Johnston Co., OK - News: Wapanucka Press February 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 Wapanucka Press, 9 February 1905 COURT HOUSE NEWS Court Adjourned on Account of Smallpox in The Jail Special to the Press Atoka, February 4 – W. F. English, Special Agent of the Governor of Tennessee, arrived in the city last evening with requisition for the return to that state of one Jim Fautt, who stands charged with the crime of murder said to have been committed in Giles County in 1899. The requisition was honored by Hon. Thomas C. Humphry, Judge of the United States Court. Jim Fautt was arrested last Monday at Phillips, where he was working in the coal mines, upon information received from the officers of Tennessee to keep a lookout for the man. Upon his arrest the officials of the States were notified. Your reporter secured an interview with Mr. English, the Special Agent of the Governor of Tennessee. It was learned from him that the crime or which the defendant is indicated was the murder of Polly Mae Freeman in Giles County, Tennessee, in 1899. The defendant was indicated but the sate could not obtain evidence sufficient to secure a conviction and the case has nolle prosqued. Since that time an accomplice of defendant has been arrested and turned States evidence and other evidence coming to light the defendant was re-indicted. The object of the murder was robbery, and it is stated that the robbers secured $800.00. The accused is a man of family having two children living with his father in Tennessee. When Mr. Bradshaw made the arrest a brother of the accused, John Fautt, offered of officer $1200. to release the defendant. This offer was promptly refused by the officer. On account of smallpox appearing among the prisoners confined in jail, the winter term of United States Court adjourned at Atoka Thursday morning. But little progess had been made on the civil docket when adjournment was compelled on account of smallpox. The next term of court will be held in April. The Department of Justice has ordered convicted prisoners to be confined in the penitentiary to be carried to the prison at Fort Levenworth, Kansas, instead of Atlanta, Georgia, as heretofore. William Black, convicted for the murder of John Ausbrooks near Wapanucka, goes to the Kansas prison where he will serve until death finally removes him from the mortal quoil. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BABE BURNED TO DEATH Mother Sets Carriage Too Close To The Stove South McAlester: Word has reached here that the Haileyville Mrs. L. D. Holiday, who lives in the western part of town, made a fire in her stove and tucked some cover about her six month old child, in the baby buggy, which was standing near the stove, while she went into the next room to prepare supper. When she returned she found the buggy afire, and the child burned almost to death. The doctor was immediately called, but it was too late, and the baby died a few hours later. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Wilkerson Friday. Mr. Hamilton, a prosperous farmer of Cope, was in town Monday. C. L. Witt buys second had furniture. Mrs. A. M. Williams, who has been very sick for several weeks, is better. S. L. Barnes send the Press to his sister, Miss A, L, Barnes, Lone Oak, Texas. H. W. Watson has begun the erection of a building on the lot adjoining his tenet which will be used for photography gallery. Marshal Criswell sends the Press to his son Fred, who is serving in the United States Army at San Francisco, California. J. W. Riley returned this week from a trip to Coleman County, Texas, L. P. Agnew has begun work on the erection of a woodwork shop adjoining Frank Juhan’s blacksmith shop. Mr. Agnew is a fine workman and with a first class ship he will be equipped to turn out the very best work. J. E. Benson is confined to his bed with a severe attack of rheumatism. James Henry of Dexter, Texas, was here last week, visiting his sick sister, Mr. A. M. Williams. Mrs. W. M. Boyd of Dexter, Texas, is here attending the bedside of her sick sister, Mrs. A. M. Williams Ernest Taylor came hone last week from Durant. Mr. W. N. Barker is visiting her daughter, Mrs. R. C. Tate, at Norman, Oklahoma. The Captain has been practicing the art of making biscuits, building fires and milking cows and etc., and is thoroughly convinced that living the life of an old bachelor is not what it is cracked up to be. