News articles: Booze and Its Influences, 1921-22, LeFlore County, Oklahoma Submitted by: William Hunt 4 Jun 2006 Return to Leflore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Contributed by William A. Hunt wahunt@hughes.net June 1, 2006 National Prohibition: In 1918, congress passed the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. States ratified the Amendment in 1919, and it thus became the law of the land. However, throughout the country people proceeded to manufacture, distribute, and consume such beverages and thereby keep law officers quite busy in their efforts to enforce the law. The following news articles from Poteau newspapers in 1921 and 1922 tell of happenings in Leflore County related to Booze and Its Consequences. The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 6, 1921. "The New County Officers. "Monday witnessed the induction of the new county and township officers of LeFlore county into office [...] "John Hunt, the new sheriff soon had matters going in his office as though he had been in office always, and in fact, Mr. Hunt is a veteran peace officer, having served for many years as United State deputy marshal before and after statehood, and in those days he made his bailiwick an undesirable place for outlaws. Mr. Hunt bids fair to make this county one of the best sheriffs it has known in its history, and he has the confidence of all good people in the place. "Mr. Hunt has selected for his field deputies the following well known men: Heavener, N. S. Costello; Spiro, Monroe Self; Talihina, Delos Wade; Bokoshe, A. C. Wilson. These are all good men and will assure the county a good, safe administration of law enforcement. "Mr. Hunt, on behalf of his whole official force, asks for the cooperation of the good people of the county and assures them in advance that any information given by any person with regard to law violations will be treated in the strictest confidence, and he further says that strict business efficiency will be his slogan in office, and this will give little time for politics [...] " The Poteau News, January 27, 1921. The following two items are opinion statements found on the editorial page: "We are glad to note that the Farmers' Union has gone on record as being in the fight to kill Jake, Choc and Wild Cat in this county. Now as little as you may think of that move, we are prepared to say that they will do more good in eliminating the curse than any other force. These fellows live in the sections where it is easier to get by in violating the laws and they are in a position to good work, and they will do it. We had about arrived at the conclusion that it was going to be too big a pull to kill it off, but since they have come into the fight we feel like the days of that most unholy of all unholy trinities is numbered. These men need the help of all the other good men of the county in this fight if the fellows in town will do their part the work will be a great deal easier. While we are at it let's clean up the customers of the rascals too they are no good to themselves or any one else." "Capture or kill the Jake, Choc and Wild Cat peddler and stop the traffic and you have solved most of our troubles in this county. As long as these criminals are not hunted like wild beasts we are going to have all manner of law violations. Whenever you give information that leads to the conviction of one of them you are a patriot and a hero. When you know where the officers can lay hands on one and refuse to give him away you are placing yourself on a level with the lowest order of outlaws this world has ever had to contend with. Be men and help take this crushing load off of the law abiding people of LeFlore county." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 3, 1921. "Step On 'Em Good and Hard, Officers. "W. W. Watson, a man 72 years of age, residing in the Lone Pine section of the county, near Wister, was arrested last week by Deputy Sheriff Costello and Office Joe Dawson on a charge of manufacturing liquor. "The still was located in a log house which was locked against intrusion and the inspection of prying officers. A half gallon can of whiskey was confiscated, along with the worm which was brought in to the sheriff's office for evidence. "Last Saturday morning Enforcement Office Tackett and Deputy Sheriff Costello and Ed Harrison arrested Walter Rupe, J. E. Drury, Lee Jones and Walter Bullard at Superiro, near Williams, and captured two gallons of the fiery liquid together with two pistols and two flash lights, showing they were preparing to take care of themselves. "Monday, Burk Davis, of Hicks, was brought in with a little still he was charged with operating at a saw mill. Several gallons of whiskey were brought along as evidence. "Apparently the illicit making of joy water in LeFlore county is not without its perils." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 3, 1921. "Still Located In The City. "Terrence Griffen a fisherman down at the lake, was arrested Monday, when the officers raided his domain and found a still, together with two barrels of mash. The mash and the alleged masher are now in the hands of Sheriff John Hunt, and Terrence will be turned over to the federal government for the final disposition of both." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 10, 1921. "Officers Got Large Still. "Last Friday night John T. Tisdale, special enforcement officer and Deputy Sheriff Sam Costello and John Gordon captured a sixty gallon capacity still and confiscated three hundred gallons of mash, four gallons of whiskey, and seventy-two gallons of 'singlings.' "Robert Blankenship and William Thurman were brought here and placed in jail pending posting of bonds in the sum of $2,000 each, charged with illicit selling and possession of liquor and were arraigned before U. S. Commissioner Bagwell Monday morning. "The men live on Holson creek in the heart of the Blue mountains and the still was found at the head of a canyon about two miles from their home." The Poteau News, February 10, 1921. "One Caught; One Escaped "Deputy Sheriff Costello, assisted by Enforcement Officer Tisdale of Fort Smith made a good capture last Friday, after laying out in the brush for about thirty hours. The capture was made on Holson Creek. They got one 60-gallon still, 800 gallons of mash and four gallons of liquor, and two men. One of the men is named Bob Blankenship; the other named Will Thurman. This was a real big catch and Mr. Costello is to be congratulated in making it. "The same day the same officers captured a smaller still higher up the creed but the men had flown and left no trace or clue of their whereabouts. This was a late model still, being made of the copper variety, and all of the works were brought to town." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 10 1921. "Fairview Items. "We cannot refrain from commenting upon the good service of our sheriff Mr. Hunt, is giving our locality and the county in the manner in which he is grounding the wires of the booze maker and peddler, and we must not forget to wish his efficient deputies well, and here is the best wishes we feel of this entire community for Sheriff Hunt and his force of deputies in their cleaning up this nefarious traffic of illicit goods in our county." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 10, 1921. "Still More Stills. "On Thursday of last week Deputy Sheriff Sam Costello and John Gordon captured a 20-gallon capacity copper still down in the mountains, six miles below Stapp. "The operators got wind of their presence and fled, and the officers have so far been unable to apprehend them, but they will eventually be brought in." The Poteau Weekly Sun, February 17, 1921 "Killing At Stapp. "Manuel Curtwright, a farmer near Stapp, this county, killed Jess Yates on Sunday of last week. Yates is a tenant on the Curtwright farm and the trouble grew out of the owner wanting him to vacate. It is said Yates went to the Curtwright home Sunday morning drinking and Curtwright shot him with a shot gun. "He leaves a wife and several children." The Poteau News, February 24, 1921. "Investigate Killing. "Sheriff John Hunt returned last night from Haw Creek, east of Zoe where he and Attorney D. C. McCurtain went to investigate the killing of Jess Yates, last Sunday. "Mr. Hunt states to us that on last Sunday afternoon, while at the jail attending to affairs there, one Mr. Curtright, came and offered himself, saying that he had killed Jess Yates at a Tie camp on Haw Creek, east of Zoe. "Mr. Curtright is in jail awaiting examining trial, which will be held in Justice Johnston's court at Heavener Saturday, the 19th." The Poteau News, March 3, 1921. "Booze Still Is Found In James Dennis Home. "Federal Prohibition Officer L. H. Tackett reports several arrests made in the county last week, including in his list of arrests, James Dennis, of this city. In Dennis' residence officers found a large still of the old style famously known in Kentucky. "The still was operated by gas and water and had been, the officers said, in use for several weeks. The still was discovered in a room specially made for the purpose. Fifteen gallons of moonshine whiskey and 60 gallons of mash, ready to run, were taken by the officers who assisted in the raid. "Constable Butler and Chief of Police Joe Dawson captured a complete still about seven miles south of Poteau and arrested Joe Johnson, who said he was a 'bad egg' for violating the liquor laws. Johnson was turned over to Tackett for prosecution in the Federal court, and is in jail here waiting his hearing. When arrested, Johnson carried a .38 pearl handle special, advertised his wildness and claimed himself to be a 'bad egg.' "Officer Tackett also arrested a storekeeper of Panama, named Bettey for selling extracts as beverages. Two bottles of the extracts were presented as evidence, and Bettey, under $1,000 bond, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, had the sentence suspended for 30 days until he could regulate his business affairs and then he will appear before the grand jury. "During last week Tackett arrested 12 men for violation of the liquor laws in LeFlore County, several of whom were charged with making Choctaw beer. Those arrested under the beer status were fined $50 and costs and sentenced to 30 days in jail." The Poteau Weekly Sun, March 3, 1921. "Most Complete Still Yet Found, Is Captured. "L. H. Tackett, federal enforcement officer, assisted by City Marshal Joe Dawson and Henry Donothan raided the home of Jim Dennis on last Friday evening and brought in the most complete still yet captured in the county since the enforcement of the eighth amendment. "The still is a large one and operated by gas and water. The officers claim it had been in use for several weeks and was located in a room especially made for the purpose. The officers confiscated fifteen gallons of moonshine whiskey and sixty gallons of mash. "Mr. Dennis was arrested and placed in the Poteau jail, afterward being released upon making bond in the sum of $2,000. The Poteau Weekly Sun, March 3, 1921. "Extracts As Beverage. "Enforcement Officer Tackett last week arrested A. L. Betty at storekeeper of Panama for alleged selling of extracts as beverage, two bottles of it being presented as evidence. "Betty's bond was fixed at $1,000 for his appearance before the grand jury." The Poteau Weekly Sun, March 3, 1921. "Another Still Captured. "Officers Joe Dawson and Butler captured a complete still last week seven miles south of town and arrested Joe Johnson for violating the liquor laws. "Johnson was turned over to the federal authorities and is in the Poteau jail awaiting a hearing. When arrested he carried a .38 pearl-handled special and dubbed himself a 'bad egg.' The Poteau News, March 10, 1921. "John Hunt picked up a bootlegger's grip of liquor here yesterday. The man left his liquor when he found he was being watched." The Poteau Weekly News, March 10, 1921. "Two Men And A Still Captured. "On last Sunday morning federal prohibition officer captured a large still and the alleged operators of it, Elmer and Guy Matthews, said to be son of a former state game warden. The still was located about 25 miles from Cove, Arkansas, and they were just getting ready for their regular Sunday run when captures, and had been operating in the vicinity for several weeks, so the officers said. They were brought to Poteau and placed in jail, pending a preliminary hearing." The Poteau Weekly News, March 24, 1921. "And Still There Are Stills And Stills. "Prohibition enforcement officers Monday of this week captured seventy gallons of moonshine and 1,000 gallons of mash at Cove, Arkansas, near Smithville, Oklahoma, and arrested Isaac Tom and Bill Shaw. "The still was of 100 gallon capacity. "Bas Winton, who was operating a fifty gallon still in the woods near his home, was also arrested and 200 gallons of mash confiscated. Winton had just begun running the mash and three quarts of liquor had been made. "Winton was brought to Poteau and lodged in jail, while the other three moonshiners made their getaway." The Poteau Weekly Sun, April 14, 1921. "Big Haul Made At Talihina. "Officers Capture Large Still. "Special enforcement officer Foster, assisted by Deputy Sheriff Delos Wade, S. T. Minor and Jesse Stines, made what they consider the biggest capture in the illicit manufacture of whiskey, last Saturday and Sunday that has ever been made in LeFlore county. "Four big stills were chopped up and fifty gallons of whiskey and between four- and five-hundred gallons of mash confiscated. Eight men were arrested in the raid: Lindsey Webster, Sam Hammond, J. W. Hammond. T. J. Hammond, Roy Payne, Guy Wroden, Ben Ramsay and Henry Hutchinson. "The haul was made