Johnston Co., OK - News: Wapanucka Press January 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 ***************************************************** WAPANUCKA PRESS, 5 JANUARY 1905 May Recover – G. W. Johnson, who was seriously hurt in a run-away while hauling lumber between Viola and his home in Wells Valley on Christmas eve day, is getting along well, and it is believed now that he will recover. Mr. Johnson’s mules ran-a-way, throwing him out of the wagon, breaking his shoulder and severely brusing him in several other places. Mr. Johnson is 70 years of age but owing to his extremely good health the attending physicians believe he will recover. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COURT IN SESSION Mill of Justice Grinding Awa With Large Docket to Clear The January term of United States Court convened Monday morning at Atoka, Hon. T.C. Humphrey presiding. The Judges charge to the Grand Jury was strong and to the point. FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE GRAND JURORS SERVING: C. J. Rallston, foreman, Canney S. Jones, Lehigh F. M. Jackson, Wapanucka T. M. Brake, Wapanucka W. N. Barker, Wapanucka J. Howell, Wapanucka E. Reynolds, Wesley J. Garsides, Stringtown W. H. McCary, Tupelo J. C. Farhney, Boggy Depot J. R. Perry, Coalgate W. H. Meller, Coalgate S. Norris, Atoka T. H. Washington, Bentley A. W. Whirlock, Phillips FOLLOWING ARE THE PETTIT JURORS SERVING; H. L. Nixon, W. J. Bond, Wapanucka; G. H. Robertson, L. M. Maurer, Boggy Depot; A. J. Harkins, J. E. Taylor, Walace Betts, W. B. Maxwell, J. B. Cobb, H. McHahey, T. J. Taylor, J. M. Baxter, N. C. Tombow, W. J. Dean, J. H. Jones, C. P. Stanford, Jim Bradley, Atoka; A. W. Cole, T. J. Ball, William McAlister, Lehigh; A. A. Rathborn, S. Morgan, C. N. Axley, Coalgate; L. Smallwood, J. H. Hiburn, Oconee; A. Brown, John Self, W. H. Wason, Stringtown; D. Sexton, P. Rush, Wesley; Clarence Leflore, Limeston Gap; C. W. Meek, Ferris. CASE 1169, United States vs Calvin Wilson, charged with the larceny of 4 head of hogsf rom B. F. Rodgers resulted in the acquittal of the accused. This man was a member of the petit jury at the last term of the court and the indictment was retuned against him while he was serving on the jury. The court told the jury that he felt that their verdict was a just one and that it thoroughly agreed with his opinion of the case. L. M. Ralph case was to come up yesterday, and Docks Beachamp’s case is set for today. They are charged with stealing cattle while conducting a butcher shop at Wapanucka three years ago. James Hendrixs charged with disposing, case set for tomorrow. A case against Will Hindrixs and D. B. Askew, larceny, is also set for tomorrow. Two cases against Dixie Williams charged with larceny, is set for Friday the 13th. Also cases against Sherman Wright, larceny, same day. Ben Washington and Bob Show are charged with larceny in same case. Case against William Black, charged with murder is set for Monday January 16th. There are seventeen murder cases set for trial and the indications are that this term of court will be a very busy one. There are 138 criminal cases set for trial besides many more that will come up from thegrand jury. The court will probably be in session six weeks. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- KIMBROUGH – HENEGAR On Christmas morning, at the home of the bride’s parents two and a half miles north ofthe city, Mr. Sam Kimbrough and Miss Gertrude Henegar were joined together in the holy bonds of wedlock, Rev. Bain of Byrne officiating. A number of friends were present who were, after the happy ceremony, escorted to the dinning room where all were served a sumptious dinner. The bride is the beautifully and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Henegar, and the groom is one of the leading young men of our community. The Press extends its congratulations and best wishes to the young people, and expresses the hope that their union will be of happiness and prosperity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jonas Field, a miner employed in Smithton mine No. 2, near South McAlester, was killed instantly last week. The cable broke, allowing the cars to run down a slope, crushing him against a wall. Henry Bunn was acquitted in the district court at Tecumseh of murdering his niece’s husband, Ernest Bucey. The killing occurred last summer in a dispute over crops, Bunn killing Bucey with a shotgun. Judge Burwell, at Oklahoma City, sentenced W. T. Allen, convicted of wife murder, to life imprisonment. The crime was committed July 7, 1903, and the defendant set up a plea of insanity, to which the jury gave little consideration. Guests at a dinner party at the home of J. N. Coulter, near Kellar, at poison in an unknown manner. Several are in serious condition. El Reno has a man named Neil Evans who, on Christmas day, rounded out fifty years asa retail salesman behind the counter. He began at Fort Arbuckle that long ago, and has been in the two territories ever since. Warren Richard Dent, 61 years of age, once a wealthy railroad conductor in Kansas, committed suicide at Enid, and his body was buried by the county. It is supposed that relatives of the dead man live in St. Louis. Bratcher and Soper, the two men charged with killing W. A. Agee, near Jones City, were bound over to the grand jury without bail. The body of W. R. Dunn of Oklahoma City was found in the river near that place last week. He had been missing from home since November 9. It is thought Mr. Dunn met death by foul play, as there was a wound on the head of his body, evidently administered by a heavy instrument. In the pockets of the dead man $10 in money was