Week #14: The Not So Maiden Aunt.

In my family, we do not have any aunts that did not marry so this week, I am writing about grandpa's sister, Pearl Sixkiller Bried. Aunt Pearl was born October 11, 1913 in Bakersfield, California. She died Sept 2, 2001.  Pearl and Ruben (my grandpa) are the only two children of Myrtle and Glover Walter Sixkiller.

Glover died in 1923. Leaving Myrtle to raise two small children on her own. Ruben was 8 years old and Pearl was 10 years old. Both Ruben and Pearl attended Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in central Oklahoma. Ruben quit school in 7th grade and went to work to help put his sister through school and college.

Pearl married Theodore Bried (1915-1989) on February 9, 1941 in Cooke County Texas. Ted was in the military. Their family moved around as he was stationed around the world.  They had three children:  John, Michael Kerry, and Janie. Their family settled in Seattle, Washington.

Pearl passed away in Oklahoma. If I remember correctly, she was visiting her son John. He worked at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  Unlike Utah where we have a funeral about 3-4 days after passing, her family did not plan a service until about two weeks later.

On September 11, the  Twin Towers in NYC were attacked and were demolished when two planes flew into the towers. Another plane crash landed into the Pentagon.  A fourth plane crash landed in a field in Pennsylvania. After the fact, these horrific actions were planned out by the muslim terrorist group, Al-Queda.  This is the second time in history that the US was attacked on their own soil.

Because of these attacks, there was a ban on all planes, trains, buses and other forms of transport for about a month. Unfortunately, Janie was unable to make it to her mother's funeral services. Janie did not have her own car and all other forms of public transport were grounded.

Pearl's son John worked at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  He was out for training when the Federal Building was bombed by Timothy McVeigh in 1995.  McVeigh was later put to death for his actions.

Below is a picture of Aunt Pearly with Wilma Mankiller. Wilma was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation between 1985-1995.

Week #13: The Old Homestead

Mom was born in Ft. Duchesne in the old hospital on top of the hill south of town.  Ft. Duchesne was established by the US Calvary in 1885. It was abandoned in 1912. This is the home of the Ute Reservation.






The Sixkillers lived on the north end of the circle. The circle was a place where the tribal superintendent and other government workers lived.  The center of the circle was where the Utes would meet for celebrations such as the Pow Wow.  Today, there is a band stand, a community gym and baseball fields.





When mom was in about 6th grade, they moved to a home built a mile north of where Eagle View Elementary now sits.  On the left is a picture of Mom between the house and garage of my grandparents current home. The other picture is my mom's brother Rang (Ruben Jr.) standing in front of the house. The front door would be on his right side.

Week #12: Misfortune

In 1964, the Ute Tribe terminated the 480 Mix-blood Members of the tribe. Some say they voted to be terminated. Others disagree.  It is also told that the entire tribe was to be terminated.  This came about so that Indians could do their own business without government influence or control.
(see http://www.undeclaredutes.net/TerminationList.html)

Mom was #418.  Her mother, and siblings: Judi, Walt, Henry, Rang (Ruben Jr), Pearl, and Jack were all terminated.  Her younger sisters, Joan and Marie were never enrolled with the Ute Tribe due to termination.

This is a great misfortune because it not only affect those that were terminated but many generations. Today, there is still contention about what being Indian means. Those of us that are the next generation have been denied opportunities to participate in Native American programs in school, scholarships, etc.  Some have married back into the tribe but have not been able to enroll their children because the tribe will not recognize the mix blood quantum.

At the time of termination, the mixed bloods were given so much cattle, sheep and $1000 for their separation with the tribe.  They lost their hunting and fishing rights.  In the early 1980's the tribe was sued so the mixed bloods received their hunting and fishing rights.

My grandmother and a few other family members felt that $1000 was not enough for something they felt was a birthright.  This small group held out and the tribe finally agreed to give them 18,000 acres land between Hanna and Rock Creek.  The 26 mix bloods that held out for land formed the Red Rock Corporation to manage the land.  The Murdocks also received land in Rock Creek but did not belong to the corporation.

Below is a picture of Mom's Grandpa Elmer Denver (Lena's dad).  Most of these kids are his grandkids and some nieces and nephews.  Most, if not all, were terminated from the Ute Tribe.  My mom is in the white blouse, second from the right, sitting on the floor in the front row.  Her sister, Pearl is in the black jumper, fourth from the right on the front row.  Mom's oldest sister, Judi is standing behind Grandpa Elmer holding the baby which may be Mom's younger brother Jack.  Henry, my mom's brother is second on the left of Judi.  Walt (my mom's brother) is third from the left on the back row.