in the Buffalo mountains and the men were brought to Poteau and lodged in jail to await trial." The Poteau Weekly Sun, April 14, 1921. "Arrested For Illicit Manufacture. "Deputy sheriff Sam Costello and assistant enforcement officers last Friday morning arrested Aud smith, between Hill and Rock Island, on a charge of illicit distilling and brought in a still and fifty gallons of mash as evidence. He is out on $1,000 bond to await trail in county court at the July term. "Earnest East of Muse was arrested at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on a criminal charge and will be brought back here for trails. He has refused to return without requisition papers. "Sheriff Hunt and Lindsay Barnes arrested Ed Williams, who lives northeast of Monroe, on a charge of burglarizing a residence near Howe. He was brought here and put in jail to await trial. "Deputy County Attorney Babb and Sheriff Hunt went to Howe Monday to return a man for burglary, and two negroes for shooting at another negro. They were bound over to district court and returned to jail in Poeau to await hearing." The Poteau News, May 19, 1921. "The sheriff's office and prohibition officers have captured thirty-five stills since the first of the year. Some them are real up to date stills and some of them are made of oil cans and foot tubs." The Poteau News, May 19, 1921. "Was Selling Mountain Dew. "L. H. Tackett brought a man in from Wister last Monday who is held in jail on a charge of soliciting and offering for sale whiskey, commonly called Mountain Dew. He offered to sell a man whiskey and when the man went to examine the stuff it was water. He refused to give the man his money back and as a consequence the man had him arrested. He is now under a thousand dollar bond. "This is a little different to the case we had here a year ago. At that time a fellow drifted in and would approach one of the boys and asked if he wanted a bottle of vinegar. He would wink which immediately put the boys on edge. He would then produced a bottle branded Old Crow which set the spectators wild. After they tasted it they found that it was nothing but common apple vinegar. He sold eight quarts here and although he was arrested and put in jail, the authorities had to dismiss him." The Poteau News, July 7, 1921. "Report of Sheriff's Office for First 6 Months. "Number of arrest made during the six months ending June 30, 1921, 175, and 100 of those were out of the justice courts of the county and 75 were on warrants issued out of the county court. Eighty percent of the cases out of the county court were for the violation of the liquor laws. Thirty seven stills were captured by the sheriff's force with the aid of federal officers and other county and township officers. There has been only one murder committed in the county since the first of the year. Six men have been arrested for rape. One man was sentenced to the penitentiary for murder. His case had been appealed to the higher courts and his sentence was confirmed. One man plead guilty to writing bogus checks and obtaining money under false pretense and was sentenced to two years in the pen. Two boys were sent to the reform school at Granite. $494.19 has been collected and turned into the treasurer's office from civil fees. Criminal fees and milage earned by the office and reported to the county commissioners amounted to $1,804.61." The Poteau News, July 21, 1921. "Pays Death Penalty For Killing Farmer. "Eli Thomas, 24-year-old negro from this county paid the price of wildcat whiskey last Friday morning. Thomas was electrocuted in the state penitentiary for the murder of Selman Mayfield, a young white farmer, whom he killed near Calhoun last summer. "Thomas 'tanked up' on moonshine at a picnic near Calhoun and accosting Mayfield in a road blew off his head. "The condemned man walked to the death chamber unaided and without the least trace of fear, and after a short speech to the spectators, in which he acknowledged his guilt, and warning young men against a life that might lead to the same fate, and thanking the prison official for their many acts of kindness, he took his seat in the chair that was soon to snuff out the last vestige of life." The Poteau Weekly Sun, August 18, 1921. "Poteau Police Chief Wounded In Gun Duel. "Chief of Police L. W. Qualls on Thursday morning of last week attempted to arrest Walton James, an Indian, for being drunk and disorderly, when James pulled out his gun and shot Qualls twice, one shot taking effect in his leg and the other in the hip, passing entirely through his body, but penetrating no vital spots. Qualls immediately opened fire at James and shot him through the abdomen and over the heart. James lived only a few hours after the shooting. "Qualls made the statement that he had received a telephone message to arrest James on a charge of disorderly conduct and started out about 8:30 o'clock in the morning to find him. He located James across the Frisco tracks in company with a sixteen-year-old girl, Hazel Thomas. James resisted arrest, it is said, and began shooting at the officer, whereupon Qualls emptied his automatic at the Indian, bringing him down. Police man Qualls then turned and walked two block before he fell, weak from the loss of blood. Both men were brought to the doctor's office, and after the surgeons had probed the wounds it was found that James had no possible chance of recovery and their attention was directed to Qualls. The officer was operated upon, the bullets removed and he now has a fair chance to recover, according to statements of the physicians. "James died at 1:30 Thursday afternoon at the home of his divorced wife, where he was taken a short while after the shooting, and was buried at Shady Point Friday afternoon. "Qualls has been chief of police since June 1 and has made an efficient officer. He is well liked by the businessmen and the people of Poteau in general and his misfortune is deeply deplored by his many friends." The Poteau News, August 18, 1921. "Walton James Meets Death. "City Marshal Lander Qualls shot and killed Walton James here last Thursday morning about 9 o'clock. The shooting took place over in the west side of town where Mr. Qualls had gone to serve a warrant on James. "Chief Qualls had been informed that James was over there and a request had come to arrest him. He approached James and informed him that he was under arrest. James is said to have drawn his gun and shot Qualls in the thigh. Qualls then drew his gun and shot James thru the body which shot felled him. James, it is said then opened fire on Qualls again, the ball striking him in the stomach and coming out his back, but never getting very deep under the skin. Qualls fired at him until his gun was empty and thinking he had finished his man came into town and went to a doctor's office where his wounds were dressed and he was taken home. It