Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders of Oklahoma and Indian Territories

"Rough Riders" was the nickname for the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry regiment that served during the Spanish-American War. Three of the regiment's twelve subdivisions, or troops, were recruited in Oklahoma and Indian territories in April 1898. The men of Oklahoma Territory comprised troop D and were led by Capt. Robert B. Huston of Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory, and the Oklahoma Territorial National Guard. Indian Territory contributed troops L and M, commanded by Capts. Allyn K. Capron of the U.S. Seventh Cavalry, Fort Sill, Oklahoma Territory, and Robert H. Bruce of Mineola, Texas, respectively. The Oklahomans briefly trained in San Antonio, Texas, with volunteers from Arizona, New Mexico, and East Coast cities, colleges, and universities. Commanded by Col. Leonard Wood and Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, eight of the regiment's twelve troops embarked for Cuba on June 13, 1898.  Oklahoma's troops D and L participated in the Santiago campaign in June and July 1898. Captain Capron, whom Roosevelt considered "the best soldier in the regiment," was the first U.S. officer killed in combat. Seven Oklahoman Rough Riders were killed, and twenty-seven were wounded in Cuba, representing Oklahoma's total battlefield casualties for the war. Rough Riders Frank Frantz and Chris Madsen were notable figures in Oklahoma history.

Recounting a colorful career, from San Juan Hill to points West When Americans answered the call-to-arms after the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898, a wiry little Oklahoman was in the front ranks.  Veteran cowboy Billy McGinty put his horseman’s skills to work as one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and participated in the battle of Las Guasimas, the attack on San Juan Heights, and the siege of Santiago.  Oklahoma Rough Rider recounts McGinty’s exploits on the battlefield and later on the stage. It contains his firsthand account of how he began cowboying at fourteen and went on to become a world champion bronco buster. After the Spanish-American War, he performed in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show and won the Cowboy Hall of Fame’s Great Westerner award. Yet his colorful career has remained largely untold—until now.
   


Pictured above: Capt. Allyn K. Capron of the U.S. Seventh Cavalry, Fort Sill, Oklahoma Territory and Capt. Robert H. Bruce of Mineola, Texas

This is not a complete list of the wounded, or even of the dead, among the troopers. Moreover, a number of officers and men died from fever soon after the regiment was mustered out. Twenty-eight field and line officers landed in Cuba on June 22nd; ten of them were killed or wounded during the nine days following. Of the five regiments of regular cavalry in the division, one, the Tenth, lost eleven officers; none of the others lost more than six. The loss of the Rough Riders in enlisted men was heavier than that of any other regiment in the cavalry division. Of the nine infantry regiments in Kent's division, one, the Sixth, lost eleven officers; none of the others as many as we did. None of the nine suffered as heavy a loss in enlisted men, as they were not engaged at Las Guasimas.  No other regiment in the Spanish-American War suffered as heavy a loss as the First United States Volunteer Cavalry.


FIELD, STAFF, AND BAND



Jacob Schwaizer 1st Lt & QM El Reno, O.T. resigned Aug. 4, 1898 took effect Sep. 7, 1898

Christian Madsen R. Q. M. Sergt., El Reno, O.T. surgeon disability discharge Aug. 26, 1898

TROOP D. CAPTAIN R. B. HUSTON.
 
Robert B. Huston Captain Guthrie, O. T.
Orlando G. Palmer 1st Sergeant Ponco City, O. T.
Gerald A. Webb Sergeant Guthrie, O. T.
Joseph A. Randolph Sergeant Waukomis, O. T.
Ira A. Hill Sergeant Newkirk, O. T.
Charles E. Hunter Sergeant Enid, O. T.
Scott Reay Sergeant Blackwell, O. T.
Paul W. Hunter Sergeant Chandler, O. T.
Thomas Moran Sergeant Fort Sill, O. T.
Calvin Hill Corporal Pawnee, O. T.
George Norris Corporal Kingfisher, O. T.
John D. Roades Corporal Hennessey, O. T.
Wounded in battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. leg.
Lyman F. Beard Corporal Shawnee, O. T.
Henry Meagher Corporal El Reno, O. T.
Wounded in the battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Both shoulders.
Alexander H. Denham Corporal Oklahoma City, O. T.
Wounded in battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. left thigh.
Henry K. Love Corporal Tecumseh, O. T.
William D. Amrine Saddler Newkirk, O. T.
Starr W. Wetmore Trumpeter Newkirk, O. T.
Wounded in battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Right thigh, severe. Missile or weapon, Mauser rifle.
James T. Brown Trumpeter Newkirk, O. T.
Lorrin D. Muxlow Wagoner Guthrie, O. T.
TROOPERS.
 
