Yes they were much like turf wars. I think of the Kirkland, Laney, and Elliott gangs, spreading fear and terror over a wide area from Monroe County TN into Cherokee County NC. John J. Kirkland, formerly a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd TN Mounted Infantry CSA was one of the most dangerous and deadly of them all. He had a continuing feud with Captain Tim Lyons of the 3rd TN Mounted Infantry USA. It does get confusing.
James