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM EGO Ego, I. T. February 8 – Mr. C. A. Saider has the lumber on the ground for a new building. He will use the lower story for store, and upper story will be used for a W.O.W. hall. This building will be quite an addition to the town. Bob Allen’s horse fell with him one night last week, throwing him off and breaking his leg. His wound is healing slowly. Mrs. Ben Barton of Cherry Hill, Arkansas, has come to be the guest of her son, Jack Barton and family. Frank Shipley of Boggy died Tuesday of pneumonia. Amos Hide and Miss Annie Neal are reported to have been made one last Thursday at Atoka. The writer wishes for them a long and happy life. Mr. Francis Jones is having his residence remolded. When complete he will have as nice a home as one needs to want. He has made so many improvements and built so many new houses that it looks almost like a little town had sprung up. Some one suggests that it be called Jonesborough. How about it Mr. Jones? J. T. Hoover and H. S. Morgan have organized a Trading Co. We are informed that it is a branch house of the Wapanucka Trading Co. W. Z.Aycock is certainly the crack shot of this community. His feelings are somewhat wounded because he has not been awarded the blue ribbon. He says he killed more quails than he has fingers and toes, five black birds, six fieldlark, three jays and a woodchuck all with one shot, too! Can any one in Wapanucka beat that? ============================================================================= BYRNE PARAGRAPHS Bryne, February 7 Ridley & Bane have their saw mill in operation and are prepared to furnish the people with all kinds of rawhide lumber. McKee James will commence the erection of a seven room dwelling house as goon as the weather settles. R. C. Hickman was on the sick last week. Mrs. Hawkins is very low with pneumonia fever at the home of her son-in-law, Ben James. ============================================================================= HUNTON NOTES Hunton, February 8 G. C. Howard of Lehigh visited his brother, T. J. Howard Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Kindred left yesterday for Texas, where he goes to live. Mr. Walden who has been sick for sometime, died Friday and was buried at the Viola Cemetery Saturday. Rev. Burden of the Baptist church, conducted the funeral service. ============================================================================= THE WAPANUCKA PRESS, 16 FEBRUARY 1905 A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sim Ervin Monday. Dr. H. B. Gray who has been indisposed for several days is not some better. Marshal Walter Duckett send the Press to his father, J. W. Duckett, Denison, Texas. C. W. Plummer, the prominent planter of near Olney, was in the city Sunday. Prof. C. C. Beene as one of the prominent citizens of Boggy Depot, in the city Friday on business. Lee Hogg, the prominent cattleman and farmer of near Ego, was transacting business in the city Saturday. Mr. W. S. Johnson is still feeble and unable to be up but a little. She has been sick now off and on for the past two months. G. W. Johnson who was seriously hurt in a runaway just before Christmas, has recovered sufficiently to be able to walk around again. His many friends are glad to know that he is getting well. J. R. Hensley, the prominent merchant of Kittie, was transacting business in the city Thursday. Mr. Hensley is establishing a good business at Kittie, which is surrounded by one of the finest farming communities in the Wapanucka section. A .T. Cassey and family of Viola came in Sunday evening from Lebanan where they had been to visit Mrs. Alfrod, Mr. Cassey’s daughter. Returning Saturday evening they were caught in a blizzard and had to stop at Milburn where they remained, and came up on the Sunday evening passenger leaving the team there. Mr. Cassey returned to Milburn Monday and came back after the family at Wapanucka. Jim Jones for a long time in the employ of the Course Livery Stables, is dangerously ill with pneumonia. Mr. Jones has no relatives here but his kind friends are giving him good attention. Dr. Eugene Hancock of Arkansas was here this week on his way to Cope where he will locate. Miss Kate Von Keller, of Coalgate is the charming guest of Mrs. G, L. Edge with week. J. R. Jones and J. O. Richardson, two prominent citizens of Wynnewood, were here Saturday. Mr. Jones was visiting his mother, Mrs. R. T. Jones and his brothers and sisters. While in the city Mr. Jones gave the Press a pleasant call. O. L. Talley, who lived in Wapanucka for the past year and who was manager of the Wapanucka Telephone Exchange Co., which was sold sometime ago to the Pioneer Telephone Co., departed Saturday for Porter, I. T., where he goes to visit a while with his parents. After staying a home a few days Mr. Talley will commence work with the telephone