A Lot Of Ten Important Heck Thomas Ephemeral Documents

by Heck Thomas Family Archive

Publication: Various Authors, 1891 - 1912, Various Locations

The archive consists of ten individual and separate items as detailed: 1). A 10 1/4" x 7 3/4" original typed letter on letterhead of the United States Courts At Chambers, Fort Smith, Arkansas, with the original inked signature of "The Hanging Judge" Issac Parker. I. C. Parker, District Judge, Letter of recommendation: "Capt. Thomas has done very much service for the Government in the way of breaking up lawless bands of desperadoes, made up of murderers, train and express robbers. I regard him as just the man for the position. He is a man of integrity, and I would be glad to see him appointed. I am, respectfully, Your friend, I. C. Parker." Stamped on the verso March 15, 1893. Two old fold creases and light wear to the extremities, else a very good copy. 2). 5" x 7" original undated court document United States District Court in the Western District of Arkansas. Signed by W. H. Sandels, U. S. District Attorney, regarding John Carroll receiving $1127.00 for "Pay of Bailiffs." Chip to the margin at top edge of document, else very good. 3). 3" x 8 1/4" original document boldly signed in ink by Heck Thomas, Deputy United States Marshal. This is an expense account slip certifying that I used my own team for the purpose of "endeavoring to arrest Slaughter Kid Bill Doolin." He adds further I also certify that my team consists of "Two good horses and spring wagon and saddle horse." All written in ink and boldly signed. Minor nicks to top edge else near fine. 4). 11" x 8 1/2" handwritten letter relating to Bill Doolin, on Department of Justice, U. S. Marshal's Office, Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory letterhead and dated Aug. 28, 1896. The letter reads: "Governor of Missouri / We hereby authorize Heck Thomas to receive and receipt for in our names, the reward offered by you, for the capture, conviction, etc. of Wm. Doolin, one of the parties guilty of murder and robbery at Southwest City, Missouri, or/and we certify that the man killed -- and brought to Guthrie, Tuesday, August 25th by Heck Thomas, and turned over to the U. S. Marshal was the outlaw, Bill Doolin. B. Dunn, Charles A. Noble / G. E. Dunn, Thomas E. Noble / C. D. Dunn, J. E. Dunn." Two fold creases and light wear to the extremities, else very good. 5) 9 1/2" x 6" Heck Thomas handwritten in pencil letter. The letter is handwritten and signed by Heck Thomas on Seminole Hardware Company letterhead, Creek Nation, 6 miles East of SacFox Agency, Wewoka, Indian Territory. The letter is addressed to the "Hon. C. H. Thompson / U. S. Marshal, dated Nov. 28, 1897. It reads: "Sir, I have some information in regards to the outlaw gang that will carry me on to Sapulpa, I. T. or near there by Tuesday eve. If you are by that time in receipt of any information that will aid me please wire or write me to that point. And if you write, please mark on envelope 'Hold Til Called For.' Or it would be returned to Guthrie. I know I stand a shot to get part of this Jennings gang this trip. Rspt (Respectfully) yours, Heck Thomas, Deputy U. S. Marshal." Old horizontal fold creases and some vertical creases as well, else a very good copy. 6) 11" X 8 1/2" Heck Thomas handwritten letter to Hon. Sam Overstreet, written and signed by Heck Thomas, Deputy. The letter is written on P. C. Grimm letterhead stationery located at the Sac and Fox Agency, Okla., and is dated "April 13, 1898. The letter is a request for a subpoena. A few fold creases else a very good copy. 7). Signed typewritten note dated August 17, 1912, to Mrs. Heck Thomas and children: "It is beyond our power to express in words our sympathy for you in the loss of your dear husband and father. We have lost too. Friends and companions for years, we well know the worth of him who now is beyond where earthly friendship avails. At present we can only express our heartfelt feelings for you, hoping that in your faith in the Almighty God you will find that comfort which no earthly sympathy can bring you. With hope that you may be able to bear the burden laid upon you, Yours Wm. Tilghman, C. Madsen." As a footnote to the foregoing message Robert McCubbin adds: "This came to me from Beth Tomas, one of the children it was addressed to. I find it an incredible note from two of 'The Three Guardsmen' to the wife and children of the third, who has just died." A near fine copy. 8). 10" x 13 7/8" certificate announcing Heck Thomas's United States Marshal's Deputy appointment for the Territory of Oklahoma, this 2nd day of May 1891, signed William Grimes, United States Marshall for the Territory of Oklahoma. Several fold creases are prominent along with a few old cellophane tape images, certificate backed with paper for added support. Overall a good copy. 9). 9 7/8" x 13 7/8" certificate announcing Heck Thomas's United States Deputy appointment for the Territory of Oklahoma, this 14th day of March, 1896, signed P. S. Nagle, United States Marshall for the Territory of Oklahoma. Several fold creases, certificate backed with paper for added support, else a good copy. 10). 8 1/2" x 13" certificate announcing Heck Thomas's appointment as Deputy Marshall of the United States for the Western District of Arkansas, Under Me, the said Marshall. Signed George Crump, Marshall and Stephen Wheeler, clerk, Jan.10th, 1893, at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Several fold creases and certificate backed with paper for added support, else a very good copy. The provenance for this archive is the Robert G. McCubbin Collection. A choice selection of Heck Thomas and Oklahoma unique material.

Inventory Number: 45852