Yes, the McClellan ancestor was able to redeem his properties by killing the predator, the gypsy/Moor/whatever who was hiding out in the woods, and thus win glory and fame for the McClellan clan, taking the head on the tip of his sword to present to the king, thus culminating with the family motto "Think On."
Temple Houston, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. Although a son of the illustrious former president of the Texas Republic, Temple was denied a similar opportunity not by a king, as we in the U.S. have no King James II to authorize such a reward in case some people have forgotten, but by the authorities of Roger Mills County in Oklahoma. However, in this case Temple was not content to kill the killers and then claim the reward that had been offered by the City of Cheyenne. No, Temple, a resident of Judkins, Oklahoma, wanted the county, Roger Mills County, to post a bond so that apparently his expenses in performing the duties of bounty hunter would be covered ahead of time and thus the reward virtually prepaid.
This offer was rejected and the persons in custody were released for lack of evidence.
That no one was charged may seem somewhat amazing given that it is fairly certain that Sheriff Andrew Jackson Bullard and his deputy John Cogburn were killed on July 2, 1902, at the head of Dead Indian Creek by the outlaws, Sam Green and Pete Whitehead and others in the group of seven people who were wandering the Oklahoma countryside apparently collecting stolen horses and cattle and other items.
There was a eyewitness, Frank Doan, who saw the whole thing. Frank had stopped and talked to Bullard and then rode on. When Doan heard gunshots he looked back over his shoulder and saw Bullard and his deputy falling to the ground. Bullard's body was found dead, riddled with 11 bullets in him from three different guns. Cogburn was killed by one bullet.
So that's one report. Makes you wonder how Green and Whitehead got away, but it is very dangerous to chase down murderers. They might kill you first.
