Wiliam Sellers, E. B. Kennedy, and The 'Lancaster Riot', Garrard, 1874

This post is a work in progress, but it's been such a long work in progress (picked up and put down again for at least three years if not more) I'm worried about losing all the work on it I've done so far, so I'm publishing it now and I'll work on it more later....

 

this post is related to: Grove Kennedy Kills Elbert Kennedy in front of Courthouse, Garrard, 1877

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Leads I have not had time to follow up on: 

- Separate out the out-of-state articles to insure I have located all Louisville Courier Journal, Danville Advocate, and Stanford Interior Journal articles  (mostly separated out the out of state articles, haven't checked for continuity for each paper)
- Check governor's letters

- check Cincinnati papers prior to Sept 4 for a statement published by Sellers

- look into 1874 U.S. District Louisville suffrage case filed by Luther Jackman against Eb. Kennedy
- check Louisville federal court case files, Sellers sued 20+ people over the burning of his house

- Sellers moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, maybe check Indiana papers
- Sellers father allegedly participated in the Hill-Evans Feud (https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=70793648)
- See: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/KYGARRAR/2010-09/1285606822

- look into this article from an out-of-state paper, four years after the 'Riot', exaggerates many details, but may provide leads on Kennedy family genealogy. "A Family of Murderers." The Stark County Democrat, Canton, OH. January 17, 1878. Page 7. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84028490/1878-01-17/ed-1/seq-7/ 

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[] "The Case of Robt. Salter." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 27, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 27, 1871] -

THE CASE OF ROBT. SALTER

A Sample of the Suits Brought Against White Men by Negroes

From the Louisville Ledger.

In the United States Court yesterday the case of the United States vs. Robert Salter came up for trial. This was a prosecution under the Civil Rights act of 1866, charging the defendant with having assaulted one Moses Doty, a man of color, in Garrard county, Ky. The only witness introduced by the government was the said Moses, who stated in substance that on the morning of the August election, 1871, just before day, the defendant, with some other person, to the witness unknown, came to his (Moses') house, and brandished a pistol over him, and threatened him with death in case he voted at the election to be held that day; yet, notwithstanding all this, Moses voted.

Upon cross-interrogation witness stated that the stars were shining, and he distinctly recognized the defendant, who stood in the rear of the unknown man, though Salter neither spoke, took hold of or struck him, and there was no light in the house. He stated further that William Sellers, of Garrard county, Ky., had told the witness that if the jury should find a verdict against defendant in this case that the fine would be $5,000, and that Moses would get one half of it. These facts were drawn from Moses with the greatest difficulty, first saying that he did not know anything about it, then that he hardly knew Mr. Sellers, but being hard pressed by counsel for defence he acknowledged in full, and admitted that he knew Sellers well, and that he (Sellers) had been present in court during almost the whole of last week, and witness had had frequent conversations with him about the case during that time.

Defendant introduced four intelligent, honest, good-looking, black men, who all concurred in their testimony, stating that together with Moses Doty and others, they had been together the night of the alleged assault; that during the whole night it was very dark and continuously raining until day-light; that it was impossible for them, they being together, to recognize each other a few feet, except by the voice; two of them went to Mr. Salter's just before day-light and found him at home. Here defendant offered to prove that these witnesses were out watching for Ku-klux; that a party of men came from the direction of Moses Doty's; stopped at John Burdett's, threatened him, went on down the creek, and witnesses followed, keeping the K. K.'s in sight; that the K. K.'s passed Salter's gate; witness went on to Salter's, and found him at home, waked him up, and told him what had occurred, and asked his advice as to what they should do, and Salter told them "it was only an electioneering trick and to go on and vote." To this evidence the District Attorney objected. The court sustained the objection and excluded the evidence from the jury. After being instructed in the law of the case by his Honor Judge Ballard the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." The jury were evidently impressed with the unfavorable personal appearance of the government witness, and his reluctance to state Hon. Wm. Sellers' connection with the case, (who by the way is the radical representative elect of the county,) and strengthened, no doubt by the bold and manly appearance of the defendant who is one of the first citizens of Garrard. -- W. D. Hopper, of Lancaster, and Harlan and Newman were attorneys for the defendant. []

 

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[] "A Card from Mr. Wm. Sellers." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 17, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com. 

[November 17, 1871] -

A CARD FROM MR. WM. SELLERS.

THE TESTIMONY IN THE CASE OF THE UNITED STATES VS. ROBERT SALTER.

Lancaster, October 28th.

Editors Louisville Commercial:

In your paper of the 25th instant, under the head of "Reports of Proceedings in the United States Court," I find that Moses Doty stated, in the case of the United States against Robert Salter, that I told him "the fine against Salter would be $5,000, and he would be entitled to one-half of it."

I would have answered this matter, or, in other words, would have contradicted it before this, but did not reach home until the evening of the 27th instant, at which time I returned from the meeting of the Grand Lodge I. O. O. F. at Bowling Green.

I ask that you and the editors of the Courier-Journal and Ledger will give this communication the same publicity you have given the report alluded to.

I here denounce the statement of Doty as a base falsehood, untrue in every particular, and without any foundation whatever.

On the morning of the August election, 1870, Moses Doty came to and told me that the night before a party of men came to his house, and with drawn pistols in their hands, told him if he voted the Republican ticket they would take his life, and that on that morning some individuals had offered to buy his vote, I told him not to sell his vote, but to vote his sentiments, that I did not think he would be injured for it. As to advising him to indict or interrupt Robert Salter, I did no such thing and any statement intimating any such thing on my part is maliciously untrue.

I will now explain my presence at the United States Court. Being under bond for my appearance on the 11th instant as a witness in the case of the United States vs. Jack Grimes, and others, I went to Louisville, and was held over until the 12th instant, at which time I obtained leave to return home by standing on my bond for appearance again on the 17th instant. I returned on the 13th instant, and again went to Louisville on the 17th, and remained until 2:30 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, at which time I was discharged, and there being no train upon which I could return on that day, I consequently remained over until the next morning, the 21st day of October, on which day I returned home. For the proof of these statements, I refer to the witness book of the United States Court, to Mr. Meriwether (the clerk), and to the bond under which I was held. On the 23d instant I started to attend the Grand Lodge spoken of, as a representative of Franklin Lodge No. 7. I. O. O. F., and after reaching Louisville and eating my dinner, I went around to the court room on business entirely disconnected with Moses Doty or Robert Salter; and after remaining a short time, I went over to Jeffersonville to see Mr. Coleman Hicks, in regard to the sale of some patents; and on the 9:30 train left Louisville for Bowling Green. I refer to Mr. Hicks in regard to this matter.

I admit I had conversations with Moses Doty, and I will now state the substance of those conversations: On the 18th and 19th inst., said Doty approached me and asked me on one occasion to point out to him the Prosecuting Attorney, which I did; and on the other occasion asked me where he should remain until the case came up, and I pointed out to him the Deputy United States Marshal, and told him to see that gentleman, and he would tell him all about it.

This is about all I said to Moses. As to conversing with him about Robert Salter's case, and advising him in regard to that matter, I deny any such conversation. I said greatly more to Robert Salter about the case than I did to Moses.

This statement I make, not that I stand in any fear whatever, but simply to make known the truth, and let an honest public place their own construction upon it.

WILLIAM SELLERS. []

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[] "..." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 7, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 7, 1874] -




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[] "Lancaster, Ky." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 10, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com. 

[August 10, 1874] -

LANCASTER, KY.

Reported Attempt to Assassinate E. B. Kennedy by the Hon. William Sellers.

 (Special Dispatch from the Courier-Journal.)

 DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 8. -- Intelligence was received here this morning from Lancaster, Garrard county, of an attempt on the part of William Sellers to assassinate E. B. Kennedy, recently a candidate for Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court. As the story runs, Sellers approached Kennedy about 9 o'clock last night, laid his left hand on his shoulder, and said, "How are you, Uncle Eb?" As he uttered these words, he fired a pistol with his right hand, which brought Kennedy to the ground. He then fired a second shot, disappeared, and has not been seen since.  The first shot struck a thick memorandum book in Kennedy's pocket and glanced off. The second inflicted a slight flesh wound in the right side. My information is that there has been no previous quarrel between the men. Sellers has represented his county for two terms in the lower branch of the State Legislature; and many persons here of both political parties, to whom he is well known, find it difficult to believe that he could be guilty of the attempted assassination detailed above.  []

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster, KY." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 12, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com. 

