George Bickford was last seen alive hunting with Lewis Holder near Wilburton, Indian Territory in December 1891.
When a body found on January 29, 1892, was identified as Bickford, Holder was arrested. Bickford’s property was found in his possession, which Holder explained he had purchased from him. Under questioning, Holder acknowledged killing Bickford, though he claimed to have acted in self-defense.
At trial in August 1892, Holder’s claim of self-defense failed and he was convicted of murder. On September 23, he was sentenced to death.
Lewis Holder was hanged at Fort Smith on July 25, 1894.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 