"GOBBLE 3 TIMES IF YOU MEAN TO KILL ME"

RANCHER  SAYS TURKEY GOBBLER'S CALL REASON FOR SELF-DEFENSE IN MURDER TRIAL

Okmulgee, Oklahoma (JFK+50) On April 28, 1926, Associated Press reports that "the imitation of a turkey gobbler's call...forms the basis of the defense" in a murder trial being held here in Okmulgee*.

AP says the gobbler's call is the Indian signal of intent to kill.

A wealthy rancher by the name of Jim Crowell is charged with shooting Willie Brunner, an Indian who the former testified "gobbled three times" and then "attempted to kill him."

AP cites precedent in the Indian Territory where the court ruled "justifiable homicide" in a similar incident.

*Okmulgee, Muskogee word meaning 'boiling waters', is located in the Tulsa metro area in Oklahoma.  It is the capital of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation.

SOURCE

"Indian 'Gobbled' Rancher Who Shot Him, Tells Court," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 28, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Gobble Turkey Thanksgiving Poster

www.publicdomainpictures.net/

"PRESIDENT COOLIDGE MAY MAKE A RECESS APPOINTMENT"

OKLAHOMA D.A. CONFIRMED BY SENATE  WITH INCORRECT MIDDLE INITIAL

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Senator J.W. Harreld* of Oklahoma called at The White House on March 25, 1925 "to discuss...a mistake in initials made when the (United States) Senate confirmed 'John W. Goldesberry' as district attorney for the northern district of Oklahoma."

The Evening Star reports that the appointee's correct name is 'John M. Goldesberry'.

Because of the error, some believe Mr. Goldesberry can not legally serve as district attorney.  Others, however, say the mistake "can be corrected."

If necessary, The Star reports, President Calvin Coolidge "may make a recess appointment."

*John William Harreld (1872-1950) was born in Butler County, Kentucky & attended Bryant & Stratton Business College.  JWH was U.S. Congressman representing Oklahoma 1919-1921 & U. S Senator 1921-1927.  He was the 1st Republican senator elected in Oklahoma. 

SOURCE

"Error in Initial May Lose Federal Post for Appointees," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 25, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Senator J. W. Harreld

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"THE NEXT MOVE IS UP TO THE KLAN"

OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR OFFERS COMPROMISE TO STATE LEGISLATORS 

Oklahoma City (JFK+50) On October 10, 1923, the Associated Press reports Governor J.C. Walton* "stands ready to abdicate in order to bring to a successful close his war on the Ku Klux Klan in Oklahoma."

The previous evening, the Governor "offered to compromise with members of the state legislature, bent on impeaching him, by resigning."

Gov. Walton, however, will only resign if the legislature passes the bill to "unmask the Klan and curb mob violence."

Executive Counselor Aldrich Blake said...

 "The next move is up to the Klan."

*Jack C. Walton (1881-1949) was mayor of Oklahoma City 1919-1923 & governor of Oklahoma 1923.  JCW was convicted on 22 charges & removed from office by the state legislature on Nov 19, 1923.

SOURCE

"Walton Will Quit If Klan Is Banned," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 10, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Jack Walton

Gov of Oklahoma 1923

Oklahoma Dept of Libraries

"UNSAFE FOR ANY MAN TO LIVE IN OKLAHOMA"

OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR TO MOBILIZE MORE GUARD UNITS AGAINST KLAN

Oklahoma City (JFK+50) On September 23, 1923, The Evening Star reports additional units of the Oklahoma National Guard will be mobilized soon by Governor J.C. Walton* in response to Ku Klux Klan infiltration into the state.

The Star quotes the Governor as saying the "invisible empire" is financed with money coming from their headquarters in Atlanta and "subsidized (by) several Oklahoma (news) papers."

Gov. Walton is requesting $100,000 from the state legislature to enforce martial law in "several other counties."

The Governor said...

"If I am whipped in this fight, it will be an unsafe state for any man to live in who is anti-klansman."

*John "Jack" Calloway Walton (1881-1949) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana & grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska.  JCW served in the Spanish-American War & as mayor of Oklahoma City 1919-1923.  He served the shortest term of any governor of Oklahoma (10 months, 1923) & was the 1st governor of the state to be removed from office.

SOURCES

"Grip of Military To Be Extended By Governor Wallace," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 23, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"John C. Walton," City Clerk, www.okc.gov/

 

 

 

Jack Walton

Oklahoma Department of Libraries