office bldg. that will soon
become “the Baccus Home”. (Hypothesis based on facts and conjecture from available records and conclusions from creek nation research)
 

1903 The Railroad begins running. (Wikipedia History of Ft. Smith & Western Railroad)
 

1905 Lucy Simmons is awarded the 160 acres in which the 40 acres sit, on which the town is founded. Even though she had died in 1901. (Muskogee Nation Reality Trust, Lori Tiger Reality Specialist II,)
 

1906 All remaining Muscogee Nation Lands were allotted and final applications closed July 1 st, 1906 for admission into the Muscogee Nation in preparation for state hood. (Muskogee Nation Reality Trust, Lori Tiger Reality Specialist II, the Tulsa Chief July 1 st, 1906)

1906 Railroad no longer needs the satellite office as construction is now complete and trains service has been running for 3 years. Thomas & Julia Haynes are assigned to dispose of property. (Hypothesis based on facts and conjecture from available records and conclusions from creek nation research)

1907 Oklahoma becomes a state, Oklahoma is divided in counties, cities & towns. Formal recognition given to
townships & settlements. Some names changed. (Oklahoma Historical Society)

1909 Thomas & Julia Haynes issue a mortgage to Boldin & Lucy Taylor, of Denton, TX on behalf of the railroad. For lots 1-8, block 17. The office is located in lot 8 (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office)

1909 August 3rd, Through the business expertise and experience her husband brings with him from working in his family businesses in Texas, Mrs. Baccus mortgages her 160 acre allotment the 1st time, for $2500 ($86,704.67 today).

1910 Town of Vernon is plotted (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office)

1910. Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr’s farming operations are so successful, he hires 15 yrs. old farm hand Homer
Birdsong to help with the increasing work load.  Word was spreading like wild fire about the growing little agriculture center of Vernon. All around Black Towns were growing and prospering with new ones continually being established. (April 30 th , 1910 U.S. Census)

1911 June 20th, Town of Vernon Established. (Hughes County Clerk)

1912 Boldin & Lucy Taylor receive a release of Mortgage from Thomas & Julia Haynes on behalf of the Railroad. Thomas & Julia Haynes issue a Warranty Deed to Boldin & Lucy Taylor (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office)

1912 Post Office receives it designation, Ella Woods (soon to be Kemp) is the first post mistress. (Boley Progress,
December 14th, 1915)

1913 July 12th, Thomas M. Haynes buys back part of blocks 15, 17 & 18 as right-of-way to extend the area around the depot & ticket office on behalf of the railroad. Boldin & Lucy Taylor Issue Warranty Deed to Thomas and Julia Haynes (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office bk1 pg 10)

1913 July 28th, Thomas & Julia Haynes issue a Warranty Deed to the Ft. Smith & Western Railroad for the property purchased on their behalf. (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office)

1913 October 29th, Boldin and Lucy Taylor sell lots 1-8 block 17 which includes the office/house to Andy Walker also of Denton, Texas. For $1000 ($32,087.98 today) (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office Bk 10 pg. 117)

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1915 December 3rd, The reporter from the Boley Progress Newspaper visits Vernon and publishes the first know report on the town. Population around (150) one hundred fifty. (Boley Progress December 3rd , 1915)

1916 April 28th, The Topeka Plaindealer reporter visits Vernon and publishes the 2nd know feature article on the town. This article is much more in depth. There are now twice as many business and people as there were 6 month earlier. The Population is now in excess of three hundred (300),  Forty-five (45) families move to Vernon between December 1915 and January 1916. (Topeka Plaindealer April 28th, 1916)

