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HECK BRUNER…“A GOOD MARSHAL… by grand river historical society
Volumes have been written about lawmen and desperadoes facing off in gun fights, highlighting the drama of the west in the 1800s that included our region. Lawmen faced danger, although they didn’t know when it would occur. There was no job requirement except courage, the concept of the “fastest gun” was vastly overblown, and backgrounds varied. The “Three Guardsmen,” U.S. Deputy Marshals’ Heck Thomas, Bill Tilghman and Chris Madsen are examples. During the Civil War, Thomas, had been a confederate soldier from Georgia, Tilghman was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa eventually ending up in Dodge City then taking part in the 1889 Land Run. Madsen migrated from Denmark, served in the U.S. Army and also participated in the Land Run. This curious mixture of backgrounds comprises a sampling of the 200 deputy marshal positions allocated to Judge Isaac Parker. Also included was a Missouri farm boy, Eli Hickman “Heck” Bruner.
Bruner was born February 13, 1859 in Mercer County, Missouri and several years later the family moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas where he met and married Sarah Bradley. He was introduced to law enforcement by serving as posse for several marshals and in 1890, at the age of 30, Heck Bruner was himself appointed Deputy U.S. Marshal. Since they could maintain a family residence wherever they chose, Bruner moved Sarah and their three children, to Vinita in order to be more centrally located within his jurisdiction.
Like most marshals, he was seldom home. He always carried several warrants for arrest, and pursuit of the perpetrators, even those guilty of a minor crime, could range from days to weeks. While occasionally the duty of a U.S. Deputy Marshal could involve confronting a hardened criminal, most often the responsibilities were focused on citizens that had committed lesser infractions. Misdemeanors were handled by the local judicial system, but more serious crimes were brought before Judge Parker at Fort Smith, Bruner filed reports that included a large number of arrests and convictions for “Introducing and selling illegal liquor in Indian Territory,” a federal violation, and other lesser crimes for arson, larceny, bigamy, contempt of court or assault. Many required trips to Fort Smith.
Early in 1892 during his first gunfight and after a lengthy pursuit, Bruner was credited with killing Wakoo Hampton and arresting the Brown Gang east of Tahlequah. A more high profile case came in November that year when he was attached to the posse that finally caught and killed Ned Christie. Christie had been charged with the murder of Deputy Sheriff Dan Maples and had eluded capture for four years. He was pinned down in a cabin by Bitting Creek and was killed November 3rd fleeing from the burning building.
Ironically, Bruner had business back home that same day. A heinous crime had been committed at Chelsea just 19 miles southwest of Vinita. Nineteen year old Bob Rogers had gotten into an argument with Jess Elliot, a Vinita lawyer while they were drinking in a Claremore saloon. Rogers had followed him to Chelsea, killed him then escaped west. Rogers returned later and formed a gang that robbed several banks and trains. Bruner was assigned the case and pursued the Rogers Gang for the next two years. Eventually, Bruner and a posse decimated the gang and, while Rogers escaped, he was killed the following March near Nowata.
These episodes continued to be interspersed with the less dramatic day to day responsibilities. Trips to escort prisoners to Fort Smith were a frequent occurrence and, at least in one instance Bruner was at Parker’s courthouse at the right time. Crawford Goldsby alias Cherokee Bill was imprisoned but managed to obtain a gun and kill one guard. Bruner heard the gunshots, grabbed his shotgun and, along with others, subdued the Indian.
Heck Bruner’s law enforcement career eventually included nine gunfights, the arrests of 11 men for murder and bringing countless others to justice for lesser infractions. His life in law enforcement might have mirrored many deputies, but considering the dangers he had faced, his death was somewhat different. In early January of 1899, after living in Vinita for nine years, the family moved to Pryor Creek where Sarah had obtained a job managing the Commercial Hotel. In June, Heck was given a routine assignment to deliver some subpoenas east of the Grand River. When he and a companion reached the river it was at flood stage and the ferry was on the other side. After the ferryman couldn’t be located, Bruner stripped and attempted to swim the swollen river but, at about half way, slipped from sight. His body was located a mile downstream two days later.
Frequently, those who remain to mourn do not recognize the contributions or achievements of the deceased, however the citizens of Pryor Creek did. In Heck’s honor the town’s businesses closed, and a procession of 200 citizens, led by 30 members of the Masonic Lodge attended his burial. “Gone, but not forgotten” might also be added to his epitaph. In 2012, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame, an organization of his peers, recognized Bruner as “an investigator with a successful reputation…a good marshal who was effective and committed to policing Indian Territory.”
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