Gafford, John A. was commissioned on February 4, 1896, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump. Deputy Marshal Gafford lived in Hartshorne, Indian Territory. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gaines, Joe was commissioned in the Western District of Arkansas.  Deputy Marshal Joe Gaines was killed in the line of duty on August 22, 1893.  Joe Gaines confronted a drunken John Stevenson early in the evening taking a knife from him and sending him home.  As Gaines walked from the saloon his drunken enemy confronted him shooting him three times. 

(Oklahombres) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)   K

 

Gaines, Edward was commissioned in the Southern District Court of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas, in 1894. 

(U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Galcatcher, rode with Sheriff Jesse Cochran in the Cherokee Nation around 1879, looking for cattle thieves who were working the Verdigris River area, south of Coffeyville, Kansas.  When the outlaws were confronted by the posse they resisted arrest.  During the gun battle, notorious outlaw Jim Burke was killed. 

(Outlaws and Lawmen)

 

Galbreath, Robert served as deputy marshal at Edmond, Oklahoma Territory.  Robert and his brother, who was to young to file a claim, rode in the Oklahoma   Land Rush of 1889, at Kingfisher, Oklahoma Territory.  Robert drove a stake to claim 160 acres of land, just ahead of an elderly man and his wife.  The older man, realizing that this was his last chance to get the land that he prized, made an offer to Robert Galbreath to purchase the land.  Robert Galbreath accepted the offer, then returned back to Kingfisher where he claimed land in the Kingfisher townsite.  As the town of Kingfisher developed Robert took a part in establishing the town’s government.  Robert Galbreath later become a famous oil “Wildcatter” in Tulsa.  (Oklahoma Land Rush Of 1889) (Indian Pioneer History -  Robert Galbreath) (Charles Francis Colcord) (Picture - The Western Peace Officer)

 

Gandy, George Washington arrested George Ivy, Frank and James Speer with two other parties, in August of 1902, for violation of herd and free range laws.  The prisoners were taken to federal jail in Guthrie. 

(The Taloga Advocate - August 21, 1902)

 

Gardner, Ed in August of 1895 was one of the deputy marshals that trailed the Christian Gang to Hartshorne, Oklahoma Territory.  The deputy marshals narrowed the distance between themselves and the gang when the outlaws stopped at a farm before crossing into the Chickasaw Nation.  A farmer, his four sons and a lady named Irene Champion “Emma Johnson” who was Bill Christian’s sweetheart, replenished their supplies and gave them fresh horses.  The gang crossed the Chickasaw Nation border making their get away.  The deputy marshals gave up their chase, returning to the farm where they arrested the lot for abetting the outlaws. 

(West Of Hell’s Fringe)

 

Garner, E. L. served in the Central District from 1894 thru 1896.

 (U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Garner, E.  L.

D.U.S. Marshal

South McAlester

1897

 

Garrelson, E. G.  was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Garretson, C. E. was commissioned on August 18, 1886, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, under Marshal Jacob Yoes. 

(Ft. Smith Oaths of Office)

 

Garrett, Buck served out of the Eastern District, Paris, Texas in 1897.  One of his posse members was Deputy Thad McCallie.  Buck started his law enforcement career in Texas where he held a commission as deputy marshal and continued to work with the federal court in that area when he first came to Indian Territory.  He was assigned to the Southern District of Indian Territory in the Ardmore Court when he tendered his resignation to Marshal Ben Colbert in July of 1902.  Buck Garrett was one of more than twenty gunmen in 1892 that took part in the Johnson County war in Wyoming.  Buck later became sheriff of Ardmore, Chickasaw Nation.

(The Woodward Bulletin - March 14, 1902) (Ft. Smith Elevator - July 11, 1902) (Indian Pioneer History - Lee Morgan) (Indian Pioneer History - Leland A. Mosteller) (Gunfighters) (Gunman’s Territory) (The Western Peace Officer) (Ralph Evans - File #1161 Ardmore Library)

 

Garrett, J. M.

D.U.S. Marshal

1907

 

Garrett, J. A. was commissioned on October 1, 1872, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Logan S. Roots. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Garrett, John was commissioned on June 18, 1894, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump.  Garrett was in Okmulgee on July 30, 1895, observing the gang’s activities when the Rufus Buck gang robbed a store.  Garrett tried to stop the robbery, ordering the gang to raise their hands.  Rufus Buck, the leader of the gang shot him through the chest, killing him.  This gang was made up of black and black-Indian mixture and was regarded as one of the most cold blooded bands to operate in Indian Territory.  Their crimes including murder, rape and robbery led them to Judge Parker’s gallows where they were executed in July 1, 1896. 

