MILDRED CLEGHORN 1910-1997
Another fascinating woman in Stephens County history Williams spoke with us about was Mildred Imoch Cleghorn . Cleghorn was born in captivity as a prisoner of war at Fort Sill after her grandfather followed Geronimo into battle .
According to the Oklahoma Historical Society , “ her family was one of only 75 that chose to remain at Fort Still instead of relocating to the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico in 1913 .”
Cleghorn , who became a teacher , married William C . Cleghorn and had their daughter , Peggy .
From there , Cleghorn in 1976 “ became chairperson of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe ,” which was “ newly organized as a self-governing entity .” She retired from her position in 1995 , but first earned accolades like “ a human relations fellowship at Fisk University in 1955 , the Ellis Island Award in 1987 , and the Indian of the Year Award in 1989 .” The Oklahoma Historical society also notes Cleghorn served as “ an officer in the North American Indian Women ’ s Association , as Secretary of the Southwest Oklahoma Intertribal Association , and as treasurer of the American Indian Council of the Reformed Church of America .”
Cleghorn also is known for her work as a doll
maker and created figures which were authentically clothed and “ represent ( ed ) 40 of the tribes she encountered during her teaching career .”
Williams noted the exquisite embroidered face on the dolls Cleghorn created .
“ Her hair is a black quilting thread ,” Williams said . “ How she gathered that thread and sewed it on to that face that she embroidered — she was a very gifted woman .”
Williams said Cleghorn was the first Fort Sill Apache to receive a college education .
“ She studied at OSU as an extension homemaker ,” Williams said . “ She met with groups of Indian women , teaching them about canning and good hygiene and those sorts of things .” According to Williams , Cleghorn noticed the dresses were becoming integrated or convoluted .
“ A woman of one tribe might be wearing something that was traditional to another tribe ,” Williams explained . “ She did the research , she made over 100 dolls that showed authentic travel dress pre-1900 .”
Cleghorn ’ s dolls are showcased in the Hall of Fame room at the Stephens County Historical Museum . She has also had her work exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution .
ONE OF MANY OF MILDRED CLEGHORN ’ S DOLLS SHOWCASES HER SPECIAL ATTENTION TO DETAIL WHEN IT COMES TO DOLL MAKING . THE DOLLS ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE STEPHENS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM .
8 DUNCAN MAGAZINE | SPRING 2023