William Bullock, who was white, was driving cattle from Arkansas across the Indian Territory in spring 1883. On his return on June 27, 1883, he encountered a Choctaw named John Davis. Through conversation, Davis determined that Bullock was carrying a good sum of money. As Bullock continued, Davis carried out his plan to rob and kill him.
Bullock’s body was found three days later. No one could identify him. However, a drunken Davis soon boasted of his crime and was promptly arrested.
John Davis was convicted on February 27, 1884, and sentenced to death on April 28. He was hanged at Fort Smith on July 11, 1884.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 