Some 1921 Obituaries - McIntosh County OK ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Ron & Elaine Long ronglong@chickasaw.com ==================================================================== 1921 Obituaries from the Eufaula Indian Journal OBITUARIES & DEATH NOTICES FROM THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL Thursday, January 6, 1921 CHECOTAH BANKER KILLS HIMSELF Bank Examiners, Entering His Home, Hear Shot; Wife Reaches Him First While national bank examiners were checking the books of the Commercial National bank of Checotah yesterday afternoon A. O. Johnson, its president, committed suicide with a revolver at his home a few blocks away. The shot was heard by Chief Bank Examiner Roberts of Kansas City, and another man as they went up the steps to Mr. Johnson's home at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. . . . Johnson was 40 years old and had been president of the bank for 10 years. . . . Mrs. Johnson had expected to leave for Muskogee yesterday afternoon to be at the bedside of her mother, Mrs. Etta Gentry, is said to be dangerously ill, following an operation three weeks ago. . . Besides his wife, Johnson leaves one son, Adolph A. Johnson, Jr.. . . The funeral probably will not be held for three or four days as relatives are expected from Illinois and Nebraska. Johnson's mother is said to live in Rock Island, Ill. Thursday, January 6, 1921 C. H. FINNEGAN DIES Death of Printer and Times-Democrat Employee Follows Operation MUSKOGEE - jan 6 C. H. Finnegan, 51 years old of 215 South Seventh street died in the Baptist hospital at 11 o'clock last night following an operation Monday afternoon. Finnegan was a printer and had lived in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma for the past 25 years. For 16 years he was an employee of the Times Democrat. He is survived by a wife. Funeral arrangements have not been made. January 20, 1921 MRS. BURGAN DEAD Mrs. Maggie Burgan, wife of L B Burgan of this city, died at the P. and S. hospital in Muskogee Saturday night at 10 o'clock after an illness of four months, and was buried in the cemetery here Sunday. Mr Burgan has the sympathy of the community. Thursday February 24, 1921 WOUND PROVES FATAL TO OLD TIME BAD MAN Bandit Will Lie Beside Sister in Family Plot, But Time of Funeral Has Not Been Settled Henry Starr, yesterday surrendered to death the scepter he had long wielded as king of Oklahoma bandits, and today his body will be taken to Dewey, Okla., to be buried beside that of his sister. Mrs. Oliva Starr, former wife of the outlaw, with Mrs. Nan Benge , of Fort Gibson, a sister and mrs. Mae Rowe of Muskogee Starr's cousin, will leave here at 11 o'clock this morning for Dewey. There they will meet relatives who have gathered at Harrison Ark., where Starr died. Emmett Daugherty, of Dewey, Starr's nephew, is handling the burial arrangements. Harrison Ar. Feb 22 - Hulda Starr 23 years old, widow of Henry Starr, said tonight she believed Starr ha da premonition of his death. . . Starr's death occurred on the first anniversary of his marriage with Hulda Starr. They were married February 22, 1920 at San Antonio, Texas.. . . Thursday February 24, 1921 MRS. HATTIE PARKHURST DEAD Mrs. Hattie Parkhurst died at the home of her son, Roy Parkhurst, n the west end of the city Monday, Feb. 21, and was buried at the Eufaula cemetery the following day. Services were held by the Rev. Haskell hammer at the Baptist church in the afternoon. Mrs. Parkhurst had been confined to her bed for several months and her death was not entirely unexpected. The sons of Mrs. Parkhurst, Roy and Henry, with their families have the sympathy of the community. Thursday March 10, 1921 SHOOTING FATAL TO YOUNG FARMER Dewey Hardin Killed Sunday by Negro Who Makes His Escape Dewey Hardin, Farmer living 9 miles west of this city was fatally shot late Sunday afternoon by an unidentified negro while Hardin was on his way home with his team and wagon from Eufaula. The negro is said to have accosted his victim from the side of a lonely road and fired pointblank at him with a pistol., he bullet entering the farmer's chest. Hardin was taken to his home by neighbors who discovered the team walking driverless down the road about an hour later, and a doctor summoned. He died today. The shooting is said to have been the upshot of a quarrel Saturday evening between Hardin and a party of four negroes at Eufaula. The dispute started over the sale or disposition of some "choc" according to witnesses, and