December 8, 1899, Caddo Herald
James Yarborough, formerly United States Constable, shot and killed Lon Gardner in Durant Tuesday afternoon. The two men were on horseback, Yarborough going to his home in the west part of town and Gardner coming into town. They met and after a few words the shooting occurred. Garner is said to have been under the influence of liquor. He told Yarborough he was going to kill him and at the same time reached for his rifle. Yarborough then drew his revolver and shot twice, one ball passing through the body and the other going through the left leg. Garner died in a few minutes. Gardner was an Indian and had a record as a bad man, having killed two men during his lifetime. Yarborough gave himself up to Deputy Marshal Wall and has his preliminary hearing before United States Commissioner G.T. Ralls and was released without bail. The evidence shows that is was a case of self defense.
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