found. MRS. YOUNGBLOOD IS INSANE Lawton – Kate Youngblood, the Indian Territory desperado whose raids have terrorized the entire Chickasaw nation, has been adjudged to be of unsound mind. She has been sent to the Oklahoma sanitarium. Her home is at Davidson. AN ARMY DESERTER ARRESTED Muskogee – William Baker was arrested at Okeemah and placed in the federal prison here. He is alleged to be a deserter from Company K, Sixth Infantry, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Baker was arrested on a charge of selling whisky, and the officers were subsequently led to believe that he is a deserter from the army. Dr. R. L. Britt, Dentist, office over First National Bank. D. Kennedy visited his mother at Spanish Fort, Texas, last week. Miss M. W. Heflin spent the holiday with her mother at Coalgate. Mrs. Simmons, of Corsicanna, is here visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Ball. Jim Stewart of Hope, Arkansas, has been spending the holidays with his parents, near town. T. T. Knight and wife visited Mrs. Knight’s mother in Collin County, Texas last week. After spending the holiday with her brother, Dr. F. E. Sadler, Miss Sadler returned to her home in Texas Sunday. Willie Hickman, who has been attending college at Sherman, Texas, spent the holidays at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Hickman. Ernest and Fred Taylor, sons of Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Taylor, who are attending Durant College, spend the holidays at home. Here are two exceedingly bright boys who are making rapid stride in their college work. W. T. Moore has moved from north of town to Byrne. Walter Williams wears a smile that “Just won’t come off.” It’s a girl. T. H. Williams of Marietta, was here last week visiting his parents Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Williams. Price Statler of Jesse was in the city Tuesday night, visiting his brother, Byrne Statler. Mr. Patten, a brother to our townsman, W. W. Patten, is here from California. V. W. Boytt and family of Pauls Valley, were here last week, visiting Mrs. Boytt’s brothers and parents. Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Agnew have come back to their home at Wapanucka from Oconee where Mr. Agnew has been engaged during the past six months in building a house. E. H. Hudson has moved to a new community 12 miles northeast of town near Lehigh. Hr. Hudson and Mr. Hallipay are splendid citizens and our people regret losing them. Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Renegar spent the holidays with Albert, the doctor’s brother in the Eastern part of the Choctaw Nation. They killed a deer while there and report having an exceedingly nice time. S. N. Sparks, the well known farmer of the Kittie neighborhood, has moved to the Dunn place two miles north of Wapanucka. His many friends here are glad to have him moved to the community. R. C. Tate and wife left this week for Norman, O. T., where they go to reside in future. They have many friends in and around Wapanucka who wish them well at their new home but who are sorry to have them leave here. Miss Ela Nixon leaves soon to take a commercial course in a school at Whiteright, Texas. Miss Clay Statler will hold Miss Ela’s place in the ladies dry goods department in the Statler & Herndon store. Dave Flood of Durant, will be at Wapanucka next Monday January 9, to buy mules and horses. Farmers having good mules and horses to put on the market should bring them in and give Mr. Flood a whack at them. Burr Wells, the big land owner of Wells Valley, was in the city Monday. Mr. Wells says the farmers on his places are beginning work for the new crop. Mr. Wells has one of the finest farms that ever a crow flew over, and at every opportunity he is improving it andmaking it better. Walter Skeen, who is attending commercial college at Chillacothe, Missouri, spent the holidays a home. Walter is a splendid young man, possessing those modest gentlemanly traits of character that go into the making of the best men. He expects to complete the course during this year after which he will be ready to combat with the world. Jerry and Dick, two sons of Col. R. McLish of Viola, left Saturday, after spending the holidays at home, to resume study in the commercial college at Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry has been in the college during the fall session and has made fine progress with the work. Dick goes to enter upon the work for his first time. Jerry and Dick are two of the brightest young men of the Wapanucka country, with promising futures before them. Claud O’Neal, who was accidentally shot on the night of Christmas Eve, is slowly but steadily improving. Jeff Woods of Wapanucka and Miss Pearl Spencer, were married Christmas Day. We extend congratulations and best wishes. A large crowd was present at the box supper given at the schoolhouse last Friday night. Miss Willie Underwood won the cake as the prettiest girl and Charles Thomas elected the ugliest boy over Andy White. The amount derived from sale of boxes and cake was $51.00 which will be used to buy seats for the schoolhouse. Bud Carnes left Sunday for Butler, O. T. S. S. Williams has built an addition to his barn. Mrs. N. E. White visited her parents at Wide Springs during the holidays. ============================================================================= WAPANUCKA PRESS, 12 JANUARY 1905 NEWS OF THE COURT Mill of Justice Continues to Make Recruits for The Rock-pile Atoka, I. T. January 11 (Special To The Wapanucka Press) The entire time in the District court Thursday was consumed by the Rube and Alex Neal case. The defendants in this case were charged with the