Johnston Co., OK - The Tishomingo News, December 1905 ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Mary Achterhof USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** The Tishomingo News, 6 December 1905 BIG FIRE AT CADDO Caddo, I. T., December - A big fire broke out here last night and three buildings were burned. The buildings were owned by P. W. Arnold, W. H. Attaway and P. Athens. The stock of merchandise of the Hill Dry Goods Company, valued at $10,000, was a total loss, small insurance. Sam Heath, meat market, total loss. These are the last frame business buildings in town. NOT GUILTY OF INTRODUCING South McAlester, I.T., December 2 – Judge McMillan’s court was engaged throughout this afternoon in the examining trial of former posseman Jerry Gilmore and the man Higgins arrested in connection with the introducing of a tool chest of whiskey. The evidence in the case not only failed to implicate Jerry, but showed conclusively that he had nothing whatsoever to do with the tool chest at any time. It was offered to him as freightage by the man Higgin’s representing it as containing only tools, and declinen because of its weight. Higgins himself, testified that this was the extent of Jerry’s connection with the matter. Higgins was bound over. Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Mauldin returned to Madill Monday after spending a few days with relatives in Tishomingo. LOCAL AND PERSONAL T. A. McKinney, of Emet was in town Monday. Will Lewis of Wapanucka spent Thanksgiving in Tishomingo. E. L. Dakes, of Milburn was a business visitor in town Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Pangburn spent Thanksgiving with relatives at Emet. T. E. Young, of Emet, was marketing cotton in Tishomingo yesterday. Millard F. Burton, United States Deputy Marshal at Mill Creek, spent Sunday in Tish. Mrs. C. S. Stephens and child are seriously ill. Dr. J. E. Warbritton, of Tellals, Arkansas, is visiting his sons here this week. Walter Craig left Monday for Ardmore to attend Hargrove College. Edgar Miller, of Wapanucka, visited a friend in Tishomingo Sunday. Mrs. A. H. Seeley and sister Miss Carter, of Emet, were shopping in Tishomingo Tuesday. R. F. Thomason came over from Ardmore Saturday and spent Sunday with relatives. Miss Jessie Looney, who has been visiting her parents in Ardmore, returned to Tishomingo yesterday. James E. Looney, who is now a prominent saddle and harness man of Ardmore, was visiting in this city Monday. W. L. Teel, L. J. Milburn and Ed Gill all residents of Milburn were doing business in Tishomingo Monday. William Greenwood, manager of the telephone company at Roff, spent Thanksgiving in this city. Alfred McKinney, of Mill Creek, has accepted a position with the Glass Front Restaurant here. Joe Brown, after spending a few days with his parents here returned to Hargrove College, Ardmore , Monday. Miss Nettie Stobaugh and Annie Marable, and Prof. T. F. Pierce returned from Roff Friday, where they attended the Indian Territory Teachers Association. Ned Looney left Sunday for Dallas, where he has a position as bookkeeper. We wish Ned success in his new location, and we’re sorry to see him leave. He is well educated, sober, honest and honorable and a trust worthy boy in every respect. WARBRITTON – PRESNELL On last Sunday evening at 6:30 Mr. Othel Warbritton and Miss Eva Presnell were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony, at the Baptist parsonage, Rev. C. H. Holland officiating. The bride is one of the most charming young ladies of Tishomingo, and loved by all who know her. The groom is the son of Dr. J. E. Warbritton, of Tellala, Arkansas, and held in very high esteem. A few friends and relatives of contracting parties were present at the wedding. The News joins the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Warbritton in wishing them a happy voyage through life. J. M. VESTAL’S SAFE ROBBED Monday night some one entered the office of J. M. Vestal’s Livery Barn, opened the safe by the combination, cut the money box door off with a knife and secured $35.00 in silver money. The person who done the work entered the barn, passing in four feet of the man who was sleeping there. The thief who committed the robbery knew the combination of the safe, as the door was found closed and locked. Had the thief entered the day before he could have received an amount larger, which had been placed in the bank Monday. Mr. Vestal has his suspicions as to who took his money. MRS. JOE BROWN DEAD Killed by The Accidental Discharge of a Shot-Gun in the Hands of Her Son-in-law. Last Saturday morning Mrs. Joe