Lawman George R. Tucker became a U S Deputy Marshal in 1889. From 1878 to 1889 he was a peace officer and deputy sheriff in Montague Co., TX. In an interview he told this story.

One of the most important and spectacular cases in my career as a peace officer occurred in the early ‘80’s. Arrington Gray was a poor farmer, living on Mud Creek. Along in May, when he needed them most in his farm work, his two horses were stolen. There was considerable agitation about it across the river. Gray was well liked and the settlers felt sorry for him. Besides, the people were beginning to take a strong position against the thieves who had long plied their trade over in the Territory.

After a while, it was tipped off to me that the horses were hidden about eight miles from Spanish Fort on the Texas side of Red River. I went out to investigate and found them tied in the blackjack timber. There was no one to guard them, so I decided to put a watcher there.

Accordingly, I posted a liveryman at a vantage point. He saw a man come to water and feed the team twice. So, early on the morning of the third day, I went out. When the fellow came to perform his morning chore, I arrested him.

His name was Morgan and if I ever saw a real thief, he was one. You could tell it the minute you looked at him. His was the best example of the thief’s countenance that I have ever seen.

I took him and the horses into Spanish Fort, took him to jail and the horses to the livery stable. Morgan wouldn’t talk. I had reason to believe that others were implicated with him.
He had been living with a couple of suspicious characters up on Mud Creek named Williams and Moon. So I went up there and arrested both of them on suspicion. They were of the same stripe as Morgan. I had no doubt that they were as guilty as he was, but there was little evidence that might be used to convict in court unless one of them could be made to talk.

After I arrested them, I started with them and Morgan to Ardmore to turn them over to the Federal officers. I had five possemen with me; Jack Tucker, Bill Tucker, John Miller, Charley Hague and Cal Turner. We were taking the thieves hand-cuffed.

On the third day, as I recall, of the trip we arrived at the Woodworth Store, a small country store about twenty-five or thirty miles west of Ardmore. We were met by six mounted men. I knew at once that they were bent upon some mission other than a mere vacation. They told me that they were going to take the prisoners and I saw that they meant business. Besides, they were the best men in that whole country, who were trying to stamp out the thieves and to make life and property safe from depredation so I did not try to bluff them off. I might have done it, I think, but it would have been a real fight. There was six of them and six of us. Moreover, I would not have killed one of those decent fellows for all of the thieves in the Territory.

We had "laid out" for two or three nights and were not in the best of humor anyway. So, I put up no fight to protect my prisoners, though, I suppose, by all of the laws I should have killed every man who stood in the way of my delivering the rascals to the Federal Authorities in Ardmore. However, those times were far different from the present, and especially in the attitude toward thievery.

The lynchers had the knots already tied in two ropes. But they were short one rope for the party. One of them asked me for my rope and I loaned it to them. They then took the thieves over to a tree, put them up on horses, tied ropes around their necks and to limbs of the tree and then drove the horses out from under them. I watched them as they were hanged. I remember that William’s rope was too long. He could reach the ground with his feet by standing on tip-toe, which he proceeded to do when the rope cut off his wind. One of the lynchers "cooned" up the tree, yanked Williams up off the ground, and tied the rope. That settled him, and the party was over.

I lost three prisoners and a good rope and got back to Spanish Fort three or four days earlier than I would have otherwise been able to do. I did get the hand cuffs off them before they were hanged. Otherwise, I would have lost three pairs of good handcuffs. They left the bodies hanging until the next day before they cut them down. There are many fellows now living in Southern Oklahoma who saw the bodies before they were cut down. The news spread quite rapidly about the country and people came on horseback and in wagons to see the result of public indignation. Everybody seemed glad that the thieves had been dealt with in that manner. There were no cries of distorted justice.

Several men were indicted for the lynching, but none were convicted. In fact, no one was ever brought to trial for it.

The whole episode was forgotten in-so-far as the law officers were concerned. With the people, it had many versions. I have heard all manner of tales about it, none of which were accurate. I have even been accused of lynching the prisoners, which accusation is a distinct and plain mis-statement of fact. END OF QUOTE!

Of course, I can see Tucker's logic. A law abiding citizen was worth a lot more than a theif in his eyes. It didn't seem to bother him in the least and while he was out a good rope, he did recover his handcuffs.

Norm Brown
West TX

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Norm,

I have quite a bit of info on Tucker and as soon as I can get some files transferred I'll post it. Several men were indicted for this incident and tried and Tucker did come under criticism for his role.

