A Cold Blooded Murder William Holt shoots and Kills William Fowler in a Dispute Over Rent Submitted by: Mollie Stehno

Yesterday afternoon word was brought to town by George W. Grim of a shooting affray that occurred four miles southeast of Hennessey, about 3 o’clock.

Wm. Holt was living on Fowler’s land in a granary. There had been some dispute over rent for some time previous to yesterday’s unfortunate occurrence. From what we can learn, Holt’s time had expired and Fowler went to the place yesterday to make some repairs on the building. While he and another man were at work putting a loft in the granary Holt had an altercation with him and ordered him out of the house, which Fowler refused to obey. Holt then got a shotgun and returning to where Fowler was at work ordered him to come down. Fowler said: “ I will as soon as I nail this board.” Without waiting a moment Holt deliberately fired, the entire load of shot entering Fowler’s left breast, tearing his heart to pieces, and causing instant death. Holt then ordered the man who was in the loft with Fowler, to throw the body down and come down himself. To some men who were there at the time or who came afterward. Holt said” “ I ordered him out of my house and he refused to go and I shot him.” He offered to give himself up to these men but they did not see inclined to take him, and he got in his buggy and drove off toward town with a man named Bailey who drove to the place with him and held his horse while Holt did the shooting. They did not come to town but changed their course to a southerly direction and it was supposed for a while that he had gone to Kingfisher to surrender to the sheriff, but up to this time he has not made his appearance.

Officers went to the scene of the shooting as soon as the word was received. Deputy Sheriff Washburn telegraphed the coroner who arrived on the evening passenger train and proceeded to the country to hold an inquest. The jury found that William Fowler came to his death by a gunshot wound administered by William Holt. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Holt, charging him with murder, and is in the hands of the officer.

Both men were married. Mr. Fowler was about 35 years old, and of a quiet, inoffensive disposition. He leaves a wife and three children. Holt’s people are highly respected and good citizens.

A warrant was today issue for the arrest of Bailey, charging him with complicity in the crime.

William Holt who shot and killed William Fowler last Thursday as related in last week’s Clipper, surrendered himself to the sheriff at Kingfisher last Tuesday morning about 5 o’clock. He has been but a few miles from home at any time since the deed was committed but has kept hid on account of the fear of being lynched. Our talk with the people of that community convinces us that there would have been nothing of that kind—all the neighbors ask is for a fair trial and a proper administration of the law. Holt’s preliminary trial will be held at Kingfisher next Tuesday.

Mr. Holt, Sr., father of Wm. Holt was put under arrest last week, as was also Mr. Bailey, a cousin to Wm. Holt. They are now out on bail.

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