John Zeke was born around 1850 in Missouri and became known for his tenure as a United States Deputy Marshal in the Western District of Arkansas, operating under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker.
About 10:00 p.m. the night of Wednesday, February 14, 1872, Charles Goodard was brought in by the night clerk and night watchman and allowed to sleep off his intoxication in the offices of the Muskogee Railway station in Muskogee.
About an hour later Charles Goodard left. Shortly after that it was discovered the express chest had been unlocked and the $602 in it taken.
Charles Goodard was arrested the next morning with $244 in cash and taken to nearby Fort Gibson to be held until he could be taken to Fort Smith for trial.
About 11 p.m. that Thursday night, February 15th, gunshots were heard coming from near the railway station. Deputy Marshal John Zeke, approximately twenty-one years old, staggered toward the railway station, saying he had been shot in the chest and needed help.
Deputy Marshal Zeke was taken to the Pioneer Hotel and a doctor sent for. Shortly afterwards the doctor arrived however Deputy John Zeke died moments later. Before he died, Deputy Marshal Zeke stated that he had arrested someone in connection with the theft from the express chest when several teamsters interfered and shot him.
Although a large posse was formed and pursued the assailants, no record has been found indicating that anyone was ever charged or apprehended for the death of Deputy U.S. Marshal John Zeke.
Deputy Marshal John Zeke was buried February 17th at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Muskogee County, Oklahoma.
The handwritten Fort Gibson National Cemetery records list his name as John Zeek but his original official headstone was misspelled as “John Beck” apparently from misinterpreting his handwritten name. In 2021 his grave marker was replaced with one with “John Zeke, U. S. Marshals Service, Feb. 17, 1872” on it.
