1. We feel blessed that the farm we live on was recently recognized as a “Oklahoma Centennial Ranch” by the Oklahoma Historical Society and the state Department of Agriculture.
We are thankful to our great-grandpartents (Joseph E. and Mary J. Dolezal), grandparents (George and Margaret Dolezal), and our parents (James and Sarah Lou Dolezal) for the legacy they have passed on to us when it comes to being able enjoy all that our farm has to offer.
The farm property was purchased by John’s great grandfather and great grandmother (Joseph E. and Mary J. Dolezal) in 1916.
Joseph and Mary participated in the Cherokee Strip Land Run of They staked a claim to property in Perry (Noble County)…they ended up exchanging the lot he claimed for two lots across the street because of the fact the first lot was where a city park (now called Leo Park) was to be located…the property they ended up with was at 301 Birch which has also been referred to as 201 3rd street.. (The house they built at this address is still standing today…Below is a photo of the house as it stood in the early years after the Run)
Shortly after settling in Perry, Joseph ran a blacksmith shop that was located just off the southeast corner of what is now the Perry Square. Three years later (1902) Joseph was elected Noble County Clerk and he would serve in this position for the next 6 years.
In 1908 Joseph joined with William Lamb in running a abstract business in downtown Perry. Over time, Joseph had opportunity to buy out Mr. Lamb and thus, the beginning of what would be called Noble Country Abstract. This would become a family enterprise as Joseph Dolezal, jr. and George W. Dolezal (sons of Joseph and Mary), Jack Dolezal and James Dolezal (grandsons of Joseph and Mary) carried on the business through the years.

2. Joseph and Mary would raise a family of 8 children in Perry
Joseph and Mary would raise a family of 8 children in Perry. (family photo below)
The value for owning your own property and farming on it is a part of the Dolezal family legacy.. So, it seems natural that over a period of several years, as funds allowed, Joseph and Mary would acquire 8 farms in Noble County. They were able to deed a farm to each of their children with their youngest son William (Bill) receiving the particular farm property we live on today.
Mary Louise and I were able to acquire the farm in 1998 from Bill’s two sons, Don and Gary Dolezal, and are blessed to enjoy living on the property today.