The Wapanucka Press Nov 1904 - Johnston County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Mary Achterhof 5 May 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, 3 November 1904 Roscoe Hamilton, a colored boy aged 17 years, was jailed at South McAlester charged with criminally assaulting Maggie McElroy, a white girl age 11 years. Hamilton was bound over before a United States Commissioner without bail. John Shaw, a prominent farmer near Wilburton, lost a $5,000 barn by fire one night recently. Several tons of hay, together with eight head of horses and mules were destroyed. The fire is the work of incendiaries and all possible will be done to apprehend the guilty parties. During a thunderstorm near Stroud, a lightning bolt killed a fine team of horses, the property of W. H. Hogue, a cotton seed hauler. Hogue was knocked unconscious and remained in the precarious condition for several hours and William Mills, another cotton seed hauler, was also knocked senseless for a period of two hours. Silas Hunsucker, a negro preacher at South McAlester, has entered a plea of guilty of killing his wife at that place two years ago and attempting to cremate her body afterwards. Deputy United States Marshal Wiley Haines had his nose broken and received other severe injuries at Pawnee in attempting to arrest Bill Johnson, charged with selling liquor to Indians. Chris Bolton and son, it is said, took the prisoner from the officer and gave Haines a severe beating. Both Boltons are under arrest. BAPTIST ORPHANS' HOME Will be Permanently Located At December Meeting Ardmore: The Missionary Baptist denomination of Oklahoma and Indian Territory at a recent meeting held in Oklahoma City decided to make their temporary orphans' home a permanent institution. A meeting will be held at Pauls Valley on December 15, at which time bids will be received from the towns of the two territories that desire to have it, and the institution will be located permanently. Shawnee and Tecumseh, twin towns of Oklahoma have intimated that they would give fifty acres of land and $10,000 in cash for the privilege of locating the home between the two towns. NEGRO ASSAULTS CHILD Officers Prevent a Lynching by Rushing Fiend to Jail South McAlester: Roscoe Hamilton, a 17 year old colored boy of Wilburton, was brought here under arrest on a charge of criminally assaulting Maggie McElroy, a white girl 11 years old. The crime was committed while the little girl was out nutting with a party of other children. Hamilton was arrested while working in a mine. The officers rushed him here to the United States jail to avoid a mob which was forming. The McElroy girl is in a serious condition and may die of her injuries. She had been chocked into insensibility by her assailant and did not recover consciousness until the children with her had given the alarm and brought searchers to the scene of the crime. NICHOLAS FOUND GUILTY Lawton: James Nicholas, an Apache Indian, who was charged with assault with intent to kill Felix I. Crow of Lawton, more that fourteen mouths ago, was found guilty of the charge by the jury in the case. A. WILSON DIES FROM GUN ACCIDENT Lawton: A. Wilson was accidentally shot and killed near Waurika. In company with other, he went hunting. He got out of his buggy pulling a shotgun after him. The weapon was discharged, the load of shot entering Mr. Wilson's left hip. ATTEMPTED ESCAPE Prisoners at Chickasha Failed in an Effort to Secure Liberty Chickasha: The prisoners in the United States jail here made an attempt to escape and Tom Boswell, under sentence of horse stealing was fatally shot. There were about fifteen prisoners in the jail, and Deputy Marshal Madsen was soon to start for Fort Leavenworth with them. Three guards, Dave Hopkins, Luther Smith and J. P. Ellis, were on duty. Frank Goins, a prisoner, asked permission of Hopkins to go for a bucket of water and as he passed the guard turned and pinioned him from behind. At the same time Will Dunn, another prisoner, who was in the corridor, had secured permission from Smith to do some sweeping. With the broom he attached Smith, and at the same moment Boswell escaped through the door and was about to attack Ellis. The plan evidently was to seize the guards, secure their arms and permit all the prisoners to escape. When Boswell was within five feet of Ellis, the latter fired. The bullet penetrated the skull of Boswell. Ellis fired a second time at one of the other prisoners, but the shot took effect in Boswell's ear. Meanwhile Hopkins had struggled with Goins and shot him at him. Goins was not hit. The prisoners all went back to their cells. There is no hope for the recovery of Boswell. Goins is under a sentence of a year for cattle stealing and Dunn is to serve three years for embezzlement. LOCALS Dr. Loomis returned from Oklahoma Friday. Miss M. W. Heflin visited home folks at Coalgate Sunday. Mrs. W. L. Richards and children are off on a trip to old Mexico. N. H. Addison of Hunton was attending to business in the city Saturday. L. Fountain looked after his farming interest at Tupelo the first of the week. Mrs. B. Statler is visiting her mother and friends at Sherman, Texas, this week. A. I. McAlister while in Oklahoma last week invested in some fine farming lands in Greer County. Freeman & Williams are moving their large stock this week to their new location on Choctaw Avenue. P. A. Goff of Emboden, Arkansas, who had been here several days visiting his son, R. E. Goff, returned Saturday to his home. W. A. Franc, our jeweler and optician is now enjoying a very nice business. Mr. Franc does nothing but good work and good work is what the people want. Mr. Will Goff of Emboden, Arkansas came last week and is looking after the interest of his deceased brothers family at Kittie. J. A. Jackson, son of our honored townsman, F. M. Jackson, has moved here from Hughes, I. T. to