Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Pine Street Shootout
On the evening of January 8, 1884, City Alderman Frank Collins and his brother, Walter, who was a Taylor County deputy sheriff, entered a saloon at the northeast corner of North First and Pine streets. The saloon proprietor, Zeno L. Hemphill, confronted Frank Collins about the newly-passed anti-gambling laws. (Hemphill had been convicted of assault in 1880 and was scheduled for an April 1884 trial for killing a man the previous year.) Angry words, and then punches, were exchanged, and Hemphill drew a gun and shot Walter Collins, who had stepped between the two men. Gunfire then broke out between Frank Collins and Hemphill. When the dust settled, Walter Collins and Zeno Hemphill were dead, and Frank Collins died from his injuries after two months.
As a result of the incident, the enforcement of the new city ordinances became a top priority. John J. Clinton was appointed as City Marshal, and he served in the position for 37 years. In addition, the episode likely influenced voting in the June 1887 state prohibition election, in which Abilene citizens voted “dry,” although the state voted against prohibition. A city prohibition law was defeated in 1894, but in 1902, citizens voted to ban alcohol sales within the city limits, and Abilene saloons remained shuttered for 75 years.
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16528.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1855.
Location. 32° 26.97′ N, 99° 43.971′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of N. 1st Street and Pine Street, on the right when traveling west on N. 1st Street. Marker is located on the N. 1st Street sidewalk at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Texas & Pacific Railway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Curfew by John J. Clinton (about 500 feet away); Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot (about 500 feet away); The Hotel Grace (about 500 feet away); The Bankhead Highway (about 800 feet away); Hotel Wooten (approx. 0.2 miles away); Taylor County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
More about this marker. Underneath the marker is a tablet noting the historical marker project contributors. The tablet states,
Historical Marker Project Contributors
Abilene Indoor Gun Range • James M. Alexander & Co. • Mr. & Mrs. Downing Bolls Jr. • Mr. & Mrs. Glendel L. Bruce • Sheriff Les D. Bruce & Family★ • Philip L. Bruce & Family • Jimmy & Peggy Campbell • COBAN Technologies, Inc. • The Collins Families of Mississippi & Texas • John Cummins & Family★ • David Doherty & Family★ • Teron Durant & Family • GT Distributors, Inc. • James D. Hill & Family★ • Lone Star Electric • Cheryl Mynar & Family • Tommy & Kelly Pope★ • Prisoner Transportation Services (PTS) • Taylor County Historical Commission
★ Denotes Officers of The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
“Pine Street Shootout” Historical Marker, Abilene Texas
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,686 times since then and 145 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 20, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on November 19, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas.