Johnston Co., OK - The Wapanucka Press, August 1905 ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Mary Achterhof USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm ***************************************************** The Wapanucka Press, 3 August 1905 KILLING AT EGO Wayne Baker Shot and Killed Ben Ross Saturday Evening. Last Saturday evening about 5 o’clock the little town of Ego, eight miles south of Wapanucka, was the scene of a sensational tragedy, the result of which is one man dead and another in the woods evading arrest. About 5 o’clock Saturday evening Wayne Baker shot and mortally wounded Ben Ross. Baker shot Ross three times, the first shot taking effect in the man’s head, the second in the shoulder and the third in the breast just above the heart, from which he died at 2 o’clock Sunday morning. The two men, it is said, had some words a few days ago about an ax. They met at Ego and the old quarrel was renewed. A few bad words were passed between them and Ross started towards Baker. Baker told him to stand back and when he again advanced a step Baker pulled a pistol and fired three shots into Ross’ body. After having been mortally shot Ross turned around and walked over to a doctor’s office where he died after a few hours of suffering. Ross was unarmed. After the shooting Baker rode away on his horse and has not been seen since. Officers are still out after him but at the time of going to press he had not been apprehended. Ross and Baker were very close friends before the difficulty over the ax. They were both married and had four children each. Both men were prominent farmers. This was the first killing that the quiet little town of Ego has ever had, and the tragedy is deplored by all. A reward of $100.00 has been offered by the dean man’s brothers for Baker’s arrest. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELECTRIC LINE FOR MINING TOWNS Atoka: The proposition of the Missouri-Lincoln Trust Company of St. Louis to build an electric line connecting the mining towns of Atoka, Lehigh and Coalgate will probably be accepted. The trust company agrees to furnish $204,000. of the necessary $255,000., if citizens of these towns take stock to the amount of $51,000. This amount has been apportioned at follows: Atoka, $20,000.; Lehigh, $11,000.; Coalgate, $20,000. Atoka citizens have already subscribed the amount allotted their town and it is believed the other towns will secure their portion. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indian Territory officials have placed Schuster’s Malt, more generally known as Malt Nutrine, on the prohibitive list, and now the popular drink cannot be placed on sale without keeping it out of reach of the noses of the marshals. LOCALS J. D. Dumas was over from near Ego Saturday. Capt. W. R. White was over from Cope Friday night. Mrs. B. L. O’Neal visited relatives in the western part of Chickasaw Nation this week. Miss Blanche Roberson of Denton, Texas, came Friday and is visiting her sister, Mrs. James B. Farris. J. M. Taylor and A. J. Lane, two of the prominent Viola farmers, where in town Tuesday. Misses Lula and Mary Stone, two charming daughters of H. C. Stone, departed Saturday evening for Blue Mountain, Arkansas, where they go upon a visit to their brother, Prof. Elijah Stone. E. H. Hudson was over from near Lehigh Saturday, shaking hands with his many friends here. Mr. Hudson reports corn crops very good but cotton not so promising on account of so much rain. J. H. Cannon, of the the leading farmers of the Oconee community, was down Saturday visiting his brother, R. E. Cannon. Mr. Cannon says that while some have fine corn crops others have almost made a failure on account of excessive rains. Cotton crop has large weed but fruiting very little. Rev. C. M. Roberson, the new pastor of the First Presbyterian church, arrived here Thursday from South Carolina. He has purchased the property of Mrs. J. J. Read in west part of town, where he and family are now living. The people of Wapanucka extend a hearty welcome to Rev. Roberson and family to their midst. H. C. Pearrigen has opened a first class news stand, cigar and confectionery store in the post office building. J. H. Luna. The progressive merchant who has just opened a new store at Viola, was a business visitor in the city Monday. Mr. Luna is a hustler and will no doubt do well at Viola. A. J. Lowe, the big planter of near Kittie, was looking after business matters in the city Saturday. Mr. Lowe is a splendid farmer and one of the best informed men in this section of the Indian Territory and to talk with him is a delight. Mr. Lowe always make big crops rain or shine. This year he has 75 acres of corn which will make on an average of 50 bushels to the acre. Andrew J. Martin, a prominent farmer of Harris’ Ferry, Texas, was visiting J. D. Dumas at Ego last week. Mr. Martin came up to see the country with a view to locating. He is much delighted with the country and will likely come here if he can buy land suitable. J. E. Roberts, who is to be manager of the new Roberts, Wyrick & Co. hardware store, announces that his firm will begin opening up the new stock within a few days and that his friends throughout the Wapanucka country who may need anything in the hardware or implement line are invited to call on them for such goods. Dr. Thomason of Florida is visiting his brother, J. H. Thomason, at Jesse. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Atkinson and little son, Chandler, have returned to their home at McKinney, Texas, after a short visit to Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Barnes. Marshal Johnson is still rounding up the fellows who like to “shoot the shoots” over the gambling table. The marshal took a hand in a game Tuesday morning with J. D. Messer and the city is now $10 better off. W. W. Williamson has gone to Wapanucka to live. Some of those who are able to speak by the card say that ere long one of our charming young ladies will go over to take charge of his home and him too. Mill Creek Times A deal has been completed whereby Harry Byers will occupy the building on Main Street to which E. A. Durham was to have moved his store. Mr. Durham, by the new arrangements, stays at the same old stand where he will sell goods as cheap or cheaper than ever. Mr. Byers hopes to open his store within about three weeks. FINED FOR HORSEWHIPPING Lawton: Mrs. L. Devens was fined $10. and costs, which amounted to $23. for horsewhipping John Land on the public streets of Lawton a few days ago. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPE DOTS Cope, August 1 W. R. white was at Kittie since Sunday, taking a invoice of his and Mr. Hensley’s store as they have sold out at that place. Lon Sconyers from Ardmore is visiting his parents at Cape. Will Kimbrough passed through Cope Sunday on his way to visit parents at Ego. Oskar Sconyers in on the sick list this week. J. R. Hensley of Kittie has moved into our midst. We welcome him to our neighborhood. Auther Carter’s mother and sister of Nebo is visiting his this week. Mrs. O. D. White has been on the sick list this week. We are sorry to report Mrs. Young is very low with consumption. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNTON NOTES Hunton, August 1 Mr. W. W. Shelton will start tomorrow for his fathers at Purdy, I. T. Mr. O. E Simmons and family will arrive at home tomorrow from their visit to Texas. James Moran and father arrived yesterday from their long trip to the Comanche country. The aged mother of Mr. Robert Pharres is reported very ill at this writing. Mr. Ellis of Wilson is visiting at Ardmore this week. Mr. Addison and wife visited relatives near Viola Saturday. Mr. Nate Addison has gone to St. Louis this week with 2 car loads of cattle. Miss Minnie Anderson is reported on the sick list this week. ============================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 10 August 1905 ATTEMPT TO KILL CRISWELL An attempt was made to kill Dept. Marshal B. O. Criswell Tuesday morning about 10 o’clock while he was coming along the road about four miles east of town. While talking with a man by the name of Walden, so it is reported, who he met in the road, Walden all at once jumped behind a tree and opened fire upon the officer with a Winchester rifle, discharging three loads. Mr. Criswell made close escape from death. One ball glazed his side and passed through his clothing. The officer managed to get in between his buggy and the man and that only saved his from being killed. He came to town at once and he and a posse of citizens are out after Walden but at the time of going to press nothing had been heard of them. Bad blood has existed between the two men for sometime, caused by arrests of Walden made by Criswell. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COAL STRIKE THREATENED Miner at Lehigh Think They Have Just Cause to Quit. Lehigh: For several days the miners in the new mine, No. 8 of the Western Coal and Mining Company have been threatening to go on a strike on account of changing the size of the screen. The miners heretofore have been receiving pay for screened coat at the rate of ninety cents per ton, or run of the mine at seventy-nine cents. The superintendent of the mines discovered a few days ago that the screen in use would not screen the coal as it should be, and changed it somewhat. The miners objected to the change made, and many of the, have refused to work. It is hoped, however, that the dispute may be adjustel within a few days. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCALS Mrs. W. T. Moore of Byrne is sick. Dr. J. F. Rengar visited relatives at Ardmore Sunday. A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ben James, near Byrne, a few days ago. Mrs. N. W. Crisell and children of Atoka are here this week visiting at the home of Capt. B. O. Criswell. Mrs. R. E. Wade left Friday for Charles City, Iowa, to visit her sick mother. W. S. Hall, the prominent planter of the Byrne community, was transacting business in the city Tuesday. E. Alford of Lebanon, was here this week visiting his father-in-law A. Y. Casey of the Warcester neighborhood. G. M. Street left Saturday for Ripley, Mississippi, where he goes to visit the old home of his boyhood. He has not been back in twenty odd years. Miss Jennie Holland and her little brother, Johnie, were here this week visiting her uncle, Rev. W. P. Holland and family. G. L. Edge is sick this week. C. D. Price, the well known Ego farmer, was in town Monday. J. G. Kimbrough was over from near Connorville Monday. Capt. J. E. Plumer was over from Olney Tuesday. R. E. Wade was confined to h is bed several days with fever but is up now, W. S. Johnson of Alabama is here visiting his two uncles, G. W. and W. S. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is well pleased with our country. J. M. Stewart, who lives a mile east of town, has just installed a cane mill to grind his own crop and also his friends who have no mill. All work guaranteed. Fort terms and particulars see Mr. Stewart. Mrs. J. R. Chitwood and little daughter, Ethel, have returned to their home at Gilsonite, I.T., after a visit to the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Barnes. C. Noble, living out five miles south of town, has had fine success with a thorough bread sow he purchased of R. R. Hall at the sale here last winter. He paid $27.50 for her, and she brought eight fine pigs in the spring which he has sold for $30.00. News was received here this week to the effect that Dr. H. B. Gray, recently connected with the City Drug Store, is seriously ill at Ft. Worth and not expected to live. Doctors pronounce the ailment with which Dr. Gray is afflicted as Brights Disease. Miss Myrtle Leonard, who had been sick for the past two years with consumption, died Friday evening. She as 20 years of age. Remains were interred Saturday evening at the Lone Valley Church. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W, P. Holland, pastor of the Baptist church. J. S. Callahan has been awarded the contract to clean off the Brown grave yard for $40. The work is to be completed by September 15. Dr. Reaves of Lone Oak, Texas, has located here for the practice of medicine. Dr. Reaves is a graduate and a man of splendid appearance. The Press welcomes Dr. Reaves to our midst and bespeaks for him success here. Ben Crawford, the jolly good fellow from Warcester neighborhood was in town Monday. He reports that J. H. Howard, his neighbor, had to kill a fine steer a few days ago which was suffering with hydrophoby. The Clutts Bros. had to kill one also from the same cause. D. Kenney is visiting relatives in Texas this week. F. L. Cook, a prominent young man of Texas, and Miss Virtie Grigsby, the charming daughter of Mr. L. H. Grigsby of Viola, were joined together in the holy bands of matrimony, Rev. W. P. Holland, of the Baptist church of the city, officiated. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COUNCIL MEETING The city council met in regular session Monday night. Aldermen Riley and Edge and Recorder Creekmore were absent. Minutes of last meetings read and approved. City Marshal Johnson’s report read and approved. This report showed $40.00 collected during the month in fines and occupation tax. The following bills were allowed: J. T. Kelley, street work $22.00. Mr. Kelley also made a report which showed that he had collected $6. in street tax during the month. S. L. Barnes, for expense in going to Gainesville on bond matter, $10.00. J. B. Farris, nails, $2.60. F. N. Junan, blacksmith work, salary as alderman for three months and services on Equalization board, $45.50. M. V. Wyrick, for stuff bought for city hall, $1.25. Harry Smith, pound rent, $5.00. Press, publishing, $2.50. F. J. McKeen, hauling off two dead dogs, $2.00. After bills were all read and allowed Alderman Jackson took occasion to sound the alarm on the way the town is getting into debt. He favored cutting expense as much as possible. Since Wapanucka has been incorporated a constant complaint has been heard about parties living in west part of town not complying with the sanitary law compelling owners to have privies cleaned. These complaints are as old as the town and Mayor Wyrick and the officers are getting tired of it. It was stated that there were some of the privies so situated that it would be impossible to get them on the alley line in compliance with the ordinance. This feature of the case has been discussed each time the matter has come up during the past four years. It was the opinion of the council that every alley and street in the city should be opened and the street and alley committee was instructed to look into this matter and see that the same were opened. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARD OF THANKS Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Robertson wish to express their sincere appreciation to the kind friends of Wapanucka for their many courtesies extended and for their generous gifts to fill the pantry. May God deal with those as they who dealt with us. AERONAUT MISSED THE TANK Ardmore: Professor Baze, an aeronaut, was probably mortally burned at Madill while attempting to jump from a trapeze into a tank of water. He had saturated his suit of clothing with gasoline and set it afire. In his leap he missed the tank of water. Great difficulty was experienced in extinguishing the blaze. Baze is in critical condition. His home is at St. Paul, Minnesota. ============================================================================= WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE NO. 2 August 7 John McKinley has been visiting W. R. Cross at Boggy. J. H. Stanford is plowing his cotton over again. W. L. White and wife visited Sunday school last Sunday. We can boast of the best Sunday school in this section. J. H. Harris, our Sunday school superintendent is always at his post of duty with a bright smile which makes all who attend our Sunday School fell pleasant and welcome. Mrs. Robert Cook and baby are very sick with chills. W. L. White has completed laying by his crop. He has lots of cotton now opening and is really in close competition with J. D. Phillips. Mrs. Wharton, who has been visiting her son, Joe Wharton, has returned home. J. V. Hogg has just returned from a prospecting trip through Oklahoma. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPE DOTS Cope, August 8 J. O. Fegett and Dr. J. H Hardy, T. C. Keller and families spent the day on Blue last Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. James Lee’s child, who has been very sick is better. Grandma Kenny, who has been visiting the family of Mr. Rouston, has returned home. Mrs. J. M. Hedrick happened to a painful accident. She struck a boisd’arc thorn through one of her toes. Mr. R. West and family were visiting in Cope on last Sunday. We are sorry to report Ida Wells on the sick list. Messes J. P. Reynolds and E. P. Hall of Wells Valley were Cope visitors on Sunday evening. Mr. John Beck went to Coalgate to the Ball game on last Sunday. We are sorry to report the death of Emery Emmerson the child of Mr. R. M. Emmerson of the Kittie neighborhood. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNTON NOTES Hunton, August 8 Mrs. Lula Howard and family returned from their 3 weeks visit to Texas last Wednesday. Mr. Thad Addison has again bought out the entire stock of goods of Mr. Dorbeson at this place. Mr. T. J. Craig returned Friday morning from Pontotoc where he had been visiting relatives. Miss Minnie Henderson who has been very sick, is much better. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIOLA ITEMS Viola, August 8 W. C. Rippee, who has been very sick, is better today. Postmaster Sanders has not been well for several days. A B. Richardson and family were visiting at Franks Saturday. There is considerable sickness in the community at present, mostly chills. Mrs. Young is very low with lung trouble. Quite a number of farmers in town today, among whom were: A. W. Hargrove, J. C. Edrington, Mr. Musgraves, Joe Chapman, W. J. Foster, J. D. Parmlee, Dr. Hancock, J. H. Luna of Cope, Mr. Gathen, D. J. Johnson, J. J. Lane. Mr. Long, Dickson, Shields Sherfield and others. ============================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 17 August 1905 BLOODY TRAGEDY Woman and Son Murdered at Jesse Friday Night Last Hunton, I. T., August 15 – Saturday night about 2 o’clock a bloody tragedy occurred about three miles north of here in which Mrs. Sam Imotochey and son, Joseph Brown were murdered and Sam Imotchey, the woman’s husband, seriously wounded. The family were in bed asleep when the murderers entered the house and began shooting without warning. After Mrs. Imotochey was killed the boy was beaten over the head with the gun and afterwards shot in the breast. The weapon used was a shot gun which belonged to