Week #11: Lucky

My mom, my sister Kim and I would drive to Wendover, Nevada for a girls gambling trip. We would usually leave in the evening and gamble all night.  Mom was very lucky and had certain machines she liked to play because they were her lucky machines.

On one visit, I heard her calling my name. She was playing a dollar machine around the corner from where I was playing.  She had hit a jack pot but didn't have her ID.  I cashed out on my machine and walked over to where she was playing. Sure enough she had won $10,000.

One of the younger casino agents told her that she had to have her ID. Mom was worried and wanted to know if I had my ID on me.  Another agent came over to verify the win.  Luckily, they had my mom's ID on file and they gave her the cash. And to add to this story, she had done this several times.
Mom loved her trips to Wendover.

Week #10: Strong Woman

These women are my grandmother's two sisters, Ada Denver Padia and Bobby Denver  Freeman. (both sitting) Theresa Denver is standing behind them. All three of these women attended Sherman Indian School.  At the time the government required all Indian children to attend boarding schools.

Theresa was married to my mom's uncle, Milton. He was the youngest of the Denver children. He died in 1968 from a heart attack.  Aunt Theresa never remarried. They had three children.

Aunt Ada was married several times. Her first husband was Earl LeBeau.  They had six children:  Bennie, Tommy, Wade, Jola, Yvonne and Ronda.  She is now married to Jerry Padia and lives in Orlando, Florida.

Aunt Bobby married Robert Freeman for Pala, California. They had four children.

All three of these women raised children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews without a husband due to early deaths or divorce. They have influenced the women in my family to be strong and independent. They also keep family and Native American traditions alive.

Back Row Left to Right:  Jola LeBeau, Judi Sixkiller Mojado (my mom's sister), Theresa Denver, Shawna DeCola (Jola's daughter).  Front Row: Bobby Freeman and Ada Padia

Week #9: Where There’s a Will

When I was in 6th grade, we were approved to receive money from the Pyramid Lake Water Settlement.  This money was given to the descendants of Henry Harris and other Paiute Indians.  Grandpa Harris had water rights from the Pyramid Lake that were bought by the US Government. And, as history has repeated itself, the US Government did not make their final payments.  Grandpa Harris died before he received the final payments so his descendants inherited that money.


The application process took 2-3 years to be completed. Descendants had to prove their lineage to those Paiutes that should have received the money.


My mom's check was $5600 when she received her. Because I was a minor, my money went into an Individual Indian Money account until I turned 18.  My check was $10,600 when I received my check.  I used it for college.



Three years ago, I also came in on another payment from the Cobell Settlement.  The US Government was sued on grounds that they did not invest money in the best interest of those that had IIM accounts.  The government lost their case.  I received another $3000 because I had an IIM account that was affected by this law suit.



None of my ancestors were ever rich enough to leave a monetary will.  Many of them are Indian and had land that was in trust with the federal government.  So I am very thankful for the legacy that Henry Harris left for his descendants.

Week #8: Heirloom

In May of 1992, my great-grandmother, Myrtle, passed away in Joplin, Missouri. She fell and broke her hip. She had a stroke during hip surgery and slipped into a comma. When we went to Oklahoma for her funeral, my mom came home with a framed family tree for Myrtle's family. It showed her siblings and parents.


With the family tree, was a picture of her father, Andrew Jackson Miller.  My grandfather's cousins were there. They each expressed a desire to have the family tree and portrait.  When the frames were lifted off the wall, my grandmother had a note with my mom's name on it. Because of that, the Family Tree was given to my mom.  My grandfather's cousin, Anawake, received the picture of her grandfather, Andrew Jackson Miller.

My mother worked on family genealogy for many years. My greatest heirloom is my desire to do genealogy myself. As the internet began, my mother asked me to start entering her data on FamilySearch.com.  Through the internet, I was able to find pictures and other info that she did not have.  Most importantly, I was able to find extended family also doing the work.

Week #7: Valentines

My parents were married February 23, 1968 in Neola, Utah. They dated all through high school.

Mom tells a story about a note she received from my dad when they were in high school. The note said in pig Latin: “Hey Deedle, how about after school we go to the store and I will buy you a watermelon stick.” One of Mom’s favorite candy was the apple and watermelon flavored Jolley Ranchers.

