Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 August 1901 — The Oklahoma Drawing. [ARTICLE]

The Oklahoma Drawing.

The drawing for claims in Oklahoma began Monday. The flist envelope taken from the wheels contained the name of James R. Wood, Weatherford, Ok.. Mattie H. Beals, Wichita, Kans., whose birthplace is in Missouri, drew No. 2. The multitude went frantic over the announcement, but became quiet instantly and listened intently to hear the names of others fortunates. Without doubt Wood and Miss Beals, who thus have a right to make first filings, will select two quarter sections adjoining Lawton townsite district and which are believed to be worth $40,000 each. When Colonel Dyer, commissioner, in thunderous tones, announced the woman’s age as 23, her height the same as that of Mr. Wood, 20,000 shouted in chorus, “must get married.” No. 1, in El Reno district, is Stephen A. Holcomp, Paul’s Valley, I. T., and No. 2, Leonard Lamb, of Augusta, Ok.