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[no newspaper named]

January 1957

Obituary for Joseph Bruner, Indian Political Leader; Believed First Male Born in Tulsa:

Joseph Bruner, 84, almost a legendary figure in Oklahoma history, who spent most of his 84 years battling for the rights and betterment of his fellow-Indians, died Sunday morning, January 13, 1957, at Indian hospital in Claremore. He had been in ill health for several months. The veteran stormy petrel of Indian politics entered the hospital late last year suffering from pneumonia. He had suffered a major stroke 10 years ago and lighter ones since.

Indian services were held Monday night at Owen chapel at 7:30. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist church, Sapulpa, with Rev. J.L. Patridge officiating. Burial was in Sapulpa cemetery under the direction of Owen funeral home.

With Mr. Bruner's death, the history of Tulsa passed another milestone - he was believed to be the first male child born in what now is Tulsa. Joseph Bruner, the son of Lucy and John Bruner, both full blooded Creeks, who came from Alabama when Tulsa was still just a settlement, known among the Indians as Lockerbroker, or as they pronounced it, "Lochopoke," was born September 20, 1872 on his father's allotment which was about where the 3rd St. viaduct crosses the Frisco tracks, near the only store building, a commissary, in the settlement. The roll number was given to him Oct. 14 1899 was Roll No. 3142 Ark-tah-yah-cho-che

In 1892 he married Marguerite Elma Dart. Marguerite was the sister of Ida Dart who was the mother of Joel Franklin Barnes. Joseph and Marguerite had one daughter, Josephine Esther (now Battese). The Indians call her "Lochochee." Her son, Stanley Battese, also survives.

Although he had scanty formal education he was recognized even as a young man as an authority on law relating to Indians and matched wits over the years with governmental agencies on tribal problems. In his early years he did not speak English but became an interpreter for his Creek tribesmen after attending the Creek national school (old Weluka mission) in Wealaka near Leonard and later attended Bacone college at Muskogee. While attending Bacone Mr. Bruner was the "big brother" to Pat Hurley, former ambassador to China.

Mr. Bruner not only fought for Indian rights but also was a valiant champion of old tribal customs and traditions. He was a constant champion for Native American self expression, for fair share of educational facilities for tribesmen, against discrimination of any kind and against any attempt to dictate financial policies for Indians, individually or collectively.

In 1887 he was elected to the "House of Warriors," took office and served in the old Council House in Okmulgee. For six years he was Creek councilman in the House of Kings, resigning in 1903. 

Mr. Bruner accumulated considerable property in Sapulpa, most of which he sold. In 1901 he opened a land office in Sapulpa. It was then that he was known as the Creek Land Man. His office was room 10 in the Garst building (now Lawrence Cigar Store, c. 1957) and was always filled with Indians being "fixed up" by Joe. He transacted most of the business for Indians of this section, wrote their deeds, listed their lands, translated, etc.

Officially Mr. Bruner was engaged in the real estate business, but spent most of his life in other pursuits. Mr. Bruner was exceptionally well-informed on Indian law, particularly sections pertaining to titles and inheritance. For a time, Joe worked as clerk and interpreter in Menifee's grocery store. He was quiet an asset because he could speak both the Creek and Euchee tongues. In 1905 he built his home in east Sapulpa which was reputed to be the most beautiful house in the city at that time.

Mr. Bruner made many trips to Washington on behalf of Indian rights and his relations with the Interior department often were less than cordial as he entered into warm debate with agencies governing tribal matters. He was one of the first to publicly advocate the abolishment of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. One of his strongest efforts was unsuccessful. He was a leader in the Creeks' attempt to obtain $1,300,000 to cover losses in their move to Kansas in Civil war days. Offered half that amount, the Creeks refused.

He was organizing officer of the American Indian federation and June 8, 1934, became the first president. The federation is "a national non-partisan, non-sectarian, educational organization to teach the fairness and economic justice of a final settlement between the Indians and the federal government." Perhaps, one day, his dream will be achieved.

Submitted Nov 2002 by Wayne M. Sampson; 916 South Olive Street; Mexico, MO 65265. [email protected]