Inola Locust
F, #161761, b. 23 November 1920, d. 13 August 2009
Parents
Biography
Inola Locust was born on 23 November 1920 in Bell, Adair Co., OK. She married
Charlie "Suyette" Bunch on 24 August 1948 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., AR. She died on 13 August 2009 in Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK,
Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):
Inola Locust Bunch passed from this life on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 88. Inola was born on November 23, 1920, in the Bell Community of Adair County to Henry Locust and Agnus Ruth Starr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Bunch; two children, Roger Victor and Coleta Eagleton; two brothers, Bluford Starr and Isaacs Locust; three sisters, Virginia Shell, Louella Bunch and Callie Hooper. She is survived by four children, Jerry Checotah and Sue Deason, both of Stilwell, Jean Fishinghawk, of Westville and Tony Bunch and wife, Bonnie, of Springdale, AR. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and some very special nieces and one nephew. Inola retired in 1986 after 25 years at Bell School as cook. The many children who passed through the cafeteria always remembered her even though she could not recall their names. Her home was always a gathering place for family and friends, and her greatest pleasure was to prepare a big Sunday dinner. Inola was a longtime member of Salem Baptist Church, though she could no longer attend because of her health, she still loved the W.M.U. women visiting in her home. She will be missed by many. Services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Salem Baptist Church with Bro. Todd Dowty and Bro. Lawrence Eagle officiating. Interment followed at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Hart Funeral Home of Stilwell.
She was buried in August 2009 in Salem Indian Cemetery, Bell, Adair Co., OK, Findagrave #40723723.
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9 December 2025 09:30:28 |
Louella Locust
F, #161762, b. 6 July 1922, d. 12 October 2005
Parents
Biography
Louella Locust was born on 6 July 1922 in Stilwell, Adair Co., OK. She died on 12 October 2005.
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9 December 2025 09:18:37 |
Charlie "Suyette" Bunch
M, #161763, b. 13 May 1920, d. 23 June 1999
Biography
Charlie "Suyette" Bunch was born on 13 May 1920 in Adair Co., OK; son of Jack Bunch and Charlotte Laura Quinton. He married
Inola Locust daughter of
Henry Locust and
Agnes Ruth Starr, on 24 August 1948 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., AR. Charlie "Suyette" Bunch died on 23 June 1999 in Stilwell, Adair Co., OK,
Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):
Funeral services for Charlie BUNCH were held Friday, June 25, 1999 at the Salem Baptist Church with Bro. Lawrence EAGLE and Rev. Floyd KESTER, Jr. officiating. Interment was in the Salem Cemetery under the direction of Hart Funeral Home of Stilwell.
Charlie BUNCH was born May 13, 1920 in Adair County, to Jack BUNCH and Charlotte Laura QUINTON PRITCHETT. He departed this life June 23, 1999 in Stilwell at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 10 days.
He served in the United States Air Force during World War II and was a retired heavy equipment operator.
On August 24, 1948, Charlie was married to Inola LOCUST in Ft. Smith, Ark.
He was a member of Salem Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Coleta EAGLETON; one son, Roger VICTOR and one sister, Lydia Lou KILLER.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Inola of the home; two daughters, Jean and Linda Sue; one son, Tony; one step-son, Jerry all of Okla.; two brothers, George of Okla. and Phil of Mo.; one sister, Leona of Okla; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was buried in June 1999 in Salem Indian Cemetery, Bell, Adair Co., OK, Findagrave #40791350.
Occupation: Heavy equipment operator. Charlie "Suyette" Bunch began military service WW II service, U.S. Army Air Corps.
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9 December 2025 09:30:23 |
Roger Victor
M, #161764, b. 19 February 1943, d. 15 February 1977
Parents
Biography
Roger Victor was born on 19 February 1943 in Adair Co. (probably), OK. He died on 15 February 1977 in Stilwell, Adair Co., OK,
Obituary -- (unknown newspaper via Findagrave.com):
Services Held Sunday
Services for Victor born Feb. 19, 1943, in Stilwell, were held Sunday in the Salem Church with Bro. Jimmie Henson officiating. Interment in the Salem Cemetery was under the direction of the Roberts Funeral Home.
Victor, a veteran of the U.S. armed Forces, is survived by; his wife, Mrs. Linda Victor, and one son, Roger Dewayne Victor, both of Stilwell; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bunch; and two brothers, Jerry and Tony Victor, all of the Stilwell area; and three sisters, Coleta Eagleton, Stilwell, and Jean Fishinghawk and Linda Sue Deason, both of Tahlequah.