Mr. Imotoche. Imotochey tried to escape and was shot in the hip while crawling through the fence. He then crawled to a neighbor’s house and gave the alarm. Officers from Stonewall immediately went to the scene of the killing and arrested Clarence Brown a son of Mrs. Imotochey. Old man Imotochey says he recognized the voice of the suspected and he thinks he did the crime. It is said that trouble had existed for some time between the boy arrested and the other members of the family. It is said that the boy was angry with his parents because he was not allowed to run affairs. The party of parties committing the crime also had robbery in view as a trunk was ransacked. Sam Imotochey is clerk of Pontotoc County and is a well thought of Indian. Dr. Dorbison of Hunton was called to the scene shortly after the murder was committed and he dressed the wounds of Mr. Imotochey who he says is getting along nicely and will recover, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOY KILLED IN WINDSTORM Chickasha: A destructive windstorm, which swept over this section, demolished several light structures. Job Kelley, a fourteen year old farmer boy, was killed by a falling timbers from a house which was blown down. The other members of the family escaped injury. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCALS Miss Murphy is visiting her home at Martin, Tennessee. Robert H. Kimbrough was over from Ego Monday. Ice Cold Lemonade Free! at Harry Byres store on Main Street August 19th. D. A. Nix and boys were here Sunday from Pontotoc visiting friends and relatives. Mrs. G. W. McMillan, who has been very sick for sometime, is much better. The baby of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Kelley, who has been sick for several days, is much better. E. C. Barnes favored The Press force with a choice watermelon from his patch Tuesday morning which was enjoyed greatly. Misses Kate McSpadden and Alma Peterson, two charming young ladies of Clifton, Texas are the guests of Mrs. E. D. Williams this week. Miss McSpadden is a sister to Mrs. Williams. J. A. Jackson and wife were over from Lehigh this week. Mrs. Guy of Sulphur visited Mrs. Lindsey, her mother this week. Mr. Feaster Griffin of Temple, Texas is the guest of Rev. W. P. Holland and family. T.T. Knight, who moved away sometime ago, is now living at Sherman. E.C. Barnes sends The Press to his sister, Mrs. J.R. Chitwood, Gilsonite, I. T. Walker Hunt and sisters, Misses Ola and Myrtle, attended the fair and visited friends at Ada last week. Misses Hattie Lloyd and Lona Stockton, two charming young ladies of Benengton, are visiting Mrs. A. A. Taylor this week. Miss Bessie Wilson, who has been visiting Miss Cora Skeen, returned Tuesday to Tishomingo, her home. W. B. Williamson has bought the J. H. McClendon place in west part of town, the consideration being $600.00. J. M. Stewart, who lives a mile east of town, has just installed a cane mill to grind his own crop and also his friends who have no mill. All work guaranteed. For terms and particulars see Mr. Stewart. Miss Ada Attaway and brother, Joe, visited relatives at Jesse last week. Their cousin, Miss Ila Williamson returned with them for a short visit. J. P. Henegar and family, who have been living at Ledonia, Texas, a few weeks, have returned to Wapanucka. Mr. Henegar says Wapanucka is good enough for him. F. M. Jackson brought some corn to this office Monday which is the best we have seen. This corn has over 900 grains to the ear. It was raised by J. W. Bates west of town. Abe Wolverton was over from Ardmore Saturday. Mrs. J. E. Benson and children visited relatives at Sulphur this week. Miss Jessie Faust, a charming young lady of Wagan, is the guest of Miss Clay Statler. Mr. Roberts and wife Ladonia, Texas, came up Saturday and are visiting their son, J. E. Roberts. Mrs. J. P. McRae and children left Saturday evening for Caloney, Missouri, where they go for a visit. G. L. Edge left Saturday for Racine, Wisconsin, where he goes to study the implement and vehicle business at the factory. Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Taylor have moved from the building on Choctaw to a place in the Northwest part of town which they have bought and are improving for a home. Charles Morgan of Ego returned Sunday from a week trip to Kansas City where he bought the fall stock of goods for his firm. Mr. J. F. Renegar has returned from Memphis. Mr. Wilson of Corsicana, Texas, was here this week, visiting his sister, Mrs. W. H. Ball. A fine horse, saddle and bridle were stolen from R. L. Ream Monday night. The property was recovered yesterday at Sulphur. Prof. J. G. Buchanan and F. M. Jackson returned from Gainsville Tuesday and brought back the papers relating to the bond issue. The Gainsville parties, when it came to show down, would not take the bonds. The bonds will, however be sold, no doubt, without trouble, as it is known that several are after them. ============================================================================= BYRNE LOCALS Byrne, August 14 Mr. Larkin Lindsey is down with fever. Taken with congestion chills Sunday. Several of Jesse Wallis children had the measles last week but all are now getting along fine. Mrs. Kreger was called to the bed side of one of her nieces children at Lehigh yesterday but glad to say she found it much better. Mrs. Forgas of near Kittie has been very low for some time and I hope for her speedy recovery in the near future. Mrs. Johnson and family of Boggy were visiting Mrs. Kreger Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. White and others were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Jim Williams Saturday and Sunday. J. H. Wallis and family were up at Tupela last week to Mrs. Wallis sick sister, Mr. Lon Bray, who formerly lived here. ============================================================================= OCONEE NOTES Oconee, August 15 Henderson Bros., Len Hilburn and families are visiting friends in the Creek Nation. Sam Hilburn’s barn was burned sometime ago. It was nearly full of corn, hay and other feed stuff. N. H. Addison of Hunton passed through Saturday, with a car of fine cattle. He is shipping to Little Rock, Arkansas, this summer. W. T. Cameron of Hunton, one of the most punctual men that ever toted a mail bag for Uncle Sam, was attending church at Wilson last Sunday. Prof. O’Neal late from Missouri, will teach the Wilson school. His brother will teach at Olney and a Miss Harvey will teach here the coming year. Miss Fry has secured a position at Jones’ Academy. U. S. Deputy B. O. Criswell of Wapanucka, where here last week on business. Dan Orr took 33 hogs to Coalgate last week sold for 5 cents per pound. John Kiseer of Pontotoc has bought 500 head of cattle in this and adjoining neighborhood in the last two weeks. Dr. Enfield reports some sickness. Mr. Allen and Oscar Woods of Hunton will mover here the coming winter. They have rented the M. W. Wyrick place. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- COATSWORTH NOTES Coatsworth, August 15 We learn that Mr. Lon Heed will move back to this community from the Seminole. We are glad to have him back again. Weather is fine for putting up hay. A. J. Burk is in the business. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNTON NOTES Hunton, August 15 Mr. Joel Simmons, wife and son Horace, of Wolf City, Texas are visiting their children at this place. Our little village is on the boom. Dr. Dorbson is building him a five room dwelling. Addison Bros. drove 30 head of cattle to Olney last Saturday to be shipped to St. Louis. Mr. W. W. Shelton of this place returned Saturday from a trip to his father’s at Purdy, I.T. He reports crops reasonable good. Mr. T. J. Craig will leave tomorrow for a ten day stay at Pontotoc, ============================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 24 August 1905 FULL CONFESSION Clarance Brown Admits Killing Mother and Brother One of the most cold blooded and cruel murders ever committed in this or any other section was confessed today by Clarance Brown, a 20 year old Chickasaw Indian, who, after being sweated by the United States Marshals a number of times, made a clean breast of the affair and took the whole charge upon himself. At first he attempted to implicate several other parties, but his story did not seem to hold water, and after giving him several days to think over the matter, Indian like, he said he was ready to shoulder the responsibility and would tell all. Accompanied by the marshals he went over the ground and showed them where he stood and twice shot his aged mother, Lizzie Imotochey, called his brother Joe Brown, to the porch, shot him and beat and beat him in the head, and shot his stepfather, Sam Imotochey, in the hip. The boy thought that if these people were out of the way he could have control of the land and management of the affairs and the only way to remove them was by murder. He went home from a picnic about 3 o’clock in the morning, little lamp, sat down and ate at the table. With a fiendish eye he watched the forms of his mother, brother and stepfather as they lay sleeping opposite him. He rose to commit the act but his heart failed him. He left the house, but returned in a short time with the fever of murder stronger within him, and as he stepped through the door, fired first at the one who gave him life, then again, stepping outside he called to his brother, and as the latter emerged through the doorway slew him as a mad-dog. During the examining trial today the murderer sat in the prisoner’s dock seemingly the most unconcerned person in the room. His hands played continually with his repulsive nose and mouth, while his eyes were riveted upon the typewriter that was busily clicking off his death warrant. While yet a mere youth his heart is steeled to crime as black as the midnight storm. His hands, red as they are, should never be permitted to be raised in supplication, and he should be made to suffer a penalty, the heaviest any court could assess. -Ada Daily News The examination of witnesses in the case and the confession of the boy established the innocence of young Mr. Rutherford, son of our townsman, L. B. Rutherford. The evidence adduced at the trial completely exonerated Mr. Rutherford and showed that he had no knowledge of the affair whatever. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LEG BROKEN Last Saturday evening while driving along the road in a wagon east of town, Vester Stephens, a young man about 17 years of age, a son of Mrs. John Stephens, happened to the misfortune of getting his right leg broken just above the ankle. The young man was sitting on the coupling pole, not noticing and his leg was dashed against a stump which broke it. Dr. W. B. Reeves was called and dressed the wounded leg. It is said that the young man is doing as well as could be expected. SAM BAILEY SHOT And Probably Mortally Wounded by Drewry Hackwoth Yesterday evening, about 6 o’clock, four miles north of town, Drewry Hackworth shot and probably mortally wounded Sam Bailey. Bailey had been in town during the evening and upon his return home met Hackworth in the road. The two men quarreled over some difference in a horse trade, so the report goes, and Hackworth drew a pistol and shot Bailey, the ball taking effect in the breast. Both are young men and their families are closely related. Hackworth has not been arrested. BUILDING AT PAULS VALLEY Pauls Valley: This place is beginning to experience a real building boom. Several good buildings are being erected and the present year will see at least $200,000 expended in this city. LOCALS W. T. Copeland took a business trip to Coalgate Thursday. J. G. Riley attended to business in Texas last week. Miss Nova Ball is visiting relatives in Tishomingo. B. L. O’Neal has been quite sick for several days but is now better. J. S. Estell of Utica, was here this week visiting F. M. Jackson and wife. Mrs. Benyon of Mt. Pleasant, Texas is visiting Mrs. J. J. Read, her mother. Mrs. James of Abilene, Texas, is the guest of her sister, Mr. J. J. Read. Mrs. Wilson and son, Oscar, are visiting Mr. W. H. Ball. Mrs. Wilson is Mrs. Ball’s sister. Judge C. M. Crowell left Friday for Mineral Wells, Texas, where he will spend a month in rest and recreation. Will O’Neal is confined to bed this week and an attack of fever. G. M. Cusenberry of Coalgate was visiting his brother, Prof. J. M. Cusenberry, last week. I. J. Hall was soliciting money from the business men Saturday evening with which to work the road leading out to Ego. He collected $15.00. Mrs. Ida Stinson and daughters