take advantage of our public school. Mrs. L. W. Goff of near Jesse brought in cotton last week and was doing some trading. Mrs. Goff is gathering a good crop this year again and is doing quite well. B. F. Stroud who has been suffering intensely with a sprained knee, is now able to get to his store again but is still using crutches. R. L. and J. B. Ream were called to Lebanon Saturday to attended the bedside of their sister, Mrs. L. N. Truman who is very sick with fever and not expected to live. Dixie Williams, who has been in jail for several weeks on a charge of stealing saddles, was acquitted at Atoka Monday and he is now enjoying the fresh air again. C. G. Cribbs and wife of the Viola community were in the city Friday, selling cotton and doing some trading. No man who comes to Wapanucka has more substantial friends in the city than does Uncle Bully. Mr. Cribbs and family are always received with the glad hand in Wapanucka. C. L. Attaway moved from Jesse this week and has accepted a place behind the counters at the Bond store. The Bond store's business has increased so greatly that another good clerk becomes an absolute necessity and of course Mr. Attaway fills the bill. The many friends of Mr. Attaway are very glad to have him and his estimable family back into their midst. Rev. D. A. Williams is here from Granite, Oklahoma visiting his parents and brothers. S. J. Shipley sends the Press to his old friend, Bill Griffie, Georgetown, Tennessee, in order that he may learn of God's country. C. D. White, of Boggy Depot was attending to business in the city Tuesday. J. F. Russell, manager of the Kusler Bakery, returned Monday from a visit of several weeks at Kansas City. John B. Enfield left yesterday for a two weeks trip to New Mexico to look after his land interests there. N. E. Perkins, a prominent Choctaw citizen of Caney, was in the city Tuesday shipping cattle to Kansas City. The students have organized a society for the benefit of the public school. Following are the officers: Miss Nova Ball, President; Miss Allie O'Neal, Vice President; Miss Coga Bond, Secretary and Miss Jeanett Barns, Treasurer. J. F. Shipley one of the leading citizens of Boggy Depot was attending to business in the city yesterday, I. A. Humbart sends the Press to J. P. Johnson, Alloga, Texas. Mr. Johnson moved to Texas from near Wapanucka last week. A R. Field was one of the prominent Ego farmers selling cotton in the city yesterday. Mrs. G. L. Edge is visiting in Caddo and Lehigh this week. J. F. Milligan one of the prominent planters of the Viola community was in the city yesterday. Mr. Milligan wants a hand and will pay good wages. KITTIE NEWS - October 31 Ruben Headly of Reagan was here last Saturday night attending the Odd Fellow Lodge meeting. Joe Headly went to Wapanucka today after brick with which to build a flue in the Odd Fellow Hall. A fine boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Clifford on Saturday last. HUNTON NOTES Thad Addison has sold out his entire stock of goods to Roy Kindred and gone to farming. We regret loosing our merchant but glad to know that a good man has took his place. Mr. Phares of Ego is attending to business in this part this week, Dr. Ellis of this place is making preparations to go to Dallas to school. The people regret him leaving very much but hope some other good doctor will locate in his place. O. E. Simmons was in Wapanucka today with cotton. VIOLA ITEMS There is a new store going in at Viola. Mr. Henry of Tennessee has rented a store house and will open up by the 10th. Mr. Henry is a very nice looking gentleman and we wish him success. Mr. Chester was our auctioneer at the box supper and he was the right man in the right place. Miss May Dodd won the cake as the prettiest girl. Sam Kimbrough and Lon Jones were the nominees as the ugliest young man and on a tie vote the cake was divided between them. Dr. Germany was elected as the laziest man over Bros. Chester and Hargrove. We had an enjoyable time and feel under many obligations to the people of the community for their liberal patronage of a good cause. A B. Sanders of Roff, is moving back to Viola. The Wapanucka Press, 10 November 1904 MRS. TURMAN IS DEAD Mrs. Vinnie R. Turman, wife of L. N. Turman, who has been sick with fever for several weeks, died Saturday night at her home at Lebanan. She was the daughter of Mrs. A. J. Adington and sister of R. L. and J. B. Ream, and was well known by all the older inhabitants of Wapanucka and community. She was a noble woman, devoting as she did, a large share of her life's work to aiding the orphan citizen children of the Chickasaw Nation and uplifting her people. The remains were laid in their final resting place at Ardmore, Monday. The bereaved family have the heartfelt sympathy of the people of our city and community with whom the Press shares a part. FIGHT WITH GUNS One Constable Killed and Another In a Precarious Condition Lawton: One of the most sensational killings in the history of the new country occurred in this city Wednesday. Sid Williams, constable of Brown township, lies at the undertaker's establishment, dead, with a bullet hole through his body. Nep. Brady, deputy constable of Brown township, and city marshal of the town of Sterling, lies at the travelers home with a bullet hole through his body, which barely missed the lung. He is in a precarious condition, and the chances are decidedly against his recovery. The two men met at the Palace bar and ordered drinks. Brady drank and stepped back from the bar, when Williams, pulling his revolver, commanded Brady to deliver up his revolver. Brady, thinking he was joking, said that he would as soon as he took the loads out of it. Williams then advanced and, leveling his revolver at the breast of Brady, pulled the trigger. The gun snapped and Brady dodged a second attempt, in the meantime drawing his revolver. Williams