He was buried in February 1977 in Salem Indian Cemetery, Bell, Adair Co., OK, Findagrave #114698297.
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9 December 2025 09:43:16 |
John C. "Jack" Daugherty, Sr.
M, #161767, b. October 1867, d. 11 March 1938
Biography
John C. "Jack" Daugherty, Sr., was born in October 1867 in Ohio; per 1900 census, or 1866 per other sources, son of John and Catherine (Kane) Daugherty. He married
Elizabeth Jane Starr daughter of
George Mifflin Dallas "Hop" Starr and
Mary Ellen Scott, about 1896. John C. "Jack" Daugherty, Sr., died on 11 March 1938 in Bartlesville, Washington Co., OK.
He was buried in March 1938 in Dewey Cemetery, Dewey, Washington Co., OK, Findagrave #10904880.
Occupation: Attorney.
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10 December 2025 10:43:05 |
Amy M. Daugherty
F, #161768, b. 30 November 1898, d. 17 May 1971
Parents
Biography
Amy M. Daugherty was born on 30 November 1898 in Oklahoma. She died on 17 May 1971 in Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK.
She was buried in May 1971 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK, Findagrave #24248945.
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9 December 2025 10:30:07 |
Mary Eleanor Daugherty
F, #161769, b. about 1900
Parents
Biography
Mary Eleanor Daugherty was born about 1900.
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10 December 2025 10:39:48 |
Dorothy D. Daugherty
F, #161770, b. about 1903
Parents
Biography
Dorothy D. Daugherty was born about 1903.
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10 December 2025 10:40:06 |
Elizabeth A. Daugherty
F, #161771, b. about 1904
Parents
Biography
Elizabeth A. Daugherty was born about 1904.
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10 December 2025 10:40:20 |
John C. Daugherty, Jr.
M, #161772, b. 30 June 1906, d. 3 April 1930
Parents
Biography
John C. Daugherty, Jr., was born on 30 June 1906. He died on 3 April 1930.
He was buried in April 1930 in Dewey Cemetery, Dewey, Washington Co., OK, Findagrave #58774595.
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9 December 2025 10:35:15 |
Bernard Hugh Daugherty
M, #161773, b. about 1907
Parents
Biography
Bernard Hugh Daugherty was born about 1907.
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10 December 2025 10:40:38 |
Earnest Earl Edmounds
M, #161774, b. 22 January 1895, d. 30 September 1976
Biography
Earnest Earl Edmounds was born on 22 January 1895 in Brandenburg, Meade Co., KY; son of John Louis and Margaret L. "Maggie" (Alverson) Edmounds. He died on 30 September 1976 in Tulsa Co., OK.
He was buried in October 1976 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK, Findagrave #24248949.
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9 December 2025 10:32:34 |
Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr.
M, #161775, b. 22 August 1855, d. 27 November 1915
Biography
Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr., was born on 22 August 1855 in Ft. Smith, Sebastian Co., AR; son of Samuel Houston and Lucy (Blair) Benge. He married
Adna "Addie" Starr daughter of
George Mifflin Dallas "Hop" Starr and
Mary Ellen Scott, about 1894. Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr., died on 27 November 1915 in Oklahoma
Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):
Martin Van Benge Sr. was the son of Samuel Houston Benge Sr. b. 28 Jan 1832 in GA and d. 23 Oct 1903, and Lucy Blair b. abt 1836 and d. Apr 1866, daughter of George Blair and Sarah Blythe.
He had the following siblings: George Washington Benge, Judge; and Ross Lomy Benge. He had the following half-siblings (mother: Nannie Brewster): Margaret, Samuel Houston Jr, Theodore, Richard, and Jennie Benge.
He married before 1883, (1) Maybelle Scott Adair b. 1860, daughter of Sterling Scott and Elizabeth Adair; they had the following children: May Bell b. 03 Sep 1881; Amy b. Mar 1883; Martin Van Jr. b. 14 Sep 1885; John A.; and Emma Benge b. 1891.
He married (2) Adna Starr b. 01 Mar 1871 d. 28 Jun 1951, daughter of George Starr and Mary Scott; they had the following children: Ruth Lela who married Clarence William Madden; Leo Henry, Charles Starr, and George Ross Benge.