Brown was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of a shot gun. Her son-in-law, S. H. Conkin, had started hunting and was carrying the barrel of the gun behind him, as he went, out at the door the hammer struck the door facing, which discharged the gun, sending the entire load into the back of Mrs. Brown’s head. The funeral services were held at the family residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Carey of the Presbyterian Church, followed by interment in to the city cemetery, which was attended by a large host of friends. The News joins the many friends of the bereaved ones in expressing sympathy. Miss Josephine Brumbaugh left yesterday for he home in Denison, after a three weeks visit to her aunt Mrs. C. W. Lacy. Eld. K. A. Williams left today for Roff, to attend the ministers. The little boy of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Stobaught is very ill. C. C. Bunch, a prominent stockman of Desporado Springs was in Tish Monday. W. B. Tucker, made a business trip to Dallas, Texas Tuesday. W. H. Tharpe, leaves this afternoon for Oklahoma City on business. Governor Johnston left this afternoon for South McAlester on official business. Col. James E. Johnson, of Poteau, spent yesterday and today here, leaving this p.m. for South McAlester. W. B. Tucker killed some fine hogs the other day, and through the kindness of his good wife ‘ye editor and family have been eating sausage, spare-ribs, back bones, etc. No one need try to rent our house, for we will never leave these good neighbors. The Tishomingo News, 13 December 1905 LOCAL AND PERSONAL Mrs. Hattie French, of Milburn, was in the city Sunday. J. R. deCordova, was in Purcell on business last week. Frank Rausin and Jim Wats, of Milburn, visited friends in Tishomingo Sunday. John Newman and family, of Milburn, visited his brother, H. O. Newman in the city Sunday. Brad Hicks, who is now in business at Milburn, spent Sunday with his family here. Osie Tucker, the gin man, of Milburn, came over Sunday and ate dinner with his parents here. Miss Grace Richard, of Detroit, Michigan, is visiting her cousin, Misses Ruth Pollard and Leslie Shearer in this city. John Richard and family, Frank Downs and family and Winfield Richard, all of Carson City, Michigan, are in the city and will probably locate here. Dr. M. Brookman, of Denison, is in the city and will remain until December 20th. Will be at the Chickasaw Drug Store. See his ad everywhere in this issue. Dr. J. E. Warbritton left Sunday afternoon for his home in Tellala, Arkansas, after a visit of several days with his sons here. Guy Keel, of Madill was in town today. While here he called and made the editor happy by paying us a dollar on subscription. Thanks Guy, call again. Mr. and Mrs. Hiram McGee, of Teller, were in town Thursday shopping. Mr. McGee called, paid us for the News and Dallas News. J. P. Selvidge, president of the Ardmore Business College, of Ardmore, was in Tishomingo Saturday. The College is one of the very best in the Indian Territory and being well patronized. The commissioner’s court has been very busily engaged the latter part of last week and all day Monday of this week, investigating the shooting of Mrs. Joe Brown. It is generally considered by all to have been an accident. It seems though that a brother of the deceased caused an investigation to be made, which taken three days and finally ended Monday. Judge Gullett finding from the evidence that it was sufficient to hold the son-in-law, S. H. Conkin, for murder and without bail to await the action of the grand jury. He went to Ardmore yesterday and appeared before Judge Townsend and was released on his own recognizance. Public sentiment seems to favor Conkin. ROBERTS – PRUETT A quiet wedding occurred at the home of the bride’s brother, P. J. Pruett, in the south part of the city, Sunday evening at 7:00 o’clock when Miss Ella Pruett was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to N. E. Roberts. Eld. K. A. Williams of the Christian church officiating. Quite a number of friends and relatives were present to witness the ceremony and to extend congratulations. Light refreshments were served. The groom is a prosperous farmer, living one mile north of town, is an honorable and hard working young man, well liked by all his friends and neighbors. Miss Ella is well known to all the people of Tishomingo, and is held in the highest esteem by all. Her kind and winning ways have made her many friends who wish her and husband much success and happiness through life. Walter Presnell who has been with the News force for several months resigned his position today and left on the noon train for Ardmore. Edgar Cox is now holding down the job vacated by Presnell. We wish Walter success with his new position in Ardmore. The sweet spirit of the three months old baby of Mayor and Mrs. C. S. Stephens passed away at her home in this city Friday evening at 6 o’clock. The little one had been ill for several days and was thought to be improving, but Friday it gradually grew worse until death claimed its own. