Details for Gerald-Harris Shooting

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5309002171

Data

Marker Number 2171
Atlas Number 5309002171
Marker Title Gerald-Harris Shooting
Index Entry Gerald-Harris Shooting
Address
City Waco
County McLennan
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 681568
UTM Northing 3488263
Subject Codes cemetery; journalists; judges; outlaws
Marker Year 1978
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Austin & 4th Sts, Waco
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text (November 19, 1897) James W. Harris (1863-1897), editor of Waco's "Time -Herald" and Judge George Bruce Gerald (1836-1914) argued over an article the Judge wrote. It supported William Cowper Brann's controversial magazine, "The Iconoclast", which denounced, among other things, Baptists and Baylor University. After a fist fight which Harris won, the Judge distributed a handbill branding Harris "a liar, coward and cur" and challenged him to a duel. Harris and his brother met Judge Gerald near this intersection in a pistol battle. The Harrises were killed and the Judge wounded. Judge Gerald won reelection in 1900.

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