The Wapanucka Press Jan 1903 - Johnston County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Mary Achterhof 2 Mar 2008 Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.htm ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 1 January 1903 SURRELL – SKEEN At the home of the brides parents in this city, last Thursday evening at 7:30 o’clock, Mr. John O. Surrell and Miss Fannye Skeen were joined together in the holy bonds of marriage, Rev. R. F. Kirkpatrick, of the Presbyterian church, officiating. The groom is one of the popular and promising young men of Atoka, while the bride is one of the most popular young ladies of our city. Mr. and Mrs. Surrell left Friday morning for Atoka which place they will make their home. The Press wishes the couple joy, prosperity and happiness through their journey of life together. MOORE – YOUNGBLOOD Guss Moore, one of the prominent young men of Wapanucka, and Miss Mattie Youngblood, one of the leading young ladies of Byrne, were married last Thursday evening. The press extends congratulations. $5.00 REWARD LOST – Saturday, near the Wapanucka Bakery, one bill book containing the following: One ten dollar bill, two five dollar bills and one receipt given to me by B. Dewberry. I will pay a reward of $5.00 to person who will return same. R. L. Saunders, Wapanucka, I. T. CARELESSNESS CAUSES DEATH One Boy Kills Another Accidentally While Hunting A fatal accident occurred near Cope Post Office last Saturday morning in which a boy about 17 years of age, the oldest son of William Riley, was shot and instantly killed by Marshall Cope another boy about sixteen or seventeen. The two lads were hunting and after an exciting chase after a rabbit Cope forgot to uncock his gun and while bother were walking through the woods the gun fired, killing Riley instantly. Riley was walking behind Cope and the ball entered his forehead and came out at the back of his head. The parties are both well known. The remains of the deceased was buried Sunday evening. HUNTON NEWS NOTES J. M. Nix who left here some years ago has returned and is stopping with his son, N. C. Nix. S. A. Whiteside went to Lehigh, last week and coming home met a man on the streets of Oleny who asked for a ride which was granted. When in the out skirts of town the man wanted to borrow $10.00 which was of course refused. Then the would be borrower made an attempt to rob Mr. Whiteside but a whippletree was handy and Whiteside give it to him in the head. KITTIE SCRATCHES Messers T. C. Price, Robert Stratton, Theadore Hearrell, J. Price and C. C. Foster attended the Christmas tree at Oconee, Christmas Eve. Jim Sweat and family were visiting the family of T. J. Stratton, last Sunday. Dr. E. N. Wright, of Olney was seen on our streets a few days ago. C. C. Foster spent part of Christmas week on Lake Prairie. Some of the young people of Kittie attended a social at Mr. Stephenson, near Byrne, last week. They report a nice time. J. P. Burton, our enterprising merchant, has gone to Wapanucka on business today. $5 REWARD STRAYED OR STOLEN Sunday December 7th, one mouse colored mare mule, coming to years old, 1 1/2 or 14 hands high, not branded. I will pay a reward of $5.00 to the person returning the above mule to me at Wapanucka, I. T., at my place at the old Jones livery stable in oldtown. J. . Shelton. Thomas Ladner, a resident of Beaver township, Logan County, was fatally shot on his way home from town. The purpose of the shooting was robbery – about $12 being taken from his pockets after he was shot. HIGHWAYMAN ATTACKED BY CITIZENS Ardmore: Two highwaymen, heavily armed, were attacked by a posse of citizens as they rode into the town of Provence, in the Chickasaw Nation, and an exchange of shots followed. The horse was shot from under one of the men, George Slocum and finally he was shot and captured. The second man escaped. Slocum died of his wound. The men are supposed to have engaged in a robbery near Provence. KILLING AT CORDELL Editor White, of the Beacon, Shoots A. J. Johnson in Self-Defense Cordell: A. J. Johnson, a well known citizen of this place, was shot and killed here by A. J. White, editor of the Beacon and one of the most prominent citizens of the southwest. The trouble between the principals arose over an article in the Beacon, White’s paper, concerning the high prices asked for lots in Cordell. The article by White was not personal, but referred to the high prices in a general way. Johnson, under a non de plume, answered White’s article in the Herald-Sentinel, using very abusive language and personally attacking White in the article. One evening Johnson entered a drug store where White was standing and made a bitter personal attack upon him. White plead with him to go away and not bother him, and finally the city marshal took Johnson home. Later White met Johnson and spoke to him and in a gentlemanly way said, “Mr. Johnson, you abused me unreasonably and I thought after you had considered the matter you would retract your statements and avoid further trouble,” whereupon Johnson became again abusive and refused to retract but put his hand to his pocket as though to draw a gun. While the shooting was going on Johnson grabbed White’s revolver and almost wrenched it from his hands, but White had given him a mortal wound and Johnson soon expired. The sentiment of the town and county is with White. Johnson was an overbearing man and not at all popular. White’s plea will be self- defense and it looks as though he will have little trouble establishing it. LOCAL ITEMS Mrs. Al McAlister spent Sunday in Lehigh with home folks. Dr. S. A. Catlin spent the holidays with friends at Shawnee, Oklahoma. J. C. Jackson, of Thackerville, spent the holidays with his father in this city, F. M. Jackson. J. E. Benson, our popular drayman, spent the holidays with his mother in Ingarsool, Oklahoma. T. T. Knight, our second hand man, is building a nice dwelling house on Third Street east of Choctaw Avenue. Jack Taylor and daughter Miss Murtle, of Byrne, spent the holiday us with his family at Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Mrs. A. W. Taylor and little son, Cleveland spent the holidays with her sister Mrs. J. A. Taylor, at Tecumseh, Oklahoma. J. A. Jackson of Wilburton, spent Christmas with his father, F. M. Jackson of this city. Last Friday night the Misses O’Neals gave an informal dance in