John Postoak went to the home of John Ingley, near Eufaula in Indian Territory, to ask him to carry two letters with him to Okmulgee. Ingley responded angrily that he was not going to Okmulgee and that Postoak, who was Creek, was not welcome in his home.
Postoak left, went to a nearby home and borrowed a gun, ostensibly to shoot an animal, and shot and killed Ingley. He then shot and killed Ingley’s wife and set their house on fire.
By the time the Ingley’s were discovered twelve days later, their bodies had been eaten by animals. Their young child was still alive. Postoak confessed when arrested.
At trial in Fort Smith, Postoak was convicted of murder on August 16, 1878, and sentenced to death on October 14. John Postoak was hanged on December 20, 1878.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 