Because my parents were married in February, I don't really
remember my parents celebrating Valentines Day together. Their wedding anniversary was a bigger celebration. But as my mother was ill during her last few years of her life, Dad would buy a huge heart shaped box of chocolates for Mom.

My dad has now gone without my mom for two Valentine days. My dad now takes balloons to her grave site. My sister Kim has been able to get the local radio station to play Roy Orbison’s song, “Pretty Woman.”

One of my favorite Valentines gift from Mom was a Heart shaped glass dish filled with chocolate covered nuts. My mom loved peanut clusters as a snack. She made her own and gave them to her kids and grandkids.

Week #6: Nickname

My mother’s given name is Kathleen Sixkiller Olsen. Most people did not now my mother by her given name. Mom was better known as Deedle. This name was given to her by her older sister. Pearl was two years old when Mom was born. She could not say, “Kathleen.” Some how “Deedle” was pronounced and it stuck. The only person that ever called Mom by “Kathleen” was her mother.  Once in awhile her dad would do the same.

When I was a young kid my dad would recycle copper, lead and car batteries. The money he earned would pay for school clothe
s each August. As a family we would ride around to different communities for my dad to look for batteries. We had stopped at a home on the Whiterocks highway. We heard the kids in the yard yelling, “Deedle, Deedle! Come here Deedle.” Mom kept looking around to see who was yelling at her. Come to find out, there was  young child there names ‘Deedle.’ It was a given name, not a nickname.

On another occasion, we ran into a family who’s pet dog was named “Deedle.” And since then, there is a TV production company named, “Deedle Dee Productions.”

During the 80’s when I was in junior and senior high, my parents ran a store in Whiterocks. They named it, “Deedle’s.” My mom ran the store while my dad work at Moon Lake Electric. On Saturdays and summers, I worked in the store. Later, my dad retired from Moon Lake and bought the Neola Store.

The funniest story about Mom’s nickname is how the Utes addressed her. Her Rez Cuzzins and friends always called her “Deedles.” For some reason in the Rez, our family seems to pluralize most things like “mines, minses, fishes, deers, etc.” Once in awhile, her cousins and classmates called her, “Deedle Dee.”

Mom had another unofficial nickname: “Tar Baby.” Her brother Henry (aka Hank) gave her that name because if her dark completion. Mom loved to be outdoors resulting in her tan complexion.

For Christmas, mom and her siblings would draw names. Uncle Hank drew Mom’s name. He bought Mom a Tiny Tears doll. He thought he was being funny when he bought the “black” version of the doll. The tide was turned when Mom opened the doll and it was her favorite gift.

Week #5: Obituary

 “Deedle” Sixkiller Olsen, age 66, of Neola, passed away peacefully November 25, 2016, at the University of Utah Hospital with her family at her side after a valiant battle with kidney and liver disease. She was born March 19, 1950, in Ft. Duchesne, to Ruben and Lena Denver Sixkiller. She was in the first 9th grade class at the new West Jr. High School where she served as their first student body president. When she attended Union High School, she became the first female in the state of Utah to be a member of the Future Farmers of America. She married A. Kent Olsen on February 23, 1968, in Neola. They were sealed in the Provo LDS Temple on February 23, 1974. When Kathleen was a baby, her older sister couldn’t say her name so she became Deedle, and it stuck. Deedle worked as a teacher’s aide for the Ute Tribe Headstart and then she and Kent owned and operated the Neola Store for a time. She served as president of the Red Rock Corporation and 9 years as the Minority Representative on the FSA board. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving many years as a Primary Teacher. She loved the kids in her classes and always had a birthday party for each kid at McDonalds, and a new set of crayons for every new class. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, genealogy, doing yard work, and coaching city league girls’ softball. She had a passion for shopping, especially for shoes, and would often use her excellent price comparison skills to help the grandkids get the most school clothes for their money. She purchased all of the granddaughters’ prom dresses. Appearance was paramount and her hair and nails were always perfect. She loved taking her girl trips to Wendover, where she hit the 10,000.00 jackpot a couple of times. Deedle adored her family, especially her grandchildren – they were her life. She also helped raise many foster-kids and nieces and nephews. She touched many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Kent; her children, Maurleen (Freddy) Plant, Vernal; Tommy Kent (Márcia) Olsen, Roosevelt; Kim (Merchie) Adams, Syracuse; grandchildren, Lance (Jennie) Olsen, Andrew Jake Plant, TJ (Brianna) Olsen, Allina (Morgan) Condie, Kamilla Olsen, EagleClaw Cuch, Christine (Scott) Chisholm, Kelsey Adams; great-grandchildren, Carter Chisholm, Jacklyn Olsen, and one on the way; brothers and sisters, Judy (Marcus) Mojado, Pala, CA; Henry Sixkiller, Ft. Duchesne; Pearl (Charles) Ewing, Bountiful; Jack (Delaine) Sixkiller; Joan (Robert) Yazzie, Marie (Vance) Gardner, Ft. Duchesne; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Walt Sixkiller, Ruben “Rang” Sixkiller Jr., Denver Sixkiller, and a sister Mary Sixkiller. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Neola LDS Chapel. There will be a viewing on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Hayden Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Uintah Basin Medical Center, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, McKay Dee Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center, and the University of Utah Hospital for the kind and caring service.  

