The Wapanucka Press Oct 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 October 1903 GAMBLERS RAIDED Officers Johnson and N. W. Criswell raided the two gambling joints on Main Street last Saturday night and burned the paraphanalia. The crap and poker tables, chairs and other material were pile up in the street and burned. The tenhorns stood mum and watched the officers do their duty with down-cast eye, and one of them entered a protest but it did no good. J. W. Lane, of Ada, has been arrested upon the charge of arson in connection with the recent fire at that place. The evidence against him is merely circumstantial, but the commissioner before whom he had his hearing bound him over in the sum of ….(cannot read) ED. FELT DEAD The Popular Editor of the Edmond Enterprise Passes Away Edmond: Edward Felt, proprietor of the Edmond Enterprise, who has been sick with typhoid fever for several weeks is dead. The last issue of the Enterprise contained a statement to the effect that Mr. Felt was somewhat improved, but he grew steadily worse until the end came. Before engaging in the newspaper business here is was employed as traveling salesman for the Great Western Type Foundry and before that he was manager of the Atchison, Kansas, Champion. The deceased was the son of Lieut. Gov. Felt, of Seneca, Kansas. He was an excellent newspaper writer and well known in Kansas and Oklahoma. LOCALS John M. Landon of Ardmore was in town last Thursday. Miss Myrtle Pruitt, of Ardmore, is visiting Mrs. B. F. Stroud this week. J. C. Fahrney and wife of Boggy Depot were in the city last Thursday. T. A. Creighton has been suffering considerably this week with a toothache. Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Williams returned Monday from an extended trip through northern Arkansas. Mrs. Lizzie Chapman of Sherman is here this week visiting her brother, Dr. A Stephenson Judge C. M. Crowell was sick Tuesday. Mayor W. N. Barker has been on the sick list for several days. J. E. Benson, our popular drayman, will handle coal this winter. Mrs. Clem White returned from an extended trip to Texas Tuesday. Miss Kate Wright returned from a visit with relatives at South McAlester Tuesday. Dr.’s A. W. and Laura E. Burton visited relatives at Tishomingo last Sunday. C. A. Skeen and W. L. Richards made a business trip to South McAlester Tuesday. B. F. Stroud and W. C. Branham were in Oklahoma City yesterday on business. W. C. Branham and his brother-in-law have bought the stock of drugs of C. Z. Renegar. The nine month old baby of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Branstetter died last Monday morning. The sympathy of the community go out to the bereaved parents in the loss of their little loved one. H. W. Watson made an extended trip through the country north of town last week. He says the crops around Connersville and Pontotoc are certainly fine. Dr. E. O. Loomis, president of the Farmers and Merchant Bank was over from Wapanucka yesterday and reported considerable improvement going on. He says as a general rule the people are satisfied with the appraisement. Milburn Herald. John M. Moore has closed out his business to the Hale-Hassel Grocery Co. who have moved the stock to Coalgate. Mr. Anderson, who has been living on the Reams farm, south of town, has moved to Arkansas where he will work on a new railroad. J. P. Henegar and Mr. Dumas have been awarded the contract to build a seven room dwelling for Mr. Wirrick, the saw mill man, in the north west part of town. COPE ITEMS – September 29 Dr. Hardy has bought the Davenport farm at this place. Charley Clark of Ardmore was in our town last week. Mrs. J. T. Fowler has returned to Ardmore, after a pleasant visit with her husband, on the Fowler ranch, the past summer. Rev. J. A. Trickey of Coalgate preached here Sunday last. Rev. A. Springer will preach here next Sunday at 11 o’clock. BOGGY DEPOT NOTES – September 28 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor of Milburn were here this week, visiting their daughter, Mrs. Dr. Sullivan. Prof. Allen, of Roberta, was here this week looking after a school. He is a nice Christian gentleman. J. P. Reynolds of Caddo was here this week collecting money with which to build a bridge across Canney Creek between here and Caddo. Rev. Hoover’s two weeks meeting closed last Sunday. R. J. Fahrney has been very sick with fever but is up again. Rev. A. B. L. Hunkapiller, presiding elder of the Methodist Church, preached here lat Thursday night. D. A. Nix and Miss Johnson of Wapanucka were here last Sunday in attendance at our singing. The Wapanucka Press, 8 October 1903 TOM BARTON ARRESTED Last Friday Deputy Duckett arrested Tom Barton on a warrant charging him with having disposed of mortgaged property. He was carried to Atoka and landed in jail. It seems that Tom has been doing a “land office business”, so to speak, in giving several mortgages on some cattle. He had given a mortgage on these cattle, it seems, to the two banks of this city and also to a Coalgate bank, with the result that now he is peeping through the bars. The banks are right in after him. The Coalgate bank held a mortgage on the cattle which was signed by