David James Wade – Deputy Sheriff

Logan County Sheriff’s Office

David James Wade was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma on September 7, 1976, to Gerald Thomas and Sharon Faye Wade.

Tuesday morning April 18, 2017, about 9:15 a.m. Deputy Sheriff David Wade, 40, was serving an eviction notice at a rural home in Mulhall along Mulhall Road, about one mile west of I-35.

After serving the notice Deputy Sheriff David Wade was confronted in the front yard of the residence by three people, including 45-year-old Nathan LeForce.  Nathan LeForce was not being evicted however he pulled a gun and shot the deputy sheriff several times. Deputy Sheriff David Wade was able to return fire but did not hit LeForce. Nathan LeForce then stole the deputy sheriff’s patrol pickup and drove away. Deputy Sheriff David Wade was able to radio for help on his handheld radio advising that he had been shot. When responding officers arrived, they found Deputy Sheriff Wade coherent, and he was able to give information on the shooting and his assailant. Deputy Sheriff David Wade was then flown by helicopter to OU Medical Trauma Center in Oklahoma City.

Nathan LeForce drove the stolen patrol pickup to Smitty’s One Stop, a nearby convenience store, where LeForce car jacked a gray 2010 Mazda from a woman and drove southwest on State Highway 33, toward Guthrie. About 10:45 a.m., authorities located the stolen Mazda near County Road and Jaxton Road, just northeast of Guthrie. For several hours dozens of officers from surrounding jurisdictions searched the wooded area for Nathan LeForce. Shortly after 2 p.m., state highway patrol troopers advised that they had Nathan LeForce in custody after finding him hiding in an outbuilding at 4250 Jaxton Road.

Deputy Sheriff David Wade died from his wounds on the operating table at the OU Medical Center at 11:51 a.m. He had been a Logan County Deputy Sheriff about three years.

Deputy Sheriff David Wade was survived by his wife Emily and three sons, one of whom was serving in the U.S. Marines.

David Wade is buried in Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma.

 Nathan LeForce was convicted of Deputy Sheriff David Wade’s murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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February 11, 2023

William James "Bill"  "Willie" Walker - State Trooper

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

William J. Walker was born October 25, 1935, in Booneville, Logan County, Arkansas. William Walker attended grade school in Fairfax, Oklahoma and graduated from Pawhuska High School. William Walker then served three years in the Navy.

William Walker graduated from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy on October 21, 1967.

Around 6:30 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, February 17, 1971, Trooper William “Bill” Walker, and Park Superintendent T. Leo Newton were shot to death while attempting to arrest Edwin E. Jones, 25, and his cousin, William B. Franklin, 23, for possessing firearms inside the Fountainhead State Park.  Edwin Jones was AWOL from the Army and William Franklin was an ex-convict.  Game Ranger W. L. Pickens, 61, was wounded in the incident.  The thirteen-year-old son of Park Superintendent Newton was riding his motorcycle down the winding driveway when he came upon the tragic scene discovering that one of the murdered men was his own father. The two suspects had fled on foot, but cold weather and hunger drove them to surrender a couple of days later.  

William Walker had been a State Trooper for almost four years and was survived by his wife, Jeanette (Spurgin), and two sons, David James, and Carl Lyn.

William Walker is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, McIntosh County, Oklahoma.

Both William Franklin and Edwin Jones were convicted in connection with the shootings. William Franklin was sentenced to die for killing State Trooper William Walker. In 1973, that death sentence was commuted to life in prison. Franklin was also given a life term for Superintendent Newton’s death. William Franklin was released from the Oklahoma State prison in September 2019.

 Edwin Jones received two life sentences for the murders and twenty years for assault with intent to kill in the wounding of Ranger W. L. Pickens. Edwin Jones’ conviction was overturned in 1983 by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Edwin Jones was retried in 1985, and William Franklin testified at that trial that he did all the shooting and Edwin Jones was acquitted.  

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February 11, 2023

Isaac "Chute" Walkingstick - Sheriff

Goingsnake District, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory

Isaac Walkingstick was appointed Sheriff of the Goingsnake District in 1893. He also served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a member of the U.S. Indian Police. Isaac had other names he was known as, such as “Stool” and “Stute”

On Saturday, July 29, 1894, the Cherokee court was in session and the Cherokees were holding a three-day picnic at the Peavine courthouse near Barren Fork about five miles north and a little east of Stillwell.

John Corntassel was drinking and became involved in a difficulty with another Indian by the name of Dick Farrell. Serious trouble between them was prevented by friends of both men, but John Corntassel being under the influence of whiskey, continued to be boisterous and began shooting at random about the crowd. After giving vent to his feelings by firing several shots mingled with a few wild Indian war whoops, he went into his store that he was operating at that place at the time and began raising a disturbance.

Sheriff Isaac Walkingstick, who was a good friend of John Corntassel, started into the store intending to quiet John Corntassel down and prevent further trouble. When Sheriff Isaac Walkingstick entered the store door, John Corntassel saw him and mistook him for Dick Farrel, pulled his gun and shot Sheriff Isaac Walkingstick. Sheriff Walkingstick was able to draw his gun and fire at John Corntassel, shooting away the whole top of his head. Both men fell dead where they had stood.

Sheriff Isac Walkingstick was survived by his second wife Kate, who died soon after Isaac, two of their children and several children from his first marriage with Jennie.

Isaac Walkingstick is buried in Terrell Cemetery, Peavine, Adair County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 4S-2-29    NLEOM – 61E18

February 11, 2023

John Wall - City Marshal

Tatums

City Marshal John Wall had been cleaning up the illegal whiskey sales in the northwest Carter County black community of Taums.

At about 9 p.m. the evening of Monday, April 16, 1923, City Marshal John Wall was called to the front door of his home. As he stepped to the door, he was hit with the blast from a shotgun fired by someone hidden by the scrubs near the front door. City Marshal John Wall lived about three hours but died just after midnight, on Tuesday, April 17th. Before dying City Marshal Wall stated he saw two men run from his yard after he was shot. Three men, including Henry Carter and T. S. McMillian, were charged with the murder of the black City Marshal but were later acquitted of the murder charges.

The burial site of City Marshal John Wall is unknown.

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February 11, 2023

Lewis Palmer "Lew" Wallace - Sheriff

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Lewis P. Wallace was born in Burnett County, Texas on March 23, 1876, to Stephen Palmer and Maiden Jane (Lynch) Wallace. Lewis came to Oklahoma in 1895 and settled in Lincoln County. Lewis Wallace served with the Army in France then as a Deputy Sheriff in Lincoln County for six years before being elected Sheriff..

On Monday afternoon, July 31, 1933, Mr. O. Sheppard had his car stolen in Meeker and notified Sheriff Lewis Palmer.  Mr. Sheppard armed himself with a shotgun and joined the posse in search for the stolen car.  Upon spotting the stolen car, the officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit with the car thief. The thief soon abandoned the stolen Sheppard car and fled into some heavy underbrush.  The posse went after the man while Sheriff Lewis Wallace went around the area in hopes of cutting the man off.  Coming through the heavy underbrush, Mr. Sheppard saw Sheriff Lewis Wallace and mistaking him for the car thief, yelled “Stick ‘em up!”  Sheriff Wallace raised his hand and waved at Mr. Sheppard. Mr. Sheppard misinterpreted the wave as the fugitive going for his gun and shot once hitting Sheriff Lewis Wallace in the chest.  Sheriff Lewis Wallace died from his gunshot wound two days later shortly after 10 p.m. the night of Wednesday, August 2, 1933. As Sheriff Wallace lay dying, he begged that O. Sheppard, who fired the fatal shot, be absolved of blame, repeating, “It really was my fault.”

Lewis Wallace was survived by his wife Bessie (Mayes) and daughter Jean, 7, and is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

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February 11, 2023

John Henry Walner – Deputy U.S. Marshal / Officer

U.S. Marshal Service/ U.S. Indian Police

In the 1870’s John Walner was a pioneer of Cherokee Town, two miles east of Pauls Valley and married there in 1883. In 1886, John Walner founded the town of Walner ten miles further south and opened the first store in town. The next year the town’s name was changed to Wynnewood.

For a while John Walner served as the resident Deputy U.S. Marshal in Wynnewood. John Walner was involved in at least one shooting while serving in that capacity. A man named Bill Lewis was nursing a grudge against Deputy Marshal Walner for some unknown reason. One day, Bill Lewis was in John Mitchell’s general store in Wynnewood, bragging that he had killed eight men and “before the day is out, I’m going to kill another one.” As Bill Lewis walked out of the store, he observed Deputy Marshal John Walner walking down the other side of the street. Both men were carrying Winchester rifles cradled in their arms. Deputy Marshal John Walner crossed the street and confronted Bill Lewis, saying “Bill, I heard you were going to kill me.”

Bill Lewis started to raise his Winchester rifle and Deputy Marshal John Walner fatally shot him without bringing his rifle up to his shoulder. This gunfight and a mistaken impression that he was killed may have been the reason for his being listed on the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial and the Fort Smith Honor Roll.

John Walner later resigned his Deputy Marshal and Indian Police commissions but remained in Wynnewood as a merchant. John Walner, 43, had no law enforcement status at the time of his death the evening of July 5, 1905, when he was stabbed in the leg trying to separate two men who were fighting outside the Jesse Knox’s saloon where he was working. One of the men fighting was John Walner’s nephew Robert Walner, who had pulled a pocketknife and was stabbing the other man, Jesse Knox. Jesse Knox was stabbed thirteen times. John Walner’s leg wound had severed a femoral artery and he soon bled to death. Robert Walner was arrested and charged with the murder of his uncle John Walner.

John Walner was survived by his wife, Lula, a son, Hugh, 12, and three daughters, Susan, 22, Acca, 20, and Julia, 19, and is buried in Oaklawn Cemetery, Wynnewood, Garvin County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 5N-1-18

August 3, 2021

A.L. Walton - Patrolman

Oklahoma City Police Department  October 26, 1923

A.L. Walton was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, November 22, 1882. After moving to

Oklahoma City A.L. Walton worked for the railroad for several years before joining the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The month of October of 1923 saw record rainfall in Oklahoma City. On October 16, the North Canadian River overflowed its banks with crest waters twenty-five feet high, flooding everything as far north as California Avenue. Businesses, homes, railroad tracks were washed away, leaving fifteen thousand people homeless and stranded. Beginning on Monday, October 22, 1923, Patrolman A. L. Walton worked thirty-six hours straight, wading into the cold waters repeatedly carrying numerous stranded people including many children to safety.

Although Patrolman A. L. Walton was ordered to go off duty at one point by Mayor O. A. Cargill, Patrolman Walton refused to leave until everyone was rescued. Patrolman A. L. Walton continued to work until he collapsed with a high fever Tuesday afternoon, October 23.

Patrolman A. L. Walton was taken to the hospital for treatment. While in the hospital Patrolman A. L. Walton developed pneumonia and died at 4 p.m. Friday, October 26, 1923.

Patrolman A. L. Walton was survived by his wife and six children, the oldest child was fourteen.

Patrolman A. L. Walton was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

For over one hundred years A. L. Walton’s grave remained unmarked until January 3, 2024, when a granite grave marker was placed on his grave by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial organization.

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Updated January 3, 2024

Gary Lee Ward - Detective

Oklahoma City Police Department

Automobile Theft Division Detective Gary Ward, 44, was filling in for his brother-in-law, Detective Les McCaleb, at an off-duty security job at the Holiday Inn on NW 39th Street near Portland Avenue on the night of Saturday, February 2, 1985.

Shortly before 11 p.m. a man walked up to the motel’s main desk and told a clerk he wanted to register but asked if he could first see the room.  After giving the man a key to one of the rooms, the clerk grew suspicious and asked Detective Gary Ward to check on the man.  Detective Ward, dressed in his police uniform, saw a man carrying a television set out of a first-floor room.  A scuffle ensued and Detective Gary Ward was shot once in the chest apparently with his own service revolver and died at the scene.

On Friday, February 8th, the suspect Alvin Parker was found crouched in a crawlspace under his parent’s house with Detective Gary Ward’s service revolver found wrapped in plastic and in a small box only about a foot away. Glen Anthony Briggs, 28, whose car was found at the scene of the killing, was taken into custody, but later released due to lack of evidence against him.

Alvin Parker was on parole at the time of his arrest, after serving four years of a ten-year armed robbery sentence. Alvin Parker was convicted of the murder of Detective Gary Ward and sentenced to one hundred and ninety-nine years in prison.

Detective Gary Ward was survived by his wife, Martha, and three children, sons Joe, 22, and Danny, 13, and daughter, Terri, 20.

Gary Ward is buried in Resthaven Gardens Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

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February 2, 2021

James Ward - Deputy Sheriff

Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office

On Wednesday, August 20, 1919, Tulsa County Deputy Sheriff James Ward entered the Stradford Hotel after residents in the north Tulsa community had complained about the “vice conditions,” illegal liquor and gambling.  Sixteen people were arrested for gambling.  When Deputy Sheriff James Ward entered the hotel, Deputy Sheriff Ed Neeley was participating in the “game.” Information was that Deputy Sheriff Ed Neeley was upset with Deputy Sheriff Ward over the fact that Ward was raiding “choc” joints that Deputy Sheriff Ed Neeley was protecting.  

Deputy Sheriff James Ward was one of Tulsa County’s first black deputies to die in the line of duty.

According to the county attorney’s office, “…Neeley was in a game when Ward entered to raid the place, and that Neeley shot Ward while in the discharge of his duty.” Deputy Neeley claimed self-defense stating Deputy Ward had fired first. The county attorney charged Ed Neeley with the murder of Deputy Sheriff James Ward. Neeley was later brought to trial for murder but was acquitted based on self-defense. Sheriff James Wooley did not let the court’s decision keep him from taking Deputy Neeley’s commission, ending his career with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.

The burial site of Deputy Sherriff James Ward is unknown

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February 18, 2023

James Ward - Posseman - Deputy U.S. Marshal

U. S. Marshal Service

James Ward was one of eleven people killed and as many as nineteen wounded on Monday, April 15, 1872, at the Whitmire Schoolhouse east of Tahlequah, near the modern town of Christie in Adair County in the Going Snake District of the Cherokee Nation.  