retreated towards the rear ob the saloon and continued to fire, the third shot taking effect in Williams chest. He fell, and as he did so, continued to fire on Williams until his revolver was empty. Williams was hit twice and had fired five times. He died instantly. The history of the trouble between the two men dates back more than a year. In a difficulty at the town of Sterling, while Williams was under the influence of liquor, he fired upon a citizen of that community. Brady arrested him and brought him before the court. The next grand jury indicted him for assault with intent to murder. The case was set for trial in the district court and continued for the term. Both men are married and have families. LOCALS F. M. Jackson returned from a business trip to Texas, Tuesday. H. N. Morgan was over from Ego Monday. Mr. Morgan one of the prominent Ego merchants was attending the sale in town Saturday. J. C. and A. N. Kirtpatrick were among the prominent Ashflat farmers in the city Saturday. B. F. Hargrove and daughters were among the Cope visitors in the city Saturday. Miss Ella Nixon is now working in the dry goods department of the Statler & Herndon store. S. C. Parker, the prominent farmer of Kittie community was selling cotton in town Thursday. J. D. Dumas, one of the leading farmers of the Ego community, was attending to business in the city Saturday. Rev. D. A. Williams who is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Williams, occupied the Methodist pulpit Sunday night. Rev. W. C. Clark the new Methodist minister, will occupy the pulpit at the Methodist Church Sunday and Sunday night. Col. Jackson of Arkansas is in the city writing fire insurance. Col. Jackson represents the Arkansas Mutual Fire Co., of Little Rock. R. H. Kimbrought, the well known Cope farmer, will move to the Dumas place near Ego next year. He and Mr. Duman will plant a crop of Irish potatoes. D. H. Smith and family left this week for Lindsey where Mr. Smith goes to take charge of livery stable. His friends here wish him well at his new home. S. L. Barnes has moved his insurance office into the Wapanucka Banking & Trust Co. building where he is assisting cashier Dickenson in the bank work. Chief Johnson and Deputy Hall both now sport new suits with the big brass buttons. And thus Wapanucka becomes more city like each passing moment. Mrs. J. F. Renegar was visiting relatives at Ardmore this week. Riley Bros. are moving to their new building this week. C. A. Danney, a prominent citizen of near Canney, was in the city Tuesday on business, Edgel Davis and family of Nida were here Tuesday visiting Prof. H. M. Pyle. Dr. Loomis and John W. Howell have bought the Branhan & Cole stock of drugs and have opened for business. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lancaster were in town Monday. They are getting along nicely on their new farm east of town. Notice the ad of B. F. Rice, the new barber in this week's paper. Mr. Rice is conducting a first class barber shop and will no doubt get his share of the patronage. S. O. Gross of Kittie was attending to business in the city Friday. He sends the Press to I. R. Harden Hamlet, Arkansas, in order that he may read of the land of home raised biscuits and milk and honey. LOST - A red back day book. Finder will return same and receive liberal reward. J. E. Benson. COUNCIL MEETING The city council met in regular session Monday night, all members being present except Juhan and Riley. Minutes of last meeting not being accessible reading of same was deferred. Order of business was suspended and matters taken up as presented. The following bills were then presented and allowed: D. Kennedy, R. E. Wade and F. M. Jackson, members of Board of equalization, $5.00 each for service. R. C. Tate making out tax rolls, $6.50. Dorsley Printing Co. for assessors book, $23.65. L. C. Ball tax assessor for services, $29.30. Abe Wolverton, work on streets, $4.50. W. S. Johnson, city Marshal and tax collector, $49.20. J. S. Hart, team on street, $3.50. L. C. Crews, 7 days work on street with team, $21.00. Wapanucka Press, for printing, $3.00. The bond of Treasurer E. D. Williams in the sum of $2,000 with J. M. Dickerson and B. Statler as sureties was approved. LOST - Between Wapanucka and Boggy on November 1st, one Winchester shot gun and case, No. 246000. Suitable reward for gun or information leading to its recovery. Apply to this office. A B. Crist, the prominent truck grower of Byrne, has been keeping Wapanucka hotels supplied with fresh vegetable all during the fall till a few days ago just the same as if it were the beginning of spring. Robert Herndon of Kingston, member of the firm of Statler & Herndon, was in the city Tuesday the guest of Byrne Statler. Miss Ella Nixon has received a scholarship from the Whiteright College. She expects to take a business course there in the near future. Rev. H. P. Hook and family moved this week to his new home at McComb, O. T. where he and son Ed bought them a farm sometime ago. The people of our section regret very much losing such good citizens but wish them well in their new home. Messrs. V. Stenson and J. Irvin were here Sunday from Coalgate visiting Miss M. W. Heflin. SMALL BOY ASSAULTED BY NEGRO Hugo: A small boy named Middleton, about 10 years of age, was assaulted by a negro about two miles south of Grant and is not expected to live. It is alleged the negro took the boy's knife, and on his protest, knocked him senseless with a grapevine and cut his throat from ear to ear. The greatest indignation prevails. CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING South McAlester: Martin Savage has been arrested in Texas on the charge of kidnapping the 12 year old daughter of John Holt, a Choctaw citizen of Blanco, some months ago. The girl was found in Texas a week after the alleged kidnapping, but Savage, who formerly worked for Holt and