Grave Of Marshal Heck Thomas!

Heck Thomas is truly one of the best Marshals that Oklahoma Territory had ever seen.
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[@donpestun1484]

I got interested in Heck Thomas as our 1st Police Chief. I"m in my 25th year with LPD. I asked our Police Chief if I could raise the money 10 years ago to buy Hecks new marker. Turned out everything was donated but I raised nearly $5000. We found 13 descendants of Heck"s from both marriages that had never met eachother. We flew them into Lawton on May 1st (Law day) and they had lunch at a local church with us. We took them to the cemetery in Limos and had the funeral tent set up with 13 seats in it. Had period players from Ft. Sill portray Chis Madson and Bill Tillman. I spoke to the family and nearly 1000 others that were there and then the actors told stories 1st person to the families. His guns are in the local museum. His house was on the creek at 2nd and Lee Blvd where a mexican restaurant stands today

[@RhettyforHistory]

Sounds like I need to go to the local museum there. Is there anything else on him there locally I should see? Thank you for helping get this marker in place. I'm glad you did that and I think it's an excellent tribute to him. That is really neat to hear that all of the descendants were able to meet. That really had to be a great experience for everyone involved. Of the three guardsmen only Chris Madsen does not have one of those. Hopefully something can be done to have one in place. I appreciate you watching.

[@donpestun1484]

Another good one would be the Washita Battlefield in Cheyenne Oklahoma. Federal museum and the actual battlefield. Eerie place. If you ever come to Lawton look me up. I'll take you to the museum and you can gold Heck's guns

[@huntersmith8177]

Apparently I am related to Heck Thomas. He is my great great uncle or something. I am of the Smith Family which is originally from Georgia.

[@supportyourtroopsathletes6460]

Heck seems like he was a outstanding honorable law enforcement officer in deed. With starting my first career in law enforcement in the mid 90s, I have much respect for individuals like what he has done. Totally excellent with dedication for sure.

[@slowtwist]

Thanks for what you did in his honor. I have read that he never fired a shot before he announced he was a marshal and asked for a surrender. He was wounded three time because of this.

[@artcrist7362]

Great video. Heck is my great grandfather and I spent 25 years as a police officer, following in his footsteps.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Those were big footsteps to walk in! Thank you for watching!

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Your great grandfather was a great man. I'm glad you followed in his footsteps.

[@davidroberts5577]

I for one, absolutely appreciate and enjoy you sharing you're passion and knowledge with all of us. Keep up the excellent work , may you and your family be blessed.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching David. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. May you be blessed as well.

[@brendaholliday6866]

Enjoyed your show about Marshal "Heck" Thomas, he was quite a fascinating lawman. But, what amazed me was the fact that he brought 41 prisoners to Fort Smith, alone. I'd never heard of him before but I was glad see your show and learn about him. Take care 🐎

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching and i'm glad you learned about him. He truly was one of the great lawmen of the old west and I feel many people don't know him.

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Oh Heck! Great story Rhetty! There are so many great tales of lawman to be told! Thank you, keep em coming! 👍😘

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right about that Ellen! My goal this year is to really bring those stories out and into the light. We may have a little delay but I'm hopeful we can get to them. Thank you so much for watching! I

[@jimmyfischbeck9872]

As usual, a respectful and well done history lesson! I have a nephew in O.K.C. so this is another stop for me.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Jimmy! If you love Old West history there is a ton of it here in Oklahoma. It may be a long visit! I appreciate you watching!

[@AmWestColl]

Probably a little bit of Heck Thomas in the character "Rooster Cogburn" (John Wayne)

[@RhettyforHistory]

You could be right about that! I'm sure a lot of characters studied up on the real ones. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Carolbearce]

Always love your videos and am excited when I see a new one. Stay healthy my friend in these trying times.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching. Thankfully we are all healthy and well. I hope you stay the same my friend.

[@cwb0051]

Marshal, Had a Heck of a Life...Stay Safe..

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes he did. He really was one of the best lawmen that ever set foot in Oklahoma. Thank you so much for watching!

[@joconnor9256]

Love the old photos

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching Jo!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I've never heard of him, but always enjoy learning about famous people from the old west. I really liked seeing the archway to the cemetery, too. And seven or so minutes is a perfect length for me now, since I don't have much time to watch KZbin videos these days.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I know you're a busy man now! I hope everything is going well. I think the cat issue is a big stressed for sure. Thank you for watching!

[@brileyvandyke5792]

Excellent stuff as always!! Heck Thomas was truly one the greatest lawmen of Oklahoma.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Briley and you're right. He was a big time lawman.

[@Corgis175]

Really enjoy these old time historical sharings. Keep them coming.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I will definitely be doing that. Thank you so much for watching!