murder of Raymond Perduenear Stringtown on the 14th day of February, 1902. When court convened in the morning this was the first case called and the defendants filed a motion for a continuance which was over ruled by the court after which they announced that the defendants would take a severance and that Alex Neal would go to trail. About seventy five jurors were examined before the jury was secured. Statements of the case were then made to the jury by Hon. Frank Lee for the prosecution and Col. W. L. Richards for the defendant. John C. Scott, the first witness testified that he was with the deceased at the time of the killing; that he and the deceased and a man by the name of Norwood were attempting to fence some land and defendants objected to same being done; that he did not expect any trouble when he went there, but that he did have his Winchester with him; that Perdue also had his Winchester. It seems that the entire affair wound up in a shooting bee and the government proceeded to try to show that the defendants opened the ball and that the shooting done by the prosecuting witness was in self defense. The government was represented by Hon. J. H. Wilkins, Frank Lee, R. L. Williams and J. C. Campbell, while the defense was represented by J. G. Ralls and Col. W. L. Richards ofWapanucka. The dying declaration of Raymond Perdue the murdered man was that Alex Neal killed him. The defendant claims that he did not do the killing, but that his brother did the shooting while he was present. The jury in this case failed to agree on a verdict and was discharged. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Friday Mr. Bedford of Phillips was fined $70 for carrying a weapon. The fine was paid and defendant allowed to go his way rejoicing. The grand jury finished its work Thursday and adjourned. This body returned 36 bills. Saturday Jesse Reed was tried and found guilty in three cases, one for assault and two forselling whiskey. Lee Stewart was on Monday tried and found guilty of Manufacturing Choctaw beer. The trial of Rube Neal, a brother to the negro, Alex Neal, for murder in the same case, is now up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The case of Charles McMillian brought to trial Monday. The defendant with some three others was indicted February, 1902, for the larceny of several head of cattle at Wapanucka. It seems that one L. M. Ralph run a butcher shop in Wapanucka and that McMillian worked for him. About two years ago all the defendants were arrested and after their arrest some fifteen hides were found in the creek near the slaughter pin ofRalph. These hides were all tied up in sacks with rocks in them and sunk in the bottom of the creek. The defense is that if the cattle were stolen the defendant had nothing to do with it and did not know it; that he was merely hired to help one Dock Beachamp drive in the cattle that he bought, and if these cattle were stolen the defendant knew nothing of it. The jury in this case, returned a verdict of not guilty. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR. BRITT MARRIES Wednesday evening, January 4th, at Atoka, Dr. R. L. Britt of our city and Miss Blanche Vogt, a charming young lady of Montgomery City, Missouri, were quietly joined together in wedlock, at the home of Rev. Davis, of the Methodist Church, who performed the happy ceremony that made the two man and wife. The marriage was quiet, on one being present to witness the ceremony except the family of Rev. Davis. The bride and groom met at Atoka by appointment, she having come from her home at Montgomery City. The Press joins the many friends of the Doctor here and elsewhere in congratulating him on his fortune in winning the hand and heart of such a fair young lady. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FARMERS CHARGED WITH DYNAMITING Ardmore: At Mannsville, United States Marshals placed J. M. and Artie Pendergrass and Lem Cheeves, farmers, under arrest, charged with attempting to wreck the First National Bank of Mannsville with Dynamite one night recently, The safe of the bank was blown open but the main door of the vault resisted the force of the explosion. A large amount of currency was mutilated. The robbers secured only $70 in the drawer of the small safe. DIED IN A CHAIR Vinita: Robert Williams, who resided in this place, died while sitting in a chair in the office of Webb Bros. An autopsy was held by Dr. Craig, Dr. Amundson and Dr. Wimer, who decided that Williams came to his death by acute pancreatitis. He had been a resident of Vinita for a number of years. So far as is known Williams had no relatives in this country. WAPANUCKA’S HOTEL BURNED Wapanucka: The Square Hotel on Choctaw Avenue, owned by Mrs. M. P. Robinson, was destroyed by fire. Loss about $1,500; insurance $1,000. It is supposed that a defective flue was the cause. Miss Lizzie Jackson of Viola is teaching a music class at Hugo. Dr. J. F. Renegar was thrown from a horse Monday morning and bruised severely on the arm. Mrs. W. M. Freeman of Pauls Valley is here this week visiting the bedside of her sick mother, Mrs. A. M. Williams. F. K. and H. R. Allen, two of the leading and prosperous farmers of the Ego community, have moved to near Oconee. T. C. Wallace who has been visiting his aged parents in Scotland for the past three months, returned home yesterday. His friends are glad to see him back among them again. W. M. Beck, one of the leading farmers of Hunton community, has moved to the Reagan farm near Wapanucka. Mr. Beck is a good farmer and a splendid citizen who the people of Wapanuck and community are glad to welcome in their midst. Miss Cora Skeen accompanied her brother, Walter, to