Person:Tibbitts Braught (1)

This is the T.R. Braught who was dep. sheriff buried at Afton,OK (unmarked grave) after his execution at McAllister,OK for murder. He was a peace officer who shot a criminal who had been stalking him, but the criminal was not then armed (see Miami Record Herold May 30, 1919,page 2Col.1). His wife (Mary Carter) was murdered 1916 at Drumright while he was waiting execution at McAlister; reportedly by thugs revenging for murdering Otis Robbins at Drumright. He was survived by his mother (question that fact -- some other news reports saying he had 4 brothers and 4 sisters surviving - probably incorrect without half-sibling), 2 brothers, and one sister. These murders were related to a gunfight when T. R. killed a criminal and the criminal friends or family swore to get even. Apparently T. R. was a bit fast on the trigger anyway. The politics of the territory trying to become a state gave his trial special importance (law man murdering unarmed criminal needed some clear action representing the territory's judgment, etc.).

   Listed in 1910 Craig Co.,OK census as a farmer, age 19.  See info. of Ottawa Co.Gen.Soc provided by Hildred Hughes Ables, 700 Garfield St., Miami, OK 74354.  T.R. Obit. stated that 5 children were born to his mother, 3 still living in May, 1919 (Chas.C. and Claria died before 1874).  On 17 Jul 1997 I visited this library and Mrs. Hildred Ables to collect added data in person. Also, I searched the Afton Cemetery for his stone, but not there (suspect that notoriety stimulated omission of a stone on same lot as parents (see grave site photo showing ample empty space for other graves without stones).
   See Miami, OK article 23 May 1919 with some different data.  1900 Indian Census (see Cloyd notes for exact date and location) listed Roy T. born 1890, age 9, which is consistent with other records.  Jan Lund data Jul 97 fairly consistent (reversed his names and birth date 14th Sep 1890).  So much data (and photo) on him as prisoner, etc. it would be simple to add more date verifications on him when needed.  Also see photo shared Sep. 1997 by Ruth Grout Braught (via grandson Byron BLAKE Braught of TX)  of LA.
  See List of OK Executions DOC (Dept. of Corrections): received 10-05-17, executed 5-23-19 for murder at Creek County, OK (first white after 7 blacks executed in the new state of OK).

Oklahoma HIstorical Society, Wiley Post Historical Bldg., Oklahoma City, OK responded July 8, 1985 to my May 20, 1985 query for Braught data. They found Friday May 23, 1919, pg. 1 col. 7 and pg. 2 an article "First White Man to Electric Chair" - T.R. Braught in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. Also see their report of Claude G. or Claude Godfrey Braught in Indian Documents and 1900 Indian Territory Census. Also they found Samuel Braught in 1900 Census for Richland,Labette,KS. They found in 1850 census (forgot to add state of OH) David Braught of Blanchard town, Putnam County

1. ↑ obituary.
2. ↑ Tibbitts is reported to be buried in an unmarked grave at Afton Cemetery after his execution at the State Penitentiary at McAllister, OK.