[@paulstan9828]

Always great fun Rhetty. Thanks!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Paul! I appreciate you watching!

[@psleep4255]

Again-loving the variety of history. Hopefully I’ll be able to see this and several others that are close. Nice to see you and the family having fun while learning. Happy Trails. ❤️☀️

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching Pam! There is a lot out there left to tell.

[@rebeccamartin9664]

I had never heard of him.. Thanks for sharing. A true worker for the people. I ♥️♥️☝️

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes he was. He was a rare and tough breed. Thank you so much for watching!

[@DenitaArnold]

Nice to see the lawmen get credit. Good video 👍

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes I agree! I'll be covering more this year too. Thank you for watching!

[@joanhamilton2651]

What a history to pass down. Thanks for another great history story.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome Joan! Thank you so much for watching!

[@wendyburnett4086]

I just love these old west videos! And you give so much information!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Wendy and I'm glad you are enjoying the old west videos!

[@gearjammer4779]

I have heard his name before but never knew what he was famous for. Now I know. 👍

[@RhettyforHistory]

He was an amazing lawman that many probably don't know too much about. Thank you so much for watching!

[@nadiazahroon6573]

Wonderful piece. Hope all is good with your family. Have wonderful Sunday.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Everything is good here. We have been recluses. Thanks for watching and I hope you're doing well.

[@harrybutler1828]

Very enjoyable. Like the stories of the old west. Thanks.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Mike! I love the stories from the Old West as well. There is a lot out there to tell still. I appreciate you watching!

[@brianquilty687]

Great story Rhett. Your tales of the old west are very interesting.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Brian and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the tales. I appreciate you watching!

[@patricialenaburg6553]

Love your site, trying to play catch up with your older ones. i am new at this site, and cannot take my eyes off of this. My daughter lives in Lawton, and has for many years. Thanks

[@RhettyforHistory]

There is a lot of history down there in Lawton and this man was part of it. I'm glad you are enjoying the channel and I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

This was totally awesome, and the commentary was awesome too‼️ thanks again for sharing.👍💯

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate you watching!

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

@@RhettyforHistory always 👍

[@slowtwist]

Heck's father was Quartermaster for his brother the general. Heck traveled with and ran messages for his father and uncle. His father fought with the company and was wounded twice. Rescued a wounded officer under fire once. This was uncommon for a Quartermaster most stayed behind directed supplies. Heck's two other uncles were officers. One was killed at the battle of Knoxville. He stood and yelled charge and was shot 16 times. He is buried in a private cemetery a few blocks from the war dog memorial at the university campus. The other uncle surrendered at Vicksburg. Lived a long life in Atlanta and was Grand Marshall of every Confederate Veterans parade until his death. Heck was 13 when he went to war.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Heck was certainly young in the civil war. I can't imagine going thru all he did in his life. Sounds like his whole family had it pretty rough. Getting shot 16 times is really unbelievable. Thank you so much for watching.

[@marbletowntv1791]

Another great historical blast from the past Rhett!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Marble! I appreciate you taking the time to watching and comment.

[@bigblue6917]

You look at people like Thomas and Bass Reeves and you realise the the made them tough back then. You went out knowing that if anything happened you were on your own.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes, you are absolutely right on that. There was no bullet proof vest. Safety of a car, no two way radio etc. They were certainly a tough and rare breed. Thank you so much for watching!

[@barbkeen1221]

I've started to binge watch your videos and I love them! I love the music that you start off with and how its played in the background. And your stories of the old west are interesting, you should have been a history teacher! Thanks for doing these! ❤👍🐎🏜🚂🤠

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying these old west stories. It's always been one of my favorite time periods to study. I appreciate you taking the time to watch this one as well as the others.

[@cwb0051]

Another Wonderful, Historical Story, Love The Music..

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@rosseganjr9402]

Great video I love learning more about the old West

[@RhettyforHistory]

You and me both Ross. Thank you so much for watching!

[@OffRampAdventures]

I really enjoy a great history lesson...like this one!

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and i appreciate you watching!

[@DCJNewsMedia]

I remember hearing about him around Paris, Texas in the 1960s.... God bless you 😇 and thanks

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you so much for watching!

[@DCJNewsMedia]

@@RhettyforHistory yes sir

[@graycloud057]

Once again Sir, OUTSTANDING! 👍🏼👍🏼🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate you watching!

[@joealan1642]

I heard somewhere that he was the inspiration for John Wayne’s character Rooster Cogburn in True Grit

[@rebeccapardue8438]

I have really enjoyed all of your videos. Lots of history you are keeping alive. Appreciate it. Well done. Mike Pardue ✌

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@marlenecentrella9793]

That was very interesting I've been watching some of your videos lately and I'm getting to really like them keep up the great work stay safe

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the videos and I appreciate you watching!

