Alfalfa County: Helena

January 24, 1923

Willaim H. ECKES came into this world on Nov. 23, 1848 in Weston, Lewis county, Virginia. While a boy he became a Christian and joined the Methodist Episcopal church.
Years passed and he grew to manhood in that interesting old country of Virginia. When he was 30 years old he moved to what was then the far-western state of Kansas, arriving there in 1878.
Four years later he realized that Kansas was not such a bad place in which to live, for in this new country he found a young woman by the name of Miss Mary IHRIG who won his heart and on Jan. 19, 1882 became his bride.They entered into this most joyous of relationships in Fall River, Kansas.
To this happy couple God gave a baby boy by the name of Frank and later twins whom they called Charlie and Minnie.
Now it was not long until news reached this young family of a still better country and a place where land could be obtained for only a little more than the running. So Mr. Eckes decided to make the race into the Cherokee Strip opening, and on the following April 10, 1894 he brought his family to the land that became for them the Eckes farm. It was located two and one- half miles southeast of Helena. On this place the Eckes built their home and reared their family.
After their own children were grown and away from home, Mr. and Mrs. Eckes took into their family four other children to rear; two boys and two girls.
In 1900 Mr. Eckes joined the Free Methodist church, to which he gave his life, liberally of his means, and continuously of his prayers. The religion of Jesus Christ was vital to his life, and in his later years he said, "My religion grows stronger and brighter to me as the years pass, and that Bible has a lot of comfort in it for me." He was truly a pioneer in every sense of the word, being a builder of home, church and community.
Today we witness the passing of a man that has lived a very colorful life. He has made a large contribution to our country and community, in the 48 years that he has lived here. Now he has gone to claim a mansion in that city whose foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
He leaves to follow him his wife Mrs. W.H. Eckes; two sons, Frank of Helena and Charles of Tulsa, and his daughter, Mrs. Ervin B. KOST of Beardstown, Ill., seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, along with a number of other relatives; also the boys and girls that he helped to rear, Willie and Ralph OLDS of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Mrs. Marie REDFERN and Mrs. Helen DUPUS of Helena.
Funeral services were held in the Helena Methodist church on Sunday, Jan. 26. Rev. E.E. Holmberg, pastor, conducted the service, with Rev. R.A. Haskins, Free Methodist pastor of Carmen, bringing the sermon. Burial was in Good Hope cemetery. Pallbearers were D.S. VANWYE, Fred LIEBRAND, Ray CATON, W.T. WERNER, P.A. KLINE and Clyde WICKER.
Music was furnished by a mixed double quartet, Mesdames D.S. VANWYE, L.S. REDMAN, G.G. HARRIS, Glen CASTLE, and Messrs F.I. BONHAM, M.P. WELCH, W.M. SMITH, and Ray MURRAY, with Mrs. Web GLIDEWELL as accompanist. Hymns used were "The Old Rugged Cross," "When They Ring the Golden Bells," And "Abide With Me."
Submitters Note: Willaim H. ECKES died 23 January 1923, in Helena, Alfalfa Co., OK. On the back of his obituary is a portion of the newspaper's masthead and date: "ena S" and "Thursday, February 6, 19"
Submitted by: Gay Eckes [email protected]

February 4, 1923

Loyd Dixon Dies Sunday at Kansas Home
Loyd DIXON, 48, early day resident here on the Dixon farmstead four miles southwest of Helena, passed away at his home at Cleveland,Kan., on Sunday night, Feb. 2. He had suffered with stomach trouble for some time which was the cause of death.
Survivors include his wife Gladys and nine children, two girls and seven boys, all of the home; a sister, Mrs. Ethal Geers VEERCAMP of Monte Vista, Colo., a nephew Clarence Dixon, and a cousin F.J. Dixon, both of Helena, and other relatives and many friends.
Among those attending the funeral services and burial there on Wednesday were Clarence Dixon and his mother Mrs. Mattie GREEN, Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Dixon, Harold (the rest of the obituary is missing)
Submitted by: Gay Eckes [email protected]

MCSPARRIN And IMMEL Married
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McSparrin of the vicinity southeast of Helena, are announcing the marriage of their daughter Dorothy to Mr. Ted IMMEL of Carrier. With the pastor of the Carrier church, Rev. E. P. REIKOW, officiating, the vows were exchanged in the Leonard BULLER home at Enid on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Mrs. Buller and Bob TEFFT attended the couple.
They will make their home in Enid, and friends from this community take the opportunity to extend congratulations and best wishes for marital happiness. Submitted byGay Eckes [email protected]

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