[August 12, 1874] -

LANCASTER, KY.

Hon Wm. Sellers' Statement of the Affair with E. B. Kennedy.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 11. -- In my dispatch which appeared in your issue of the 10th inst. I gave what I understood to be the version of Mr. E. B. Kennedy in regard to the rencounter between him and Hon. Wm. Sellers in Lancaster on the night of the 7th inst. From a gentleman just from Lancaster, I understand the following to be Mr. Sellers' statement:

After closing his store about nine o'clock, and when on his way to his residence, he met Kennedy, whom he spoke to, saying "How are you, Uncle Eb?"

Kennedy replied that he intended to kill several men about town, and that he (Sellers) was one of the number.

Sellers then caught the pistol which was pointed at him, and in the tussle for its possession it was discharged. Sellers then fired at Kennedy, the shot bringing him to the ground, the ball, however being diverted from its course by a thick memorandum book in Kennedy's pocket. Sellers then proceeded to his home.

I understand that the friends of both parties are trying to prevent a renewal of the difficulty, and with hopes of success. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 14, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 14, 1874] -

A difficulty occurred last Friday night, in this place, between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy, in which the former fired two shots at the latter, but without effect. There are a variety or rumors in circulation about the trouble, and with regard to which serious apprehensions are entertained by the friends of both parties. We do not think it proper to publish any detailed statement of the affair, inasmuch as the matter will doubtless undergo a legal investigation at the proper time. []

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[] "Statement from Hon. Wm. Sellers." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 17, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 17, 1874] -

Statement from Hon. Wm. Sellers.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY.,  Aug. 11, 1874. 

In your issue of the 10th inst. is a special dispatch from Danville, Ky., entitled, "Reported Attempt to Assassinate E. D. Kennedy by the Hon. Wm. Sellers," and setting forth such attempted assassination.

A sense of duty to myself prompts me to say the dispatch alluded to is false in every respect.

On last Friday night, about 9 o'clock, while on my way from my store to my dwelling, I was approached by Mr. Kennedy with a drawn pistol. He asked, "Who are you?" I responded, "Sellers." I then told him not to shoot; that I had nothing against him. His only reply was a persistence to take my life. I drew my pistol, cocked it, and grasped his hand with my left hand, and still begged him to desist. Finding that he would not desist, but still attempted to shoot me, and finding that I was physically unable to hold his pistol with one hand, I grasped his hand with both mine, and in the struggle that ensured, my pistol was accidently discharged. He then broke loose from me and I fired at him, whereupon he fell, and I, supposing that I had struck him, and fearing that his friends (a number of whom were in town) would come upon me and give me no chance for my life, left the town and remained away until the following Sunday morning, when I returned and have been at home since. Mr Kennedy had been drinking pretty freely that evening. I, as usual, was perfectly sober. His residence is situated in the east part of the town, and mine in the north, and yet he was in my direct line home.

No one deplores more deeply than I the unhappy occurrence. Mr. Kennedy and myself have been friends in the past, and great was my astonishment at his action. I feel confident that my friends at home and abroad, who know me to have always been a peaceable and quiet man, will not believe the foul misrepresentations of the dispatch mentioned.

As an act of simple justice, I ask you to publish this communication.

Respectfully, WILLIAM SELLERS. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[August 21, 1874] -

We learn through private correspondence that a shooting affray occurred in Lancaster Wednesday night at 8 1/2 o'clock, in which several citizens were wounded. William Kennedy was shot in the left side, though not dangerously. Griffin in the leg. Dr. Stephen Burdett was shot in the leg and had it badly broken while dressing the wound of Ross Smith, m. c., who had been shot in the affray. Thursday morning the negroes were parading the streets carrying their guns. The source from which we get our information does not give the cause of the difficulty, or further light in reference to the afair other than given above. []

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 [] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors - Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1874] -

FIGHTING. -- The war department was opened out last night with continued fighting, until morning, between a party of men at the Court House, and supposed to be negroes at the entrances of Danville and Lexington streets. There were no very serious results. Dr. S. L. Burdett was very painfully wounded in the leg and thigh, by a load of buck shot, while attending to a negro, Boss Smith, who received a slight wound. Wm. Kennedy and Geo. Griffin was shot through the door of the "Glass House," but neither wound is considered serious. Considerable excitement prevails this morning and serious apprehensions are entertained for the final result. Knowing nothing of the affair more than current reports this morning, I can but give a summary report. []

 

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 [] "The Trouble in Lancaster." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1874] -

THE TROUBLE IN LANCASTER.

PARTICULARS OF THE SHOOTING WEDNESDAY NIGHT. 

SERIOUS APPREHENSIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

In addition to what is furnished by our Lancaster Reporter, we have gathered more particulars with regard to the trouble in that town, from a gentleman who was there on Wednesday night. Since the affair between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy apprehension has been felt that the trouble was likely to be renewed at any time by the friends of each. On Wednesday night, about 8:45, when 'Squire Fred Yeakey, (son-in-law of E. B. Kennedy,) was crossing the public square a volley was fired at him by a party concealed behind the old ruins on the western side of the square or from behind a row of barrels on Storm's corner. Boss Smith, a negro who was with him, was shot. The fire was returned by Yeakey, and a number of shots were fired on either side. The negro was taken to the Court House and Dr. S. L. Burdett was sent for to dress his wounds. When the latter, with some friends, was about to enter the Court House, another volley was fired from the ruins or the corner, striking Dr. B. and breaking his leg and wounding him in two other places. At this fire Geo. Griffin, a white boy, was also shot in the leg, a slight wound. On the opposite side of the square, Wm. Kennedy received a shot while standing in the Glass House, inflicting a slight wound in the breast. Dr. Huffman was sent for to dress. Dr. Burdett's wounds, and went with a guard of four U.S. soldiers. After he had performed his work, and the party were returning across the square with Dr. Burdett on a mattress, still another volley was fired at them, and Dr. B. was again wounded in the side. These were all the casualities reported, although the firing was continued until 3 o'clock in the morning, at irregular intervals. Great excitement prevailed in Lancaster yesterday, (Thursday,) morning, when our informant left, and the apprehension was general that more blood would flow before the end was reached. []

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[] "The Lancaster Outrages." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 22, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 22, 1874] -

THE LANCASTER OUTRAGES.

The Troops Withdrawn and the Town Filled With Armed Negroes -- A House Riddled with Bullets and Set Fire to.

Another Man and a Child Shot.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 21, 1874. -- The war at Lancaster still rages. Last night Mr. E. D. Kennedy's residence was attacked and, as my informant expresses it, completely riddled by balls. Mr. Kennedy's little grandchild, who was in bed with its grandmother, was struck in the head by a spent ball. Mr. Kennedy was absent from home at the time, waiting on his cousin who was wounded on the night of the 19th instant.

This morning about daylight as Yeakey, who is in some way connected with Kennedy's family, was coming into town, he was fired on and wounded in the leg. 

From a reliable source[,] I learn this evening that Kennedy's house was set on fire at 2 o'clock to-day by an incendiary, but that the flames were suppressed before much damage was done; that some United States troops who had been endeavoring to keep order during the day, had withdrawn to their barracks; that the town was full of armed men, and that a fight was likely to commence at any moment. I also learn that the medical attendants of Dr. Stephen Burdett, who was wounded on the night of the 19th inst., think he will not recover. 

PAYING A DEBT WITH COLD LEAD.  

Danville had a little shooting scrape of her own to-night, the participants therein being colored. Doc. Burnet owed Billy Robinson two dollars. Billy asked him for it. This was more than the eminent physician could bear, so he seized a musket loaded with shot, and emptied it into Robinson's back. The extent of the wounded man's injuries is not known at present. []

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[IBID] "The Lancaster Outrages -- Another Account." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 22, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 22, 1874] -

Another Account. 

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.) 

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 21. -- The latest advices from Lancaster intimate that the war is still raging. 

From a reliable gentleman who arrived at this place (Stanford) at five o'clock P. M., I gather the following statement: Last night E. D. Kennedy's house was fired on nearly the whole night. To-day, about one o'clo[c]k P. M., an effort was made to set fire to it, and it is supposed that negroes did it.

Fred. Yeakey (deputy clerk and son-in-law of Kennedy, the clerk, and woudned man who was shot by Sellers on his way to the clerk's office) was shot, but only slightly wounded.

