Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Russell W. Scott, 1904
Saturday, 01 November 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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SCOTT, RUSSELL W.
(22 Sep 1904, Erick Newspaper, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
A SAD AFFAIR
Mr. Russell W. Scott, of Erick, was shot an early hour yesterday morning
by his neighbor, John H. Brooks.  The weapon used was a shot gun loaded
with No. 7 1/2 shot.  Mr. Scott received almost the entire charge in his
left side, just below the heart, some of the shot penetrated his
intestines and he died at 9:45 last night without having regained
consciousness.
Mr. Scott conducted a barber shop here and had the respect of his fellow
townsmen.  Funeral services will be held this afternoon.
Prosecuting attorney C. M. Thacker has telephoned from Mangum that he is
unable to come to Erick today, but will send Attorney A. M. Stewart of
Mangum to conduct a preliminary investigation.
At the time of going to press we are unable to give any established facts
in the case.  Stories heard on the street are very confusing.  Mr. Geo. W.
Scott, a brother, who has been ill at the residence of Russell for a
number of weeks, shortly after the shooting made the statement before
Justice of Peace Killough, that while Russell was engaged in feeding his
stock about 6 o'clock Wednesday morning, he, George, who was in bed heard
someone outside the house call Russell twice, immediately after which two
shots were fired.  George heard his brother cry out, "John Brooks has shot
and killed me."  Although George was seriously ill at the time, he got out
of bed and went to the place where his brother had fallen, a few yards
from the house.  Neighbors soon arrived and removed the injured man to his
house.
Deputy sheriff E. M. Green found Brooks at his home shortly after the
shooting occurred and placed him under arrest.  Mr. Brooks confesses that
he did the shooting.  He claims that Mr. Scott has been stealing corn in
small quantities from his field which borders on Scott's place.
(1 Dec 1904, Thursday, Erick Enterprise, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Brooks Out on Bail.
J. H. Brooks, who has been incarcerated in county jail at Mangum (Greer
County) since September 22, accused of the killing of Russell Scott, at
this place on the above date, and who was indicted by the grand jury for
the offense, was granted bale (sic) by District Judge Erwin in the sum of
$5,000, has made bond and been released and returned to his family here on
last Saturday.  His trial is set for the spring term.

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