both Barton and wife, and Saturday, officers of that bank swore out the second warrant against him and also one against his wife. The banks are pushing the case and Tom is liable to get a free ride over the road. Rufus Binion, a negro living near Ardmore was convicted about a year ago, on the charge of murdering a little negro girl by unmercifully whipping her. He was sentenced to hang and his case was appealed. The Indian Territory court of appeals has affirmed the judgment of the lower court, and Ardmore thinks she will have a hanging to pull off before many moons. LOCALS Arthur Juhan has moved to Ardmore. J. O. Surrell and wife, of Jesse, were in the city Sunday visiting Judge and Mrs C. A. Skeen. R. E. Odom has moved to Coalgate where he will work at the carpenters’ trade. Mr. Kenno, an aged gentleman living hear Hunton, died Monday night of paralysis. Walter Skeen left Friday for Chillicothe, Missouri, where he will attend college. Judge C. M. Crowell and R. E. Wade attended commissioner’s court at Atoka Saturday. Prof. Jordon, principal of the Tishomingo school, was in the city Tuesday on business. The Baldwin boys have packed their scales and quit the cotton yard business in Wapanucka. Mrs. F. B. Parker of Kansas City was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. L. Fountain last week. Mr. and Mrs. Fountain’s little daughter, Gamble, returned home with her to stay a month. C. A. Skeen is attending court at Ada this week. Miss Ibbie Ball, one of the typos in the Press office, is sick this week. Mrs. W. L. Richards has returned from a trip to the Mexico Republic. W. M. Howard, one of the prominent farmers of Salt Springs community was in town Tuesday. Mrs. Dr. J. F. Renegar has returned from a week’s visit with Mrs. V. Stevens near Byrne. Mrs. R. E. Wade, who spent the summer with relatives at her old home at Charles City, Iowa, returned home Friday. W. O. Salmon, cashier of the First National Bank, returned last Friday from a visit to his old home at Charles City, Iowa. C. S. Walden, the Coatsworth postmaster and merchant, was transacting business in the city yesterday. Rev. C. Newton Martin, pastor of the First Christian Church, has accepted a call to the Tishomingo church. He will preach there every other Sunday the coming year. While strolling around in the Sandy Creek swamp, just west of the railroad in the town limits, last Sunday evening, a crowd of gentlemen found 19 pints of booze which had been hidden in an old hollow stump. They appropriated the booze to their own use and pronounced it first- class-bully good stuff. A couple of men who have been suspicioned as bootleggers are thought to be the owners of the booze. Dr. B. C. Cunningham, who was called to Arkansas a few days ago, has returned. He is now at his post of duty ready to serve his patrons with good dental work. Mike Leonard, the well known railroad man who had charge of section work south of town last year, has resigned and will move to Oklahoma City where he will engage in business. George Leman, who has been visiting E. R. Carnahan and family for the past few days, returned Monday to his home at Woodford. Mr. Leman is a fine business man and may locate at Wapanucka in the near future. S. H. Musgrave, who was some time ago closed out in bankruptcy proceedings, succeeded in making a compromise with his creditors and the sale of his stock of goods did not take place last Tuesday as advertised. CITY COUNCIL MEETING The city council met in regular session Monday night, Mayor Barker, Aldermen Juhan, Farris, Riner and Gibson being present and Recorder Enfield and Alderman Roberts absent. On account of absence of recorder the reading of minutes of previous meeting was deferred. Report of officers was called for and there wasn’t an officer to be found – no treasurer, no marshal, scavenger and no street commissioner. The reason for the absence of the city marshal was on account of sickness, but in the case of the other officers wnet as unaccounted for. The following accounts were presented and allowed: Mrs. Ellis, for rent, $4.00. Howell & Son, groceries for smallpox patients, $7.42. Riles Bros., groceries for smallpox patients, 25 cents. W. A. McAlister & Co., groceries for smallpox patients, 65 cents. Wapanucka Trading Co., dry goods for smallpox patients, 95 cents. City Drug Store, medicine for smallpox patients, $3.20. Mr. Gibson, hauling water for smallpox patients, $3.50. J. S. Morton, ice for smallpox patients, $1.50. Bill of J. E. Benson, for hauling plow tools around for street commissioner and hauling lumber, $1.75, was laid over for investigation. Farris moved and seconded by Juhan and Chairman Riner of the street and alley committee be instructed to notify the street commissioner to begin work on the streets under the direction of the committee. Motion carried. Move made and carried authorizing Alderman Juhan to purchase lumber and build a bridge across the creek on the street near his house, the work for same to be done by private parties without expense to the city. Street and alley committee was authorized to build side walks in the business part of the town where deemed most needed and out of the material that they