He is listed on the 1880 CN Census: IL, 55; 1890 CN Census: IL, 2008; Dawes Roll: card# 1812, roll# 4785; Miller Roll: Ft. Gibson, OK, ap# 7895, roll# 4852; Blood: 1/2 Cherokee; Occupation 1: 1880, Farmer; Occupation 2: 1890, Attorney.
Obituary -- Muskogee County Democrat, Muskogee, Oklahoma; Thursday, 2 DEC 1915, page 1 (Newspapers.com):
MARTIN BENGE DIES SUDDENLY
___________
Influential Cherokee, Former Solicitor for the Tribe, Had Paralysis of Heart.
Martin V. Benge, 62 years old, a prominent Cherokee Indian, died suddenly at his home four miles south of Fort Gibson Saturday evening.
Benge had been to town and returned home about 6 o'clock. He told his wife he was not feeling well, and taking off his shoes, laid down on the bed. His wife asked him ab out some hogs they were planning to kill. Benge answered the question. Mrs. Benge then went outside for a few minutes and when she came back Benge was lying with his face down in the covers.
"Martin, you will smother if you lie that way," she said. "You'd better take off your clothes and go to bed." Benge did not answer and when she tried to arouse him she fount that he was dead. He succumbed in less than twenty minutes after he reached home.
Death was caused, it is believed by paralysis of the heart.
Mr. Benge had been prominent in tribal affairs for years. He was born in the Cherokee nation near Fort Smith, and had been living near Fort Gibson for many years. He was at the time a member of the Cherokee senate, district solicitor for the tribe, which under the Cherokee was similar to prosecuting attorney, and on a number of occasions was sent to Washington as a delegate to represent his tribe.
He was the father of nine children, all of whom are living. He was twice married. After the death of his first wife he claimed as his bride a sister of Henry Starr. She is said to be one of the brightest women in the Cherokee tribe.
Benge was a member of the jury that convicted Wm. Wainwright, defaulting Muskogee county treasurer.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Benge home. The body was interred on the hillside near the Benge home.
He was buried in 1915 in Greenleaf Cemetery, Tahlequah, Cherokee Co., OK, Findagrave #10648785.
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10 December 2025 07:23:27 |
Ruth Benge
F, #161776, b. 8 October 1894, d. 19 June 1918
Parents
Biography
Ruth Benge was born on 8 October 1894 in Oklahoma. She married
Clarence Waldo Madden on 1 June 1912 in Muskogee Co., OK; Ruth Irene Madden, born 3 SEP 1915 and died in 2002, was born three years prior to Ruth (Benge) Madden's death in 1918. Ruth I. Madden's Social Security Applications and Claims Index record (Ancestry.com) indicates that her mother was Lillie E. Zimmerman. This could be accurate, or it could be that Lillie raised her as her own daughter, but that her biological mother was Ruth Benge. Only the DNA knows for sure. DLB 2025. She died on 19 June 1918
Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):
Mrs. Ruth Madden, 23, wife of Clarence W. Madden of Braggs, died last night at a local hospital following an operation. Mrs. Madden was a member of a prominent Cherokee family and she leaves numerous relatives in Fort Gibson and Braggs. Her husband is a prominent stockman. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at Braggs.
Muskogee Phoenix, 20 June 1918, page 1.
She was buried in June 1918 in South Bethel Cemetery, Braggs, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #281092970.
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10 December 2025 07:28:30 |
Leo Bennett "Lee" Benge
M, #161777, b. 7 January 1896, d. 4 May 1968
Parents
Biography
Leo Bennett "Lee" Benge was born on 7 January 1896 in Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He died on 4 May 1968.
Leo Bennett "Lee" Benge lived in 1951 in Ft. Gibson, Muskogee Co., OK.
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10 December 2025 07:51:07 |
Charles Starr Benge
M, #161778, b. 29 July 1900, d. 1 April 1969
Parents
Biography
Charles Starr Benge was born on 29 July 1900 in Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He married
Dora Dean Willey on 25 May 1923 in Muskogee Co., OK; a Washington County, Arkansas marriage license indicates that Charles and Dora remarried there on 5 SEP 1952. He died on 1 April 1969.
He was buried in April 1969 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #74825844.
Charles Starr Benge lived in 1951 in Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK.
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10 December 2025 07:57:55 |
George Ross Benge
M, #161779, b. 18 January 1903, d. 25 February 1944
Parents
Biography
George Ross Benge was born on 18 January 1903 in Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He married
Evelyn Lucille "Pokie" Choate on 11 January 1942 in Boone Co., AR. He died on 25 February 1944 in Galveston, Galveston Co., TX,
Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):
George Ross Benge was the son of Martin Van Benge Sr. & Adna S. Starr (buried at Citizens); he had the following siblings: Ruth Lela, Leo Henry, & Charles Starr Benge.