company which he sold out to, but he does not yet know where they will send him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISS STATLER ENTERTAINS At the Statler hall Tuesday evening Miss Clay Statler entertained a number of her friends to a Valentine party, which was the most enjoyable social affair of this winter’s entertainments. Those present were: Misses Smith, Walton, I. Crews, Kate Crews, Hall Hubeerger, Hancock, Heflin, Miss Von Keller of Coalgate; Messers Williams, Hancock, Read, Creekmore, Dr. Sadler, Musgraves, Morton, O’Neal, Huberger, Walton, Thomas, Butz of Byrne, Dr. and Mrs. Loomis. After a novel introduction of the guests to old Mr. and Mrs. St. Valentine, who were honored most highly by all, Mr. Ruben Anderson, assisted by Miss Smith and A. Musgraves, furnished music for those that enjoyed dancing, while others were entertained at cards and other games that were appropriate for the evening. At 11 o’clock delicious refreshments were served by Mrs. Statler assisted by Mrs. E. O. Loomis, after which dancing was resumed. Just before departing the guests were treated to vocal and instrumental music by Miss Von Keller, such as we rarely have an opportunity to enjoy. At 12:00 o’clock the guests departed, with a pleasant memory of their charming hostess, and the most delightful evening they had enjoyed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIVED INT THREE CENTURIES Vinita: Jemima Poorbear, colored, is dead at her home in Fort Gibson. She was 110 years old and has lived in three centuries. She came from Tennessee to Indian Territory with the Cherokees and has lived around Fort Gibson for many years. ============================================================================= OCONEE NEWS Oconee, February 14 Arthur Whiteside killed 27 quails one day last week at six shots. Ganes, Greene and Bill Gilliand have been adding some improvements to their dwelling of which they are very proud. Buck Blanchet has returned from Tennessee, where he has been visiting for sometime. He says the Indian Territory beats his old state for a poor man. Messers Young and Dulton, two young farmers of Izzard County, Arkansas, have located near here on the Buckholts place. They appear to be fine people and we welcome them to our community. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lee a few days ago. J. D. Aikin, a former railroad man, is farming 100 acres of the fine Dunn place hear here. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM EGO Ego, February 15 Mr. Allen Davis who is attending a business college at Whiteright is at home on a visit. Miss Bessie Davis has been on the sick list, but is reported much better. Master Houston Dumas stuck a nail in his finger a few days ago, and is suffering a great deal from the wound. Tom Drain of Boggy spent a short time on our town one day this week. Mr. Elbert Jones of Wapanucka was out on a visit last Sunday. Mr. Tom Hoover has been laid up with Lagrippe, but is able to be at his post again. Mr. Bob Allan who had the misfortune to break his leg, is getting along splendidly. The bones are knitting together as rapidly as could be expected. An informal dance was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nabors Friday night. Mr. D. S. Moran returned last week from a trip to Atoka. The wedding bells are to ring for Miss Eunice Lafler and Mr. Hurst Buchanan on Wednesday, so Madam Rumer says. James Pharis of Hunton spent Saturday and Sunday with friends here. Mr. Tully Jones of Wapanucka spent Thursday in Ego. Some of Mr. Will Brysears’ children are quite ill at the present writing. Rev. Tom Moore says he has lived in this B.I.T. a long time, has seen many severe spells of weather, but this caps the climax. He says his wife sat a jar of sweet milk by the fire one of those cold nights. The next morning the milk nearest the fire was clabbered, while that away from the fire was frozen solid. ============================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 23 February 1905 COURT SENSATION Refused to sit on Jury with Negro And Is Sent To Jail The February term of district court convened at Durant Monday morning, Judge Humphry presiding. For the first time in the history of the Federal Courts of Indian Territory a white man refused to be sworn in and sit on the grand jury with a negro. Edgel Davis a prominent citizen and cattleman of Nida, refused to serve as a juror for the reason that he had conscientious scruples against associating with negros and flatly refused to take the oath, stating to the court that he was ready and willing to pay the penalty for refusal. The court then ordered that