Joseph Jackson and James Wasson were executed on April 23, 1886. Both of these men were found guilty of murder in jury trials held before Judge Isaac C. Parker. Jackson shot and killed his wife, Mary, on March 9, 1885 at Oak Lodge in the Choctaw Nation. Although Wasson was wanted for an 1872 murder of a man named Henry Martin, he eluded capture until 1884. At that time, a large reward was offered for his arrest in connection with the murder of Almarine Watkins. He was convicted for this crime.
Did You Know?
Lady Bird Johnson came to Fort Smith National Historic Site to dedicate the park on October 27, 1964.