You haven't muddied the waters. If anything you have helped to clear them.
The location for Thomas Pulliam's is the one that the locals claim is the spot. It's not NW of Johnston Chapel but WSW and relative speaking, close to the Arkansas and Oregon county line.
Yes, it does have a spring there; the USGS doesn't always list them all. I drank out of it many years ago. It may not be the size you see at some of the state parks in this area but it does/did crank out enough water to sustain a family.
Water was just as important to the family then as it is today. That creek has several springs that fed into it and most of the old home places along the creek were near one of these springs. I know of at least 5 springs between Tom's property in section 25 T22N R1W and Ben's in section 31 T22N R1E. However, the lake has covered up 3 of them including the one on Ben.
My grandparents lived on Dry Creek until 1970 and never had running water in the house. They used the spring just down the hill. (It's not on the map either) I don't remember ever drinking any other water that tasted as good.
Thanks again John for your information and links. It has been quite helpful. Can't wait for summer to stroll up Dry Creek and take a look.

Dan Hill