(Indian Chieftain, Vinita - October 3, 1895) (Black Indians) (Black History In Oklahoma) (Black, Red And Deadly) (Oklahombres) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)     Killed in the line of duty.

 

Garretson, Charles E. was commissioned in the Western District at Ft, Smith, Arkansas.  Charles worked with Deputy Marshal Sam Wingo in June of 1886, to arrest Simon Watson and David Noah who were charged with murder in Indian Territory. 

(Ft. Smith Elevator - June 11, 1886) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Garrison, Charley and Deputy Marshal Ish were working out of Atoka, Choctaw Nation, in April of 1876, when they transported a colored man to federal court in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  Deputy Marshal Garrison was summoned to Spanish Fort to arrest several deputies who were examined for the killing of the Watson gang.  The deputies were transported to federal court in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, where they were exonerated. 

(Atoka Vindicator - April 26, 1876) (Indian Pioneer History - George Tucker)

 

Garvin, F. M. was commissioned on May 3, 1894, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump.  Deputy Marshal Garvin lived in Harthshorne, Indian Territory. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gates, G. C. was commissioned on March 29, 1894, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump.  An investigation was made by the Attorney General’s office and Benjamin Colbert was instructed to remove Gates commission in February of 1894, who was assigned to the Southern District of Indian Territory at that time.  Several deputies were charged with allowing liquor into Indian Territory, being drunk while on duty and helping prisoners to escape from jail. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gates, George F.

D.U.S. Marshal

Ardmore

February 3, 1902

 

Gault, Frank M. Deputy U. S. Marshal

 

CHARACTER SKETCH OF FRANK GAULT

 

February 25, 1915—The Oklahoma Leader—Oklahoma City, Feb 22—Frank M Gault of Geary, successful breeder of white-face cattle, former deputy marshal and peace officer, is the new president of the state board of agriculture, elected by the people of the state.  Mr. Gault is a very large man and his manner brusque and hearty.  He is as plainspoken as it is imaginable for one to be and his rugged honesty has become automatic.  The new president is working very hard trying to get the department coordinated with the progressive spirit of the Oklahoma agriculturist.  The past history of the department is to be overcome by notable and noteworthy achievements.

          The other day a reporter for a local newspaper got an expression from Mr. Gault to the effect that a dishonest employee of the department over which he presides will be in danger of being shot.

Expressed Only in Jest

          The expression was mere persiflage—for Mr. Gault is too good a citizen to mean anything like that literally.  The story was written in the bet style of the genius that is making Everett True a national character.

          The item thus arrayed attracted a great deal of attention through the state.  One newspaper deplored Mr. Gault’s selection of a press agent and point out the injury that such press agent is doing the political prospects of the many from Geary.

          Then came Colonel Walter Ferguson of Cherokee, who knows better, having been one of the favorite neighborhood boys and known from his knee-pants days by Mr. Gault with this added incentive to destroy the press agent:

          “Colonel Gault announced that there would be no grafting or any form of thievery during his regime.  He tapped his hip pocket with a significance that used o be the grand hailing sign west of the Rick Island and announced without any show of levity that he would shoot the employee of his department that attempted to pull off any raid on the public purse during his four years that he is commissioned to sit on the lid.

Not a “Malicious” Man

          “He did not promise homicide with any malice or forethought nor did he suggest cemetery tickets without provocation, but simply and calmly declared that one of his policies would be to never have his back to the office safe and never carry his pistol on safety.  His announcement boded no good for the clerk or supernumerary who figured on padding an expense account or making off with a slice of the public excises.

          “It may be added that Colonel Gault’s aim is what might be termed unerring, if that word has not gone out of vogue.  He has had ample target practice in the past, both on moving and stationary forms.  If there be those among his clerks who doubt either his aim or his inclination they had best insure with some solvent company.  Without committing ourselves on the correctness of Colonel Gault’s policy it may be said that a six-shooter is at best a novel protection for the public funds.”