who was accused of accompanying her, was not found until last week. RAILROAD MAN KILLED Two Officials of Rock Island Meet Death on Motor Car Chickasha: As a result of a horrible accident which occurred about two miles west of here on the Mangum line of the Rock Island. George A. Richards and J. F. Johnson are dead. The former was division engineer and the latter roadmaster. Reliable information concerning the affair is lacking. The two men left Anadarko on a gasoline motor car, the most probable theory being that they were run down by the local freight train. Another theory is that the motor car had already been wrecked and the men killed or disabled before the freight train stuck them. The remains, which were terribly mangled, were picked up by the local and brought to this city. Mr. Richards came here about four months ago from Trenton, Missouri. His remains will be taken to Milwaukee. Mr. Johnson has been roadmaster here for five years. Both men were married. KILLED A POLICEMAN Territory Prisoner Alleged to Have Confessed Murder at St. Joseph South McAlester: Deputy Marshal Grayson of Calvin states that William Gibson, whom he arrested for breaking into a house at Calvin, has confessed to him that he was one of a gang that killed a policeman in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1901. Gibson it is said, was formerly in jail here under another name, being one of the Ella Cox gang of burglars, highwaymen and thieves broken up by Marshal Hackett's officers two years ago. Gibson says that the St. Joseph murder weighted on his conscience so long that he had to make a clean breast of it. The officer refuses to make public the details of the confession. KITTIE NEWS - November 8 Parson Ray called Friday. Says he has sold near $100 worth of books in Kittie settlement. That mean intelligent country. The way to learn is to read. Capt. W. R. White, a part of the firm of Hensley & White, was over on business today. S. O. Gross went to Wapanucka Friday on business for Hensley & White. Mr. Gross is employed by the firm. Mr. Parker, a prominent farmer of this vicinity went to Wapanucka Thursday and carried his family. Bought lots of dry goods and a sewing machine. He also freighted back 1000 lbs. flour for Hensley & White. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wallis of Byrne were visiting at Kittie Sunday. Mr. Clark, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, was at Kittie Friday night. Mr. Clark was looking for land. He likes this country and wishes to make it his home. Mr. Clark has the appearance of a perfect gentle man. Mr. Mathews the weigher at the Kittie gin got his thumb mashed very bad last week. John Gunter of Uricka was over at Kittie figuring on a school building. Mr. Gunter must undoubtedly be a gentleman and Kittie wishes him success in his attempt. WILSON SCHOOL HOUSE - November 8 Prof. Robertson, of Boggy Depot, was here last Sunday and led the singing. Mr. Robertson is a fine singer and we trust he will visit us again. Easmon Williams made a business trip to Atoka this week. Grandma Williams was on the sick list Monday. E. E. Pritchard was our auctioneer at the Box Supper last Saturday night and he was the right man for that place. Miss Annie Lancaster won the cake as the prettiest girl. Henry Crowel was elected as the ugliest young man over Dan Jones. We had an enjoyable time and feel under many obligations to the people of the community for their liberal patronage of a good cause. W. L. White was rewarded the contract last Monday to erect a nice dwelling for Joe Hogg. Bill Dudley, the famous bronco buster, was riding a wild horse for Silas Williams last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Smith, of near Byrne were visiting their daughter, Mrs. J. W. White, last Saturday night. NEWS FROM EGO - November 9 Will Ayecock and sons, Sid King and others are out on a big round-up this week. Mr. Lon Jomes has the sympathy of the entire community. Had be been in Ego instead of Viola this misfortune would have not happened. Mrs. Tom Hoover's baby is quite ill this week. Mrs. F. J. Morgan has been on the sick list for several days. Will Bullock took cotton to Wapanucka Saturday. Frances Jones and family were among last weeks visitors in Wapanucka. Charlie Henchie and wife visited friends near here last Sunday. Joe Simms transacted business in Wapanucka Saturday. Hiram Morgan has had the misfortune to lose his buggy team. As no trace of them can be found he inclines to the belief that they were stolen. Sid King leaves soon for Old Mexico to hunt for a location. Tom Sissom and Tom Drain returned Thursday from the great fair. Bill Weams and K. Williams came all the way from Connorsville to chase a wolf. Just think! That wolf was inconsiderate enough not to show up and be seized! Riddle and son of Caddo bought one hundred of the Lon brand of steers for shipment. Mrs. Ayecock and Miss Lida spent Saturday in Wapanucka. Among Saturday's visitors were J. G. and Robert Simms, Tom Dixon, Bright, Tom Moore, Ed Lee, Ed Smith, George Jackson, Will Jones, Frank Ables, Ben Dixon, Jim Ross, Jeff Jones, Al Neighbors, Tom Mills. VIOLA ITEMS - November 7 Our little town was thrown into excitement and sorrow last Friday evening. For the first time in the history of Viola two of her prominent citizens, G. W. Harris and J. L. Voyles, both who have always been regarded as good citizens and splendid neighbors, as well as Christian men, got into trouble over some hogs, so it is said, running in the field, and in talking the matter over became angered resulting in Mr. Harris shooting Mr. Voyles the ball taken effect in the arm and in the breast. While the wounds inflicted are serious it is believed that Mr. Voyles will recover. Harris had fled to parts unknown. Mr. Voyles has a wife and one child while Mr. Harris' family consist of a wife and several little children. Uncle