In the early 1900s, Anderson Lewis, a 32-year-old male, served as the Sheriff of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, a territory still finding its footing in the rugged landscape of the American West. His life, however, was cut tragically short on November 13, 1905, while upholding the law he had sworn to protect. On that day, two brothers, Henry and Bob Thompson, were causing a drunken disturbance near Kiowa, Oklahoma, firing their guns into the air as they rode through the streets.
Sheriff
Lewis, in the course of his duties, confronted the intoxicated brothers in an attempt to restore order and make an arrest. The encounter quickly turned violent, and in the ensuing confrontation, Sheriff Lewis was shot and killed. The Thompson brothers fled the scene, leaving the community to grapple with the loss of their chief lawman.
The aftermath of the shooting saw a swift response from law enforcement. Both Henry and Bob Thompson were apprehended shortly after the death of Sheriff Lewis. Following their capture, one of the brothers, Robert Thompson, was formally charged with murder. The community mourned the loss of Sheriff Lewis, who was survived by his wife and two young daughters, Emaline and Dorothy. In the wake of his death, his brother Frank stepped in to complete his term as sheriff, carrying on the family's commitment to public service.
