Fatal Shooting, 1916

The Caddo Herald

January 14, 1916

Fatal Shooting Near Kenefick

As a result of a pistol duel last Thursday afternoon, Burl Sparkman is near death’s door and Will Gossett is dead, having lingered two days.

The shooting took place about 3 miles north of Kenefick in Atoka County, at Sparkman’s home.

Sparkman is the owner of a farm and Gossett had been renting land from him, the trouble arising over a settlement and it is understood that threats had been passing back and forth; one is said to have sent word that he was going to whip the other when they met.

They met Thursday afternoon. After a few remarks about the threats, Sparkman drew a small pistol and began shooting at Gossett, who in turn drew his gun and began shooting. Each man fired four times, and each was shot twice. It is said that Gossett had a small girl in his arm when the shooting began.

The men were carried to their homes and medical aid given.

Both parties to the shooting are well known in Caddo, have families, and bear good reputations.