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the city cemetery, after which the sweet little remains were laid tenderly to rest. It is hard to part from the little babies, but God in his wisdom has ordained it so. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a host of loving friends. In honor of the Seventy-sixth birthday anniversary of Uncle Luker Robins his good wife and step-daughter, Mrs. Effie Goad, who is one of the best cooks we have ever seen, prepared an excellent dinner, and of course invited the poor hungry editor and family in to have a square meal which we all did justice too. Uncle Luker though Seventy-six years old enjoys reasonably good health and has a clear recollection of past events. He was in younger days a wealthy citizen most of his life. Uncle Luker by trade is a brick and stone mason, and has in time been a prominent contractor of Little Rock. He says now that he is getting too old to do much at his trade, but is able to do light work in building flews, and foundation work. The county grand jury failed to return an indictment against Thomas W. Lawson who had been held for that body by the Municipal Court on the charge of libel. The charge preferred by Clarence W. Barron, proprietor of the News Bureau. The Tishomingo News, 20 December 1905 LOCAL AND PERSONAL Mrs. Lottie Durham visited in Woodville Monday and Tuesday. E. W. Long, of Milburn, was on our streets Saturday. J. E. Looney, of Ardmore, was in town Sunday. John J. Stobaugh transacted business in Milburn Monday. Rosco Jones of Connerville was a business visitor to Tishomingo Monday. Miss Onie Boone left Saturday for Parsons, Kansas, to spend the holidays with her parents. W. H. Stobaugh, of Choctaw, Arkansas, is spending the week here with his son, John J. Stobaugh. Mrs. Jane Tusey and nephew, Berry Durham, left today for Tusey to spend Christmas. Miss Jessie Looney, of Ardmore, is visiting relatives and friends in the city, H. O. Newman and F. E. Pangurn transacted business in Milburn Monday and Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. D. Friend, of Emet, are spending the week with F. E. Pangburn – they being Mrs. Pangburn’s father and mother. A G. Wheat, of Teller, was in the city today. He did not forget the poor editor, but called and gave us a dollar for a year’s subscription for the News. Dr. Ledgerwood leaves tomorrow for his old home in Knoxville, Tennessee, to spend Christmas. He will return in two weeks. Miss Grace Richard, who has been visiting Mrs. P. B. H. Shearer for several days, returned to her home in Detroit, Michigan, last Friday. Street Commissioner H. B. Hand is improving the streets and crossing this week, which will be greatly appreciated by our citizens. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Farnham, of Milbrn, were in the city Tuesday. Mr. Farnham reports his town on the boom and that there is not an empty house in town. W. B. Tucker’s gin was set on fire last Saturday at noon by a match being dropped in the cotton. It run through the saws and was ignited, setting the cotton on fire in the last gin stand. The machinery was put in motion and the burning cotton run out of the machinery where it was extinguished with plenty of water handy and the valuable assistance of several farmers who were present. YOUNG GIRL IS SHOT DOWN Ada, I. T., December 13 – In the little town of Center, ten miles west of here, little thirteen year old orphaned Thedie Jones lies in a dying condition with a gaping bullet hole in her chest. Young Walter Copeland, of that community, is in the Ada jail, charged with the atrocious shooting. He is twenty years old. The story as told by a number of eye witnesses is one of unutterable cruelty and wantonness; the awful act seems more like the inexplicable savagery of a mad man that of a sane person. It seems that Copeland with two companions had retuned from the “Corners” – the rendezvous of the convivially inclined with a liberal supply of whiskey; however, they were not in an intoxicated condition. He proceeded to terrorize the town by riding down the main street on the quiet Sabbath afternoon and discharging at random