Zeke Proctor was being tried by the Cherokee Nation at the schoolhouse for accidentally killing a widow named Polly Beck Hildebrand.  The relatives of Polly convinced the federal court at Fort Smith to intervene in the case. The U.S. Commissioner issued an arrest warrant for Zeke Proctor on a charge of “assault with intent to kill” to Deputy U.S. Marshals Jacob G. Owens and Joseph S. Peavey. The Deputy Marshals led a deputized posse including friends and relatives of Polly Beck Hildebrand to the Whitmore Schoolhouse. As the federal posse entered the schoolhouse a massive gun battle erupted.  Posse members Jesse “Black Sut” Beck, Samuel Beck, William Hicks, George Selvidge, James Ward, and Riley Woods were shot and killed that day. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jacob Owens and Posse William Beck were also wounded and died the next day, April 16th from their gunshot wounds.

James Ward was survived by his wife Elizabeth and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas.

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February 18, 2023

Robert Arthur Warlick - Detective

Shawnee Police Department

Robert Warlick had joined the Shawnee Police Department in 1930 after serving sixteen years as a Special Agent for the Santa Fe Railroad.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 1934, Captain Claude Bowen, and Detective Robert Warlick, 37, were returning from a call in the eastern part of Shawnee when their 1930 Chevrolet patrol car collided with another car at East Highland and Harrison Avenue. The patrol car then hit a tree. Detective Robert Warlick was crushed into the steering wheel and Captain Claude Bowen was ejected from the car, striking a fire plug causing a fractured skull and a broken right shoulder.

Detective Robert Warlick died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Detective Robert Warlick was survived by his wife Laveda and two daughters, Juanita, 17, and Wanda, 4, and is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

Captain Claude Bowen died just over a year later August 13, 1935, from complications from the injuries sustained in the on-duty accident.

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February 18, 2023

Charles Thomas Warner - Deputy U.S. Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service

On Thursday, December 29, 1932, Deputy Marshal Charles Warner left his home in Bartlesville and traveled to Vinita with thirteen other lawmen from Oklahoma and Kansas to track down the men who robbed a bank on Friday, December 9th in Kinsley, Kansas.

The lawmen had captured two of the outlaws, but were sure the rest of the holdup gang, numbering five or six, had made their way to Oklahoma to avoid capture.  After planning the raid, the group left Vinita at 11:00 p.m. that Thursday night traveling to Spavinaw. Surveillance was set up on the small house believed to be where the outlaws were holed up. After throwing several “gas bombs” in the house and riddling it with bullets, four men walked out of the house with their hands raised above their heads. One man remained inside and had to be forcibly dragged outside and handcuffed.  Two of the men were wounded, but not seriously. The prisoners were loaded into cars and taken back to Vinita.  As the prisoners were being loaded, Deputy Marshal Charles Warner remarked that he had been shot in the arm and probably needed to have it treated.  It was found that a bullet had entered his forearm just above the wrist, had traveled upward and exited just below the elbow. The doctors found as the bullet had traveled upwards it went between two bones. X-rays showed that the bullet had nicked one of the bones.  

For the next two years, Deputy Marshal Charles Warner kept up his usual work routine. In early 1935 infections set into his arm, and although treated, kept getting worse as time went by. By May 1935 he was confined to his bed and on Thursday, May 23, 1935, Deputy Marshal Charles Warner died.  Physicians stated the arm wound he received in the gunfight in December 1932 was the direct cause of his death.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Charles Warner was survived by his wife Minnie and daughter Georgia, 17.

Charles Warner was buried May 25, 1935, in the Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

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February 18, 2023

William Nelson "Nels" Warren - City Marsha

City of Chandler, Oklahoma Territory

William Nelson Warren was born in Lapierre, Michigan, on June 8, 1849. In 1870 William Warren moved to Texas and then to Kansas working as a cattleman. William Warren participated in the Land Run of 1889, settling first in Guthrie where he served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal under U.S. Marshal E.D. Nix. William Warren later moved to Chandler where he became one of the first county commissioners of Lincoln County and elected City Marshal of Chandler. William Warren had recently been re-elected to his fourth consecutive term as City Marshal at the time of his death.

On the night of Saturday, May 13, 1893, City Marshall William “Nels” Warren was called at his home to investigate some reported trouble at the train depot in Chandler. Upon arriving at the train depot, City Marshal Warren found three men, Jeff Critser, J.E. Edgington and L.G. Smart in a drunken state and causing the disturbance.  City Marshal Warren informed the three men they were under arrest, but they refused to surrender and began throwing cinders from the railbed at City Marshal Warren. City Marshal Warren was armed with a “loaded cane” and he struck one of the men, breaking his cane and knocking the man to the ground. The other two men fled as City Marshal Warren fired his gun at them.  As City Marshal Warren was going back to handcuff the man on the ground, he fell over onto the train depot platform. A doctor, who had been waiting for a train attempted to revive City Marshal Warren. After all efforts failed, the doctor pronounced City Marshal Warren dead. It was ruled that City Marshal William Warren had died from “apoplexy”, a stroke or heart attack.

Other citizens pursued and caught the two fleeing men. J.E. Edgington was fined $10 in court and the other two men were discharged without punishment.

City Marshal William Warren, 53, was survived by his wife Mary (Price), five daughters and a son.

William N. Warren is buried in Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, Lincoln County, Oklahoma.

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February 18, 2023

Charles Washington - Police Officer

Ardmore Police Department

Charles Washington was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on March 30, 1909, and lived in Ardmore his entire life.

On February 1, 1957, Charles Washington joined the Ardmore Police Department. A little over a year later, on Monday, April 28, 1958, Officer Charles Washington, 49, was on routine duty and stopped in at the Veterans Cab Company at 314 East Main where Robert McIntire, 67, was intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Officer Washington told McIntire to go home. Robert McIntire left but soon returned with a .380 caliber automatic pistol and opened fire on Officer Washington striking him in the left forearm, left shoulder and the left side of the stomach. Officer Charles Washington returned fire as he fell to the floor emptying his gun and wounding Robert McIntire under the left armpit and in the right leg. Officer Charles Washington died two days later at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 1958, from his wounds.  

Charles Washington is buried in Clearview Cemetery, Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma.

Robert McIntire was charged with the murder of Officer Charles Washington and on November 24, 1958, McIntire was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

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April 30, 2022

Mitchell DeWayne "Mitch" Weeks - Master Patrolman

McAlester Police Department

Mitchell Weeks was born December 28, 1963, in Winfield, Kansas to Ernest and Norine (Grider)Weeks. On February 14, 1985, Mitchell married Brenda Lee Dufresne in McAlester.

Mitchell Weeks worked for Rockwell International in McAlester until September 1985 when he was terminated from the company. It is believed Mitch was fired because his father, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Ernest Weeks, had recently arrested Mitch’s supervisor for driving while drunk. The supervisor had made the comment when arrested that he would have the last laugh.

On October 1 of that same year Mitchell Weeks joined the McAlester Police Department and served as an officer for over twenty-six years by the end of 2011.

The morning of Friday, January 6, 2012, “Mitch” Weeks, 48, was on patrol duty when he first complained of heart burn. About 12:30 p.m. Master Patrolman Weeks went home for his lunch break as usual. About 2 p.m. friends went to check on Weeks when he did not return to work. They found Master Patrolman Mitchell Weeks lying on the kitchen floor of his home still wearing his gun belt which he usually took off before eating lunch. It appeared that Mitch Weeks suffered a massive heart attack soon after entering his home. Paramedics were called to the home but were unable to revive him.

Mitchell Weeks was survived by his wife of 27 years, Brenda, their twenty-five-year-old son Lance Mitchell, and eighteen-year-old daughter Whitney Lee and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, McAlester, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma.

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April 5. 2023

Stanton Weiss - Federal Prohibition Agent

U. S. Bureau of Internal Revenue

On Saturday, August 28, 1920, Stanton Weiss and Reed Miller, Federal Prohibition Agents, along with Oklahoma County Deputy Sheriffs Claude Tyler and Homer Adrean, 40, went to the home of Charles Chandler, just across the Logan County line near Arcadia, who reportedly was the connection to all the illegal liquor in the area. The lawmen found a still some distance from the house. Federal Agent Reed Miller stayed to guard the still while the other three officers approached the Chandler house.

Deputy Sheriff Claude Tyler went to the back door as Federal Agent Stanton Weiss and Deputy Sheriff Homer Adrean knocked on the front door. After entering the house, Deputy Sheriff Claude Tyler was sent upstairs to conduct a search. Finding several containers of illegal liquor Deputy Sheriff Tyler leaned his rifle against the wall to take a closer look at his findings. Charles Chandler who was nearby grabbed the rifle and shot Deputy Sheriff Claude Tyler in the neck. Hearing the gunshots upstairs, Claude Chandler, the 18-year-old son of Charles, pulled a .32 caliber handgun and shot Federal Agent Stanton Weiss in the face. The two Chandler men then ran out the backdoor, but first Claude Chandler fired one more bullet into the prone Federal Agent Stanton Weiss killing him.

As Charles Chandler rounded the corner of the house he was shot and killed by Deputy Sheriff Homer Adrean. Claude Chandler, who was following his father, then shot Deputy Sheriff Homer Adrean, killing him.

Federal Agent Reed Miller, hearing the gunfire, ran toward the house and was met by Claude Chandler running away from the house. Federal Agent Reed Miller arrested Claude Chandler and recovered the .32 caliber revolver that Claude Chandler had thrown into the bushes. Deputy Sheriff Claude Tyler was taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City where he made a full recovery. Claude Chandler was taken to the Oklahoma County Jail in Oklahoma City.

Shortly after 10 p.m. the next evening, Sunday, August 29th, a mob of about thirty men broke into the Oklahoma County jail and removed Claude Chandler. Claude Chandler’s body was found shot in the head and hanging from a tree on Reno Avenue near Council Road the following morning.

Agent Stanton Weiss was survived by his wife and is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 8S-2-10    NLEOM – 1E5

August 28, 2021

Franklin Pierce "Frank" West - Officer

Cherokee Tribal Police, Indian Territory

Cherokee Tribal Officer “Frank “West was attending a Christmas dance on Friday, December 17, 1886, at the Emachaya Creek home of Lucy Surratt, daughter of Emachaya.  Emachaya was one of the earliest Choctaws to settle in the vicinity of Whitefield. Emachaya Creek was named after Lucy’s father. Lucy was known to the locals as “Aunt Lucy.”

Belle and Sam Starr arrived at the dance just after dark with Belle’s two children, Pearl and Eddie. Officer “Frank” West was warming himself by a log fire when Sam Starr, 27, began to curse him for killing Belle’s favorite horse during an earlier gun battle when Officer West and a posse arrested Sam Starr. Sam Starr reached for his gun at the same time Officer Frank West drew his weapon. After gunshots rang out, both men were on the ground mortally wounded. Officer “Frank” West had been hit in the neck and died within minutes.  Sam Starr was shot in the chest and died a few moments later.

Frank West, 34, was survived by his wife Nancy and two children and is buried in the McClure Cemetery, just east of Briartown, Muskogee County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 5N-1-20     NLEOM – 29E18

December 14, 2021

William A. "Billy" West - Patrolman

Cushing Police Department

Just after midnight on Saturday, July 18, 1931, two men broke into the home of Phil Estes, the manager of the Pla-More Pool Hall, in Cushing. Phil Estes was bound, gagged, and robbed of the daily take from the pool hall, which he had taken home with him that night.  Phil Estes was able to get loose and call the police after the suspects fled. Estes told police that he had seen the men go into a nearby garage.

Officers’ William “Billy” West, 37, and Corbett Ritter went to the garage to question the night watchman. Officer William West entered and went to a lighted office at the back of the garage. Upon entering the office, Officer West was shot twice in the heart and leg by a man hiding under the desk. Officer West was able to return fire before he fell and died at the scene.

J.B. Carnell was arrested in Lawton two days later and Harold Harris surrendered himself the next day. J.B. Carnell was given ninety-nine years in prison for murdering Officer William West.

Officer William “Billy” West was survived by his wife and one son and is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery, Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 7N-2-5    NLEOM – 6W23

July 17, 2021

Robert Glen Westberry - Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Defense Investigative Service

Robert Westberry joined the Naval Investigative Service in 1969.  Prior to that, he served with the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol.  Robert Westberry served a year in Vietnam for the Naval Investigative Service and then joined the Defense Department in 1972. Robert Westbery spent six years in South Carolina and seven years in South Florida before he requested to be sent to Oklahoma City so his wife could be close to her mother who was in failing health. Robert Westberry served for two years as the Special Agent in Charge for the Oklahoma City office of the Defense Department’s Defense Investigative Service until his death the morning of Wednesday, April 19, 1995, when the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building occurred. Robert Westberry had intended to retire in two years.  

Special Agent Robert Westberry, 57, was survived by his wife Tillie, one son, two daughters and seven grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one daughter.

Robert Westberry is buried in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Forest City, Seminole County, Florida.

OLEM – 2N-3-20   NLEOM – – –

April 19, 2021

Alan Gerald Whicher - Assistant Special Agent In Charge

U. S. Secret Service

Alan Gerald Whicher was born July 12, 1954, at Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois to Victor and Bette Whicher.

Before his death the morning of Wednesday, April 19, 1995, when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed, Agent Alan Whicher, 40, served in the New York field office, liaison division, vice presidential protection detail and the presidential protective division. Agent Alan Whicher had been one of President Clinton’s personal bodyguards until being promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Oklahoma City field office seven months before his death. President Clinton attended Assistant Special Agent Alan Whicher’s funeral in Rockville, Maryland.

Twenty minutes before the bombing Special Agent Alan Whicher had phoned his wife Pam at home to give her a pep talk and wish her good luck before she gave a speech that day at a women’s Bible study at Oklahoma City University.

Special Agent Alan Whicher was survived by his wife Pam, daughters Meredith and Melinda and son Ryan.

Alan Whicher is buried in Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

OLEM – 2N-3-14    NLEOM – 34W20

April 25, 2023

Cornelius Walton "CW" White - Detective

Tulsa Police Department

Cornelius White was born October 27, 1897, in the town of Livonia in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana.