honor of their friend Miss Hattie Goben. A very pleasant evening was reported. Those present were Misses Clay, Goben, Daisy, Lillie, Mattie and Allie O’Neal. Messrs Sowers, Ball, Tate, Crutchfield, Walton, Enfield and Perry. Mr. Shelton and son spent the holidays in Ardmore. Harry Byers, proprietor of the Enterprise Sstore, spent Christmas with relatives and friends at Lehigh. Nathan Byers, of Lehigh was here Monday visiting his brother Harry. J. F. Hedrick, a prominent farmer of near Cope Post Office was in town Monday. Albert Renegar returned from Tennessee last week, bringing with him four head of blooded stock. He was accompanied by his brother, Charlie who will remain with him a while. Mrs. A. G. Addington spent the holidays with her daughter, Mrs. Turman at Lebanan. Misses Sarah Byers, of Dallas, Texas, and Sarah Lynn, of Lehigh, were here Tuesday the guest of their uncle Harry Byers. N. R. Williams of Mill Creek, stopped over in Ravia to take the train on his way from Wapanucka. He says some good buildings are going up in Wapanucka. Ravia Tribune A horse threw Dr. J. D. Enfield Monday near Ego, severely hurting him. His brother John sent down to see him Tuesday. Mr. Stewart, of Wataloo, Iowa, is here the guest of Messers Wade and Griffith. Mrs. Bosley is sick this week Miss Agness Lee is much better this week. R. E. Wade made a business trip to Milburn, Tuesday. D. Kennedy is behind the counters at C. A. Skeen’s store. Elbert Williams is sporting a brand new lame leg. R. C. Tae made a business trip to Boggy Depot Tuesday. Edgar Walton won the Graphaphone at Bledsoe’s Restaurant. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dukes Monday. Mother and babe are doing well. B. Statler of Byrne, has bought an interest in the large mercantile establishment of E. J. Ball. They are invoicing this week. This is already the largest mercantile establishment in the city and one of the largest in this section of the Territory, but they expect to make still greater improvements. Mr. Statler is a fine business man and will prove quite a good addition to Wapanucka business circles. A M. Williams and wife are spending the holidays with relatives and friends at Pauls Valley and Davis. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS Mrs. J. H. McClendon is much better this week. Andy White sends the Press to his father, B. L. White at Butler, O. T. J. E. Benson sends the Press to his father, A. E. Benson at Ingasool, O. T. R. Long has purchased an interest in the Taylor saw mill on Boggy River. Jackson Billey brought in a fine deer which he killed on Boggy River and sold it to one of our butcher shops for 10 cents per pound last week. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Stewart, who live north of town entertained a number of their grown children on Christmas. Some of them had not been together for some years and of course the gathering together, once more at the old peoples fireside, was more than pleasant. They had a fine turkey dinner and the “old man” tells us that if he ever gets it he’ll never look like anything. Miss Lillie O’Neal is spending the holidays in Lehigh, with her friend Miss Goben. The Wapanucka Press, 8 January 1903 A KILLING SCRAPE R. G. Brady Killed and Tom Kelly seriously wounded. A shooting scrape occurred near Hogan, a post office about 15 miles north of this city, Tuesday morning, in which Frank Driggers and a man by the name of Golf shot and killed R. G. Brady and seriously wounded Tom Kelly. It seems, from the best information which the Press is able to obtain, the parties had been in bad blood for some time over a stock field. Brady, Kelly and Charles Morgan met Driggers and Golf on the road about one mile west of Hogan. The old feud over the stock field was brought up and Driggers and Golf commenced shooting, one ball striking Brady in the head, killing him instantly, Tom Kelly was shot in the thigh ad Moran’s horse was hit three times. Kelly is city marshal of Pontotoc and it seems that Driggers and Golf had it in for him for arresting one of them at Pontotoc some time ago and were at outs with the other tow men over the stock pasture. JESSE PARAGRAPHS Miss Dona Holloway returned to Ada last Sunday where she will re-enter school. Gale Statler can outrun any man in Jesse. SHOOTING AT JESSE One Man Attempted to Square a Post Difficulty With His Gun. No One Hurt. On Christmas eve, the town of Jesse was the scene of a disturbance which promises to be the beginning of the end of such lawlessness. As W. H. Thomason, a young man living two and one half miles east of Jesse, rode into town Christmas eve to purchase some presents to put on the Christmas tree. Dr. Holloway, a druggist of Jesse, walked out of his store and started to abusing him for a past difficulty with his (Thomasons) father. After failing to run a bluff on the young man Holloway drew his revolver and struck at Thomason’s head. The boy dodged and the blow struck him on the left shoulder, Thomason got hold of the gun and took it away from Holloway and told him to stand back, and he did. Holloway then went into his drug store and came out with a double barrel shot gun, and told the crowd – several standing on the street – to get out of the way that he did not want to kill any one but Thomason. Some reached for their hats, some stepped aside and three stopped in their tracks. Both men fired about the same time. Holloway made a dangerous shot, shooting as he did towards those who would not run. The boy fired one shot at an angle of about 45 degrees, turned and run behind the blacksmith shop, but fortunately none of the shoots took effect. Holloway was arrested and in a trial before the United States Commissioner at Ada, was fined in the sum of $50 and costs for carrying concealed weapons and bound over in a heavy bond to appear before the United States Court on a charge of assault with intent to kill. It is said that Holloway was drinking. THE CITY LEGISLATURE The City Council met Tuesday evening. All of the members of the administration were present except A. I. McAlister, who was away from town on business. The business transacted consisted in hearing reports of committees and allowing bills. The report of the cemetery committee was heard and adopted. The following accounts were allowed and ordered paid: Account of E. J. Ball for plow for street work $11.00 $44.50 for various persons