is a miracle that he was not instantly killed in the shooting, as it is claimed that it was chance that sen the ball on the route it took instead of going thru his stomach. "James was taken to a physician's office and given what attention could be given. He was taken to a residence and expired about 1 o'clock. James was born and raised in the part of the country and lately had been giving the officers trouble, but his closest friends never dreamed that he would go so far as to attempt the life of an officer of the law. "Lander Qualls has been serving as chief of police here for about four months and has made the town an exceptionally good officer and his actions in the shooting meets with the approval of all law-abiding citizens and when he returns to duty it will be with the assurance that he has done his duty and has the respect and confidence of all people who believe in decency and respect for the law." The Poteau News, August 18, 1921. "V. G. Logan Shot By Mail Carrier. "V. G. Logan, one of the best known merchants in LeFlore County was shot and killed last Friday morning at 6 o'clock at his sore at Summerfield by Lee Maddox, a mail carrier, who later surrender to Deputy Sheriff B. F. Sumpter. Maddox left the store immediately after the shooting and when Logan was found, it was reported here that he had been ambushed by moonshiners against whom he had been active in the southern part of the county. He was constable for that township. "Maddox was brought to the county jail here and declared he had killed Logan as the climax to an argument in which a woman played a part. He accused Logan, he admitted, with undue familiarity, and in repeating his story to county officers said he shot Logan and Logan reached for his gun. There were no witnesses to the shooting, it is understood. "Logan had long been prominent in LeFlore county and was very popular here in Poteau. He lived in a fine residence near his store and left his home shortly before 6 o'clock for his store to open up for the day. When he entered, it is said, Maddox followed him in and the argument resulted. "After the shooting Maddox went to the home of Deputy Sheriff Sumpter at Summerfield and confessed. Sumpter then brought him to Poteau in an automobile. Sheriff Hunt, notified of the killing went to Summerfield to make an investigation. "Logan was 55 years of age and leaves a widow and two daughters. His remains were buried at Ellis Chapel, near Wister last Sunday." The Poteau Weekly Sun, August 18, 1921. "LeFlore County Merchant Killed. "V. G. Logan, a prosperous merchant of Summerfield, was shot and instantly killed on Friday morning of last week at the store in that town. "Lee Maddux, rural mail carrier between LeFlore and Summerfield, confessed to the killing and surrendered to Ben Sumpter, deputy sheriff, and according to reports, Maddux is said to have stated to Sumpter that neighbors had told him that they believed his wife and Logan were 'trifling.' Mrs. Maddux was employed in the Logan store, and Maddux is said to have taken his wife with him Friday morning to the store to ask Logan about it, and that Logan reached behind the counter for a gun, whereupon Maddux fired five bullets into his body. "Deputy Sheriff Sumpter immediately brought Maddux to Poteau and lodged him in jail. He is thirty years old and has two children. "V. G. Logan was fifty years old and besides his store owned and operated a number of saw mills and was considered one of the most prosperous, as well as progressive farmers in the entire county. He leaves a wife and married daughter. He was a brother of W. T. Logan, owner of the Poteau Lumber and Realty Co., of this city, and a brother of Bob Logan who was killed by Noah Emery about five years ago when Logan tried to arrest him while he was employed as a United States marshal. Funeral services occurred Saturday afternoon followed by interment at Ellis Chapel." The Poteau Weekly Sun, September 8, 1921. "Killing At Williams. "John N. Detamore, a master mechanic and Horace Smith got into a three- cornered discussion at Williams last Wednesday night over politics, booze and unionism, it is reported, and resulted in Detamore killing Smith. Detamore surrendered to Deputy Sheriff Ed McClure and is now in jail awaiting his preliminary hearing." The Poteau News, September 8, 1921, Editorial: "Send 'Hard Boiled' Gents To Jail. "Editor News: There is a great deal being said at this time about the laxness of the enforcement of the new prohibition law. It may truthfully be said that there is a lack of the proper enforcement of this law in the vicinity, and that may be said without casting any reflections upon the local officers whose duty it is to enforce it. Because it is a well known fact that the moonshiner, the bootlegger and the boozer all stand together in its violation. The officers have not only those three classes of offenders to contend with, but they also have against them a very considerable number of 'good citizens' who lend their influence to the illegal traffic in liquor. This makes law enforcement a different matter. "But this is not what I started out to say. It is this: There is little or no use of an officer arresting a man for any offense if the prisoner, upon conviction is to be turned loose by a 'dollar and costs' judge. "If a man is to be permitted to fill up on booze and terrorize the town all night and, upon being arrested is fined only $1 or $5 for the offense, it is not putting it any too strong to say that our law enforcement is a farce. The offender does not care for the mere pittance the fine represents. He pays it with a sneer and proceeds to repeat the outrage at the first favorable opportunity. "Less than thirty days ago, one of our police officers was shot down by a man who, (I am informed) had been fined one dollar and costs for an offense he had committed only a few days prior to the shooting. If this man had been given 30 days in jail, which he richly deserved, the shooting would not have occurred, and the man's life would have been saved and another would have been spared much suffering. "Under our municipal laws the minimum fine for drunkenness is $10 and any fine less than that amount is illegal. "The sentiment in the town seems to be growing rapidly that there is no use in further temporizing with violators of the law. People are beginning to express the belief that the only way to check the ever increasing tide of drunkenness and rowdyism is for our judges to assess maximum fines with jail sentences, a $50 fine and 30 days in jail will do more to tame one of our 'hard boiled' gentlemen than one hundred $5 fines. "This is not written with the intention of finding fault with any one, but for the purpose of pointing out what seems to be the sentiment of our best citizens with reference to law enforcement to check the wave of drunkenness and disorder that we have been fighting in a half-hearted way in the past. A few 30 day jail sentences would do more to clean the atmosphere around this town than anything else unless it would be a few judicious hangings. R. S. B." The Poteau Weekly Sun, September 15, 1921. "Officers Capture Still. "Wednesday morning of this week Deputy Sheriff Costello, assisted by Officers Luke Terry and Oscar Krebs, captured a still of twenty-gallon capacity that was running full blast when the officer made the raid. G. R. Herriott and Leon Kellam were arrested and brought to Poteau and lodged in jail, charged with operating the still, and one gallon of hooch was brought in as evidence against them. The still was located about six miles northwest of Spiro and the officers consider it a good haul." The Poteau Weekly Sun, September 22. 