My Loving Grandpa
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Don Akin was born in Indian Territory (Tahlequah), the son of Andrew Taylor Akin and Sarah Finley Bean. (name: Akin/Akins/Atkins sp. changed by family). Grandson of Abijah B. and Isabella Taylor Akin. Maternal grandfather Jess Finley of Missouri.

Siblings: (Half-brothers) John McMinn., Walter Duncan, and Joseph McMinn Bean Jr. Don's mother Sarah, died when he was about eight years old. In the 1890 census, Don is listed as Don Akin living with half brother John (Jack) and his wife Nannie E. Twist Bean. He was raised by the Bean and Tah-yu-ne-see Twist (aka Toney Twist)family of Booger Mountain (Twist Mountain). Twist Mountain overlooks the community of Dutch Mills, Ark.

Don Akin (age 27) and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Messer (age 18)of Oak Grove were united in marriage Feb 28,1908, by Minister M. J. Wilkie, Gospel Baptist Church of Barron, Adair County,OK.

13 Children were born to this union: Ethel,John,Helen,Mack,Owen,J.C.,Kathleen and Wilma.
(Died at birth or during childhood - Ruth,Woodrow,Orville,and twin sons). His children called him Papa or Dad.

Don and his family lived in the Dutch Mills, Ark., Rose, Watts and Westville, OK areas before settling in Westville. The Akins' homeplace was located in the Wright's Chapel Community, 6 miles southeast of Westville. The homeplace was located on a hillside, overlooking Wright's Chapel. A small bridge was used to cross the clear creek, that ran along the base of the land. Don and his family were farmers. They owned a few cows, chickens, and horses. The horses were used to help plow the fields and pull the wagon. They never owned an automobile.

A Christian man, Don and his family would gather every night before bed time. He would read from the bible and then lead the family in prayer.

Don enjoyed hunting, liked to whittle and visit with his family, especially with his cousin Jess Akin. Don always looked forward to the Westville Picnic, Strawberry Festival in Stilwell and visiting with the old timers on Saturday's in Westville.

Final services: Roberts Chapel. Rev. Earl Odle officiated.

Cherokee: Don is listed on the Dawes Roll: # 32677 and Miller Roll: #3508. Application # 24863.
Admitted son of 1906-09 Miller roll ap #774, roll # 3495 as Andrew T. Akin.