for services on streets allowed. Scavenger for removing dead animals $3.00. B. O. Criswell, City Marshal, $2.50 for killing dogs. B. O. Criswell, $3.00 for guard hire and feeding prisoner. B. O. Criswell $20.00 for two months salary. The contract of B. O. Criswell for building a jail was approved. Bridge committee was authorized to contract with A. A. Taylor for material for building all bridges west of the railroad. Street commissioner was authorized to purchase tools necessary for working streets. Cemetery committee to accept bids for repairing cemetery and submit same to council for consideration. WOMAN AND MAN IN TROUBLE Deputy Criswell arrested R. B. Hays and Emma Penney, at Bryne, last Friday on a charge of living together without having gone through the motion of that law which says that a man and woman must be joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony. They were carried before the commissioner at Atoka and not having the money to pay a substantial fine, which was imposed are now peeping out a jail window. Perry Ringstaff was killed at Holdenville recently by a horse falling on him. EXCITING EXPERIENCE Battle With Wolves, Wildcats and Coyotes Geary: J. C. Dripp told of some real excitement he had with some wild animals at his farm three and one half miles west of town. He says he was awakened about 1 o’clock at night by a horrible racket in his yard. H hastily arose and went to the door to inquire into the cause thereof. Bert Dewey, who was sleeping in an addition to the residence, was in the yard fighting with wolves, wildcats and coyotes for dear life. Mr. Dripp secured a revolver and went to the assistance of Dewey, who was getting decidedly the worst of the fray. There were four coyotes, one grey wolf and a wildcat, all trying to get to Dewey whose only weapon was a broom stick. Just as Dripp came from the house with the revolver, Dewey tripped over a wagon tongue and fell and the wolf jumped on him; but about this time Mr. Dripp got his artillery in operation and took a shot at the wolf. This put the whole aggregation of midnight prowlers in motion, and as they started of another shot brought down Mr. Wolf. They were after Mr. Dripp’s chickens, and had killed seventeen before they were discovered. KILLED BY DYNAMITE Ardmore: M. Clarber, employed as powder man at the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Granite Quarry two miles south of Wapanucka, was killed there by the explosion of dynamite. Frozen dynamite had been placed near a fire to thaw out, when some of it caught fire, Clarber attempted to remove it. He formerly lived at Hannibal, Missouri. ANOTHER P. O. ROBBERY Deputy Marshal Brings In Man Who Broke Into Ara Post Office Ardmore: A. J. Henessey, charged with robbing the post office at Ara, I. T., was brought in by Deputy Stephens, and placed in jail. Henessey, from what Mr. Stephens said, broke into the Ara post office about the 8th of December by boring the lock entirely out of the door with a brace and bit which he got out of a blacksmith shop near by. After effecting an entrance Hennessey only secured $4 in money, $1.00 of which was Uncle Sam’s money and the balance belonged to the postmaster. Deputy Stephens say that Hennessey has virtually pleaded guilty to the charge. He was tried before Judge Dennee, who bound him over to await the action of the grand jury. MAYOR CAMPBELL DEAD Pauls Valley: H. A. Campbell, mayor of this city is dead from appendicitis. He was one of the oldest citizens and grand treasurer of the I. O. O. F. of the Indian Territory. LOCAL ITEMS Mr. Rathburn, of Caddo, was in town last Friday. T. W. Attaway was down from Jesse, Sunday. A girl baby was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris who lives in old town last Thursday. J. W. Riley has returned from a pleasant trip to Coleman, and other points in Texas. J. L. Smith of Chickasha, was visiting his brother, Harry Smith in our city last Friday. We understand that Gov. P. S. Mosely is very sick at his home north of the city near Byrne. J. O. Surrell and wife were out from Atoka, Sunday, visiting Mrs. Surrell’s parents, Judge and Mrs. C. A. Skeen. Al McAlester and wife, of Wapanucka, were in Lehigh, Sunday visiting relatives and friends. Lehigh Leader Mrs. C. A. Skeen returned from Ardmore, Tuesday. Wyatt Tanner who was formerly connected with the Jones market is now running the pool hall at the old Sloan stand. Roddy Jones is again running the butcher shop on the south side of Main Street. Wyatt Tanner is out of the business. A. F. Gulpin of Coalgate was in town on business Monday. He is thinking of moving back to Wapanucka. Miss Jenkins has returned from Tishomingo where she has been visiting relatives and friends. Dr. J. P. McRae was in town, from Ego Tuesday. From him we learn that Mrs. McRae will leave shortly for Missouri, where she will spend two months with her parents. The Ohio Hotel property has been sold by Messer Hobbs to J. L. Bayne. Mrs. Burnes will continue to run the hotel. Through the popularity of Mrs. Burns the Ohio has become recognized as one of the best hotels in the Indian Territory. Mrs. J. D. Carter of Buckatuna, Mississippi, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Hysmith. Her little daughter, Miss Mamie, accompanied her. W. W. Patten is now out of the John Ellis commissary on Choctaw Avenue, and Clarence Ellis is now waiting on the customers and attending to business. The new residence of E. J. Ball is nearing completion. It will be a beautiful residence. T. W. Sissom , one of Ego’s prosperous farmers, was in the city Saturday with 16 bales of cotton, which he sold to Ed Ball for a good round sum. H. R. Allen, one of the many prosperous and hustling farmers of Ego, was in the city Saturday. He gave us a pleasant call and subscribed for the Press for a year. George Whitmore, a laborer at the rock crusher, was up before the Mayor Friday morning for disorderly conduct, and was fined $10.00 and cost. A. W. Hargrove who has been living on the Rube Freeney place, east of town, for several years has moved to the Viola neighborhood. W. W. Patten is now out of the John Ellis commissary on Choctaw Avenue, and Clarence Ellis is now waiting on the customers and attending to the business. A M. Williams and wife have returned from a pleasant visit to relatives and friends at Davis and Pauls Valley. They were accompanied by their daughter Mrs. W. M. Freeman and children of Pauls Valley. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Shofner visited relatives and friends at Davis last week. Will Besheres, who lives at Ego, wears a broadside smile since Tuesday. It’s a girl. W. D. Kirkpatrick sends the Press to J. W. Peoples, his son-in-law, at Mountain View, Oklahoma. The case of Roddy Jones vs R. T. West was up before the Mayor yesterday. Judge Charles M. Crowell represented Jones. Jones was given judgment in the sum of $10.90 and cost. John Lewis, colored, of Willey was arrested last week on a charge of giving a mortgage to W. J. Bond on property of a man by the name of Chaiffen. W. J. Bond went to Atoka yesterday as a witness in the case, which came up for trial yesterday afternoon. The Wapanucka Press, 15 January 1903 HUNTON NEWS NOTES M. Y. Moran is the happiest man in this country; he married Mrs. Harrington last week. J. M. Nix and family, of Savannah, Texas, are visiting their son, Claud. S. A. Whiteside went to Stonewall yesterday, to deliver a horse he had sold to Dr. Sullivan. BOGGY DEPOT NEWS F. P. McNeely preached Saturday night and Sunday. Carrie Hathaway of Pontotoc, was in town last week, visiting J. C. Fahrney and family. Mr. Allcorn moved into our town this week. Mr. Paragin has moved out about one mile from town. G. H. Robinson moved into the city, Tuesday. L. C. Ball and family, of Wapanucka, were in town the first of the week visiting relatives. H. Crowell has moved on the William Buckholt’s place. W. M. Hall made a business trip to Coalgate the first of the week. Miss Emma Fahrney left Sunday, for Caddo, on a few days visit to friends. Mrs. Morrow and son, Lon, left Sunday for Ardmore, to be at the bedside of her grandson, who is very sick. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS Dr. Loomis made a business trip to Milburn, Friday. A New Year present was presented to Mr. and Mrs. John Underwood in the shape of a big baby boy. Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Shofner visited relatives and friends at Davis last week. W. D. Kirkpatirck, of Hunton, was in the city on business Tuesday. H. C. Sissom, a prominent farmer of Viola was in the city Wednesday on business. A J. Barnes, the Stillwater merchant, who disappeared three months ago, has been found at Whatcom, Washington. It is surmised that he has been to the Klondike. MORLEY’S DEATH CERTAIN One of the Outlaws Killed at Coal Creek Was the Desperate Man Chickasha: It has been established beyond doubt that one of the outlaws killed in the battle with United States marshals at Coal Creek recently was Samuel Morley, a resident of the Chickasaw Nation, near here, and one of the most desperate men in the territory. Morley had several murders to his credit. He was tried for murder here a year ago and acquitted. Shortly afterwards he attacked a whole family near Naples and killed a man nearly 70 years old. The old man and his dog injured Morley badly, and he was captured. He was confined in jail here. Six weeks ago, while being taken from Norman to El Reno for trial, he escaped by striking the sheriff with handcuffs at the El Reno depot, and remained at large until killed at Coal Creek. Since his escape he had added several more crimes to his record. FARMERS IN A QUARREL Ardmore: In a shooting affair in which rifles were used near Connorville, Cole Brady was killed and Tom Kelley fatally wounded. Brady and Kelley, farmers and close friends became involved in a dispute with three other men over fenced land and the shooting resulted. MINE EXPLOSION NEAR ANDERSON South McAlester: An explosion occurred in the Alderson Coal Company's Mine No. 15, which is near Anderson. It is thought that it was caused by gas accumulating. The miners all succeeded in getting out with the exception of John McCune, a gas man, who was afterwards found dead in the entry of the mine. He leaves a wife and two children and was a well known and popular miner. The mine is still full of gas and smoke and thorough investigation cannot be made for several days. The city of Edmond has been sued for $1,000 damages. Estella Mickey sprained her foot on account of a defective sidewalk and seeks to recover thereof. LOCAL ITEMS H. B. Prichard has moved from old town to the Taylor farm down on Boggy River. Lon Morrow and his mother were in town Sunday on their way to Ardmore. Burr Wells sends the Press to his cousin, Mr. Turner at Davis. R. Long has returned from a trip to Missouri. J. F. Milligan who lives in Wells Valley, happened to the accident of getting his little finger shot off while hunting, last week. LOST – Class p[in, shape of key, with initials N. L. C. and 02 on it. Please return to this office and get reward. Judge Crowell and Don J. Sowers made a business trip to Jesse, Saturday returning Sunday. Harry K. Allen of Kansas City, was visiting A. M. Robertson and family, Monday. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Read a fine boy baby Sunday night. Moore & Moore have bought the butcher business of Roddy Jones. They have moved their business into the Jones market thus consolidating the two. The Moore boys are conducting a first class market. W. A. Franc, the watchmaker has opened his office on Main Street in the building next to H. C. Harper’s place. Mr. Franc comes to our city well recommended and the Press believes he will do well. His advertisement appears elsewhere in this issue. Rev. J. A. Williams and wife of Ada, were the guests of Rev. Kirkpatrick, Saturday and Sunday. Charley McLendon, of Connersville, was in town Sunday and Monday visiting his brothers, Sam and J. H. McLendon. Mr. Carnahan will soon have his store building on Main Street completed. One side of the house has been completed and the stock of the Racket Store moved in. It is a good building. Judge John Moore who has been very sick out at his parents’ home at Byrne, has recovered and that smiling face can again be seen at his place of business on Main Street. Otto Crealy, of Ardmore, has bought the Kelly wagon yard and Mr. Kelly has moved his stock of goods into one side of the Rux Meat Market. In the deal Mr. Kelly becomes the owner of the two story building on Main Street occupied by Brown’s Bakery. Mr. Hightower is attending to business at Denison. C. Howard has moved to Province. A fine girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Warden, Friday. W. S. Hanson, general manager of the American Cotton Co., of Oklahoma City, was in town last Saturday inspecting their extensive plant located here. E. J. Ball and W. W. Patten have formed a partnership in the mercantile business under the firm name of Ball & Patten. Mr. Statler, of Byrne, did not go into business with Mr. Ball as was reported in these columns sometime ago. Mr. Patten, the new partner of Mr. Ball, is well and favorable known here and no doubt the association of these two hustling business men together means some larger things for the “Big Store.” From R. F. Keys and W. A. Snelgrove, two prominent farmers of Ego, the Press learns that many cattle in that section are dying with bloody murry. F. M. Jackson has returned from a business trip to his old home at Utica. While there he was taken sick and had to employ the services of a physician. He is not getting along very well and is still feeble. Earnest Meyers, an employee on the bank building is sick this week. J. C. Jackson, of Thackerville, was here Sunday, visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Jackson. R. F. Keys and W. A, Snellgrove were here Saturday, accompanying Mrs. Hardwick, who was returning to her home at Helen, after a pleasant visit with her father, Mr. Snelgrove. S. J. Shipley and John Taylor have returned from Tennessee, accompanied by John Barger and Charley Seabourn, two young men who come to the land of the sunflowers, roses and prosperity to work out their fortunes. Mr. Shipley visited his aged mother and relatives, and says he enjoyed the visit very much, but was glad to get back to the land of the beautiful Indian Territory where success has smiled upon his efforts. Sam may get a good ways from Wapanucka but he never lets that cause him to forget the Press. Upon his arrival home he came to the Press sanctum and dropped several of the old white metal things in the missionary box, and now a bundle of papers to the Tennessee to tell the home seekers there about the good county inviting their attention. Mrs. Hightower is visiting friends in Coalgate, this week. Mrs. A. J. Addington, who has been spending the Christmas holidays with her daughter at Lebanon, Mrs. Turman, returned Tuesday. She reports Mr. and Mrs. Turman are having fine success with the children at the Orphans Home. To The Press: I come over to Wapanucka often and see all good people. I came in this morning and approved the report of the school at Wapanucka, which I am a trustee. I am always ready and willing to help the school cause. Mrs. Reed who has charge of this school is an able and competent teacher. Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Reed had charge of the old Spencer Academy when I was a boy, and I well remember the time when I attended that school. That was when boys made so rapid progress. Such able men as Judge I. A. Belhay, of Jack Fork County, and many others who have stood high in Choctaw affairs, attended this school. So Mrs. Reed and her deceased husband educated many of the men who have held high places in the Choctaw government. At present I am opening up a fine farm east of town to help out Wapanucka the future city. My oldest son is now attending school in our city. A crowd of young people had a surprise party at the home of Mr. and Mr. L. C. Ball’s last Monday night. R. C. Tate was in Tishomingo yesterday. S. L. Barnes was in Rolf, yesterday. Messers W. O. Salmon and Arther Summerfield of Charles City, Iowa, arrived last night. Mr. Salmon comes to assume the position of cashier of the Farmers National Bank and Mr. Summerfield will hold the position of bookkeeper in the same institution. A BOLD HOLDUP A bold robbery was enacted by a gang of outlaws near Belton, a post office about nine miles west of this city, last Thursday night in which a farmer ad his teamsters who were returning home after selling six bales of cotton in Wapanucka during the day were relieved of $210.00 The robbers met the farmers in the road near their home at Belton, four in number, and masked, held them up and disappeared. The officers at Tishomingo were immediately notified who came to the scene at once arriving soon the next morning. Officer Bridges and a corps of possemen went to the house of Charles Woodey and there found three men who were known to be notorious outlaws. The outlaws upon the approach of the officers began to scatter out behind the house making for Blue bottom which is near by. Upon refusal to halt the officers opened fire upon the three men and lodged several bullets in the body of one who gave his name as Coodey. The other two who were recognized by Bridges as Poe and Reed, two ex-members of the Dalton gang escaped. Coodey, the shot man was found on a little island down in Blue bottom, a short distance from the house and near him lay a pocket book containing $53.00 which is supposed he attempted to throw in the creek. The officers arrested Woodey, the proprietor of the place, and in an examining trial at Tishomingo he was sent to jail to answer on a charge of harboring criminals. It is believed that the man shot will die. $5.00 REWARD STRAYED OR STOLEN Sunday December 7th, one mouse colored mare mule, coming two year old, 13 1/2 or 14 hands high, not branded. I will pay a reward of $5.00 to the person returning the above mule to me at Wapanucka, I. T., at my place at the old Jones livery stable in old town. J. A. Shelton The Wapanucka Press, 22 January 1903 NOTICE TO PUBLIC All parties are hereby given notice that my farm, four miles west of Wapanucka, is posted according to the law and all persons are prohibited from hunting on said premises. Any one found violating this notice will be prosecuted to the full extent of law. Mrs. A. J. Addington, November 20, 1902 NOTICE TO PUBLIC All parties are hereby given notice that my farm, south of the city of Wapanucka, known as Reams Valley is posted and hunting on said farm is strictly forbidden. All persons found hunting on said premises will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. R. L. Reams, September 11, 1902 H. G. Beard, one of the prominent men of Shawnee, O. T., came in on the west bound train yesterday and is looking after his extensive business interests here. ROGERS – STREET At the home of the bride’s parents in this city, last Sunday evening, at 4 o’clock, J. F. Rogers and Miss Virgie Street were joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony, Rev. F. A. Brown, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, performing the ceremony. After the ceremony an elegant supper was served to the couple and several invited guests present. The bride is the beautiful daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Street, and is one of the most popular young ladies of this city; while the groom is one of our deserving young men. The Press joins the many friends of the newly wedded couple in wishing for them a long, prosperous and happy life together. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC All parties are hereby notified that my farm 1 1/2 miles north of Wapanucka is posted and hunting on same is strictly prohibited. Any one found hunting on said farm will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. J. H. Maytubby, December 22, 1902 by W. A. Farmer VIOLA ITEMS Mr. and Mrs. Dickison lost their little baby last week, and infant about one month old. J. H. Long is in Emit. Joe Chapman started yesterday for Oklahoma. Dr. Hardy has gone on a trip to New Mexico. Mr. Wigington has moved to Viola. T. Birch has traded his mail line to Floid Hollinsworth. Hollinsworth will take the route next Monday. Mr. Dickinson is in Tishomingo this week, attending court. Dr. Provine is improving slowly. Mr. Jones one of the men who was held up at Belton, just came in and says that he hasn’t gotten over his scare yet. BOGGY DEPOT PARAGRAPHS Mr. Beebe was seen taking 6 or 8 bales of cotton to Wapanucka this week. Lon Morrow and mother returned from Ardmore Saturday. Lon says Ardmore is a whopper. Mr. Kinay was seen on our streets with some drummers one day this week. H. Crowell invited the young people to a gathering at his home one night the first of the week. A good time was reported. Mr. Leflour has sold his farm and moved back to the states. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC This is to notify the public that my place east of Wapanucka is posted according to law and all parties are hereby warned to not hunt on said premises. Any person found with fun or dog on said premises will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. T. C. Wallace, This January 22, 1903 Willie Thompson, six year old boy of South McAlester was playing with a dynamite cartridge when it exploded, tearing all the fingers from his right hand. His baby brother was also badly bruised. The store of G. W. Perkins, at Dalter, was completely destroyed by fire caused by a careless clerk striking a match to see to pour gasoline. Only a small amount of merchandise was saved. A SHOCKING MURDER Ten Indians Arrested for Killing a White Man Near Atoka South McAlester: A most shocking murder entailing all the brutality of old time savagery was committed one day last week near Atoka. Ten Indians were arrested and placed in federal jail here on suspicion. A party of hunters composed of Douglas Allen, Horace Allen and John Scarberry, all white men, were camping in the woods trapping game. A handful of full blood Indians came to the camp and demanded the guns and game about the camp in exchange for the hogs which the Indians accused the hunters of stealing of them. An altercation arose and Ellis Carnes, an intelligent and college bred Indian, sprang at Douglas Allen, dealing him a terrific blow over the head with h is clubbed Winchester. Carnes then shot at Horace Allen, hitting him in the hand. Horace Allen and his companion, Scarberry, fled amid a rain of bullets from the Indians. They went to Atoka and informed the officers. When they reached the camp the body of Douglas Allen was found riddled with bullets, the skull fractured and the eyes torn from their sockets. Horace Allen described two of the men in the party so accurately that the officers immediately affected the arrest. One of them, Ellis Carnes, confessed. He says that his party found indications about the camp to satisfy themselves that the white men had been slaughtering their hogs and when they made the charge Douglas Allen started to shoot him with a Winchester. He says he struck Allen with his gun purely in self-defense and also admits that he shot Horace Allen through the hand. When asked to tell who were his companions he asked for a notebook and prepared a list of the nine men who accompanied him. Carnes is far above the average full blood in intelligence. The accomplices of Carnes arrested are: Lake Ostah, Daniel Drew, Aaron Colbert, Marvin Thompson, Isaac Nelson, Solomen Loren, Billie Harley, Charles Jefferson and Peter Nail. DUNCAN MAN HAS OLD MEDAL Duncan: J. L. Goodson of this place has a medal that was issued by President Polk in 1845. Its weight equal $2.50 in silver. The medal has been identified as among a number issued to the Choctaws in 1845. Mr. Goodson obtained the medal from a man who claimed to have found it in the Black Hills a great many years ago. LOCAL ITEMS H. C. Stone send the Press to his son, Alex at Hawkins, Texas. Mrs. A. M. Williams is sick this week. B. F. Stroud made a business trip to Sherman, last week. Capt. E. P. Gofourth was in the city Monday on business. Drs. Enfield and McRae, of Ego, were in the city on important business, Monday. Col. H. G. Bean, a prominent lawyer of Tishomingo, was in the city on business Friday. W. P. Booker has returned from Caddo where he has been before Christmas. Ed Crutchfield, who has been with the American Cotton Co., here for several months returned to his home at Sherman, Texas, Monday. G. W. Fields, an aged man living on the Joe Riley place, east of town died Saturday night of asthma. The remains were buried Sunday evening. C. C. Beene, one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Boggy Depot neighborhood, was in the city, Monday on business. H. A. Partee, our cotton buyer, was at Boggy Depot the first of the week and bought of Drain & Snider, of that place, twenty bales of cotton paying 8 cents. Miss Alice Beachamp left Saturday for Iowa Park, Texas, where she goes to live with her sister. C. J. Patten and daughter, Miss Aletha, of Charles City, Iowa, are here this week visiting his son, W. W. Patte. They are on their way to California. W. M. Laird, of Wolf City, Texas, was here Monday visiting his nephew, Eli Roberts. He likes this country very much and says he may locate here sometime in the future. The wife of E. T. Matlock, living on the