after a weeks visit to Mrs. J. M. Cusenberrty returned to their home at Lehigh Saturday. H. C. Sisson, who moved from near Viola to Oklahoma last winter, has come back to the land of big corn and cotton fields. He says Wapanucka country is good enough for him. H. W. Watson, who has been spending the summer at Sulphur has returned to Wapanucka and is again fitted up with a nice photograph gallery with which to accommodate his many friends and patrons. Lost – Sunday, August 13, between town and the grave yard in south part of town, one red leather pocket book containing six rings and a locket with picture in it. Liberal reward will be paid for return to me or to The Press office. Mrs. B. F. Stroud W. A. Reed brought to The Press office Saturday a sample of 18 acres of corn he planted in the last of May. It was as fine stalk and as good an ear as could be grown. The corn will make upward of 35 bushels. Mr. Reed is one of those farmers who believe in corn and he knows how to raise it, too. He plants everything and when he comes to town he brings something to sell. We need more such farmers as Mr. Reed. Mayor M. V. Wyrick is sick this week. Col. E. P. Goforth was over from near Fillmore Tuesday. Mrs. D. Kennedy is visiting her mother at Norman, Oklahoma. Mrs. W. J. Bond and daughter, Coga, of Peck are visiting old friends here this week. Mr. Wilcox and wife, of Texas, are here this week, visiting their daughter, Mrs. J. E. Walton. May, age seven, the orphan granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tourbat, died Saturday morning. Funeral services were held Saturday evening at the city cemetery. F. N. Juhan has just put down a steam engine in his machine shop. He tried two gasoline engines and both proved unsatisfactory. Frank is now getting well equipped with a machine shop and variety works sufficient to take care of all work in this section. G. M. Street returned last week from a three weeks visit to his aged father and relatives at Shelby, Mississippi. Mr. Street had not been back for many years and he was greatly surprised at the changes wrought by time. He found the country greatly improved, the people in north Mississippi are, as a whole, living better than we and enjoyed life better. Mr. Street has been besieged during the past few days with friends gathering around him to hear about the old country. Most of our people came here from the old sates and all like to hear from there. Mr. Street sends The Press to his father, J. J. Street, Shelby Creek, Mississippi and his brother C. C. Street, Dumas, Mississippi. A fine girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Ogletree Saturday. Walter Skeen is at home again, after a years absence at school. Mrs. B. F. Stroud and children are visiting her mother at Russellville. Mrs. A. Y. Casey of wide Springs, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Ed Alford, at Lebanon this week. Ben Crawford was in town from the Wide Springs community Tuesday. They are preparing to have a good free school at Wide Springs this fall. A horse, which Boss Watson was riding, ran into a wire that the Wapanucka ball team had placed across the road out at their grounds east of town, of few nights ago and was killed. The horse’s throat was cut by the wire. John C. Attaway has resigned his position with Riley Bros. and Monday morning entered upon a similar position with Harry Byers, R. R. Rose, formerly with the Trading Co. has begun work for Riley Bros. Lost – A Waltham watch and short chain attached. Lost between telephone office and Sulphur Spring. Will pay reasonable reward for return. George McCulley R. C. Murphey was here yesterday from near Hunton. He has bought out T. J. Stratton who is preparing to move to Texas. On September 1st the people of Kittie and vicinity will give a family picnic in honor of Mr. Stratton and family before their departure for Texas. ============================================================================= VIOLA ITEMS Viola, August 22 Our friend townsman, W. C. Rippee, died Saturday night at 11 o’clock, heart and lung trouble being the cause of his death. He suffered a great deal before death finally came. He leaves a devoted wife and one child. Mr. Richman of Missouri, Mrs. Rippee’s brother, has come to take her back to the old home to live with her parents. Mrs. Young, a sister to Mr. Rippee, is very low with consumption. J. L. Luna and family are sick. The doctor was called to the home of J. H. Howard yesterday to see a child who is sick. Mr. Shield’s little boy is sick. A. W. Hargrove’s family have all been sick but are better now. A fine baby was born to Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Richardson last week. Brothers Baggett and McKintire passed through Viola Sunday on their way to Bold Springs to help Brother Burden in a protracted meeting. ============================================================================= KITTIE NEWS NOTES Kittie, August 21 We are pained to announce the sad death of Mr. A. Forgy’s little girl which occurred yesterday. She was sick only a few hours. R. M. Emerson has moved his hay press from this vicinity to near Belton. Born to Mr. and Mrs. L. M. O’Neal, a fine 10 1/2 pound boy. On the 15th. Mother and baby doing well, but Mr. O’Neal has not fully recovered. Young Mr. Jones who accidentally short himself on the 14th inst. is doing very well and will be able to be around in a few days. J. G. Allen is on the sick list this week. Rve. A. C. Pickens is doing some good preaching a the meeting. He preached to the little folks Sunday evening. Next Sunday there will be dinner on the ground for everybody. T. J. Stratton is in Texas prospecting. ============================================================================= HUNTON NOTES Hunton, August 23 A Y. Casey is digging his spring crop of potatoes. They are extra good and have kept sound. Dr. Dorbison reports Mr. Imotochey, the wounded Indian as improving nicely. Will Howard left Saturday for his old home in Texas. Mrs. Joel Simmons who has been visiting her children here, will leave here Saturday for her home in Texas. Dr. Dorbison has his new dwelling about completed. Bro. J. E. Armstrong and family left yesterday for his old home in the Chickasaw Nation. He calculates while gone to hold a series of meetings. HOOKED MISTER