These are the bits I've picked up on Tucker.
Exactly when Tucker became a deputy is open to dispute. The first article naming him as such is found in May, 1889 when he arrested W.L. Purcell of Montague County, formerly of Abilene, was arrested and carried him to Paris on a warrant charging him with the theft of horses in the Indian Territory.

Within months, Tucker was involved in yet another fatal shootout. According to the Territorial Topic, October 10, 1889, Charlie Bowie, alias Charley Davis, aged 19, was shot and mortally wounded while resisting arrest by Deputy U. S. Marshal W. H. Terry. Tucker, who was present at this event, had a warrant for Bowie, charging him with stealing a horse from L. L. Mason at Lexington, I. T.and on learning that Bowie was putting up at his father’s house near Fleetwood, Chickasaw Nation, Tucker, Terry, and C. L. Hart and a posse surrounded the house and demanded young Bowie to surrender. Bowie refused to do so, stating he would kill every one of the officers if they did not leave the premises at once. Terry then left to get more help, informing Bowie unless he surrendered when the officers returned the house would be set on fire. Bowie came out before Tucker had gone but a short distance and opened fire on the other officer, it is said, and endeavored to escape, but fell mortally wounded by a Winchester ball passing through his body, entering at the right nipple. Following the shooting,Terry and Tucker went to Paris to report the killing.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, February 10, 1890, pg. 8: Paris, Tex., Feb. 9 –Deputy Marshal G.R. Tucker arrived in the city, having in charge Dr. Ward, who is under indictment for assault with intent to murder Joe Bryant in Montage, Jan. 20. The doctor changed his location since the occurrence and was arrested in the Chickasaw Nation a few days ago and brought before United States Commissioner Hocker at Purcell and he was sent to jail at this place…

Galveston Daily News, Galveston, Texas, Sunday, May 18, 1890, pg. 4
Assault on an Editor
Three Saintly Deputy United States Marshals Brutally Attack One Man
Gainesville, Tex., May 17 – The deputy United States marshals entered the office of the Evening Register yesterday evening and one of the number assaulted E.B. Walker, the editor, knocking him down and kicking him about the face and head in a most horrible manner, knocking out several of his teeth and breaking his lower jaw and leaving him unconscious, and at the present time his condition is very serious and grave fears are entertained that he will not recover. The parties making the assault were arrested, charged with assault to murder, and were placed in jail, but were brought out this evening and taken before Judge Barrett on a writ of habeas corpus, who fixed bail in each case at $3,500 in default of which they were remanded to jail. The trouble was the result of an article which appeared in the Evening Register some time ago, which reflected somewhat discreditably on the character of a number of deputy marshals. Among the names were those of the party connected with the assault. The whole town was in a furor of excitement last night and frequent threats of lynching were made, but cooler counsel prevailed and the law will be allowed to take its course.

Galveston Daily News, Galveston, Texas, Sunday, May 18, 1890, pg. 4
All About a Personal Feud: Paris, Tex., May 17 – The assault made by Deputy Marshal Mynet[sic/Mynatt] upon Editor Walker of the Gainesville Register yesterday is a matter of surprise and regret to the many friends of the former gentleman in this city. The cause of the trouble is said to have been a personal in the Register reflecting upon Mr. Mynet[sic] a few days ago. Mr. Mynet[sic] passed through Gainesville with a notorious woman who was wanted here for adultery. The Register of that afternoon stated that Mynet[sic] and family passed through the city. This angered Mynet[sic], and in company with Deputies Chancellor and Tucker he called on Editor Walker, and failing to get satisfaction proceeded to take it.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, June 2, 1890, pg. 1
Deputy Marshal Driven Back; Troops Denied Them – Some Fear of a Speck of War
Paris, Tex., June 1 – Deputy Marshal Mynett and Tucker have just returned from a trip to the Cheyenne reservation. They had warrants for two men who are wanted in the federal court here. The Indians learning that they were in the reserve looking for those men sent them word to come no further that they could not get the men unless they were strong enough to take them. The deputies then applied to the military forces at Fort Sill for assistance. The commandant declined to aid them on the ground that the agent in charge of the reserve was absent and the military had no authority to act except on order from the agent, and he doubted even if the agent was there if the necessary orders would be given, as taking their men out would undoubtedly require a strong force and would cause serious trouble with the Indians, who had once before rescued them. On this previous occasion three or four deputies from the northern district went after these men and succeeded in arresting them, but were surrounded by 200 Indians with drawn Winchesters and forced to release them.