1916 April 28th, While the reporter is in town doing the in depth story on Vernon. Andy Walker dies. Leaving behind 260 acres of land and the lots he purchased two years earlier, including the house/office located on lot 8 of block 17. (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office, the Topeka Plaindealer April 28th , 1916 bk 19 pg. 404)
1917 Sept 12th, Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. begins to lay the ground work to move to the growing community that now has over 300 residents. He registers to Vote with an address Rt. 1 Hanna, Ok. and waits for the right property to become available to make the move. (It is possible this is when he actually moved to Vernon and rented the house from Benjiman Walker Andy Walker's brother until the estate was settled in 1920.  Mr. Walker having passed away just over a year earlier in April 1916. but we couldn't confirm this.)   (McIntosh County Voter registration card of W. M. Baccus., Interviews with C. L. Baccus Sr.)
1919 May 21th, Mrs. Baccus executes an Oil & Gas lease for $160 ($2,870.07 today) on her 160 acre allotment, but never receives payment.(Bk 30 pg. 359)

1919 Sept. 11th, Mrs. Rebella Baccus hosts the big picnic in honor of her grandfather who passed away in 1916 at the age of 106. Her step-son William J. (Bill) Baccus is manager. (Indian Journal)

1919 Nov 11th, Mr. & Mrs. Baccus pay off the $2500 mortgage. (Hughes County Clerk, now kept at McIntosh County Clerk’s office)

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1920 January 22nd, 1920 Census shows Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr., his wife and family living on his wife’s farm off the old northern leg of Hwy 52 (also known as Red Hill Rd. now only accessible of N4010 Rd) with 16 yr. old hired hand Nora “Dink” Bowman and Mr. Baccus’s 84yr. old Uncle Henry Graves. (1920 U. S. Census report for Ryals Township, McIntosh County, Oklahoma.)

1920 June 14th,  the court orders an estate sale to settle the estate of Andy Walker. His brother Benjamin Walker is appointed administrator. (McIntosh County Clerk Bk 10 pg. 405)

1920 August 10 Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. buys 120 acres from Mrs. Baccus father adjoining her allotment. (Bk 38ms pg145)

1920 November 17th, W. M. Baccus Sr. purchases lots 1 – 8, blk. 17 for $525 ($8,284.63 today) which includes the house (Bk 35ms pg. 114)

1920 November 29th, Court issues deed and confirms sale of the lots in Vernon, which include the house. (McIntosh county Clerk Bk 35 pg. 113)

1920 December Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. and family move to Vernon leaving sons Clarence Sr. and P.H. behind in Ryals Township to run the farm and supervise hired hands. (1920 Vernon Census)

1921 July 21st , W. M. Baccus Sr. executes a 1 year Oil & Gas lease for $250 ($3,970.89 today) on the combined 280 acres. (Bk 47ms pg. 439)

1922 April 22nd , Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. files notice of none payment in court. The unpaid Lease is cancelled. (Bk 38 pg178-179)

1923 March 28th, Mr. & Mrs. Baccus mortgages 120 acre allotment that previously belonged to her father for 1st time for $1000.($18,577.25 today) (Bk ms0048 pg. 214)

1923 Son Clarence Sr. leaves home to attend Pittsburg Automotive School in Pittsburg, Kansas. Graduates top of his class 1 year later as master mechanic. Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. promises him if he graduates with honors he will buy him a new car. He keeps his promise and buys a new model T for $800 ($14,861.80 today) cash. (Interview with C. L. Baccus Sr, & Tennie Walker)

($2,214.77 today)
1924 April 12th,  Mr. & Mrs. Baccus execute an Oil & Gas lease on the same 120 acres for $120 dollars. ($2,214.77 today) (Bk 45ms pg. 118)

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1924 April 15th, Mr. W.M. Baccus Quit Claims the 120 acres he purchased to a neighbor in Ryals Township for an
undisclosed amount (Bk 41D pg. 46)
 

1925 Mr. S. B. Dozier dies of heart attack, Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. is elected Sheriff of Vernon. (Daily Oklahoman August 30th, 1984 interview with Tennie Walker)