the negroes threatened to "get" Hardin after the argument broke up. Four negroes are being held by the sheriff here for investigation. No intimation that the man who did the shooting is included in the group was given out by the sheriff, but it is expected that other arrests in connection with the affair will follow immediately. Hardin was about 28 years of age and married. he has a brother, Frank Hardin, living on a farm west of town. Thursday March 17, 1921 MRS. CUTLER DEAD Muskogee, Okla., March 6 -- Mrs. E. E. Cutler died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. L. Rose, 2722 West bradsway yesterday afternoon, aged 58 years. Funeral services will be held at the home of the daughter this afternoon at 3 o'clock, interment to be made at Greenhill cemetery. The Rev. New Harris will officiate. Mrs. Butler is survived by two sons and two daughters; Mrs. H. L. Rose and Roscoe Cutler, both of Muskogee; C. C. Cutler of Chicago and Mrs. W. A. Wallace an adopted daughter, living at Eufaula, Okla. Four sisters also survive: Mrs. C. H. Thomas of Muskogee and Mrs Fred Parkins, Mrs S. P. Trent and Mrs Pat. Trent of Oklahoma City. The deceased had been a resident of Muskogee for over 25 years and was the niece of the late Captain Severs and Mrs A. W. Robb. Thursday March 24, 1921 NEGRO KILLED FRIDAY NIGHT Found Dead in Bed at Residence On East Side. Percy Clomans, a negro living in Eufaula was found dead in a bed at his home Friday night with a bullet hole through his head. Indication were that he had fallen asleep while reading a magazine and that he was shot while asleep, the bullet taking effect in his left eye, passing thru into the pillow on which he was resting. Julia Clomans, his wife, and her sister, Willie Brown, together with Sue Long have been arrested and are being held in connection with the crime. Thursday March 24, 1921 In memory of Bro. H. R. Hardin, who was laid to rest in the Fame cemetery on March 7th. The funeral services were conducted by Bro. W. R. Smith of the M. E. church, after which the remains were turned over to the I.O.O.F. lodge of Eufaula No. 53, who conducted the balance of the services. . . . Thursday May 5, 1921 CHECOTAH FARMER TAKES OWN LIFE W. M. Hagan, Well Known McIntosh County Farmer Committs Suicide Checotah May 1 -- W. M. Hagan, residing just East of the Smelter, and one of the best known farmers in this vicinity ended his life early monday morning y shooting himself through the head. No reason for his rash act can be given by relatives or friends other than despondency over financial affairs. Mr. Hagan was a quiet, unassuming man and was considered by Checotah as a progressive farmer. Mr. Hagan was 54 years of age and was born at Bowling Green, Ky. For the past 22 years he has resided in Oklahoma the most of which time has been spent near Checotah. he has resided in both the Fawn and Carr Creek neighborhood before moving to the farm near this city. Mr. Hagan was married twice, his first wife passing away a number of years ago. Besides his wife he leaves eight children to mourn his tragic end. Funeral services were held from the late home Tuesday afternoon in charge of Rev. E. A. Spiller, pastor of the Baptist Church, following which the remains were laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery. Thursday May 12, 1921 INDIAN ADMITS KILLING MAN HE TOOK TO BE GHOST Creek Indian Shoots Member of His Tribe at Stomp Dance Near Hanna Hanna, May 9 -- Walter Simmons, well known Creek Indian was shot by Daniel Leslie, Creek Indian, about 20 years old on last Saturday night near the stomp ground 4 miles southwest of here. Simmon's age was about 40. There seems to be quite a little mystery mixed up with the case and it has not been possible to obtain accurate information. As near as we can learn the facts are as follows: Leslie was beside the road about a mile north of the stomp ground when something or some one approached. According to his story he thought it was a ghost and became frightened and shot at it, then when it groaned, he ran. Sunday morning the body of Walter Simmons was found nearby. Leslie was apprehended Sunday 4 miles west of town. The boy entered a plea of guilty after the coroners jury returned a verdict that the deceased's death was caused by a bullet fired from a gun in the hands of one Daniel Leslie and is now in the county jail at Eufaula. Thursday May 19, 1921 ILL HEALTH DROVE MARTIN TO DEATH NEPHEWS BELIEVE Worry Over Wife's Death and Daughter's Future Caused Banker to Kill