was known as Oak Hill and the settlement in its vicinity was called by the same name.

When the first church (1869) and school (1876) were established among the Freedmen in this settlement, the same name was naturally given to both of them. It has adhered to them, amid all the changes that have occurred, since the first meetings were held at the home of Henry Crittenden in 1868.

VALLIANT

Valliant was founded in 1902, and was so named in honor of one of the surveyors of the Hope and Ardmore, a branch of the Frisco railway. It is located in the west end of McCurtain county eight miles north of Red river. It has now a population of 1,000 and a branch railroad running northward.

The country adjacent to the town consists of beautiful valleys and forests heavily set with timber, principally oak, walnut, ash and hickory, and with pine and cedar along the streams. The soil is a rich sandy loam, that is easily cultivated and gives promise of great agricultural and horticultural possibilities. It is in the center of the cotton belt and this staple is proving a very profitable one. The climate is healthful and the locality is unusually free from the prevalence of high winds.

The Choctaw Church, Clear Creek.

The Choctaw Court House, Clear Creek.
Both buildings ceased to be used about 1899.

II

TOP

INDIAN SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES

BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR.—EFFECTS OF THE CIVIL WAR.—TRANSFER OF THE FREEDMEN'S WORK.—THE INDIANS MAKE PROGRESS TOWARD CIVILIZATION.—WHEELOCK ACADEMY.—SPENCER ACADEMY.—DOAKSVILLE AND FORT TOWSON.

"God, who hath made of one blood all nations of men and determined the bounds of their habitation, commandeth all men everywhere to repent."—Paul.

Rev. Alexander Reid.
Spencer Academy, 1849-1861.