his Colt’s forty-five. As he neared the Jones home a horse hitched at the gate became excited at the din and Miss Thedie caught hold of the animal. As Copeland was passing, the ladies of the house cried out to him not to shoot any more, whereupon, from a distance of fifteen steps, he fired one shot in the air and then another at the crouching form of the child, taking effect as above stated. A party of infuriated citizens quickly formed to arrest the criminal and there were dire threats of mob violence. But fortunately the boy and his father soon left for Ada to surrender to the officers, which was done last night at the Wood Hotel. The boy’s father is W. L. Copeland, a highly respected citizen of the community and he is to be deeply sympathized with in this terrible trouble. The Tishomingo News, 27 December 1905 LOCAL AND PERSONAL W. H. Tharp made a business trip to Milburn Thursday. Lim Chisholm is spending the holidays in Sherman, visiting relatives. Attorney Cornelius Hardy was in Ardmore Saturday on local business. Mrs. M. L. Garrett visited Mrs. Clyde Farthing in Ardmore last Saturday. Mrs. J. T. Gardner, of Milburn was shopping in our city last Friday. Virgil Warbritton, of Sulphur, is spending Christmas with relatives and friends here. Bruce Wilgus, of Forrest City, Arkansas, is spending Christmas with his brother, D. E. Wilgus. L. B. Carroll and Bob Stewart, of Emet, transacted business in Tishomingo Friday. William Breeding and Marcus Raper of Emet, were buying supplies in Tishomingo Friday. Miss Fanny Morris left Friday afternoon for her home in Antlas to spend the holidays with her father and mother. Roy Beird the traveling auditor for the Pioneer Telephone Co. of Oklahoma City was in the city last Friday. R. F. Thomason, of Ardmore, was in Tishomingo Friday shaking hands with friends and transacting business. Mrs. C. E. Naylor and children are spending the holidays with Mr. Naylor’s mother, Mrs. S. J. Naylor at Guthrie, Oklahoma. Glen Duncan and niece, Misses Nellie Collins, left Sunday for Kanaua, I.T., where they will spend Christmas with relatives and friends. Drover Starks stenographer for the law firm of Treadwell, Lucas & Young is spending Christmas with his father and mother in Dallas, Texas. U.S. Deputy Marshal M. F. Burton of Mill Creek, was in town today en route to Milburn where he will spending Christmas with relatives. A Y. Mitherson, of Pontotoc, was in town Friday. He made us happy by paying us a dollar for the News. He says the roads between here and Pontotoc are in a bad condition. Judge Davenport, of Mt. Vernon, Texas, is spending the holidays with his sons, Dr. and Oscar Davenport in this city. Mr. Davenport reports times being very hard down in his section on account of the short Cotton crop. Herman Schultz, cashier of the First National Bank has been on the sick list for several days, but was unable to be on the streets Saturday. Mr. Norwood has been assisting in the bank during Mr. Schultz, absence. The residence of Fred Williams in the north part of town caught fire from a tin flue Christmas day and burnt most of the cone off before it could be checked. Mr. Williams has a bad burnt hand as a result of tearing off burning shingles. He said with the valuable assisting of his neighbor H. B. Hand he managed to put the fire on the bum. He does not want any more tea flues. Ozzie Tucker left for Little Rock, Arkansas to spend Christmas with relatives. Arthur Pinson, of Davis is visiting his cousin, W. B. Tucker here this week. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Talent received a Christmas present that they are very proud of – a big ten pound girl. In honor of master Gradey Bailey and William Lacy, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mickle gave a party Monday evening. Quite a crowd of the little folks were present and report that they were royally entertainers. C. E. Naylor has been absent from the city several days assisting in the annual invoicing of several lumber yards in the Chickasaw Nation belonging to the Carey-Lumbard Lumber Co. C. W. Stantion has been in charge of the yard here during Mr. Naylors absence. R. R. Ansley taken a photograph of Main Street last Saturday while the streets were crowded with Christmas shoppers. The photo is a good one, and is retouched in an artistic manner, which goes to show the skill of the artist. Call on him and see the Photo. J. D. Cash has resigned h9s position as agent for the Choctaw Railroad here and left with his family Friday for his home in Memphis, Tennessee. R. P. Smith of Coalgate takes Mr. Cah’s place as agent here. Mr. Smith