๐๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ซ๐: ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒโ๐ฌ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐
๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ซ
Born: November 22, 1864, Rockport, Missouri
Died: January 1935, Pawhuska, Oklahoma
John Layman Bird was a pioneer of uncommon integrity whose legacy shaped the legal, commercial, and civic foundation of early Osage County, Oklahoma. As the countyโs first elected sheriff, a successful frontier trader, and later a banking leader, Bird left behind a legacy of public trust, fair governance, and economic development that endured far beyond his time.
๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
Bird was born in Missouri just after the Civil War. In 1883, at the age of 18, he was encouraged by his brotherโa physician working among the Kaw Nationโto seek opportunity in Indian Territory. He soon found work as a clerk at a Kaw trading post, immersing himself in the diverse cultures and frontier economy of the region.
By January 1885, Bird had relocated to Pawhuska, where he worked with the respected trading firm Dunlap & Florer. Over time, he married the daughter of partner John N. Florer and became a business associate in the rebranded Florer & Bird, operating a general store in Gray Horse and managing a successful cattle ranch. His reputation for fairness and transparency won him lasting respect from both Native and non-Native residents.
๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ
With statehood on the horizon in 1907, Bird announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Osage County as a Democrat. Already a respected businessman and civic leader, his reputation helped him win the confidence of voters across the sprawling and often unruly county.
Birdโs election marked a crucial transition from territorial law enforcement to state-regulated justice. Known for measured judgment and a calm demeanor, Bird brought a sense of order that was sorely needed in the rough-and-tumble oil frontier.
A local newspaper endorsed him with these words:
โNot one word can be said against John Bird. He is honest and fairโฆ His presence in the sheriffโs office will do more toward securing good order in Osage County than all the pistol toters that can be stacked in the office.โ
Bird served as sheriff until 1909, when he voluntarily stepped down to pursue growing business interests in banking. Birdโs predecessor as Osage County Sheriff was R.A. Carrell from 1910-1911.
๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ
Birdโs return to the private sector was no less impactful. In 1906, he helped found the Fairfax National Bank, serving as its first president. After his tenure as sheriff, he and his partners purchased the City National Bank of Pawhuska, where Bird served as vice president.
Through both institutions, he played a vital role in financing ranches, oil development, and local businesses during the early 20th-century boom. His leadership helped stabilize and grow the local economy during periods of rapid expansion and later, economic uncertainty.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ค๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐
One of Birdโs most enduring contributions to Pawhuska was the development of the cityโs first "skyscraper"โthe Triangle Building, currently operated as the Frontier Hotel.
In 1910, U.S. Indian Agent Hugh Pitzer advertised the sale of a triangular public plot at the heart of Pawhuska. Bird placed the winning bid of $12,500, acquiring the land between Main Street, Kihekah Avenue, and Osage Street. Despite legal disputes between federal and local authorities, Bird pressed forward with plans to erect a modern commercial building on the site.
By 1913, construction began, and by November 1914, the completed Triangle Building featured elevator service and five stories, two more than originally planned. The first floor housed retail shops, while professionals, including doctors and lawyers, occupied the upper floors. The building became a symbol of Pawhuskaโs modernization and Birdโs forward-thinking vision.
๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ
John L. Bird remained a central figure in Pawhuska's civic and business life until his death in January 1935 at the age of 70. In his later years, he lived in the basement apartment in the Triangle Buildingโa structure that stood as a testament to his commitment to Osage Countyโs future.
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2 weeks ago
๐๐ Huge Congratulations to Lane Decker and RJ McCann! ๐๐
Weโre proud to recognize Lane and RJ on their graduation from the CLEET Basic Academy! Your commitment, discipline, and dedication to serving with integrity are truly commendable.
Youโve stepped up to take on a vital role in protecting and supporting our communities โ and we couldn't be prouder. Hereโs to a future of strong leadership and honorable service. … See MoreSee Less
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Welcome to the 79th Annual Cavalcade Rodeo in Pawhuska!
The Osage County Sheriff's Office would like to welcome all contestants, spectators, and visitors to the world's largest amateur Cavalcade Rodeo! Cavalcade is a proud Osage County tradition, bringing spectators and visitors from all of the world to Pawhuska each year for a celebration of Western heritage and community spirit.
This week-long event features 9 exciting rodeo performances and 5 nights of red dirt music and dance under the starsโa true showcase of the Old West and Oklahoma pride.
Our deputies will be on location throughout the week to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. As you celebrate, please be responsible. If you plan to drink, have a plan and a sober driver.
Letโs make it a memorable, safe, and fun Cavalcade.
Sheriff Bart Perrier … See MoreSee Less
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OCSO monthly stats for June! … See MoreSee Less
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๐๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ซ๐: ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒโ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ซ
Born: November 22, 1864, Rockport, Missouri
Died: January 1935, Pawhuska, Oklahoma
John Layman Bird was a pioneer of uncommon integrity whose legacy shaped the legal, commercial, and civic foundation of early Osage County, Oklahoma. As the countyโs first elected sheriff, a successful frontier trader, and later a banking leader, Bird left behind a legacy of public trust, fair governance, and economic development that endured far beyond his time.
๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
Bird was born in Missouri just after the Civil War. In 1883, at the age of 18, he was encouraged by his brotherโa physician working among the Kaw Nationโto seek opportunity in Indian Territory. He soon found work as a clerk at a Kaw trading post, immersing himself in the diverse cultures and frontier economy of the region.
