Hi Rhett, I'm happy that I ran across your video about Whirlwind Cemetery. 3 years ago this coming Memorial Day, I was driving around this area taking photographs and saw the historical marker denoting the location of Whirlwind Mission. The marker is about 1/2 mile south of the cemetery. You didn't mention the marker so I wasn't sure if you saw it. Anyway, after reading the markers historical info, I drove to the top of the hill where I saw the remarkable Whirlwind Cemetery sign and those 3 stainless steel flagpoles jutting up from this lonely windswept hill. The weeds and grass were 3 to 5 feet tall but there was one little trail where I suspect a descendant of one of the people buried there had stopped by to pay respects. It was a sad sight to see that day as I walked around looking for headstones amid a jungle of overgrowth. And still I marveled at the beauty that surrounded this mysterious cemetery and I couldn't help but feel the spirits reaching out to me. I left on my journey toward the northwest but my thoughts never left Whirlwind. I thought about it all day. What had these people been through ? So many died so young, so many in a short span of time. Why was no one caring for this beautiful place ? These people deserved to be cared for and remembered. So I made a vow that day to return and clean it up. And I did. It took hours to clean it up because I didn't know if there were many headstones or just a few. I did the first mowing with a push mower and went over it twice. The transformation was amazing ! From that day until now, I have kept it up as best I could and have had the help of an unknown person several times. After news of it being cleaned up became common knowledge, several Native Americans contacted me and we became friends. On May 29, 2017, we had our 1st Memorial Day celebration there and the flags flew over Whirlwind Cemetery once again. Such a great day and beautiful place to honor those buried there. We've not had another celebration there since the first one but I have maintained connections with many who were there the 1st time and I still maintain it as I can. I'll share a source for info about David Pendleton Oakerhater which you will all find fascinating. He taught at Whirlwind Mission down the hill but his story is much more complex and interesting than just being a teacher. Strangely enough, he is not buried at Whirlwind but at the Indian Cemetery on the NW corner of town in Watonga, Ok. You can find his headstone there. And Chief Whirlwind whom the cemetery was named for ? Not sure if it's factual but he is said to be buried across the road east of Whirlwind Cemetery in a pasture. A person who lives near there told me that there were wooden markers on the graves but a fire and vandalism wiped those out years ago. The link to Oakerhater's story is as follows: library.okstate.edu/search-and-find/collections/digital-collections/david-pendleton-oakerhater/. Along with that story is another link: "He Goes First - The Story of Episcopal Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater," by K.B. Kueteman. When you run across the name "Making Medicine" in the articles, that is David Pendleton Oakerhater's given Cheyenne warrior name. I also have a Facebook page with photos from our initial celebration and a video made by Galen Culver. Look up Whirlwind Cemetery, Oklahoma Native American/Episcopal Mission. I hope this gives you and your readers some insight into this marvelous piece of Oklahoma history. Thanks so much for sharing your great video....

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your story on the cemetery. I'll have to seek out the mission location and do a story on it some time. This is all very fascinating history. Times have changed but clearly this was a placed that saved people and gave them hope for a better future.

@cynthiabuttry6549

4 жыл бұрын

Thank You so much for your care of this cemetery. From a Cheyenne/ Arapaho tribal member.

@jimmccain4117

4 жыл бұрын

@@cynthiabuttry6549, Sorry for the late reply... It is sincerely a pleasure to care for this beautiful place. Those resting here deserve that much... Thank You !

@karenvecchio2229

3 жыл бұрын

The

Amazing the church must have kept track of all buried there even if they didn’t have grave markers.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I bet they did. Someone made a comment that the church is still around and in the town of Watonga which isn't too far away. I bet someone from there also mows it. Thank you for watching Paul.

there was an F5 tornado that hit Kiowa County Ok, in 1905. It was the worst in Oklahoma history (at the time that was written). Kiowa County is 89 miles south of Blaine County which is where Whirlwind Cemetery is located. Thanks for another fascinating trip.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Could have been something just like that in some of those deaths. I'm just really not sure but it would be interesting to know. Thank you for watching!