On Thursday, May 17, 1951, Detective Cornelius White, 53, had arrested Henry Rogers for the rape of an eight-year-old girl and was transporting him to the police station.  Close to First and Elgin Streets, Henry Rogers drew an undetected concealed .32 caliber revolver and shot Detective White once in the chest.  The bullet went through both lungs, the aorta and lodged in his left arm.  Henry Rogers escaped on foot but was soon located near the 1300 block of North Greenwood and immediately surrounded by fourteen officers. A gun battle ensued during which Henry Rogers wounded two officers, Bob Bivins and Willie Sanders, before he was shot five times, three of the shots being to his head, killing him. The two wounded officers survived their wounds.

Cornelius White is buried in Rolling Oaks Cemetery, East Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 7N-3-20    NLEOM – 45W8

May 17, 2022

Elda Lawrence  "Bigun" White - City Marshal

City of Paden

Elda Lawrence White was born May 17, 1905, at Olive, Creek County, Oklahoma.

On Friday, June 15, 1962, City Marshal Elda White, 57, arrested a young man named Larry Cooper for shooting off fireworks and took him to jail.  The next night, Saturday, June 16th, Henry Cooper and his wife, Larry’s parents, were driving and saw City Marshal Elda White in his car along Highway 62, the main street of Paden. The Cooper couple stopped and confronted City Marshal Elda White about what they thought was the mistreatment of their son, Larry, the day before. Mrs. Cooper claimed that City Marshal White had struck their son with a blackjack during his arrest. Standing beside the Cooper’s car, City Marshal White and the couple exchanged words. Mrs. Cooper pulled a .32 caliber automatic pistol from her purse and handed it to her husband, who then shot City Marshal White in the chest.  The Coopers then left the scene as the city marshal walked back to his car holding his stomach. City Marshal Elda White was taken to a hospital in Prague then later transferred to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Henry Cooper was arrested by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper near Okemah. Henry Cooper claimed that he had fired in self-defense, stating that City Marshal White had tried to draw his gun on him first.  The men who took City Marshal White to the hospital in Oklahoma City stated that his weapon was strapped in his holster. Henry Cooper pled guilty to manslaughter but appealed his sentence and only served fourteen months.

City Marshal Elda White was survived by his wife Daisy and adult daughters, Maxine, and Virginia.

Elda White is buried in Oakdale Cemetery, Paden, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.

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April 25, 2023

Robbie Chase Whitebird - Deputy Sheriff

Seminole County Sheriffs Office

Robbie Chase Whitebird was born June 28, 1986, in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma to Ken Whitebird and Sophia Lynnn Bevelhymer Adams. He graduated from New Lama High School in 2005. Robbie Whitebird went to work as a Deputy Sheriff for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in April 2008.

About 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2009, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office received a call to the Holbert home at 503 N. Second Street in Seminole. Mrs. Holbert advised that her twenty-six-year-old son Ezekiel Holbert was in her home, she did not want him there and that there was an arrest warrant out for him for “Domestic Abuse” from an incident in February when he tried to choke her.

Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird, 23, Captain Marvin G. Williams, 43, and a Seminole Lighthorse Tribal officer went to the Holbert home. Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird and Captain Marvin Williams went to the front door while the Lighthorse officer went to the back door. As Deputy Sheriff Whitebird and Captain Williams started to enter the front door Ezekiel Holbert open fire on them with a 9mm Kel-Tec rifle, striking Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird in the face killing him instantly.

Captain Marvin Williams was shot once in the front right side by Ezekiel Holbert but was able to run from the house. Captain Marvin Williams died on the way to the hospital.

A female neighbor across the street from the Holbert home was also struck by a bullet but survived.

Ezekiel Holbert surrendered to officers about 7 p.m. after a standoff at the house. Ezekiel Holbert later pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird was preceded in death in 2007 by his mother and was survived by his father and grandparents, Earl and Ruby Bevelhymer.

Robbie Whitebird is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wewoka, Seminole County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 9S-2-7    NLEOM – 16W27

April 25, 2023

Thomas Leroy Whitehead - Deputy U.S. Marshal
U.S. Marshal Service

Thomas Leroy Whitehead was born May 10, 1872, at Stockton, Cedar County, Missouri to James Connor and Alma Josephine (Davis) Whitehead.

In early December 1891 a charge of adultery was filed against Jim Craig in federal court in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  The indictment alleged Jim Craig had been sexually involved with Annie Hitchcock.  Jim Craig has been arrested by Deputy U.S. Marshal Charles Lamb but had escaped from custody.  Deputy Marshal Charles Lamb planned a way to capture Jim Craig by sending in an undercover operative to locate him.  Thomas Whitehead agreed to infiltrate the area, locate Jim Craig, and make the arrest. Thomas Whitehead was appointed a Deputy U.S. Marshal.  Deputy Marshal Whitehead then appointed Josiah Poorboy, a young Cherokee, as his posse.  

On Tuesday, December 8, 1891, Deputy Marshal Thomas Whitehead, 19, and his posse, Josiah Poorboy, were staying at Cherokee Nation Judge L. W. Shirley’s home to keep watch on the house of Annie Hitchcock.  Annie was the daughter of Judge Shirley.  

Annie Hitchcock asked Waco Hampton, an escapee who had been convicted of manslaughter, John Brown, a white man living with Waco Hampton’s stepfather, and John Roach, another young man who was friends with Waco Hampton and John Brown, to kill Deputy Marshals Whitehead and Poorboy.

The three men went to the home of Judge Shirley and Waco Hampton called for Deputy Marshal Thomas Whitehead to come outside.  The two lawmen came out carrying rifles. Waco Hampton leveled a rifle at Posse Josiah Poorboy and fired, while John Brown fired at Deputy Marshal Whitehead who went down and died within minutes. Posse Josiah Poorboy kept firing until he was shot and fell to the ground dead. John Roach had been wounded and lay moaning on the ground. Waco Hampton and John Brown fled and were not located until January 30, 1892, when Deputy U.S. Marshal C. A. Bruner attempted to arrest them. Waco Hampton fired on Deputy Marshal Bruner when ordered to surrender. Deputy Marshal Bruner had a double barrel shotgun and opened fire on Waco Hampton killing him and his horse.  John Brown was then taken into custody.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Whitehead is buried in Martin Cemetery, Siloam Springs, Benton County, Arkansas.

The burial site of Posse Josiah Poorboy is unknown.

John Roach recovered from his wounds and testified against John Brown. John Brown was tried, found guilty and sentenced to be hung by Judge Isaac C. Parker.  After several appeals, on December 24, 1896, John Brown pled guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to one year in the Columbus, Ohio prison.

OLEM – 10N-3-12   NLEOM – 36W2

April 25, 2023

Chance Frederick Whiteman III - Officer

Tulsa Police Department

Chance Fredrick Whiteman II was born March 30, 1946, at Bartlesville, Washington County, Oklahoma to Chance Fredrick and Martha Jane (Billingsley) Whiteman.

Less than two weeks old, the Tulsa Police Department’s helicopter program suffered its first tragedy just before 10 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 1982.  Pilot Chance Whiteman, 35, a five-year veteran of the police department, radioed that he and Officer Kelly Smythe, 25, also a five-year veteran of the department, would be in route to assist in a high-speed pursuit. That was the last transmission heard from the two Tulsa officers.  A deputy sheriff found the helicopter crash site about 1:30 a.m. The helicopter had struck a tree and crashed a half-mile west of US Highway 75 just south of 66th Street North. Both officers died in the crash. The helicopter had been leased from the Oklahoma City Police Department and was found to have a current (FAA) air worthiness certificate, current annual inspection, and all periodic maintenance.  Chance Whiteman was one of two helicopter pilots and had over one-thousand-five-hundred hours of flight time. Chance Whiteman had flown helicopters for the Army in Vietnam and had survived being shot down twice.  He still flew for the Oklahoma National Guard.  Since it was a new program, the pilots were taking ground officers up to familiarize and orient them with the capabilities. Kelly Smythe was taking the place of the regular observer that night and was not assigned to the helicopter unit.

Officer Chance Whiteman was survived by his wife and a son, Chance Frederick Whiteman IV.  

Chance Whiteman is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 2N-1-21    NLEOM – 47W16

April 25, 2023

Christopher Columbus "Chris" Whitson, Sr. - Officer

Seminole Police Department          July 4, 1936

Christopher C. Whitson, Sr. was born December 3, 1882, in Crawford County, Arkansas to William T. and Tempa (Edwards) Whitson. Christopher Whitson was married twice, his first wife is unknown, but they had three children, daughters Beulah and Beatrice and a son Bert Allen.

Christopher married Edna Kate Rutland in Oklahoma on June 8, 1911. Two children, a son, Christopher Columbus, Jr, and a daughter were born to this union,

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 4, 1936, the highly respected Officer Christopher Whitson, 53, of the Seminole Police Department was gunned down in cold blood.  Melvin Harvey of Shawnee was riding with a friend near Seminole when he saw his own car drive past him.  Realizing his car had been stolen he had his friend follow the car until it stopped at Dale’s Tavern.  The men then went to the Seminole Police Department and solicited the assistance of Officer Christopher Whitson.  Officer Whitson returned to the tavern and observed the stolen car with two men inside. Officer Whitson approached the car, opened the driver’s door, and demanded the two men get out of the car. The driver, Paul Goodwin, got out. Horace Lindsay, the passenger, was holding a .32 caliber automatic pistol on the officer.  Officer Whitson went for his gun but was shot six times before he could get his gun out of the holster. The two men escaped taking the Officer Whitson’s weapon with them. A manhunt involving more than two hundred officers began searching for the fugitives.

Horace Lindsay surrendered in Shawnee a few days later and confessed to killing Officer Christopher Whitson and led officers to where he had hidden Officer Whitson’s gun.

Paul Goodwin was arrested at his brother’s house in Pensacola, Florida, on July 20th.

Officer Christopher Whitson was survived by his second wife Edna “Kate”, two sons and three daughters.

Christopher Whitson is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, Seminole County, Oklahoma.

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Updated August 4, 2023

William Whitson -  Posseman, Deputy U S Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service                   June 30, 1988

 On Saturday evening, June 30, 1888, Deputy U.S. Marshal John Phillips and his posse William Whitson, 19, son of Deputy U. S. Marshal Cal Whitson, set up camp twenty-five miles east of Eufaula. Phillips and Whitson then traveled fifteen miles and waited in hiding along a trail in the area of a “green corn” dance being held at the home of John Tiger in an attempt to locate Daniel Thompson, a Creek Indian and Peter Greenleaf both who had escaped from the two officers sometime earlier. One officer hid on each side of the trail. Tiger’s home was about sixteen miles northwest of Eufaula.

The officers also had warrants for a Creek Indian bootlegger, robber and murderer named Wesley Barnett and one of his gang, a Ute Indian named Saint Lopka but did not expect to encounter them that night.

About 9 p.m. the officers observed two men walking down the trail toward them. The officers allowed the wo men to walk past them before stepping out on to the trail and telling the men to halt. As the men turned to face the lawmen, Deputy Phillips demanded that they identify themselves. The men were San Lopka and Wesley Barnett. Unknown to the two lawmen a third man was also walking up the trail some distance behind the two men. As the lawmen were questioning the two men the third man, Watie Barnett, Wesley’s brother, stepped from the bushes and shot Deputy Marshal Phillips in the head killing him instantly. Posse William Whitson turned and fired at the shooter killing him. Wesley Barnett and San Lopka then drew their guns and shot Posse Whitson several times. Posse Whitson’s body was left on the trail where he later died.

The burial site of William Whitson is unknown.

Saint Lopka was killed by deputies the middle of December when he resisted arrest.

Wesley Barnett was killed January 12, 1889, in another shootout with Deputy U. S. Marshal Wallace McNac.

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Updated August 4, 2023

Emery Emmett "Jasper" Whitten - Deputy Sheriff

McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office        August 8, 1934

On Wednesday, August 8, 1934, in the Little River community of Oak Hill just north of Idabel, Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten, 41, and Constable William Wilmoth, 55, along with Sheriff F.O. “Bud” Stewart entered the home of Mrs. Lecy Rogers in search of the teenage daughter of a local farmer, J. M. Leonard. Sadie Leonard, a pretty, slender girl of sixteen, had been missing for three days. J. M. Leonard had not seen his daughter Sadie since the close of church services on Sunday, August 5. J. M. Leonard told Sheriff Stewart that Sadie had gotten into a car with someone named Paul who was supposed to take her straight home. Paul Jones and Barney Jones, with Jones’ wife and children were reportedly staying at the Rogers’ place because Barney’s wife had taken ill. Paul never brought Sadie home. When the three officers reached the Rogers home, Ben Rogers, young son of Lecy, was playing in the yard. Ben said the two women were down by the spring washing clothes. Sheriff Stewart went down to the spring to question the women about Paul Jones and Sadie Leonard’s whereabouts, while the two deputies went into the house to question Barney Jones. Barney Jones became very nervous when questioned stating he was not aware of their whereabouts. Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten told Barney Jones that he would have to come with them for further questioning. Barney Jones pulled a revolver and fired it pointblank hitting Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten in the abdomen. A stunned Deputy Sheriff Wilmoth reached for his six-shooter but was too late. Barney Jones shot Constable William Wilmoth in the right leg, in the right side below the shoulder and in the neck. Barney Jones then grabbed the young Ben Rogers and made him lead him through the woods. Both Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten and Constable William Wilmoth were taken to a hospital in Paris, Texas where they both died from their gunshot wounds.

Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten was survived by his wife Martha and three children and is buried in Holly Creek Cemetery, Broken Bow, McCurtain County, Oklahoma.

It would be discovered later that Barney Jones and Paul Jones were actually Julius Bohannon and Lee Custer and were not brothers at all. They had robbed a Texas bank before coming to Oklahoma.  Lee Custer and Sadie Leonard had gone to Texas and gotten married and were not aware of the shootings by Bohannon.  They were located in a local motel where Custer was arrested for Bank robbery.  Julius Bohannon was not located and arrested until June 12, 1935, when he tried to reunite with his family. Julius Bohannon plead guilty to both murders and was sentenced to ninety-nine years for first degree manslaughter in the case of Constable William Wilmoth and to life imprisonment for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten.  

