Sheriff James T. Musgrove

Sheriff James T. Musgrove

United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, U.S. Government

End of Watch Monday, June 3, 1895

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James T. Musgrove

Sheriff James Musgrove was shot and killed while attempting to serve a writ on a man near Catoosa, Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma). The suspect had been charged with illegally driving cattle and horses to the Osage Nation and selling them.

As Sheriff Musgrove and another officer approached, the man came out of his house with a Winchester rifle and took up a position behind a log building. He opened fire through the cracks in the logs, striking Sheriff Musgrove in the abdomen.

The man fled but was eventually captured. He was convicted of Sheriff Musgrove's murder and subsequently executed by hanging on September 13, 1895.

Sheriff Musgrove was sheriff of Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation. He had served with the agency for two years. He was survived by his mother and brother and is buried in Woodlawn Cemtery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Oklahoma
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 1895

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Sheriff Musgrove,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the Cherokee Nation. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 3, 2020