with his family arrived Thursday and are now occupying rooms in the second story of the depot. Mrs. Lottie Durham received an invitation to attend the wedding of her cousin, Ben B. Burney to Miss Myrtle Graham last Thursday, December 21, at 8 o’clock p.m., at Pattsboro, Texas. Mr. Burney is a son of ex Gov. Burney of the Chickasaw Nation. He now resides at Durant; but is well known here and has many friends who wish him and bride happiness and success through life. TWO INDIANS KILLED Guy Keel Shot and Killed Clayburn McKinney Near the City Tuesday Evening, C. N. Wilkinson killed Stephen John at Fillmore Saturday Afternoon. Clayburn McKinney, a full-blood Indian was shot and instantly killed at 5 o’clock yesterday evening, just outside the city limits near the stock yards by Guy Keel, a full-blood Indian. A shotgun was used, blowing McKinney’s brains out. McKinney and Keel had been in town most all day, and they had been drinking. They left town in Keel’s buggy in company with Keel’s eight year old son. When they reached the stock yard, McKinney got out of the buggy and was standing with one hand on the wheel drinking a bottle of “Fort Worth” while Keel was trying to put his gun under the seat when it was discharged striking McKinney just below the right eye, killing him instantly. During the excitement which followed the gun fell from the buggy and the team pulled out at lively gate, after getting the team quited he came back looking for his gun when he was arrested by Deputies Joe Maytubby, Dero Duncan and J. H. Bridges. He was brought to town and placed in jail. He is a member of the Chickasaw Legislature and a prominent citizen/ His home is near Madill. McKinney’s body was taken to Smith & Chapman’s undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. McKinney lived near Reagan on the banks of the Pennington and leaves a wife and several children. Keel was given a preliminary trial today before Judge Fullett and held without bail to wait the action of the grand jury. There was five eye witnesses to the shooting and all testified to about the same thing. They were of the opinion that the killing was accidental. In these preliminary hearings before commissioners the law is, that if there is a probability of guilt, it is the commissioner’s duty to hold the defendant. Keel was ably defended by Attorney George W. Henshaw, of Madill. STEPHENS JOHN KILLED AT FILLMORE Last Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the little village of Fillmore about fifteen miles east of Tishomingo, Stephen John was shot and killed by Postmaster C. N. Wilkinson who is also a leading merchant of that place. Mr. Wilkinson’s account of the affair is as follows: Wilkinson and Dave Wilson were having some words about an old grudge which had existed between them for some time. Stephen John who is a full-blood Indian was intoxicated, came up and taken sides with Wilson, taken hold of Wilkinson’s arm and raised his arm to strike Wilkinson when other parties interfered and taken John to the drug store of Dr. L. B. Enloe and locked him up about fifteen minutes when he was liberated and was soon on the streets again and came to Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson stated that he went into his own store and locked the doors to keep out of trouble. John passed on up the street cursing and was caught and held by several of the citizens for a few minutes. When he was released, he came down onto Wilkinson again who was then out in the street with a double-barrel shotgun. Mr. Wilkinson says John was coming onto him cursing him and calling him all kinds of vile names and was throwing his hand back as if to draw a gun, he says he told John not to come any further but he still advanced and was shot in the breast and instantly killed. Mr. Wilkinson caught the belated Choctaw train and came to Tishomingo and surrendered to Deputy Marshal Bridges. Mr. Wilkinson was given a preliminary hearing before Judge Gullet Monday and Tuesday and was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury. Mr. Wilkinson will go before Judge Townsend and try to be admitted to bail. Dr. and Mrs. Stobaugh, of Mannsville spent Christmas in Tishomingo the guests of his brother, John J. Stobaugh. Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Wilgus entertained a number of their friends last Tuesday evening with a social ball at their home in the Molliter-McLoud building. Quite a number of invited guests were present and tipped the fantastic toe to sweet strains of music until a late hours. Those in attendance report that Mr. and Mrs. Wilgus are royal entertainers.