A Bloody Duel

[Silver Creek Slim]

The Terral Times
Terral, Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory
Saturday, February 24, 1894

A Bloody Duel

One week ago today, Rush Springs was the scene of one of the greatest duels ever fought in this country with the exception perhaps of the BRYANT-SHORT fight in the Cherokee strip two years ago.

M. A. MCDONALD is what is known as a squaw man, and one of the wealthiest of his kind. His acres are broad and fertile and many tenants live under him.

Among the number was a man named T. B. SEARS, and a difficulty arose between them over the terms of the lease--McDonald called for a settlement and on Saturday, Sears came to town armed with a Winchester rifle. McDonald met him and asked whether he was ready to settle, and Sears vehemently replied "Yes, with a Winchester." Some hot words passed between them and both, simultaneously flashed their arms and took positions. For five minutes both fired at one another. They emptied their guns and reloaded and still fired without cessation. Parties who saw the duel in the middle of the streets of the small quiet little city, say it was the most intensely exciting affair of the kind they ever saw. Friends of both parties were present and willing and most anxious to interfere, but no opportunity was given on account of the rapid firing and the whistling of bullets flying in every direction. Finally the firing ceased and both parties fell to the ground with their guns still clutched in their hands.

When the smoke cleared away, friends ran to their assistance. Both were still alive but dangerously wounded. McDonald had been shot through the stomach and in other parts of the body. Sears was shot in three places through the arm that held the Winchester and wounded in other places.

McDonald died on Saturday night from the effects of his wounds and last report gave no hope of Sears' recovery.

[Capt. Hamp Cox]

Sounds almost like some of those shootouts we used to see on TV on Saturday morning.  Kinda makes you wonder about the "BRYANT-SHORT fight in the Cherokee strip two years ago".  Ever find anything on that one?  Don't suppose that could have been the "Short" I was talkin' about yesterday, do you?

[Capt. Hamp Cox]

Go to http://www.historyoklahoma101.net/onp19.htm and scroll down to:

MURDER MOST FOUL
Terrible Double Tragedy On The Rock Island
Ed Short Loses His Life
There's some other neat stuff there also.

[Silver Creek Slim]

I found it here. http://www.rootsweb.com/~oklawmen/mollie/grimes.htm

Slim