 

Geary, Jim W.  was commissioned in the Western District Court in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  Deputy Marshal Geary was killed on January 8, 1874.  (Arkansas Gazette Obituaries - 1879) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)   K

 

Gennung, Frank S. served in the Central District in 1895 and 1896.  He went to Washington before the Attorney General and congress to issue a statement of the conditions in Indian Territory.  Genning’s statement concluded that a ruling made by the Attorney General deprived the deputy marshals of fees in all federal cases in Indian Territory which left the door open for all kinds of crime and outlawry.  Crimes not covered by fees would not be controlled by the deputy marshals and would be a travesty to the territory.  Genning was one of the deputy marshals that transported nineteen prisoners from the Antlers court to stand trial in Poteau, then an additional ten prisoners were taken to the Ft. Smith jail to serve their sentences. Marshal Hackett was selected as Marshal over the Central District on March 19, 1901, when he selected Frank Genning as his Chief Deputy Marshal.  The Attorney General’s office conducted an investigation and asked that Marshal Benjamin Hackett of the Central District be removed from office because he allowed several of his deputy marshals to perform misconduct while on duty.  The deputies were charged with allowing prisoners to escape, being drunk while on duty and permitting liquor to enter Indian Territory.  Deputy Marshal Gennung was cleared of any wrong doing in the investigation which was concluded in February of 1894. 

(The Woodward Bulletin - January 25, 1901) (The Antlers Democrat - March 8, April 12, 1901) (U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Genug, Frank S.	D.U.S. Marshal	South McAlester	February 20, 1897
Genung, Frank S.	D.U.S. Marshal	South McAlester	May 1, 1889

 

Gentry, Bill was a deputy marshal that worked out of Checotah.  The Rufus Buck Gang confronted Benton Callahan and a companion robbing them and wounding them for no reason.  Deputy Marshal Bill Gentry took the two men to Checotah where their wounds were treated. 

(Indian Pioneer History - Benton Callahan)

 

Gentry, Robert J. “Bob” was commissioned on February 7, 1889, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes. Bob Gentry became a deputy Marshal at the age of thirty-three while living at Checotah, Creek Nation.  In 1895, a Mrs. Polly West confronted Gentry with an insulting letter that had been sent to her daughter.  A young man named Moore sent the letter and Mrs. West wanted a warrant issued for his arrest.  The father of the boy, William Moore, rode into Checotah demanding Gentry give the letter to him.  The deputy marshal refused his request which sent a hostile Moore back to his home.  His next attempt to secure the letter was at Mrs., West’s home where she was being visited by a neighbor.  She told him that the letter could not be returned because it had been given to Gentry.  An angry Moore left her home threatening that if any action to prosecute was started he would kill the man that started it.  No action was taken about the letter but Moore continued to build hate for Bob Gentry and made threats that he was going to kill him.  On a Saturday evening, September 21, 1895, several men were in a saloon where Moore and a man named Williams went outside and got into a heated argument.  Seeing that the argument was going to end in a fight, Bob Gentry stepped between the two men.  Jeff Whittaker, part owner of the saloon joined the argument and bragged that he was the best man in Checotah.  Moore responded, “You haven’t seen me yet.!”  “Yes, damn you!  I have seen you” said Whittaker.  Gentry and several others separated the two before they started to fight.  Whittaker was taken inside and Moore was left outside with Gentry where they hoped he would cool off.  Moore turned on Gentry and he realized that Moore was going to argue or fight anyone that was around him so he decided it was best to go into the saloon and leave him alone.  Inside of the saloon a pistol was taken from Whittaker and given to Gentry, fearing that he might shoot Moore if he was confronted again.  Thing quieted for awhile until a drunken Moore started to curse the Democratic party.  Gentry, a staunch Democrat faced Moore and said “I’m a Democrat.”  Moore attacked Gentry with a pool stick, striking him on the head.  Before Moore could strike again, Gentry pulled the gun that taken from Whittaker and shot him point blank.  A mortally wounded Moore falling on Gentry tried to take the gun but Gentry got off two more shots.  Bob Gentry was cleared in the shooting at a grand jury hearing at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. 

(Ft. Smith Criminal Case, File Jacket 306, 307, & 309) (The Muskogee Phoenix, January 7, 1897) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gentry, Scott was commissioned on February 29, 1892, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes.  Scott was remembered as a deputy marshal by George McIntosh in Indian Pioneer History.