deem best. F. A. Finer and others were given permission to build a plank food walk with banisters across the creek west of the depot. Mayor was instructed to purchase a record book in which to keep account of the occupation tax. Permission was granted to any one so desiring to set out trees along the sidewalks in front of their property and protect same with a fence across sidewalks, provided that a whirling gate be placed at end of such enclosures so passage will be convenient. Adjourned to next regular meeting at which time the general tax ordinance will be brought up for consideration. COATWORTH NEWS – October 3 Mr. Walden, our merchant, has put in new stock of saddles. Mrs. Heed has returned from a visit at Connorsville. T. B. Davis, of Violet, Oklahoma, is visiting his son at Coatsworth. He reports fine crops in Oklahoma. Messers. Walden and Cravat have each bought them an organ. Fine boys were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burt Luter and Mr. and Mrs. Millsaps last week. F. M. Jackson has ditched around his place on Seventh Street, occupied by Rev. C. Newton Martin – a piece of work many other property owners could well afford to do. Only a few men from this section of the division are on the jury at this term of court. E. J. Ball, W. H. Simmit and J. M. Underwood are on the grand jury while E/ E. Pritchard is on the petit jury. HUNTON NOTES Levi Ricky is still very sick. Bill Grimes and Frank Lewis went to Wapanucka Monday and came back on a whiz and painted this town a crimson red. A small child belonging to Mr. Granger, who is camping here, died last week. A H. Hathaway is the proud father of 10 pound boy. Most all the farmers are don gathering corn. Nate Addison filled all his cribs and has borrowed an old house from Dr. Ellis and is now busy filling it. June corn is still growing, and in height will soon compare to the corn raised last year on C. A. Skeen’s farm near Wapanucka. Jim and M. J. Moran are doing business in Tishomingo this week. BOGGY DEPOT NOTES – October 5 James Hunnicutt’s parents were here this week from Arkansas. Jim Taylor is remodeling his house. C. C. Been the gospel singer, is teaching a class here now. Rev. McNealy, pastor of the Baptist church, and Rev. James, of Durant, are conducting a camp meeting here this week. Prof. Allen, of Roberta, has been selected by the trustees to teach the fall and winter terms of the Boggy school. Col. Bledseo, of Ardmore was here Monday on legal business. The Wapanucka Press, 15 October 1903 T. R. MORRIS IN TROUBLE Deputy Johnson arrested T. R. Morris, alias R. T. Morris and T. R. J. Morris, Monday morning for disposing of mortgaged property. It seems that Morris is another one of those fellows who believe in giving mortgages by the wholesale and retail on the same property, slightly changing the identity marks to suit the victim, and also changing his initials when necessary. He gave a mortgage on the same cattle to both of the local banks and to an Ardmore bank, slightly changing his name and the brands each time, and through this means has managed to borrow money several times the worth of the cattle. He is now up against it hard and fast. The banks will push the case, and he will not only be held on the charge of selling mortgaged property but will have to answer for perjury and obtaining money under false pretense. From all reports Morris will get a free ride over the road for a long term in the penitentiary. He was carried to Atoka Monday evening and landed in jail in default of bond. FARMERS HELD UP Tom Brown, Jim Hagett and Mark Perry, three farmers, who had been to market with cotton Saturday, while returning home that night, were held up near Marietta, by a lone highwayman and relieved of something over $100 in cash. The robber has not been captured. SHIPPED 15 CARS OF CATTLE Joe Howard, Viola, I. T., shipped 15 cars of fine cattle last Saturday from Wapanucka over the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf to the St Louis market. Mr. b. F. Davis, live stock agent of the road with headquarters at Oklahoma City, and Mr. L. B. Mcguire of the transportation department of the road with headquarters at Holdenville, were here to assit in loading and getting the train started out. Mr. Davis, the live stock agent, has been very energetic and has recently completed arrangement whereby the patrons of the line, who have stock to ship, have the advantage given by other lines. A pick up stock train is run twice each week – Tuesday and Saturdays and on these dates arrangements are made with the Frisco at Wister to handle this stock promptly which insures good time direct to St. Louis. By leaving Wapanucka Saturday at 12:45 p.m., stock go on Monday morning St. Louis market, and same time is also made to Kansas City. For any information desired, call on or write J. E. Gilmore, agent at Wapanucka. The stock pens here are to be enlarged and it is the desire of the railroad company, with the co-operation of the stockmen, to make Wapanucka the prominent shipping point on the Ardmore branch. The company insures good service and solicits the patronage of stockmen. T. J. MYERS KILLED A horrible accident occurred in the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf yards last Thursday morning in which T. J. Myers, a brakeman on the work train, lost his life. The crew were at work in the yards, making up their train, when Myers, who was giving the signals, fell before a running car and before he could extricate himself his head was ground to pieces under the wheels. It is said that Myers was drinking and this is very probably the main cause of the accident. The remains of the dead man was shipped to Cresent, Iowa, to his mother, for burial. Mr. Myers was a clever and peaceable man and was well liked by his acquaintances. The deceased had a number of friends in this city who deplore his sudden death. SKEEN – LOOMIS The marriage of Miss Ruth Loomis, of Tecumseh, Nebraska and Mr. M. P. Skeen, of Wapanucka, took place at Tecumseh, Nebraska yesterday, at high noon. Miss Loomis is well known in our city, she is having lived here a part of the past few years with her uncle, Dr. E. O. Loomis. She is a lovely young lady, and her admiring friends in this city are many. Mr. Skeen is one of the prominent physicians of your city, and is a representative man. Mr. and Mrs. Skeen will be at home after November 1st. UNITED STATE COURT The fall term of United States court is grinding away at Atoka. The case of Charles Collard and James Beatty, for murder, has been on trial since Friday and will probably be concluded today. The grand jury completed its work and adjourned Tuesday evening. Boon Williams of Lehigh was foreman and it is said that the jury has made a record for itself in the matter of finding bills against the evil doers. Out of 135 presentments the jury returned 102 bills. GOFF CONVICTED At Ada Tuesday morning, the jury in the case of L. W. Goff, one of he men who killed Golden Brady near Jesse last winter, returned a verdict of manslaughter and recommended the mercy of the court. B. F. Driggers and McCary, the other two defendants were granted a change of venue to Pauls Valley, December 5th, next. M. Reinhart, a resident of Arkansas, aged 65 years, died in the depot at South McAlester while awaiting a train. WOMAN HELD FOR MURDER Evidence Showed That Charles Smith Was Beaten to Death With Clubs South McAlester: Mrs. Dorenice Torrice, wife of a Polish miner, has been held without bail by Commissioner Wright on the charge of murdering Charles Smith, at Gowen. The woman professed not to understand English and when an interpreter was secured for her she refused to make any statement. The evidence was that Smith was beaten to death with clubs by the woman and her husband Peter Torrice. One man swore that he was awakened in the night by a man’s cries on the highway and that he saw a man and woman beating a man. He drove them off and talked with the man who declared the pair had endeavored to rob him. He refused assistance and started for home. In a little while another neighbor, 200 yards distant, heard cries and testified to seeing the couple beating Smith again. He drove them away and brought medical attendance to Smith, but his injuries were mortal. The woman was identified by both witnesses. Her husband made his escape before the officers arrived. PENSION COUSED ARREST Horsethief Caught Who Uncle Sam Had On His List Oklahoma City: John Hawkins, a prisoner taken through her to Lawton, owes his arrest for stealing horses to the fact that he draws a pension from the United Sates for services in the Spanish-American war. He was arrested at Lawton a few days ago for carrying concealed weapons, and stated then that he drew a pension for wounds received in Cuba. The following day Hawkins disappeared, and also two horse. The officers obtained his address from the pension department and arrested him near Ardmore, I. T. He confessed to the theft of the horses. At Hennessey, the infant daughter of John Hawks, died from a dose of carbolic acid given her by a baby sister who was playing doctor. LOCALS Clem White attended court at Atoka Tuesday. W. O. Salmon attended court at Atoka Tuesday. C. E. Hook was in town from Salt Springs Saturday. The little boy of J. O. Mace is very sick this week with fever. W. T. Wigington was in from Viola Saturday with cotton. C. L. Witte, our furniture man, has now one of the finest stocks of furniture ever before brought to this section of the Indian Territory. T. W. Dunkes sends the Press to Bud Welch at Morgan, Texas. A little girl of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Lee of near Ego, died last week. G. T. Austin, a prosperous farmer of Viola neighborhood, was trading in town Friday. George Hinton, a prominent framer of near Jesse, was in with cotton last Monday. Walker Morris, a young man about 22 years of age living east of town, died last Friday night. J. R. Dewberry, one of the leading farmers of Wells Valley, sold cotton in town Friday and Saturday. J. W. Justus, one of the prosperous Salt Spring farmers, was attending to business in town Friday. Dr.’s A. W. and Laura E. Burton, who were located in Wapanucka for several months, have moved to Tishomingo. A. W. Kirkpatrick, one of the leading young farmers of Salt Springs, was attending to business in town Saturday. C. G. Cribbs, one