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Double Tragedy

Two Well Known Men Killed Near Wayne

January 11, 1895—Chickasaw Enterprise--A double tragedy took place four or five miles east of Wayne Wednesday afternoon about 4 o’clock in which John Swain, an ex-deputy Marshal, was shot and killed by Charley Vincent, a deputy for the Ardmore Court, after Swain had shot and killed Garl Vincent, Charley’s father.  [Two paragraphs describing the shooting and cause.] Swain was a deputy for the Paris court up to about a month ago, when he was laid off.  Swain was a Chickasaw citizen by marriage as is also his slayer.  Swain’s father in law, though present, took no part in the fight.  Swain’s remains were taken to Purcell.

Duel to the Death

January 11, 1895—Purcell Register--Several paragraphs describe how John Swain shot Garl Vincent near Purcell followed by his own death at the hands of Charlie Vincent.} Swain’s body was brought to town and prepared at Houghton’s undertaking establishment for burial after which it was removed to the residence of Deputy Marshal Matt Cook.  The funeral took place from the Baptist Church at 10 o’clock Friday morning, services conducted by Rev. W. H. Nichols, of Oklahoma City.  A large crowd was in attendance and followed the remains to their last resting place in the cemetery west of town.

John Swain was born in Missouri, went from there to Tennessee from which state he came to the Territory.  He was 33 years, two months and twenty-eight days of age at the time of his death.  For 8 years he was connected with the force of Marshals in the Territory, having only about two weeks ago surrendered his commission.  During his term of service as deputy Marshal he participated in many dangerous conflicts, bearing himself at all times with courage and proving himself a man of indomitable nerve—a character sustained by the desperate fight he made in his dying moments.

He had been twice married, his first wife having been of Chickasaw blood, which gave him the right of an intermarried citizen in this country...Mr. Swain’s marriage to his second wife, (Susie Ryan) the charming lady who in widowed sorrow mourns her loss....

Submitted by Michael Tower