WILLIAMS Last Friday Deputy Criswell went down into the unbleached community of Wild Cat Hollow and put the bridle on Wallace Williams, one of the leaders of Coonville, who is charged with getting too familiar with the Ream horse. Ream’s horse was stolen on Monday night the 14th, as told in last week’s paper, and was recovered at Suplhur where the theif had sold the saddle and turned the horse loose. The parties who bought the saddle and those who saw him along the way between here and Sulphur to whom he tried to negotiate a sale, give a description which fits Mister Williams’s case alright. Mister Williams is now sweating and eating government con’ bread and Boston beans at the Atoka bastile, awaiting return of commissioner Ralls when he will be given a preliminary hearing. ============================================================================= The Wapanucka Press, 31 August 1905 HE MAY RECOVER Bailey Still Alive and May Recover – Hackworth Trial September 8 Drewry Hackworth, the young man who shot Sam Bailey on the evening of the 23rd, gave up to officers Johnson and Ince Thursday morning. He was carried to Atoka and placed in jail to await preliminary trial. Sam Bailey, the man who was shot, is getting along well considering the dangerous wound inflicted. The ball passed through his body, piercing the lungs, and came out at the back. Dr. Skeen, the attending physician, says that Bailey has a chance for recovery. From what can be learned the cause that brought about the difficulty was a horse trade. The rumor is that Bailey and Hackworth had traded horses, one of the agreements being that Bailey should pay Hackworth $2.50 difference if horse proved all right. On the day of the shooting Bailey traded the horse. The two men met that evening and quarreled about the $2.50, which finally ended in Hackworth shooting Bailey. The preliminary trial of Hackworth has been set for September 8th. Stillwell Russell of Ardmore, J. G. Ralls of Atoka and W. L. Richards of Wapanucka have been retained to defend Hackworth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- MRS. J. R. HANCOCK DEAD Mrs. Hancock, wife of J. R. Hancock, of near Byrne, died Monday evening after continued illness with heart trouble and other complications. She was about 90 years of age and is survived by a husband and a number of children. Remains were interred Tuesday morning at the Warcester burying ground. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- WILLIAMSON – DUNCAN At Mill Creek last Sunday, Miss Maud Duncan and W. W. Williamson were married. The wedding took place at the home of the bride’s parents. The wedding was a quiet affair, only a few intimate friends and relatives being present to witness the happy event. Mr. Williamson having been in business here for several years is well known to our people, and has many friends here who wish him and bride a happy and prosperous life together. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- AN ALABAMA VIEW W. J. Johnson, of Detroit, Marion County, Alabama, who was here recently upon a visit, writes of what he saw in the land of big corn, red apples and cotton fields. In Marion County News, his home paper, Mr. Johnson wrote of his trip in part as follows: “Was met by my uncle W. S. Johnson, who is a present City Marshal of this thriving little city. I notice they have three banks; Wapanucka is surrounded by a fine farming land. This town will, in the near future, be one of the finest cities in the Union. The people tell me that some of the land here will make a bale of cotton to the acre this year. It looks so to me, for the cotton, where it has been well cultivated, is not shoulder high and boiled well half way up the stalk. The forward planting of corn is made and they will get about 50 bushels per acre. One person told me today that he bought 45 bushels of oats at 25 cents per bushel. Corn is selling at 50 cents per bushel and the people tell me that corn will not bring over 25 cents in a short time. This country is well blessed with fine water and plenty of wood. They also have fine rock for building purposes.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCALS T. C. Wallace and wife attended to business at Tishomingo Friday. S. A. Attaway visited points in Oklahoma last week. B. Statler attended to business in Oklahoma Monday. A fine boy baby was born to Mr. and Mrs. B. Daffern, living in the Wilson community, last Friday. Mrs. S. A. Attaway and children visited friends at Milburn Sunday and Monday. Dr. J. D. Enfield was down from Oconee Tuesday, circulating among this many friends here. City Marshal Johnson attended to business at Sherman, Texas Monday. The infant baby of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Lee died Friday night. Remains were laid to rest Saturday evening in the old grave yard in the south part of town. T. J. Stratton of Kittie, who has disposed of his property to R. C. Murphy, will move shortly to Tula, Switcher County, Texas, where he has purchased a body of land. Mr. Stratton is going to the coming part of Texas – the Panhandle – where this year they have good crops and fine prospects. Mrs. Wilson of Wichita Falls, Texas, is here this week, visiting her sister, Mrs. C. L. Witte. Mrs. A. M. Dumas has been quite sick for several days. Mr. Dumas has been sick also. A fine girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Miller, living east of town, Tuesday of last week. A. J. Lowe, the big farmer from the Kittie neighborhood, was giving the glad hand to friends in town Monday. Glen M. Johnson, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Tishomingo, was here Sunday evening visiting A. G. Summerfield. Miss Inez Williamson of Mill Creek is visiting her brothers, W. W. and W. B. Williamson this week. N. W. Criswell and family have moved from Atoka to Hitchita, a town in the Creek Nation. Mr. Criswell has a nice position in a store at that place. W. Z. Gibson is putting in a full line of up to date school supplies. He will treat you right. Deputy Criswell split 48 quarts of good looking red booze at the depot yesterday. It was consigned to parties at Cope. J. M. Stewart is now running his cane mill and the finest grade of molasses we have seen is being turned out. Mr. Stewart was showing a sample of his product here