Bully Cribbs passed through yesterday on his way to the bed side of his sick son who lives near Wyley. The wedding prophesied in these columns last week came off Sunday. A. B. Richardson of Viola and Miss Faggitt of Cope were contracting parties, Rev. W. T. Muncrief performing the ceremony. We wish them much success. HUNTON NOTES - November 8 Will Anderson reports the arrival of a fine boy at his house. Mrs. Lula Howard, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Attaway, at Wapanucka returned home Sunday. Bro. Clevenger was transacting business in Wapanucka today. Mrs. Stubberfield of the Wilson community is reported very sick. The Wapanucka Press, 17 November 1904 J. G. West, a farmer 50 years old, living near Ravia, was shot and killed Friday evening in a personal difficulty. Ernest Roberts, a young married man has been arrested. LOCALS A. W. Hargrove of Viola was in town yesterday. W. J. Bond attended to business at Ardmore yesterday. Uncle Bully Cribbs and wife of Viola were in the city yesterday selling cotton. J. B. Enfield returned Sunday from a two weeks trip to New Mexico. A. Rathburn and wife of Coalgate were here Thursday visiting Prof. and Mrs. J. G. Buchanan. Miss Lilla O'Neal is now holding a place behind the counters of Freeman & Williams in the dry goods department. Dr. H. B. Gray, the popular drug clerk of the City Drug Store, visited friends in Oklahoma City Sunday. Riley Bros. are now located in the handsome two story brick building on corner Main and Choctaw. This is one of the best firms in the Wapanucka section of the country. Mrs. R. E. Wade and Mrs. Burns left Tuesday for Charles City, Iowa, where they will visit the home folks for several weeks. R. M. Emerson, the good farmer of near Cope, has arranged for the Ausbrook farm of the L. Fountain Land & Loan Co. West of town and will move there next year. Another good man coming near Wapanucka. J. R. Hensley, the merchant of Kittie, was in town Tuesday. He sends the Press to G. P. Hensley Hendrix, Arkansas. J. N. Walton was very sick Sunday but is now better. Mrs. T. E. Goff of Kittie was attending to business matters in the city Friday. B. B. Freeman of Jesse was looking after business matters in the city Friday. Rev. W. C. Clark, the new Methodist pastor, and family moved in from Ft. Gibson Friday. Miss Coga Bond, daughter of W. J. Bond, won the beautiful lamp given away by the Benton-Cole Comedy Co. last Wednesday night. S. A. Attaway has moved down from Jessie and took the place in the Bond store made vacant by his brother who has moved to Coatsworth. The people of Wapanucka are glad that Mr. and Mrs. Attaway are again among them. INTERIOR VIEW A. I. McALISTER'S STORE (a photo) From its beginning as a town Wapanucka has stood to the front in progress and enterprise, and no man has contributed more of the sound judgment, work and energy to make it so than has A. I. McAlister, proprietor of the big, progressive and up-to-now mercantile house bearing his name. When Wapanucka was emerging from a cross-road village to a thriving business center Mr. McAlister was among the first men of money to cast his lot here. He opened a large store in connection with his brother under the firm name of W. A. McAlister & Co. By the firm's progressive methods it was not long before it was known throughout this section and the first year enjoyed a large trade. Last year Mr. McAlister bought out the interest of his brother and has since conducted the business alone. Since opening for business three years ago, it has been a success without precedent in the distribution of general merchandise and farm supplies of every description. It is in fact one of the substantial supply houses of the Indian Territory, furnishing a large number of the farmers of the Wapanucka country their supplies. The business is growing each year phenomenally. In 1902, the first year, the annual business was $50,000; the second year $60,000; and this year, the third, it foots up to the flattering figures of $75,000. There is not a business institution in Wapanucka or this section of the Indian Territory that show a more substantial growth of business than this popular store, and this has been accomplished through good judgment and square dealings. There is not a man in the Wapanucka country more alive to the interest of the farmers than Al McAlister. Where there are roads to be repaired Al McAlister is the man who takes the lead, giving his time and his money for that purpose. Al McAlister is always in the market for everything the farmer raises. He has been an important factor in bringing thousands of dollars in trade to Wapanucka that would have probably gone to other towns and no firm or individual has done more to make Wapanucka the substantial business center she is today than he. Mr. McAlister is assisted in the business management of his store by his wife, a most estimable and accomplished lady who fully understand every detail of the business and to who belongs a large share of the praise for the success of the business. The supurb and elegantly tasteful way in which the stock in this store is kept and displayed receives daily enthusiastic praise from traveling men and others. Mr. McAlister has searched the country through, adopting every modern facility known in up-to-date merchandising, for serving the public skillfully with promptness and accuracy. Well known methods and sterling reliability, and the unrivaled volume of business given his argues and superiority that has caused this store to become the reliance of the trade. On account of bad health Mr. McAlister will soon retire from business for a rest, his announcement to that effect appearing elsewhere in todays paper. His retirement from business here will be regretted. J. A. Montgomery has returned from a prospecting trip through Oklahoma. He comes back better satisfied with the Wapanucka