Background
The feud involved the Tutt family, supporters of the Whig Party, and the Everett family, adherents of the Democratic Party. The Everetts had moved to Arkansas from Kentucky, with John "Sim", Jesse and Bart Everett becoming some of the most influential men in the area. The Tutt family, from Tennessee, was led by Hansford "Hamp" Tutt. They were influential in Searcy County, Arkansas, and were bitterly opposed to dividing Marion and Searcy counties. A third family, the Kings, also became involved, supporting the Tutts as Whig Party backers.
Violence first occurred during a political debate in Yellville, Arkansas, which degenerated into an all out brawl. The fighting peaked when Tutt supporter Alfred Burnes struck John Everett on the head with the blade of a hoe. Many fled, thinking Everett had been killed. However, he survived, despite receiving a severe gash in his head. Over the following four years, heated arguments between the factions would often lead to fist fights and brawls.
Read more about this topic: Tutt-Everett War
Famous quotes containing the word background:
“... every experience in life enriches one’s background and should teach valuable lessons.”
—Mary Barnett Gilson (1877–?)
“Pilate with his question “What is truth?” is gladly trotted out these days as an advocate of Christ, so as to arouse the suspicion that everything known and knowable is an illusion and to erect the cross upon that gruesome background of the impossibility of knowledge.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“In the true sense one’s native land, with its background of tradition, early impressions, reminiscences and other things dear to one, is not enough to make sensitive human beings feel at home.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)