Julius Bohannon mastermind a mass prison escape in May 1936 during which he killed prison Guard Charles Powell. Julius Bohannon would be captured a couple months later, plead guilty to guard Charles Powell’s murder, and was sentenced to another life term. Julius Bohannon would escape prison and be recaptured two more times, in 1947 and in 1955. He was given a full pardon by Governor Raymond Gary in 1958. He lived out the rest of his life quietly in Texas dying in January 1983 at the age of 76.

OLEM – 8S-5-13  NLEOM – 3W23

Updated August 4, 2023

Johnnie D. Whittle - State Trooper

Oklahoma Highway Patrol            September 14, 1953

On the morning of Monday, September 14, 1953, Billy Eugene Manley, 18, and Lloyd Shepherd, 16, arrived in Oklahoma City.  These two young men had escaped from a reformatory in Boonesville, Missouri where they had stolen a car and driven it until it broke down on the outskirts of Oklahoma City.

The driver, who picked up the two young hitchhikers, thought they acted a little suspiciously, so he contacted State Crime Bureau Director O. K. Bivens. Director Bivens assigned Trooper Johnnie Whittle, 38, who was training with the bureau, to check on the two boys. Trooper Johnnie Whittle located the two boys shortly before 8:30 a.m. and put them in the front seat of his unmarked highway patrol car to transport them to Oklahoma Highway Patrol headquarters for questioning. As Trooper Whittle stopped in the headquarters driveway, Billy Manley drew a .22 caliber automatic pistol from a shoulder holster and held it on the trooper. As Trooper Johnnie Whittle started to grab the gun, Billy Manley shot him once fatally. Lloyd Shepherd then tried to grab the gun, but Billy Manley shot him in the hand. Billy Manley then ran from the scene, but Lloyd Shepherd stayed with the dying trooper and tried to radio for an ambulance. Billy Manley was captured less than three hours later.  Billy Manley was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to sixty-five years in prison.  Billy Manley was first recommended for parole in the summer of 1972.

Trooper Johnnie Whittle had been a Trooper for ten years and had served as an Oklahoma City Police Officer before joining the Highway Patrol. Johnnie Whittle was one of four Oklahoma City police officers fired for starting a Fraternal Order of Police lodge within the ranks of the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1943.

Trooper Johnnie Whittle was survived by his wife Aumatine and their teen aged son and daughter and is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 7N-3-21  NLEOM – 29W14

Updated August 4, 2023

Rolland Timothy “Rolly” Wilcox, - Deputy Sheriff

Stevens County, Kansas             July 25, 1888

Stevens County, Kansas was just north of what was then called “No man’s land” and later became the Oklahoma panhandle.

The towns of Hugoton and Woodsdale in Stevens County became embroiled in a bitter county seat war in 1886. Hugoton was finally named the county seat. John M. Cross was elected Sheriff of Stevens County over Sam Robinson in a desperately fought race. The embittered Sam Robinson became City Marshal of Hugoton.

In early 1888, City Marshal Sam Robinson processed some county bounds to try and encourage railroad development in the area. His opponents claimed Robinson had illegally overstepped his authority and got a warrant issued for Sam Robinson’s arrest. Sam Robinson and some of his allies fought off attempts to serve the warrant in Hugoton.

In July of 1888, Sam Robinson went into “No man’s land” on a camping trip. Woodsdale City Marshal Charles “Ed” Short and a posse were sent to arrest Robinson while he was away from Hugoton. Unable to locate Sam Robinson, City Marshal Ed Short sent back word for more men. County Sheriff John Cross deputized a posse of four men, Ted Eaton, Bob Hubbard, Roland Wilcox, and Herbert Tonney and rode out with them to assist City Marshal Ed Short.

In the meantime, City Marshal Ed Short had lost his way and became involved in a gun battle with a posse from Hugoton that pursued him back to Woodsdale.

Sam Robinson had learned that Ed Short and his posse were searching for him and returned to Hugoton, recruited a fifteen-man posse and started back to “No man’s land” after Ed Short, unaware that Short had already been chased back to Woodsdale.

On Wednesday, July 25, 1888, unable to find Ed Short or Sam Robinson, Sheriff John Cross and his deputies were returning to Woodsdale when they encountered some men working in a hayfield near Wild Horse Lake in present day Cimarron County, Oklahoma. The officers bedded down for the night in the hayfield. The five officers were awakened a few hours later and found themselves the prisoners of Hugoton City Marshal Sam Robinson and his posse. One by one Sheriff John Cross and his four deputies were gunned down by Sam Robinson and his men. The hay workers witnessed the shootings but were not harmed. This became known as “The Hayfield Massacre”. Hugoton City Marshal Sam Robinson and his posse then returned to Hugoton.

 Sheriff John Cross, Deputies Ted Eaton, Bob Hubbard, and Roland Wilcox died at the scene, but Deputy Herbert Tonney survived, and made his way back to Stevens County to testify against Sam Robinson and his posse.  City Marshal Sam Robinson and five of his posse were tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged by the Federal Court in Paris, Texas.  They were all released later on appeal when the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the Paris Federal Court had no jurisdiction in the murder cases as “No Man’s Land” was not part of the United States at the time of the murders.  They were never tried again. “No Man’s Land” was made a part of the Oklahoma Territory by The Oklahoma Organic Act of 1890.

Deputy Rolland Wilcox was survived by his parents Timothy and Harriet Wilcox and was buried in Woodsdale Cemetery, but his grave was moved in 1930 to Moscow Cemetery, Moscow, Stevens County, Kansas.

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Updated August 4, 2023

Lew Wallace Wilder - Special Police Officer (Chief)

Chouteau – Former Sheriff Creek County           January 26, 1942

Lew Wilder was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 8, 1876, to Charles N. and Julia Wilder. Later in life Lew Wilder moved to Keifer, Oklahoma where he worked as a blacksmith.

Lew Wilder was elected Sheriff of Creek County in 1914.

In 1915 Lew Wilder married Florence Leake and soon adopted her son William.

Lew Wilder would serve two terms as Creek County Sheriff.  Sheriff Lew Wilder was wounded in a shootout on October 12, 1916, when an armed robber named Alva Taylor attempted a jailbreak. Sheriff Wilder single-handedly stopped the jailbreak in a gun battle with Taylor. Alva Taylor was killed, and Sheriff Lew Wilder was shot four times, once in the bowels, one lung, the hip and kidney. The Sapulpa Herald predicted that Officer Lew Wilder was fatally wounded, but they underestimated the Sheriff. Sheriff Wilder recovered and served as Sheriff until 1918.

Lew Wilder then went to work as a special agent for the Sinclair, Prairie, and Texas oil companies for sixteen years.

Lew Wilder reentered politics in 1934 and was again elected Sheriff of Creek County for three more terms until 1940.  

Early in 1942, Lew Wilder was appointed as a Special Officer (Chief of Police) in Chouteau.  

On Monday, January 26, 1942, shortly after 6 p.m. Special Officer Lew Wilder was returning from his duties in Chouteau to Kiefer, where he resided, when he evidently lost control of his car, run off the road and ran into a concrete support post of an abandoned filling station eleven miles east of Tulsa on U.S. Highway 66. An ambulance was called to the scene at the filling station, but Officer Lew Wilder died from his injuries before reaching the hospital.  

Lew Wilder was survived by his wife Florence, adopted son William, 34, and granddaughter Lewanne, and is buried in South Heights Cemetery, Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma.

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August 4, 2023

Oscar  James Wilkes - Assistant Police Chief

Ardmore Police Department          January 3, 1952

Oscar James Wilkes was born on January 28, 1898, in Carter County, Indian Territory.

Oscar Wilkes joined the Ardmore Police Department after serving in the Navy during World War II. In 1951, he was named Assistant Chief.

About 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, 1952, Assistant Chief Oscar Wilkes responded to a domestic disturbance call. Wilkes pulled his unmarked police car into the driveway of John B. Gandy, a local trucking contractor. Jon Grandy had been drinking earlier with his girlfriend, Jackie Thomas, and they had been quarrelling. Jon Gandy and Jackie Thomas went their separate ways about 7:45 p.m., after which Jackie Thomas had called her ex-husband.  It was the ex-husband that John Gandy thought was pulling into his driveway when he fired three shots at the car on that dark rainy night. As Assistant Chief Oscar Wilkes stepped from his patrol car he was struck in the lower throat and the bullet ranged downward into his heart. Wilkes was found lying on his back beside his patrol car with the toothpick he had been chewing still between his lips.

Assistant Chief Oscar Wilkes, 53, was survived by his second wife Margaret Louise (Essex), two daughters and one son and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma next to his first wife Lula Lee (Phillips).

John Gandy was the father of five children. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to one year in the county jail.

OLEM – 7N-4-9  NLEOM – 38W13

Updated August 4, 2023

Adam Wilkins - Officer

Choctaw Tribal Police        May 25, 1920

About 6 a.m. the morning of Wednesday, May 26, 1920, the badly mangled body of Officer Adam Wilkins was found on the tracks of the Kansas City Southern Railway halfway between Howe and Heavener. Officer Adam Wilkins had been decapitated. His head was found to have two gunshot wounds also. Officer Adam Wilkins was last known alive about 8 p.m. the night before at his home by a church minister who had stopped by to visit. Officer Adam Wilkins, 38, lived with his wife about two- and one-half miles from where his body was found. Automobile tracks led from his house to near where his body was found. Witnesses stated they heard several gun shots about 9 p.m. the night before near the tracks where Officer Adam Wilkins’ body was found. It was believed that the murder was in retaliation for Officer Adam Wilkins’ strict enforcement of “choc” beer manufacturing laws in the area.

Officer Adam Wilkins was survived by his wife Liffie (Moore) and two sons, Jefferson D., 15, and Woodrow W., 6, and is buried in the Howe Cemetery, Howe, Le Flore County, Oklahoma.

A few days later Dan Perry was arrested for the murder of Officer Adam Wilkins however Will Humphreys was later charged with the murder.

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Updated August 4, 2023

William Oscar Wilkins - Deputy Sheriff

Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office      September 17, 1924

William Oscar Wilkins was born July 4, 1878.

About 11:30 a.m. the morning of Wednesday, September 17, 1924, Deputy Sheriff William Wilkins, age 46, was driving the car of Sheriff D. E. McClanahan in route to Durant on official business. One of Deputy Sheriff William Wilkins’ teenage sons was riding with him. About fifteen miles east of Durant near Bokchito in Bryan County, Deputy Sheriff William Wilkins lost control of the car and it rolled completely over. Deputy Sheriff William Wilkins was killed almost instantly when his head hit a rock as the car rolled and came to rest upright. His teenage son was not seriously injured and went for help, but his father was dead when they returned to the scene of the crash.

Deputy Sheriff William Wilkins was survived by his second wife Vera and three teenage sons from his first marriage Floyd, 19, Fred, 17, and Frank, 14, and is buried next to his first wife Betty in Spencerville Cemetery, Spencerville, Choctaw County, Oklahoma.

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Updated August 4, 2023

Kristian Daniel “Kris”Willhight - Officer
Burns Flat Police Department            January 23, 2014

At approximately 9:30 a.m. the morning of Thursday, January 23, 2014, Washita County Undersheriff Brian Beck, went to the home of Quentin Lee Johnson, in Sentinel, with a felony arrest warrant for Johnson. When Johnson, 27, observed the Undersheriff approaching he jumped in his 2011 Ford pickup truck and sped off. Beck began pursuing Johnson going out of Sentinel. Just after 10 a.m. at the intersection of County Road E1210 and County Road N2160 (Rambo Road) south of Dill City Undersheriff Beck’s south bound SUV collided with the east bound patrol car of Burns Flat Police Officer Kristian Willhight, 36, who was in route to assist Beck in the pursuit. Both officers died at the scene of the accident.

About the same time three miles east of the officers’ crash on County Road E1210 near County Road N 2190 Quentin Johnson lost control of his pickup and crashed into a ravine killing him.

Kris Willhight worked for the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite before going to work for the Mangum and Granite Police Departments. He began working for the Burns Flat Police Department when he moved to Burns Flat in 2010.

Officer Willhight was survived by his young daughter Evelyn Michelle Willhight.

Kristian Willhight is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Mangum, Greer County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 4N-1-8  NLEOM – 17E29

Updated August 4, 202

David Coty Williams - Chief of Police

Ryan Police Department     January 17, 1987

Police Chief David Williams, 30, radioed to the Ryan Police Department dispatcher that he would be out of his car checking a suspicious subject about 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1987.  Chief Cody’s only radio communication after that was the codes of “10-12”, which meant he had someone in the car with him, and “10-23,” that he was in trouble. Chief David Cody’s patrol car was found partly submerged in a creek about a mile southeast of town.  Five hours later his wet and frozen body was found in a snow-covered, icy field a quarter mile from the patrol car. Chief David Cody had not taken his two-way radio, or his gloves and his uniform coat was unzipped when his body was found. Witnesses stated that Chief Williams had been seen talking to a man with red and white striped paint on his face just before 9 p.m.

Reece Alton Hicks was soon arrested and charged with kidnapping and the murder of Chief Williams. Later that year Reece Hicks was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. Reece Hicks was released from prison in late May 1992 and drowned in Lake Texhoma shortly afterwards.

Chief David Williams was survived by his wife Mary and young son Mike and is buried in the Ryan Cemetery, Ryan, Jefferson County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 2N-2-16  NLEOM – 38W2

Updated August 4, 2023

E. C. Williams - City Marshal

City of  Enid, Oklahoma Territory      June 26, 1895

City Marshal E. C. Williams was an educated man. Williams was born in San Francisco, California around 1860, and went to the finest schools in Boston. E. C. Williams moved to Oklahoma with the opening of the Cherokee Strip.  

On the evening of Wednesday, June 26, 1895, R. W. Patterson, Registrar of the United States Land Run, became furious with J. L. Isenberg, owner of the Enid Daily Wave.  J. L. Isenberg had been running articles about R. W. Patterson that were offensive in nature.  The last article accused Patterson of infidelity, among other things, and Patterson had finally had enough. R. W. Patterson armed himself and went to find Isenberg.  Patterson located Isenberg and the two men began quarreling. City Marshal E. C. Williams was notified and just as City Marshal Williams arrived on the scene, R. W. Patterson fired his gun at Isenberg but missed.  