1921. "By The Truck Load. "Sheriff John Hunt and deputies and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney James Babb chartered Al Regan's big truck Monday morning and loaded nineteen prisoners on to catch the Rock Island train at Howe for the state penitentiary at McAlester, where they will serve terms for crimes they be committed." The Poteau Weekly Sun, October 6, 1921. "Man Shot At Williams. "O. M. Krebs, deputy sheriff at Williams, brought in one Charley Green from Williams on Monday of this week for the shooting of M. O. Walters at that place on last Saturday evening. "Reports have it that Green was drinking and had a shot gun filled with buckshot, which he fired at Walters, hitting him in the side. There was said to be no cause for the shooting other than the drunken condition of Green. "Dr. Miner attended the wounded man and unless complications set in his chances for recovery are good. "Green was lodged in jail here to await his preliminary hearing, which will likely occur as soon as Walters' condition will permit him to appear against Green." The Poteau News, November 24, 1921. "Costello Got Two Stills. "Sam Costello, deputy from Heavener, has been doing some good work for the past two weeks. Sam brought in B. B. Blankenship and D. E. Nolen who were running a fine still on Holson Creek. They lost twenty barrels of mash in the deal. They had several witnesses testify it to one of the most up-to- date whiskey factories in the state. They have lots of time now to muse over the situation. "The other fellow he got is named Bill Boatman who lives in Heavener but has been operating five miles west of town. He stood in with all of the 'high flyers' in Heavener who pose as respectable people, but are in reality no better then the poor devils who make their living on the stuff." The Poteau News, December 1, 1921, Editorial: "The bootlegger in this county must go. If it takes a K. K. K. To put them out of business the sooner we organize the better 'twill be for us. It is a fact that the officers can do nothing unless they are backed by a few of the people, and this is just what's the matter today. "We have too many people to take pains to shield the devils. We have men in the garb of respectability who will going on the stand and swear a pine blank lie to keep a bootlegger out of jail, and in public these same men will berate the officers for not doing their duty. If it takes tending to men of that class in order to get the bootlegger, then let's get those fellows along the other class they are all in the same "boat law violators of the worst kind. "If the K. K. K. can reach them we favor an early visit from them. If it takes something stronger, then let's try it. No remedy is too severe in this case. Kill the bootlegger or drive him out should be the watchword of every good man and woman in LeFlore County." The Poteau Weekly Sun, December 8, 1921. "Brutal Murder At Heavener. "A coal miner named George Hutchinson, whose home is said to have been Russellville, Arkansas, died in a Fort Smith hospital Sunday evening as the result of injuries received in a brutal attack made upon him the day before in the railroad yards at Heavener, it is reported. "Hutchinson was found in the yards shortly after 7 o'clock in an unconscious condition, suffering from a fracture of the skull, apparently having been struck with some blunt instrument. After he had been knocked senseless his body had been placed upon the railroad tracks with the intention, it is believed, of letting a train finish the brutal attack by running over the body, and thus hiding the crime, officers believe. "Hutchinson left his home in Russellville a few days ago and went to Heavener Sunday to look for work, and had just left a camp where several other men had spent the evening, several of them being under the influence of whiskey, it is said, going through the yards to catch a train and to back home. His family was notified of his death and a son went to Heavener Monday, and said his father had a small sum of money and a watch when he left home, but they were missing when the mutilated body was found. "Besides a widow and six children at Russellville, Hutchinson leaves a mother at Wilburton, Oklahoma, and four brothers, all of whom reside in Oklahoma. "William Sykes was arrested Monday at Mena, Arkansas, in connection with the death of Hutchinson, as he was identified by three men, who are being held as witnesses, as being the man last seen with Hutchinson when he left the camp where several tramps were hanging out. They gave their names as Eugene Louzon and W. R. Walters, of Montana, and Ralph a. Bird of Joplin, Missouri. "It is understood that a blood test is to be made of the blood on the dead man's hat and that found on a bludgeon with which it is believed he was assaulted, and if the blood appears to have come from the same corpuscle it will be conclusive evidence that this was the instrument used and Sykes will be held to answer in the district court. "The preliminary hearing will not be held until after this test is made." The Poteau News, December 8, 1921 "Man Murdered at Heavener. "George Hutchinson, a miner whose home is at Russellville, Arkansas, was murdered at Heavener last Sunday evening. The murder was committed in the railroad yards and the body taken to the track where it was proposed to let the passenger train pass over it and destroy evidences of the crime. "A man named W. C. Sykes was arrested in Mena charged with the crime and he will be given his hearing today before Esquire Johnson at Heavener. It is said that the authorities have very strong evidence against him and four more men, who are supposed to have been with him, are held in jail as witnesses. "The man was struck on the head with a large bolt and nut and it is said that one of the blows would have caused his death. Feeling ran high at Heavener among the miners, but cooler heads prevailed and no lynching talk was indulged in by his friends." The Poteau Weekly Sun, December 15, 1921. "One Man Is Put In Jail. "At the request of the best citizens of