Self A note in which he declared that the killed himself because he "could stand his illness no longer" was found upon the body of R. D. martin, President of the First National Bank of Checotah, who killed himself Monday while on a visit to his daughter in Dallas. A check for $500 was folded in the note which asked that it be used toward his daughter's education. .... "The loss of his wife three years ago and the responsibility of caring for his daughter preyed on his mind continually" said on of his nephews. Mary Martin who is a student at Saint Mary's College in Dallas lives at the home of Mrs. J. E. Bain. . . Thursday May 19, 1921 NEGRO WOMAN SHOT HERE FRIDAY NIGHT Dor Jeffries, East Side Chock Joint Keeper, is Shot By Lover. Dora Jeffries, Negress, said to be queen of the East Side chock joint, was shot through the breast by her lover, Ike Stublefield, here Friday night. Dora has figured in a number of shooting scrapes in the past few years. She shot and killed a negro man named Greer a few years ago, but was cleared in the courts when she proved self-defence. Her brother was killed in a drunk row at her place last year. Stublefield gave himself up to the officers and is reported out on bond. Dora is not expected to live through the week. Thursday June 2, 1921 SIX YEAR OLD GIRL KILLS BABY BROTHER Child Playing With Supposed Empty Gun, Kills 7-Month's Old Baby At Checotah. Checotah, May 30 -- One of the saddest tragedies of life was enacted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Duke Collier, residing on the east side. Tuesday afternoon, when Gladys Pittman, the 6-year old daughter, accidentally shot her little brother, Calvin aged seven months. Little Calvin was playing on the floor at its mother's feet and Gladys was playing just a few feet in front of the baby with a 38-caliber revolver. Pointing it at her little brother she remarked " Let's see if it is loaded" and pulled the trigger. The gun was supposed to have been empty but not so for the deadly bullet crashed into the forehead of the little baby just above the eyes and tore its way through the little brain. Grabbing the child from the floor the mother carried the little form in her arms to Dr. Morris' office where every emergency medical attention possible was given. The child rallied from the shock of the accident and rested very comfortably during the night and Wednesday morning but during the afternoon complications arose and death claimed the little life at 6:30 o'clock. Funeral services were held this morning following which the little body was tenderly laid to rest in Greenlawn cemetery. The Collier family are practically strangers in our city. Mr. Collier being employed at a blacksmith with the Davis road construction company. The sympathy of the entire community is extended them during their hour of sad bereavement. Thursday June 23, 1921 NEGRO MAN DROWNS IN CANADIAN RIVER body Discovered Two Days Later By Faith Doctor With Bundle of Burning Fodder. J. M. Martin, negro living in the Fame district was drowned while attempting to swim the North Canadian river just north of Fame Saturday. The river is said to have been up and very swift at the time. The man had gotten across the river in safety apparently and reached up and caught a lib of a tree in the bank when the lib broke, he went under and that was the last seen of him until his body was recovered Monday afternoon. After searching the river for two days for the lost man an old faith doctor in the neighborhood suggested that if they would take a bundle of fodder, light a match to it and pitch it into the river it would lead them to the place the body lay. This was done and according to men who claimed to have been present, the bundle of fodder floated about two miles down the river and sunk right where the body was found Monday afternoon. Thursday June 30, 1921 EASTMAN RICHARDS AWARDED $6,000 FOR DEATH OF SON Mother of Bacone Student Wins Verdict From Traction Company For boy's Death. A judgment of $6,000 against the Muskogee Electric Traction Co. was awarded the mother of Samuel Richards, Indian student of Bacone College, killed by a street car over a year ago, in Judge Guy F. Nelson's division of the district court yesterday. Young Richards was on of the occupants of an ice truck smashed by a street car at the intersection of Fon du Lac and North C Street. The young man was almost instantly killed and pieces of the demolished truck were strewn all over the street. Young Richards is the student for whom the