Reams farms south of town died Tuesday, of pneumonia. The remains were buried at the cemetery in the afternoon. Mr. Matlock is a stranger here, having just recently moved in from Texas. Jacob Jackson of near Fort Smith, was in our city the first of the week. Mr. Jackson is one of the foremost Indians in the Choctaw Nation. Mrs. A. A. Taylor visited her daughter. Mrs. J. B. Reams, at Tishomingo, Tuesday. A. L. Griffith and wife, of Floyd, Iowa, arrived in the city Tuesday and are visiting their son, C. H. Griffith at his home on First Street. G. W. Elliot of Olney, came down Tuesday and gave Dr. Cunningham a $65 job of bridge work. Dr. C. is the best crown and bridge workman in the Territory. Mrs. Kreuger, wife of the banker of Franc’s. I. T., is having Dr. Cunningham do some fine dental work for her this week. Prof. C. C. Foster was down from Kittie Saturday having Dr. B. C. Cunningham, our popular dentist do some work on his teeth. The professor has abandoned his school at Kittie and will begin a school this week at Olney station. O. A. Juhan of Durant has moved here and formed a partnership with his brother, F. N. Juhan in the blacksmith shop. This is one of the best blacksmith shops in the city and this new partnership only makes it better. S. J. Shipley informs us that he has begun work for this years crop. Mr. Shipley came to this country about two years ago and as the old saying goes “he was as poor as Jobe’s turkey.” He now owns some fine horses, a bunch of cattle and everything found around a prosperous farmer’s home. What he is doing can be done by others with energy, A mysterious death occurred at Ego Saturday night. A family by the name of Tucker moved into the community some weeks ago, from Texas and Mrs. Tucker died about 12 o’clock Saturday night without any apparent sickness. She had eaten a hearty supper that night and when she died the husband did not call in a physician to examine the case. H. C. Stone who lives on the Jones place just west of town, and who is one of the best farmers of this section, informs us that he has finished gathering his crop, and says he is well satisfied with the result. He has gathered and marketed seventeen good bales of cotton all averaging over five hundred pounds on twenty-five acres of land, and has gathered eight hundred bushels of corn from twenty acres which average more than forty bushels per acre. With the exception of a few days of hired help in picking cotton and etc, Mr. Stone and his little boys have done all of this by themselves. This is a fine showing for his first year in this country, and there is no doubt that this section would be better off with a few more just such farmers as Mr. Stone. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS Mr. Ray, Milburn’s enterprising lumberman, was in our city Wednesday transacting business. A baby of Mr. and Mrs. Mortin, living at Ego, died Tuesday evening. J. B. Reams of Tishomingo was in our city Tuesday, looking after his business interest here. Capt. A. A. Faulk is in Jesse this week looking after business interests. C. C. Cannon has moved to Oconee. S. W. Wright is in Coalgate this week. E. Z. Ray with eight others in a party, arrived here yesterday from North Carolina. Mr. Ray is a printer and school teacher. The members of the party are looking for work but do not know just where they will stop. S. L. Barnes is on a business trip to Dallas, this week. J. W. Justus, a prominent Viola farmer, was in the city on business yesterday. Doctor and Albert Renegar were in Jesse, Tuesday on business. The Wapanucka Press, 29 January 1903 OUTLAW CAPTURED Deputy Criswell Captures Old Sol McCoy a Bad Negro One of the best pieces of work done by the marshal’s force was effected last Friday night east of Boggy Depot by Deputy United States Marshal Criswell and his brother N. W. Criswell, in the capture of old Sol McCoy, a notorious horse thief. McCoy had stolen two horses from a man by the name of Copen the night before the arrest was effected. Criswell got wind of the thief’s movements and laid for him. He came along and Criswell captured him and the horses. Old Sol has been tot he pen six times already and upon his arrival back from the pen the last time commenced anew at his old business of stealing horsed from the farmers of this section, and has been badly wanted again by the marshal’s force on several charges. JESSE ITEMS A. A. Faulk, formerly of this place now of Wapanucka, is in our midst shaking hands with his many friends. We are always glad to have him with us. S. E. Keer has moved his stock of drugs from Herbert to Jesse. We bespeak for him a good business as he is well and favorably known. Dr. Bradley, of Stonewall, has located with us, and is now ready to attend the wants of the afflicted. Dr. Holloway is also with us and doing a good practice. Do not infer from this that we have a sickly neighborhood, but far from it, ours is one of the healthiest in the Indian Territory. Mrs. J. W. Williamson has a very severe attack of pneumonia Bob Nester of Ada, was in Jesse today looking for evil doers. Our worthy townsman, Gale Staller, gave the young people a dance last night which was enjoyed by every body present. James McDowell is the happiest man in the community. It is a fine boy. Mother and boy doing well. S. E. Skeer has gone to Arkansas on business. EGO BRIEFLETS Mr. Billingsley’s little boy Ernest is quite sick. Charles Morgan was in Caddo the first of the week. Mrs. Copeland and Mrs. Burrows visited with Mrs. T. N. Moore Thursday. S. W. Rowlings, of Sherman, Texas, was a visitor in Ego Saturday and Sunday. A pound supper was given at the residence of Mr. Cunningham last Tuesday night. George Davidson is learning the blacksmiths trade under the able tutorship of Will Burrows. NEW ARRIVALS Twins were born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy last week – both girls. Mr. Owens was made happy by the arrival of a new girl. George says it’s the finest one yet. A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ira Turner, Sunday evening. Will Davidson was wearing a broad smile over the arrival of a ten pound boy last week. LOCAL ITEMS Hon. A. Telle was in the city from Atoka Saturday. Mr. Rushing a prominent farmer of near Jesse, was trading in the city, Saturday. A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Branstetter Monday morning. Miss Kate