Chillicothe, Missouri, last week, where she is also attending college. Judge Skeen received a letter yesterday from her in which she states that her and Walter arrived there safely and that they are getting along nicely. J. H. Hamesley, one of the influential farmers of the Wapanucka country who has been living near Hunton, has moved near Wapanucka. The people of Wapanucka and country welcome Mr. Hamesley and family to their midst. Such good people are always given the glad hand here. R. E. Wade and wife and Mrs. Burns returned from Iowa Thursday where they have been visiting for several weeks. J. M. Burns of Charles City, Iowa, came down with them to bask in the warm rays of the Indian Territory sunshine for a few days. Cly Wood and wife of Van Buren, Arkansas, were here this week, visiting Mrs. Wood’s mother, Mrs. W. N. Barker. W. B. Nash of Byrne retuned last week from a trip to Georgia where he spent the holidays at his old home. Claud O’Neal who was accidentally shot near Byrne on Christmas eve night, has recovered sufficiently to be brought home. Lon Sammons, who has been living at Corsicana, Texas, for the past three months, has returned to Wapanucka. Mrs. W. L. Richards and Miss Kate Wright, who have been visiting relatives at Las Esperanzas, in the Republic of Mexico for several months, returned home Monday. P. K. Wall and family, who have been living in town during the fall and winter, moved back to their country home at Belton this week to look after their farm. G. M. Stobaugh of Copeland was in town Friday. He is one of the best farmers of this section, and in one of those few who are demonstrating the fact that this country can raise something else besides cotton and mortgages. Last year he tried a small crop of onions and so successful were it he will try a larger crop this year. He will also plant potatoes and other crops and let the other fellow plant most of the cotton. Tillman Thornton, a Texas boy from between the plow handles, entered upon work in the Press office the first year to learn the trade, Mr. Thornton possesses the good characteristics, the stickability and forceful elements that is usually found in the men who have made success. He is making unusually fine progress in the work and will not be very long mastering the trade. W. R. Attaway has built new houses and opened up a nice little farm four miles west of town. Mr. Attaway is one of the few white non citizens of the Indian Territory living under his own vine and fig tree, for he owns this place and will soon make an ideal little home of it. Mr. Attaway will devote his attention this year to potatoes and crops of that sort and will let cotton come up for last consideration. Last year Mr. Attaway had a large wheat and cotton crop. He received up-ward of 10 cents for most of the cotton but when the books began to tally up he found that the wheat beat the cotton as a money maker. Mrs. A. B. Davis has rented the Dr. M. P. Skeen building on Main Street which will be converted into a hotel. This is a splendid location and will make quite a nice hotel. W. M. Dunn, the Wapanucka cattle king, has his hands gathering up cattle in this section this week. ============================================================================= VIOLA - JANUARY 10 C. E. Chapman and Miss Fannie Matlock were married December 25. Uncle Bud Small got pretty badly hurt last week by machinery falling on him and throwing his shoulder out of place. He is now getting along very well. Young Mr. Monk who lives on the Miles place was accidentally shot Saturday evening but is not fatally hurt. Mr. Forbas Adabo of the Coatsworth community died Sunday evening from pneumonia. He was a good citizen. Messers Mart Voyles and Langford have moved to Hunton. G. N. Matlock has moved to the Choctaw Nation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- WAPANUCKA PRESS, 19 JANUARY 1905 COURT HOUSE NEWS Work of Making Recruits For The Pen Goes Steadily On Atoka – January 18 – The case of Rube Neal, charged with murder, was concluded Thursday. The jury returned a verdict for manslaughter. After this case was disposed of the cases of Will Folsom, D. B. Askew and Will Hendrix, larceny, were continued. Cases against nine Indian citizens charged with murdering a white man near Atoka continued. Henry Crowell case, adultery, transferred to South McAlester. L. M. Ralph, Dock Beachamp and Charles Ward, larceny, continued. Several pleas of guilty were entered by defendants in beer cases and the court sentenced them to jail or to do duty on the rock pile. Case of James Hendrix, selling whiskey was brought trial. This resulted in a mistrial. On same day several whiskey cases were disposed of, convictions obtained and sentences passed upon by his honor. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVICTED FOR MURDER William Black Gets Life In Penitentiary For The Killing of Ausbrooks. Atoka – January 18 – The case of William Black charged with the murder of John Ausbrooks near Wapanucka, on June 13th last was brought to trial Monday morning and concluded Tuesday evening. The jury, after being out all night, returned a verdict yesterday of guilty of murder without capital punishment. It took near all the morning session of the court to get a jury in this case. The following is a list of the jurors who served upon the case and passed upon the life liberty of defendant: A. W. Cole, T. J. Ball, J. E. Taylor, W. B. Maxwell, Dixon Sextib, J. B. Cobb, Calvin Allison, T. J. Taylor, J. M. Baxter, N. A. Turnbow, W. H. Wasson and K. T. Parker. The defendant claimed that the killing was in the necessary defense of his life, or to keep himself from receiving great