1926 September Mrs. Rebella Baccus begins to lose her sight.

1928 Feb. 1st, Mrs. Rebella Baccus Mortgages her 160 acre allotment for the 2 nd time for $1000 ($18,577.25 today). (Bk59ms pg. 179-180)

1928 Mar 8th, Mr. W.M. Baccus takes Mrs. Baccus to Kansas City to try to save her eyes. (The Black Dispatch)

1928 April 23rd, Mr. W.M. Baccus & Mrs. Rebella Baccus now blind sell the 120 acres he previously Quit Claimed on April 15, 1924 for $1250 ($23,070.54 today) to Elizabeth Henry of Palo Alto, Ca. Because Mrs. Baccus is Blind an affidavit is executed and her name is signed by Myrtle O’Connell Notary Public and witnessed by Mr. W.M. Baccus, Edward T. Billings, and E.G. Sherwood. Mrs. W.M. Baccus places her thumb print on the affidavit. (Bk 46d pg. 518)
1930 The 1930 Census shows children William J., Mattie B, and Clarence L. have all left home permanently. (Interview with C. L. Baccus Sr. 1962, U.S. Census Report)

1930 May 29th, W. M. Baccus Sr. now a county commissioner submits his commissioner’s expense report. (The McIntosh County Democrat)

1931 June 23rd, Mr. W.M. Baccus takes Mrs. Baccus to Muskogee for her eyes. (The Black Dispatch)
1932 Oct 29th, Mrs. Rebella Baccus sells 120 acres of her 160 acre allotment to P. J. Dorman of Vernon. (Bk 53D pg. 181)

1933 Jan 14th, Mr. W.M. Baccus sells lots 6 & 7 in blk 8 to Ella Kemp. (Bk 00650 pg. 0200)

1933 Feb 2nd, Mrs. W.M. Baccus sells the remaining 40 acre homestead to P. J. Dorman of Vernon (Bk 53d pg. 316)

1933 Feb 2nd, P.J. Dorman deeds back to Mr. W.M. Baccus an undivided ¼ interest in the mineral rights and minerals and rentals for Mrs. Baccus 160 acres. (Bk ms0052 pg. 285). Mr. & Mrs. Baccus now retire from farming and Mr. Baccus focuses his full attention to being a probate administrator, County Commissioner, Sheriff and helping the Vernon Community. (Interview with C. L. Baccus Sr. and Tennie Dozier 1979)

1932 The Governor of Oklahoma responding to request from Bankers across the state to do something about the bank robberies. The Governor suggests whipping the bandits with a whip publicly when they are caught and then again when they are released. The take the Governors lead and offer a reward of $100 ($2,318.77 today) for each robber caught alive and $500 ($11,593.83) for each one killed. One banker publishes an announcement to “let it be known we don’t want they caught, we want them killed” (History of Oklahoma Bank Robberies)

1933 June, the Sheriff in Eufaula asks under-Sheriff W.M. Baccus Sr. to assist him in apprehending the real gang that robbed the American Exchange Bank in Henryetta Nov 7 th , 1932. He had received word that was hiding out over by Wewoka and were planning to head to Holdenville. Sheriff W. M. Baccus, and lawmen from Holdenville, Eufaula, Dustin and Hanna went to set a trap for the gang similar to the one that would snare Bonnie and Clyde the following year. With them was a deputy who said he could recognize them and that they were known to travel a certain road. Knowing that the gang would usually be speeding, they positioned the deputy about ½ mile up the hill, just as dusk fell. The plan was for him to fire a warning shot as the gang’s car passed alerting the posse who would spring the trap as the vehicle approached blocking the road in front of them then behind the vehicle forcing them to stop or crash. However, over two hours went by before the gang appeared and by then the lookout had fallen asleep. As the gang approached he was spotted and shot dead where he sat the gang turned off. After hearing the shot and when no vehicle approached the posse raced to his aid but it was too late he was dead and he gang had escaped. (Interview with C. L. Baccus Sr. 1969)

1935 Jan 24th, Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. submits his commissioners expense report (Indian Journal)

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1936 April 16th, Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. as Administrator for Floyd Graham Mrs. Baccus cousin issues notice to creditors. (Indian Journal)

1939 May 16th, Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. administers the estate of Floyd Graham (Indian Journal).