Stroud and George White visited friends at Boggy Depot Sunday. Mrs. Dr. J. H. Stewart, of Tishomingo was visiting J. M. Stewart and family last Saturday. After a week’s absence from the city at Jesse that genial face of Capt. A. A. Faulk can again be seen at Mayor Skeen’s store. While pranking with a gun Jim Barnett, who lives near Willey was accidentally shot in the right foot. Drs. Stamps and Renegar went out and dressed the wound the next day. Deputy Criswell went down to the old Bally Jones place between here and Caddo, Saturday and dispossessed J. B. Donalson who was unlawfully holding a house on that place and gave possession to an Indian by the name of Dumas who was the rightful owner. Miss Floy Mullens of Ardmore, passed through Wapanucka en route to Boggy Depot Friday with her sister, Mrs. Morrow. Bob Odam and Jeff Carter went up to Olney Tuesday. Jim Wright, our surveyor, was in Olney, Tuesday on business. W. E. Fuller moved to Ego Saturday, where he will farm. The young folks had a nice party at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Taylor, Monday night. Jim Ellis, of Caddo, was in our city, Monday looking for fat hogs. Miss Lillie O’Neal is spending the week in Jesse, the guest of Miss Myrtle Driggers. R. C. Tate and A. Simpson spent Sunday in Caddo, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Crutchfield. H. G. Beard left for his home, Saturday, after seeing the new Bank & Trust Co., off. Miss Kate Stroud will leave for her old home in Arkansas next week to visit her parents. W. T. Pound was down from Byrne yesterday. George White has resigned his position in the Palace Drug Store and is thinking of embarking into business for himself. L. C. Attaway went up to Jesse Tuesday to see his sister who is very sick, W. S. Johnson has returned from Ada where he has been looking for some evil doers. W. M. Freeman, of Pauls Valley, is here this week looking after business. L. P. Agnew and wife came in from Hot Springs, Arkansas, Wednesday. Mr. Agnew is an architect and is located in the Skeen building. Dr. J. D. Enfield was up from Ego yesterday. J. L. Bayne, manager for H. G. Beard & Co., went down to Milburn, yesterday, on business. W. L. Richards has wired in a pasture on his place two miles east of town in which he has placed his cattle which he recently bought of Mat White. Henry Burrow, a prominent cattle king, of Jesse, was in town Tuesday. Will Henegar’s horse stampeded with him Monday near the railroad track in the north part of town just as a freight train was coming in. The horse threw Mr. Henegar on the railroad track and his life made a narrow escape as the train came within a few inches of running over his body. His head was badly cut from falling on the end of the crosstie. Guss Thurman and Mr. Creely had a difficulty over some property Saturday morning. No serious damage was done. J. Brooks Wright came down from Hartshorn, Friday where he has been during the past months, employed on the surveying corpse of the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Railroad. He will now open a surveying office here to plot and locate allotments for the citizens of the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations. C. H. Griffith and father are on a trip to Oklahoma this week, looking out for a location for banking business. Mrs. Summit spent the day in the city Tuesday visiting friends. Gale Statler of Jesse was in the city Monday. Messers Morton and Henegar have been employed to build the Presbyterian church, and it is expected that work will begin next week. A very neat, modern plan, has been adopted by the building committee, and they hope to erect a building that will be a credit to the town. Joe Daniels has bought a farm and moved near Chickasha. Architect J. B. White passed through the city Tuesday on his way home to Coalgate from Sulpur, where he has been drawing plans for several new brick and stone buildings. Judge Charles M. Crowell and Dr. B. C. Cunningham were in Jesse the first of the week; Dr. Cunningham having gone up there to look after the dental work and Judge Crowell to write life insurance. Frank Wallace, cotton buyer for A. M. DeBolt at Chockaw City has been arrested on the charge of using fraudulent weights. ACQUITTED AND REARRESTED Stumbaugh Cleared of the Charge of Killing Mike Marshall South McAlester: The jury in the case of Eugene Stumbaugh, charged with the killing of Mike Marshall at Wilburton, April, 1901, returned a verdict of acquittal. Stambaugh was remanded to the custody of the marshal to await his trial for killing George Sobo on the same night and the same place, for which there is a separate indictment. Marshall and Sobo were partners and ran a store in which the killing occurred. Stumbaugh claimed self defense. Judge Clayton did not give a manslaughter instruction to the jury. HORSE AND RIDER KILLED Mangum: Fred Meadows, a young man twenty years old, working for Mr. Diggers, who lives south of Cordell, was chasing cattle, when his horse stepped into a prairie dog hole, “turned a cat,” as the cowboys say, broke his neck and fell on the rider, crushing him to death. The man and horse were both dead when parties who witnessed the accident got to the scene. HUNTON NEWS NOTES T. H. and Frank Whiteside went to Wapanucka, this week and bought a sulky plow of Roberts, Jackson & Co. Ethel and Joe Whiteside, of Tennessee, are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Borsell. Grandpa Williams in on the sick list this week. N. C. Nix and M. J. Morgan were at Ada last week, as witnesses in the Brady – Goff feud. RURAL CORRESPONDENT A possum supper will be given at Col. Jones’ next Thursday night for the benefit of Bill George who is in jail for stealing hogs. The fire burned down the house occupied by Kurnel Johnson which saved him from the further trouble of paying rent. OLNEY ITEMS M. H. Hampton is making preparations to build a dwelling house on the west side of town. O. Beard is doing the carpenter work. Parson Willingham has just completed a handsome residence in the north part of town. R. F. Carter went to Bird’s Mill last week, with a load of wheat. J. A. Jackson has his saw mill in operation. He is running it in connection with his gin. The infant of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Stroud is very sick with pneumonia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.html