bodily injury at the hand of deceased. William Black was the son-in-law of deceased and they had had some little trouble before the day of killing and Ausbrooks had run him away from the place. It seems that they succeeded in fixing this matter up and defendant together with his wife, daughter of deceased, were living in the house of deceased at the time of killing. C. W. Howell the first witness called in the case testified about as follows: That he was acquainted with both the deceased and defendant; that they lived about 2 1/2 miles southeast of town of Wapanucka; that he lived about 1/2 mile from the home of the parties; that he had never heard of them having trouble before the day of the killing. On that day he was at home and heard the shooting. He at once went to the scene of the homicide and found Ausbrooks dead. The defendant was not there at that time and he did not see him that day. Had seen neither of the parties for some days before the killing; that he helped to dress the body of the deceased and examined the wounds. He thought the shot used must have been about number four squirrel shot. He attempted to count them and counted something over one hundred when he was bothered by some one and quit. He said that the shot all took effect in the breast of deceased and would probably be over a space of from 20 to 24 inches; that the one shot were very thick from the neck to the pit of stomach. On cross examination he testified that he saw butcher knife lying about four or five feet from deceased at the time he reached the scene of killing. The defendant claimed that Ausbrook was after him with this knife; that he was trying to get away and saw he would not, so turned and fired. After the testimony had been presented and the attorneys had addressed the jury, Judge Humphrey gave his instructions as to the law, covering every point. The jury in the case returned a verdict Tuesday noon, finding the defendant William Black guilty of murder, with recommendation of life imprisonment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAULK – ATTAWAY The marriage of A. A. Faulk to Miss Buna Attaway, both of this city, occurred at 10:30 Sunday morning, at the home of the bride’s uncle, J. C. Watkins, at Dallas, Texas, Rev. E. Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that city, performing the ceremony that joined the two hearts together making them man and wife. Soon after the marriage the bridal couple left for Wapanucka, arriving here at 12 o’clock Monday. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. W. H. Attaway and a sister to B. F. and J. G. Attaway. She is possessed with those charming traits of character and modestly that has endeared her to a large circle of friends here and elsewhere. Mr. Faulk is one of the best known mean in this section, he having been for the past several years prominently connected with the Wapanucka Trading Co. He is one of the most popular men of our city and section, and his sterling integrity and magnetic worth have made for him a large host of friend everywhere. Mr. and Mrs. Faulk are now living at their beautiful residence on Main Street. The Press joins the many friends of the couple in wishing for them a long, happy and prosperous life together. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BURNED IN A BUILDING John D. Horner, a Druggist at Caney, Perished in Flames. Caney – John G. Horner, who had bee in the drug business in this town for two years, was burned to death in a fire which destroyed his store building, the Wiler Hotel and Smith’s blacksmith shop. Horner was sixty-five years of age. Before the fire was discovered it had gained such headway that it was impossible to enter the Horner store. The body of the proprietor of the place was found later. Mr. Horner was a native of Virginia, and had been in the drug business in Dallas, Waco, Marlin and Merkel, Texas. At one time he was an express messenger on the Texas & Pacific Railroad from Marshall to El Paso. A son of the dead man, Jack Horner, of Henderson, Texas has been notified of the death of his father. A married daughter of Horner lives at Marlin, Texas. It is not known whether the fire was of incendiary origin or not. The hotel which was destroyed was insured for $500; contents, $300. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marshall Ben Colbert of the Southern district will be one of the Rough Rider bodyguards at the Teddy inauguration and bronco bustin’ performance on March 4. Ben, as it will be remembered, held horses for Teddy when the San Juan stunts was palmed off upon a innocent and unsuspecting people as a battle. T. T. Knight is still sick. Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Copeland visited relative at Coalgate Sunday. J. K. Dixon left Friday for Artesia, New Mexico, where he will reside in the future. E. L. Goby of Texas has moved to the Warcester place north of town where he isopening a lease. Miss Georgia McSpadden, of Wichita Falls, Texas, is the charming guest of her sister, Mrs. C. L. Witte. W. J. Bond and H. L. Nixon, who are serving on the jury at Atoka, spent Sunday withhome folks. H. D. Roberson and mother, of Denton, Texas, were here this week visiting his sister and her daughter, Mrs. James B, Farris. E. R. Johnson, one of the prominent and substantial farmers of the Ego community, was attending to business in the city Saturday. Rev. H. P. Hook and son C. E. Hook, were down from McComb, O.T., this week, visiting relative and friends. They are well pleased with their new home. R. M. Emerson, that prince of good fellows who used to live out near Cope, was extending the glad hand to friends in the city Friday. He is now