 (Indian Pioneer History - George McIntosh) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

George, James F. was commissioned in the Western District of Arkansas in 1897. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Geren, Tom M. was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes.  In August of 1888, he went to Collier County, Texas to serve a warrant of arrest to Dennis Hilderbrand, charged with introducing and selling whiskey in Indian Territory.  The prisoner was transported to the federal jail in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  In November of 1887, two Negroes named Mosely and Patterson, were killed near Caddo, Choctaw Nation by Neal Wolf, Newt Farris and William Farris and fled to Texas, to avoid the deputy marshals.  Geren arrested the two killers in Fannin, Texas, lodged them into jail at Dallas, Texas before taking them to the federal jail in Paris, Texas and eventually to the federal jail in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  At their trial in the Ft. Smith court they swore they knew nothing about the crime.

(Ft. Smith Elevator - August 24, October 26, 1888) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database)

 

Gerio, was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database)

 

Gholson, Alf H. was commissioned in the Southern District Court of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas, in 1894. 

(U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Gibbs was commissioned in the Southern District of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas.  Deputy Marshal Gibbs was one of the posse member that rode into the Creek Nation to arrest the Christian gang.  The Christian gang was charged with the murder of a Oklahoma City policeman.  During the search for the Christian gang, two robbers not connected with the Christian Gang were confronted.  A gunfight evolved which left one robber, Will Stevenson dead and his cohort, Dick Sanger was arrested. 

(Black Red and Deadly)

 

GIBSON A MARSHAL

Appointment of Jim Bourland’s Successor Is Announced

 

June 10, 1906—Lawton, Oklahoma—Ed Gipson, of this city, will succeed Jim Bourland, deceased, as deputy United States marshal at Anadarko.  This announcement was made public today and is authenticated by the commission, signed by United States Marshal John Abernathy, which Mr. Gipson had in his pocket on his return from Guthrie last night.  The appointment is already in effect and Gipson will take his station at Anadarko Sunday.

          The appointment of Gipson created some surprise here among those who were pushing the candidacy of other parties.  The endorsement came from friends of Abernathy in this city and so strong that the marshal could not resist, even though the candidacy of other men appeared looked favorable and good.  John Dossett who has for a number of years been an officer in Oklahoma, was an applicant for the place and his friend's believed he would secure it.  It is reported, but without authentication, the chief of police Heck Thomas also on applicant.  Mr. Thomas recently made a visit to Chandler to attend a birthday reception given by Bill Tilghman and it is reported that he returned by way of Guthrie to see Abernathy.

          Gibson was one of five men who took a civil-service examination at Cache recently to enter the forest ranger service and he was successful in passing the examination.  During his absence in Guthrie, his commission came from Washington and he must now decline the appointment.  This position pays $75 per month and a house, 40 acres of land, and other things are furnished.

          Gibson has been in Lawton since the opening and has been an employee of J. W. Bozeman, who is in the transfer business.  He has many friends and is considered an able man.

 

Gibson, George C. was a commissioned deputy marshal in the Western District of Arkansas where he served as office deputy. 

(Picture - Notable Men of Indian Territory)

 

Gibson, George C.	D.U.S. Marshal	Muskogee	October 14, 1903
Gibson, George C.	D.U.S. Marshal		1907

 

Gibson, G. W. was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)    Killed in the line of duty,

 

Gibson, H. C. was commissioned on April 20, 1895, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gibson, James W. was commissioned on April 4, 1895, in the Western District of Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump.  (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gibson, Sam was commissioned in the Western District of Arkansas in 1895. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gideon, G. W. In December of 1893, a dispatch from Washita stated that deputy Marshal Lawson, Pierce Johnson, and G. W. Gideon trying to arrest two men in the country were fired upon.  Gideon was killed outright, Pierce Johnson was shot in the hand and Lawson shot in the stomach.  The outlaws escaped during the gun battle. 

(The Weekly Elevator - December 15, 1893)

 

Gilbert, J. A. was commissioned in the Northern District Muskogee court assigned to the Pawhuska court.  Gilbert replaced Deputy Marshal M.S. Hutchinson in October of 1901, who resigned his commission in September of 1901. 

(The Osage Journal, Pawhuska - September 19, October 31, 1901)

 

Gilbert, W. S.  was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  He arrested Moses Featherhead, in February of 1890, who was charged with being an Intruder, in Indian Territory. 

