Grant Williams worked in building the Rock Island rail line near Ardmore, Indian Territory. His pay in August 1904 was less than what he was due. When that situation was not rectified, he shot and killed paymaster James Dolan on October 19. He also shot another worker with whom Dolan was talking and a passerby.
Fleeing to Arkansas, Williams was not arrested for more than a year. Returned to McAlester to stand trial in federal court, Williams, who was Black, was convicted and sentenced to hang.
On November 3, 1905, Grant Williams was hanged.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 