of the leading and influential farmers of the Viola community, was selling cotton in town Friday. S. H. Musgrave is moving his stock of goods to the Jackson building on Choctaw. Dr. J. P. McRae, formerly of Wapanucka but who now lives at Colony, Missouri, is here this week, attending to business and visiting friends. Last Friday the wife of Tom Barton for whom a warrant was sworn out for having sold mortgaged property, was released on bond. Barton is still in jail. Capt. A. A. Faulk spent last Thursday night in Atoka with his brother, Col. A. J. Faulk of Athens, Texas, who was in attendance at court as attorney in a murder trial. A man by the name of Miller, a farmer living near Connorsville, was accidentally killed a few days ago by a horse falling on him. G. A. L. Trout moved this week to Pecan Gap, Texas. Mr. Trout is a good man and has many friends in and around Wapanucka who wish his well in Texas. He will keep informed as to Wapanucka events reading the Press. S. N. Sparks who has been living at Phillips for several months has moved to Kittie. He was in town Tuesday and says he will farm at Kittie the coming year. H. C. Berry who has been weighing cotton at Tishomingo has returned to the Metropolis of the cream cotton country of the Indian Territory and will handle the beam at the Merchants & Planters Cotton Yard. A Y. Casey who is engaged in work on the Choctaw branch now in course of construction from Haileyville to Wilburton was down from Haileyville this week to see his family. Mrs. C. M. Pierson, wife of the general manager for the Southwestern Lumber Co., came down from Kansas City, Wednesday, her husband meeting her at Sapulpher. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson will live in the new residence just completed on Sixth Street near the Ohio Hotel. Mr. Clifton, a prominent farmer living on Ashflat, brought in cotton yesterday. Alice Chiffan, a negro woman living in the negro community between Wapanucka and Boggy Depot, died last week. VIOLA ITEMS – October 14 Rev. Springer, G. T. Austin and Mr. Dickson went to Tishomingo yesterday on business. We are sorry to hear that our old friend Rickey is still sick at Hunton. Glad to hear that our friend Holliday is better. Elders Muncrief and Reed of Coatsworth were in Viola yesterday. Our friend Abe Miles has been sick but is now better. Elder Cole preached a very interesting sermon at Bethel Church last Sunday. Dr. Germany is building him a new crib. NOTICE If there are any strayed ponies branded 69 somewhere on thigh or hip, in your neighborhood, please notify me and I will get them away at once, as I want them all in my pasture as soon as possible. C. A. Daney, Boggy Depot, I. T. HUNTON NOTES – October 14 R. C. Murphey says he has decided to not move to Beaver County, Oklahoma. Says he prefers to stay in God’s country. Your correspondent has just returned from Ada. The jury convicted Lon Goff of manslaughter. Driggers and McCarty secured a change of venue to Pauls Valley. It would be well for young men contemplating crime to attend the temple of justice occasionally and see the way justice is meted out to criminals. C. A. Skeen passed through en route to Ada. Wiley Dorbison is doing business in Wapanucka today. L. C. Ball has opened a butcher shop in Old town and is furnishing his customers nice beef much lower than what can be had at the other place. The Wapanucka Press, 22 October 1903 MEEXICAN PULLED At the hour of going to press today at 1 o’clock a Mexican laborer was arrested for stealing a pair of scissors at The T. A. Creighton Mercantile Co. Store. It is believed that he and other Mexicans were the ducks who burglarized the two stores last night. Blood hounds have been sent for at Colbert and it is believed that the gang will be caught. A baby of Dave Smith, who lives in old town, died Monday evening from the effect of a dose of morphine given in mistake for calomel. The remains were interred at the city cemetery Tuesday evening, Rec. C. Newton Martin, pastor of the First Christian Church, conducted the funeral ceremony. RUN OVER AND KILLED J. F. Hook, a farmer living about four miles north of Wapanucka, was run over and killed Tuesday evening by the east bound passenger train on the Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Railroad near the rock crusher about four miles west of town. MR. Hook had been in town all day, and was crazed with drink. He disappeared from the streets late in the evening and no one thought anything of him until the passenger train came into the station with his dead body on board. The engineer in charge of the train states that the man was walking down the track and seeing his slowness to get off he blew the whistle; that he got off but just before the train reached him, when it was too late to stop, he stepped again upon the track, when the engine struck his body, breaking an arm, fracturing his skull and killing him instantly. The train was stopped and the body brought to town and left at the depot until his people were notified of the accident. Mr. Hock was hard at hearing and this, coupled with whiskey, was the cause of the accident. He was a good, honest man and was a good citizen. The