I'm glad the people could be buried with their kinfolk in the beautiful rolling plains of Oklahoma. May they rest in peace in the arms of their Maker🕊Thank you for visiting them Rhetty and keeping their names alive.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It's a beautiful place of Oklahoma to be buried in. I love cemeteries out like that. Thank you so much for watching!

Rhetty, thank you for your interest in these Native American cemeteries. There's still the Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family church in Watonga, Oklahoma.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I did not know that there was still one around. I know the original location is marked with a monument. I wonder if a member is the one maintains this cemetery. Thank you so much for watching and telling us all about the church.

It’s great they added an obelisk to honor all the unmarked graves!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is. I'm happy someone did that as well as maintaining it. Thank you so much for watching!

Well kept cemetery with beautiful surroundings. Strange all those people buried there with no headstones or markers. Did you see any depressions in the ground? Wonder who is maintaining the cemetery. Thanks for the cemetery tour. 🇺🇸🚜👍

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

No I never did. It was completely level. It made me wonder if they just used wooden crosses. Thank you for watching!

Rhett, thank you for visiting this important cemetery. It reminded me of the Native American cemetery with the “houses” over the graves. I felt sad watching this but glad you recorded this and that the church kept records. You and Sarah are the best!🙌🏻❤️☀️

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

That was a great cemetery to visit as well. I need to go visit some others in the Creek and Seminole area. Thank you so much for watching Pam!

I really loved their fun names too. Beautiful location!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I loved the view from up there. Thank you for watching Steve!

My Cherokee grandma was from Indian Nations of Oklahoma, pretty area!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I'm sure she was from Eastern Oklahoma then.

@timshull59

4 жыл бұрын

@@RhettyforHistory Yes she was, around Sapapula area. She moved to Theodosia MO, in the 1910s her father started a saw mill which is now right by Bull Shoals Res.

The Whirlwind cemetery. As I was told by Dennison. Whirlwinds greatgreat grandson Miller Redcherries. The tribe came from Sand creek Colorado after returning to camp from a hunting trip to find all the women and children slaughtered. The women ad children thought they would be safe underneath the 3 flag poles; They were slaughered by a man named Covington. The tribe quickly made their way to Oklahoma where they bought the land for the cemetery. The 3 flag poles were added later. The tribe consider the flag poles as an insult because of the place of slaughter. Underneath the 3 flag poles on their reservation. Enjoyed the video..

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Very interesting. I know about the slaughter that took place in Colorado and even have a story planned about it but I had no idea about the flag poles. Thank you so much for watching and sharing.

Definitely a choice location for a small burial ground -- beautiful scenery all around! Loved the memorial marker; thought it was a lovely tribute to all the folks resting there! After reading all the comments, I'm now sitting here trying to figure out what MY Native American name would be --- probably something like, "Sits Too Long Numb Butt," due to watching so many videos during all this forced "free time" at home. I'm very thankful for channels like this one, Rhetty. Your content is always so interesting and informative... you AND Sarah have definitely improved my quarantine by taking me along on all these adventures! Take care, Valerie

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad we could help somewhat. I know this whole experience has been rough on everyone. I'm hoping we are starting to pull out of it all. You're right about this being a great location for burial. I loved the panoramic view from up there. Thank you so much for watching!

Love these little off the road cemeteries the best. Good to see this one being kept up. Mike and Connie...

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

They are interesting to find as they are little pieces of history telling a story of what was. Thank you for watching.

Loving the videos! We’re in West Tennessee. My wife and I found some very old cemeteries this weekend. We found a Dad and son that both served our country. The dad was a Revolutionary Soldier and the son was in the war of 1812! From what we could figure out, they had moved to this area with western expansion from Virginia. We also found one man who was killed in a cannon accident. His death date was 20 July 1845. So we guessed that maybe he had fired the cannon at a independence celebration,was wounded by explosion and died later.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Very interesting history you found there! I love finding places like that. I'm glad there are other people like you and me who love things like that. Thanks for watching and sharing!