country and says that he proposes to stay here. Mr. Montgomery is a good man, one of those good old time Tennesseans and his friends here are glad that he is going to stay in God's Country. R. C. Murphey of Jesse passed through the city Sunday on his way to Pauls Valley to attend court. Mr. Murphey is a witness in the case against B. F. Driggers charged with being connected with the killing of Thomas near Ragan two years ago. S. C. Parker now living near Kittie is putting in a place two miles north of the city on the Dunn land and will move there next year. Mr. Parker is a good farmer and a splendid citizen and the people of Wapanucka are glad to have him among them. L. C. Attaway has bought an interest in the mercantile business of C. S. Walden at Coatsworth and moved to that place. The firm will be known as Walden & Attaway. Both of the men composing this firm are progressive and live merchants and they will give the Coatsworth people one of the best stores in this section. W. A. Franc was the recipient of some nice glassware last week given by a friend, so it is said, as a present, but on that point we are from Missouri. Glassware and such stuff raises the suspicion that there s going to be something doing at an early date and two parties will figure in the game. MINE EXPLOSION Two Men Killed in Shaft Near South McAlester South McAlester: An explosion occurred in Mine No. 8, owned by the Osage Coal and Mining Company at Krebs, in which two shot firers named Walter Arch Dale and Anthonk Woodrick were killed. The mine was not seriously damaged and will resume operations within a short time. NEWS FROM EGO - November 16 W. C. Stanford spent Thursday night at W. Z. Ayecock's. Rube Freeny is down this week from Fitzhugh. Joe Simms is on the sick list this week. Hiram Morgan and Jim Ross spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Troy. Mrs. H. N. Morgan was shopping in Wapanucka Wednesday. Mrs. Van Moran and little son, Emmit spent last week in Milburn and Tishomingo. Miss Buena Attaway is the guest of Mrs. Frances Jones this week. R. Riddels of Caddo attended the business here Wednesday. Robert Freeney is here from Fitzhugh this week. Misses Mamie and Willie Moran of near Caddo are staying with their sister, Mrs. Barton, to attend school this winter. W. J. Fitzgerald of Sherman was one of this weeks visitors. E. N. Williams and family have returned from a trip to Texas. W. T. Young, of Sherman, Texas, was buying cattle near here Friday. Hiram Morgan wears a broad smile. He has found his horses. Mr. and Mrs. Edgel Davis were guests of Mrs. Ayecock Sunday. Lon Jones and Marshal Duckett were out Saturday afternoon with a supply of funny jokes for their friends. Grandma Pharis is quite ill this week. OCONEE NEWS - November 14 Rev. J. B. Hickman of Coalgate was here Saturday. He preached at Happy Hollow Sunday. A child of Newton Gillons' died last Monday. Thomas Bookout, of Weatherford, Texas, and Miss Essie Killian, of Hunton were married at Rev. McNeely's last Monday. Ethel Whiteside has been very sick for sometime but is some better at present. There was some excitement here last week. Marshals came up from Atoka and put the household goods of William Wickware, Dan Willbank and Irvin Wickware out in the road. They sued for damage but compromised. George Belt was the opposing party. Hamp Green, John Austin, Newton Gillon and Mr. Starns have returned from Coleman County, Texas. Messrs. Green and Starns bought land. Austin and Gillon say this country will do them. N. H. Addison, one of Hunton's good citizens, was here Saturday hunting for a school teacher. Henry Ward's house is completed and is quite a nice dwelling. Miss Louise Frye has secured a free school of 7 months for this place. Gus Fraley is selling out his corn and other goods to go to Arkansas. This town will lose a good citizen. Charles Redwine, who has been visiting his father some time, has resumed his position as fireman on the train at Muskogee. Dr. Enfield has not moved to Kittie as was reported. He is doing a good business here. Joe Whiteside is over at Hunton looking after his cattle interest. WILSON SCHOOL HOUSE - November 13 E. S. Bond has just returned from South McAlester. Mr. Stanford of near Lehigh informs us that he will move to this part in the near future. He is an up-to-date farmer, and we welcome him in our midst. E. P. Goodwill has bought quite a lot of fine fruit trees with which to put out a nice orchard on his farm. Mr. Reed of Texas was here this week looking for land. He likes this country and wishes to make it his home. Mrs. John Underwood has just returned home from Tishomingo where she had been visiting relatives the past week. J. W. Dudley will move to the Dr. Loomis farm where he expects to plant a potato crop as well as cotton and corn. A. Lancaster is putting up some new improvements on his farm. HUNTON NOTES - November 15 Dr. Ellis, of this place, left today for Dallas to attend school. The people regret him leaving very much but hope he will return back when he completes his education. Roy Kindred, our new merchant and postmaster, is now moving to town. Miss Minnie Anderson visited friends in Viola Sunday. STRAYED OR STOLEN - One light bay horse, 15 hands high, 5 years old, branded C on left shoulder, weighs about 850, white hind feet, foretop short and snip nose. Also one dark bay horse, 15 hands high, weighs about 1000 pounds, branded CK on left thigh, heavy built, about 12 years old. Liberal reward for information leading to recovery. H. N. Morgan, Ego, I. T. The Wapanucka Press, 24 November 1904 WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS To my friends and patrons: On account of my extreme bad health I have decided to quit the mercantile business for a few years and will begin MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 And Continue until my entire stock is closed out! Which