At night some one, or crowd of men, shot into Kennedy's house and wounded a grandson of his, aged about nine years. The wound is thought to be slight. It is in the head. 

It is said that the United States soldiers who had been protecting the people were withdrawn, but by whose orders we can not learn.

The negroes are all well-armed and are parading the streets unmolested, as all fear to offer any resistance. 

It is said that, after the excitement shall have subsided, the names of the ring-leaders of this shameless mob will be given and the guilty parties arrested. The peaceful citizens have fled to this and other towns and places for safety; at least many of them have done so. 

Circuit Court has adjourned, although they are not through with the docket, and it is thought that the court will not meet again this term.

Such a state of things is disgraceful in the extreme in this part of the country, and evidently the law is excessively lax. 

I will report again to-morrow. []

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[] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

THE WAR IN GARRARD

Culmination of the Sellers-Kennedy Difficulty in Sharp Fighting at Lancaster.

One Party Entrenched on Sellers' Place, and the Other Camped in Town.

A Third Body Under Sheriff Saunders Lying Between the Lines.

Federal Troops Called Out and Fired on from Both Sides Yesterday.

Sellers' Residence Burned, and Fears of a General Conflagration.

Skirmishing Going on at Intervals Since Wednesday

Two Hundred and Fifty Men and Two Surgeons Gone to the Scene from Louisville.

SEVERAL NEGROES REPORTED KILLED

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(Special Dispatch to the Courier Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 22. -- A number of men have re-enforced the Kennedy party at Lancaster, and recruits are still going into town well armed. Trouble of a serious nature is brewing. The object is to quiet the excitement peacefully if they can, forcibly if they must.

ENTRENCHED AT SELLERS' PLACE.

The Sellers party are negroes whites, principally negroes, about fifty of whom are guarding his house, where they have entrenched themselves and made a barracks. They are armed with Spencer rifles, but where they got them is strange. Both parties are being re-enforced.

SHERIFF SAUNDERS IN THE FIELD.

The sheriff of this county, W. G. Saunders, has been appointed chief of the peace brigade.

SKIRMISHING GOING ON.

Skirmishing has been going on since 2 o'clock this afternoon. It is reported that the negroes have been killed and several wounded.  Sellers house has been burned, and two others.

UNITED STATES TROOPS FIRED ON.

United States troops came out, and both parties fired on them. The troops returned the fire, and dispersed both parties, and returned to their quarters.

ALL QUIET AT NIGHT.

All is quiet at present, 7 o'clock. The end is not yet reached, we fear, although earnest efforts are making to stop hostilities.  []

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Second Dispatch.

FIGHTING SINCE WEDNESDAY.

[Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.]

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 22. -- We are really having a terrible war between a party of whites and blacks. Fighting has been going in at intervals since Wednesday night.

THE WHITES IN POSSESSION OF THE TOWN.

Yesterday morning some negroes shot Mr. Fred. Yeakey. This so exasperated the whites that a large party took possession of the town this morning, and firing has been kept up all the evening.

THE NEGROES SURROUNDED.

The negroes are fortified in the house of Wm. Sellers. It is thought two negroes were killed this evening and several wounded. The whites set fire to an out house near Sellers' residence, with the intention of burning the negroes out and it is now burning. The whites now have the negroes surrounded.

A PERFECT REIGN OF TERROR.

It is reported that Sellers has gone after more negroes. The whites here also sent for re-enforcements. A perfect reign of terror exists. There is no law and order here. The troops stationed here now refuse to interfere. The citizens fear that the town may be burned.

RE-ENFORCEMENTS FROM LINCOLN COUNTY.

A party of whites from Lincoln county are here with arms and ammunition.

THE TROOPS CALLED OUT.

A regular engagement has just occurred between the troops and the rioters. The troops were called into town to try and quell the riot, when they were fired on by both parties. They returned the fire, and several were wounded on both sides.

SELLERS HOUSE BURNING.

Sellers dwelling is now burning. [ibid]




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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Third Dispatch.

Special Dispatch to the Courier Journal.

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 22. -- The situation at Lancaster up to a late hour this evening was as follows:  Kennedy's friends occupy the court-house and the Mason and Saunders Hotel, situated on the road leading to Stanford.

Sellers forces are located on Sellers' premises, just down the hill on the Lexington pike and a short distance from the public square.

A third party, whose mission is to preserve or restore peace, occupy the corner building on the public square, between the two parties and on the road to Lexington. No shooting since my last report.

THE CONTESTED ELECTION CASE.

The Circuit Court has not adjourned, and the man named Yeakey, who was shot, was not the son-in-law of Kennedy, but a brother of that gentleman. The contested election case between Kennedy and Faulkener for the office of Circuit Court Clerk was set for today, but was not tried.

BUSINESS HOUSES CLOSED.

The business houses in the town are closed, and the people are in momentary expectation of further trouble.

DOC BURNETT NOT ARRESTED.

Doc Burnett, who shot Billy Robinson here last night, has not been arrested. [ibid]




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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Fourth Dispatch.

THE WHITES FIRED ON.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug 22. -- There is more shooting at Lancaster. The negroes near Sellers' premises fired on a party of whites in Brown's building on the corner above spoken of. The fire was returned, and the skirmish between the two parties was kept up until the time the messenger left. Two negroes were shot; supposed to be killed. No other casualties are known. [ibid]

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Excitement in Louisville -- Departure of Militia.

About noon yesterday, Col. W. L. Clarke, of the well-known firm of Clarke & Thompson, commanding the State militia in this city, received the following dispatch from Gov. Leslie.

THE DISPATCH.

FRANKFORT, KY.  AUG 22, 1874.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Take two of your companies and report at Lancaster immediately to quell the mob. Ammunition will reach you on the down train from here this evening by express. Get special train to carry you out to night to Stanford.

P.H. LESLIE.

Colonel Clark immediately communicated the tidings to the captains of the German Fusileer troop, company A., Camp Rifles, company B, Waddell Grays, company C, and Hewett Grays, company D. The news spread rapidly through the city and the affair was not of course magnified ten-fold.

FORMING THE COMPANIES.

The men of the different companies were informed that at least they were to have a chance to exhibit their bravery, and the results of their military training. The older members were not so enthusiastic  as the young members, and did not therefore respond with so much alacrity. Towards the close of the afternoon young men were seen hurrying post haste to the armory at the Court house, their countenances beaming full of excitement and their whole appearance indicating a desire to have some fun. They came from the Main street establishments, from the work shops and factories, and brought along with them whatever piece of clothing, of a military texture, they could find. Some had old gray coats that had seen their full use in the Confederate army; others with new coats of flashy gray material, and still others who were in their working clothes, without over shirts, the whole forming a queer appearance, something skin to the Mulligan Guards.

THE SCENE AT THE COURT-HOUSE.

At the Court house, where the armory of three of the companies is situated, a scene of bustle and confusion presented itself. All were rushing for their guns and knapsacks, and putting themselves in the best warlike shape possible. The companies were to be in readiness at this point by five o'clock. While the Waddell and Hewitt Grays and Camp Rifles were getting themselves in readiness at the Court house, the German Fusileers were preparing at Turner Hall, their headquarters, each member arraying himself in the fine uniforms worn by this company, and putting in an appearance quite in contrast to some of the men forming at the Court-house.

TWO MORE DISPATCHES.

During the afternoon the following additional dispatches were received by Col. Clarke, which increased the already rising excitement materially:

FRANKFORT, Aug. 22, 2:20 P.M.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Will be down with ammunition on train. Meet me at the depot.

THOS. J. HARRIS.
Assistant Quartermaster General.

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FRANKFORT, Aug. 22.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Did you get my dispatchs. Will you go as directed? Necessity urgent. See Rowland and arrange for special train to start immediately on ammunition getting there.

P. H. LESLIE. [ibid]




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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -
 

  THE CROWD AND THE TALK.