Interesting cemetry to visit so hope we see more of these to come

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

There will certainly be more this year. Thank you for watching!

There used to be a school and there was a fire. I went out there several years ago when it was in really bad shape. I grew up not far there near American horse lake. I always thought it was named whirlwind because of the wind out there but it’s after chief whirlwind. I have a picture of the old mission school in one of my dads books I inherited.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're right about it being named after Chief Whirlwind. One of his kin was listed on the memorial marker. I've never seen a photo of the old mission though. I used to do a ton of fishing out at Lake American Horse. It's a great fishing lake. Thank you for watching.

As always, thank you for the trip. Awesome!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome and thank you so much for watching!

Hey enjoy how you bring such a diversified cultures into your videos. Thank you for such great work!

@RhettyforHistory

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. I do believe we should all be remembered. Thank you for watching Connie!

Hi there Rhett 😃 🖐️. this was very interesting.thanks you for sharing.🤓👍.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Carole and thank you so much for watching!

@caroleroseburgh1344

4 жыл бұрын

@@RhettyforHistory 👍💯

Thank You for another great episode and looking forward to the next one

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tammy. I appreciate you watching!

Great information Thanks for sharing. I Love all these Pictures an the information. It truly makes you feel as if your right there becide you.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

Good to see you Rhetty and Sarah. Sadly my nephew has passed and again I wanted to give you a like and make a comment too. God bless you be safe.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for being so nice especially during a tough and trying time like you're going thru. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your nephew.

@nadiazahroon6573

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I will like the vlogs.

like the arch way of the cemetery.....well kept up...thank you for sharing

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It does have a beautiful archway. Thank you so much for watching Jody!

Another top video. Thx mate

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome and thank you for watching my friend!

Excellent....Thanks.........

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome and thank you for watching!

Thanks For This, Awesome Work^^

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome and thank you so much for watching!

Remembering with respect.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. It really was a beautiful and peaceful area.

Hi Rhetty thanks for another great vid ,just by chance regards to the years wondering if by chance was from bad storms have a nice day

@josephrader2611

4 жыл бұрын

Was wondering Rhetty if you like a hand crafted cell case as a gift for your great work ,thanks

Thanks for sharing 👍🙏

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome and thank you so much for watching!

Very nice and peaceful!

@RhettyforHistory

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is. Thank you for watching!

Love the "Cemetery Gate" Intrance

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It really is a nice one. Especially for a cemetery that's out in the middle of nowhere. Thank you for watching!

@JaimeExploring

4 жыл бұрын

@@RhettyforHistory I was thinking the samething!

Love it wow..may they all be at peace...i enjoyed this piece of history

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching Chana!

Again a great find ..

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tom and I appreciate you watching!

Amazing Cemetery

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It really is. Thank you for watching!

Wow amazing , cemetery in the middle of nowhere ..

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It really is. I absolutely loved the view. Thank you for watching!

Nice. I love cemeteries. I'm from Brazil, this kind of hobby is not very popular out there. My friends always called creepy because when I was i some new site I always found out the cemetery of that town ...my propose was always understood about the history of that site. And nothing better to understand more about of some place that's the local cemetery.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I do love exploring cemeteries. I feel there is so much history in them just waiting to be told. Much of it will never know but it does give a general idea of what the area was like. I would say there is a good portion of people who are not interested in cemeteries here. Certainly the majority of people feel that way. Thank you for watching Marta!

Cool names!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

I thought so too. Thanks for watching!

Gosh that’s a beautiful resting spot

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is. Nice and peaceful. Thank you for watching Jennifer!

@jennifer801

4 жыл бұрын

RhettyforFun and whatever happened to them? Do you think it was the flu? Measles? Mass killing? Why so many missing gravestones? This video has sooo many unanswered questions.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it does. I'm not sure if there is a history out there on them or not. I do think it probably was some different diseases that probably came through but I really have no clue.