Baily, William, Norman, O. T.
Wounded in battle before Santiago, July 2, 1898. Right foot. Missile or weapon, Mauser rifle.
Beal, Fred N., Kingfisher, O. T.
Wounded in battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. leg.
Burgess, George, Shawnee, O. T.
Brandon, Perry H., Lancaster, O. T.
Byrne, Peter F., Guthrie, O. T.
Cease, Forrest L., Guthrie, O. T.
Chase, Leslie C., Kingfisher, O. T.
Cook, Walter M., Enid, O. T.
Crawford, William S., Enid, O. T.
Cross, William E., El Reno, O. T.
David, Icem J., Enid, O. T.
Emery, Elzie E., Shawnee, O. T.
Faulk, William A., Guthrie, O. T.
Hill, Edwin M., Tecumseh, O. T.
Honeycutt, James V., Shawnee, O. T.
Holmes, Thomas M., Newkirk, O. T.
Wounded in battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Left leg, severe. Missile or weapon, Mauser rifle.
Haynes, Jacob M., Newkirk, O. T.
Ishler, Shelby F., Enid, O. T.
Wounded in battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. right forearm.
Johnston, Edward W., Cushing, O. T.
Wounded in battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Right thigh.
Joyce, Walter, Guthrie, O. T.
Knox, William F.
Loughmiller, Edgar F., Oklahoma City, O. T.
Lush, Henry, El Reno, O. T.
McMillan, Robert L., Shawnee, O. T.
Wounded in battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Left shoulder and arm.
McClure, David V., Oklahoma City, O. T.
Miller, Roscoe B., Guthrie, O. T.
Miller, Volney D., Guthrie, O. T.
Newcomb, Marcellus L., Kinghsher, O. T.
Wounded in battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. right knee.
Norris, Warren, Kingfisher, O. T.
Palmer, William F., Shawnee, O. T.
Proctor, Joseph H., Pawnee, O. T.
Pollock, William, Pawnee, O. T.
Russell, Albert P., El Reno, O. T.
Sands, George H., Guthrie, O. T.
Scott, Cliff D., Clifton, O. T.
Shanafelt, Dick, Perry, O. T.
Shipp, Edward M., Kingfisher, O. T.
Stewart, Clare H., Pawnee, O. T.
Stewart, Clyde H., Pawnee, O. T.
Tauer, William L., Ponca City, O. T.
Thomas, Albert M., Guthrie, O. T.
Vanderslice, James E., Enid, O. T.
Wright, William O., Pawnee, O. T.
Wright, Edward L., Guthrie, O. T.
DISCHARGED.
 
Shockey, James M. Corporal Perry, O. T.
Discharged, July 1, 1898, by order of Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.
Luther, Arthur A. Farrier Pawnee, O. T.
Discharged, July 1, 1898, by order of Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.
Page, John F. Private Alva, O. T.
Discharged by verbal order of Gen'l Wood, Aug. 6, 1898.
TRANSFERRED.
 
Schuyler, A. McGinnis 1st Lieutenant Newkirk, O. T.
Promoted to Captain and transferred to Troop I 1st U. S. V. C., May 19, 1898.
Schweizer, Jacob 2d Lieutenant El Reno, O. T.
Promoted to 1st Lieut. and assigned to duty as Q. M. 1st U. S. V. C., May 19, 1898.
PRIVATES.
 
Douthett, Matthew, Guthrie, O. T.
Appointed Q. M. Sergeant 1st U. S. V. C., and assigned to duty, Aug. 31, 1898.
Freeman, Elisha L., Ponca City, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Hulme, Robert A., El Reno, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Jordan, Andrew M., El Reno, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
McGinty, William, Stillwater, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Mitchell, William H., Guthrie, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Staley, Francis M., Waukomis, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Smith, Fred, Guthrie, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Weitzel, John F., Newkirk, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Woodward, John A., El Reno, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
Wilson, Frank M., Guthrie, O. T.
Transferred to Troop K 1st U. S. V. C., May 11, 1898.
DIED.
 
Cashion, Roy V. Private Hennessey, O. T.
Killed in battle before Santiago, July 1, 1898. Head.
DESERTED.
 
Crosley, Henry S. Private Guthrie, O. T.
Dropped from the rolls as deserted, July 8, 1898.

TROOP I. CAPTAIN SCHUYLER A. MCGINNIS.
 

Schuyler A. McGinnis Captain Newkirk, O. T.
Hayes Donnelly Farrier Jefferson, O. T.
TROOP K. CAPTAIN WOODBURY KANE.
 
TROOPERS.
 
Folk, Theodore, Oklahoma City, O. T.
Hulme, Robert A., El Reno, O. T.
McGinty, William, Stillwater, O. T.
Norris, Edmund S., Guthrie, O. T.
Smith, Frederick, Guthrie, O. T.
Stephens, Oregon, Purdy, I. T.
Weitzel, John F., care Windsor Hotel, Newkirk, O. T.
Wilson, Frank M, Guthrie, O. T.
 
