The Goingsnake Massacre or the Cherokee Courtroom Shootout
The annals of the American West are replete with tales of conflict, justice, and the clash of cultures. One such event, shrouded in both historical fact and whispered legend, is the incident known as the Goingsnake Massacre, more formally referred to as the Cherokee Courtroom Shootout. This violent episode unfolded on April 15, 1872, within the Goingsnake District of the Cherokee Nation, a territory now encompassed by the state of Oklahoma. It wasn’t simply a random act of violence but a culmination of deep-seated tensions, jurisdictional disputes, and the ever-fragile peace between the Cherokee people and the encroaching white settlers. Sometimes referred to as the Proctor-Beck Fight, the Goingsnake Massacre stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and tragedies that marked the era.
The roots of this bloody confrontation lie in a specific incident: the shooting of a white man named Jim Kesterson by a Cherokee individual, Ezekial "Zeke" Proctor. Before turning his weapon on Kesterson, Proctor also targeted Kesterson’s wife, Polly Beck, who was herself a Cherokee woman, fatally wounding her. This act ignited a powder keg of existing grievances and brought to the forefront the delicate balance of power within Indian Territory.
In the 1870s, Oklahoma was designated as "Indian Territory," a region where various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, were granted a degree of autonomy. Each tribe possessed its own government, legal system, and courts. However, this autonomy existed alongside the authority of the United States government, represented by U.S. Marshals and their deputies. These law enforcement officers were tasked with maintaining order and mediating interactions between the Native American population and the ever-increasing influx of white settlers pushing westward. While a semblance of peaceful coexistence generally prevailed, the situation was always precarious, and the Goingsnake Massacre served as a breaking point.
The personal histories of those involved further fueled the flames. During the American Civil War, Zeke Proctor, a Cherokee originally from Georgia, had fought for the Union Army. In contrast, the Beck family, also Cherokee, aligned themselves with the Confederate cause. This division created lasting animosity and deepened existing familial tensions. The Goingsnake Massacre was not an isolated event; it was the violent eruption of a long-simmering feud.
Beyond the Civil War divide, cultural and societal factors played a significant role. Both Zeke Proctor and Polly Beck had white fathers, highlighting the complex intermingling of cultures within the Cherokee Nation. However, Proctor was a staunch member of the Keetoowah Society, a Cherokee organization dedicated to preserving traditional tribal ways and resisting white encroachment. The Beck family, on the other hand, was not associated with the Keetoowah Society, and Polly’s marriage to a white man, Kesterson, was viewed with resentment by Proctor. Some accounts even suggest that Proctor harbored unrequited romantic feelings for Polly, further intensifying his animosity. The undercurrent of resentment towards white influence and the changing Cherokee identity contributed significantly to the events leading up to the Goingsnake Massacre.
Polly Beck resided at the Hildebrand Mill, a structure built in the late 1840s by Jeremiah Towers and later acquired by Stephen Hildebrand, her first husband. Following Hildebrand’s death in 1867, Polly hired James Kesterson to help her operate the mill, and they married in March 1871. This seemingly simple domestic arrangement became a focal point of the conflict.
The fateful encounter between Proctor and Kesterson occurred at the Hildebrand Mill on February 13, 1872. An argument ensued, escalating rapidly. As both men reached for their firearms, Polly Beck Hildebrand intervened, attempting to prevent the impending violence. Tragically, Proctor’s bullet struck her in the chest, killing her instantly. Kesterson, narrowly escaping the deadly volley, fled for his life as Proctor fired two more shots, hitting only his coat. Despite Proctor’s claim that the shooting was accidental, the Beck family, deeply aggrieved and seeking retribution, demanded justice. This incident set the stage for the tragic events of the Cherokee Courtroom Shootout.
The arrest and subsequent trial of Proctor ignited widespread unrest throughout Indian Territory. The location of the trial became a point of contention, reflecting the deep distrust between the involved parties. Ultimately, the trial was scheduled for April 15th at the Cherokee schoolhouse in Whitmore, Oklahoma. The Beck family, fearing that they would not receive a fair hearing in this location, anticipated a miscarriage of justice. The Goingsnake Massacre was the next chapter in the ongoing feud.
On the day of the trial, the makeshift courthouse was overwhelmed with attendees. Many of those present were armed supporters of Proctor, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Outside the courthouse, a large crowd gathered, eager to follow the proceedings. This crowd included a significant number of equally armed Beck supporters, further escalating the tension. Shortly after the trial commenced, a federal posse arrived, led by Deputy U.S. Marshals J.G. Peavy and J.G. Owens. This posse included members of the Beck family and their allies, adding another volatile element to the already explosive situation.
As the posse attempted to enter the crowded courthouse, chaos erupted. A barrage of gunfire filled the air, turning the courtroom into a scene of carnage. When the smoke cleared, seven members of the posse, including Deputy Owens, lay dead. Numerous others sustained injuries. The Goingsnake Massacre had reached its bloody climax.
The following day, the Beck family’s worst fears were realized when the Cherokee court acquitted Zeke Proctor. This verdict, perceived as a gross injustice, further inflamed tensions and solidified the legacy of the Goingsnake Massacre as a symbol of the breakdown of law and order in Indian Territory.
The Cherokee Courtroom Shootout, or the Goingsnake Massacre, remains a complex and controversial event in the history of the American West. It is a story of personal vendettas, cultural clashes, and the struggle for justice in a land undergoing rapid transformation. While the details of the event may be debated, its significance as a reflection of the turbulent times is undeniable.