History needed

If the Unassigned Lands in Indian Territory were opened to settlers, those in the northern part would buy Kansas goods.

A group of businessmen in Wichita, Kansas wanted to organize settlers, called Boomers, to settle in Oklahoma Territory, but they wanted a big name person to lead the Boomer movement. They invited Gordan W. Lillie (better known as Pawnee Bill), of Wild West Show fame, to become the head of this movement. He had no interest in staking a claim, but he saw it as an opportunity to gain publicity for himself and his Wild West show. He arrived in Wichita and organized the “Pawnee Bill’s Oklahoma Colonization Company”. President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill opening the Unassigned Lands, to be held on April 22, 1889. Instead of going to Buffalo Springs, where the army gathered people to make the run, Pawnee Bill led his group to Turkey Creek. Newspapers from across the United States covered the event.

Pawnee Bill rode his horse, Bonny Bird, the 20 miles to the mouth of Turkey Creek (near Dover) in 65 minutes. Pawnee Bill did not stake a claim. He didn’t want one. Pawnee Bill became a national fi gure. He reorganized his Wild West show and became a major competitor of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

Many of the people in Pawnee Bill’s Oklahoma Colonization Company staked claims in Kingfi sher County. If anyone knows that their ancestors were part of this group I would like to hear from you. Would you please call me at 405-659-6839 if you know that this is part of your family’s history.

Lee E. Briix