J. L. Isenberg ran into the local drugstore with Patterson in pursuit.  City Marshal Williams quickly followed shouting for Patterson to quit shooting.  R. W. Patterson turned and fired at City Marshal Williams striking him over the heart.  City Marshal Williams, although fatally wounded, ran after R. W. Patterson. Clutching his chest, City Marshal Williams braced himself against the door of the drug store and fired at Patterson striking him in the temple and instantly killing him.  Both wounded men died at the scene.  J. L. Isenberg quickly boarded a train for Kingfisher, where he remained until the smoke cleared. Isenberg then moved back to Enid and later to California.  

A coroner’s jury found that R. W. Patterson’s death was caused by City Marshal Williams, and E. C. Williams’s death was caused by R. W. Patterson as E. C. Williams was performing his duty as City Marshal.

City Marshal E. C. Williams was survived by a wife and baby.

City Marshal Williams was buried in the old cemetery southwest of Enid, which is now the approximate location of the Kisner Addition.

OLEM – 1N-2-15  NLEOM – 39W2

Updated August 4, 2023

George Edward Williams - Deputy U.S. Marshal

U. S. Marshal Service        November 15, 1907

George E. Williams was born December 18, 1857, in Fannin County, Texas to Zachariah and Eliza Williams.  On May 12, 1878, George Williams married Nancy Porter. Around 1880 the couple would move to Antlers, located in the Choctaw Nation. George soon found himself riding as a Posse for several of the Deputy U.S. Marshals in the area.

On November 12, 1885, George Williams was sworn in as a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas. His commission was signed by Judge Isaac C. Parker. Soon after his appointment George and Nancy Willians moved to McAlester to be more centrally located.

In 1895 George Williams was commissioned as a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the newly formed Northern District of Indian Territory and he and his family would move to Collinsville. George Williams would serve in this capacity for the next twelve years.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, , The Oklahoma Territory, and the Indian Territory would become the state of Oklahoma. Until midnight on November 15, 1907, the area that would become Oklahoma was under the jurisdiction of the territorial Deputy U.S. Marshals of the Northern District of Indian Territory.   Since that left a 9-hour period with no one with federal jurisdiction, the U.S. Marshals gave the county sheriffs commissions as special Deputy U.S. Marshals. They also gave the sheriffs several blank special deputy commissions so they could appoint their own men to assist them.  

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on November 16, Deputy U.S. Marshals George Williams, 49, and Fred Keeler entered a “Uno joint” owned by Ernest Lewis, a man who had been in extensive trouble with the law and had several run-ins with Deputy Marshal Keeler. Selling “Uno,” although it was a near beer, was illegal to sell. Ernest Lewis thought he could circumvent the territorial prohibition on the sale of alcohol since “Uno” contained less than two-percent alcohol.  

Ernest Lewis was standing at the opposite end of his bar when he saw Deputy Marshals George Williams and Fred Keeler enter his establishment. Pushing his bartender aside, Ernest Lewis stated there was going to be some shooting and he’d better get out of the way; Lewis pulled his .45 caliber revolver and started shooting at the two Deputy Marshals.

Deputies Keeler and Williams immediately began returning fire. Deputy Williams continued firing his .41 caliber revolver when Deputy Marshal Fred Keeler emptied his .32 caliber revolver and stepped outside to reload. Shortly Deputy Marshal George Williams also walked outside and fell to the ground dead. Deputy Marshal George Williams had been shot by Ernest Lewis with the bullet entering under his right arm, passing through both lungs, and nicking his heart.

Ernest Lewis was then shot and killed by Deputy Marshal Fred Keeler moments later.  

George Williams was survived by his wife Nancy, and their children, son George Edward, Jr and daughter Elizabeth.

George Williams is buried in Keeler Cemetery, Bartlesville, McIntosh County, Oklahoma.

Ernest Lewis’ widow Julia went on to marry “reformed” bad man, Emmett Dalton.

OLEM – 5N-3-25  NLEOM – 27W17

Updated August 4, 2023

James Marion Williams - Former Sheriff

Johnston County Sheriff’s Office     August 3, 1921

James Williams was serving his third term as Johnston County Sheriff when he resigned on July 5, 1920.

For several years very bitter feelings had existed between James Williams and local businessman J. W. Phillips, who had been an opponent of James Williams in one of his campaigns for Johnston County Sheriff.

The morning of Wednesday, August 3, 1921, at 10:30 a.m. J. W. Phillips was inside Casey’s Drug Store on the corner of Main and Kemp in Tishomingo, talking with Deputy Sheriff Alex Watson. About the same time former sheriff James Williams started in the front screen door of the drug store. When J. W. Phillips saw James Williams, he drew his .44 caliber revolver and started shooting at the unarmed James Williams. James Williams was shot four times and died within a few minutes.

J. W. Phillips was arrested at the scene. After further investigation both J. W. Phillips and Deputy Sheriff Alex Watson were charged with James William’s murder.

J. W. Phillips was found guilty and sentenced to death however his sentenced was later changed to life in prison by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

James Williams was survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

James Williams is buried in the Tishomingo City Cemetery, Tishomingo, Johnston County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 9N-3-18   NLEOM – 50E7

Updated August 4, 2023

Jim Williams - Posse of  Deputy U. S. Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service     June 5, 1889

James William Childers was born October 27, 1863, in Cherokee County, Texas to James C. and Julia A. (Williams) Childers. In the 1870 Cherokee County, Texas census James is listed as one of nine children living with their mother., Julia A., age 43. Their father had died July 26, 1868, at the age of 47. The census lists the nine children as Charles E., age 21, John L., age 19, Robert H., age 17, Julia, age 15, Samuel W., age 13, Thomas E., age 10, James W., age 7, Hugh T., age 6, and Amos P., age 4.

In the 1880’s at least four of the Childers boys had moved to the Indian Territory. It is still a mystery why James Childers changed his name to Jim Williams when he moved to the Indian Territory.

On Wednesday, June 5, 1889, Deputy Marshals John Swain (Swayne) and W.H. “Bill” Carr were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a black man named Cornelius Walker, an ex-convict wanted for horse theft, selling whiskey in Indian Territory and murder. Deputy Marshals Swain and Carr, along with their posse Jim Williams, traveled to Cornelius Walker’s home thirty miles from Pauls Valley. At the Walker house Deputy Marshal “Bill” Carr went around back while Deputy Marshal John Swain and Posse Jim Williams went in the front door.  The officers identified themselves and opened the front door.

Posse Jim Williams, carrying a rifle, was the first to enter the house. Two men just inside the house, Robert, and Caesar Franklin, grabbed Posse Jim Williams’ rifle, and wrestle Williams for control of the rifle. As the three lawmen were trying to regain control of the situation, Cornelius Walker stepped out from a back room and fired a shot into Posse Jim Williams, hitting him in the left eye killing him instantly. Deputy Marshal John Swain raised his rifle and continued firing at Cornelius Walker as he ran from the house until Walker fell to the ground.  Cornelius Walker had been shot seven times and died later that day as he was being transported by a borrowed wagon to Pauls Valley by the deputy marshals.

On June 7th, Deputy Marshals Swain and Carr passed through Gainesville, Texas on their way to the federal jail in Paris, Texas. with the Franklin brothers. Upon arrival in Paris, Texas the Franklin brothers were placed in jail and held without bail following an examination conducted by a U.S. Commissioner.

Several days later, Sarah Franklin, the wife of one of the incarcerated brothers, was arrested by Deputy Marshal Carr charged with being an accessory to the murder of Posse Jim Williams. She also was committed to jail without bond.

On July 6th Deputy Marshal Carr arrived in Fort Smith, Arkansas with nineteen prisoners and two dead men, and one nearly dead. One of the dead men was identified as Cornelius Walker; the other was Posse Jim Williams. Walkers’ body was taken to Fort Smith due to a court order requiring the body of anyone killed by a Deputy Marshal be brought to the court. There the corpse would be examined, and the responsible deputy given a hearing so the court could determine whether the shooting was justified.

In November of that year a preliminary examination was conducted in federal court in Paris, Texas. After hearing only two witnesses, the commissioner dismissed all charges against Robert, Caesar, and Sarah Franklin.

The burial site of Posse Jim Williams is unknown.

Two of Posse Jim Williams’ brothers, Hugh T. and Thomas E. Childers would become commissioned deputy U.S. marshals in late 1889.

OLEM – 9N-2-13   NLEOM – 26W5

Updated August 4, 2023

John Ellis Williams - Sheriff

Bryan County Sheriff’s Office       November 4, 1938

John Williams, 57, served as the Chief of Police in Durant for four years before he was elected Sheriff of Bryan County.  John Williams was finishing his second term as Sheriff when, when about 7:30 p.m. the night of Friday, November 4, 1938, he was involved in a traffic accident on a slight grade on State Highway 70 two miles southeast of Madill. A meat truck had run out of gas and had not exhibited any warning flares.  Apparently blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, Williams hit the stalled truck. Sheriff John Williams died instantly from chest injuries and a broken neck.

Jack Roberts, 21, was a passenger in the car with Sheriff Williams and sustained serious injuries but survived.

Sheriff John Williams was survived by his second wife Maude and two of his nine children.

John Williams is buried in Highland Cemetery, Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma.

Sheriff John Williams’ wife Maude was appointed to serve out the remainder of his term as Sheriff. Maude Williams served as Bryan County Sheriff from November 7, 1938, to January 2, 1939.

OLEM – 1N-1-9  NLEOM –  

Updated August 4, 2023

Leonard Williams – Territorial Sheriff

Tahlequah District

Cherokee Nation, I.T. Survived

On August 10, 1896, the National Party of the Cherokee Nation was conducting its annual convention ten miles north of Tahlequah. Eli Wofford, a police officer with the Cherokee Indian Police and City Marshal of Tahlequah was drinking at the convention grounds. Sheriff Williams told Eli’s brother to take Eli’s whiskey away from him. Eli Wofford took the whiskey away from Eli but spilled some in the process. Sheriff Leonard Williams and Eli Wofford then became involved in a fistfight. One report indicates that Sheriff Leonard Williams and Eli Wofford were cousins.

Former Tahlequah Deputy Sheriff Charlie Proctor broke up the fight. As two combatants were walking away from each other someone made a provocative remark and both Sheriff Williams and Officer Eli Wofford drew their guns. A gunfight between the two men and their allies erupted during which both Officer Eli Wofford and former Sheriff Charlie Proctor were killed. Sheriff Leonard Williams was wounded in the upper right arm, reportedly by Eli Wofford’s brother Van, but survived his wounds. There are no records of Sheriff Williams being killed in the line of duty.

Leonard Williams’ name was mistakenly engraved on the Peace Officers Memorial when it was built in 1969.

OLEM – 1N-2-4

Updated August 4, 2023

Marvin Gene Williams - Captain

Seminole County Sheriffs Office        July 26, 2009

Marvin G. Williams was born in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma on April 27, 1966.

About 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2009, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office received a call to the Holbert home at 503 N. Second Street in Seminole. Mrs. Holbert advised that her twenty-six-year-old son Ezekiel Holbert was in her home, she did not want him there and that there was an arrest warrant out for him for “Domestic Abuse” from an incident in February when he tried to choke her.

Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird, Captain Marvin G. Williams and a Seminole Lighthorse Tribal officer went to the Holbert home. Deputy Sheriff Robbie Whitebird and Captain Marvin Williams went to the front door while the Lighthorse officer went to the back door. As Deputy Sheriff Whitebird and Captain Williams started to enter the front door Ezekiel Holbert open fire on them with a 9mm Kel-Tec rifle, striking Deputy Sheriff Whitebird in the face killing him instantly.

Captain Marvin Williams was shot once in the front right side by Ezekiel Holbert but was able to run from the house. Captain Marvin Williams died on the way to the hospital.

A female neighbor across the street from the Holbert home was also struck by a bullet but survived.

Ezekiel Holbert surrendered to officers about 7 p.m. after a standoff at the house. Ezekiel Holbert later pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Captain Williams had been with the sheriff’s office since 2002 and was survived by his wife, Madonna, his son Shawn who was also a deputy sheriff and three daughters.

Marvin Williams is buried in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Seminole, Seminole County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 9S-2-8  NLEOM – 27W27

Updated August 4, 2023

Nelson Francis Williams - Detective Corporal

Tulsa Police Department     June 2, 1958

Detective Corporal Nelson Williams, 35, a ten-year veteran and an outstanding officer for the Tulsa Police Department, was the son of a former Chief of Detectives at the Tulsa P.D.  

About 10:30 p.m. the night of Sunday, June 1, 1958, Detective Nelson Williams was taking another detective who had gone off duty, home in his patrol car. Just as they entered the intersection at Second and Peoria Avenue Detective Nelson William’s patrol car was struck by a speeding vehicle that disregarded the red light. The striking vehicle was driven by Bennie Pink Elliott, 25. Detective Nelson Williams was ejected from the car and thrown sixty feet. Detective Williams died from multiple skull fractures the next day on June 2nd.

Detective Nelson Williams was survived by his wife Joan and two daughters and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

The other detective survived his injuries.

Bennie Elliott was charged with speeding, disregarding a stop light, driving under the influence of alcohol and manslaughter.

OLEM – 7N-5-5  NLEOM – 51E8

Updated August 5, 2023

Waldo A. "Wal" Williams - Sheriff
Stephens County Sheriff's Office     May 13, 1930

Just after midnight on Tuesday, May 13, 1930, Sheriff Waldo Williams, 61, Undersheriff Ed Sumrill, Duncan Chief of Police Irvin Gossett, Assistant Chief of Police Charles Coker and Night Policeman W. F. McKinzey had stopped a black Buick that “looked brand new” south bound on Highway 81 about four miles north of Duncan. The lawmen were looking for a Buick of this description containing four men wanted in connection with several armed robberies in the area in recent months including one at a service station in Lawton a few hours before. The men in the Buick were the Cunningham brothers, Forrest “Doc”, 27, John B., 25, Emanuel “Skinney”, 23, and Jess “Jake”, 18. As the officers approached the black Buick and its occupants were getting out, a gunfight broke out. When it was over Sheriff Waldo Williams was wounded in the stomach, chest, and leg, and died at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon. Chief of Police Irvin Gossett was wounded in the stomach. Of the Cunningham brothers, Forrest Cunningham was dead, John was wounded in the arm and stomach, Emanuel was shot in the spine and paralyzed for life and Jess had escaped. Jess Cunningham was captured later in Colorado and all three surviving brothers pled guilty to Sheriff Waldo William’s murder and were given life sentences.