[@hankfacer7098]

Fantastic, Thank You, more great US History.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching Hank!

[@wendyderk1587]

Thank God history doesn't go away I love your channel Thank you very interesting ! God Bless ! stay SAFE ! 🙏😇💖🌟💕🇺🇸

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you so much for watching! My goal with this channel is to help keep history alive. There is a lot out there worth telling and it all deserves to be remembered!

[@yvonnepetty3400]

That was so interesting and a good piece of history. Been out of action for several weeks had a nasty fall broken. ribs stitches in arm & leg but i am getting there. Keep safe all you in this awful time. We can all hope & pray.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You did have a bad fall. I had no idea that happened and I'm sorry to hear that but I'm glad you are getting healing up some. It is a strange time and we are witnessing. I appreciate you watching and I hope you stay safe. No more falls!

[@yvonnepetty3400]

@@RhettyforHistory Thank You for the kind words Rhett. I pray all your family will keep safe.

[@RhettyforHistory]

We are all safe and sound here and I hope you are as well.

[@victoriamercado202]

Another good video,,thanks for sharing,more please😜😃🤪

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome. More is coming soon! Thanks for watching Victoria!

[@tigtrager6923]

Nice little documentary. Well done!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you and i appreciate you watching!

[@ehrldawg]

Another vid that was time well spent !!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@dcollier7239]

Well done thumbs up!!!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Nice video , thanks for sharing.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching!

[@johnkelsey2482]

Very Good... Thanks....

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@kblakney61]

... very good video and thank you very much ... I was going to do a video on Heck Thomas but after seeing your video I've decided that I can not outdo you ... very good ... thanks ...

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching! I've watched your videos for years and I know you do a great job as well. I'm sure viewers would love to see what you do on him.

[@jodysappington7008]

sure did enjoy it..have a great day

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Jody! I hope you have a great day as well!

[@waderaney7]

Good presentation on this good Guy😊

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Wade! I appreciate you watching!

[@DavidWLynch]

Someone needs to make a movie about Heck Thomas. Bill Tilghman has been portrayed twice. Once by Rod Steiger and once by Sam Elliott. I think Heck deserves a movie.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right. A lot of these old west lawmen and outlaws need some movies made on them. They have fascinating stories.

[@slowtwist]

Thanks for the video. He is the only Guardsman grave I have not visited. The uncle that he was courier for in the civil war is buried in my hometown. He was a general at end of the war but his headstone said col. my high school history teacher took research to mayor who was a wwII, Korea and Vietnam veteran and he got it. changed to general. Heck once had to deliver a horse to Gen. Lee on the battlefield. The horse belonged to Union General that Lee fought with in the Mexican War and he returned under a white flag to his family. Heck said he liked that horse and hated to give it up.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is a neat connection you have with Heck's uncle and your hometown. I wonder if he was a brevet general but a real colonel in the Army. Kind of like George Custer. He was a Colonel when he was killed but was a brevet general in the civil war. That would be my guess anyways. Thank you for watching.

[@slowtwist]

@@RhettyforHistory He would have kept the rank. He surrendered with Lee. He was a general at Gettysburg, there is a marker there showing where Thomas's Brigade started with Pickett's charge. He started the charge by accident yelling at his men from horseback trying to keep them from mixing with Pickett's men. They thought they heard Pickett order charge. Only the Union generals that stayed in the Army gave up rank. That is why Custer was busted back.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Custer was never busted back. He was a brevet general. A practice quite common for the era.

[@RhettyforHistory]

He was actually an outstanding leader and accomplished many things that were great. But that's not what he is remembered for. It's the one thing he did terribly wrong which ultimately took his life as we know.

[@rocksandoil2241]

Is Quanah Parker in that cemetery too? Heck was the only one of the 3 who was considered truly honest. Heck Bruner was actually Hick or Hickman Bruner but was called Heck so much due to Heck Thomas he finally adopted that name. Bruner was another famous lawman to us here in the town he was born.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Quanah is in another cemetery. Are you talking about Heck being the only once of the 3 guardsmen being honest. They all had a reputation of being good men and ones who cared for others. There may not be another more so than Chris Madsen.

[@plymouthduster2252]

I always read that he was definitely a lawman that you didnt want to have tracking you if you were wanted by the law.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I can believe that! I wouldn't want any of those guardsman on my trail if I was a criminal. They were good at their job. Thank you for watching!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hard to say. I'm sure like most it would be however I could make money. Sometimes the life chose you rather than the you choosing the life.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Great video about a great lawman.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Kirk!

