Historic Union Square
The Gunfight on the Sqare
October 9, 1902
4:30 P.M.

Marshall Guy B. Tucker, Constable Harrison Dearing, and other supporters, faced the four Parnell Brothers, Jim, Mat, Tom, and Walter.

Killed Constable Harrison Dearing
Killed Walter Parnell
Killed Tom Parnell
Wounded Dr. Robert A. Hilton
Wounded Marshal Guy B. Tucker
Wounded Mat Parnell.

The shootout began the Tucker/Parnell feud which resulted in scores of Union County deaths.

Marshal Guy Tucker (1) argues with Walter (2) and Tom (3) Parnell at east gate of courthouse fence. Tucker draws pistol and covers them.

Jim Parnell (4) approaches fence and Tucker warns him not to get behind him.

Harrison Dearing (5) leaves porch of his business and approaches scene of quarrel, passing Jim Parnell and arriving near gate.

The group begins to disperse at Dearing's urging, but more heated words are exchanged and shots are fired by Tucker and Jim Parnell. Shooting then breaks out among all five men. Tucker and Tom Parnell are wounded.

Clarence Tucker (6), R.A. Hilton (7), Mat Parnell (8) and Frank Newton approach and enter the fray from various points in and around the courthouse square.

Dearing and Walter Parnell grapple. They shoot each other and both fall dead.

Mat Parnell scuffles with Clarence Tucker and Hilton. Tucker stabs Mat Parnell. Hilton is struck over the head with a pistol and runs off to look for a gun.

A wounded Tom Parnell staggers away and falls dead across the street.


Sheriff H.C. Norris appears on the scene and disarms the remaining participants in the shootout.

Outside Links:

•  El Dorado's Legend of Marshall Tucker - http://www.unioncountysheriff.net/viewpage.php?page_id=36