.....and, in broken English......

The Prague New Record - 25 January 1923

I find the reporter's choice of words are so amusing. They called it like they saw it. Today's reporter might report that the man was drunk, but nothing would be mentioned like "the chances are he didn't know himself".

"It will always be a mystery what Pennock's mission to Mr. Stricklin's was, but being under the influence of whiskey, the chances are he didn't know himself. The body was removed to the home of his aunt, Laura Carter, about 3:30 Thursday morning, where a coroner's inquest was held by the assistant county attorney. The jury consisted of men from Shawnee and exonerated Mr. Stricklin from any blame.

The funeral of David Nelson Pennock was held at the home of his aunt, Laura Carter, Friday. Services were conducted by John Brown. The American Legion boys acted as pall bearers and conducted the services at the grave, he being a member of that order. He served in the World War in Co. C, 357 Infantry, 90th Division. He leaves a wife and 2 children besides a number of relatives and numerous friends to mourn his loss."

Directly below that article was this. Although the circumstances surrounding this man's death are not exemplary, the family felt the need to be gracious to their fellow man. Something touching about this gesture of gratitude rather than hanging their heads in shame. I call it class.

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank the neighbors and friends for their assistance and sympathy during our time of sorrow.
MRS. DAVID PENNOCK
LAURA CARTER
LORENA MANATOWA

And then there is this article about this gentleman's Indian funeral and burial. It is extremely hard to read, but since it is so interesting I am going share what I can read. The following was preceded by the description of Indians marching slowly to the grave and their sacrifice to the Great (cannot read) on the casket of the deceased.

"The wife of the deceased was not permitted to go to the cemetery, but remained at a farm nearby, this being one of the customs of the Indians.

This cemetery is an Indian ground and is located about a half a mile from the home and is surrounded by a thick grove of black jack trees. The ground in this cemetery have no ornaments or markers to identify who have been buried there, were covered with rough stones. They had not been arranged in regular order and were not put on a straight line.

All persons buried in this cemetery were placed in the grave facing westward, as it is believed by the Indians that the soul travels west. An opening had been made in one end of the casket to allow the spirit to depart.

All of the decease's personal effects were brought to the cemetery and, according to custom, was divided into ten bundles.

These bundles were then given to the most deserving friends of the deceased, but nothing was allowed to be given to his relatives.

It was explained to the curious Legionnaires that these gifts were considered sacred and therefore priceless.

After the ceremonies, a number of the elderly Indian ladies came forward, with tears in their eyes, and shook hands with the men in uniform, and, in broken English, expressed their gratitude for the honor they had done to this Indian boy who was dear to them."

I found this accounting very moving. It is not unlike today's TV commentators voice overs when covering noted funerals. I can almost imagine this having TV coverage with a soft-voiced reporter explaining the Indian burial and customs. Time has long passed since Oklahoma was occupied by the Five Civilized Tribes, but this is gentle reminder that this nation and our state was their land. It is brought home with these words, "....... and, in broken English.........."