aznation Posted March 26 #1 Posted March 26 Some years ago my wife and I were walking in and out of booths at Old Mary's Flea Market in Midwest City, OK (a suburb of Okla City). When I walked into this one booth I noticed an old photograph of a WWI soldier hanging pretty high on the wall. My curiosity got to me and I asked the lady to get the photo down for me so I could take a closer look. This is what I saw written on the back. In Oklahoma I've become aware over time that the last name of Tiger could likely be associate with Native Americans. I forget exactly how much the photograph was but obviously I decided to purchase it so it was worth it to me whatever the price was. Who knows for sure how this photograph ended up at a flea market in Midwest City, OK. Once I got it home I started to do some research on the name and service of Oscar Tiger and sure enough I found he was Native American. I found this photo of Oscar who was from Okemah, OK. Looking at a newspaper article I learned that Oscar died of disease in November 1918, specifically the 2nd of November. The fact that this showed he died of disease means he was not killed in action as was noted on the back of the photograph I bought. I found that Oscar and his family belonged to the Muscogee-Creek Nation. I really didn't know what I would do with the photograph but I felt more compelled to give the photograph to the Muscogee Veterans organization. The Muscogee (Creek Nation) Veterans Affairs Services Office is located on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Complex in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. According to their website they honor and pay tribute to their tribal soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen and airmen who have proudly served in the United States armed services since World War I to present day. So my wife and I made a day trip to their center and I met with a curator there and offered him the photograph. He knew members of the Tiger family and was more than happy to accept the photo to give to the family and display it as well. By the way the center and grounds were beautiful and the displays contained therein of tribal members who served in all branches and wars was awesome. They do such a great job of displaying everything. Ironically this display for Oscar Tiger was already there at the center. Later unbeknownst to me, the Tiger family took the photograph all the way to Saint Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial Thiaucourt-Regniéville, Département de Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine, France where Oscar Tiger is buried. It appears Oscar Tiger died of bronchial pneumonia while overseas in service to his country. Many servicemen died from this disease as well as the Spanish Flu of 1918. It's possible that Oscar Tiger had the Spanish Flu and died of complications of the disease, that is bronchial pneumonia. Anyhow, you can see how just one object that you find can take on a life of its own and effect more than just the one who happened to own it a short time. Everything happens for a reason and it's all in God's plan. LIfe is beautiful.
otter42 Posted March 26 #2 Posted March 26 That's a great story Matt, proud to call you my friend, you're a good man. Thanks for sharing.
aznation Posted March 26 Author #4 Posted March 26 15 hours ago, otter42 said: That's a great story Matt, proud to call you my friend, you're a good man. Thanks for sharing. Thank you Ken. Likewise my friend.
aznation Posted March 26 Author #5 Posted March 26 8 hours ago, manayunkman said: Powerful story Matt, is that you in the picture? Thank you. Yes, that's me (on the right) I hope I didn't scare anyone too much.
aznation Posted March 26 Author #7 Posted March 26 5 minutes ago, Salvage Sailor said: Wado Matt, Excellent post Thank you sir. I appreciate it!
tthen Posted March 27 #8 Posted March 27 4 hours ago, aznation said: Thank you. Yes, that's me (on the right) I hope I didn't scare anyone too much. Matt so good to finally put a face to all the effort you have done for all of us on this forum, Thank you so much!!
aznation Posted March 27 Author #9 Posted March 27 5 minutes ago, tthen said: Matt so good to finally put a face to all the effort you have done for all of us on this forum, Thank you so much!! You're welcome and thank you for the nice comment. Always appreciated.
Just an Old dude Posted March 27 #10 Posted March 27 As long-time viewer/lurker and now a new member I have always been impressed with your willingness to help everyone and provide information as rapidly as you do. You are an asset to the collecting community. Well done, Sir! Old Guy
mikie Posted March 27 #11 Posted March 27 5 hours ago, aznation said: Thank you. Yes, that's me (on the right) I hope I didn't scare anyone too much. Only just a little 🤣. mikie
mikie Posted March 27 #13 Posted March 27 I’ll throw my 2 cents in here for my membership dues for the AZnation Admiration Society. Matt, may you live long and prosper 🖖. Thanks for all your help around here. mikie
The Rooster Posted March 27 #15 Posted March 27 Wow Matt! Great eyes Brother. Combined with your research skills and your philanthropic nature, you hit a home run! Very cool! And very kind of you to re unite the family! Cheers! Dave
aznation Posted March 28 Author #16 Posted March 28 On 3/26/2026 at 9:17 PM, The Rooster said: Wow Matt! Great eyes Brother. Combined with your research skills and your philanthropic nature, you hit a home run! Very cool! And very kind of you to re unite the family! Cheers! Dave Thank you my friend. I really appreciate your comments.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now