is very complete at this time. Come early and get the choice selections. This is not a cost sale but a CLEAN SWEEP SALE. I want to thank my friends and patrons for their share in making my business a grand success while in Wapanucka. I hope to be with you again in a few years, as I do not think there is a place in the B.I.T., with a brighter future than Wapanucka. We will still handle your produce at the top prices. A. I. McALISTER, Main Street, Wapanucka, I. T. DISASTROUS FIRE Work of Fire-bugs. Big Loss to Mr. Plummer. The fire bug is getting in his work. A large barn and contents of C. W. Plummer, near Olney on Ashflat, went up in smoke Monday night. The ban contained about 1200 bushels of corn, a large amount of hay, a lot of other feed stuff, and seven head of fine mules and horses, all of which were destroyed. Johnson's blood hounds were sent for soon Tuesday morning and were put on the track of the incendiaries who were followed about three miles from the scene of the crime from where it appears they were riding horses and traveled the public road. By this time it was late in the day and owing to the heavy travel in the road the dogs could no longer locate the tracks. J. W. Sams, late of Duncan, is now with the Press. Mr. Sams is a first class printer and will have full control of the mechanical part of the Press office. By this new arrangement the editor will have more time to devote to editorial work and it is hoped that the Press will be further improved in a general way. LOCALS The baby of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Rose is very sick with pneumonia. Sheriff Dave Hodges was over from Lehigh Saturday. H. C. Barnes sends the Press to his son-in-law, Paul Jones, at Ardmore. An aged man by the name of Jackson living over in Wells Valley died Monday. L. Fountain attended to business in the Eastern part of the Choctaw Nation the first of the week. R. C. Tate has purchased as insurance and abstract business at Norman, O. T. He expects to move to Norman within a few days. A large barn on Eck Plummer's place near Olney was burned last week. It is believed the fire was of incendiary origin. A G. Summerfield of Milburn is again at his old place in the First National Bank. J. G. Kimbrough, who lives north of town on Delaware River, is clearing new lands and otherwise improving his farm. Mr. Kimbrough is a good farmer. R. E. Wade left Sunday for Charles City, Iowa, where he goes to visit the folks at the old home. He will remain in Iowa until after the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Sammons, for the past two years connected with t he Press mechanical department, left Friday for Corsicana, Texas, where she goes to join her husband who is engaged there in the barber trade. Mrs. W. H. Ball is sick this week. Miss Agnes Lee is sick this week. Mrs. Gross was down from Kittie yesterday. Robert Stratton, Jim and Green Kurr of Kittie were her yesterday. Alfred, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Dunn is very sick. Pleas and Will Goff, of Kittie were in town yesterday. A. R. field and Tillman Thornton, of Ego were in the city yesterday. Miss Marthie Longinghouse, teacher of the Maysville public school at Ego, was in the city Saturday. Rollie Kimp, the 14 year old son of Mrs. Kemp, living in West part of town, died Sunday. Our friends are hereby given notice that a fierce bulldog is kept tied to our woodpile every night. S. N. Sparks was down from Kittie yesterday. He says that arrangements are being made to start a school at Kittie at once. Mrs. J. F. Renegar leaves this afternoon for Memphis, where she will join a party of friends to go from there to the World's Fair. Dr. McRae has located at Coalgate to practice medicine. The Doctor has many friends here who wish him well at Coalgate. Rev. F. A. Brown, representing Wynnewood College, delivered a fine sermon at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Sunday night on the subject of education. Col. W. L. Richards is camping out in the woods on his place among the beasts of the fields, the owls and the bats. The Colonel is out there looking after the clearing of land. A Mexican giving his name as Antonio Mattenis was arrested at Lawton on a charge of forgery, growing out of a check drawn on the First National Bank. ARRESTED THE JANITOR Chickasha: On the 6th day of last October a package containing about $5,000 disappeared from the Citizen's National Bank of Chickasha. Officers of the bank, while having their suspicions, were not able to account for the money. Owen Fitzpatrick, the negro janitor of the bank went to Cashier Johns and said he wanted to deposit $2,000 which he had received from his own and his wife's people. The cashier accepted the deposit and then called in Deputy Marshal Marsden, who took charge of the negro. A search warrant was secured and in the house of Fitzpatrick $2,855 in currency was found. PLEADS GUILTY TO MAIMING Lawton: Mrs. Julia E. James, aged seventy-four years, pleaded guilty in the district court to the charge of maiming. She was accused of having thrown a quality of lye into the face A. Kennedy in Hastings, causing him to lose one of his eyes. PRISONER ASSAULTED A GUARD Men Confined in South McAlester Jail Given the Water Cure South McAlester: Grant Williams, under sentence of death for the murder of two railway contractors at Haileyville, made a vicious assault upon Guard Reeves at the federal jail here with a piece of water pipe which he had wrenched loose from his cell. He struck at Reeves as the guard was unlocking the cell. Reeves shielded his head with his arm. The guards could not get the weapon away from Williams until they had played a hose on his face for two and a half hours. By means of prods he was forced to turn his face to the stream until he was subdued. He yells during the drenching could be hard for several blocks. Williams, who has