This information is offered FREE and taken from 
http://www.okgenweb.net/~okcaddo/ 
If you have arrived here using a pay site please know 
that this information has been donated by volunteers in a 
joint effort to provide FREE genealogy material online. 

Caddo Co. OK - Newspaper

Andarko Tribune

Submitted by Sandy Miller
=========================================================================
31 Jan 1902

A Large Concourse Show Their Respect and Esteem His Murderers Still at 
Large, A Splendid Record

The funeral of Sheriff Frank E. Smith took pace at 2:30 Friday afternoon, 
services being held in the Christian church. That edifice was crowded to the 
very doors and many were unable to gain admittance. It was a strong testimonial 
of the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends and 
neighbors, and sympathy felt for the wife and children.

The services at the church were solemn and impressive and consisted of the 
singing of "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Lead Kindly Light" by the choir and 
a short sermon by Rev. Creason, after which the casket was opened and his 
friends were allowed a last look at the deceased. The scene was pathetic as 
strong men who had been his warm friends gazed into his face and broke down 
in tears.

The funeral procession to the cemetery was a large one consisting of some 60 
carriages. The services here were conducted by the I.O.O.F. and A.O.U.W. 
lodge, the ceremonies being most impressive.

So was interred one of Norman's bravest and best citizens, a man devoted to 
his duty, to is family and to his country. A true friend and a courteous 
gentleman, a brave and honest, efficient official. No greater tribute could 
be paid to him than was paid by the great concourse of friends and neighbors 
who turned out in such great numbers to show him the last honors.

Mr. Smith came to Norman from Denison, Texas, in the year 1893, and at once 
took a leading part in the affairs of the town. He was always a consistant, 
stalwart republican, but for two years, notwithstanding, his politics, was 
elected city marshal in this democratic stronghold==much stronger than now. 
He made a splendid official, and nothing was charged against his official 
integrity and honor. He was also the republican candidate for sheriff one 
year, running far in advance of his ticket and failing of election only be a 
small margin. He then acted as deputy U.S. marshal for several years and in 
that position conducted himself so that his chiefs declared him one of their 
best men. In July, 1901, he was appointed sheriff of CADDO COUNTY and was 
given a clean, honorable and thoroughly able administration when he met his 
untimely death. At the time of his death he was chairman of the republican 
central committee of Cleveland county, and had always been prominent in 
party matters in county and territory.

To the wife and children, Louie and Blanche, the sympathies of the people go 
out most sincerely and everyone feels that they have lost a personal friend. 
(taken from the Norman Transcript and printed in the Anadarko Tribune)
==========================================================================
31 Jan 1902 

Two of the Suspected Murderers of the Anadarko Officials Captured

Newkirt, O.T.-Two men are now in jail here on suspicion that they murdered 
Sheriff Smith and Deputy Beck of Caddo county. The men gave their names as 
Moffet and Cooper and say they came from the Creek Nation.

The arrest was due to the desire of the men for more ammunition. The men 
arrived in the Kaw reservation three days ago and stopped at the home of a 
farmer, and the man sent for more ammunition. As soon as the farmer reached 
the city he informed Sheriff Bain and described the men. The description 
tallied so well with the murderers of Sheriff Smith that a posse of ten men 
was organized and followed the farmer back. The house was surrounded, 
avenues of escape effectively cut off, making any such attempt a case of 
almost instant death. After a little parleying the men notified the sheriff 
that they would surrender. They stepped outside with their hands above their 
heads and were soon surrounded by the posse. Two Winchesters and two 
revolvers and 200 rounds of ammunition were found.

The horses the men rode were still so jaded after two days' rest that they 
could scarcely make the trip to this city, having the appearance of 
overriding. The posse arrived about dark and the sheriff at once began to 
telephone the United States marshal at Guthrie. The description of the men 
tallying in every particular with the description given by Deputy Briggs, 
who was with Smith when he was murdered. The United States officials say 
that the men have undoubtedly given fictitious names.

The men refuse to say anything except that they came from the Creek Nation. 
They do not attempt to explain their visit to the Kaw reservation or the 
condition of their horses.
==========================================================================