Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Sol Owens, Mr. Turbyfill, 1907
Wednesday, 10 Sep 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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OWENS, SOL
TURBYFILL, Mr.
(2 May 1907, Thursday, Beckham County Democrat, Erick, Beckham Co, OK):
Last Friday Sol Owens, of Allenreed, Texas, one of the most prominent ranchmen 
in northern Texas was shot by Mr. Turbyfill, who was at one time a real estate 
agent in Clarendon, Texas, but now located in Utah.
The cause of the shooting was over a commission fee, which Turbyfill claimed was 
due him from Owens.  Mr. Turbyfill had brought suit against Owens for $22,000 
and had gone to Alenreed to try and adjust matters, but for some reason failed 
to see Owens and was fixing to leave town.  Owens and his son learned of the 
fact that Turbyfill was leaving and started in pursuit, overtaking him at 
Evans' switch, where Owens said he was going to kill him.  Both men pulled their 
guns about the same time and fired two shots each.  Turbyfill's shots both took 
effect, one striking Owens in the right arm and the other taking effect in the 
liver, killing him instantly.
When Owens fell his son picked up his revolver and emptied it at Turbyfill, 
who had exhausted his ammunition and was fleeing for his life.  The son's aim 
was not true with the revolver and seeing that his man was about to escape he 
went to the buggy and secured a winchester, with which he is considered a good 
shot, and at long range put two bullets in Turbyfill.  Mr. Turbyfill lived about 
two hours after the shooting and made a statement to Phil Reeves, sheriff of 
Gray county, in which he stated that he did not want to kill Owens, but that 
they overtook him and he was forced to it.
Sol Owens, Jr., is only 19 years old, has always borne a good reputation in 
his neighborhood.  His father was about 55 years old and was a wealthy ranchman.  
Mr. Owens was buried Saturday in the Allenreed cemetery in a steel vault.  
Mr. Turbyfill's body was shipped to Utah for interment.

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