administration building at Bacone College is to be made a memorial. . . . Thursday July 7, 1921 Mrs. Martha Connors Dead Mrs. Martha Connors, wife of Tom Connors, Creek Indian died at a sanitarium in Phoenix, Arizona, last week, where she went several months ago in search of health. She died of tuberculosis. Her remains arrived in the city Sunday and were buried at the Francis burial grounds at the home of her parents a few miles west of Eufaula. July 7, 1921 CATHEY YOUTH BADLY HURT BY BOOZE MAKERS Ran Onto Wildcat Still While Hunting Probably Mistaken for Officers. Two Suspects are Captured by Posse. While Squirrel hunting in the Canadian bottom near Cathay, three miles north and east of Eufaula Thursday afternoon, Clearance Crabbier, 16 years of age of Cathay, ws severally wounded in the abdomen and his companions were fired upon by moonshiners. He is in the Baptist hospital at Muskogee where he was operated upon. . . . . Two suspects have been arrested and are held in jail at Eufaula while a posse is still in search of others. While Crabtree and three companions were going through the woods they came upon a party of five men making corn liquor at a still hidden in the underbrush. Upon seeing the boys the moonshiners ordered them to run. The boys took to their heels followed by a shower of shots from the moonshiners on of which struck Crabtree and he fell to the ground. His companions brought him to Eufaula where they reported the shooting. With a number of deputies, sheriff Moore and a posse set out to effect a capture of the moonshiners. The officers came upon two men in the woods along the river bank and placed them in custody. They gave the names of Jim Tennison and Dick Birdeye. . . . CLARENCE CRABTREE DIES Cathay Boy Was Shot by Moonshiners Last Thursday Afternoon. Clarence Crabtree of Cathay who was shot by moonshiners last Thursday afternoon, died just before midnight Saturday night. The boy had been carried to a hospital in Muskogee after the shooting for an operation. A bullet had struck him in the abdomen and had made several holes in the intestines. In spite of the seriousness of his wounds the boy seemed to be getting better. His body was shipped to Checotah Sunday. . . . Thursday July 14, 1921 Mrs. John Belt Dies in Tucson, Arizona. News was received in Eufaula Sunday telling of the death of Mrs. John Belt at Tucson, Arizona, Last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Belt left Eufaula some four or five years ago in search of health for Mrs. Belt who was suffering with tuberculosis. Her death was not unexpected. her health had reached the last stage several months ago and she had gradually grown weaker until the end came Saturday. The Belts were old residents of Eufaula. Mr. Belt being the father of our fellow townsman, W. L. belt. Mrs. Belt was buried in Tucson Monday. Thursday July 14, 1921 DAVE ANDERESON DRAWS LIFE TERM FOR KILLING GIRLS Dave Anderson, a bad negro, while drunk, at a dance near Fame in McIntosh county, Jan. 22, this year, shot and killed tow negro girls and wounded a third one, was convicted in the district court here this week of first degree murder, and was given a term of 99 years in the state penitentiary at McAlester. Anderson, while at the dance in an intoxicated condition.... whipped out a sixshooter and began firing at random. After the great excitement and scramble for safety that followed and the smoke of battle had cleared away, it was found that Dora Magness and Dora Friend had been fatally shot and that a third girl had received a flesh wound. The Magness and Friend girls died a short time afterward. . . . Thursday July 14, 1921 RECEIVED FROM FRANCE Body of Former Texanna Boy Killed in France Arrived in Checotah Wednesday. Checotah, July 7 -- The body of Private Erna Nally who gave his life for his country in the great world war was transferred from its temporary place in Flander's fields and arrived in Checotah Wednesday noon. This afternoon the remains will be laid to rest in the old home cemetery at Texanna. Private Nally was a member of Co. B 358th Inft., and was among the first to cross the Atlantic in the service of his country. He was killed in action in September 11th 1918. Private Nally was abut 22 year of age at the time of his death and was one of the most popular and progressive young farmers of the community. He was survived by his father, one brother, a half sister and one half brother. Funeral services will be held at Tripplet cemetery this afternoon in charge of Arnel