Saturday evening which for genuine syrup cannot be excelled. He is an expert in making molasses something few men can do successfully. Most anybody can cook the juice but not all can cook it right so as to prevent souring. Mr. Stewart’s products are hard to beat, in fact to beat it is almost impossible. W. L. Wells’ mother and his sister, Mrs. Eledge, of Texas, spent a few days with him last week. They were favorably impressed with Wapanucka, saying it was far ahead of their expectations of a young Indian Territory town. If our people continue to do their duty our town will soon be a surprise to all who come. Lost – between Wapanucka and Byrne, one ladies slipper-patent leather, eight straps and two buttons. Finder will please return to Miss Clay Statler and be liberally rewarded. A number of the young people were pleasantly entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Fountain last Tuesday evening. The party was given in honor of Miss Jessie Faust of Wagoner, I.T., who is visiting Miss Clay Statler. Among those present were: Misses Jessie Faust, Clay Statler, Lucia Loomis and Lula Ball. Messrs Reeves, Hefling, Summerfield and Read, Dr. and Mrs. Britt. One of the most charming features of the entertainment was a vocal duet rendered by Messrs Heflin and Summerfield. Mr. and Mrs. Fountain were charming host and hostess and the young people are always sure of a good time at their home. The killing of an immense rattle snake is reported form Homer, a small place near Davis. The snake measured four feet ten inches and possessed twenty-six rattles and a button. Eight boys, each about fifteen years of age, were arrested at Marlow last week upon the charge of disturbing public worship and demolishing property belonging to a school district. They were taken before a magistrate and fined ten dollars apiece. Jake Woods, a lad fourteen years old, living at Madill can very nearly meeting his death by diving from a bank into shallow water, He was told by a companion that the water was deep at that point, but proved to be only thirteen inches with a rock bottom. The boy’s face and top of his head were badly bruised. Howard Bush, a young man twenty years old, hailing from Kansas was run over by a Santa Fe train near Ardmore and instantly killed. It is supposed he was waling on the track and did not notice an approaching train. He had over $75 on his person when picked up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DENVER BANKER ARRESTED Taken Into Custody by Territory Officers at South McAlester South McAlester: Warrants were sworn out at Denver, Colorado, for the arrest of J. H. Hill, president of the Denver Saving Bank, which recently failed at that place. Chief of Police Collier of his city received a telegram from the Denver authorities to arrest Hill on a charge of grand larceny, and to hold him until an officer could arrive with requisition papers. Hill was arrested promptly and was held by Commissioner McMillan in the sum of $1,000 to await the arrival of the Denver officers. Mr. Hill, who has been a resident of this city for some time, said that he would return to Denver without a requisition. He has been connected with a number of banks at different places in Oklahoma and Indian Territory and is held in high esteem. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- GERONIMO GIVES ADVICE Lawton: Geronimo, the Apache chief, who is a prisoner of war on the Fort Sill military reservation, is thoroughly disgusted with the recent actions of the Apaches in Arizona in carrying on a raid of stealth and stealing. “They should know better,” he said. “When they have had the hands of the white man during the last thirty years they will have no desire to violate the wishes of the white people.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- HUNTON NOTES Hunton, August 30 Miss Mattie Clevenger is on the sick list this week. Bro. Anderson filled Bro. Armstron’s appointment at Wilson last Sunday. T.W. Greenwood and wife were at Wapanucka Tuesday. T. J. and G. C. Howard and W. Shelton are on the Blue fishing today. Mrs. R. H. Addison is visiting relatives in Texas this week. A ten year old son of Mr. Jim George was thrown off a horse and knocked his wrist out of place this week. R. H. Addison and daughter, Miss Lizzie, attended church at Kittie Sunday. Dr. Dorbison has moved into his new residence. He is now having a nice barn built. Mr. Via has sold his crop and household furniture to Mr. Floyd Ellis and is going to Arkansas. (But don’t think Mr. Ellis intends to keep bach.) Herbert Kite and Miss Lillie Wallace, Mr. Bruce Carter and Miss Daisy Addison went to Connerville to the camp meeting Sunday. ============================================================================= TROUT’S ARBOR ITEMS Trout’s Arbor, August 26 T. J. Young, Mrs. T. N. Young and Robert Coleman and family have returned to their home at Clinton, Texas after a weeks visit to their relatives, J. Y. and T. W. Jones. They talk of returning to Wapanucka country to live. Mrs. J. A. and Mrs. V. C. Trout are both on the sick list. ============================================================================= OCONEE NOTES Oconee, August 27 Bob and Joe Henderson have returned from the Creek Nation. They say it is a fine country but this suits them better. Joe Armstrong has retuned from Texas where he has been stuck up in the black mud for six weeks. John Stockton was arrested near here last week by Deputy Criswell of Wapanucka for personating an officer. He offered some resistance and butted into Mr. Criswell’s gun but was took in by the officer at once. T. J. Stratton will leave here within a few days for Swicher County, Texas. This country loses a good citizen. His many friends around here regret very much to lose him from among them but are glad that Mr. Murphy, one of the Jesse community’s best men is coming to take his place. Miss Ethel Whiteside was thrown from her favorite horse, Dodger, this week but was not seriously injured. Uncle Frank Barger will build a business house here soon. William M. Dunn has a sore foot caused by high living here in the country this summer. Mrs. William M. Dunn is visiting at the Dunn ranch this summer. J. H. Scott is hauling railroad piling this week. -------------------------------------------------