remains of the dead man was buried yesterday at the Wells Valley cemetery. Burglars attempted to break into the residence of A. I. McAlister Sunday night. Mr. and Mrs. McAlister had been from home during the day and it seems that the would be burglars thought they had not returned, but realized their mistake when Mr. McAlister came very near plugging them with hot lead. HOUSES BURGLARIZED The hardware store of Roberts Jackson & Co. and the general store of W. A. McAlister & Co. were both burglarized last night and about $300 worth of goods stolen. Entrance was affected through the rear windows. The goods stolen consisted of pocket knives, razors, pistols, blankets and shoes. It is believed that the burglars are living around Wapanucka. Officers are working on the case. J. W. Scott, the hustling farmer from the Kittie neighborhood, who was in town with cotton yesterday evening, reports having finished gathering corn. He has made 50 bushels per acre and is well satisfied. Mr. Scott will move near McCurtain next year. NEWS OF THE COURTS At Atoka, Charles Collard was convicted last Thursday, of murder and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. At Ada L. W. Goff, of Jesse, who was convicted of manslaughter, was given six years in the penitentiary. The cases of L. M. Ralph , Charles Ward, for cattle stealing, and all the other cases from Wapanucka the defendant in which are out on bond, were continued at Atoka to the next term. Those five men and one woman who, as claimed, tried to hold up the town of Waurika, in Southern Comanche County, have been landed in prison at Lawton. COLLARD GUILTY Murderer of Gip Railey Gets a Life Sentence Convicted of Murder in First Degree Case Was Hard Fought by Counsels – Blood Stained Clothes of Murdered Man Introduced in Evidence – Defense Claimed Accidental Shooting. Atoka: The jury in the case of Charles Collard, accused of the murder of Gip Railey in a street fight in Kiowa, brought in a verdict of guilty and the defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment. The verdict comes as the close of a long and hard fought case, the counsel engaged being the leading criminal lawyers of the territory. The presentation of testimony was finished Monday afternoon, and Tuesday was given up to the arguments of the counsel for the defense and the territory. During the speech of J. H. Wilkins, the blood-stained clothes worn by the murdered man were pointed out and the effect was such upon the widow that she fainted and had to be carried from the court room. Another striking feature of the case was the speech of Henry M. Furman of Ardmore, one of the attorneys for the defense. He is afflicted with rheumatism and his speech was delivered partly as he kneeled before the jury in a manful effort to stand and partly from his chair, when his exertions overcame him and he was obliged to seat himself. Collard was postmaster at Kiowa at the time of the shooting. Railey was killed without any justification while trying to act as a peacemaker in a street fight in which Collard had become involved. The defense tried to prove that the shooting of Railey was accidental. VIOLA ITEMS – October 21 Joe Chapman is attending court at Ardmore this week. Mrs. Sanders is visiting the family of Mr. Parmlee this week. Messers. Rutherford, Harris, Michel, Abe Kirkpatrick, A. W. Hargrove and others were having cotton ginned yesterday. Ye scribe visited Charley Watterson and family at Ego Sunday. LOCAL NEWS Mr. Stafford, a prosperous farmer of near Lehigh, was in the city with cotton this week. He came here because he wanted the top price for his cotton and he got it. J. M. Crabtree is building him a new smoke house out on his home farm a mile east of the city. Jim says he will have something to put in it, too. The Crabtrees are good farmers as evidenced by the fact that they raise their necessities at home. Dan Bosely who has been at Gainsville, Texas, for several weeks undergoing treatment at a specialist, has returned for a few days stay. He is much better. J. W. Ausbrooks, of Corenth, Tennessee, came in yesterday on the west bound passenger train. He is a farmer and comes to make this country his home. He will stay for the present with his daughter who lives up in Wells Valley. DRESS MAKING To this ladies of Wapanucka and community: If you wish dress making please call at Mrs. Creighton’s millinery store. I have had years of experience and can give satisfaction at reasonable prices. Mrs. H. Jamison Col. W. L. Richards is attending court at Atoka this week. Tom Hammond was down from Hunton Tuesday on business. LOCAL NEWS A. W. Hargrove was in from Viola Monday. Mrs. Low, of Kittie was visiting friends in the city Sunday. A. I. McAlister and wife visited relatives at Lehigh Sunday. Dr. Provine of Viola was visiting relatives in town Monday. H. C. Sisson was in from Salt Springs Saturday with cotton. I have a good horse to exchange for hogs and corn. J. E. Walton John Kennedy, of Kittie, was visiting friends in the city Sunday. Col. Charles M. Crowell attended to legal business at Ardmore this week. A baby of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace who live in Wells