Tutt–Everett War

Background

The Tutt and Everett families clashed in Arkansas over politics and land. The Everetts, Democrats from Kentucky, included influential brothers John "Sim", Jesse, and Bart. The Tutts, Whigs from Tennessee, were led by Hansford "Hamp" Tutt and held power in Searcy County.

They strongly opposed splitting Marion and Searcy counties. A third family, the Kings, sided with the Tutts as fellow Whigs. The first violence erupted during a political debate in Yellville, which turned into a brawl.

Tutt supporter Alfred Burnes hit John Everett in the head with a hoe blade, leaving a deep gash. Many thought Everett was dead and fled, but he survived. For the next four years, bitter arguments between the groups regularly escalated into fistfights and brawls.

Violence increases, 1848–50

The Tutt-Everett feud began with a gunfight in downtown Yellville on October 9, 1848, which killed John Everett. The Everetts retaliated two days later, killing "Old" William King and his son Lumis. Billy King and a companion known as "Cherokee Bob" survived with non-fatal wounds.

After that, the two sides exchanged gunfire nearly every month, causing injuries but no further deaths that year. Tensions rose when Ewell Everett was elected judge and Tutt supporter George Adams became constable. By the end of 1848, Jesse Everett and Jacob Stratton had moved to Texas.

On July 4, 1849, Sheriff Jesse Mooney, known for his tough record against outlaws, formed a posse to end the feud. That same day, the largest battle of the conflict erupted. The Everetts gathered in a building across the street from a saloon where the Tutt faction was meeting.

Mooney tried to intervene, but both sides ignored him, and a gunfight broke out, trapping Mooney and his posse in the crossfire. The shooting lasted for hours. When ammunition ran out, the men rushed into the street and fought hand-to-hand with knives and clubs. Jack King, Bart Everett, Davis Tutt, Ben Tutt, and Lunsford Tutt were killed.

John "Uncle Jacky" Hurst was shot in the leg while shielding Mooney from a shot fired by Tutt supporter S.W. Ferrall. Several others were wounded. Dave Sinclair, the suspected killer of John Everett, fled Yellville but was tracked down and killed by Everett men the next day.

Jesse Everett returned to Arkansas for revenge after learning of his brother Bart's death. Sheriff Mooney sent his son Thomas to Little Rock to ask Governor Thomas Drew for help. Thomas Mooney disappeared on his way back; his horse was found, but his body never was, and no killers were identified.

Governor Drew ordered the militia to organize in neighboring Carroll County. The militiamen relieved Mooney and took control of Yellville. Mooney has often been blamed for failing to stop the violence, but he had little chance alone, and finding deputies was nearly impossible because most men in the county were loyal to one faction or the other.