In March of 1878, George Thomas killed Bill Gibbs at Fort Supply. Thomas was subsequently taken to Fort Smith for trial. Not sure whether the trial took place in later 1878 or sometime in 1879. Anybody have anything on this?

Roger Myers

My article on George Thomas appeared in the Oklahombres Journal, Summer 2004:

The Murder of Armstead Gibbs
Camp Supply, Indian Territory, 1878

by

Diron Lacina Ahlquist

On March 23, 1878, Armstead Gibbs was seated on a wheelbarrow outside of the Lee & Reynolds butcher shop at Camp Supply. George Thomas, a black man, was on his way into the butcher shop to discuss some business with the shopkeeper regarding a horse that he was to "fix" for the contractors. As he approached the shop, Thomas noticed Gibbs who was sitting on the wheelbarrow with a pistol drawn and giving Thomas a glare in a "menacing and angry manner". Gibbs hollered out words to the effect of "You have been carrying a pistol around here long enough for me!" to which Thomas responded, "Gibbs, have you a pistol?". Thomas continued by the man when suddenly Gibbs jumped to his feet with his pistol still in hand.

"...cocking his pistol as he got up, [Gibbs] rushed toward [Thomas] and fired upon him then [Thomas] drew his pistol, but as [Thomas] was drawing the pistol [Gibbs] fired a second shot at [Thomas], having advanced to within three or four feet on [Thomas]..."

Thomas reacted quickly, pulling his own sidearm in hopes of self-preservation. One of the two shots fired by Gibbs penetrated Thomas' overcoat "immediately over his heart", but going through the cloth without striking flesh. After the second shot was fired from Gibbs' pistol, Thomas' revolver answered and he fired "at [Gibbs] several shots in rapid succession".

"...[Gibbs] retreated into the butcher's shop backwards with his face toward [Thomas] and fired at [Thomas] a third time in the shop. Then [Thomas] fired the second shot and three more shots at [Gibbs] until [Gibbs] was killed".

When the shooting had ceased, Armstead Gibbs lay dead with a single bullet hole in his body.

Several incidents occurred in the days preceding the shooting that eventually culminated in the killing of Gibbs. A few days before the shooting occurred, Thomas had confronted Gibbs about some uncomplimentary remarks Gibbs had made toward his wife on two separate occasions at the Thomas home. To this, Gibbs drew his pistol and threatened to use it when Thomas struck him with his fist and made him holster the weapon. As Gibbs withdrew from the scene he remarked, "This is not settled yet," and he stated directly that he intended to kill Thomas.

Another incident occurred shortly after this altercation when Thomas overheard Gibbs inside the teamster master's office making comments to another man that he "was carrying a pistol for that Thomas" and "There goes that damned son-of-a-bitch I intend to kill him the first time I get a chance". Soon after, Gibbs had gone to the place where Mrs. Thomas was employed and the two were seen arguing. According to eyewitnesses, Gibbs was attempting to proposition Mrs. Thomas for sexual favors to which the lady responded that she "didn't make her money that way". Gibbs was insulted and attempted to strike the woman, but his assault was fought off. However, Gibbs soon returned and "attempted to outrage her person". Gibbs was ordered by Lt. R. Vance, 19th Infantry, to stay away from Mrs. Thomas, but Gibbs again "renewed his infamous proposals" toward Mrs. Thomas.

Following the killing of Gibbs, Thomas immediately went to the commanding officer of Camp Supply and surrendered himself to his custody. Thomas was arrested and an inquiry was held in which only the men who would later serve as Government witnesses were present. These witnesses were inside the butcher shop when the shooting occurred and had no knowledge of the events which immediately preceded the shooting which occurred outside the shop. The "witnesses" testified that both men had fired "about the same time" and it was for this reason that a complaint was made to the federal court at Fort Smith and a warrant issued for the arrest of George Thomas.

Thomas was taken to Fort Reno where he was incarcerated in the guardhouse to await the arrival of a deputy U.S. marshal from Fort Smith. Deputy U.S. Marshal James H. Mershon was dispatched to western Indian Territory with several warrants and served them at Forts Sill and Reno before returning to Fort Smith. Mershon and possemember, James Wheeler, arrived at Fort Reno on May 9 and took Thomas into custody.

The Fort Smith Herald of June 10, 1878 reported:

"Deputy U.S. Marshal J.H. Mershon and posse James Wheeler returned yesterday from the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. They also visited Forts Sill and Reno. Brought in two whites, two Chickasaws, and one negro (murder)".

George Thomas was tried at Fort Smith in September and the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty" on the charge of murder levied against him. Exonerated of any wrongdoing, it appears that Thomas soon returned to Camp Supply fully vindicated.


References

United States v. George Thomas, Jacket #212, Western District of Arkansas Criminal Case File, National Archives - Southwestern Regional Branch, Fort Worth, TX

Fort Smith Herald, June 10, 1878 & September 16, 1878