I was wondering if any other information exists about the the federal prohibition officer Wiley Lynn. It seems the only thing that is available on the internet is he was drunk and he killed the infamous Bill Tilghman. Nine years later had shootout w/Long and both were killed as well as a teenage bystander. Is that it? Is there someone who can tell me about the man other than that??
I am not ashamed to say the reason I am seeking this info is because I recently became interested in researching my family history and found that Wily Lynn was my great grandfather. I know he was no angel but there has to be more.. I am curious. Thanks
I did a quick search on Newspaper Archives on the library link here in Oklahoma. If you live in Oklahoma and belong to a local library you should be able to get into the database by using your library card number and then searching on Lynn for the years 1921-1930. Gives several articles about Lynn which says a lot for his character.
If you live out of state, you might want to contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Library and ask them to do a search on his last name on "The Oklahoman" index and make you a copy of anything they find (50 cents per page). Interesting reading there.
I have some general background information on Mr. Lynn, like where he was born, whom he married, occupations and children. If you are wanting this please contact me at Packers52@Valornet.com and I'll give you this info.
Thank you frawg for the tip. I live in California so can't go to the OK library, however, I found some articles from the Oklahoman and other places. It seems everybody had a different view about the events both with Tilghman and Long. So different in fact that I am now totally confused. Any one know what really happened?? Which version is correct? For example, In "the last shoot out", whose gun penetrated who and killed the innocent bystander? I have read many versions and in one, Crockett Longs big ol'.44 caliber shot 2 bullets right through Wiley Lynn and one hit and later killed the bystander. In another version, the exact total opposite was stated, saying Lynn's 38 caliber shot through Long killing bystander. Then another article states that Lynn's stray bullets killed the innocent bystander. And so on.... All different. Thanks again!!
MIKE, YES PLEASE SEND ME WHATEVER INFO YOU HAVE THANKS SO MUCH !!
Without causing a complete firestorm from the Wiley Lynn fans out there, I'll say this: It's been documented that Tilghman had a checkered past which included horse theft and whiskey peddling to Indians during the 1870s. However, his record as a frontier lawman is exceptional and his sheer stamina in remaining in this dangerous occupation for so many years is a true testiment to his character and bravery. Tilghman reportedly went to Cromwell initially at the request of the Governor of Oklahoma and was appointed the city marshal there in which capacity he was serving when he was shot and killed. What is known for sure is that Lynn had gotten out of a vehicle (intoxicated or not depending on what you want to believe) which contained a known prostitute/madam (Rose Lutke) and a soldier from Fort Sill. Lynn claimed that when he got out of the vehicle, he checked his pistol and it went off sending a bullet into the street. Some bystanders say it was intentional and others say it was an accident. He attempted to enter an establishment and was stopped by Tilghman. A struggle ensued over Lynn's pistol which Tilghman had gotten hold of. Lynn then pulled a second pistol and shot and killed Tilghman. I am currently doing some research on Thomas Edward Brents Jr. who was the head of the federal prohibition forces in Oklahoma at the time and was Lynn's superior. Brents arrived on the scene shortly after the killing. I have a copy of his personal scrapbook and I think it interestign to point out that he has a veritable ton of information on nearly every outlaw he arrested and criminal case he was involved in in prosecuting...nowhere in this scrapbook is there a mention of Wiley Lynn or Bill Tilghman. Whether this ommission was by design or he simply did not think it a worthy topic to commemorate, we will likely never know.
On the Trail Diron Ahlquist Secretary, Oklahombres Inc.
Posts: 333 | Location: Oklahoma City, OK | Registered: Wed December 10 2003
The main thing to remember about the Lynn-Tilghman case is that Lynn was "Aquitted"!!! Tilghman was not sent to Cromwell by the Governor to "Clean Up The TOwn"....Tilghman had been "Mooching" his political pals for months looking for a position......Tilghman was too old and to "Seedy" for any important positions.
As I noted in my previous posting, opinions on this topic vary greatly given your position and feelings toward either side. True Okie is absolutely correct in that Lynn was acquitted by a jury of his peers so the official record indicates that Lynn was not guilty.
On the Trail Diron Ahlquist Secretary, Oklahombres Inc.
Posts: 333 | Location: Oklahoma City, OK | Registered: Wed December 10 2003
Diron, Thank you for the info.. I have a question; You mentioned Wiley Lynn's Superior has a scrapbook of information. Are you saying this scrapbook has nothing about Lynn in it? Or are you saying it has nothing about the Lynn/Tilghman incident?? I was wondering because I would like to read about Lynn's cases and arrests as a lawman if this is possible. Thanks!
The Brents Scrapbook has no mention of Wiley Lynn at all. I'm not sure where you would be able to locate info on the cases that he worked. Might try the National Archives in Washington DC first and then if that doesn't work try the National Archives branch at Fort Worth. I don't believe the OK Historical Society or Western History Collections at OU would have anything that would assist.
On the Trail Diron Ahlquist Secretary, Oklahombres Inc.
Posts: 333 | Location: Oklahoma City, OK | Registered: Wed December 10 2003
Nearly five years have passed since you originally posted this note. I don't know if you are continuing your research on Thomas Edward Brents, Jr., who was my grandfather. You mention a copy of his personal scrapbook. May I ask where you obtained it? Is there anyplace that I can access any further information about my grandfather? Thanks.
Daniel Brents, son of Thomas E. Brents, Jr and grandson of Thomas E. Brents (Jr.)
quote:
Originally posted by Diron: Without causing a complete firestorm from the Wiley Lynn fans out there, I'll say this: It's been documented that Tilghman had a checkered past which included horse theft and whiskey peddling to Indians during the 1870s. However, his record as a frontier lawman is exceptional and his sheer stamina in remaining in this dangerous occupation for so many years is a true testiment to his character and bravery. Tilghman reportedly went to Cromwell initially at the request of the Governor of Oklahoma and was appointed the city marshal there in which capacity he was serving when he was shot and killed. What is known for sure is that Lynn had gotten out of a vehicle (intoxicated or not depending on what you want to believe) which contained a known prostitute/madam (Rose Lutke) and a soldier from Fort Sill. Lynn claimed that when he got out of the vehicle, he checked his pistol and it went off sending a bullet into the street. Some bystanders say it was intentional and others say it was an accident. He attempted to enter an establishment and was stopped by Tilghman. A struggle ensued over Lynn's pistol which Tilghman had gotten hold of. Lynn then pulled a second pistol and shot and killed Tilghman. I am currently doing some research on Thomas Edward Brents Jr. who was the head of the federal prohibition forces in Oklahoma at the time and was Lynn's superior. Brents arrived on the scene shortly after the killing. I have a copy of his personal scrapbook and I think it interestign to point out that he has a veritable ton of information on nearly every outlaw he arrested and criminal case he was involved in in prosecuting...nowhere in this scrapbook is there a mention of Wiley Lynn or Bill Tilghman. Whether this ommission was by design or he simply did not think it a worthy topic to commemorate, we will likely never know.
THANKS SO MUCH !!