By January 1885, Bird had relocated to Pawhuska, where he worked with the respected trading firm Dunlap & Florer. Over time, he married the daughter of partner John N. Florer and became a business associate in the rebranded Florer & Bird, operating a general store in Gray Horse and managing a successful cattle ranch. His reputation for fairness and transparency won him lasting respect from both Native and non-Native residents.
๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ
With statehood on the horizon in 1907, Bird announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Osage County as a Democrat. Already a respected businessman and civic leader, his reputation helped him win the confidence of voters across the sprawling and often unruly county.
Birdโs election marked a crucial transition from territorial law enforcement to state-regulated justice. Known for measured judgment and a calm demeanor, Bird brought a sense of order that was sorely needed in the rough-and-tumble oil frontier.
A local newspaper endorsed him with these words:
โNot one word can be said against John Bird. He is honest and fairโฆ His presence in the sheriffโs office will do more toward securing good order in Osage County than all the pistol toters that can be stacked in the office.โ
Bird served as sheriff until 1909, when he voluntarily stepped down to pursue growing business interests in banking. Birdโs predecessor as Osage County Sheriff was R.A. Carrell from 1910-1911.
๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ
Birdโs return to the private sector was no less impactful. In 1906, he helped found the Fairfax National Bank, serving as its first president. After his tenure as sheriff, he and his partners purchased the City National Bank of Pawhuska, where Bird served as vice president.
Through both institutions, he played a vital role in financing ranches, oil development, and local businesses during the early 20th-century boom. His leadership helped stabilize and grow the local economy during periods of rapid expansion and later, economic uncertainty.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ค๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ค๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐
One of Birdโs most enduring contributions to Pawhuska was the development of the cityโs first "skyscraper"โthe Triangle Building, currently operated as the Frontier Hotel.
In 1910, U.S. Indian Agent Hugh Pitzer advertised the sale of a triangular public plot at the heart of Pawhuska. Bird placed the winning bid of $12,500, acquiring the land between Main Street, Kihekah Avenue, and Osage Street. Despite legal disputes between federal and local authorities, Bird pressed forward with plans to erect a modern commercial building on the site.
By 1913, construction began, and by November 1914, the completed Triangle Building featured elevator service and five stories, two more than originally planned. The first floor housed retail shops, while professionals, including doctors and lawyers, occupied the upper floors. The building became a symbol of Pawhuskaโs modernization and Birdโs forward-thinking vision.
๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ
John L. Bird remained a central figure in Pawhuska's civic and business life until his death in January 1935 at the age of 70. In his later years, he lived in the basement apartment in the Triangle Buildingโa structure that stood as a testament to his commitment to Osage Countyโs future. … See MoreSee Less
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๐บ๐ธ Happy Independence Day ๐บ๐ธ
As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, we encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly. Deputies will be out across the county, especially around lakes and community events, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for all.
Letโs make this a safe and memorable 4th of July.
โ Sheriff Bart Perrier
Osage County Sheriffโs Office … See MoreSee Less
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๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ค๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ซ
As we gear up to celebrate this Independence Day weekend with family, food, fun, and fireworks, the Osage County Sheriffโs Office urges everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.
Deputies will be actively patrolling area lakes in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers and the Oklahoma Highway Patrolโs Marine Enforcement Division. Our focus will include enforcing alcohol laws both on the water and on the road.
๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ง๐ค ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒโ if you plan to drink, never get behind the wheel of a car or a boat. Designate a sober driver or make alternate plans to get home safely.
๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ซ ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ค๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ โ itโs the law and could save a life.
๐ค ๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฑ. ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ โ and illegal โ as driving drunk.
๐Letโs work together to make this 4th of July holiday one to remember for all the right reasons. Stay safe and enjoy the celebration weekend! … See MoreSee Less
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โผ๏ธโผ๏ธUPDATE 6/29/25 at 3:35 pm, this juvenille has been locatedโผ๏ธโผ๏ธ
๐จ Runaway Juvenile Alert ๐จ
Osage County Sheriff's Office
The Osage County Sheriffโs Office is currently seeking the publicโs assistance in locating a reported runaway juvenile:
Name: Skylee Alpine Smithey
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: (15 years old)
Height: 5โ10โ
Weight: 120-125 lbs
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Brown
Skylee was last seen at approximately 8:00 p.m. on June 28, 2025, at a residence located on 124th W. Ave, Skiatook, Oklahoma (Osage County).
She was wearing a navy-blue hoodie, light gray jogging pants, and Nike crew socks.
If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Osage County Sheriffโs Office at (918) 287-3131 or your local law enforcement agency immediately. … See MoreSee Less
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โผ๏ธโผ๏ธUPDATE 9:46 PM, JUVENILLE HAS BEEN LOCATEDโผ๏ธโผ๏ธ
๐จ MISSING CHILD ALERT ๐จ
The Osage County Sheriff's Office is currently searching for Alora Ann Shorb, age 10, who was last seen at approximately 4:15 PM on June 28th, 2025, at her residence located at 415 Dayton Ave, Webb City. (Between Shidler and Ponca City, OK.)
Description:
Name: ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ง ๐๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ (๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐น๐ฑ)
Height: ๐ฐโ๐ฎโ
Weight: ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐น๐ฏ๐
Hair: ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ฏ๐น๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ
Eyes: ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป
Last seen wearing: ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ธ ๐-๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐, w๐ต๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ด๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฏ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐-๐๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป
If you have any information regarding Aloraโs whereabouts, please contact the Osage County Sheriff's Office immediately at ๐ต๐ญ๐ด-๐ฎ๐ด๐ณ-๐ฏ๐ญ๐ฏ๐ญ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ต๐ญ๐ญ.
Please share and help bring Alora home safely. … See MoreSee Less
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