Chief of Police Irvin Gossett eventually recovered enough to return to work, but he was never well and died from the effects of his wound on Saturday, October 7, 1939.

Sheriff Waldo Williams had served three years of his four-year term as Sheriff. William’s wife Minnie was sworn in on May 15th to complete her husband’s term as Sheriff.

Sheriff Williams and his wife had one son.

Waldo Williams is buried in Marlow Cemetery, Marlow, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

Within a year a monument was erected honoring Sheriff Williams and all peace officers near the Y intersection of Highways 81 and 7 (formerly highway 29) near the scene of the shootout.

 OLEM – 8S-5-9   NLEOM – 31E22

Updated August 5, 2023

William J. "Bill" Williams - Constable

City of Bismark (Wright City)      May 6, 1916

Constable William “Bill” Williams and McCurtain County Deputy Sheriff J. J. Flowers along with several other posse were pursuing two men who had robbed a local bank. One of the robbers was wounded and caught on Saturday, May 6, 1916, and taken to the house of the town marshal in Valliant where his wound was to be treated. After bedding down the suspect, three of the men stayed in the room to guard him. Two of the officers, McCurtain County Deputy Sheriff J. J. Flowers and Constable “Bill” Williams got into a discussion over where the shootout with the suspects took place during which Deputy Sheriff J. J. Flowers got offended, drew his gun, and fired on Constable Williams, killing him.  Deputy Sheriff J. J. Flowers then left the house. The rest of the posse got a warrant for murder against J. J. Flowers. The officers received information that J. J. Flowers was walking down the tracks of the T. O. & E Railroad toward Bismark. The officers confronted Flowers in the switch yard, and, in the ensuing gunfight, J. J. Flowers was killed, and one member of the posse was wounded.

William J. Williams is buried in old Wright City Cemetery, Wright City, McCurtain County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 4N-2-14  NLEOM –

Updated August 5, 2023

Wiley "Sore Lip Willie" Walls - Deputy U.S. Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service     October 27, 1889

Robert Reed and Wiley Walls better known as Sore Lip Willie had been appointed Deputy U. S. Marshals for the limited duty of apprehending a black man named Coffey Barnes for stealing horses. Wiley Walls was a Creek Indian and very familiar with the Seminole Nation of the Indian Territory which probably played a part in his appointment The two lawmen located Coffey Barnes in the Seminole Nation and when Coffey Barnes resisted arrest, he was killed by the two deputy marshals in the shootout.

Later, on Sunday, October 27, 1889, Deputy Marshals Robert Reed and Wiley Walls were setting on their horses talking to John Halsey at a gate near his home. As the three were talking, five men were observed riding toward the house. As the five men neared the gate, they drew their pistols and opened fire on Deputy Marshals Robert Reed and Wiley Walls, shooting them out of their saddles. The two deputy marshals were dead when they hit the ground. The five men then rode away without saying a word. John Halsey recognized the men as Cudge Barnett, Prince Hawkins, Ross Ryley, J. Brown, and a man he knew only as Lane. The five men were arrested by Creek Nation Lighthorse. It was decided that the five men would be tried in the Choctaw Nation Courts for the murder of the two deputy marshals. All five men were found guilty of murder and were sentenced to be executed at Okmulgee on Monday, April 20, 1891.

On Friday, April 17, 1891, three days before their execution the five men were being guarded outside by Lighthorse officers. About 5 p.m. all the Lighthorse officers but one went to the stables to check on their horses. None of the prisoners were chained together as was required. Suddenly one of the prisoners took off running. The lone Lighthorse officer chased after him allowing the other prisoners to escape. A few of the men were captured but when they were returned to Okmulgee, they found that the Principal Chief had given them all a pardon. None of the men were ever punished for the murder of the two deputy marshals.

The burial site of Deputy Marshal Wiley “Sore Lip Willie” Walls is unknown.

OLEM – 9N-1-8 (Sore Lip Willie)  NLEOM –

Updated August 5, 2023

Nolan Richard Willis - Detective

MK&T Railroad Missouri, Kansas & Texas (MK&T) Railroad     July 23, 1930

Just after 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 1930, the body of Detective Nolan Willis, 50, was found with one gunshot to the head, and two in the heart. Willis’ body was about three blocks north of the Fond du Lac Street crossing in the Muskogee railroad yards with his gun lying next to his body.  Detective Nolan Willis’ German Shepherd, Queenie, was also lying next to him. Detective Nolan Willis had been last seen alive about fifteen minutes earlier walking the railroad yard.  Two sets of footprints were found leading away from the crime scene.

Half a dozen men were arrested for investigation including two in Parsons, Kansas, but none of them were charged with the crime and Detective Nolan Willis’s murder remains unsolved today.

Detective Nolan Willis was survived by his second wife Anna (Hutcheson) and adult daughter Hazel W, 23, and is buried in the Coalgate Cemetery, Coalgate, Coal County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 8S-4-4  NLEOM – 51W27

Updated August 5, 2023

William Daniel  "Brian" Wilmoth - Constable

White Township    August 8, 1934

On Wednesday, August 8, 1934, in the Little River community of Oak Hill just north of Idabel, Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten, 41, and Constable William Wilmoth, 55, along with Sheriff F.O. “Bud” Stewart entered the home of Mrs. Lecy Rogers in search of the teenage daughter of a local farmer, J. M. Leonard. Sadie Leonard, a pretty, slender girl of sixteen, had been missing for three days. J. M. Leonard had not seen his daughter Sadie since the close of church services on Sunday, August 5. J. M. Leonard told Sheriff Stewart that Sadie had gotten into a car with someone named Paul who was supposed to take her straight home. Paul Jones and Barney Jones, with Jones’ wife and children were reportedly staying at the Rogers place because Barney’s wife had taken ill. Paul never brought Sadie home. When the three officers reached the Rogers home, Ben Rogers, young son of Lecy, was playing in the yard. Ben said the two women were down by the spring washing clothes. Sheriff Stewart went down to the spring to question the women about Paul Jones and Sadie Leonard’s whereabouts, while the two deputies went into the house to question Barney Jones. Barney Jones became very nervous when questioned stating he was not aware of their whereabouts. Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten told Barney Jones that he would have to come with them for further questioning. Barney Jones pulled a revolver and fired it pointblank hitting Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten in the abdomen. A stunned Deputy Sheriff Wilmoth reached for his six-shooter but was too late. Barney Jones shot Constable William Wilmoth in the right leg, in the right side below the shoulder and in the neck. Barney Jones then grabbed the young Ben Rogers and made him lead him through the woods. Both Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten and Constable William Wilmoth were taken to a hospital in Paris, Texas where they both died from their gunshot wounds.

William “Brian” Wilmoth was survived by his wife Martha Jane and four children, William Arvel, 28, Marvin Ezra, 21, Charles William, 16, and Margaret Elizabeth, 14, and is buried in Pollard Cemetery, Haworth, McCurtain County, Oklahoma.

It would be discovered later that Barney Jones and Paul Jones were actually Julius Bohannon and Lee Custer and were not brothers at all. They had robbed a Texas bank before coming to Oklahoma.  Lee Custer and Sadie Leonard had gone to Texas and gotten married and were not aware of the shootings by Bohannon.  They were located in a local motel where Custer was arrested for Bank robbery.  Julius Bohannon was not located and arrested until June 12, 1935, when he tried to reunite with his family. Julius Bohannon plead guilty to both murders and was sentenced to ninety-nine years for first degree manslaughter in the case of Constable William Wilmoth and to life imprisonment for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Emery Whitten.  

Julius Bohannon mastermind a mass prison escape in May 1936 during which he killed prison Guard Charles Powell. Julius Bohannon would be captured a couple months later, plead guilty to guard Charles Powell’s murder, and was sentenced to another life term. Julius Bohannon would escape prison and be recaptured two more times, in 1947 and in 1955. He was given a full pardon by Governor Raymond Gary in 1958. He lived out the rest of his life quietly in Texas dying in January 1983 at the age of 76.

OLEM – 7N-2-9  NLEOM – 60E22

Updated August 4, 2023

Leslie (Les) Eugene Wilmott - Sergeant

Kiefer Police Department    May 29, 2008

Sergeant Leslie Wilmott, 54, was in charge of training for the Kiefer Police Department as well as Commander of their Reserve Officers Program. Just after midnight the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2008, Sergeant Wilmott was on his way home from a training exercise where he was the instructor and was a couple miles from his home in Oolagah. Sergeant Wilmott was driving north on US Highway 169 when his patrol car ran into the back end of a tractor-trailer at State Highway 88. Sergeant Wilmott died at the scene from his injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer and his passenger were not injured.

Sergeant Leslie Wilmott had been in law enforcement for thirty years, serving as Chief of Police of Inola and Beggs before joining the Kiefer Police Department.

 Sergeant Leslie Wilmott was survived by his wife Jerri Anne, their three children Jake, Matt, and Robyn and two grandchildren. Son Jake was serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office when his father was killed.

Leslie Wilmott is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Rogers County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 9S-1-12  NLEOM – 47E26

Updated August 5, 2023

Charles Banks Wilson - Deputy  U.S. Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service     August 7, 1884

In 1881, Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson worked a case of murder against a black man named Jack Crow which would eventually lead to Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson’s death.  

On August 6, 1884, Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson commented to his nephew, Edmond Pickens, that some men intended to kill him over a case he had worked.  Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson stopped at a friend’s home on his way home from a Choctaw election to stay the night.

Thursday morning, August 7th, Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson started home but was approached by a group of men including Bob Burton, James Franklin, Charles Fisher, and Jack Crow. Deputy Marshal Wilson was about ten miles from home at the time. Bob Burton asked Deputy Marshal Wilson if he was still a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Charles Wilson responded that he was.  The men then drew their guns and disarmed Deputy Marshal Wilson. After he was disarmed, Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson was shot by Bob Burton and fell off his horse. Bob Burton then beat Deputy Marshal Wilson with the butt of his pistol. Jack Crow then walked up and calmly shot Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson in the back. The four men then rode off, leaving Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson to die.  

Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson’s nephew, Edmond Pickens, was notified of the killing and headed toward the scene of the murder.  Edmond Pickens came upon Abel Harris who had Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson’s body in a wagon and was heading for the Wilson home. The U.S. Marshals in Fort Smith were notified and started an intense investigation.  Interviewing John Slaughter, they found out that Jack Crow had told Slaughter that Deputy Marshal Charles Wilson was going to be killed that day because Wilson had arrested him previously.

On November 20, 1985, a warrant was issued for Jack Crow charging him with murder but eluded arrest for over a year. Jack Crow was finally arrested on January 2, 1887, Deputy U.S. Marshal Charles Barnhill arrested Jack Crow fifteen miles southwest of Poteau.

On September 15, 1887, Judge Isaac Parker presided over the trial of Jack Crow.  The jury found him guilty of murder and Judge Parker sentenced Crow to hang. On April 27, 1888, after appealing his case and loosing, Jack Crow was hung at Fort Smith.

Charles Wilson was the first full-blood Choctaw to serve as a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

Charles Wilson is buried in Vaughn Memorial Cemetery, Gilmore, Le Flore County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 10N-3-5  NLEOM –  

Updated August 5, 2023

Floyd Alderman  Wilson - Deputy  U.S. Marshal

U. S. Marshal Service December 13, 1892

Floyd A. Wilson was born in Lee Township, Athens County, Ohio on May 9, 1860, to William T. and Eliza (Cottrill) Wilson. In 1886 Floyd Wilson, 16, married Bridget Kelly, 21.

Floyd Wilson had been a Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas out of Fort Smith for several years.  He was appointed in 1884, in 1889 and again in 1892 when Deputy U.S. Marshal and Detective for the Pacific Express Company, Henry C. Dickey, explained he had a warrant for Henry Starr and asked Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson if he would help capture Henry Starr.  

Henry Starr had been arrested for horse theft in December 1891 and failed to appear in court. He was also suspected of robbing the Nowata Railway Depot of $1,700, followed by more robberies. An additional warrant being issued on November 18, 1892.   

On Tuesday, December 13, 1892, as the two deputy marshals were finishing dinner at the XU Ranch, Arthur Dodge rode up and told them he had just seen Henry Starr riding by.  Deputy Marshals Floyd Wilson and Henry Dickey ran to the corral for their horses. Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson’s horse was already saddled.  Deputy Marshal Wilson rode off in the direction Henry Starr had gone.  Deputy Marshal Henry Dickey would be several minutes behind Wilson since he had to saddle his horse. Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson caught up with Henry Starr on Wolf Creek shouting to him, “Hold up, I have a warrant for you.”  Henry Starr stopped his horse, turned back toward Deputy Marshal Wilson, and shouted back to Wilson, “You hold up.”  Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson announced he was a federal officer and then fired a warning shot over Henry Starr’s head. Henry Starr quickly fired several shots hitting Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson and knocking him off his horse. Henry Starr then approached Deputy Marshal Wilson as he was lying on the ground and shot him once more, point blank, in the chest, killing him. When Deputy Marshal Henry Dickey arrived, he found Deputy Marshal Wilson’s body, noting the powder burns on his coat and five bullet wounds in the lawman. Floyd Wilson had been shot in the left hip, right hip, left thigh, lower left leg and once in the chest.  

Deputy U.S. Marshal Floyd Wilson’s body was returned to his family at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Floyd A. Smith was survived by his wife Bridget and their two young sons, Claude Alderman, 5, and John Roy, 3.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Floyd A. Wilson is buried in the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas.

Henry Starr eluded a huge manhunt for the next six months. In July 1893, he was arrested in Colorado and extradited to Fort Smith where he was tried and found guilty of Deputy Marshal Floyd Wilson’s murder and sentenced to death. After several appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, Henry Starr plead guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to three years in prison. Henry Starr also received a sentence of seven years for robbery. Henry Starr was released from prison in 1903. Five years later, he resumes his life of crime. On February 18, 1921, Henry Starr attempts his last bank robbery in Harrison, Arkansas. Henry Starr was shot and arrested that day and died of his gunshot wounds on February 22nd.