living near Kittie on one of the finest farms that ever a crow flew over. L. C. Clevenger was over from Roena Monday. H. W. Watson made business trip to Oconee Monday. Mr. Goff, the Western Union operator, is sick. W. L. Bell and Jim Staples have bought the restaurant and confectionery business of J. F. Rodgers on Main Street. We understand that Mr. Rodgers will open a blacksmith shop here. W. T. Cameron, mail carrier from Hunton to Wapanucka, who has been visiting in Texas for the past two months, returned home Friday. He was taken sick while down there which marred the pleasure of his trip. Mrs. E. F. Watts who formerly lived in the Byrne community northwest of town, is now living at Tecumseh, O.T. Mrs. Watts will be greatly missed by her neighbors. T. C. Wallace, who has just returned from Scotland where he visited his parents, has many words of praise for the old country. He says that time has wrough many changes during the 26 years of his absence and that the country is well improved and the people appear to be getting along well. They have their problems there just as we do in America, but paupers are never seen. Though wages are low money appears to be plentiful and everybody getting along well. Though the weather was very cold and disagreeable his health greatly improved and his trip afforded him great pleasure and profit. B. F. Rice and wife are both reported as being very sick. The baby of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Lewis died Tuesday morning. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOUND DEAD IN BED Wife of a Lawton Bank President Expires Unexpectedly Lawton – Mrs. E. S. Warner, wife of the president of the Citizens’ Bank of Lawton and president of the Iowa Land and Trust Company of Muskogee, was found dead in her bed at her home here. She died of heart failure. Mrs. Warner was a member of the Priscilla Club, which gave a party the evening before her death. At the conclusion of the entertainment Mrs. Warner left for her home, apparently in her usual health. Her husband was away from home, and a little son of Mrs. Warner, who slept with his mother, twice attempted to arouse her, and finally called in the neighbors. The Warners formerly lived at Davenport, Iowa. ============================================================================= FROM EGO Ego – January 17, 1905 Van Moran is building a fine barn. Sid King is building a new residence to be occupied by Mr. Neely. Charlie Cunningham and family have moved to Durant. Frances Jones has completed a new residence on his place for Mr. Barton. Levi Young has come here from Arkansas to locate. Miss Bessie Davis has returned from her visit to Whitewright, Texas. Clarence Colbert was a guest of Sid King one day last week. Mrs. Lon Sammons spent last week with her husband’s parents near here. Joe Scissom is recovering from the severe injury received by a fall from a horse lastweek. Will Brysheres was called last week to the bedside of his sister who resides at Nixon. C. C. Bean of Boggy came over on business this week. Claud Nobles attended court at Atoka this week. Tom Scissom has just returned from a trip to Atoka. Mrs. Jim Morgan is a home again after several days visit to her sister Mrs. Turner, at Cornnerville. ============================================================================= NEWS FROM VIOLA Viola – January 16 Bro. C. E. Hook was in Viola Saturday evening from Oklahoma. All were glad to see him. C. E. Chapman and wife were visiting in Hunton Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Monk, who got shot last week, is improving. ============================================================================= WAPANUCKA PRESS, 26 JANUARY 1905 COURT HOUSE NEWS Three Murder Cases Tried Result in Three Convictions Atoka – January 25 – The mill of justice continues to grind. After the criminal docket is finished, the civil docket will be taken up which will require about two weeks to complete. Last week was one of the busiest in the District Court here for some time. There were three hard contested murder cases tried during the week which resulted in three convictions. The case taken up on Monday morning was William Black charged with the murder of John Ausbrooks near Wapanucka, I. T. This case resulted in verdict of guilty without capital punishment. The next case was Walter Laster charged with the murder of James Spence a brakeman on the C O & G near Barnett, I. T. Verdict of manslaughter. The last case taken up during the week was called Friday afternoon, U. S. vs Verner Brown charged with the murder of Jessie Walkeerson near Caney Switch, I. T. Jessie Wilkerson the deceased was the step brother of defendant. They were both very small boys at the time of the homicide, neither of them at the time being 15 years of age. The mother of the defendant broke down when the verdict of the jury was read and had to be carried from the court room. The criminal docket at this term of the court will be finished January 26. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MICHELL – HENEGAR Last Friday evening, at the Methodist parsonage, W. K. Michell of Ladonia, Texas and Miss Pearl Henegar, of Wapanucka, were quietly married, Rev. W. C. Clark, pastor of the Methodist Church, performing the ceremony, The bride is the beautiful daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Henegar and is an accomplished young lady, of kind disposition and lovely character. The groom is a splendid young man who holds a responsible position as salesman in a dry goods store of his home town. Immediately after the marriage Mr. and Mrs. Michell left for Ladonia where they will live. The Press joins the many friends of the happy couple in extending to them its best wishes, and hopes that their union will be blessed with happiness and prosperity through life’s journey. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FARM HOUSE BURN House and Contents East of Town Destroyed by Fire The dwelling house occupied by W. S. Berry, three miles east of town, was consumed by fire Tuesday. Most all the household goods belonging to the occupant were burned with the house, The cause of the fire is unknown. Mr. Berry, the renter of the place, had recently moved to the community. People here who know him say he is a good man. His loss in household goods is not known but supposed to be heavy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miss Lillia O’Neal is visiting in Hailyville this week. A boy born to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dudley Monday. J. E. Walkup was down this week from South McAlester. Marshall Johnson went out with his shot gun Monday evening and fetched in two big gobblers. Eli Roberts is hob-nobing with the big guns of the trade in the Hardware Dealers Convention at Dallas this week. Billie Johnson who lives over in Wells Valley brought in two fine gobblers he killed Friday evening. Turkeys are said to be plentiful in the river bottoms and on the mountain ridges this year. J. B. Enfield will leave Saturday for New Mexico where he will locate. Col. W. L. Richards attended to legal business at Muskogee Saturday. Capt. J. E. Plumer of near Olney was in the city Tuesday. J. R. Henelsy, the merchant prince of Kittie, was attending to business in town Saturday. Mrs. D. Kennedy is visiting the bedside of her sick mother at Namon, O.T. Mr. Holliday who use to live on the Howell place west of town but now living near Lehigh, was in Wapanucka last Friday. Miss Audra Little, who lives with Mr. and Mrs. D. Kennedy, is attending school at Tecumseh, O.T. E. F. Kitchens, with the enterprising mercantile firm of Hensley & White at Kittie, was attending to business in town Friday. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Staples Friday. A fine baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Pound of Ashflat Friday last. C. D. Price, one of the leading farmers of the Ego community was attending to businessin the city Saturday, J. F. Fowler who lives out on the Mosley place west of town, was selling some very fine sweet potatoes and turnips in town Monday. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Carnaban, who moved from here to Kenewick, Washington, about a year ago, receive letters from them occasionally which state that they are doing well and like the country first-rate. Mr. Carnaban is in the blacksmith business and has all the work he can do at much higher prices than that paid here for similar work. Their many friends in Wapanucka will be glad to know that they are doing well. A Damage Suit to the Supreme Court – Ardmore – J. L. Arnett, who was injured while in the employ of the Frisco at Sapulpa, and who secured judgment in the lower court for $21,000, which was reversed by the court of appeals, states that the case will be taken to the supreme court. ============================================================================= FROM EGO Ego – January 25 Mr. Will Brysears returned Saturday from Durant, where he was called to the bed side of his father, who was dangerously ill. Mr. Bryshears left his father much improved. Mr. J. M. Blackburn of Nida paid our town a call Monday. Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Sanders, also Misses Mary and Dasie Morgan, were pleasant callers at the school during the week. Miss Bessie Davis spent Friday and Saturday with Miss Emma Bright. Master Emmit Moran has been quite will but is better now. Mr. and Mrs. King have returned from their trip to Lehigh. Columbus Rose and son, Otto of near Lehigh were among the weeks visitors. Messers Joe and Bill Simms with their mother have moved to Stonewall. A Surprise party was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Jake Massy Friday night. Music and dancing was indulged in. All expressed themselves as having spent a delightful evening. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dixon are the happy parents of a fine baby boy. Mr. Dixon says no man who has two such fine sons as he will ever have to work in his old age. Miss Florence Cunningham as gone to Manville to join her mother who is visiting her son at that place. ============================================================================= OCONEE NEWS Oconee, January 24 Mrs. Leonard Hilburn and S. H. Hilburn are both sick. Dr. Enfield will move to Kittie in a few days. J. B. Enfield was up from Wapanucka a few days ago, visiting his brother. Oscar Wood and wife and Grandpa Allen, of Hunton, were here Sunday the guests of H. R. Allen. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNTON NOTES Mr. Roy Kindred our merchant and postmaster made a trip to Wapanucka today. Mr. G. C. Howard of Trenton, Tennessee, is the guest of his brother. ============================================================================= WAPANUCKA PRESS, 2 FEBRUARY 1905 OFF TO THE PEN Judge Humphry Pass Sentence Upon Prisoners – Black Gets Life Sentence SPECIAL TO THE PRESS Atoka, January 31 – The criminal docket for the January term of the United States Courtat this place was finished Thursday, and Judge Thomas C. Humphry passed sentence upon the convicted prisoners as follows: Robert Boyle, aggravated assault, fined fifty dollars; W. T. Bedford, carrying weapon, fined seventy dollars; Roberts Hobbs, petty larceny, fined $25.; Archie Brown, aggravated assault, fined $50. James Young, disposing, Dick