Monthly Archives: October 2013

Jack Beale Smith standing next to the Willsons and Robbie Mabra at the Custer Bend Snakey Bend Cemetery

From left to right is Jeff Irwin of Hawaii; Mr. & Mrs. Wilson; and Robbie Mabra of Cheyenne, Oklahoma standing next to 8 of the 18 headstone markers being placed at the Custer Bend, Snakey Bend Cemetery honoring those soldiers who fell in battle.

Here is a picture of the first eight headstone markers being placed in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. As can be read on the sign one can see the problem Jack Beale Smith has had in finding the army records on these men because of the different spelling of the names of several of the men. However, all army records have been found on the 17 men who died at the Battle of the Washita.

Here are two more headstone markers of soldiers who died at the battle of the Washita. The markers are being made by Joanna saunders of Sign O Rama in Oklahoma City, Ok.

In memory of Clara and Willie Blinn killed in Kiowa Camp. This proof will be changed somewhat, however. This sign is being placed near where the bodies were found. Contrary to popular belief that she was killed by Cheyenne, primary sources say otherwise. Randolph Keim, newspaper reporter for Gen. Sheridan was in Custer’s Camp on December 11, 1868 when the bodies were brought in.

Quannah Baxter, Comanche Indian, standing next to new sign on the Beale Wagon Road. Baxter has been a great help in this project.

Jack Beale Smith at new sign put up at a wooden bridge site in Custer County, Oklahoma.