Post American Legion. Full military honors will be given at the graveside. Thursday July 28, 1921 FALL FROM WAGON FATAL TO NEGRO MAN Jim brown Meets Death, When Pitchfork Pierces his Heart. Jim Brown, well known negro man about 24 years of age, living a few miles north of Eufaula met death in a peculiar way Thursday of last week, while hauling hay on his farm. The large load of hay became top heavy and toddled over, the negro falling with it, and in some manner the pitchfork that had been used in loading the hay with its four prongs truck the man in the breast, piercing his heart, Killing him instantly. Several other men were on the wagon at the time, none of whom were hurt. Thursday August 25, 1921 BOY IS BEATEN TO DEATH WITH CLUBS Eighteen year Old Boy Dies from Wounds Two Millsap boys Implicated in the Fray Are caught in Eufaula. Dustin News Aug . 19 -- A free for all fight was staged Monday night one-half mile north of the North Fork school house which resulted in the death of Ed McLain, a boy about 20 years old. Various versions of the affair are being told but as near as can be ascertained the facts in the case are as follows: A meeting of the Holy Rollers was being held at a house about one-half mile North of the North Fork school house. There were a number of young boys and men present and it is said that some of them had been drinking "Choc". During the evening a free-for-all fight was started and it is said that Oscar Milsap, 18 years, and Ed McLain were fighting and McLain was getting the best of it. Oscar's brother Carl, aged about 23 came to his rescue and the 2 brothers then beat the McClain boy with clubs. From the injuries thus sustained the McLain boy died Tuesday morning. It is reported that a number of the boys boarded the east bound Ft. Smith & Western passenger train Tuesday morning and fled to Arkansas. The two Millsap boys however, were captured by Okfuskee county officers and were taken to Okemah at the junction north of Dustin the younger, Oscar, escaped from the officers, but Carl was taken to Okemah. There was a rumor that Oscar had given himself up at Eufaula. One of the Millsap boys was captured in Eufaula and the other one in company with his father came to Eufaula Friday and surrendered to Sheriff Moore. The fracas occurred near Ryal in the extreme west end of McIntosh Co. Thursday September 1, 1921 WOMAN IS KILLED WHEN THROWN FROM WAGON NEAR VIVIAN Mrs. George Brinsfield Meets Instant Death When Neck is Broken by Frightened Team. Mrs. George Brinsfield, about 35 Years old was thrown from a wagon at her home, three miles South of Vivian Thursday night of last week and met with instant death when she struck upon her head, breaking her neck. The family had just returned from prayer meeting. Mr Brinsfield had alighted from the wagon and had handed his wife the lines to hold when the dogs began fighting under the horses feet scaring the animals and causing the runaway that ended in disaster. Mrs. Brinsfield's six months old baby was in her arms at the time and while thrown with its mother out of the wagon was not hurt. Besides her husband the deceased left 6y small children to mourn her death. Thursday September 1, 1921 OBITUARY Died at her home at Webbers Falls, Aug 28 Mrs. N. C. Rogers, in the 82 year. . . . She was born in Tennessee and was married to Henry Rogers at Ft. Smith. they moved to Texanna where she has lived forty years. A few years ago she moved to Webbers Falls. . . . It was her last request to be laid to rest in the Triplett Cemetery where her husband and two children were buried. . . She is survived by her only living son and three grand children. M. P. McCLELLAND Thursday October 6, 1921 BODY OF OVERSEA SOLDIER RETURNED Clyde Pendergraff to Be Buried at Bower by Local Legion Members Sunday. The body of Clyde Pendergraff oversea soldier in the World war who was killed in action arrived in Eufaula Wednesday at noon from New York under the care of Private Eakes of St. Louis. Young Pendergraff was in the early draft and was sent to camp by the local board and after training in this country was sent overseas where he met his death on the battlefields. His remains will be buried by the local members of the Charles Whitaker post of the American Legion of this city, at his old home in bower Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. (Thursday October 13, 1921 . . . Pendergraft was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Penderfraft, pioneer settlers of this country. He enlisted in May, 