Gladys Iris Crouch Clark

Long Line Rider: the 1893 Opening of the Cherokee Outlet Gladys Iris Crouch Clark

Long Line Rider The period covered in Long Line Rider is eight years from 1893 to 1902. This lively family story is based upon Jim Crouch's pioneering ride in the Race of 1893, and subsequent homesteading experiences. The conclusion is after the turn of the century party, and Jim and Lizzie welcome in the new era with ever-fresh hopes and dreams, and the blessed arrival of a son, following three girls in a row. On September 16, 1893 Jim Crouch, former cowboy and drover, waits in the long line of riders on the Kansas border with the Cherokee Outlet of Oklahoma Territory for the signal to begin the race for free government land. Two strangers, Josh Montgomery, and Hank Hartner join him in the swirling dust and swarms of flies. Jim steers them to where he's going. At the crack of rifles that start the race, Jim sets the pace on his swift horse, Barney, ahead of most other contestants. He finds the benchmark of the quarter section of land he was headed towards and stakes his claim. That night Jim outwits two claim-jumpers, and rescues an injured Hank Hartner, and helps him to find a claim nearby. After their claims are registered in Alva, they meet up with Josh Montgomery, who takes the injured Hank to his own place. While Hank waits in a saloon, Josh discovers a stabbed man. Meanwhile, Jim returns to Kansas to bring his family back to his homestead in their heavily loaded wagon. Some days later, they are joined by his wife's father who has bought a claim next to Jim's. Thus begin the years of farming intertwined with both joys and tragedies for the young family who must live for a few years in a dugout before they can complete their handsome frame house. The stories include farming practices, butchering, food processing and preparation, social events such as family get-togethers, children's activities, a wedding, a hoedown, box suppers, fashions of the day, current events and political news.