OLEM – 5N-2-23  NLEOM – 10E8

Updated January 14, 2024

James E. "Pete" Wilson - Deputy Sheriff

Grady County Sheriff’s Office     May 31, 1935

On Friday, May 31, 1935, Charles Sands and Leon Siler robbed the bank in Elgin. Four days earlier these two men and another man, Ray “Pete” Traxler killed Officer George Loper in Pauls Valley. The men had also taken a family named Medrano hostage at their farmhouse.  

Deputy Sheriff James Wilson was part of a posse searching for the murders. When the officers saw the Medrano farm in the area, they decided to check there for the fugitives.  When Deputy Sheriff James Wilson went to the door, he became suspicious because of Mrs. Medrano’s actions. Upon entering the home, Deputy Sheriff Wilson was shot in the chest with a .38 caliber pistol and in the back with a shotgun. Deputy Sheriff Wilson was able to wound Charles Sands in both legs and one foot before he died.  A group of Oklahoma City Police Officers arrived on the scene but not before three more officers were wounded and Mr. Medrano killed. The Oklahoma City officers charged the house. Charles Sands and Leon Siler were captured. Phyllis Sands, 15-year-old wife of Charles Sands and Ruby Herring, 18-year-old girlfriend of Leon Siler were also arrested. Ray Traxler was supposed to have assisted with the Elgin bank robbery but never showed up.  

Deputy Sheriff James Wilson was survived by his wife Tommie and six children and is buried in the Laflin Creek Cemetery also known as the Ireton Cemetery, in Alex, Grady County, Oklahoma.

Charles Sands and Leon Siler were both convicted of the murders and died in the electric chair at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary on June 11, 1937. Ruby Herring and Phyllis Sands were convicted of lesser crimes and sentenced to terms in prison.

The statewide depredations of Charles Sands and Leon Siler was one of the cases that caused the Oklahoma State Legislature to create the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in August of 1937.

OLEM – 7N-1-11  NLEOM – 21W22

Updated August 5, 2023

John Louis Wilson - Deputy U.S. Marshal / City Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service / City of Nowata       February 8, 1898

James Dyer and Jack Cotton were returning from a cattle drive on Tuesday, February 8, 1898. Shortly after they stabled their horses at McCartney’s Livery stable in Nowata, James Dyer had become drunk and started arguing with a local farmer, William Dilley, about the ownership of a halter. With the argument becoming more violent, someone sent for 26-year-old City Marshal John Wilson. When Marshal Wilson arrived and entered the stable, James Dyer opened fire on him shooting him in the chest below the heart. Marshal Wilson returned fire, even though he was mortally wounded, hitting James Dyer four times. Marshal John Wilson was able to stumble across the street before he collapsed and died. James Dyer went to a nearby drug store and died within ten minutes.  

Marshal John Wilson’s wife Rosa Lee, 28, and baby daughter Hettie May, 2, had died the year before which now left their thirteen-year-old young son Chester Iven an orphan. Chester Iven, was then raised by John Wilson’s parents Richard and Anna Wilson in Kansas.

John Wilson is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Elk City, Montgomery County, Kansas.

OLEM – 5N-3-6  NLEOM – 48W30

Updated August 5, 2023

John P. (Dad) Wilson - Officer

Weleetka Police Department        December 30, 1932

About 9 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 1932, Officer John Wilson, 74, was patrolling his beat as the “extra night man” when he found a broken window in the back of the O.U. Wilcox Grocery. Officer Wilson asked a neighboring businessman to watch the front of the store while he contacted the owner.  As Officer Wilson returned to the store, the other merchant yelled to him that the burglar was trying to escape from the rear of the store. Officer Wilson ran around to the back of the store and confronted a black man, later identified as Henry Yates. As the officer shined his flashlight at Yates, Yates fired several shots at him.  One shot struck Officer Wilson in the heart, killing him nearly instantly.  

Two nights later, Henry Yates was arrested by officers in Shawnee. Henry Yates, an ex-convict with multiple arrests for burglary, had just been released on November 12th from his sixth term in the state penitentiary. Henry Yates confessed to the burglary and murder of Officer John Wilson. Yates had taken fifty-six cents, six packs of cigarettes and a Colt .38 caliber revolver that he sold for $1.50.

Officer John Wilson was survived by his wife Nancy and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weleetka, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 10N-3-4 (J C Wilson) NLEOM – U

Updated August 5, 2023

Joseph S. Wilson - Deputy U.S. Marshal

U.S. Marshal Service     September 22, 1891

On Tuesday, September 22, 1891, Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson asked a man by the name of John Carey, to guide him to the home of Big Alec who lived about ten miles from Tahlequah on 14 Mile Creek. Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson had a warrant for the arrest of Sam Downing. Deputy Marshal Wilson told John Carey he would not have to participate in the arrest of Downing, who was using the name of Sam Hickory, only help him find the house.  Once the arrest was made, Deputy Marshal Wilson told John Carey he would fire one shot letting him know the arrest was successful.  John Carey led Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson to the property owned by Big Alec then retreated to wait for the arrest to be made.  Deputy Marshal Wilson found Sam Hickory hitching up a team of horses. Deputy Marshal Wilson told Sam Hickory of the warrant. Hickory stated he would go with the lawman but first needed to unhitch his team, saddle a horse, and then advise Big Alec at a nearby fishing stream. After unhitching the team, Deputy Marshal Wilson and Sam Hickory walked to the house and as Sam Hickory entered the house Deputy Marshal Wilson fired off one shot to announce the successful arrest to John Carey.  At the same time Sam Hickory grabbed a gun and shot Deputy Marshal Wilson in the side.

The bullet passed through his chest puncturing a lung. Both men exchanged gunfire before Deputy Marshal Wilson staggered to his horse. He was too weak and unable to mount the horse and fell to the ground.

John Carey hearing more gunshots than planned left the area.  Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson lived through the night and was found the next day still alive by Sam Hickory and Tom Shade. They struck him in the head several times with a piece of wood and an axe. After dragging his body by the neck to a ravine they buried him but not before they stripped him of his hat, coat, pistol, and gun belt. They also took his saddle and bridle.  

 John Carey reported the gunshots, and a massive search was started for Deputy Marshal Wilson. Several days later, Tom Shade and Big Alec turned themselves in, but Sam Hickory was nowhere to be found.

 Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson’s body was found on Saturday, September 26th, brought to Tahlequah, examined, and then buried. The burial site is unknown.

Sam Hickory was finally arrested in the Osage Nation and returned to Fort Smith to await trial. Sam Hickory was found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang. In 1894, after two trials and two successful appeals, a third trial was about to begin when Sam Hickory pled guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to five years and one day in the Columbus, Ohio prison.

Tom Shade was acquitted.

OLEM – 5N-3-11  NLEOM – 50W8

Updated August 5, 2023

Weldon  Douglas Wilson - Officer

Wetumka Police Department     April 10, 1926

Deputy Sheriff Mitchell Compier, 44, and young Wetumka Police Officer Weldon Wilson, 22, were conducting undercover prohibition investigations when about 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 1926, they made a whiskey purchase in the “negro section” of Wetumka from a black man named Roswell Hamilton, 30. The officers arrested Hamilton as soon as he sold them the pint of whiskey. The officers placed Roswell Hamilton in their Ford car to transport him to jail. While transporting Roswell Hamilton to the Hughes County jail Deputy Sheriff Mitchell Compier was driving the Ford coup, prisoner Roswell Hamilton in the passenger’s seat and Officer Weldon Wilson standing on the passenger side running board.

Roswell Hamilton later related that Officer Wilson had been hitting him in the head with his gun trying to get Hamilton to tell where he got the whiskey they bought. During one of the blows the gun accidentally went off twice. One bullet struck Roswell Hamilton in the arm and the other struck Deputy Sheriff Mitchell Compier. Roswell Hamilton then pulled a canceled automatic pistol and shot Officer Wilson twice causing Wilson to fall away from the Ford. Roswell Hamilton then shot and killed Deputy Mitchell Compier before he could draw his weapon. Roswell Hamilton then jumped from the moving car and escaped.

Officer Weldon Wilson died about forty minutes later after making a statement that they had not searched Roswell Hamilton for weapons as they thought he was unarmed.

Roswell Hamilton was captured the next day. Hamilton was tried in May 1926, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. Roswell Hamilton’s trial was overturned and a new trial order by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on August 27, 1927.

Roswell Hamilton was retried in October 1927, and again found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Weldon Wilson is buried in Wetumka Cemetery, Wetumka, Hughes County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 8S-2-9 (Weldon N Wilson)   NLEOM – 45E22

Updated August 5, 2023

William Wiley Obediah Wilson - Deputy Sheriff

Cherokee County  Sheriffs Office   September 7, 1922,

Late the evening of Wednesday, September 6, 1922, Deputy Sheriff William Wilson, 56, was called to a drunken disturbance at the Wauhillau Club, twelve miles south of Tahlequah. Upon his arrival Deputy Sheriff William Wilson arrested a full blood Cherokee Indian named Joe Groundhog for causing the disturbance and started toward Tahlequah on horseback with his prisoner. It was now shortly after midnight, Thursday morning September 7, 1922, and the men were going to pass by Joe Groundhog’s home. Joe Groundhog asked Deputy Sheriff William Wilson if he would stop and let him get some clothes which the deputy sheriff allowed. Deputy Sheriff William Wilson followed Joe Groundhog into his house where Deputy Sheriff William Wilson was attacked and clubbed to death by his prisoner.

Joe Groundhog was arrested for the murder of Deputy Sheriff William Wilson, convicted of first-degree manslaughter, and sentenced to forty-five years in prison.

Deputy Sheriff William Wilson was survived by his wife of thirty-two years, California Elizabeth (Hogue) and their ten surviving children, James Granville, 30, Cecil R., 29, Effie G., 26, Esther, 24, Jessie Franklin, 22, Emma Margaret, 20, Anna Mae, 15, Nellie Ruth, 13, Ruby Clara, 10, and Chester Wilson, 6.

William W. O. Wilson is buried in Stilwell Cemetery, Stilwell, Adair County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 9S-2-13  NLEOM – 41W28

Updated December 17, 2023

Eli Wofford – City Marshal

City of Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory   Not Line of Duty Death

On Monday, August 10, 1896, the National Party of the Cherokee Nation’s annual national convention ten miles north of Tahlequah. Eli Wofford, a Cherokee Indian Police Officer and City Marshal of Tahlequah, had been drinking. Sheriff Leonard Williams told Wofford’s brother to take Eli’s whiskey away from him. Sheriff Leonard Williams and City Marshal Eli Wofford got into a fist fight until former Cherokee Sheriff, now a Deputy Sheriff, Charlie Proctor broke them up. As the two combatants were walking away someone made a provocative remark and a gunfight started between the two men and their allies.  Deputy Sheriff Charlie Proctor and City Marshal Eli Wofford were both killed.  Sheriff Leonard Williams was wounded but survived his wounds.  

Eli Wofford is buried in the Tahlequah Cemetery.

OLEM – 1N-2-3 (Woford), also 3S-1-1 from transcription error with year 1870  

August 7, 2023

Ira Eugene Wofford - Undersheriff

Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office       December 4, 1953

On Friday, December 4, 1953, Undersheriff Ira Wofford, and Oklahoma State Crime Bureau Agent Leonard Farris were transporting a prisoner, Frank Trotter, from Denver, Colorado back to Oklahoma where he was wanted for burglarizing a service station in Sallisaw. East of Byers, Colorado their vehicle hit an icy spot, went off the road and rolled over several times.  Undersheriff Ira Wofford and Agent Leonard Farris were ejected, and the car rolled on top of them, pinning both officers. Frank Trotter, still handcuffed, crawled out of the wreckage, and attempted to lift the car off the officers.  Failing at his attempt, Frank Trotter covered the officers with a blanket from the car and proceeded to flag down a passing motorist and asked them to summon help.

Undersheriff Ira Wofford died from his injuries before an ambulance could arrive.  Just before he died, Undersheriff Wofford thanked Frank Trotter for trying to help him and asked another officer to remove Trotter’s handcuffs.

Ira Wofford was survived by his wife Allie and daughters Margaret Sue, 24, and Helen Marie, 16.

Ira Wofford is buried at the Roland Cemetery, Roland, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma.

Crime Bureau Agent Leonard Farris survived his injuries.

OLEM – 1N-1-13  NLEOM – 34E27

Updated August 5, 2023

Leslie Clarence Wolfinbarger - Night City Marshal

City of Collinsville      May 28, 1915

Leslie Wolfinbarger was born July 1, 1884, at Mount Vernon, Missouri to Tilman Fillmore and Mary Louise Moore Wolfinbarger. Leslie later moved to Oswego, Kansas and on December 17, 1903, he married Mary McCreary. Two children were born to Leslie and Mary Wolfinbarger. In 1909 Leslie and his family moved to Collinsville, Oklahoma. Leslie later took a job as Night City Marshal for Collinsville.

About 3 a.m. on Friday, May 28, 1915, on Main Street, Night City Marshal Leslie Wolfinbarger, 30, was trying to convince two brothers, John, and Joe Davis, who were drunk, to go home. Suddenly, the two brothers attacked City Marshal Wolfinbarger with a hidden knife, slashing his throat severing his jugular vein.  Witnesses to the murder included several people in a nearby café and his wife and daughter from their apartment window across the street. The two brothers were arrested at the scene and charged with the city marshal’s murder.

This was to have been City Marshal Leslie Wolfinbarger’s last night as an officer. He had told his family before he went to work that night that he did not want to be “forceful” on his last night to work.

Leslie Wolfinbarger is buried in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Collinsville, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 3S-2-9  NLEOM –

Updated August 5, 2023

Joseph Wilie Wood  - Constable

Oklahoma County

Justice of the Peace Court       July 14, 1935

About 4:30 a.m. the morning of Sunday, July 14, 1935, Oklahoma County Constables Jesse A. Gibson, Ray Montgomery, Earl Burnsworthy, and Joseph W. Wood were keeping the peace at a crowded dance in the Fairgrounds Night Club at 2401 NE 10th on the State Fairgrounds near NE 10th and N. Eastern (now M. L. King Avenue) in Oklahoma City when Arthur E. Huff, 23, and Jerry Donavan, owner of Champ Buffett, got in an argument and Jerry Donavan struck Arthur Huff knocking him to the floor.  