Galveston Daily News, Galveston, Texas, Monday, June 2, 1890, pg. 3
Rescued by Indians
Officers in the Cheyenne Reservation Compelled to Release Prisoners
Paris, Tex., June 1 – Deputy Marshal Mynett and Tucker have just returned from a trip to the Cheyenne Reservation. They had warrants for two men who had taken refuge in the reserve, and who are badly wanted by the federal court here. The Indians, hearing that they were in the reserve looking for these men, sent them word to come no further; that they could not get the men unless they were strong enough to take them. The deputies then applied to the military forces at Fort Sill for assistance.
The commandant declined to aid them, on the ground that the agent in charge of the reserve was absent and the military had no authority to act except on orders from the agent, and he doubted, even if the agent was there, if the necessary orders would be given as taking their men out would undoubtedly require a strong force and probably cause serious trouble with the Indians who had once before rescued them on a previous occasion. Three or four deputies from the northern district went after these men and succeeded in arresting them, but were surrounded by 200 Indians with drawn Winchesters and forced to release them.

Galveston Daily News, Galveston, Texas, Tuesday, July 8, 1890, pg. 2: Trial of an Indian
Paris, Tex., July 7 – It will be remembered that a few days ago Deputy Marshal Mynett and two other deputies went to the Kiowa country after bucks who were wanted for horse stealing and the officers were stood off by the whole tribe. Deputy Marshal Chancellor came in today with one of the Indians, whom he captured at Mangum, in Greer County, where he went with others of the tribe to give an exhibition war dance on the 4th of July. He had his examining trial before Commissioner Lee this evening and was discharged. It was shown that he had been indulging in a game of three card monte with some shrewd fellows in this state and lost all he had. After the game was over, he borrowed the horse he lost without its owner’s consent to ride to the reservation and on reaching his home he sent the horse back.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, September 2, 1890, pg. 6
Deputy Marshal Shot; He Telegraphs for Assistants Who Were Immediately Sent to Him
Paris, Tex., Sept. 1 – The following was received at the United States marshal’s office today:
Vernon, Tex., Sept. 1 – To J.J. Dickerson, United States Marshal, Paris, Tex.: I am shot, send two good men at once. – C.N. Dugger, Deputy Marshal. On receipt of this Deputy Marshals Chancellor and Tucker left immediately for Vernon. Dugger works in the Kiowa and Comanche reservations, and it is thought that he has had an encounter with some of the desperadoes for whom he has writs. The extent of his wounds are unknown . He has a wife and three children in Red River County, this state.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, July 16, 1891, pg. 2
Paris, Tex., July 15—Deputy George Tucker came along with Bob Smith, charged with seduction in the Chickasaw Nation, the victim being under 16 years of age.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, October 1, 1891, pg. 2: Shot and Killed
Ardmore, I.T., Sept. 30 – Jim Johnson was shot and killed by Dave Little, near Oklanda, Chickasaw Nation, yesterday morning. The weapon used was a Winchester, the ball entering below the left nipple and passing through the body. Johnson ran about sixty steps and fell dead. The killing was the result of an old feud. Both men have large families. Little surrendered to Deputy United States Marshal Tucker and was held to appear at the United States court at Paris without bail.

Territorial Topic, October 29, 1891: The Paris Court—George Tucker brought in W. E. Saulsman from Paul’s Valley, charged with murder. (Follow up from the Territorial Topic, November 19, 1891—Considerable time was devoted to the case of G. C. (Lum) Saulsman et al for murder. Lum Saulsman, with his two brothers, Jack and Will and his father, E. Y., were indicted for the murder of Russell Frederick in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation, last July, and the case has attracted considerable attention. Judge A. Green of Oklahoma City and J. M. Long of Paris represented the defense, and C. S. Attorney R. E. Hanney and H. B. Birmingham represented the government. The argument was closed by Mr. Birmingham and in 25 minutes after receiving the court’s charge, the jury returned a verdict, acquitting E. Y., Jack and Will Saulsman and finding Lum Saulsman guilty of manslaughter.)

Territorial Topic, November 5, 1891: The Paris Court—Deputy G. B. Tucker brought in C. Brown, an Indian, indicted by the federal grand jury now in session, for introducing and selling liquor. He gave bond for a future appearance.