Davis be placed in jail. While in jail Davis states to correspondent; “I do not know what Judge Humphry, will do but I am ready to pay my fine got to jail or even to the penitentiary, before I will equalize myself with a negro juryman.” Mr. Davis is a nephew of Mrs. H. M. Pyle of Wapanucka and is one of the most prominent cattlemen in this section of the Indian Territory. NARROW ESCAPE While crossing Delaware near Viola, Monday evening, Mrs. B. B. Underwood of Coatsworth narrowly escaped being drowned. The stream had rose as a result of melting ice and in crossing the team she was driving could not combat the high waters and floated down the stream. She fell out of the buggy and swam out. Mr. Edrington, living near came to her assistance and rescued the team. ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING FATAL Anadarko: William Bartels, 15 years old, accidentally shot himself while hunting near Apache and died here as a result of his injuries. His rifle was discharged while he was attempting to climb through a wire fence. LOCALS A. R. Fields was over Ego Saturday. A fine boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. L. Fountain Monday morning. Mrs. T. E. Goff and Mr. Goff, of Kittie, were in the city Tuesday. E. R. Johnson, a prominent farmer of near Ego, was in town Tuesday. W. F. Parker, one of the leading farmers of Wells Valley, was in the city Saturday. J. G. Attaway came in from Cameron last week and is visiting relatives at home. T. F. Owens of near Ego was a prominent farmer in the city Tuesday. J. M. Taylor, one of the well known farmers of the Viola community, was attending to business in town Tuesday. A B. Hughes, a prominent planter of near Belton, was here Monday and Tuesday, the guest of S. L. Taylor. Tom Sissom was over from Ego Saturday. R. B. Davidson and Theo Von Keller of Coalgate were in the city Thursday. Tom Duke has moved back to town and is now driving the livery wagon for Riley Bros. Climer Williams, Jim Jones, Abe Wolverton, W. T. Caple and Mr. Tittsworth left Monday for a ten days trip to Moneray, Mexico, going by the way of colonial excursion. Card of Thanks – I wish to thank those who have been so kind to me during my recent illness. My father and mother as well as myself certainly appreciate your kindness. Yours thankfully, Eldora Pearigen T. A. Rutherford, the prosperous farmer of near Viola, was transacting business in the city Tuesday. Col. J. F. Shipley and Capt. Drain, both prominent citizens of Boggy Depot, were in the city Monday, Col. Shipley came over to attend the Republican rally. J. R. Carthright, the prosperous farmer of Ashflat was in town Friday. Mr. Cartright is another one of those solid East Tennesseans who knows how to farm at a profit. J. W. Wells, a prominent farmer living near Olney, was here Tuesday selling some fine butter of his own production to the T. A. Creighton Mercantile Co., and was buying supplies from the same enterprising store. A C. Pyle and wife of Louisiana, were here Sunday visiting Prof. H. M. Pyle and family. Mr. Pyle was at one time in the barber business in Wapanucka. W. A. Snellgrove, that substantial farmer of near Ego, was transacting business in town Tuesday. Mr. Snellgrove was selling fine home made butter and lard to our people. W. J. Bond has sold his place to R. H. Pickens. Mrs. W. S. Johnson is visiting her mother at Sherman, Texas, this week. P. K. Wall of Belton was looking after business matters in the city yesterday. Carl Conrad of South McAlester, is here this week visiting his sister, Mrs. W. J. Bond. Miss Myra Lee who has been visiting in Oklahoma, returned home yesterday. J. E, Anderson, the well known substantial farmer living near Hunton, was transacting business in the city yesterday. Mr. Anderson sends The Press to his sister Mrs. Armina Brown, Commerce, Texas. IN THE MAYOR’S COURT City Marshal Johnson did a lively business last Saturday and as a result the treasury has been somewhat replenished. Wesley Billis went against booze and had to fork over $8.65 townsight money for drunkardness. Gip Colbert who also went up against booze and who rode his horse upon the sidewalk is wanted by the city marshal. It will cost him several dollars for his fun when arrested. Lawrence Musgrave was arrested by the city marshal and carried before his honor on a charge of using obscene language on the public streets. He was fined $8.65. AN ENGINEER CREMATED Vinita: News has been received here that the powerhouse of the Cherokee Oil and Gas Company at Chelsea was totally destroyed by fire. John Manifee the company’s engineer. When the fire alarm was sounded Manifee answered the