Okfuskee Oklahoma Military News

Okfuskee Oklahoma Military News

Okfuskee County Organizes Troop
Former Adjutant General Niles Raising Army of National Guards

Okemah, Okla., June 28.--(Special).--With the courthouse building overflowing with enthusiastic citizens who met here in response to an informal call made by Major Alva J. Niles, adjutant general of Oklahoma, with a view of organizing a troop of cavalry, seventy-five able-bodied men eagerly applied, and were enlisted in the organization.
It is evident from the interest shown at the meeting that, in Okfuskee county, at least a thousand men are willing and anxious to enlist; and all signs point to this organization rounding into one of the best of its kind in the United States.
Okfuskee county's organization will be distinguished from all other national guards on account of the fact eighteen or twenty fullblood Creek Indians have enlisted; and, on account of their peculiar natural ability, it is believed that in the future this company will be able to earn its share of national honors for expert marksmanship and general military tactics.
An elaborate and up-to-date armory will be established at Okemah, also a rifle range for target practice, and, with miles and miles of open roads which lead through dense forests, over towering mountains, across beautiful valleys, and through jungles, the boys will be given ample opportunity to graduate in the practical school of experience which will prepare them for any and all kind of actual service. Though it may be trying upon the patience and sympathy of the commanding officers to listen, for the first few weeks, at the plaintive appeals, the moanful groans of the heart-sick, footsore and weary awkward squads, it will be some consolation for them to look forward to the time when each will have qualified to mount his steed and go on horseback, instead of on foot.
Okfuskee county has not organized this company of cavalrymen for fun or for the purpose of squandering the national funds simply because such has been authorized by special act of congress. Every man full realizes the gravity and importance of his office; and this is one organization that is mindful of every duty, both expressed and implied. A special benefit is to be derived from being a member of such an organization and that is, it will not only encourage, but establish a higher standard of physical ability; the recreation will be conducive to better health, stronger and more able-bodied men. It will also inculcate a truer spirit of loyalty and patriotism in the rising generation. (The Daily Oklahoman, June 29, 1913 - Transcribed by C. Anthony)