Details for Brann-Davis Shootings

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5309000490

Data

Marker Number 490
Atlas Number 5309000490
Marker Title Brann-Davis Shootings
Index Entry Brann-Davis Shootings
Address
City Waco
County McLennan
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 682711
UTM Northing 3491716
Subject Codes cemetery; journalists; outlaws
Marker Year 1978
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location 4th & Austin Sts., Waco (on 4th St. Between Austin & Franklin St.)
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text The city of Waco in the 1890s divided into two armed camps over the caustic criticisms of William Cowper Brann (1855-1898) in his magazine, "The Iconoclast". A gifted writer, Brann attacked many organizations, especially Baptists and Baylor University. This controversy sparked a duel in 1897 between Judge George Bruce Gerald and James W. Harris. A Baylor partisan, Tom E. Davis, met Brann here, within a half block of the earlier fight, and shot him with a Colt .45 revolver. Brann returned the fire. Both men died the following day from their wounds.

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