1917.) Thursday October 6, 1921 FALL FROM TRAIN FATAL TO YOUTH Dan Fairchild Killed When He Fell from Moving Train in Eufaula Yards. Dan Faiurchild, farmer boy about 20 years old, whose home was in Bryan county 16 miles southwest of Durant, fell from a fast moving freight train in Eufaula railway yards her Friday about noon, crushing his skull. He was hurried to the hospital in Muskogee where he was operated on with the hope of saving his life, but he died a few hours after the operation. Fairchild was in company with his 18-year-old brother, Harrell, and was riding in a box car when the freight reached Eufaula, and it is thought that he attempted to get off the fast moving train and in some manner fell. The younger Fairchild then jumped from the train and with the aid of pasers-by, carried his brother to the station where he received first aid relief from local physicians. He was buried in Muskogee. Thursday October 6, 1921 Mrs. Margaret McClelland Dead. Mrs. Margaret McClelland, an elderly lady living in the east part of the city, died abut two o'clock this morning after an illness of more than a week. Mrs. McClelland was a sister of the late Mrs. Bettie J. Lindsey, an early pioneer settler in this part of Oklahoma, who died about three years ago. Mrs. McClellan has made her home in Eufaula since the death of Mrs. Lindsey having come here from Webber Falls at that time. She was a member of the Baptist church. Funeral arrangements had not been made as we go to press but it is thought more than likely that she will be buried at Texanna by the side of he sister, Mrs. Lindsey. Thursday October 20, 1921 Dr. Mayfield Dead. Dr. S. S. Mayfield, for fifteen years a resident of Eufaula, died in a sanitarium at Vinita Monday night. The Doctor suffered a breakdown more than two years ago after a severe case of influenza and his health has been steadily failing since. Several months ago he was taken to the sanitarium with the hope that his health would grow better, but in stead of getting better he continued to grow weaker until the end came Monday night. His body arrived here Wednesday noon and was buried Thursday morning by members of the Masonic lodge of this city, which order he had been a member for a number of years. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church where the Rev. Oslin of Stigler, on old time friend for many years standing, preached the funeral. Dr. Mayfield was a prominent church worker, a member of the Masonic lodge and had served one term in the State Senate, having been elected from the district composed of McIntosh, Muskogee and Haskell counties. Besides his wife he leaves a number of children to mourn his death. Thursday October 27, 1921 QUARRELS OVER BILL IS KILLED BY CITY MARSHAL After Assaulting Store proprietor, He Intended to Attack Officer, Witnesses Say. Checotah, Oct 22 -- An argument over a bill caused the killing here tonight of William Hogan, 30 years old, by Ben Morgan night marshal. Hogan went into J. P. Gaulding's store to pay a bill, and got into an argument over the amount which he owed. He then took out his pocket knife, and chased Mr. Gaulding around the store several times witnesses said. Finally other clerks succeeded in getting him out, but Gaulding called the marshal. About the time the officer arrived, Hogan went back into the store and started after Gaulding again. When Morgan entered he started at him, and Morgan shot him three times, killing him instantly. County Sheriff M. B. Moore of Eufaula, came over immediately, arrested Morgan and took him to the county jail in Eufaula, but it is not thought that charges will be filed against him, as witnesses say he had no other recourse but to shoot to keep Hogan from assaulting him with the knife. Hogan was said to have been drinking. He is survived by a wife and infant child. At his preliminary hearing before Justice of the Peace W. M. Duffy at Checotah, Tuesday afternoon, officer Morgan was acquitted on the grounds of justified self-defense. Thursday November 24, 1921 W. I. McCurrey Dead W. I. McCurrey, a young man living on the T. F. Turner farm 2 miles south of Eufaula, died in the hospital at Muskogee Tuesday night after undergoing an operation for rupture. His body was returned to Eufaula Wednesday and buried in this city. Thursday December 8, 1921 HANNA Geraldine, the two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Crowder, died Sunday afternoon. Burial was at Hilloby Monday. Reb McDaniel conducted the funeral services. [Top of Page]