 “Deedle” Sixkiller Olsen, age 66, of Neola, passed away peacefully November 25, 2016, at the University of Utah Hospital with her family at her side after a valiant battle with kidney and liver disease. 

She was born March 19, 1950, in Ft. Duchesne, to Ruben and Lena Denver Sixkiller. She was in the first 9th grade class at the new West Jr. High School where she served as their first student body president. When she attended Union High School, she became the first female in the state of Utah to be a member of the Future Farmers of America. She married A. Kent Olsen on February 23, 1968, in Neola. They were sealed in the Provo LDS Temple on February 23, 1974. When Kathleen was a baby, her older sister couldn’t say her name so she became Deedle, and it stuck. 

Deedle worked as a teacher’s aide for the Ute Tribe Headstart and then she and Kent owned and operated the Neola Store for a time. She served as president of the Red Rock Corporation and 9 years as the Minority Representative on the FSA board. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving many years as a Primary Teacher. She loved the kids in her classes and always had a birthday party for each kid at McDonalds, and a new set of crayons for every new class. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, genealogy, doing yard work, and coaching city league girls’ softball. She had a passion for shopping, especially for shoes, and would often use her excellent price comparison skills to help the grandkids get the most school clothes for their money. She purchased all of the granddaughters’ prom dresses. Appearance was paramount and her hair and nails were always perfect. She loved taking her girl trips to Wendover, where she hit the 10,000.00 jackpot a couple of times. Deedle adored her family, especially her grandchildren – they were her life. She also helped raise many foster-kids and nieces and nephews. She touched many people’s lives and will be greatly missed. 

She is survived by her husband, Kent; her children, Maurleen (Freddy) Plant, Vernal; Tommy Kent (Márcia) Olsen, Roosevelt; Kim (Merchie) Adams, Syracuse; grandchildren, Lance (Jennie) Olsen, Andrew Jake Plant, TJ (Brianna) Olsen, Allina (Morgan) Condie, Kamilla Olsen, EagleClaw Cuch, Christine (Scott) Chisholm, Kelsey Adams; great-grandchildren, Carter Chisholm, Jacklyn Olsen, and one on the way; brothers and sisters, Judy (Marcus) Mojado, Pala, CA; Henry Sixkiller, Ft. Duchesne; Pearl (Charles) Ewing, Bountiful; Jack (Delaine) Sixkiller; Joan (Robert) Yazzie, Marie (Vance) Gardner, Ft. Duchesne; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Walt Sixkiller, Ruben “Rang” Sixkiller Jr., Denver Sixkiller, and a sister Mary Sixkiller. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Neola LDS Chapel. There will be a viewing on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Hayden Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Uintah Basin Medical Center, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, McKay Dee Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center, and the University of Utah Hospital for the kind and caring service.

Week #4: Invite to Dinner

My mother was a very good cook.  There are many favorite recipes but her family's favorite dish was her tacos. Mom told a story about my dad picking her up for a date. Her family was eating tacos. Mom asked Dad if he would like a taco before they left. Dad had never eaten a taco. He was a farm boy and ate mostly meat and potatoes.  This was his first taco. Dad may deny this story today but that is mom's story and she is sticking to it!

Love for tacos was passed on to me, my brother and sister. It seemed on every pay day, we got tacos for dinner. It was something easy to cook while Mom was putting away groceries.  They consisted of Lynn Wilson corn shells fried in vegetable oil or crisco, hamburger, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, olives and grease...haha.  Her grand kids say they aren't worth eating if the grease from the taco shells didn't drip down your elbow.  Her enchiladas were also very delicious.

Other dishes that were family favorites were deer/elk meat, beef roasts, mashed potatoes, rolls, potato salad, macaroni salad and cooked carrots.  Mom also made very good sugar cookies, divinity and vinegar taffy.  I can remember rubbing butter on my hands so they didn't stick to the taffy as we pulled it.

