In the early hours of a Wednesday morning in Anadarko, Oklahoma Territory, a simmering animosity between two men erupted into a fatal confrontation. Caddo County Deputy Sheriff James C. 'Big Jim' Bourland, a man known for his fearlessness, was about 35 years of age at the time of his death. The male deputy had a history with a man named Fred Hudson, an individual with a reputation that straddled both sides of the law.
The bad blood between them had reportedly intensified after Bourland,
who also held a commission as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, arrested Hudson in Arkansas for his alleged involvement in the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Lute Houston. Bourland had been a key witness against Hudson in the subsequent trial. Though Hudson was acquitted, he was said to have made threats against Bourland's life.
On that fateful morning, Bourland was informed that Hudson was armed and causing trouble at a local saloon. The deputy located Hudson at Robison's Saloon sometime after midnight. As Bourland entered, both men drew their weapons and a gunfight ensued. Bourland was struck by a single bullet to the abdomen. Despite his grave injury, he managed to fire several shots, hitting Hudson in both legs.
Both wounded men were taken for medical attention. Deputy Bourland succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:30 that same morning. Fred Hudson also died from his wounds the following day after complications arose from a delayed amputation of his leg. The deadly exchange in the Anadarko saloon brought a violent end to the contentious relationship between the lawman and the outlaw.
