Poteau Weekly
July 14, 1921

Fatal Shooting At Stapp.

A late message comes from Stapp, this county, of the killing by Jim MOORE of a man named BAILEY, who was shot three times by his assailant and mortally wounded, dying, Tuesday evening.

Before death occurred MOORE appeared before a justice of the peace at Heavener and was released on $2500 bond, but since his death, Deputy Sheriff Sam COSTELLO went down and brought in the man and full particulars of the killing, which occurred at a school election, will be learned, but which are not available at this time.

Poteau News
LeFlore Co. OK 

Poteau Weekly 
September 15, 1921 

Moore Given Fifteen Years

The case of the State of Oklahoma against J. A. MOORE, charged with the killing of J. T. BAILEY on the 12th of last July at Zoe, this county, came on for hearing Monday morning of this week and the taking of the testimony occupied the greater part of two days. Judge W. H. BROWN of Tulsa, assisted the state in the prosecution and the defense was conducted by Attorneys WHITE and REID and NEAL and NEAL of this city. 

The case grew out of a difference of opinion in the Zoe school relative to the management of the school during the current year. MOORE and BAILEY, it seems, differed on the matter in dispute, and witnesses testified that MOORE told BAILEY they could settle their differences outside of the meeting, and passed out followed by BAILEY, Henry MOORE, a son of the defendant, encountered BAILEY on the outside and they engaged in a scuffle, both going to the ground. The defendant here entered the melee, and fearing his son was in great bodily danger, used a pistol on Bailey, who died from the wounds inflicted. The case was given to the jury Wednesday night, and this morning returned a verdict of guilty and that the defendant be imprisoned in the penitentiary for fifteen years. Judge LESTER will adjourn court on Saturday of this week in order to open a term of district court in Latimer County at Wilburton on Monday of next week. 

Too much praise cannot be give the judge for his work during the term here. 

Submitter's Note - The Bailey mentioned was my grandfather John Thomas Bailey, born in Missouri in 1868. He was survived by his wife, Lieu Alice Berry Bailey, and five children. Ruby Bailey Clark, Thomas J., Mary Marie, Pauline F., Raymond W. and Roy V. Bailey. 

Source: OKBits