06/17/2026
The Doe Run Tragedy
Have you heard of the Hatfields and McCoy feud? Well Doe Run Missouri had its very own feud that ended in a similar fashion, with bloodshed.
One of the most violent incidents in the history of Doe Run occurred when a longtime feud between two local families erupted into a deadly gunfight.
According to a newspaper account from the time, tensions between the Dooley and Harris families had been building for several years. The article traces the conflict back to a court case in which members of the Harris family testified against William Dooley. Additional disputes followed, including an altercation at a community picnic that further deepened the hostility between the two families.
The feud finally reached a breaking point at another picnic gathering near Doe Run.
Witnesses reported that an argument broke out between William Dooley and Wes Harris. The confrontation quickly escalated, and within moments shots were fired. What began as a verbal dispute turned into a full on gun battle almost like O.K Corral except this involved the two families.
When the shooting ended, William Dooley was dead, Wes Harris was dead John Dooley was seriously wounded and Jim Harris and Frank Harris were seriously wounded an innocent bystander by the name of Ora Littrell, was shot through the foot.
Newspaper reports described a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted from several directions while frightened picnic goers scrambled for safety.
Following the shooting, surviving members of the Dooley family surrendered to authorities in Farmington and were placed in jail pending an investigation and preliminary hearing.
The incident became known as “The Doe Run Tragedy” and remains one of the most dramatic and deadly family feuds recorded in the history of St. Francois County.
Have you ever heard this story passed down through local families? I’d love to hear if anyone has additional information, photographs, or family connections to either the Dooley or Harris families.
Source: newspaper account, “The Doe Run Tragedy.”
Story suggestion- this story was suggested by a follower, unfortunately I wasn’t able to find the comment where the article of this event was posted. If the gentleman that commented this suggestion can let me know it was him I will add your name to it for credit!
