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Washita County, Oklahoma
Canute, Oklahoma
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Contributed by Marti Graham, August 2003. Information posted as
courtesy to researchers. The contributor is not related to nor
researching any of the families mentioned.
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Canute in northwest Washita County (Sections
14-23 Township 11N Range 20W) was first known locally as Oak. A
post office was established in February 1899; Eli B. Keen was first
postmaster. It was named for Canute, king of Denmark. The town was
founded by an independent townsite company. The 1998 population was
513.
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Oklahoma's first State Park on Highway 66 built by the WPA (Work
Projects Administration) is the city park.
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On the eastern edge of Canute is the Roman Catholic
Cemetery (Holy Family Cemetery) in which
there is a replica of the Crucifixion scene. A life-size bronze figure
of Christ on the cross. In the side of the hill, a glass-enclosed
sepulcher holds the waxen image of Christ. The scene was planned by
Father Peter Paul Schaeffer, of the Holy Parish; the sanctuary to be
the final resting place of Father Schaeffer and Frank Flies, whose
financial aid made its erection possible.
more photos [off site link]
The St. Francis Cemetery
is located 2 miles south and 1 3/4 east of Canute, Oklahoma.
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Sources:
- Shirk, George H. Oklahoma Place Names. Norman, Oklahoma:
University of Oklahoma Press, 1965.
- "St. Matthew History." 2002. St. Matthew's Roman Catholic
Church. 22 Aug 2003 <http://www.mbcsi.com/stmatthew/history.htm>
[photos used with permission of
Donnie Shirey].
- "Counties and Township Maps for Oklahoma." OKGenWeb.
2003. OKGenWeb. 18 Aug 2003 <http://www.okgenweb.net/okprojects/maps-dot.html>.
- Oklahoma Route 66 Association. no date. August 16, 2003
<http://www.oklahomaroute66.com/tour66.html>.
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Cemeteries 