Valley, died Sunday. Capt. Drain, a prominent merchant of Boggy Depot was in town Tuesday on business. Thad Addison the Hunton merchant, was attending to business in town Saturday. J. L. Bayne and wife have returned from a prospecting tour along the line of the new railroad from Coalgate to Oklahoma City. Misses Bessie Carroll and Ethel Booker, who are attending school at Whiteright, Texas are visiting homefolks this week. Dr. J. P. McRae has located at Wiley. Dr. McRae is a most successful physician and no doubt will butyl up a good practice in his new location. Robert Johnson, who lives on Fountain’s place, held the lucky number 549 and got the $25.00 gold watch given away free by Harry Byers on October 14. Marshal Criswell has recovered from his long siege of fever to be up again. He went over to Atoka Wednesday to be present at the Ralph Ward trial. S. H. Musgrave will open the Ohio Hotel this week. Mr. Musgrave has the reputation of being a good hotel man and no doubt he will get his share of the custom. J. D. Epperson was up from Ego Monday. His little baby died Sunday. Miss Bertha Watts, of Kittie, was visiting Miss Bessie Beard Sunday. John M. Moore is behind the counters at the Palace Drug Store this week. Dr. M. P. Skeen and wife came home from Tecumseh, Nebraska, last Saturday. A baby of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Linsscott, who live in Wells Valley, died Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Cly Woods, of Van Buren, Arkansas, were here Sunday visiting Mrs. Woods mother, Mrs. W. N. Baker. Mrs. Eli Roberts returned Monday from a trip to Lehigh. T. J. Lewis, a prosperous farmer of Hunton, was in with cotton yesterday. The young people will have a tackey party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Wolverton tonight. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mathis, who live near Byrne, this week. Mr. Campbell of Kansas City, is in the city this week on business. The Wapanucka Press, 29 October 1903 W. J. Bond has adjusted his business matters and turned his stock of goods over to his creditors. He will move to South McAlester where he will re-enter the mercantile business. Mr. Bond is one of the best men that Wapanucka has had and while his friends are sorry to lose him from among them they wish him success wherever he may go. WHAT THE DADS DID The city council met in call meeting Monday night, for the purpose of considering the acceptance of the resignation of the city marshal and appointment of his successor. All the members of the administration were present except the recorder, who was absent on account of sickness. Alderman James B. Farris was appointed recorder pro tem. Business was taken up by reading of the resignation of B. O. Criswell, city marshal, which is as follows: “To the Hon. W. N. Barker and the members of the council of the incorporated town of Wapanucka, I. T. Gentlemen: I hereby tender my resignation as marshal of the incorporated town of Wapanucka, I. T., to take effect as soon as my successor can be appointed and installed in office. I regret very much that this action upon my part becomes necessary, but on account of the duties of the office conflicting somewhat with my official duties as United States deputy marshal, and on account of the salary as marshal of the incorporated town of Wapanucka being insufficient for me to continue in said office and resign my appointment as deputy U. S. Marshal, it becomes necessary for me to tender you my resignation. I shall retire from my connection with the council with kindest of feeling toward all and I sincerely thank you for your kindness to me since I have been associated with you. Respectfully, B. O. Criswell, City Marshal” A petition of citizens asking that Walter Ducket be appointed city marshal was read. Riner placed in nomination W. S. Johnson and Juhan nominated Walter Ducket. The vote was taken and Walter Ducket was elected by one vote over Mr. Johnson. Juhan, Gibson and Roberts voted for Ducket, while Riner and Farris voted for Johnson, after which the mayor decided the result and administered the oath of office to the new marshal. The council adjourned to the next regular meeting. F. M. White, charged with killing Charles Blanchard, near Rush Springs last fall, has been found guilty. The body of John Lankford was found in the Boggy, southwest of Atoka. He was a white man and the presumption is that he fell a victim to a secret society formed by the Choctaw full-bloods to protect their hogs which they have been missing. Several killings under similar circumstances have occurred in the last two years. SENTENCED BY FLOATING JUDGE Ardmore: United States Assistant Attorney J. E. Humphrey has been called to St. Louis to represent the government in a habeas corpus case before United States Circuit Judge Thayer. The case in question is that of John Stevenson, for selling liquor, who was convicted at Pauls Valley before Special Judge Thomas, who held a term of court there about two years ago. It is contended that Judge Thomas was a floating judge, and held the court which convicted Stevenson without proper authority. On this case hinges fifteen more, the parties to which are