 

Meanwhile, the crowd around the Courthouse kept increasing until the yard on the Sixth street side was filled with curious spectators, while the street was also lined with people, talking in groups about the affair, with here and there some of the patriotic militia expressing their views upon the subject, and evencing [sic] much anxiety to kill a few negroes, just for the fun of the thing. None took it seriously, while the fearless youths, of whom there were quite a number, seemed to be more desirous of meeting the foe and pressing him to the wall than any of their other comrades, and stalked about with the stern Caesarian air that frightened the little children, who formed of course a goodly portion of the sightseers. Now and then an anxious parent could be  seen wending his way through the crowd in [search] [for] some wayward son, who had bidden goodbye to the family and was determined to go on the war path. Young patriots, to fortune and to fame unknown prompted by the examples before them, expressed a willingness to sacrifice themselves at the altars of their country's cause, and forthwith were enrolled as members of the companies and furnished with guns, many of them were unable to handle the latter, and the captains accordingly had to teach the young idea how to shoot in case the worst came to the worst. At six o'clock a guard was formed and, with a fife and drum, marched to the Frankfort depot to receive the ammunition with which the work was to be done, although some of the enthusiastic ones were afraid that they were going tot he scene of battle without the necessary apparatus with them.

GETTING READY.

A special train of five cars was engaged to take the troops as soon as they were in readiness, and toward dark matters began to assume a really warlike aspect. Two surgeons, Drs. Doil and Metcalfe, were at the starting point, with countenances indicative of their readiness to sew up a leg or reset an arm, while was correspondents from the newspapers of the city, with pockets stuffed full of paper and sharpened pencils were holding themselves in readiness to accompany the troops, and from some safe point write a graphic description of the battle that was to ensue. At dark the German Fusileers, under General Trauer[?] marched down to the Courthouse in admirable order and eager for the fray. Before the Court-house the four companies formed in order to march to the depot. One of the soldiers of the Camp Rifles had got as "drunk as a blind owl," as the sergeant expressively informed the Captain, an he was the first man left behind. At eight o'clock the troops, two hundred and fifty in number, started for the depot, the band playing an inspiring war tune, while the United States flag floated proudly to the breeze. All along their route the streets were lined with people, and at the Nashville depot a large crowd awaited them. Under the command of Col. Clarke, who is an old Confederate officer, they acted with good behavior, two more, however, getting drunk on the way, their places being immediately filled by two others. 

AN OLD NEGRO'S COMMENT.

"Good Lord," said an old negro, "a nigger axumdentally fired off a gun, and de Gubnor's called out a thousand troops."

ANOTHER DISPATCH.

Mr. March, superintendent of the telegraph department, handed Col. Clarke the following dispatch at the depot, which had been sent at [?].m.

RICHMOND JUNCTION, 6[?] P.M.

The whites and blacks have been fighting at Lancaster since [?]. Expect the town to be burnt. They have about 100 armed men on each side. Several reported killed.

Mr. March also said that a report had reached him that the United States troops in attempting to quell the disturbance about dark, had been fired on by both parties, and that the houses in which the negroes were quartered had been set on fire.

THE DEPARTURE

This news seemed to make it all the more necessary for the presence of our troops. At a quarter after 9 the train left the depot, amidst the cheers of the crowd. Throughout the city there was a great deal of talk about war between the races, and ominous prophecies given by any quantity of people. It is safe to say that a thousand men coudl easily have been raised to leave the city immediately.

The Sarsfield Rifles, and independent military organization of Irish citizens, were ready to leave, and telegraphed through their captain to Gov. Leslie, asking if they were needed. Gov. Leslie sent the following reply:

FRANKFORT, 9:25 P.M.

D.E. DONOVAN — Thankful for your kind offer. Hold yourselves and companies in readiness. Will call for you certainly if needed. Will know by to-morrow evening.

P.H. LESLIE.

The Origin of the War — What a Citizen of Lancaster Says.

In conversation with a gentleman from Lancaster last night a COURIER-JOURNAL reporter was informed that three years ago a riot occurred at Lancaster in which Kennedy and Sellers took opposite sides. Since then there has been a grudge existing between the two families. At the last election Kennedy was a candidate for clerk of the Circuit Court, and Sellers, who is a Radical, worked actively against him. Kennedy was defeated by eleven votes, and considered that he owed his defeat partly to the influence of Sellers. This naturally added bitterness to the grudge already existing between them, and the conflict followed in which Kennedy was shot by Sellers. The gentleman stated, also, that there was more lounging, worthless impudent negroes about Lancaster than in any other town in the State. These negroes probably are active in the fight now in progress. In and about Lancaster everybody goes armed, and blacks and whites are always prepared to defend themselves.

Sellers is a Republican, Kennedy is a Democrat.

The Beginning of the Trouble -- The Shooting Wednesday Night.

(Danville Advertiser of Friday)

Since the affair between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy, apprehension has been felt that the trouble was likely to be renewed at any time by the friends of each. On Wednesday night, about 8:45, when Squire Fred Yeakey, son-in-law of E.B. Kennedy, was crossing the public square, a volley was fired at him by a party concealed behind the old ruins on the western side of the square, or from behind a row of barrels on Storm's corner. Boss Smith, a negro who was with him, was shot. The fire was returned by Yeakey, and a number of shots were fired on either side. The negro was taken to the court house, and Dr. S. L. Burdett was sent for to dress his wounds. When the latter, with some friends, was about to enter the court-house, another volley was fired from the ruins or corner, striking Dr. B., and breaking his leg and wounding him in two other places. At this fire, George Griffin, a white boy, was also shot  in the leg— a slight wound. On the opposite side of the square, Wm. Kennedy received a shot while standing in the Glass House, inflicting a slight wound in the breast. Dr. Huffman was sent for to dress Dr. Burdett’s wounds, and went with a guard of four United States soldiers. After he had performed his work, and the party were returning across the square with Dr. Burdett on a mattress, still another volley was fired at them, and Dr. B. was again wounded in the side. These were all the casualties reported, although the firing was continued until 3 o'clock in the morning at irregular intervals. Great excitement prevailed in Lancaster yesterday (Thursday) morning, when our informant left, and the apprehension was general that more blood would flow before the end was reached.

The Two Powerful Families.

(Harrodsburg People.)

Mr. Sellers is a prominent man in Garrard, and Mr. Kennedy is one of the most substantial citizens in that county. The origin of the difficulty is very uncertain, inasmuch as affirmation and denial are made by both parties, and the statements of each are such that if one be true the other must be wholly false. 

Sellers was a member of the Legislature, is a man of courage and will gather about him a band of determined friends. His father was a desperate man and was killed in the tobacco barn fight during the Hill and Evans feud in Garrard county. A number of the Evans party fired upon a party of Hills as they passed the barn, and killed four of them. In return, a young Hill, only fourteen eyars old, shot Sellers down, and then pinned him to the earth with a knife.

Eb. Kennedy was a candidate for sheriff against Faulkner, and was beaten by eleven votes. His defeat is doubtless due to a difficulty which he had with Denny, Radical candidate for district attorney. Kennedy's father was a well known Indian fighter, and is said to have cut the cover for a razor strap from the back of an Indian he had killed. The present Kennedy has always been considered a peaceable man, though one of dauntless pluck.

The Sellers connection is numerous, and the Kennedy's are a powerful family in Garrard county. Every good citizen hopes that the too possible result of this conflict, a desperate family feud, may be averted. [ibid]

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[] "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

THE SITUATION.

Monday, Aug. 24. -- 3 A.M.

 

The little army from Louisville has arrived in Lancaster, and the war has dwindled to a pursuit of fleeing negroes and whites. Sellers, Rep., and Kennedy, Dem., the prominent gentlemen for whom the fight seems to have been made, do not appear to have figured conspicuously in it, and are probably both safe. The proclamation of Judge Owsley, backed by the bayonets of the State troops, is likely to have a quieting effect, and it is scarcely probable that there will be any further trouble. 

This state of affairs is much different from that of Friday when re-enforcements for the Kennedy party had arrived, and the Sellers party, armed with Spencer rifles had entrenched themselves; when the United States troops had been fired upon by both parties and had retired in disgust; and when the forlorn hope of an armed "peace party" had established itself in a corner building of the public square, between the belligerents. 

This remarkable little war began last Wednesday night, when, as Esquire Fred Yeakey, a relative of Kennedy, was crossing the square, a volley was fired at him from behind an old ruin. Boss Smith, a colored Democrat who was with him, fell, shot in the groin. Dr. Burdett, while going to Smith's assistance, was shot in the leg. A brother of Kennedy's was wounded about the same time as he stood in the door of a hotel, and George Griffin, a white boy, was struck in the leg by a bullet. While Dr. Burdett was being carried away he was again wounded, this time in the side. Nearly the whole of the next night Kennedy's house was fired into, and an attempt was made to burn it. Esquire Fred Yeakey was again fired on, and was slightly wounded, and a spent ball that flew into Kennedy's house wounded Kennedy's son, a boy nine years of age. These persons, and perhaps two or three others, make up the list of wounded. Saturday night Sellers house was burned and three negroes are reported to have been burned with it. Besides these three, but one negro lost his life during all the firing that has occurred. The origin of the whole trouble is traced to an old grudge between Sellers and Kennedy which was renewed in the heat of the last election. []

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[] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

GARRARD'S WAR.

