A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
The Daily Ardmoreite
Ardmore, Oklahoma
Tuesday, September 17, 1907
DENISON, TEXAS OFFICER DEAD
EX-POLICEMAN DIES OF WOUNDS
RECEIVED SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN FIGHT
Denison, Tex., Sept. 16. – The sudden death of John Crane, an ex-police officer, last week at his home, No. 331 Chestnut street, recalls to the mind of Denison people the tragedy which occurred on the same street seven years ago when Crane was shot in the right leg above the knee while attempting to arrest George Puryear. His death is attributed to the wound received at that time. The assailant of Crane was followed to the Indian Territory by a posse headed by W.B. Craig, now chief of police of Denison. In recounting the shooting Officer Craig said:
“It was just about seven years ago when some small boys told me that a man riding a horse was down on Chestnut street standing in front of a house and displaying a six-shooter. I was then a deputy constable but I went in search of the man. As I turned the corner on Rusk avenue and Chestnut I was joined by Officer Crane. We walked together until within a short distance of one man when a street light disclosed the identity of Puryear.”
“Puryear at once raised up in his saddle and leveling his weapon at the officer fired. Crane staggered and a moment later fell to the ground. I fired my pistol several times but none of the shots took effect. A posse was hurriedly organized and as Puryear went in direction of his home at Willis Ferry in Indian Territory, we at once took up the trail towards Red River.”
“When the posse reached the river it was divided in three sections and scattered out in different directions in search of the fugitive. It was the second morning after the shooting when Puryear was discovered walking along the banks of the river. One of the members of the posse who saw him, called to Puryear to throw up his hands, but in return he was answered by two pistol shots fired directly at the posse. Two Winchester reports rang out a few moments later, and the other two branches of the posse arrived on the scene just in time to see the body of Puryear placed in a buggy. One of the bullets penetrated the heart of Puryear, killing him instantly.
“Shortly after this, Frank Puryear, a brother of George, was slew to death at Gainesville in a street duel and was using the same gun with which his brother shot Crane.”
“Crane recovered slowly from his wound and the city has given him a light duty to perform ever since the shooting. He was police clerk in police headquarters up to last May but the wound troubled him to such an extent that he was obliged to take to his bed.”
Mr. Crane was born in New Orleans in 1870 and came to Denison eight years ago. He was employed by the Katy as a brakeman and later resigned to accept the position on the police force. He was a member of the Woodman of the World and the funeral will take place tomorrow under the auspices of that order. Interment will be made in Maple Grove cemetery. Rev. Lee of the Christian church will conduct the services at home and grave.
The Ardmore Democrat November 13, 1947 Wilson, Oklahoma Suit Against Wilson Heard The civil term of Carter County District Court reconvened Wednesday morning following a one-day recess because of Armistice Day with the beginning of the hearing on a $15,000 damage suit brought by Lucille Fish against the City of Wilson. In the suit Mrs Fish alleged that her son, Jackie Willis, 11 years old, was electrocuted when a wire from a power line operated by the City fell into the water trough as the youth was working and his death resulted. The Willis youth died April 18, 1947 which was termed electrocution by medical testimony. The jury was selected and sworn in and one witness, Dr Ross of Wilson, was called to testify before the court was adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday by district judge John Caldwell. Additional witnesses were put on the stand during the afternoon session of court. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136009344/jackie-tudor-willis Someone suggested a memorial be put up at the horse trough in memory of Jackie Willis. I think that's a good idea.
The other day a lot of landscaping was going on at the Carter County Courthouse. The shrubs around all four sides were removed. Below are links to 3 photos of the work that was completed.
https://oklahomahistory.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CourthouseLandscape061522c.jpg
https://oklahomahistory.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CourthouseLandscape061522a.jpg
https://oklahomahistory.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CourthouseLandscape061522b.jpg
I just saw an interesting interview on TV this week with Mark Cuban (Billionaire). He’s started a website (Cost Plus Drugs ) where people can buy drugs at a fraction of the cost. I’m sure the drug czars are nervous. Its sad when Americans have to decide between buying their needed medicine and paying some other bill that’s due tomorrow. 🙁
https://costplusdrugs.com/
Q. Where in Oklahoma can one dig for one-of-a-kind selenite crystals?
A. Cherokee, OK
Crystal Digging is only allowed in the designated dig area, marked with bright orange signs about 1 mile through the gate at Selenite Crystal Dig Area located at: 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK 73728. The observation tower is open all year! Call 580/626-4794 for more information.
Q. Where in Oklahoma can you spend the day with elephants in a one of a kind animal park?
A. Answer in next week’s newsletter
Some mail from this week’s MAILBAG….
“Trout Fishing” is the name of a children’s and folk band (duet). I first heard them 30 or so years ago.
One of my favorites is a song from that time;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij9Svt-RCgk
There’s also this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFhEaato8eQ
If I’d known that they were in Ardmore, I certainly would have gone! Not sure where the Pink Moose is, though. -Major Dan
From my Vol 3, Issue 115 May 15, 1999 newsletter
Last Wednesday, June 30th 1999, Royce Moser left her office of Carter County Clerk at the courthouse here in Ardmore for the last time. She was Clerk about 12 years, and with the Office of the Clerk 30 years. There was a reception party held for Royce the Friday before… and the line of friends and well-wishers seemed endless. Her smile will be missed.
We had another courthouse employee retire June 30, 1999. LaVera Gibson in the Assessor’s Office turned her keyboard in. There was punch and cake with lots of visitors coming by to wish her the best. She’s just going to enjoy the good life for awhile.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/119351677/lavera-l-gibson
“…during the depression the family was forced to sell my grandmother’s steinway grand piano. (her name: kathryn tweed stonum zumwalt). anyway, it has haunted me all my life wondering who bought her piano and where it would be today. wonder if it is still in ardmore, oklahoma.”
I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming Independence Day holidays with family and loved ones. But above all, stay safe. These are special times, enjoy them.
“Oh, say! can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
By Francis Scott Key (a prisoner on a British ship)
See everyone next Thursday!
Butch and Jill Bridges
236 Timber Road
Ardmore, Oklahoma
580-490-6823
[email protected]
https://oklahomahistory.net