shown a bad disposition for some time, will hereafter be kept in solitary confinement. FIFTY-FOUR BALES OF COTTON BURNED Lawton: The cotton wharf at Temple was completely destroyed by fire. Some buyers had been in town and had taken up quite a lot of cotton and the wharf was loaded, ready to ship. Before the fire was discovered nearly every bale had become ignited. In all fifty four bales were destroyed. All of the cotton had been billed for shipment and was in the hands of the purchasing company, so none of the local buyers will lose. GAMBLING HOUSES RAIDED Ardmore: The gambling houses at Pauls Valley, where federal court is in session, were raided recently by United States officers. A number of alleged gamblers were placed under arrest. W. B. Johnson, United States district attorney, says that gambling in the southern district must cease and that every offense will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. A LIFE SENTENCE FOR A MURDER Atoka: Asais Willis, a Choctaw boy seventeen years old, has been sentenced to ninety nine years imprisonment by the court here for the murder of Sarah Roberts, a girl twelve years old. The girl lived with an aged Indian woman, and it was said there was a considerable amount of money in the house occupied by them. An attempt was made to secure the money. The woman was absent from home and the girl made some resistance when Willis started to search the house and she was murdered. The girl was first kicked into insensibility and then her throat was cut. WILSON SCHOOL HOUSE - November 22 L. Daffern has moved to the Dr. Taylor farm on Boggy River. Sim Ervin has built a nice gallery to his dwelling. Mrs. Mace of Wapanucka was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Lancaster, Sunday. Mrs. C. P. Ridley was shopping in Wapanucka Saturday. Robert Wilson returned home last week from Durant, where he has been attending school. Will Underwood is making preparations this week to build some tenant houses on this farm east of Boggy. Green Daffern made a business trip to Coalgate Monday. Rev. Gates failed to fill his appointment here last Sunday owing to the rain. Miss Iva Crews opened a school today at this place with an enrollment of twenty pupils. COATWORTH ITEMS - November 22 MR. C. S. Walden went to Ardmore yesterday on business. Messrs Jones and Sconers went to Tishomingo Monday to attend court. Scott Crawford is here from Ardmore. HUNTON NOTES - November 22 Mr. M. Y. Moran of this place is very ill, but Dr. Stephens, the family physician, reports him much better. Mr. Hastings, who lives three miles north of this place, had his house burned one night last week. City Marshal Johnson and dogs were sent for at once, but up to date no clue to the guilty party has been established. Mr. Joel Simmons of Wolfe City, Texas, who has been visiting children at this place, returned home yesterday. Mr. Lee Attaway of Wapanucka gave our little village a call today. Mrs. Ed Anderson left yesterday for Texas, having been called to the bedside of her mother, Mrs. Hobbs, who is very sick. Mr. A. Y. Casey was transacting business in Wapanucka today. Mr. O. E. Simmons and family went to Tishomingo today on business. NEWS FROM EGO - November 23 Mr. Clingscales, the photographer from Caddo, was here from Wednesday to Monday. He took the school group, which was quite good, and was kept busy nearly all the time he was here. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Cunningham and sister, Miss Florence, visiting near Roberta last week. Charlie O' Brient was here on business one day this week. John Epperson spent several hours in the city on business this week. Misses Louella and Pearl Jones visited in Wapanucka Saturday and Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Moran are spending several days at Boggy this week. Mr. Rigsby of Boggy, formerly of this place, is seriously ill. Mr. Jack Barton and little daughter are visiting friends and relatives at Mena, Arkansas. Miss Lathram of Georgia is visiting Mrs. Lon Simms. Sid King attended to business in Wapanucka Saturday. George Jackson spent some days in Durant last week. Lon Joes was on our streets this week. Roy Riddels was out from Caddo on business Monday and Tuesday. Mr. Shelton and son of Sterrett spent Saturday night in our town. Miss Fannie Epperson is now the guest of Mrs. Lon Simms. Mr. and Mrs. Barton spent Saturday and Sunday near Caddo. Mrs. Mary Maurer was trading in Wapanucka Saturday. Mr. Thompson of Coalgate spent a few hours with his friends Saturday. Charlie Colbert and John Meadows passed through on their way to Durant Friday. The pupils of the Marysville public school were given a social at he home of Mrs. Will Ayecock on Saturday night. There were about 50 present. The children engaged in games of all kinds till 9 o'clock when a fruit supper was served. The table was tastefully decorated with chrysanthemums, berries and mistletoe. Several of the parents who came to bring the little ones seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. At 10:30 the party broke, many saying they had the most enjoyable time of their lives. Among those present were Misses Len and Lida Ayecock, Emma Bright, Bessie Davis, Willie and Mamie Moran, Docia and Ruby Wilder, Vick and Clara Morehead, Edith, Ethel and Dora King, Eva and Ovie Snider, Vernie and Etta Bullock, Bessie and Treasure Pharis; Masters Dick, Virgil and Vester Ayecock, Jessie King, Houston Dumas, Joe and Clifton Simms, Lee Walter, Jesse and Melvin Jones, Charlie and Liffie Moran, Jake and David Pharis. Among the older people present were Mr. and Mrs. Massie, Lon Simms, Mrs. Bright, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Pharis, Miss Parhney, Shelton King, Freeney , Mauer and others. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Johnston County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/johnston/johnston.html