Data from Oklahoma Newspapers

Ada Evening News Monday, Aug 7, 1911 The nude and decomposed body of William Gray, 59, of Moller, was found Saturday a mile west of Hart by boys hunting for plums. It was one of the foulest crimes ever committed in Pontotoc County. Frank Edwards was arrested late Saturday at Pauls Valley and is lodged at the Ada Jail. A preliminary hearing has been set for Thursday morning in Justice Brown's court with County Attorney Wimbish, prosecutor, and R. G. Roland, Attorney for defense (court appointed).  Gray's body was found near the road in a thicket about a mile west of Hart. In another place was found a trunk, and another a tent with blood on it. A posse led by Deputy Eli Morris, Bill Eaves, W. C. Blackburn, Frank BArnett, and one other man tracked Edwards toward Pauls Valley. The sheriff at Pauls Valley had been notified by telephone and had Edwards in custody when the posse arrived. Edwards had sold Gray's wagon and team of mules to Gibson Bros., mule dealers, for $175, and was buying a saddle and having Gray's black horse shod when he was arrested. At first Edwards gave the name of Fred Smith, but later confessed it was Frank Edwards. When arrested Edwards had about $20 in his pockets. Edwards had little to say until Sunday morning when he called for Deputy Morris and told this story: He said that he met up with Gray at Owens Ferry on the Red River and had been traveling with him. He said they camped Wednesday night between Hickory and Roff. He said that on Thursday morning a man named Fred McFarland rode up with a Winchester, ordered him out of the wagon and shot Gray in the back of the head. He said the man then commanded him to go and sell Gray's belongings and be prepared to divide the money and said there were three more men hidden in the brush. Nevertheless, Edwards hauled the body around all day just going around in circles.  He drove into Hart late Thursday night and dumped the body early Friday morning. He said Gray's clothes came off as he was being dragged.  William Gray had been living in Sterling City, Tex, for three or four years although he had been back to visit and attend the funeral of his brother about two years ago. He was moving back to Moller to stay. Gray was a man who tended strictly to his own business and his reputation was the best. He never married. Edwards is well known in Pontotoc County. His family lived at Center at one time. He is 31 years old.

April 10, 1919 Ada Weekly News The little child of Ed Gibson and wife Jossie died Tuesday night at the family home. Talmage Lowman returned from France Saturday with an honorable discharge in his pocket, and feeling happy that he done "his bit" in the big world war.  He says he is glad to get back to the old U.S.A. Sgt. R. C. Blaylock arrived in Stratford from Camp J. E. Johnson, Florida where he has been in service for the past 16 months. Lonnie Griffin arrived home from France Saturday.  Lonnie served one year of service in the Army.  He is the son of S.E. Griffin out on Route 1.

 

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