TROOP L. CAPTAIN RICHARD C. DAY.
 
Richard C. Day Captain Vinita, I. T.
Shot through left shoulder on line of duty at San Juan. Left shoulder and arm, severe; Mauser rifle.
John R. Thomas 1st Lieutenant Muscogee, I. T.
G. S. wound in right lower leg at Las Guasimas, June 24th. G. S. right leg.
William M. Simms Sergeant Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1, 1898, in line of duty. Leg; Mauser rifle.
Joe A. Kline Sergeant Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1st, in line of duty. Leg; Mauser rifle.
William W. Carpenter Sergeant Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1st, in line of duty. Left thigh; Mauser rifle.
James McKay Sergeant Vinita, I. T.
Dillwyn M. Bell Sergeant Guthrie, O. T.
Hurt in back by fragment of shell at El Paso, July 1st. Contusion, back, slight; shrapnel.
James E. McGuire Sergeant Chelsea, I. T.
George H. Seaver Corporal Muscogee, I. T.
Wounded at El Poso, July 2, 1898, in line of duty. Right foot, slight; Mauser rifle.
John W. Davis Corporal Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1, 1898. Right leg and arm; Mauser rifle.
Bud Parnell Corporal Muscogee, I. T.
George B. Dunnigan Corporal Vinita, I. T.
Maynard R. Williams Corporal Fairland, I. T.
Nicholas H. Cochran Wagoner Vinita, I. T.
Thomas F. Meagher Trumpeter Muscogee, I. T.
Wounded at Las Guasimas, June 24th. G. S. left forearm.
Frank R. McDonald Trumpeter Oolagah, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1, 1898. Head; Mauser rifle.
TROOPERS.
 
Adair, John M., Claremore, I. T.
Culver, Ed., Muscogee, I. T.
Wounded at Las Guasimas, June 24th. G. S. breast.
Davis, James C., Waggone, I. T.
Dobson, William H., Muscogee, I. T.
Gilmore, Maurice E., Muscogee, I. T.
Haley, Robert M., Wagoner, I. T.
Hawkins, Charles D., Vinita, I. T.
Heagert, Rudolph, Vinita, I. T.
Holderman, Bert. T., Artopa, Kan.
Hughes, Frank, Vinita, I. T.
Hughes, William E., Vinita, I. T.
Isbell, Thomas J., Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at Las Guasimas, June 25th. G. S. neck, hip, and thumb.
Jones, Levi, Vinita, I. T.
Kinkade, Elyah S., Muscogee, I. T.
Lane, Sanford J., Saupulpa, I. T.
Miller, Boot, Chelsea, I. T.
Moore, John J., Vinita, I. T.
Oskison, Richard L., Vinita, I. T.
Wounded at San Juan, July 1st. Left leg; Mauser rifle.
Owens, Edward L., Vinita, I. T.
Poe, Nathaniel M., Adair, I. T.
Wounded at Las Guasimas, June 24th. G. S. foot.
Price, Benjamin W., Eufaula, I. T.
Rich, Allen K., Fort Gibson, I. T.
Robertson, George W., Muscogee, I. T.
Russell, Daniel, Goodland, I. T.
Smith, Bert., Vinita, I. T.
Smith, Sylvester S., Vinita, I. T.
Stefens, Luke B., Rio Vista, I. T.
Stidham, Theodore E., Eufaula, I. T.
Whitney, Schuyler C., Pryor Creek, I. T.
Wounded at Las Guasimas, June 24th. G. S. neck.
Wilkins, George W., Vinita, I. T.
Winn, Arthur N., Muscogee, I. T.
Discharged, June 24, 1898, to enable him to accept commission as 2d Lieut. in 1st U. S. Vol. Cav.
TRANSFERRED.
 
Byrne, John Sergeant Vinita, I. T.
Transferred to Troop F, July 10, 1898, by order Col. Wood.
DIED.
 
Capron, Allyn K. Captain Fort Sill, Okla.
Killed at battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. lungs.
Dawson, Tilden W. Private Vinita, I. T.
Killed at battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. G. S. head.
Santo, William T. Private Chouteau, I. T.
Killed at battle of San Juan, July 1, 1898. Mauser rifle.
Hendricks, Milo A. Private Muscogee, I. T.
Mortally wounded at battle of San Juan, July 1st; died in hospital, July 6, 1898. Mauser rifle.
Enyart, Silas R. Private Sapulpa, I. T.
Mortally wounded at San Juan, July 1st; died in hospital, July 6, 1898.
TROOP M. CAPTAIN ROBERT H. BRUCE.
 