Territorial Topic, November 12, 1891: The Paris Court—Deputy George Tucker came in Thursday with one Joe Paul, charged with assault to kill. Later in column: Deputy J. D. Mynatt brought in John Bryan, and Deputy George R. Tucker, Joe Belt, charged with introducing. The officers captured quite an extensive supply of jugs with Bryan and Belt, all labeled “Medicine,” but which upon being examined, were found to contain a fair quality of whiskey.

Front row of photograph by Charles D. Kirkland of Johnson County, Wyoming Invaders at Fort D. A. Russell, 1892: W. Little, Jeff Mynett, Bob Barlings, S. Sutherland, Buck Garrett, G. R. Tucker...

Chickasaw Enterprise, January 25, 1894: The appointees under U. S. Marshal J. Shelby Williams, of Paris, as so far learned are Walter E. Hocker, Purcell; Dave Hooker (Booker?), George E. Tucker, David Wilson, and S. T. Lindsey, Ardmore. Marshall Williams is considering the best interests of the citizens in weeding out many old deputies. Sheb has many warm friends in Pauls Valley and they congratulate him on his appointment to so high an office of trust and responsibility and pledge themselves that they will render him all the assistance necessary for upholding the standing of his force.

Purcell Register, January 26, 1894: From the Gainesville Register it is learned that Marshal Sheb Williams has reappointed the following deputies for the Chickasaw Nation: D. E. Booker, Jim Chancellor, George Tucker, S. T. Lindsey, W. E. Hocker, and J. D. Wilson. It is given out that he will give a number of other appointments there in a few days.—Ardmorite, 24.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, December 3, 1897, pg. 8
Deputies United States Marshal
Ardmore, I.T., Dec. 2 – D.E. Booker and G.R. Tucker qualified today as deputies United States marshals (this would be for the Southern District of Indian Territory which was by act of Congress was assuming felony jurisdiction effective January 1, 1898.)

From the Purcell Register, December 9, 1898, p.8, c. 3 & 4: “The Bill Dalton Killing—Paris, Texas, Dec. 2—The last chapter of a very noted case...was closed here today when Deputy Marshals Booker, Reynolds, McKee, Lindsey, Leatherman, Thompson, Tucker, Little, McAfee, Kilgore, and Hart were charged in the Federal Court with murder...After hearing the evidence all the defendants were discharged.”

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, January 10, 1900, pg. 8
Ardmore, I.T., Jan. 9 – Acting upon the advice of the Chickasha Board of Health, Mayor Monican of that city wired Marshal Hammer today, requesting that the February term of Federal Court be passed. The term begins Feb. 4. Judge Townsend will probably pass the term, as Marshal Hammer wired Deputy Tucker not to subpoena witnesses for said term. The prevalence of smallpox is the reason of the request.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas, November 28, 1901, pg. 3: Game Law Case—Citizen of Ardmore is to be prosecuted for Alleged Violation: Ardmore, I.T., Nov. 27 – Deputy Marshal J.A. (sic) Tucker yesterday arrested A.S. Gray, a well-known citizen, charging him with violating the game laws. The game warden of Chicago has during the past few months seized several hundred pounds of game shipped to that city from this Territory. Gray brought suit against the officials before the Illinois court and the Department of Justice officials at Washington ordered Gray’s prosecution in the Indian Territory.

Tower! Very good information on Tucker. I had some of the info. you list. Some of the descendants of George stated "he was a man who could stretch the truth, stomp on it, or totally discard it". I think he told what sounded good.
Being on the receiving end of Judge Parker was a hot seat to say the least.

As far as him saying he made trips to Prisons in the North sounded truthful but I have not found any written proof of such trips.

I do believe the lynching story near Ardmore as I think he told the truth about giving up his suspects to citizens.

Finally, it was either George or one of his relatives that went with the group of gunmen to take part in the Johnson Co., WY war! I read where they were hired in Paris, TX, boarded a train and traveled to WY and returned some time later. Could be that George told a leave from Marshal duties to earn some extra pay!

Here's you one verification: According to the Purcell Register, Dec. 11, 1891, p.2: The outlaw Bill Hudgins and members of his gang, all recently convicted of various charges at Paris, were transported by rail to prison at Detroit on Dec. 8th. The Galveston Daily News, for Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1891, p. 3, carried an item date Dec. 14 from Paris, that George Tucker who had been one of the deputies escorting the prisoners reported an escape attempt by Hudgins.
Hudgins and the escape attempt is a whole 'nother story, so if you want it you'll have to email me.