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Incident
Lighthorseman Billy Cully was killed while attempting to arrest a man in Indian Territory (modern day Oklahoma). Lighthorseman Cully was struck in the head with a blunt object while making the arrest. The suspect he was attempting to arrest and another man were charged with his murder.
One of the suspects was identified by Bass Reeves, legendary and first black Deputy U.S. Marshal. Reeves said he arrested the man, an Indian known by the name of "Wild Cat" in 1886 for murder. He was taking him to Fort Smith, Arkansas, when he escaped as they crossed the Arkansas River.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Lighthorseman Cully served with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police.
Thank you for your service to the Wewoka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lighthorseman Cully.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Billy is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Billy is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1906, 2 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1906, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1906, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 7.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.1% of these deaths.
His people
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police has 3 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police are honored on badge.nw.