Constable Jesse Gibson ran toward the disturbance. Constable Gibson was helping Arthur Huff up from the floor when a gun fell from Huff’s pocket.

Arthur Huff was immediately arrested for carrying a gun by Constable Jesse Gibson. Once Constable Gibson had Huff outside Arthur Huff’s girlfriend, Mae Lewis, asked to speak with Huff, which Constable Gibson allowed. Suddenly Arthur Huff and Mae Lewis rushed Constable Gibson and Arthur Huff pulled Constable Gibson’s gun from its holster.

Constables Ray Montgomery and Earl Burnsworthy ran to help Constable Jesse Gibson get back control of his gun. Constable Gibson was able to get behind Huff and place his arm around Huff’s neck. Arthur Huff raised the gun to shoot over his shoulder at Constable Gibson. Constable Gibson grabbed the gun and tried to point it downward stating “My God man, drop the gun! You are going to kill somebody.” Arthur Huff then stated he was “going to kill every damn one of you!”

As Constable Joseph Wood, 49, approached within three feet of the other constables Arthur Huff fired the gun and shot Constable Joseph Wood in the stomach killing him. Arthur Huff was arrested and charged with murder.

Joseph Wood had only been a Constable for six months for Justice of the Peace Jack C. Whaler and had planned to start a two-week vacation with his family in California the day he was killed.

Joseph Wood was survived by his second wife Ethel, adult children, son, Wylie Ray, 26, and daughter, April Pauline (Dodson), 24, and is buried in Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

It was soon learned that Arthur Huff was an escapee from the Jefferson City Missouri prison. On September 18th Arthur Huff escaped from the Oklahoma County jail along with five other men. Six months later in 1936 Arthur Huff was arrested in Dayton, Ohio and brought back to Oklahoma. Arthur Huff was tried for murder by District Attorney D. A. Morris who sought the death penalty. The jury found Arthur Huff guilty of manslaughter and sentenced him to twenty-five years in prison.

Constable Joseph Wood was buried in an unmarked grave until August 11, 2023, when a granite grave marker, provided by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial organization was placed on his grave during a service by members of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office.

OLEM – 8S-5-25  NLEOM – 2E25

Updated August 11, 2023

Dwight Calvin Woodrell Jr. - Sheriff

Pawnee County Sheriff's Office        October 13, 2001

About 3:45 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2001, Sheriff Dwight Woodrell radioed his dispatcher that he was out with a “Robert Weller” behind the “old Spess Oil Building”, one and a half miles west of Cleveland on Highway 64 and requested a couple deputies to back him up.

A short time later deputies were unable to get a radio response from Sheriff Dwight Woodrell. When the deputies arrived at the “old Spess Oil Building” a few minutes later they found Sheriff Dwight Woodrell lying in the front seat of his patrol car, shot several times. Sheriff Woodrell was transported by ambulance to the Cleveland Hospital where he died at 4:40 a.m. It appeared Sheriff Woodrell had interrupted a burglary at the business when he was shot.

Sheriff Dwight Woodrell was survived by his wife Karen, and their four young children, Dwight Calvin III, Jessica Lynn, Wyatt Austin, and Jasper Wade and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mannford, Creek County, Oklahoma.

In February of 2004, James Craig Taylor and Justin Lee Walker were charged with Sheriff Dwight Woodrell’s murder. Both suspects were already in the State Penitentiary serving sentences for other crimes when the charges were filled.

Both Justin Lee Walker and James Craig Taylor were convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Sheriff Dwight Woodrell. James Taylor received a sentence of life in prison and Justin Walker received a thirty-year prison sentence.

OLEM – 4S-2-19  NLEOM – 11E22

Updated August 5, 2023

Frederick M. Woods - Deputy  Constable

City of Eufaula     June 8, 1908

The summer of 1908 was a summer of unrest in McIntosh County.  A dispute between the town of Checotah and Eufaula over which would become the county seat turned into a deadly one.  

On Sunday, June 7, 1908, a dozen armed men from Checotah, including County Clerk, Ed Julian, got off a train in Eufaula. The men marched over to the County Courthouse to remove county records from the building intending to forcibly establish the county seat at Checotah.

Eufaula officers arrived on the scene and tried to disarm the Checotah contingent and restore order. When Deputy Constable Fredrick Woods tried to disarm Joe Parmenter, Parmenter shot Deputy Constable Woods in the left chest. After Deputy Constable Woods fell to the ground, Joe Parmenter shot him twice more, hitting him once in the thigh, the slug traveling through his bowels and lodging in his backbone.  

 Special Deputy Kilgore then shot Joe Parmenter twice, wounding him in the hand and side. The remainder of the Checotah men then surrendered their weapons. Joe Parmenter recovered from his wounds, but Deputy Constable Frederick Woods died the next evening on June 8th.

Frederick Woods is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Eufaula, McIntosh County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 3S-2-1 (Wood)  NLEOM – 12E25

Updated August 5, 2023

Riley Woods, Posse, Deputy U.S. Marshal

U. S. Marshal Service      April 15, 1872

Riley Woods, 22, was one of eleven people killed and as many as nineteen wounded on Monday, April 15, 1872, at the Whitmire Schoolhouse east of Tahlequah, near the modern town of Christie in Adair County in the Going Snake District of the Cherokee Nation.  

Zeke Proctor was being tried by the Cherokee Nation at the schoolhouse for accidentally killing a widow named Polly Beck Hildebrand.  The relatives of Polly convinced the federal court at Fort Smith to intervene in the case. The U.S. Commissioner issued an arrest warrant for Zeke Proctor on a charge of “assault with intent to kill” to Deputy U.S. Marshals Jacob G. Owens and Joseph S. Peavey. The Deputy Marshals led a deputized posse including friends and relatives of Polly Beck Hildebrand to the schoolhouse. As the federal posse entered the schoolhouse a massive gun battle erupted.  Posse members Jesse “Black Sut” Beck, Samuel Beck, William Hicks, George Selvidge, James Ward, and Riley Woods were shot and killed that day. Deputy U.S. Marshal Jacob Owens and Posse William Beck were also wounded and died the next day, April 16th from their gunshot wounds.

Riley Woods is buried in Whitmire Cemetery, Christie, Adair County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 10S-1-12  NLEOM – 12E14

Updated August 5, 2023

James A. Woolley - Detective

Tulsa Police Department      January 23, 1931

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 1931, Officer E.A. Humphrey called for assistance to help him investigate three men sitting in a car with half a dozen shotguns and several tires.  Officer Humphrey figured these items were stolen.  Detectives William Walkley and James Woolley responded. The officers arrested William Elm at a nearby address and then approached the car to question the others. As the officers approached the car, the driver drew a gun and shot Detective Woolley in the chest.  Woolley was able to fire four shots before he collapsed.  The bullet had pierced one lung, lodging near his spine.  Detective James Woolley, 62, died from his wounds two days later January 23rd.

Detective James Woolley was survived by his wife, Texana (Dawson), and three adult children, Irene Thelma, 30, Wilburn, 28, and Leone Etta, 20.  James Woolley had served as Tulsa County Commissioner for two terms and Tulsa County Sheriff prior to his joining the Tulsa Police Department.  

James Woolley is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

Charles Elm was arrested the next day, January 22, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Gene Elm, the killer of Detective Woolley, was later arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota, returned to Tulsa for trial, convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

OLEM – 8S-5-17  NLEOM – 5E14

Updated August 5, 2023

Winfield Scott Wooten - Special Agent

Missouri, Kansa & Texas (MK&T) Railroad Police    March 16, 1941

On the night of Sunday, March 16, 1941, MK&T Railroad agent W.S. Wooten was pursuing two black men in his patrol car when the men crashed their vehicle at Lansing and Independence Street. Special Agent Winfield Wooten managed to arrest the two men with the help of two black Tulsa Police Officers. The officers asked Special Agent Wooten if he needed further assistance to which he declined. Special Agent Winfield Wooten did ask the two officers if they would contact headquarters and ask a Raiding Squad to be sent to his location. The officers called police headquarters and then left to answer another call. Several Raiding Squad officers including L. R. “Shorty” Rogers were dispatched.

 Witnesses stated they saw Special Agent Winfield Wooten arguing with one of the suspects after the black Tulsa officers left and before the Raiding Squad officers arrived. One of the suspects, Finis Benningfield, tried to walk away, and when Special Agent Wooten tried to stop him, Benningfield managed to get Agent Wooten’s weapon and forced Wooten to get in the patrol car. Finis Benningfield then shot Special Agent Winfield Wooten, emptying the weapon, and killing him.

When the Raiding Squad officers arrived, the driver pulled in front of Special Agent Wooten’s car, Officer L. R. Rogers got out and approached the car from an angle that prevented him from seeing the dead agent’s body. Finis Benningfield, seated in the car, shot Officer L. R. Rogers once in the head as he approached, killing him almost instantly. Two other officers stepped from their car and shot Finis Benningfield six times, fatally wounding him.

Special Agent Winfield Wooten had been with the railroad police for eight years and was survived by his wife Dorothy Juan (King) whom he married in 1933 and a stepson.

Winfield Wooten is buried in the small Benbrook Cemetery, Benbrook, Tarrant County, Texas, a suburb of Fort Worth.

OLEM – 7N-3-2  NLEOM – 62W27

Updated August 5, 2023

James Work - Deputy Sheriff

Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office        May 4, 1911  

On, Thursday, May 4, 1911, Muskogee County Deputy Sheriffs Jim Work and J. B. “Bud” Robertson were trying to arrest Bob Davis in Porum, OK, for cattle theft. A grand jury had indicted Bob Davis on these charges. Davis’s friend, Leonard McCullough, had perjured himself during the grand jury hearings trying to help Bob Davis.  As the deputy sheriffs approached the Davis home, they encountered Bob Davis, his brother, Amos, and Leonard McCullough. The deputies ordered the three men to surrender. They did not. The three men in turn ran toward the house then to the barn where a gunfight broke out. Deputy Sheriff James Work was shot once in the heart and then twice more after he fell to the ground.

The Davis brothers and Leonard McCullough escaped while Deputy Sheriff “Bud” Robertson was trying to assist his fallen partner.  The Davis’s and their companions were well known thieves of livestock and several murders had resulted from their work over the years. Bob and Amos Davis were captured in Denver, Colorado, and returned to Porum on Sunday, May 14, 1911. Leonard McCullough was also charged with Deputy Sheriff James Work’s murder, but he escaped.

Deputy Sheriff James Work was survived by his wife Eliza.

The burial site of James Work is unknown.

OLEM – 4S-1-4  NLEOM – 16E25

Updated August 5, 2023

W.illiam Alson "Dick". Worley - Deputy Sheriff

Stephens County Sheriff’s Office  July 25, 1921

On the night of Monday, July 25, 1921, Stephens County Sheriff E. H. Rhyne and Deputy Sheriff William “Dick” Worley were summoned to an oil camp just north of Oil City.  

The grocery man in the oil camp had denied credit to a man named Tom Rippy (or Rippey).  Becoming incensed, Rippy began shooting up the camp.  When the two officers approached Tom Rippy, he ran into a patch of weeds and opened fire striking Deputy Sheriff William Worley fatally.   Sheriff Rhyne shot six times at Tom Rippy hitting him five times. Both Deputy Sheriff William Worley and Tom Rippy died at the scene.  

William Worley’s obituary stated he was from Pauls Valley and had been in law enforcement for almost four decades. The report also stated that he had been a U.S. Marshal in territorial times, a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a County Jailer after that service and had been serving as a Deputy Sheriff at the time of his death.

William Worley is buried in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 8S-2-12 (Woorley)  NLEOM – 29W27

Updated August 5, 2023

Glenn Truman Wortham - Auxiliary Officer

Tulsa Police Department      July 15, 1973

Glenn Wortham, 45, had been working for twenty-eight years as the plant operations manager for the Erle M. Jorgensen Company. Glenn Wortham had also been working as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Tulsa Police Department for two and one-half years. The Tulsa Police Department used uncompensated volunteer auxiliary officers as part of the city’s civil defense program.  

Just after midnight on Sunday, July 15, 1973, Auxiliary Officer Glenn Wortham was riding with Officer Mitch Criner when they received a call to investigate a stabbing at DJ’s Charburger Grill.  During the investigation, the officers arrested Glen Edward Stewart as the suspect after chasing him on foot for two blocks. The officers took Glen Stewart to Hillcrest Medical Center to treat him for a cut on his hand. Glen Stewart became violent in the hospital.  As the two officers tried to lift him from his hospital cot, Glen Stewart kicked Auxiliary Officer Glenn Wortham in the stomach. The struggle caused Officer Wortham to suffer a heart attack. Officer Glenn Wortham collapsed and died in the emergency room.

Glenn Wortham is buried at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 1N-3-8  NLEOM – 63W19

Updated August 5, 2023

Edward "Jason" Wright – Deputy Sheriff

Logan County Sheriff’s Office      October 23, 2016

About 9:45 p.m. Thursday evening, October 20, 2016, Deputy Sheriff Edward “Jason” Wright, 33, was transporting a man to a hotel in Guthrie. Earlier in his shift Deputy Sheriff Edward Wright had taken the man into custody for a mental evaluation after the man had burned his own residence down. The man was transported to the Crisis Center in Oklahoma City where it was determined that the man did not fit the criteria for treatment. Deputy Sheriff Edward Wright then started back to Guthrie with the man to find him a hotel room. Deputy Sheriff Wright was driving down Division Street when he suffered a heart attack. Riding with Deputy Sheriff Edward Wright was off duty Reserve Deputy Sheriff Fleetwood who was able to bring the patrol vehicle to a safe stop and call for help. Two Guthrie police officers arrived first and began giving CPR to Deputy Sheriff Wright. Deputy Sheriff Wright was transported to the Logan Mercy Hospital. At 11 p.m. that night Deputy Sheriff Edward Wright was transferred to a heart hospital in Oklahoma City where he died Sunday, October 23rd.

Edward “Jason” Wright was survived by his wife Lindsay and their four children and is buried in Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma.

OLEM – 4N-1-16  NLEOM – 39E30

Updated August 5, 2023