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Col. Mulhall, Noted Rancher, Showman Dies
Oklahoma Pioneer Intimately Acquainted with Theodore Roosevelt is Stricken At Age of 84

The Sheboygan Press, 18 Sep 1931


Mulhall, Okla. - (UPI)
Col. Zack Mulhall, famous Oklahoma rancher and showman, died at his home here today.

The 84-year-old pioneer was stricken Tuesday. Grief over his wife's death last January was said to have broken his health. He died at 5:05 a. m.

Col. Mulhall left the Mississippi waterfronts of St. Louis to take a colorful part in the pioneer history of Oklahoma.

Born 84 years ago, he was rearer in the rough environment of the St. Louis lots where ferryboat loads of cattle crossing the Mississippi captured his imagination. He envisioned as a life ambition great ranches of cattle on the western plains.

He came to Oklahoma. Thirty-eight years after making the famous dash for land in the Cherokee strip, September 16, 1898, he was striken at his large ranch home here.

As friend of presidents, railroad executives and governors, Col. Mulhall ranked with Col. Zack I. Miller of 101 Ranch fame and Major Gordon W. (Pawnee Bill) Lillie as a pioneer leader.


Participated in Run
When President Cleveland issued the order for settlement of the Cherokee strip, Mulhall hastened to Oklahoma to participate in the famous run. He staked his claim at the present site of Mulhall, Logan country town named in his honor.

Col. Mulhall's instinctive showmanship placed him before the public frequently.


Staged Wild West Show
He became intimately acquainted with Theodore Roosevelt in 1901 when the first annual reunion of the famous rough riders was held in Oklahoma City. Mulhall, in charge of entertainment, staged a wild west show.

When Roosevelt became president, he would have appointed Mulhall governor of Oklahoma Territory but for opposition of the republicans. Mulhall was a democrat.

Col. Mulhall served on the staff of several Oklahoma governors. He was personal bodyguard for former Governor J. C. (Jack) Walton and toured the state with Walton and his jazz band. Walton was impeached and Mulhall again retired to his ranch.






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