Atoka Indian Citizen - February 15, 1890) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database)

 

Gill, Gus A. was commissioned on March 7. 1893 in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gill, James A. was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gill, James H. arrested William Smith, W. T. Gage and Mrs. Anna Crum, in August of 1894, for making and passing counterfeit coins .  Gill was assigned to the Tecumseh District on July 15, 1893, under Marshal Evett Nix.

(West of Hell’s Fringe) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Gill, John was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Gill, W. E. was commissioned in the Southern District Court of Indian Territory at Paris, Texas, in 1894 and 1895. 

(U.S. Deputy Marshals, I. T. & O. T., 1893 - 1896)

 

Territorial Party Convention Head Is Dead In West

Warren P. gill, Active in Early Day Politics, Buried in Los Angeles

 

December 10, 1939--the Oklahoman--Word has been received here of the death Thursday in Los Angeles, California, of Warren P. Gill, 73-year old Oklahoma pioneer who served as chairman of the territorial Democratic convention in 1900.

          Born in Eldorado, Kansas, August 23, 1966, Gill made the run into the Cherokee Strip September 16 1893 and homesteaded a claim in Noble County. He played an active part in state politics for more than 20 hears and at one times was a candidate for mayor of Oklahoma City.  He was one of Oklahoma's first deputy United States marshals after it became a state.  He had been a resident of Los Angeles the last 16 years.

          Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Barbara Stegman gill, and a daughter, Mrs. Weamena Carr.

 

Gilson George C.

D.U.S. Marshal

Okmulgee

February 1, 1906

 

Gilson, Edward B.

D.U.S. Marshal

July 1, 1906 to July 20, 1906

 