1940 Mar 23rd, Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. is elected Chairman of the district Democratic Committee. (Indian Journal)

1942 Mar 1st, Commissioner W.M. Baccus Sr. submits his commissioner’s expense report. (Indian Journal)

1946 Nov 3rd, a drunk white man driving a pickup runs into Mr. W.M. Baccus’s Chevrolet sedan at the intersection of 24th & Okmulgee, in Muskogee causing $35 damage ($570.18 today) to his vehicle. (Muskogee Daily Phoenix)

1947 Sept 18th, Commissioner W.M. Baccus Sr. determines estate must be sold and cannot be divided between heirs. He holds a commissioners sale and sells Mrs. Baccus former 160 acre allotment to the highest bidder for $500 ($18,469.24) at the McIntosh County Court House in Eufaula, Ok... As P. J. Dorman died November 13th, 1934, just under 2 years after purchasing Mrs. Baccus’ allotment. (Bk 73D pg. 183)

1948 Mar 6th, Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. is elected Chairman of Congressional District 7 and sent as a Delegate to the National Congressional Convention. (The Black Dispatch)

1948 May 20th, Commissioner. W. M. Baccus Sr. makes his last and most important & longest lasting contribution to the Vernon community and McIntosh County, when he heads a Citizens Committee comprised of community business leaders from Vernon and all the black towns in McIntosh County, to research, develop, and write a ballot measure, then lobby McIntosh County to place it on the County wide ballot. This measure will provide $300,000 ($8.3 Million today) in immediate funding for building a new school in Vernon and additional funding for repairs of, and building of schools in all the black communities in the county. County Commissioners voted overwhelmingly for the measure which is then placed on the county wide ballot and passes.  Mr. W. M. Baccus Sr. is able to demonstrate to the commissioners, the mutual benefit to both communities in terms of jobs and business. Commissioners champion the cause stating the increase in taxes will hardly be noticed. This measure leads to the building of the New Brick 7 room school building with a gymnasium that is still in use today. (Indian Journal, Historic Photo of the new school building under construction in 1949)

1953 Sheriff and Commissioner W.M. Baccus retires from public life as his eye site starts to fail. (Interview with Tennie Walker daily Oklahoman 1984)

1954 August 18th , Mr. W.M. Baccus Sr. sister Estella dies in Dallas, the family heads to Dallas for the service. (The Black Dispatch)

1956 Mrs. Tennie Baccus, Dozier-Walker in addition to being Post Master, is also full time care taker for her parents. (Personal knowledge)

1968 November 11th, Mrs. Rebella Baccus passes away peacefully at her home in Vernon. She saw only one of her grandchildren. Mattie’s oldest daughter Lucille who was born in April 1926. The next grandchild would not be born until 1933. She was totally blind by 1928. She spent the next 40 years without sight. But could distinguish everyone by their voice, and in her later years by the texture of their hair. (Interviews with daughters Emma, Mattie & Tennie)

Mrs. Baccus's funeral in Huttonville was attended by over 300 people. All non-family attendees have to give up their seats and stand outside the church as the family is so large they take up all the church seating and many of them have to stand outside also. It is standing room only in the church and the overflowing crowd spills outside and surrounds the church so they open up all church doors, it’s the middle of fall but with so many people no one notices. She will truly be missed. (Cleo M. Baccus Jr & Clarence L. Baccus Jr. witnessed as attendees)

1974 Sept 7, Sheriff W.M. Baccus Sr. passes away in his sleep at his home in Vernon. It the end of an Era, but the legacy carries on.