Glendale, this county, County Judge Meachen and County Attorney McCurtain spent Tuesday of this week holding a court of inquiry in that settlement, endeavoring to locate the principal parties who were corrupting the youth of that community. "Young men had been around the church in an intoxicated condition and when called for examination disclosed as little as they could and refused information that was thought to be in their possession. "Results of the inquiry were that one man was sent to jail for contempt of court for refusing to answer questions, the answers to which he admitted he well knew. "Interesting developments may be brought to light by further investigation, and the guilty parties will be brought to justice." The Poteau Weekly Sun, December 19, 1921. "Deputy Kills Moonshiner. "Deputy Sheriff N. S. Costello and a posse, assisted by Bert Farnsworth, of Hodgens, and Jim Wilkerson and Monroe Self, of Spiro, having been given a tip, went to the hills about five miles southwest of Summerfield last week and captured a still in full operation. "As the officers approached the place two men came up out of a ravine, one with a rifle and the other carried a pump shotgun, and opened fire when they were commanded by the officers to throw up their hands. The man with the rifle shot from the hip just as fast as he could pump the lead, resulting in Deputy Costello being shot through the ear and under the chin. "Returning the fire, the posse soon brought down one of the men, and the other one escaped. "The capture consisted of a fifty-gallon oil tank converted into a still and filled with mash, and four gallons of whiskey ready for distribution. "The posse returned to Poteau the same night, bringing the dead man, who proved to be 'Blackey' Rowley, with them. The second man was found later, and was Jim Rowley, a younger brother of 'Blackey.' "None of Mr. Costello's's wounds proved serious, and he is still on the job hunting law violators." The Poteau News, December 29, 1921. "Alleged Bootlegger Killed. "Last Monday Sam Costello, accompanied by a posse, took the trail over in Summerfield country for a bunch of bootleggers who have been supplying the thirsty through that part of the country with poison. They have been carrying on their trade for some time and have been giving the officers the slip for several months. Sam and his men ran into them last Monday, there being two in the bunch, and a man's size fight immediately opened. "Sam ordered the leader, 'Blackey' Raleigh, to put up his hands. His reply was a shot from his gun, and he kept up his bombardment, the officers replying. When the fight closed Raleigh was lying on the ground dead, riddled with shot and his partner gone, however he was hit in the fight and will more than likely be captured. "Mr. Costello was shot through his left ear and a shot grazed his left cheek, and one shot hit him in the leg. The bootlegger used a shotgun. "Raleigh has been giving the officers trouble for a long time. He is the man who had the big fight with J. W. LeFlore near Milton several years ago, and he had the reputation of being a bad man generally, and had recently notified Sam that he was ready to meet him and any other officers any time they cared to come over after him. "The people are rejoicing over the fact the Sam came out of this with only slight wounds, and everybody is sounding his praise in this raid." The Poteau News, January 5, 1922. "Deputy Sheriff Park Killed. "County Commissioner Paul White of Octavia was in the city the first of this week and reported the killing of Deputy Sheriff Park of Octavia, on Saturday afternoon of last week, by Bill Kimberlin. Mr. White witnessed the tragedy. It is stated that Kimberlin was drunk and disorderly, and Park tried to arrest him, and both began shooting. It was first reported the Park had killed Kimberlin, but later reports are to the effect that Park was killed and Kimberlin so badly wounded that there is very little hope for his recovery." The Poteau Weekly Sun, January 5, 1922. "Killed In South End of County. "County Commissioner Paul White, of Octavia, brings in the report of the killing of Deputy Sheriff Park of that place, on Saturday afternoon of last week by Bill Kimberlin. According to report Kimberlin was drunk and disorderly, and Park tried to arrest him, whereupon both began shooting, and it was first reported that Park had killed Kimberlin, but later report is to the effect that Park is dead and Kimberlin so badly wounded that there is no hope for his recovery." NOTE: The month of January 1922 was when smallpox struck the community of Poteau. For the month of January and part of February of 1922 the smallpox epidemic dominated the news papers and was the focus of law enforcement officers. Several of the primary law enforcement officers died of smallpox or, in the case of the sheriff, were quarantined for over six weeks. There were several jail breaks by prisoners who were attempting to escape the smallpox. The chief undersheriff was one of those who died of smallpox. After his death another man was appointed to replace the undersheriff. Soon after that, the new man got into in a scuffle outside a dance in Panama; he pulled his pistol and it discharged. Two young men were killed by the one shot. For another extended period of time this incident dominated the news papers and the focus of law enforcement officers. The Poteau Weekly Sun, June 8, 1922. "Judge And Jurymen Should Go On Raids With The Officers. "Deputy Sheriff Costello's Says in Only This Way Can They Obtain Information Regarding Difficulty of Getting Evidence in Moonshine Cases. "Judges and men who sit on juries should accompany officers on raids in liquor law enforcement. "That would show them, at least, how difficult it is to get evidence against moonshiners and bootleggers, say Deputy Sheriff N. S. Costello's. "If a man had never had any experience in store-keeping it would be ridiculous to see him in a store trying to tell those of experience how they should run the business. "'The asinine things which judges and juries expect of officers would throw a man of experience in law enforcement into a fit,' says he. 