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@RhettyforHistory You're most welcome, I truly enjoy them and for me you could go longer on subjects such as these. Then I am a history geek.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yeah there is a lot to tell on these men. Just depends one what else I can show as well.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@RhettyforHistory Yep but to me. Photos and a bit more of their stories and adventures would be great. Then I am a history geek

[@RobertCleve]

Awesome awesome

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@paulstan9828]

Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be able to see it in person. My ex lives in Lawton not someone I’d like to run into. Ha!!! 😳

[@RhettyforHistory]

Ha! I understand! Good thing there is video then!😁

[@bigblue6917]

The law takes a dim view of you running into your ex.

[@paulstan9828]

Big Blue Ha!!!!

[@paulstan9828]

RhettyforFun Ha!!! Got that right!😁

[@paulstan9828]

Jake Roberts Ha!!!!

[@davidmckinney6577]

He sounds like a tough fellow.

[@RhettyforHistory]

He really was and he was one of the best around in the old west. Thank you so much for watching!

[@owlperchedsilo3745]

yep, i enjoyed this.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@tony12165]

The Doolin and Dalton gang were known to hang out in Ingalls Oklahoma. Not too far east of Stillwater, towards Yale Oklahoma. The old ghost town remains in Ingalls are still up. But in bad repair. I used to portray George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb, who was a member of the Doolin-Dalton gang in a reenactment in Ingalls Oklahoma. Many of the local period marshals, sheriffs, and US Marshalls such as Bill Tilghman fought against both gang members in the battle at Ingalls. Western writer Glen Shirley made the story come alive in his book West of Hell's Fringe. The old jail at Frontier City in OKC has the old jail cell that held many of the Doolin and Dalton gang members at different times. Frontier City Western stage show puts on modified stories of the Doolin and Dalton gangs. To include my kin George Bitter Creek Newcomb. Charlie Pierce a Dalton gang member and Bitter Creeks cousin is buried in Guthrie Oklahoma's "Boot Hill" cemetery near Bill Doolin and Emitt Dalton.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Bill Doolin is buried in Guthrie but Emmett Dalton is not. He is in another cemetery in Oklahoma. He was part of the Dalton Gang which had a bad day in Coffeyville, Kansas. Two of Dalton's brothers were killed along with two other gang members. Emmett was shot up really bad and was laid next to his deceased gang members has he was thought to be dying. He survived, went to prison, got out and then went to Hollywood. He was never part of the Doolin-Dalton gang. The Dalton you are thinking of for that is Bill Dalton. He was killed in Oklahoma but is buried in California.

[@tony12165]

@@RhettyforHistory That's right, he is buried in Kingfisher. Mind fart on my part. I stand corrected lol.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Sometimes it's difficult to keep up with them all.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Enjoyed Rhetty....thanks again. How long does it take to research for your videos? You are a walking encyclopedia! 🇺🇸🚜👍

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Tractor. There is actually quite a bit of research before I go film something. Then I have to drive to wherever it is. Film it how I think I want it. Then I do more research followed by editing. Quite a bit of work for a little video under 10 minutes. But I enjoy it. Especially when it's these old lawmen. Love learning about them. Thank you so much for watching!

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Appreciate the time you put into your videos. All quality!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@mikepulis4618]

I'm a member of SASS, single action shooting society and we take on a shooting alias. My alias is Henry Andrew Thomas. I'm retired from 34 years in law enforcement. I'm going to have to visit the grave some day.

[@billwessels207]

How about a video on Bass, US Marshall

[@RhettyforHistory]

I will have one on him soon. The only challenge with that is there is no grave to film.

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Can you imagine what would've happened if Wyatt Earp, Henry Andrew "Heck" Thomas, Bill Tillman, and Bartholomew "Bat" Masterson were still lawmen to this day?

[@RhettyforHistory]

They were certainly from a different time period. Many still respected them including Bill Doolin who surrendered to Tilhman.

[@jeniw8586]

It was no easy task to be a lawman then.

[@RhettyforHistory]

No, you're right about that. No cars to have as protection, no bullet proof vests and no two way radios to call for backup. It was just a life or death situation. Thank you so much for watching.

[@paulthompkins4150]

So Heck was a Georgia Boy? Shoulda known that by how tough he was.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Paul!

[@paulthompkins4150]

@@RhettyforHistory I noticed you respond to all the comments left on this channel. I commend you fir doing such. Adds a personal touch that other channels lack.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I try to respond if I can. Sometimes the comments are missed because I never get the notification or other times I don't understand the comment.

[@CandyRayne]

Im related

[@RhettyforHistory]

That's quite a relative you have. Thank you for watching!

[@CandyRayne]

@@RhettyforHistory thanks for the vid. There's not many.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome!

[@sandystevens8040]

Yes I like it thank you 💦💦

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!