He was educated to the 8th grade at the Benge School near Braggs Mountain, outside Ft. Gibson; he was a sharecropper for awhile and a carpenter.
He married (1) Leana Willy of Ft. Gibson, no children; he married (2) Evelyn Choate, a Cherokee/Chippewa lady from the rural community of Bunch, not far from Sallisaw, and they had a son, George McKenna Benge b.Oct. 13, 1942.
George McKenna Benge married Judy; they had one child, Barry Van Ermen Benge.
George Ross was a tall and handsome man over 6 feet tall who died of pneumonia in Galveston, TX, while doing a carpentry job. His body was returned to OK to be buried at Citizens.
He is listed on the Dawes Roll: card# 1405m, roll# 1409m; Miller Roll: Ft. Gibson, OK, ap# 7895, roll# 4827; Blood: 3/8 Cherokee.
He was buried in 1944 in Citizens Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #8465502.
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10 December 2025 09:19:20 |
Clarence Waldo Madden
M, #161780, b. 13 March 1892, d. 1962
Biography
Clarence Waldo Madden was born on 13 March 1892 in Arkansas City, Cowley Co., KS, WW II draft registration. Son of John H. and Ivy Ann (Hoffmire) Madden. He married
Ruth Benge daughter of
Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr., and
Adna "Addie" Starr, on 1 June 1912 in Muskogee Co., OK; Ruth Irene Madden, born 3 SEP 1915 and died in 2002, was born three years prior to Ruth (Benge) Madden's death in 1918. Ruth I. Madden's Social Security Applications and Claims Index record (Ancestry.com) indicates that her mother was Lillie E. Zimmerman. This could be accurate, or it could be that Lillie raised her as her own daughter, but that her biological mother was Ruth Benge. Only the DNA knows for sure. DLB 2025. Clarence Waldo Madden died in 1962.
He was buried.
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10 December 2025 07:34:31 |
Dora Dean Willey
F, #161781, b. 28 February 1906, d. 17 April 1995
Biography
Dora Dean Willey was born on 28 February 1906 in Oklahoma; daughter of Miles J. and Claudia (Dunkle) Willey, Sr. She married
Charles Starr Benge son of
Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr., and
Adna "Addie" Starr, on 25 May 1923 in Muskogee Co., OK; a Washington County, Arkansas marriage license indicates that Charles and Dora remarried there on 5 SEP 1952. Dora Dean Willey died on 17 April 1995.
She was buried in April 1995 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #74825968.
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10 December 2025 07:59:45 |
Cherokee Starr Benge
F, #161782, b. 30 September 1923, d. 3 December 2021
Parents
Biography
Cherokee Starr Benge was born on 30 September 1923 in Oklahoma. She died on 3 December 2021 in Oklahoma.
She was buried in December 2021 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #239056860.
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10 December 2025 08:01:35 |
Rev. Jacob H. Jernigan
M, #161783, b. 9 November 1920, d. 21 April 1997
Biography
Rev. Jacob H. Jernigan was born on 9 November 1920; son of Jacob H. and Bertha Lee (Ragan) Jernigan. He died on 21 April 1997.
He was buried in April 1997 in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK, Findagrave #239056758.
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10 December 2025 09:14:23 |
Evelyn Lucille "Pokie" Choate
F, #161787, b. 26 September 1921, d. 19 October 2001
Biography
Evelyn Lucille "Pokie" Choate was born on 26 September 1921 in Bunch, Adair Co., OK; daughter of Robert McKennon and Jane Lucille (Taylor) Choate. She married
George Ross Benge son of
Martin Van "Clu-Clu" Benge, Sr., and
Adna "Addie" Starr, on 11 January 1942 in Boone Co., AR. Evelyn Lucille "Pokie" Choate died on 19 October 2001 in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI.
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10 December 2025 09:43:55 |
Barry V. Benge
M, #161790, b. 13 September 1970, d. 3 May 1995
Parents
| Father | George McKenna Benge |
| Mother | Judith A. |
Biography
Barry V. Benge was born on 13 September 1970 in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI. He died on 3 May 1995 in Santa Ana, Orange Co., CA.
He was buried in May 1995 in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale, Broward Co., FL, Findagrave #189350091.
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10 December 2025 09:55:11 |