No Further Disturbance Since the Arrival of Col. Clarke at Lancaster.

Thirty-five of the Ring-leaders Arrested by the State Guards. 

Proclamation by Judge Owsley, Ordering all Rioters to Disperse.

Neither Sellers Nor Kennedy Known to Have Taken Active Part.

Sellers' House, Where the Negroes Had Fortified Themselves, Burned by Fire Balls.

Only Three Men Killed, and One's Face Eaten Off by Rats.

NO FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 23. -- I am just in from Lancaster. Two hundred State militia arrived here at 5:30 this morning and camped on the public square. The negroes all scattered last night, and the whites disbanded. All is quiet.

THE KILLED.

A white man named Ward, who was in the Sellers house with the negroes, was shot. Only one negro was killed. There were eighteen of them in the house that was burned, and all would have been killed except that the United States troops protected them, and they escaped under cover of the Federal guns. A white man named Foley, of Crab Orchard, belonging to the Kennedy party, was killed yesterday.

ONLY ONE HOUSE BURNED.

Only oen house was burned. Sellers' house would not have been burned if the negroes had not fortified themselves therein. Sellers himself wasn't in hishouse, but was said to be in the camp of the United States soldiers. There is no immediate danger of further trouble. The blacks are greatly demoralized.

THE STATE TROOPS.

The State troops have stacked arms on the square, and partook of a hearty breakfast. They appear to be a fine body of young men, and have it in their power to win fame as peacemakers. 

WOUNDED DOING WELL.

Dr. Burdett is doing well, also Mr. Yeakey and the child all of whom were wounded, as before stated. Nearly all the citizens left town for the country, but  many will return home to-day or to-morrow.

INTERVENTION OF FDERAL TROOPS.

Hon. R. M. Bradley, Circuit Judge pro tem., got the sheriff to take forty United States soldiers and protect the people. This was on Tuesday last. The soldiers got to the courthouse just as the blacks were marching toward it, and the blacks then retreated. But for this timely order much more blood would have been shed before this. All praise is due Judge Bradley for this act. Had the soldiers been permitted to act as conservators of the peace under the sheriff, but little damage would have been done. Why they were withdrawn is not known, but it is said that the commanding officer at Louisville ordered it. The foregoing may be relied upon, and it contains all news up to 11 o'clock A.M. to-day of any importance. []

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

 [August 24, 1874] -

Second Dispatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 23. -- From a gentleman who went to Lancaster yesterday, and returned to-day, I get the following account of last night's proceedings.

At about 7 o'clock a party of white men had the negroes surrounded in Sellers' house, with the intention of capturing or killing them. The United States soldiers, who have been stationed at Lancaster, then came up town, at the request of Town Marshal Miller, and the commander had a conference with the leader of thie whites, and also with Miller, atht econclsuion of which it was agreed that if the negroes would come out and surrender, no violence would be done to them, and they would be protected by the troops.

FEDERAL TROOPS FIRED ON.

The captain of the troops then marched his men in front of Sellers' premises, waving his white handkerchief as a flag of truce. The negroes, it may be, not understanding this demonstration, fired on the soldiers, notwithstanding the flag of truce, when the soldiers broke and ran to the public square, and then fired a volley which seemed directed rather toward a body of white men than toward the negroes who had fired on them.

THE KILLING OF FOLEY.

At this time, Foley (William Kennedy's barkeeper), was killed. It is not charged that the soldiers killed Foley, but it is known that at this time he received his death wound.

SELLERS' HOUSE FIRED.

In a few minutes Seller's house was set on fire by means of fire balls.

SELLERS AND KENNEDY NOT ACTIVELY ENGAGED.

Nothing is known of Sellers' whereabouts or participation in these proceedings. Neither was E. B. Kennedy known to have taken any active part.

FOUR NEGROES KILLED.

Four negroes were killed altogether. Two of them were burned up in Sellers' house.

A BRAVE MAN.

Tom Shanks, of the party opposed to Sellers, pulled out of Sellers' house while it was in flames one Ware, a white man who belonged to the Sellers' party. He also saved Sellers' parlor furniture.

NEGRO'S FACE EATEN BY RATS.

One negro was killed in Hon. George W. Dunlap's garden, which was not far from Sellers' residence. When found this morning his face had been nearly eaten off by rats.

TROOPS FROM LOUISVILLE ARRIVED.

Two hundred and fifty State troops arrived this A.M. from Louisville, since which time there has been no disturbance.

RIOTERS FROM OTHER COUNTIES.

A good many persons, not residents of Garrard county, are known and reported to have been engaged in these disorderly proceedings.

PROCLAMATION BY JUDGE OWSLEY.

The following proclamation has just been issued by the Hon. W. H. Owsley:

Whereas, There have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which ahve already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others; and,

Whereas, It is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity;

Now, therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the Eighth judicial district of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbnaces, or contemplace further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals, to immediately disperse and lay down their arms, and return to their homes as peaceful citizens. Otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law. I have at my command a military force, sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation late effect. This order shall be enforced without [f]ear, favor, or partiality, and all violations of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M. H. OWSLEY, 

Judge Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky. [ibid]

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

Third Despatch. 

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, Aug. 23, 6 o'clock P.M. -- Col. Clarke, commanding several squads of Kentucky troops, sent out some of his men on horses and they went through the fields and woods to hunt up the negroes who were trying to overcome the whites. The blacks were all well armed. The squad of Col. Clarke returned with about thirty-five black prisoners at four o'clock P.M., and it is said that the ring-leaders have been arrested. Certainly many of the most prominent of them ahve been arrested. Conflicting rumors prevail as to the number of negroes in arms, but it is now said the ring-leaders of the blacks are under arrest. The above information has been derived from Col. Clarke, the commander of the State troops, and may be relied upon as correct.

THE STATE TROOPS BEHAVING WELL.

 A more quiet set of men than the State Guards, under Col. Clarke, never tried to make and preserve the peace. I will give you any further news from this quarter of any importance if it should occur to-night. The troops sent here are behaving well, and the citizens of the town and county feel that they are fully protected.

NO FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED.

It is believed that no further trouble will be had. The utmost quiet prevails in all the town and vicinity at this hour, six o'clock P.M. A squad of soldiers under the orders of Col. Clarke are yet out in search oflawless men of either color. [ibid]

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

 

[August 24, 1874] -

 

Fourth Dispatch.

 

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

 

Lancaster, Ky., Aug. 23. -- The State troops which left Louisville under command of Col. W. L. Clarke last night arrived here at half-past 5 o'clock this morning, and found the town in the quiet possession of a few armed whites and a number of unarmed blacks, the beligerent negroes having retreated during the night, running away by the light of Wm. Sellers' residence, which was burned to the ground by the Kennedy party. An eager, daring and desperate set of men composed the military command, and at several stations on the way news was received of so war-like a nature that the men could scarcely retain themselves till they could reach the field of battle. Rumors were flying all over the country to the effect that one hundred men were engaged on each side, negroes and whites; that several on each side had been killed, that the town was on fire, and that armed bands of negroes and whites were marching in from every direction, 100 negroes having gone in a body from Harrodsburg. All along the route the people, white and black, were up all night, too much excited to sleep.

With commendable caution, the engineer of the train, after leaving Lebanon, moved slowly, blowing down breaks at all curves, grades and bridges, running the train to within half a mile of the Lancaster Courthouse.

Here the command hastily disembarked and began to form in line, and as no news contradictory of the wild sensational rumors had yet been received, Col. Clark immediately placed his command in fighting order by deploying a line of skirmishers under command of Capt. Trauernicht, of the Fusileers, and marching his command in column on the town.

A large crowd of negroes, out of curiosity, it seems, came down the railroad to meet the train, and were about three hundred yards distant when the cars stopped, but the instant they saw the flashy uniforms and glittering bayonets of the Fusileers, beat a hasty retreat and disappeared behind the embankments, as it was thought, to make defense, but nothing more was seen of them, nor were any negroes to be found except a small group here and there on the streets.