Another great video🙂how,s the new pup doing?

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Victoria! The new pup is doing great! Getting bigger and super fiesty!

Beautiful place though 🌻And very interesting 💓😇✝️🙏🕊️⭐🇺🇸

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It was certainly beautiful there. Thank you for watching!

It's a small world. I'm from this area and I've hauled sand for Chaco Energy before!

Greetings from Houston, TX. Thats a cool little cemetery. Im sure glad I wasn’t living back in those days especially if I had only 3 fingers on each hand. I wonder what my name would have been. Johnny 3 fingers?

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

No telling. They may have given you something else. Thanks for watching in Houston!

Lots of history in those small cemeteries.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Yes there is. I wish we knew more about the people in this one. Thank you for watching!

@cynthiabuttry6549

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, David Pendleton Oakerhater was a Cheyenne, who was a prisoner in Fort Marion, Florida. He was rescued and trained to be a priest in the Episcopal Church, then returned to the Cheyennes to serve from 1881- 1917.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the extra history!

Glad the names are on the memorial. A lot of them aren't particularly flattering in body description with legs, nose or neck.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You're right about that. Big Belly Woman was an interesting one. Thank you for watching.

Reading the names therefore not forgotten that makes me happy💦💦💨

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

There are quite a few people in that cemetery. They seem to have a pretty good record of it all. Thank you so much for watching!

LOL Charly big nose. If I was buried there it would be David big ears.

@cynthiabuttry6549

4 жыл бұрын

😳😂😂

@ohmeowzer1

4 жыл бұрын

David Brown lol

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It would be interesting. Thanks for watching!

@scotty3886

4 жыл бұрын

almost sounds like a old mafia graveyard

Can you do some Cherokee Please 😎 My Grandma and other family in Oklahoma are in Oklahoma which are Cherokee 😁

@RhettyforHistory

2 жыл бұрын

I actually have a few videos on some Cherokees but I have a lot more to cover. Thank you for watching Josele!

Rhett, did you visit Dead Women Crossing while you were nearby at the cemetery?

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

No I didn't. I'll have to visit that site sometime. Thank you for watching!

@cynthiabuttry6549

4 жыл бұрын

Rhetty, i hope you visit Dead Woman's Crossing sometime. It has some interesting history to it.

I wonder what tribe they are from?

@RhettyforHistory

3 жыл бұрын

These would be from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation.

All Are Resting In Peace in Such A Beautiful Place, maybe they died of some Plague etc...Stay Safe..

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It really is a beautiful place. Thank you so much for watching!

1905.. perhaps a tornado?

@RhettyforHistory

2 жыл бұрын

These were some different disease outbreaks. Thank you for watching!

Rhetty maybe an epidemic in 1905 ?

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Something sure happened for about 6 years in a row. Definitely hard times. Thank you for watching!

Why can't I have a cool name like Turkeylegs?? Or Bigbelly? I guess insults were a little different then.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Different cultures have different ways of taking words. Spanish is a good example of that. I think people are just pretty sensitive in English.

@jimmyfischbeck9872

4 жыл бұрын

@@RhettyforHistory All I was saying is that I do have a big belly and turkeylegs!

@cynthiabuttry6549

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimmyfischbeck9872 Fish Back sounds good enough!

@jimmyfischbeck9872

4 жыл бұрын

@@cynthiabuttry6549 Fischbeck is an old monastery town in the black forest area of Germany. The name simply means fishing pond. If a child was left at the monastery to be raised by the priests they were called Fischbeck.

I love cookies!

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

It must have been the small pox ...or yellow fever .that took them

@RhettyforHistory

3 жыл бұрын

It could be. I'm not exactly sure of the exact reasons.

Too bad there is no headstones.

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

It is a little sad. But at least they have some records. Thank you for watching!

Maybe. S mall pox

@RhettyforHistory

4 жыл бұрын

You could be right on that. I'm not sure what it was.