mtaggart“Forgive us.” Two simple words so easily said, but often so hard to give. As I pondered Tucker’s final request, I wondered how quickly those who loved Tucker were able to forgive and move on? Could Nena’s parents ever forgive them for the pain they had brought them and could Nena’s children ever forgive Tucker for the mother that he took from them?
Although I began with the ending as I shared this story (see part 1 HERE and part 2 HERE), my initial discovery of Tucker and Nena Frances’ tragic deaths actually started with the discovery of their death certificates. I knew that some of my Gurganus folks had gone to Texas, so one day I went through the Texas Death Certificates, looking for members of my Gurganus family. I was excited to see that there were several Gurganus folks listed.
First, I came across Nena Frances Gurganus’ death certificate.
When I read “Gun shot wounds,” I literally felt my stomach drop. I also noticed that the informant was her sister from Oklahoma, although her parents were both living close by. Initially confused, I wondered if maybe there had been some sort of a hunting accident? But then I came to the next death certificate, which just happened to be her husband’s.
Husband and wife had died on the exact same day, one of a gunshot wound and the other by suicide. Although I had no additional details at this point, I certainly had my suspicions. Hoping that I could learn more, I turned to newspapers.
The details of the story were consistently reported in various papers. As I shared in the previous post, the camp operator found the couple lying on the bed and both had been shot to death.
San Antonio Light, 4 Oct 1937
Although most articles reported essentially the same details, several newspapers offered a few additional facts, helping me understand some of the preceding events.
Fort Worth, Oct 4, (AP) –The bodies of a man and woman, found shot to death in Weatherford, Texas, tourist cabin, today had been identified as Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Gurganus, missing since the husband was released here on $2,500 bond September 18.
Gurganus was released by Justice of the Peace Marvin Beaty after making bond after filing of a fugitive warrant. He was wanted in Lake Charles, La. on forgery charges.”
An article in The Valley Morning Star in Harlingen, Texas, published on 5 October 1937 provided the following information:
VERDICTS OF MURDER, SUICIDE RETURNED
Weatherford, Tex.–Coroner W. R. Hawkins Monday returned a verdict of murder and suicide in the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Gurganus found shot Sunday in a tourist camp here.
Gurganus was under a charge of forgery at Lake Charles, La., and faced trial under the habitual criminal act. The couple, which had been at the camp since last Thursday had been previously residing in Fort Worth. The bodies were buried at Athens, Tex., Monday where relatives of Gurganus live.
While some descendants indicate that family lore says Tucker went to the tourist camp alone and that Nena went to visit him, most newspapers imply that the couple had gone there together.
What happened between Thursday when they arrived at the camp and Sunday when Tucker shot Nena and then took his own life? Had ending their lives been part of the original plan when they checked into the camp or did something happen between Thursday and Sunday that fueled the desperation?
There was one additional haunting detail reported in many of the newspaper accounts. A note written in pencil was left in on the table beside the couple. It said simply:
“Forgive us. Bury us together.”
Were these really the final words expressed by both Tucker and Nena? Do they reflect remorse for their final act or remorse for their previous choices that led them to that point? Or are they the words of a desperate husband, unable to face his future as a “habitual criminal,” or even possibly the words of a husband unwilling to allow his wife to leave him?
We will never know what was in their minds and hearts in those final minutes, but we do know their request was delivered to heavy hearts. Whether they were forgiven by those who loved them or not, the request was honored and they were both buried in Bethel Cemetery in Parker County, Texas.
Copyright © Michelle G. Taggart 2016, All rights reserved
Oh Michelle, that was worth the wait. Nice job!
What a sad ending but I guess good in that their last request was honored.
I've found that one of my husband's ancestors was killed with an ax – That's another one that will take the breath right out of you.
Tragic, sad story. Beautifully told.
Thank you Barbara!
Wow Debi, an ax? I bet there is quite the story behind that as well!
So so tragic. Thank you Stephanie.
What an intriguing, but very sad, story. You've had me hanging on, waiting for the next chapter. Great job.
This story gave me chills. What a sad, strange note. It does make you want to know more about those last few days and hours, but this is probably all we will ever know. What a sad story!
(By the way, the link to "part II" isn't linked.)
Thank you Linda. Researching this story did the same thing to me. I couldn't put it down.
I really do wish I knew a little more about the last little bit of their life and exactly what was the last straw for them.
Thanks for letting me know about the link. I couldn't make it a live link until it was published and then I forgot to go back and insert it. It should be fixed now.
The newspaper articles answered some questions but there are still questions left unanswered. I certainly hope Nena's death was part of her wish too.
I don't know if I've ever found all of the answers for any one problem. But I agree, too many things left unanswered, but void of a first hand account from someone (without bias of course), I don't expect I will ever know all that truly went on between Nena and Tucker.
-Forgive Us- What a great title. What a story this was a beautifully told.