In the autumn of 1908, a dispute over a day's catch of fish in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, escalated into a tragic series of events that would claim the life of Assistant Chief of Police Henry Klaber and several others. The 39-year-old male lawman was drawn into the conflict on Sunday, November 15, after a man named Jimmy Grayson filed a complaint against a local gunsmith, Newt Decker.
Accompanied by Grayson, Assistant Chief Klaber went to Decker's residence located at Second and Creek Street to address the matter.
As the two men approached the house, Decker, who was reportedly an expert marksman, emerged with a pistol in each hand and opened fire without warning. Assistant Chief Klaber was struck in the throat and died shortly after. The sudden violence sparked a chaotic scene as two brothers, Ralph and Felix Chapman, attempted to aid the fallen officer, using his own gun to return fire at Decker. Tragically, both Chapman brothers were also shot and killed by Decker, who then retreated back into his home.
The ensuing gun battle was fierce and prolonged, lasting for over an hour as other law enforcement officers responded to the scene. Over 500 shots were reportedly exchanged. In the continued exchange of gunfire, Okmulgee County Deputy Sheriff Edgar Robinson was also killed, and two other officers, along with three bystanders, were wounded. Faced with a barricaded suspect who continued to pose a deadly threat, the officers made the decision to set the house next to Decker's on fire. The flames quickly spread to Decker's residence. When Decker appeared at the door, he was shot and fell back inside the burning structure, where he ultimately perished. Assistant Chief Klaber was survived by his wife and four children.
