The Daily Memphis Avalanche

January 1 1868

Affray In Dyersburg

Three Men Killed And One Wounded

Dyersburg, in Dyer County, Tennessee, on last Tuesday, was the scene of a terrible encounter, which resulted in the death of three men and the wounding of a fourth, and which has created an immense sensation in the neighborhood, as the parties have a large number of friends, and it was feared that further trouble would result from the occurrence. Mr. Tarkington, the sheriff of the county attempted to arrest a man named Duncan, on the streets of Dyersburg. The latter resisted, and drawing a pistol fired, the bullet severing one of Tarkington's thumbs. George Tarkington, the sheriff's son at once drew a pistol and fired at Duncan, the bullet taking effect in his body, and producing almost instant death. As soon as Duncan, had fallen his son, a young man present, shot and killed young George Tarkington. By this time sheriff Tarkington, whose wounded hand had occupied his attention, seeing that his son had fallen, presented his pistol at young Duncan, fired and killed him. When the citizens, startled by the firing, reached the spot, the three men were found lying dead in the street.Tarkington being the only survivor of the conflict. This is indeed a terrible occurrence, and shows to what an alarming extent the spirt of lawlessness has been fostered in our mist.