Memories of Frank and Lucy McCain

Frank McCain

Frank came to Oklahoma on a wagon in 1904 with the families of Horn, Tamplin, Striplins and others. They settled around Little Hill. 

There was a trading post in Okemah, Oklahoma name Creek Trading Company, owned by Palmer and Stanley and an indian (no name) that oversaw the Creek Reservation. This company set up all the wagon train families to share crop. Mose Tamplin was Boss over approximately 10 families and Frank married Mose's daughter, Alice Tamplin.

After marrying Alice, the family moved to Clearview, Oklahoma, where Frank worked in the oil fields, using a wagon and drat horse to haul pipes. The family lived on an indian reservation and one son was born there, Willie McCain. 

Alice died in childbirth when Willie was born. Frank gave Willie to Mose Tamplin and his sister to raise. 

Frank was afraid of cameras and would not allow his picture to be taken. He believed his spirit would be captured if he was photographed. This was a belief from his indian heritage. He would often spend time on the indian reservations in and around Okfuskee county.

Oral history shared by Gloria Forshee

Frank McCain was a tall dark man with a flat nose. He was married to Alice Tamplin and to Lucy Samuel. Frank belonged to the Church of Christ, in Clearview Oklahoma. He lived and died in Weleetka, Oklohama in the 40's.

Oral History shared by Ethel Alford

Lucy Samuel McCain

I used to walk to Clearview iwth Lucy and she knew exactly where to turn to go home. She could piece quilts, thread a needle and she knew her colors. One day a lady came to Lucy's house to visit and she stated, "what a pretty red het". She could catch a chicken, pluck it, cut it up and fry it. All of this was amazing becuase she was blind. Lucy died from an infection in her mouth, after having teeth pulled

Oral History shared by Ethel Alford

Church of Christ, Clearview, Oklahoma, Home Church of Frank McCain