Mom would also coach basketball and softball teams.  She would invite the girls to the house and we would make pizzas at the end of the season.

Mom spent many years serving in the Primary in the Neola Wards. During her last 10 or so years of serving, she would take her primary kids to McDonalds on their birthdays.  Dad would also take his scout troops or mutual kids out for a treat after scout meetings or mutual on Tuesdays.  Mom and Dad were always feeding someone.

Week #3: Longevity

My mom was born on March 19, 1950 in Ft. Duchesne, Utah.  The BIA hospital no longer exists but the building still stands. It sits on the hill west of the what is known as the circle. Her parents are Lena Denver and Ruben Sixkiller Sr.  My mom is the one of 11 children. My grandpa joked that the reason why they had so many children was because "It was back before TV."

Lena is a terminated Ute. Her mother is Mary Harris and was also enrolled with the Ute Tribe.  Lena's father is Elmer Denver Sr. Elmer was enrolled with the Shoshone Tribe in Ft. Hall, Idaho.  They had 11 children!

Lena attended boarding school in Whiterocks, Utah. The school sits where the Episcopal Church sits today.  She was then sent to Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California.  Grandma loved her experience at boarding school despite how most native kids were treated.  She made many life-long friends, played sports and learned how to cook, sew and clean.  Her brothers learned job skills that allowed them to work in construction, mostly masonry work.  During the summers, she would stay in California to work as a nanny or maid to movie stars and the "rich."

Ruben is an enrolled Cherokee from Miami, Oklahoma.  His mother is Myrtle T Miller.  His father is Glover Walter Sixkiller.  He died in 1923 leaving behind Ruben, his sister Pearl and his mother.  He spent a lot of time with his grandparents while his mother worked to support the young family.  The Millers and Sixkillers had ancestors that walked the Trail of Tears.  The Sixkillers were the first BIA Law Officers on the Cherokee Reservation in Oklahoma.

Ruben also attended boarding school in Schiloco, Oklahoma. His experience here is much like most native boys and girls.  Grandpa said he was beaten for speaking Cherokee when he was at school, then beaten at home when he spoke English by his grandpa.  He didn't attend school past 7th grade. Grandpa went to work to help support his family.  He helped put his sister Pearl through college.  His story reminds me of "The Legend Of Little Tree."

Ruben hitch-hiked to Utah during the Depression from Oklahoma.  His personal story is very much like the classic story, "The Grapes of Wrath."  Ruben's goal was to go to California looking for work. He and the other men hitch-hiking made it to Utah. They all married Ute women and raised their families here.

Week #2: Favorite Photo

Week #1: The Importance of Genealogy

One of my favorite past times as a child was to travel with my mother and grandmother to visit aunts, uncles and cousins.  My grandmother and mother both come from large families so family reunions were large. I always enjoyed hearing the stories about fishing, hunting, sports, school and other family stories.

During these family events, there were a lot stories about our elders. Many of the people discussed were gone. They had made their journey to the other side. My mom's family are Native American and have a rich history of settling the west, walking the Trail of Tears, and greeting the Mormons (my dad's family) in the Utah Territory.

While we visited, my mom would record stories and dates. She had files full of names, birth dates, death dates, pictures, stories.  When the World Wide Web came on scene, she was able to collect more information.  This is when I joined her quest to find family names. My mom asked me to start entering data into electronic programs.  I started copying pictures and entering information on the LDS website:  FamilySearch.org.

One of our most memorable genealogy trips was when we went to Tallequah, Oklahoma for a reunion with my grandpa's family.  Our grandfather, Soldier Sixkiller and his wife and son were being honored by the Trail of Tears Association.  TOTA  was marking each grave with a special bronze plaque for those that survived the Trail of Tears.  At this special even, my mom was given the opportunity to read Soldier's life history. Our dear cousin, read his wife's history.

If someone were to ask me why genealogy is important is so that you understand your culture and where you come from.  It isn't just about dates, it's about the stories and family connections.

Preface

On Facebook, I found an advertisement, "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks." The program sends a weekly email with a writing prompt for doing genealogy.  It encourages the user to write about 52 different family members.

My mother passed away on November 25, 2016 from liver and kidney failure. She loved to do genealogy. Many family members and friends contacted her for help with their own genealogy.  Instead of telling stories of ancestors, I will be telling 52 stories about my mother.

This blog is dedicated to my mom, Kathleen Sixkiller Olsen, better known as Deedle.