ALMOST A FATAL ACCIDENT.

While the skirmish line was being deployed a soldier's gun was accidentally discharged, and the bullet went whistling through the lappel of Captain Trauernicht's coat. The shot was so great that the captain instantly turned pale, and remarked that he was shot, but an instant later he was rejoicing in the consciousness of possessing a whole body unharmed.

THE ADVANCE.

When all was in readiness, the command, "Forward, guide center, march!" was given and the skirmishers deployed on either side of Richmond street, moved cautiously forward, covering the western portion fo the town. The citizens living in the suburbs knew little or nothing about the true situation in town, and there was no word to relieve the impression that the advance was made directly upon the stronghold of the rioters. Many of the young men in the ranks, thinking they had come especially to fight riotous negroes, were almost bursting with impatience, so anxious were they to draw a bead and pull a trigger.

When the skirmishers had advanced to a proper distance the column of soldiers, with glittering guns and bristling bayonettes, moved forward, 

 

MARCHING TO THE TUNE OF DIXIE.

 

The music and the heavy tramp of feet were the only sounds that broke the stillness of the early Sunday morning. But it did nto disturb the slumbers of the people. They were already up and in the street or at the gates. They had not slept during the night for the terrors which surrounded them, and when they saw the troops marching into the town they hailed them as their deliverer[s].

 

When within two squares of the Courthouse, Col. Clarke received inormation that the disturbing parties had left the town. 

 

The skirmishers were accordingly raillied, and the whole command marched in column to the public square, where the arms were stacked and the officers commenced an investigation of the affair.

 

THE MERITS OF THE CASE.

 

Your correspondent having accompanied the troops to the "seat of war," immediately began making inquiries as to the origin, nature and progress of the disturbances. The origin of the mob was correctly stated in the Courier-Journal yesterday. As to the true nature and aspect of the case, it would be hard for an impartial man to decide without holding both whites and blacks blamable almost to an equal degree. The whole affair is purely personal, or was at least of such a nature in the beginning, and the dissension which has led to such disastrous results arose between two very unimportant personages in the community. Their backers and friends are men of a still less important class, and it would not be going very far wrong to say they are a disgrace to the respective political parties to which they claim allegiance.

THE QUALITY OF THE FIGHTING STOCK.

The negroes who engaged in the fight, about forty in number, were of the lower order of their color.

The white mene ngaged were nearly all from the country, several coming from a distance, very few were citizens, and none of the more respectable classes taking any hand in [t]he fight.

The difficulty on Wednesday last, which led to the fight on Saturday, was commenced by the whites. On that day Ed. Cooly, a son of Mr. Kennedy, came to town in company with two men named Arnold and Long. The three men are represented as country roughs and bullies. During the afternoon of Wednesday, Cooly, it is said, slapped several negroes in the face and otherwise abused them, besides making many direful threats against them. Thus it is said the negroes were provoked to the armed resistance on Wednesday night.

On the other hand, it is stated that the negroes, under instructions from Selelrs, had been all the week preparing for the collision; that they paraded the streets with arms, making threats against the whites. The fact that they were well prepared to fight with the best of weapons on Wednesday night, seems to agree very well with this version of the case. 

THE EFFECT OF SENSATIONAL RUMORS.

After the affair of Wednesday night, news spread through the country round about of a great negro riot in Lancaster, and on Saturday morning a body of armed white men, about forty in number, rode into town. They were from Garrard, Boyle, Mead, and Lincoln counties, and came with a view to defending the whites against what they supposed to be a general uprising of the negroes. Soon after their arrival the negroes intrenched themselves in the basement of Mr. Sellers' residence, and commenced firing indiscriminately on the whites, wounding several men during the afternoon. The white men took position in the house surrounding Sellers' house, and the parties, thus situated, fired on each other whenever one of either side appeared in view. 

Upon the part of the negroes the affair appeared to be regarded as strictly

A WAR OF RACES,

for they not only fired on their adversaries but shot at every white man they saw in any portion of the city. The white men on the contrary allowed all peaceable negroes to pass unharmed.

RESULTS OF THE BATTLE.

The only persons wounded on the white side during the afternoon were Fred. Yeakey and Henry Ward, both of whom were shot through the [l]egs, Mr. Yeakey being shot while quietly walking along the street. Manifee Foley, the bar-keeper at the Kennedy House,w as supposed to have been killed by the United States soldiers when they returned the fire of the negroes from the burning building.

A white man named William Ward, who was with the negroes at Sellers' house, was shot through the body and dangerously wounded, and a mulatto named Jim Anderson was shot and killed while attempting to escape from the burning house. The firing all the afternoon was very heavy, and many houses in the town are riddled with bullets.

BURNING SELLERS’ HOUSE.

About dark the white men began to close in upon the house, and according to statements made, set it on fire with turpentine balls. When the house began to burn the negroes ran out and escaped in every direction. Several of the number, however, remained and fired till the last moments, and it is declared to-day that

THREE NEGROES WERE BURNED

with this house. When Col. Clarke’s command arrived this morning some portions of the house were still burning, and the terrible stench which arose from the smoking mass confirmed every one in the belief that at least some kind of flesh was going through the cremation process.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM JUDGE OWSLY.

Soon after establishing his bivouac, Col. Clarke sought Judge Owsly for instructions. The Judge informed the commander that the negroes were still lurking in the neighborhood under arms, threatening violence against the people, and advised that the entire command remain a few days in order to restore perfect peace and safety in the country.

The Colonel accordingly released the special train under his command and quartered his troops in the City Hall, where it is probable they will remain until the middle of the week.

This morning several detachments were sent out in different directions to look after the marauding parties, but without any success.

THE PEOPLE FROM THE COUNTRY

have been pouring into town on horseback and in buggies ever since sunrise this morning, and at this writing the streets are full of men wearing anxious faces, all absorbed in the one topic of the day.

The town was placed under martial law at an early hour, and Judge Owsley issued the following

PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, there have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which have already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others, and

Whereas, it is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity.

Now, therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbances or contemplate further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals, to immediately disperse and lay down their arms and return to their homes as peaceful citizens; otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law.

I have at my command a military force sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation into effect.

This order will be enforced without fear, favor or partiality, and all violators of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M. H. OWSLEY,
Judge Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky.
August 23, 1874. []

 
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[] Excerpt from "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 25, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 25, 1874] -

At Lancaster there seems to be no probability of any further trouble. Our latest reports from that point report all quiet. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 26, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 26, 1874] -

Lancaster is Garrard county, with its little army of occupation from Louisville, is getting on very well, and preparations are quietly making for the trial of persons concerned in the recent outbreak. The militia companies are likely to remain there sometime. []

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[] "Garrard County." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 26, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 26, 1874] -

GARRARD COUNTY. 

The State Guards Doing their Duty Properly, and the War Thought to be Ended. 

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 25. -- There is not much news from Lancaster. Luther Jackman, a man of color, came in and surrendered to Colonel Clark. He is a leader of the black mob. Other leaders did the same, and all is quiet. 

THE STATE GUARDS.

The State guards are behaving splendedly. The guards are well dressed, and well armed with needle-guns, the best in use. The State guards have dress parade every day on the public square.

SENSATIONAL REPORTS. 

Sensational reports are flying out, saying armed blacks are coming in from Lexington, but there is no truth in them. The town is still under martial law, and well regulated. 

HORSES STOLEN FROM FARMERS.

Several farmers out a few miles from town had horses taken. They are supposed to have been taken by negroes to flee upon. 

OFFICERS DOING THEIR DUTY. 

The report that Sellers has gone to Washington City for counsel is an idle rumor, surely. Why should the Government interfere with our Governor, who has done so much to conserve the peace? Colonel Clarke, General Traernicht, and all the officers of the State guard are doing their duty. The privates are behaving splendidly. They have such fun with all their anxiety. 

THE WAR ENDED. 

I will assure you that we believe the Lancaster war is over. 

From the Troops at Lancaster.