Ode C. Nichols 1st Lieutenant Durant, I. T.
Albert S. Johnson 2d Lieutenant Oklahoma City, O. T.
Harry E. Berner 1st Sergeant Durant, I. T.
Joseph L. Smith Q. M. Sergeant Caddo, I. T.
William E. Lloyd Sergeant Durant, I. T.
Frederick E. Nichols Sergeant Purcell, I. T.
Wilbert L. Poole Sergeant Durant, I. T.
Henry C. Foley Sergeant Muscogee, I. T.
Samuel Downing Corporal Atoka, I. T.
Charles S. Lynch Corporal Caddo, I. T.
John N. Jackson Corporal Caddo, I. T.
Frank U. Talman Corporal So. McAlester, I. T.
Hiram S. Creech Corporal Durant, I. T.
Charles J. Fandru Corporal Caddo, I. T.
Theodore E. Schulz Corporal Tampa, Fla.
William G. Jones Corporal Ardmore, I. T.
Frank Marion Trumpeter Muscogee, I. T.
Charles J. Hokey Trumpeter Krebs, I. T.
John McMullen Wagoner Ardmore, I. T.
John Hall Farrier Durant, I. T.
Cragg Parsons Blacksmith Ardmore, I. T.
Luther M. Kiethly Saddler Hartshorn, I. T.
Samuel Young Chief Cook Caddo, I. T.
TROOPERS.
 
Allaun, Jacob, Sapulpa, I. T.
Byrd, Samuel J. W., Muscogee, I. T.
Boydstun, John F., Caddo, I. T.
Barlow, John W., Caddo, I. T.
Barrington, John P., Ardmore, I. T.
Butler, Peter L., Kiowa, I. T.
Beal, Andy R., Durant, I. T.
Bruce, Peter R., Wagoner, I. T.
Brown, Leon, Ardmore, I. T.
Barney, Leland, Ardmore, I. T.
Burks, Jesse S., Ardmore, I. T.
Case, George, Durant, I. T.
Calhoun, Wesley, Durant, I. T.
Carter, Arthur E., Ardmore, I. T.
Carden, Horace W., Ardmore, I. T.
Cox, Walter, Durant, I. T.
Cooper, Bud G., Muscogee, I. T.
Dorell, Charles, Vinita, I. T.
Duping, Joseph, Muscogee, I. T.
Flying, Crawford D., Muscogee, I. T.
Fairman, Charles E., Ardmore, I. T.
Griffith, Ezra E., Sapulpa, I. T.
Garland, George W., Ardmore, I. T.
Hall, James T., Wagoner, I. T.
Houchin, Willis C., Durant, I. T.
Hamilton, Troy, Hartshorne, I. T.
Howell, William, Muscogee, I. T.
Harris, Chester, Muscogee, I. T.
Hoffman, George B., Somerville, N. J.
Johnson, Bankston, Caddo, I. T.
Johnson, Charles L., Ardmore, I. T.
Jones, Charles L., McAlester, I. T.
Keithly, Ora E., Hartshorn, I. T.
Kings, John, McAlester, I. T.
Mitchell, William, Wagoner, I. T.
Madden, Charles E., Brooken, I. T.
Murphy, William S., Caddo, I. T.
McPherren, Charles E., Caddo, I. T.
Maytubby, Bud, Caddo, I. T.
McDaniel, Thomas E., Muscogee, I. T.
McPherson, Charles E., Caddo, I. T.
Owens, John M., Oologah, I. T.
Pipkins, Virgil A., Brooken, I. T.
Rouse, John L., Durant, I. T.
Russell, Walter L., Caddo, I. T.
Rynerson, Benjamin A., Durant, I. T.
Reynolds, Benjamin F., Ardmore, I. T.
Ross, William E., Ardmore, I. T.
Roberts, William J., Vinita, I. T.
Sloane, Samuel P., So. McAlester, I. T.
Sykes, Marion, Muscogee, I. T.
Stewart, Henry J., Caddo, I. T.
Thomas, Jesse C., Caddo, I. T.
Tyler, Edwin, Ardmore, I. T.
Vickers, John W., So. McAlester, I. T.
Williams, Benjamin H., So. McAlester, I. T.
Williams, George W., Ardmore, I. T.
Wolfe, John W., Ardmore, I. T.
Webster, David, Durant, I. T.
Wagner, John D., Caddo, I. T.
TRANSFERRED.
 
Lane, Sanford G. Trooper Sapulpa, I. T.
Transferred to Troop L 1st U. S. V. C., June 8, 1898, per verbal order Reg. Com.
DIED OF DISEASE.
 
Kyle, Yancy Trooper McAlester, I. T.
Died of typhoid fever at Tampa, July 15, 1898. Final statements rendered and settled per Capt. Bruce.
Deserted from detachment at Tampa, Fla., June 13th.

If I have missed anyone from Oklahoma that served with the Rough Riders then please email with info.


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