John Billee

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John Billee
DiedJanuary 16, 1890
Cause of deathHanged
NationalityAmerican
Conviction(s)Murder
Criminal penaltyDeath by hanging

John Billee (fl. 1873 – January 16, 1890) was a Creek Indian and an American outlaw of the Old West. He operated in Indian Territory with John Willis and the two murdered W. P. Williams and buried his body in the Kiamichi Mountains.[1][better source needed] Billie was noted for his bad temper.[2]

Following Billee's arrest by United States Marshals Will Ayers, James Wilkerson, and Perry DuVall (or DuVal) for robbery and murder, he was taken to Fort Smith, Arkansas. During his transportation, he broke free during an overnight stay. Billee slipped out of his handcuffs and killed DuVall with his own pistol. He then wounded Ayers and Wilkerson before being shot and disabled by another [unnamed] guard. Billee and John Willis were tried and condemned. While in custody at Fort Smith, his unruly behavior necessitated his being chained to a cell wall. In spite of his personal plea to be shot by the hangman, he was dragged to the gallows and hanged.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Message Boards". boards.ancestry.netscape.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Owens, Ron (2000). Oklahoma heroes: the Oklahoma Peace Officers Memorial. Turner Publishing Company (KY). p. 88. ISBN 978-1-56311-571-4. Retrieved February 27, 2011.