From the Atoka Indian Citizen, February 22, 1890: "Babe Mahardy, a Creek negro, was arrested by Deputy Marshal Heck Thomas on a charge of larceny preferred in the Ft. Smith jurisdiction. Babe is a cripple, having a record envied by able bodied men. He has three times been sent to the penitentiary by Judge Parker for horse stealing; twice the Cherokee have whipped him (for stealing); and the Creeks convicted him four times for the same offense. On the third and fourth occasions the sentence of death by shooting was pronounced, but he was saved by pardon each time. Babe says he will quit when there are no more horses."