now serving terms at Leavenworth. SENT TO JAIL IN DEFAULT OF BAIL Durant: Clarence Johnson tried before Commissioner Parker upon the charge of stealing mules, has been sent to jail at Atoka in default of $800 bail to await the action of the grand jury. SHOT UP THE CAR Two Drunken Men Make a Gun Play on a Rock Island Train Chickasha: Two “would-be bad men” were taken from the north bound Rock Island train here by United States Marshal Madsen, after a severe struggle and landed in jail. The men who names are H. L. Marshall and A. J. Baker, had been drinking and had driven all the passengers out of the smoker and were indulging in the playful pastime of shooting out of the car window and through the car, two bullets from their revolvers penetrating seats which had but a few minutes before been occupied by passengers. After the train crew’s failure to quiet them officers were telegraphed for. Great indignaton is expressed here. The heaviest sentence for this crime in the territory is twenty-one years and the chances for them to get the limit is very good. SALT SPRINGS BRIEFS – October 26 W. M. Howard is attending court at Tishomingo this week. H. C. Sissom is on the sick list this week. Ed Hook killed a hog this week in order to furnish his cotton pickers with meat to eat. LOCAL NEWS Col. R. McLish was in the city Saturday on business. J. M. Crabtree who lives east of town is sick this week. J. C. Fahrney of Boggy Depot, was in the Hub Friday on business. W. A. Snellgrove, of near Ego, was in town Saturday on business. G. T. Austin and family were in from Viola Saturday. B. F. Hargrove, of Cope, was selling cotton in town Saturday. V. L. Cofer was in the city Saturday from Viola. Mr. Cofer will move this winter to the eastern part of the Choctaw Nation. R. E. Wade attended to business at Milburn Saturday. John B. Enfield attended to business at Filmore Saturday. W. T. Wiggington was shaking hands with friends in the city Saturday. Col. W. H. Jackson was in from his home near Viola Saturday and made a trip to Tishomingo. E. Henly, a young farmer living near Ego, died Friday night of Brights Disease. He leaves a wife. I. C. Jones, who lives on the Skeen farm on Boggy River, who was in town Saturday evening says that the river farmers have fine crops but cotton opening very slowly. J. G. Riley attended to business in Muskogee Tuesday. George W. Bradly came down Tuesday from South McAlester. W. F. Logan wad down from the Byrne community Tuesday on business. B. A. Sanders, the popular postmaster and merchant of Viola, was in the city Tuesday on business. Deputy Sheriff D. W. Hodges, of near Lehigh was attending to business in town last Saturday. T. J. McCurday, that enterprising farmer who lives near Wiley, was in the city Saturday on business. Charles McClendon of Connorsville was in town Tuesday on business. J. G. Allison was down from Coalgate Saturday to look after his property. He is doing well at Coalgate. Dr. E. O. Loomis left Saturday for Harrison, Oklahoma, where he goes for several days to look after business affairs. Mr. Jackson of Dexter, Texas, has opened a grocery store in the Kennedy building next to the English Kitchen. S. J. Shipley, one of the best farmers in the Wapanucka country, who lives on the Mosely place west of the city, has finished gathering corn and has gathered over a thousand bushels. This is what we call good farming by a man who knows how. F. A. Riner has just put the finishing touch on the brick front of the Walton building on Choctaw Avenue. This is the best and most substantial front of any store building in town. Prof. W. A. Franc, our jeweler, and C. J. Carter went out Sunday together and discovered a gold mine south of town. It is reported that they will soon incorporate a big mining company and Carter will go east to place the stock on the market. A good many farmers have yet picked but little cotton. Alex Shipley, who lives on the W. Mosely place, says his cotton has just began opening, and H. J. Jennings, who lives up in Wells Valley, says his crop is excellent but opening very slowly. Many others have the same report. But this weather will no doubt make the bolls crack very fast. LOCAL NEWS L. B. Rutherford attended to business at Coalgate Tuesday. Mrs. John C. Attaway has been very sick during the week but is now better. Miss Mary Dyer is attending the Conference of the Methodist Church at Oklahoma City this week. H. C. Pearrigen is behind the counters at Riley Bros. store this week. JONES STABLE BURNED The livery, sale and feed stable of M. A. Jones, located on Choctaw Avenue, burned Tuesday night about 2 o’clock. The fire caught from the hay which was stored away in the barn. The loss is estimated at about $2,500 with $1,500 insurance. It is a mystery how the fire originated. This was one of Wapanucka’s best business institutions and the whole town will feel the loss. VIOLA ITEMS – October 27 Messrs. C. M. Crowell and A. A. Faulk of Wapanucka were in Viola last Sunday. Uncle Billey Cribbs was in Viola Saturday. He says the banking business doesn’t suit him. Some of the family of Elder Springer are having the chills. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.html