call, but failed to leave the burning building, and firemen did not discover that he was still in the engine house until it was too late to rescue him. The company’s tanks were all burned, with a large amount of oil, causing a heavy loss to the owners. ============================================================================= BYRNE PARAGRAPS Byrne, February 21 Ridley & Baine have their grist mill in operation now, so all who like corn bread need not go hungry. Will Hawkins, is preparing to build three dwellings on their lots here at Byrne. They have also put in a band saw in connection with their sawmill. W. B. Wash had the misfortune to lose his house by fire one day last week but has commenced the erection of a better building in its place. T. A Rudd of Owerbrook, has moved into our neighborhood. E. C. Ridley sold ten tons of hay to D. Kennedy yesterday. ============================================================================= HUNTON NOTES Hunton, February 22 Nat Adison, who has been sick for sometime with agrippe, is able to be up again. W. T. Williams of Viola was in Hunton yesterday, A. N. Williams of Salt Springs, has moved to near Hunton. Messers T. J. Howard and Tom Cress were trading in Wapanucka today. ============================================================================= VIOLA ITEMS Viola, February 21 Mr. Joe and Clyde Chapman went to Wapanucka yesterday and report bad roads. Our friend Mr. Edeington was very sick last week but is able to be around again. Dr. J. H Germany who is in school at Chattanooga, Tennessee will be at home April 1st. We have some new neighbors in Viola and surrounding vicinity. Mr. Sheilds, Mr. Rippie, Mr. Musgrave, all appear to be good people. Bro. W. M. Howard was in Viola Saturday. I tried to get him to go with me to the Republican apple eating but he said he did not like them kind of apples. I was sorry that I could not be there. ============================================================================= COPE DOTS Cope, February 28 Z. H. Tate made a business trip to Oil Creek this week. Mrs. Butler of Mill Creek has moved to Cope. T. C. Keller and Reynold brothers made a business trip to Durant last week. They report the roads on Twelve Mile Prairie almost impassable. The Cope literary school opened on the 6th inst. With Miss Moneysmith of Ardmore as teacher and in progressing nicely under her management. Mr. Dickson of Viola is patronizing the Cope school. Hope other Violaite will do likewise. Dr. J. H. Hardy was a business visitor in Viola last Saturday. We are sorry to report the illness of Mrs. Lee. The young people has a social at Mr. and Mrs. Arther Carter’s on last Friday night. All report a nice time. B. F. Hargrove was in Cope trading the first of the week. ============================================================================= OCONEE NEWS Oconee, February 28 A J. Lowe failed to plant any wheat last fall after breaking his land. He willnow plant the land in oats and corn. Mr. Lowe made 30 bales of cotton last year, paid a good price for picking and by selling early he received good prices. Cleveland Howard is here from Tennessee. He will work for A. H. Hathaway. He is a brother to Jeff Howard of Hunton, one of the best farmers in that vicinity. Bob Stratton and Miss Myrtle Hudson were visitors here Friday. Misses Daisie and Bessie Addison and Charles Addison of Hunton were in attendance at the litrary Friday night. VIOLA ITEMS Viola, February 27 Our old friendly J. W. Justis has returned from Oklahoma and was in Viola Saturday. Got enough of Oklahoma and moved backed to God’s country. Mr. Abe Miles of Roff was in Viola yesterday. I hope Mr. Miles will make up his mind to settle down in Viola. We would regret to see the accomplished young man leave our little town. Some drunken man created quite an excitement in Viola last night at about midnight, parading the streets shooting off his Winchester. We think there is a law to protect the peaceful citizens of a country from such would be toughs. Messrs Rippee and Musgraves went to Wapanucka today on business. Our old friend Dr. Hardy, of Cope, was in Viola Saturday. HUNTON NOTES Tom Whizzenant who has been sick for sometime is improving slowly. A Y. Casey killed a big rattle snake last week measuring 4 foot and six inches. Claude Hamilton and family visited relatives at this place Saturday and Sunday. Mr. G. T. Haward of Nixon visited his brother at this place Sunday. Mrs. Will Irvin is the proud mother of a fine boy. Mr. W. W. Shelton is going to Stonewall tomorrow on business. =============================================================================