Lieutenant Dick Sea, of the Camp Rides, Capt. Reccias, of the Waddell Grays, and three men from each of the companies stationed at Lancaster, arrived home yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of obtaining a supply of clothing and other articles for their respective companies. They report that the men are in good spirits, have plenty to eat, and are behaving finely, the citizens being well pleased with them. Every thing is quiet in the neighborhood of Lancaster, and the troops are engaged in scouring the country in search of the negroes engaged in the riot. About fort-five of them, including their ringleaders, have been captured and placed under guard in the courthouse. Every one of them were armed with rifles and revolvers, which they, however, quickly surrendered. Negores who took no part in the affair are in the town, and remain of course unmolested. Court has been opened for the trial of the rioters. The uniforms of the Waddell Grays and Camp Rifles are to be sent by express this morning to Lancaster by Ben. Durrett. The squad who came here yesterday will return today to duty, taking with them additional men belonging to the different companies, who were left behind Saturday. It is probable that the militia will be compelled to remain at Lancaster two weeks yet, if not longer. [ibid]

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[] "Guarded Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 27, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com

[August 27, 1874] - 

GUARDED GARRARD.

No Trouble Whatever Between the Federal and State Troops.

Judge Owsley Issues a Proclamation Assuring Citizens of Protection.

A Letter from the Courier-Journal's Correspondent at Lancaster.

Gen. Hewett's Mysterious Movements.

Courtesy and Sociability of the State Guards and the Federal Troops.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION K. & G., LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 26. -- Rumors are current in neighboring towns that my troops have come in contact with the United States forces at this place. Pleas state in emphatic language that this is absolutely false. The very best feeling pervades the two forces. Genial and social feeling prevails, and there is a constant interchange of courtesies between the two commands.

W. L. CLARK.

Colonel Commanding Battalion.

Second Dispatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug 26. -- Your correspondent has made efforts to obtain reliable news from the town of Lancaster to-day. From a gentleman who has arrived at this hour (6 o'clock P.M.) we learn that all is quiet yet, and no danger whatever of a further outbreak.

PROCLAMATION BY JUDGE OWSLEY.

By a proclamation of the circuit judge, no citizen, either black or white, is allowed to bear arms of any kind. The order of Col. Clarke, commanding the State troops, is to disarm allow all who bear arms. Judge Owsley issued his proclamation in due time, assuring all citizens, whether black or white, and of all parties, that they should be fully protected in their lawful pursuits, and that there was no danger to any one. Moreover, that all citizens, of all colors and politics, should be protected.

The tenor of the proclamation was as follows: The judge, learning that some of the colored people and other citizens feared that they would be molested, assures them that all peaceable citizens would be protected by the strong arm of the State militia.

The proclamation of the judge produced a quieting effect.

COL. CLARK'S SOLDIERS.

The troops at Lancaster will remain as long as may be necessary, we can not say how long they will remain, but we predict that they will stay as long as there may be a necessity therefor. The Colonel commanding, W. L. Clarke had an order read to his troops that all men in their boundary should be disarmed, of all colors, black or white. Such is the order, and the troops will cary it out. A better behaved set of troops never bore the bayonet to a scene of trouble.

Return of Adjutant Hamilton.

... [did not transcribe, not relevant] ...

A Review of the Situation in Garrard -- The Origin of the Fighting -- Our Excellent State Troops.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 26, 1874.

You may have been kept pretty well posted from this quarter since the "trouble" commenced. I have, from time to time, sent you several messages each day. The first I sent were obtained from what your correspondent considered "reliable source," but who can claim to be reliable during an intense excitement. In the main, however, the facts reported were true. You expressed some doubts about a former statement of mine, as to the possibility of an armed mob of negroes going through the streets of Lancaster unmolested, and of the great fear of the citizens, etc. Nevertheless, it was true to the letter. Such had been the teachings of the late war that the negroes every where in the country have concluded that Federal bayonets would be set & ready to their relief on the first effort made upon the part of the white people to keep them within bounds. The prompt action of our Christian and excellent Governor, Leslie, to quell the recent mob, will go far toward convincing them that the government will defend the white man, as well as the black, against any and all attacks unjustly made. The origin of the present difficulty has been pretty clearly set forth in your former issues, and it is unnecessary to repeat it here fully. To say that any single man or set of men, or that either political party alone was to be wholly blamed, would not fairly present the case. Moreover, to assert that this was purely a spiteful disturbance, would be equally incorrect. But for the injudicious conduct of several men upon each side (the Sellers and Kennedy partisans), there would have been no bloodshed or disturbance.

Neither the Democratic nor Republican party can hope to make political capital out of this affair.

The whole trouble grew out of idle and grossly exaggerated reports of the condition and feeling of the two parties. After the election, the first Monday in this month, it was found that Kennedy, the present Circuit Court clerk of Garrard county, who is a Democrat, was defeated by Col. J. K. Faulkner, who is a Republican, by only eleven votes. Mr. Kennedy, believing and charging that Faulkner was elected by illegal votes, determined to contest his right to hold office. A short time after the election, Sellers, it is said, by himself, met Kennedy on (Sellers') way home from his store, and spoke kindly to him; and that Kennedy thereupon attempted to draw his pistol, using abusive words to Sellers, who was a warm partisan of Faulkner. Sellers then drew his pistol and shot and slightly wounded Kennedy, and then fled, but returned in a day or two and gave himself up. This, in substance, is the statement of Sellers.

On the other hand, Kennedy asserts that Sellers purportedly waylaid and attempted to assassinate him because he had given Faulkner and his friends to understand that he would contest Faulkner's right to the office of Circuit Court clerk. I mention these things briefly, in order to give your readers an idea of the beginning of hostilities. Neither Sellers nor Kennedy took active part in the fighting, but the friends of each rallied to his standard, armed and equipped for battle. I have said that it was not a political fight, and this statement is true, as but one white man was engaged on the side of Mr. Sellers--the man Ward, who was badly wounded, where the darkies were fortified. There are nearly as many white men in Garrard county, who vote the Republican ticket, as there are whites who vote the Democratic ticket.

More than that, we saw in the thickest of the trouble a goodly number of unswerving Republicans, some of whom had just been elected to office, walking unmolested about the town and aiding the white people to stay the dreadful proceedings; and they are men who deprecate such conduct as much as any one.

We further assert that it was not a war of races, for we saw as many as twenty able bodied negro men and a number of negro boys, girls, and women, right int he midst of the town, who were as safe and unmolested as the Circuit Judge himself. Every one had a kind word for them, and I am sure that the whites would have fought, if used were, as gallantly for their safety as their own. What, then, was it? Simply a war against a band of excited and imprudent negroes, and a few designing white men who have more desired to breed discord than to preserve the peace.

A small band of brave and true men came over from Stanford and other points -- not for the purpose of waging war upon inoffensive citizens of either color, but to aid in restoring peace and protecting the noncombatant citizens of their neighboring town. Surely their aim was laudable. But for their timely arrival and energetic aid, as the Federal troops, who had, on one or two occasions given valuable assistance, were withdrawn from the scene of the conflict. The question arises apropos, What were these United States troops sent for? If they can not be used in a time like this, and for such a purpose, when can they be used, and for what kind of purpose? This conundrum we put to the "powers that be." Now that peace has been restored by the arrival of our galiant and able State guards, men can sit down and view the situation at leisure. I telegraphed you the particulars of the arrival of Col. W. L. Clarke, with his fine body of men, among whom your correspondent recognized several old veterans, whose gray beard and soldierly bearing told us plainly that they had seen far more serious service than this.

The best order prevails among the State troops. I look from my window now, at this hour, 5:30 P.M., and Col. Clarke, Gen. Trauernicht, Lieut. Ben Peck, etc., etc., are in the center of the public square; the men in line with glittering bayonets, the roll of drums and the shrill notes of the martial life, inspire us with a war-like sentiment. I learn that they are preparing for a "dress parade," which is had every day. We also learn that squads of gallant fellows are out on the search for armed men, and every now and then a general shout goes up, which can be heard for miles, almost, as the squads come in, putting through on the double-quick some half dozen luckless darkies who have been skulking in corn field or thicket, hoping to escape sight until the "war" is over. I saw and recognized a number of familiar faces of young men from your city. Jimmy Davis, Johnny Stone, L. W. Harris, Ben Peck, A. H. and T. H. Harris, Molly Shepherd, Tom Fletcher, Sam Bronson, and a host of others whose names do not now occur to us. A better drilled set of militia never trod Kentucky soil. Our people are grateful to them for their timely aid in this their hour of danger. When they shall have restored peace again, and return to your city, let your people tender them an ovation worthy of their heroic and unselfish deeds. Governor Leslie should, or he doubtless will, tender them such thanks as will inspire them and others with a new love for our brave old State.
  

