Appears in "The Wapanucka Press" 25 June 1903, Wapanucka, Johnston County, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma

HAS FIVE WIFES

Five Women Appear as Witnesses in a Bigamy Case

Claremore: John Kirk was arranged before Hy Jennings, United States commissioner for this district and tried on the charge of bigamy. He was bound over tot he grand jury in the sum of $4,000, and in default of which he was sent to jail. John Kirk is a very much married man, having five wives present at the trial. He is a man about 47 years old, robust in health and build, homely features and has a dull expression. It seems he married every woman who was desperate enough to have him. Three of the women bearing his name have infants in arms and blood in the eyes. They will prosecute him to the full extent of the law. When Kirk was arraigned for trial tow months ago the trial was adjourned and then put off on account of the illness of the prosecuting witness. Since that time three more wives have joined the prosecution. Kirk looks worried and no wonder. All of his wives put up at the same hotel and at noon Kirk was brought in for dinner. His countenance expressed anything but pleasure. He noticed the women talking pleasantly to each other and aside to the officer he said "If I'd thought they could get along that well together, I would have put me up a harem, and would have been done with the whole lot." His trial will come up some time next September.