The Washington times., 1902-08-17
Many Killed and Wounded in Family War
Which Has Lasted a Dozen Years.
DUEL IN A PASSENGER COACH
Trouble Between Cardwell and Hargis Fac
tions Originates in Political Contest
Important Witness Victim.

dian Tor the Cockrell boys, and Tom
Cockrell had killed Hargis just few
weeks before. Then the doctor erred in
knowing things about the killing. He
was in the saloon when the duel to the
death occurred. He forgot a noun
taineer's caution and went on the streets
after dark.
The Cardwell- Hargis feud originated
some ten or twelve years ago, when John
G. Hargis grew bitter toward Jerre
Cardwell, who was candidate for town
marshal. Hargis was leader among
the Democrats, and a wealthy man as
| wealth is figured here in the mountains.
He went to extremes and expended a
considerable amount of money in an eff
fort to beat Cardwell. This enmity cul-
minated in a duel in the fall of 1896.
which has never been duplicated in Ken
lucky for the number of sensational
features. It was fought in crowded
passenger coach when the train was 60
ing at high rate of speed.
Duel in Crowded Passenger Coach.
Cardwell was the train detective,
while Hargis adopted the role of dis
orderly passenger until the conductor
called in Cardwell. At once both
mountain men went for revolvers, and
Hargis was shot to death after wound
| ing his opponent three times Jerre
| Cardwell was sentenced for two years
| in the penitentiary, but never served
any part of his sentence, as he was
pardoned by Governor Bradley. Then
the feud slumbered until Ben Hargis
was killed in a blind tiger the 18th of
last February by Tom Cockrell The
| origin of the trouble is said TO have
been warrants issued by City Judge T.
P. Cardwell, jr., for County Judge Jim
the Republican contestants for the
places held by County Judge Hargis and
Sheriff Ed Callahan.
While depositions were being taken
in the contest cases Marcum became in
volved in an argument with o. H. Pol
lard. the opposition lawyer, and threat
ened to strike him over the head with a
chair. Callahan and Hargis drew their
revolvers to protect their attorney. The
city Judge heard of the fracas and had
warrants issued for both Marcum and
Hargis. Hargis objected to the serv-
ing of the warrant, and Jim Cockrell,
the town marshal, backed by his broth
err Tom Cockrell, enforced the issue
with their revolvers, in spite OF the
fact that Sheriff Callahan was standing
at Hargis' side, ready to aid him. Ben
Hargis. brother OF Judge Hargis, met
Tom Cockrell in a saloon some time
after this occurrence, and in the pistol
fight which ensued Ben Hargis was NOR
tally wounded, dying short time after
being taken to his home. Cockrell re-
ceived two wounds. About the middle of
July Jim Cockrell was in turn assassi-
mated while standing in front of the
county courthouse, at the hands of per-
sons unknown.
Shot Down in the Dark.
Cockrell is one of a large family, and
the guardian for the younger children
was DR.. Cox, who had handled the Cock
rell estate and practically been father
to the. Cockrell children since the death
Of their father by An assassin's bullet
He had married into the Cockrell fac
tion: he was friend of the Cockrells;
he was popularity supposed to be good |