The Stockmens Bank Incident of 1922
Originally Marcum Bank, becoming Stockmen Bank in 1920. Image from “Mountains and Meadows” by Mrs. Clarence Rowe, pg.38
It was Monday, March 20, 1922 in Cascade, Montana. At about 3 pm, Fred Marcoux was walking down the street, heading to the Stockmens Bank. As he was making his way, he ran into Orin Simmons, a creditor who inquired if Marcoux could pay some of the debts owed to him. He replied, “I’m on my way to see Hughes about obtaining some money and expect to get it or know the reason why.” He was referring to Paris Gibson Hughes, a cashier at the bank.
There were ill feelings between the two men. Marcoux had racked many debts of considerable amounts with several people. His financial troubles began when the previous year, when his place was raided and closed by Sheriff Bob Gordon because of bootlegging activity. He then lost his business, the Cascade Hotel, through foreclosure proceedings. Now he was facing charges for issuing a worthless check for $25 on the Stockmens Bank.
Stockmens Bank Check signed by Marcoux [SC 594]
Marcoux either stopped for a drink on his way or had been drinking before arriving at the bank. Witnesses testified that he appeared to bunder the influence of liquor when speaking with Hughes. Hughes continued to work as Marcoux talked to him. It was about 3:30 pm when I. L. Bower and C. D. Freel, ranchers from near Simms, came into the bank while Marcoux was still talking to Hughes. The ranchers heard Marcoux ask Hughes if he “was going to get any of that” and Hughes made no response.
Marcoux refused to be ignored any longer and walked around to where Hughes was standing in the back of one of the cages. Hughes ordered him to leave two or three times. When he finally took a step toward Marcoux with the intent of forcibly removing him, Marcoux pulled his gun and shot. They were less than three feet apart.
Freel and Bower ran from the bank and caught the attention of Dan Croxford, who was standing nearby. Croxford and Freel returned to the bank in time to see Marcoux place the gun to his left temple and pull the trigger, killing him instantly. He had been carrying a 41-caliber revolver. Hughes had been pierced through the stomach and intestines, the bullet lodging itself just outside his left hip bone.
He was loaded in a big touring car by Dr. Vanetta and driven by Bert Monroe. He was unconscious most of the ride, having been placed under opiates. They arrived at the Deaconess Hospital at 6:30 pm and Hughes was given little chance of survival. To the amazement of all, Hughes lived and was able to leave the hospital in a wheelchair 3 months later.
Telegram to P. G. Hughes from his brother-in-law [SC 594]
B13UN P 50 NL
TD Burgettstrown Penn Apr 15 1922
E G Hughes
Deaconess Hospital Great Falls Mont
Easter Greetings and congratulations to old man and your most remarkable recover after rubbing up against the great divide. Sorry I could not see you at this time say kid next time a nut packs a gat for you be sure to have a bunch of stage money for him.
W L Renner
8:32 Apr 16
-Megan Sanford, Archives Administrator