Beckham County, OK - Obits: Thomas Armstrong, 1909
30 July 2007
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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ARMSTRONG, THOMAS
(25 Mar 1909, Thursday, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
George Caldwell, the proprietor of a pool hall and resteaurant (sic) in
the villiage (sic) of Texola, killed Thos. Armstrong in his pool hall last
Saturday night.  The killing occured over the settlement of an account
which Armstrong was owing Caldwell.  Armstrong was under the influence of
liquor and had the reputation of being "tough" when in that condition. 
Caldwell has the reputation of being quiet and peace-able and a good
citizen.  He was arrested and taken to Sayre Sunday.  Caldwell has been a
resident of Texola since last September, while Armstrong has been there
for several years.
(25 Mar 1909, Thursday, Sayre Standard, Sayre, Beckham Co, OK):
Last Saturday evening, March 20, at Texola, G. D. Caldwell shot to death
Tom Armstrong, who entered Caldwell's restaurant after being ordered to
stay away.
The evidence submitted at the coroner's inquest, following the shooting,
revealed that the men had previously had trouble and a bitter feeling
existed between them.
Saturday evening Armstrong appeared at the door of Caldwell's restaurant
apparently in an ugly frame of mind and was ordered to stay out by
Caldwell.  Instead of heeding the order he made a rush for Caldwell, who
was behind a counter, exclaiming: "G-- d--- you, put me out!"  Caldwell
picked up a 38 caliber revolver which was lying on a shelf behind the
counter and fired, the bullet penetrated Armstrong's throat and ranged
upward causing death.  Caldwell fired three shots more---(incomplete).
Deputy Sheriff Sims brought Caldwell to this city Sunday evening.  A large
number of prominent citizens of Texola accompanied them for the purpose of
making bond for the prisoner.
Monday morning County Attorney O. O. Smith filed a complaint with R. S.
Andrews, Justice of the Peace, against Caldwell charging him with
manslaughter.
Caldwell waived preliminary hearing and was admitted to bond in the sum of
$5,000.
(31 Mar 1909, Wednesday, Elk City Record, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
KILLING AT TEXOLA
George Caldwell, the proprietor of a pool hall and restaurant in the
village of Texola, killed Thomas Armstrong in his pool hall last Saturday
night.  The killing occured over the settlement of an account which
Armstrong was owing Caldwell.  Armstrong was under the influence of liquor
and had the reputation of being "tough" when in that condition.  Caldwell
has the reputation of being quiet and peace-able and a good citizen.  He
was arrested and taken to Sayre Sunday.  Caldwell has been a resident of
Texola since last September, while Armstrong has been there for several
years.
The remains of Tom Armstrong were intered (sic) in the Texola Cemetery
Sunday afternoon by the local camp of Modern Woodmen of America.  He
leaves a wife, mother, one brother and two sisters to mourn his untimely
departure.
(30 Sep 1909, Thursday, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Mr. Caldwell of Texola charged with the killing of Tom Armstrong last
March, was tried at the present term of court and acquitted.