City/Town: • Keota |
Location Class: • Jail |
Built: • Unknown | Abandoned: • Unknown |
Status: • Abandoned • Endangered |
Photojournalist: • Cathy Brock |
The Keota Jail is close to becoming a thing of the past. It sits in a state of extreme decay with blocks falling off and the roof close to falling in on itself. But whether or not this jail crumbles, its history will forever be documented on this page.
While the exact date of its construction isn’t known, there is a newspaper article dating back to 1914 that talks of the Keota Jail. Whether that was this structure or another before this is unknown.
Two Waive Hearing On Felony Charge March 17, 1938 – Bill Scroggins and Ed Westman waived a preliminary hearing in justice court this week on a charge of destroying public property. They are alleged to have attempted to injure the Keota Jail by setting fire to it. The two pleaded not guilty and the case was set for district court with a bond set for five hundred dollars.
Man Injured In Jail Fight April 14, 1938 – Simon Johnson of Keota Wounded When Prisoner Makes Attack With Knife. Simon Johnson Indian of Keota, was cut about the face and body in an altercation that took place in the Keota City Jail Saturday night. Charges of assault with a dangerous weapon have been filed against Bonnie Chance a fellow prisoner in the jail as a result of the fight.
Johnson was rushed to Stigler by Sheriff C.A. Powell where he received medical attention after which he was taken to his home. His injuries were described as serious but not especially dangerous. He received a severe gash across his stomach and two cuts on his left cheek. The wounds were not deep but attendants feared that infection might develop.
Johnson had been placed in the Keota Jail by the city marshall on a charge of drunkenness. Chance and another resident, Frank Coley were arrested on similar charges.
Three Blasts Stop Trio of Jail Breakers March 13, 1947 – Undersheriff Bass McGuire and Deputy Pershing Lane in a Plymouth Sedan, driven by McGuire started the chase when a 1936 V-S pickup sped around the curve at a point on the highway near the Dean’s Service station in which were Mr. and Mrs. Howard Propst and Leon and McBride, fugitives from a Keota jail break.
Several commands to halt given by Lane as he stood on the fender of McGuires car went unheeded even though the commands were given to the speeding fugitives only a few feet away. When the cars reached the street lights downtown the officers pulled their guns. Lane fired twice and McGuire shot once at the tires on the speeding car which came to a standstill near the Scroggins station west of Stigler.
The trio had been jailed Monday at Keota on charges of drunkenness and disturbing the peace by Judge Lowe. Keota town marshal J.W. Garrett in Stigler Tuesday and fined $18 each. The woman Lydia Propst paid $16 of her fine and was released on the promise she would return with the balance. The other two are “jail guests” until their fines are paid.
Keota Council Passes Ordinance Requiring Dogs Be Vaccinated June 16, 1955 (This could be a different Keota Jail) – The city council of Keota has passed an ordinance requiring all dog owners to have their dogs vaccinated and tagged according to City Marshal Homer Brown. Dogs not tagged after June 24 will be shot after 3 days of impounding.
The council has made arrangements with Dr. J.E. Stanford, Stigler vet, to vaccinate all dogs at the Keota Jail on Friday, June 24, beginning at 8 am. Tags may be obtained at the time of vaccination. Vaccination and certificate will be $1.25 per dog, also $1.00 per male dog and $2.00 per female dog as city tax.
Gallery Below of Keota Jail
https://www.newspapers.com/image/790975550/?match=1&terms=%22keota%20jail%22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/788228923/?match=1&terms=%22keota%20jail%22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/788084406/?match=1&terms=%22keota%20jail%22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/788229202/?match=1&terms=%22keota%20jail%22
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