'Only by knowing first hand the conditions and complications which enter into the work of obtaining evidence can a judge avoid asking and demanding impossible and ridiculous things of the officers. The only way this could be brought about would be to require them to accompany officers on raids. Conviction would then be much more easy. "'Fear of piling up expense is another deterrent factor in law enforcement. A deputy sheriff should have an expense account. There are many instances where, with expenses provided for, valuable evidence would be obtained. "'Mileage to officers should be allowed for officers won't go ahead in an investigation when there are no funds." The Poteau News, June 15, 1922. "Sheriff's Force Round 'Em Up. "John Hunt and his force have been on some mighty big still hunts for the past two weeks, and the paraphanalia at the jail proves that they have been successful in getting hold of the worms that some times turn. They have all manner of contraptions down there that is supposed to make unadulterated joy flow, and several men are out on bond waiting county, state and federal judges. "Last week a man named John Jones at Shady Point, and his still were captured. This went to the federal court and the commissioner at Sallisaw put him under a bond of one thousand dollars. "W. R. Andrews was caught near Rock Island with fifty gallons of beer. He is under bond. "John Frye and his son-in-law were caught near Talihina and taken to Sallisaw where they were put under a bond by the commissioner for having the stuff in their possession and transporting it. "Dewey Lindell was also caught near Talihina for the same offense and taken to Sallisaw and put under bond. "Sunday night, Hunt, Ruyle, Terry and Hardesty made a raid three miles west of Wister and picked up a man named Maxwell with the goods. Ruyle first bought a quart from him and the boys succeeded in getting him on three charges. He is under bond. "Two of the boys, Hood and Hardesty rounded up three hundred gallons of mash west of Poteau Monday night. It was ready for the run but the boys spilled it and shot the big zinc tubs and other attachments full of holes. They failed to find anyone connected with the outfit. "John Hunt and Luke Terry went to Monroe last Monday and raided a house, capturing some jake and other stuff. "Mr. Hunt says if the people will give him the help they should he will make wildcatting and wild oats scarce in the county, and they should try it for once for a change and see just how much better things will be." The Poteau Weekly Sun, June 22, 1922. "Elude Officers Twice and Are Caught in Texas. "Ira Freeman and Jim Colclease, Who are Alleged to Have Operated a Still on Cavanal Mountain and Stolen Hogs, Brought Back by Sheriff Hunt. "After eluding the officers on Cavanal mountain, Ira Freeman and Jim Colcleas, charged with larceny of livestock in three different cases and moonshine manufacture in another, were brought back by Sheriff John Hunt Saturday from Strawn, Texas, about 100 miles west of Fort Worth. "The two men were about to be captured at Tulsa, when they made their getaway. "Sheriff Hunt took two deserters to Fort Sill, leaving Thursday, and going on from there to Strawn. He did not have his clothes off from Thursday night. The trip was a very strenuous one." The Poteau News, July 13, 1922. "Find Illicit Stills. "Deputy Sheriff Ben Hardisty and U. S. Prohibition enforcement officer Will Tucker captured a moonshine still and two alleged moonshiners, F. M. Jones and W. M. Priest the first of the week. Priest and Jones are in jail on charges of manufacturing and selling liquor. They were tried yesterday and bound over to the grand jury, pleading guilty to the charges. The officers went to the still which was located south of Walls and destroyed a large part of the plant, saving only enough to use as evidence. "Jones and Priest were tried before U. S. Commissioner Bagwell." The Poteau News, July 13, 1922. "Sheriff Hunt and Under Sheriff Ruyle arrested Bennett Ellis and Silas Hubbard at Calhoun last Sunday and also captured four kegs of choc. The two men and the Choc were brought to Poteau." The Poteau Weekly Sun, August 17, 1922. "Bootleggers May Beware. "Grand Jury Instructed to Get Evidence Against Them as well as Other Law Violators and Witnesses Must Tell What They Know. "That liquor law violators and those who try to shield them are liable to experience some real law enforcement is indicated by the charge to the jury, made by District Court Judge Lester Wednesday morning. "'I have more respect for a burglar who enters my home at night and robs me of my goods than for the man who makes a commercial proposition out of a fluid that paralyzes a man's brain. For the sake of your boy and mine, this traffic must be stopped,' emphasized the court. "'The running down of bootleggers and the murders that result from this illicit business costs the county and the state thousands of dollars a year. "'If any witnesses refuse to give testimony in relation to bootleggers, bring them before me and we will see if they can be made to testify,' said the court. "'The law cannot be enforced by a faction, or an organization, it must be enforced by all,' added the judge. 'Your duty is to see that nothing is left undone to give every person the protection that the constitution provides.' "Judge Lester took occasion to severely condemn executive clemency as has been experienced in this state, declaring that few innocent persons are convicted of crime. He referred to the swift justice meted out in England and declared that in America there were too many technicalities and subterfuges taken advantage of. "'America will some day have a system which will eliminate these,' the court asserted. 'Public opinion demands it. Court procedure must be fair to the public, to society, as it is to the accused. The state provides that the court appoint an attorney to defend a pauper; it gives him every chance in the world. The rights of the people in general have been jeopardized, overruled, by technicalities and pardons, and public opinion is demanding a change.' "The grand jury: C. H. Adams, J. N. Wood, R. V. Smith. C. W. Magness, W. R. Ault, W. A. Palmer, W. A. Hunter, J. D. Sumner. A. J. Kyle, H. P. Parks, D. Gothard, J. N. Britton. "The sessions are being held in Odd Fellows Hall." The Poteau News, August 24, 1922. "Officers Got Big A Big Still. "Last Saturday Sam Costello and Revenue Officer Morgan captured a complete whiskey making establishment and also got their man and brought him here and put him in jail. "The man's name is Thompson, and he seems to be an old hand at the business. He had 150 gallons of mash in his possession and the fires were kindled for the run when he was caught. "This man had almost a chinch in getting by with his work. He had his boilery located in an old abandoned mine near Howe where very few men would have thought to look for a thing of this nature. "He is now in jail waiting trial." The Poteau News, September 14, 1922. "Capture Moonshine Still. "Last Monday officers J. M. Wilkerson, Sam Costello and Ben Sumpter, made a raid on a moonshine outfit two miles north of Summerfield captured Sam Maxwell, on of the operators, but so far his co-partner or partners have made good their escape. "The still was in operation when the officers made the arrest. Three gallons of the 'fiery spirits' had been run off. Six barrels of mash were destroyed. "Maxwell was brought to Poteau where he made bond in the sum of $2,000 for his appearance at the next term of court." The Poteau Weekly Sun, September 21, 1922. "Jail