Trailblazers of the Twin Territories:: Formerly-Enslaved Families’ Journey from Yoakum, Texas to Tiger Mountain, Indian Territory [4-13-1903 to 11-20- 1903]

It only takes one person to break a generational curse — to propel the family toward a new, healthier hope. Our person was Uncle Henry Tippins who sought his fortune when the Indian Territory was “open” for settlement. His pioneering spirit invigorated his nephew, Albert Rush Evans to leave Yoakum, Texas and join him in paradise.

This is the authenticated autobiography of Dr. Charlotte June Bates, and her ancestral lineage. The ancestral history is presented, followed by her autobiography and biographies of siblings with whom she was reared. Many direct witnesses have included quotes and reflections. When possible, genealogical records have been used to verify witness accounts.

In this book, we celebrate the life journeys of Dr. Charlotte June Bates, her ancestors and siblings, who were part of the larger migration history of Oklahoma. Thus, one of the goals of this book is to provide evidence that the Shiner-Evans’ and other “wagon train families” played a significant role in establishing communities throughout Indian Territory, and Oklahoma Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood in 1907.