Deputy Marshal R. J. Taylor Submitted by: Mollie Stehno

Guthrie, O. T.--A letter received today by United State Marshal Grimes, from L. Shadley, chef of police at Pawhuska, detailing the manner in which Deputy Marshal R. J. Taylor met his death.

During the morning of October 1, Taylor was at the store of William Rogers at Skiatook, a small post office in the Cherokee nation about a mile from the Osage line. Taylor waited there to meet a young man named Ben Haney whose sister keeps house for Rogers. Haney arrived about noon and upon his invitation.

Taylor went to Rogers’ house and the two ate dinner with Haney’s sister. Rogers and the clerks having eaten previously. After dinner the three went into the yard where they me Rogers coming from t he store with a gun. he swore at Taylor and ordered him off the premises. Taylor said all right he would go and turning to Haney asked in what direction he should go. Haney replied, “Go down the road to your horse.” Just then Rogers raised his run and fired, the load entering Taylor’s left breast. Taylor said, “My God, I’m killed!” and Rogers then fired again, the load entering Taylor’s right shoulder. Taylor fell forward on his face and when Haney raised his head he lived but a few seconds. Rogers now wanted a horse and left for the nearest railway station declaring he would go to Ft. Smith and give himself up. Taylor was buried by John R. Skinner, a friend whom he had request to give him decent burial in case he was killed.

The killing was certainly a cold blooded murder.

Rogers, the murderer, is a half-breed Cherokee Indian who has kept a store and been post master at Skiatook for fifteen years. he is a prominent member of the Cherokee senate. it is very probable that he will adorn the end of a rope some day in the not distant future.

| The Territorial Topic Page |  | Mollie's Corner Page |  | Home |