McCurry, disposing, ninety days and ten dollars each. Fred Jones, disposing, Lee Stewart, Mfg., Lewis Williams, introducing, Dock Turpin, disposing, six months and ten dollars each. Charles Mathers, larceny; fifteen months; Thomas Clark, burglary, two years intraining school; Charles Field, disposing, one year and one day; Thomas Slator, larceny, six years; Jesse Reed, disposing, three years; J. S. Lawson, fifteen months, Sam Nathan, disposing, one year one day, fine $10.; Robert Mathis, introducing and selling, two years two days; James Easton, larceny, 2 years; Florence Green, introducing, one year and one day. Vernor Brown, manslaughter, three years in Missouri Training school; Walter Laster, manslaughter, 10 years; Ruben Neal, manslaughter, 10 years; William Black, murder, life at hard labor. There were thirteen sentenced for petit crimes, such as manufacturing beer, which are not included in the list. Judge Humphry made a record Wednesday last week in the court. Deputy Marshal York arrested a man charged with selling whiskey. The arrest was made about ten o’clock. At one o’clock Judge Humphry empaneled a special Grand Jury to look into that case and any others they might see fit to. After being out about thirty minutes they returned into court with two true bills. The parties were arraigned and trial proceeded with. They were sentenced by the court next morning just twenty four hours from the time of arrest. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A. H. Crowell and family have moved back to Arkansas. G. M. Stobaugh was over from Copeland Monday. J. B. Enfield left Saturday for New Mexico. J. C. Kirkpatrick the well known Ashflat farmer, was looking after matters of business in town Saturday. A. Y. Casey of near Hunton, was extending the glad hand to his many friends in town Saturday. For Sale – At a bargain, the W. J. Bond residence, worth $1000., will sell at $500. – W.J. Bond. J. E. Walkup, who has been working at South McAlester, is at home again. We understand that The Press good friend and correspondent at Viola, Postmaster A. B. Sanders, has been sick for several weeks. We are sorry to know that he is sick and hope he will soon regain his health. Jim Sissin was an Ego visitor in town Saturday. Col. E. P. Goforth of near Fillmore, was looking after business matters in the city Saturday. T. N. Moore of Ego, was shaking hand with his many friends in the city Saturday. Mac James, the prominent wheat grower of Byrne, was attending to business in town Tuesday. A. R. Field of Ego was looking after business matters in the city Tuesday. W. T. Moore, who used to live near here but now living near Byrne, was attending to business in town last Saturday. G. W. Seonyers, one of the new farmers who has just moved to the Cope community, was in the city Saturday on business. C. H. Anderson, the big Hunton farmer, was attending to business and shaking handswith friends in town Saturday. Mr. Lovett of Hobart, O. T. was here Monday looking for a business location. He is favorably impressed with Wapanucka and will probably locate here. J. D. Dumas of Ego was in town Saturday. Mr. Dumas is one of the best farmers in this section. Invariably when he goes to town he carries something to sell and consequently he is independent and prosperous. J. L. Bayne was down from Tyrolla this week. William Ervin is seriously ill with pneumonia at his home in East End. Mr. Moore, aged father of J. M. Moore, is dangerously ill with pneumonia. L. Fountain and C. E. Mathis spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Tupelo. Col. R. McLish, who has been in Washington city for several weeks on tribal business returned home last week. Mr. C. E. Mathis of Sturgeon, Missouri is visiting L. Fountain. Mr. Mathis is thinking seriously of locating here. Lee Hogg, the prosperous young farmer and cattleman, who lives near Ego, was circulating among friends in town Friday night, and incidentally taking in the show. Mr. Hogg is another one of the few farmers of this section who long ago lost faith in the large cotton crop farming and doesn’t plant but very little now. And that he is prospering goes without saying. Just before going to Press it is learned that J. W. Lovett of Hobart, Oklahoma, has secured the D. Kennedy building on Main Street and will open a big stock of furniture in the same about March 1st. ============================================================================= HUNTON NOTES Hunton, January 31 M. Y. Moran, who has been sick so long is able to be up now. T. J. Craig, who lives near here has just completed a new residence on his place. T. J. Howard and family visited relatives near Lehigh Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Addison says that the wolfs have been very bad among his goats here of late, but he is now prepared to give them a warm reception when they come again. He says Mr. Wolf had better look shy. Mr. Kindred who has been keeping store here, will leave soon for Denton, Texas, to live. J. M. Underwood is figuring on giving Angora goats a trial. He is negotiating for a number of head from Texas ranch. They are very fine producers of a hair used in making the strongest of cloth. I. G. Hall, living east of town, is another of those farmers who will not plant cotton this year but instead will plant corn and raise hogs. Mr. Hall will very probably congratulate himself next fall for having planted no cotton. Living as we do at the door of markets for other farm products, this section should not burden itself worth the production of cotton. It should be a country that produces other crops that grow here as well as in any of the states that cannot produce cotton. ---