Trusty Chases Man to Mountain. "When Two Prisoners Dash From County Bastille, Jailer Stops One and Harve Schaefer Captures the Other. "Chasing a fleeing prisoner to the foot of Cavanal mountain, Harve Schaefer, trusty, brought him back to the county jail Wednesday morning, thus placing himself higher in the esteem of society. "When Jailer Jim Wilkinson passed breakfast into the cell occupied by Kirch Hamby and Pal White, the pair jumped over him, breakfast and all, and ran from the building. Wilkinson caught Hamby in the yard and shouted to Schaefer: "'Catch him, Harve, and don't you come back without him.' "Then began the exciting race to the foot of the mountain. "Schaefer is in the jail on a charge of gambling. By his action in this case, he raised himself in the estimation of the people. "Hamby is charged with breaking into a railroad car and White is implicated in the robbery of Kidd Bros. Drug store." The LeFlore County Sun, September 28, 1922. "Still After Stills. "C. Porter and H. F. Harris were brought from the vicinity of Shady Point to the county jail Thursday night by Deputy Sheriff's Ben Hardesty and George Harvey on a charge of making moonshine. A still accompanied them." The LeFlore County Sun, October 5, 1922. "Rides Horse Into Church "Very Ungallant, This Don Quixote of LeFlore is Unfortunate in Not Having a Sancho Panza to Dissuade Him but Officers Are Looking for a Dulcinea del Toboso. "LeFlore has a Don Quixote in Robert Turk who, astride a mountain horse, galloped through the open doors of a church while Sunday school was is session and broke up the meeting. "Turk was unfortunate in having no Sancho Panza to dissuade him. It will be recalled that Don Quixote imagined, when he saw a windmill in the distance, that it was a number of knights and he would prepare for battle while Sancho attempted to convince him there was no cause for battle formation. "And the Dulcinea del Toboso, target of Quixote's affections, is also lacking unless it should develop later that there is one. Turk, who is languishing in the county jail, has nothing to say. In this he differs from the bombastic Don of knighthood fame, whose bony steed will always linger in the memories of readers of that story. "Turk is about 18 years of age. His parents are supposed to be dead. He has been living at LeFlore all summer, staying at the home of the widow of Black Rawleigh who was shot and killed some months ago when officers raided his still. "The boy, when asked why he rode a horse into the church, does not answer. "After the wild scramble for safety made by the members of the Sunday school, Turk was taken into custody and fined $25 in justice court. He obtained a stay bond but this was ignored and now he has 30 days in jail added to the fine." The LeFlore County Sun, October 5, 1922. "Get Still At Midnight. "Just as midnight was ushering in the Sabbath, Deputy Sheriff Ben Hardester and Deputy Sheriff J. M. Wilkerson knocked at the home of Benjamin Franklin Harrison, two mile north of Monroe and demanded entrance. Harrison was in bed. The officer found, hidden in a back room, at still, which they allege he had been using on the cookstove, 50 gallons of mash and 10 quarts of whiskey. Benjamin was taken into custody." The LeFlore County Sun, October 19, 1922. "Queer End To Long Search. "As darkness began to settle over the bottom lands in the vicinity of the bridge over Poteau river on the Howe road Saturday night, Deputy Sheriffs Costello's and Hardester gave up their search of several hours for a still. And then something peculiar happened. "They were about to enter their car which they had left near the bridge when John Tiffee, described as an old-time bootlegger, emerged from a thicket with 10 quarts of whiskey on his back in a towsack. "Tiffee had $127 in cash on his person. The officers have been after him for years but never before have been able to catch him. He is till in the county bastille." The Poteau News, November 30, 1922. "Officers Get A Big Still. "Last Tuesday, J. M. Morgan, Joe Harvey, Jim Wilkerson, W. N. Tucker and Ben Hardisty capture on of the largest and most elaborate stills near Monroe on the side of Sugar Loaf Mountains, ever seen in eastern Oklahoma. "The officers ran into the still at eleven o'clock Tuesday morning and caught the operator in the act, bringing him to Poteau where he is now in jail. "The officers got 350 gallons of mash. He had two stills, one being a 40 gallon capacity and a ten gallon capacity, and from the looks of things he had been operating them for years. "The stills were copper and had all the most modern appliances. They were located within 200 yards of the man's house. "The man's name is Angus Gentry." The Poteau News, December 29, 1922. "Man Of Many Bonds Again In The Toils. "Sam Maxwell, Released Eleven Times on Bonds Up Against $5,000 Guarantee for Appearance on Twelfth Charge for Selling 'Cat.' "Has sam Maxwell 'met his maximum?' "Sam has been released on charges of selling 'cat' eleven times, bonds being furnished promptly each time. Only last Friday he was released on $2,000 bonds and Sunday he was arrested again on two charges, bonds being placed at $5,000. The question now is: Will he be able to furnish this amount? "A boy was arrested for intoxication Saturday night and it is claimed by officers that the lad procured his jag from liquor sold by Maxwell. "Undersheriff Williams and Deputy U. S. Marshal William Tucker were on their way to Maxwell's place near Wister to arrest him Sunday when they passed a car. The officers say they stopped and saw Maxwell and another man in the car taking a drink and they arrested them. Maxwell was charged with selling and transporting liquor and his bond set at $5,000. "Kenneth Williams was arrested for intoxication by Officer Cotton Monday night and lodged in the county jail. "Allis Ludlow was arrested by Deputy Sheriff T. L. Givens on the charge of drunkenness and non-payment of a fine. "Price Wayers of Shady Point was arrested Sunday by Sheriff Hunt, the charge being intoxication. "L. L. Emerson of Wister was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Blassingame on an assault and battery charge. "Sam Johns of Octavia was brought to the county bastille by Deputy Sheriff T. L. Givens on a charge of being intoxicated and for non-payment of a fine. "Lester Sockey, Ira McGowen and Ed McGowen of LeFlore were brought to the jail Monday by Undersheriff Williams, charged with grand larceny. It is alleged they stole a casing from a car. "Altogether, there was quite a Christmas crowd at the jail." So ended the year 1922. In 1923 a new sheriff, McDaniel, took office with newly appointed deputies, and National Prohibition continued to have its sphere of influence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to LeFlore County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/leflore/leflore.htm