Gilstrap, Isaac L. was commissioned in the Northern District of Indian Territory in July of 1902, serving under Marshal W. H. Darrough assigned as field deputy at Vinita, Cherokee Nation.  In December of 1904, Ira Smith and Charley Morris, alias C. W. Lewis, two of a party of three charged with theft were captured this week by Gilstrap, one being apprehended at Waverly and the other at Litchfield, Illinois.  It will be remembered that D. F. Youngkins, the other member of the gang was captured some time ago.  All three were accused of burglary and receiving stolen property at Collinsville, Indian territory.  The prisoners were placed in jail at Springfield, Illinois and will be brought back to the territory next week for preliminary trial.  In March of 1906, Ike rode with fellow Deputy Marshals Otis Tittle and Dick Terry of Vinita, accompanied by  Deputy Marshal Than Wofford, Andy Dick, Bob Thompson and Henry Holdeman, three deputies from Tahlequah.  The lawmen’s mission was to capture the Wickliffe Gang who were charged with cattle rustling and the killing of Deputy Marshal John Henry Vier,  on February 20, 1905.  The Wickliffe gang made up of Charley, Tom and John Wickliffe, three Cherokee full-blooded Indians, along with several other tribesmen, took refuge in the Spavinaw Hills near Little Saline Creek, twenty-five miles southeast of Vinita.   The three brothers were sons of the former justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court.  Capturing the gang was a very difficult task due to the number of relatives and friends who had swore allegiance to them.  Indian scouts posted themselves in tall trees to watch for the deputy marshals as they moved through the outlaws area.  The hills, heavy brush and large boulders provided hiding and advantage points for ambush.  The marshal’s force had spent several years trying to arrest Charley Wickliffe.  Charley and several other young Cherokees were involved in stealing and selling horses to two white ranchers in the area.  The two ranchers helped break up the horse stealing band by aiding the marshals forces in capturing the Cherokee Indians that took part in the thievery.  One of the white ranchers that helped to make the capture turned up missing when his horse returned to his ranch with saddle and bridle.  The long search for Charley Wickliffe created great hostility between the Wickliffe family and the marshal’s forces.  The Cherokee outlaws swore that they would not be taken alive and displayed their hatred for the law when they lured the deputy marshals into ambush where larger forces waited to kill the officers.   Gilstrap formed a posse of five lawmen who used bloodhounds to trail the gang.  On March 11, 1906, after searching and trailing the gang for a month, the six lawmen traveled into a very hilly area where they confronted the three Wickliffe brothers.  The bloodhounds gave pursuit until they overcame Tom Wickliff, who was large and fat, who succumbed when he could run no further.  The other two brothers doubled back on the other side of the hill where they took cover waiting for the lawmen.  Completely unaware that their assassins were lying in wait for them, the deputy marshals and posse rode directly into them.  Here the lawmen met a barrage of bullets from the Wickliffe’s Winchesters.  After the smoke cleared from the ambush, Deputy Marshal’s Gilstrap, Tittle and Carey lay motionless on the ground.  Gilstrap lived long enough to eject one cartridge before being shot in the forehead.  The officers horses were killed to prevent the lawmen from escaping if they survived the ambush. Than Wofford, Henry Holdeman, Andy Dick, and Bob Thompson survived the ordeal by retreating in a hail of bullets.  Than Woodord’s mount was shot from beneath him which forced him to take cover. The battle area was near the site of Jim Wickliffe's home which set on the bank of Spavinaw Creek.  Jim Wickliffe was an uncle to the three Wickliffe brothers.  The surviving lawmen took cover in Jim Wickliffe’s home which provided protection from the gang.  Several attempts were made by the survivors to recover the bodies of the dead deputy marshals.  Every time a rescue effort was made to retrieve the dead men the gang opened fire. The gang returned to Gilstrap’s body like vultures to take his watch, about $30 in money, his six shooter, belt and cartridges.  To further mutilate the officer’s body it was shot several times before they left.   Wofford and the two Tahlequah deputies reported the incident to the Northern District Court, Marshal Darrough who was infuriated.  Marshal Darrough immediately dispatched the deputy marshals and deputies from the Northern District.  Within days a posse of one-hundred deputy marshals which included the whole Northern District were summoned to the murder scene.  Marshal Darrough left his headquarters where he placed himself in charge of the forces.  The reward was increased to one thousand dollars for each outlaw “Dead or Alive”.  In June of 1906, Wickliffe gang members Ben Hungry, and Ned Carsalut, were arrested for harboring fugitives and for the murder of Deputy Gilstrap and Vier.  Hungry and Carsalut were captured by John Smith and his full-blood Cherokee Nighthawks.  Marshal Darroughs had hired them to capture the Wickliffe Gang because they were familiar with the Spavinaw Hill area.  Hungry confessed that he had been with the gang when the killings occurred, then served as a scout after the battle.  Hungry said John Wickliffe killed Gilstrap, robbed his body and was leader of the gang. The Wickliffe Gang talked with J. P. Thompson of Tahlequah trying to disprove any involvement in Deputy Marshal Vier and Gilstraps deaths, trying to place the blame on Ben Hungry.  J.P. Thompson used the Indian newspapers to play down the Wickliffe’s activities in the killings.  Oklahombres shows Gilstraps, Terry and Tittles death dates as March 12, 1906.  Newspaper articles after Gilstraps death report Terry and Tittle were wounded and not killed in the ambush.  (See Bennington Tribune article on this story dated June 14, 1906 also read Deputy Marshal Pleas Thompson and John Henry Vier for information leading to this incident.)  Ike Gilstrap was born in 1861, was a large man weighing around two hundred fifty pounds and was buried in the Fairview cemetery at Vinita. 

(Ft. Smith Elevator - July 18, 1902) (Vinita Weekly Chieftain - December 8, 1904) (The Bennington Tribune - March 2, 1905; January 11, March 15, 22, June 7,14, 1906) (Marietta Monitor - March 16, 1906)  (The Sterrett Sun - June 22, 1906) (Indian Pioneer History - James R. Carseloway) (Indian Pioneer History - Nat Dickerson) (Indian Pioneer History - Mrs. Lee Miller) (Oklahombres)

 

Gilstrap J. D. was commissioned in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving as a guard at the federal jail. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database)

 

Gipson, Benjamin F. was commissioned on August 17, 1896, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Girty, James was commissioned on June 27, 1893, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal George J. Crump.  Girty lived in Vian, Indian Territory. 

(Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)

 

Givens, Edward was commissioned on July 21, 1891, in the Western District at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes.  In May of 1892, he served a warrant of arrest to Paul Eddington, charged with introducing and selling liquor in the Indian Nation.  His prisoner was taken to federal jail Ft. Smith, Arkansas to face Judge Parker. 

(Ft. Smith Elevator - May 6, 1892) (Ft. Smith Federal Court Employee Database) (Ft. Smith Oaths of Office) (Ft. Smith Historical List)