Lot 187
Thomas, Heck (1850-1912) Western gunfighter in more than ten recorded gunfights. In his checkered career, Heck Thomas was a soldier, railroad guard, detective and lawman. He served in the Stonewall Jackson brigade as a courier during the Civil War. He was chief agent for The Texas Express Co. and was wounded by the Sam Bass gang in a train robbery. With Bill Tilghman, Thomas cleaned up "Hell's Half Acre," shot Ned Christie, and killed Bill Doolin in July 1896. He was responsible for over 300 arrests in three years, making him one of the deadliest lawmen of the West.
Document Signed. One page, legal Folio, Oklahoma Territory, December 3, 1896. Embossed seals present. Affidavit declaring the necessity of "the employment of a posse comitatus at Lawson" in the arrest of George Lane, Walter McLain, Lee Kallian and others in the area of "Osage Creek & Cherokee Nat[ion]…" Boldly signed "HA Thomas".
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,400.
|
| |
| Realized $575 |
