Skullyville County Jail

Establishing the Second Skullyville Jail

This unsuspecting Skullyville County Jail now sitting alone in a field in Panama Oklahoma was once a thriving center. This land used to be the Skullyville County Government of the Choctaw Nation. What was once comprised of Skullyville and Sugar Loaf Counties within the Choctaw Nation is presently called LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Skullyville is derived from the Choctaw words “Iskuli” meaning money and “ville” meaning money town.

The grounds at one point had this jail, a courthouse and an execution tree. The courthouse was a wooden structure that allegedly burned down. Elders recall that Native prisoners were shot and a whipping post was where white men convicted of evading rent payments on Native land were punished. Six guards would stand watch over the jail and its prisoners.

A contract for a new jail to replace the one here previously was let in February 1894. Elijah W. Fannin constructed this building of stone, leading to the nickname “old stone jail” for much of history. Sengel and Shulte were given a contract for $55.65 to construct the iron door that still remains after over a century.

When a Native person was tried for a crime in this county, a jury would be made up of their own tribe. If found guilty of a crime that demanded capital punishment, such as murder, they were paroled to their family and then would return to the courthouse for their execution at a later date. The Choctaw death sentence read as follows: “You shall be taken forth and shot until you are dead and the cost of this execution charged to your estate.”

Often no bond would be required of the condemned Native who was to be executed. He was paroled on his honor and he was always there promptly to meet their doom. During these years many executions took place here, at Skullyville. Others often took place at Buck Creek called by the Choctaws “Lipita Bok Kote” meaning Buck Creek Court.

Stories of the Skullyville Jail and Courthouse

With the age of this building the stories are not well documented but those that are, prove to be very fascinating.

James Darneal, was the Executioner of the Choctaw Nation in this district. Also at one point the Sheriff of Skullyville, he was allegedly even tried here for seduction. His lawyer instructed him not to plead guilty. When the question was asked as to his guilt or innocence by the court he turned to his lawyer and said “Frank Ford I can’t tell a lie I spoiled it that girl.” He married the girl and lived with her until death. Allegedly.

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The daughter of Martin Vanburen James, Izora James Hill detailed her father’s connection to this property. Martin James was a District Attorney of the Mushulatubbee District from 1878-79. This was composed of five counties, Skullyville, Sugar Loaf, Gains, San Bois, and Tobucksy, all of these changed at statehood. “He used to ride a Buckskin horse from the Skullyville County Courthouse on down to the Sugar Loaf County Courthouse. He died September 22, 1881, and was buried at the Moshulatubee Masonic Lodge No. 13 cemetery.

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One Edgar A. Moore a Choctaw Native, had a successful career in Choctaw Nation law enforcement. Moore served as Sheriff, County Judge, and a member of the Choctaw General Council at Skullyville County from 1898-1906.

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J. Wesley Smith had an extensive practice in law. He began probate practice at this facility and when the Skullyville Court Grounds were abolished and moved to Spiro he transferred his probate cases to the United States Court where he remained before running for County Judge in 1914.

Decline of Skullyville

The early 1900s brought about change to the Choctaw Nation and its courts. The decline of Skullyville came after it was bypassed by the Kansas City Southern Railway in 1895. This led many residents and business owners to move to nearby Spiro which did have direct rail access. Skullyville was left isolated and declining significantly.

Bill No. 6, proposed by Sim Colbert to the Choctaw Nation General Council was an official act to change the location of the Skullyville County Court Ground. It details the following:

“Sec 1. That the court ground in Skullyville County, Choctaw Nation, be and the same is hereby removed from the present site to the town of Spiro, seven miles northeast.

Sec 2. And the County Judge of said County is herby authorized to secure a suitable building for holding Court. And the next term of County Court to be held the first Monday in January 1903 shall be held at said place and all terms of Court thereafter.

Sec 3. And all acts or parts of acts coming in conflict with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed. And this Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage approval.”

It was officially signed and approved by Chief Green McCurtain on December 12, 1902. Just a day later Bill No. 9, proposed by James Bower, was approved authorizing the County Judge of Skullyville County to sell the Skullyville County Court House. The courthouse was to go to the highest bidder for cash, including all of its fixtures, desks, tables etc.

Rock Jail Ranch

With the removal of the court this property was sold off to a farmer, this land would remain farmland for the next century. One of these owners was a general merchandise store owner and cattle dealer named William W. Branson. Around the 1980s and 1990s, it was known as Rock Jail Ranch and served as the hay barn.

One potential reason for the lack of records on this jail could be the same reason the courthouse no longer exists on the property. According to locals a fire sometime between 1940-1960 reportedly burned the property down along with all its records, although I could not find any record of it.

It is noted as one of the last original Choctaw Nation Government buildings standing.

Gallery Below of Skullyville County Jail

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