As many of the leaders of the mob have been arrested, or given themselves up to Col. Clarke, our opinion is that the end is near, if not at hand, and the troops will soon return for their peaceful pursuits. But let it be distinctly understood, that if it shall become necessary to call them again to the scene action no quarter will be given and the direct punishment inflicted on all evil-doers. The action of our Governor will go far toward a final settlement of these outrages in Kentucky, as lawless men have been taught that the old State which has sent brave soldiers to war in other and darker days still retains the blood of those men, and their honor and the old Kentucky flag will be maintained by them at all hazards and under all circumstances.

Again, we say, all praise to Colonel Clarke, General Trauernicht, Governor Leslie, and to each and every officer and private of the gallant State guards.

VIOLA.

A  Letter from the Louisville Boys.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., AUG. 26, 1874.

Allow us a short space in your valuable paper to correct a wrong impression which seems to have spread both in Louisville and at this place. We will just state for the benefit of your [?] readers that there are three other companies of State guards stationed in this place belonging to the First Battalion Kentucky State Guard beside company A, all under command of Col. W. L. Clarke, a gallant and efficient offer. These companies are B, commanded by Capt. C. L. Clarke; C commanded by Capt. J. W. Recius[?], and D under command of First Lieutenant N. B. Peck. We will say, without exception, that the members of all the companies both officers and men, have, and are doing their duty well, and are making rapid improvement in drill. The citizens of this place treat us in a very hospitable manner, and hailed with joy our arrival in town. The boys are all well and are satisfied to remain, so long as there is any prospect of trouble.  

K.

Gen. Hewitt Moving.

(Cincinnati Commercial's Frankfort Telegram. Aug ?)

General Hewitt left today for Lancaster, with instructions from the Governor to leave some twenty five to fifty troops at Lancaster to enforce the persons from Judge Owsley's court, and to take the balance on a new and secret expedition, in another part of the State. General Hewitt was reticent as to his destination, but Colonel Craddock states that it was to suppress the feuds in Breathitt county that have prevented Judge Randall from holding court there. []

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[] "Sellers' Story." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -
 

SELLERS' STORY.

A Statement by One of the Principals of the Origin and Incidents of the Riots in Garrard County.

(Cincinnati Gazette, Aug 27.)

Mr. Sellers is now a fugitive from his desolated home, since last week his whereabouts have not been definitely known. It was said that he had hastened to Washington, but he only came to Cincinnati, having been all the time not very far from his pursuers. He tells his story with a straightforwardness, and a freedom from passion or resentful feeling, that is remarkable in one that has passed through such an experience. He is a man of about thirty-five or forty years of age, tall, slim, dark complexion, and black hair. He wears a heavy mustache, beneath which a smile may be seen playing even when recounting his troubles and losses. He has an air of coolness and determination that betokens a man who can not be swerved from his purpose by any kind of intimidation.

Meeting a Gazette reporter last night, the following narrative of the late war in Lancaster was given by Mr. Sellers:

THE BEGINNING.

On the night of August 7 I was walking home from my store, about nine o'clock, when I met E. D. Kennedy, Circuit Court clerk, with a drawn pistol in his hands. He said, "who are you," or "what are you," and I replied, "I am Sellers; don't shoot." But he was drunk and made demonstrations as if he was going to shoot me. I tried to persuade him to put up his pistol, and then tried to take it away from him. In the scuffle my pistol was discharged. Kennedy then jumped away and tried to shoot me. He was too drunk to handle his pistol nimbly, and before he could pull the trigger I shot him, and he fell. I thought he was dead, and I at once fled to avoid mobbing by Kennedy's friends, several of whom were in town drunk. I have since heard that my shot did not even wound him, the ball striking him on the side and knocking him down without penetrating the body. I had seen him that day, had seen him drinking, and he and other Kuklux friends had been on the streets drunk, and seeking some one to kill. Kennedy had been for some time before I met him walking about with a drawn revolver, looking for somebody to shoot. His special enmity against me arose from the fact that he was defeated by four votes for the office of Circuit Court clerk, and he blamed me for working against him.

ARMING,

This happened on Friday night. I returned on Sunday morning, and found that Kennedy had called together a force, and had kept constant watch over the approaches to my store, having armed men stationed so as to command the store and the street, rendering it impossible for me to go to my place of business. This continued until Tuesday of the next week, which was the first time I ventured to go up town. When I got near to the store I saw Kennedy's men get to their positions in the court-house and take their guns. I turned back and went home. I then heard that Kennedy sent word to his son-in-law, Ben Slavin, that I had appeared on the public square, and he wanted more men, that they must be instructed to kill me on sight.

THE ATTACK ON NEGROES.

On the next day, Wednesday, nineteen desperadoes, armed with shot-guns and pistols, regular Kuklux, came into town and began indiscriminate attacks on negroes, beating them over the head with pistols and stones, and threatening to shoot them. This conduct aroused the negroes, and this accounts for all they have done. On that night some of the negroes discovered their Kuklux persecutors going with Kennedy's men into the court-house and arming themselves.

THE FIRST BATTLE.

That night the negroes fired on Kennedy's men in the court-house about half-past 8 o'clock. The fire was returned, and it was kept up nearly all night, but not much harm was done. I knew the negroes were going to make this attack, but it was not done at my request or suggestion, and I was not present. I was at home. The whole affair arose out of the treatment during the day of the negroes by the Kuklux, who afterward, joined Kennedy's party. There were almost twenty negroes in the fight against fifteen on Kennedy's side. Kennedy's men used the court-house for their arsenal and fort.

GATHERING FORCES.

The next day, Thursday, Kennedy gathered more men. I remained at home, and deemed it my duty to place about my house some guards, because I had been told that I would be attacked. I specially instructed the men I gathered about me for this purpose to not bring on an attack, but only to act in defense. That night some parties, supposed to be negroes, fired on Kennedy's house. They were in nowise connected with my men. But on Friday morning, after some of the negroes had left my house, they fired on Fred. Yeaky, a brother-in-law of Kennedy, wounding him in both legs. That, however, was done without my knowledge, and against my direction which was to not provoke or begin an attack.

INTERFERENCE. 

During that day the civil authorities, aided by the United States troops, some forty or fifty in number, stationed at Lancaster, interfered to stop further proceedings by both sides. They placed a guard about my house and kept me prisoner. I am informed they did the same with Kennedy. That afternoon, while under charge of the United States troops, Kennedy's house was burned. I believe Kennedy himself caused it to be burned in hope of enlisting sympathy. I was not at home all that day.

 

WAR AGAIN.

That night the town marshal notified me that I must defend myself. The United States troops withdrew, and I sent immediately for my men, and they came. I was also notified by several parties that I would be attacked at my house before morning, and that the intention was to kill me and burn my house. Placing my guard, eighteen in number, in charge of my house, and sending my wife and child away to a place of safety. I went to the camp of the United States troops, because I was suffering from a severe pain in my breast, and was unable to sit up. The night passed without an attack on my house. I returned early on Saturday morning and informed my men that a number of armed men had come to town. I requested as many as could to stay with me. Some went away and others came, so that I kept about eighteen men, of whom six were white, and the rest colored. Hearing that Kennedy was collecting men from Madison, Lincoln, and Boyle counties, and knowing my force was too small to compete with so many, I went about 9[?] o'clock on Saturday morning to the United States camp to get help. I was told they could do nothing for me, not even give me a guard to take me back to my house. I secured a soldier's uniform, and in this disguise went on the Sugar creek pike and made my escape.

THE LAST BATTLE. 

While I was at the camp, as I understand, the Kennedy party began to fire at my house. My guard from the inside of the house returned the fire, and it was kept up for some time. At length the Kennedy party, seeing they could do nothing by shooting, fired turpentine balls at my house and set it on fire. My men, as soon as they discovered this, made their escape, with the loss of one killed and one wounded. They were fired on from the cupola of the court-house. It was around half-past seven o'clock when the house was burned, and then the battle was over. So far   as I am informed, every man who came to the aid of Kennedy was a noted Kuklux. I know nothing about their killed and wounded. 

DOINGS OF THE MILITIA.

The militia soon after arrived, and prevented me from returning home. They began to arrest with considerable zeal, every man suspected of being with me, and allowed Kennedy's Kuklux to roam about undisturbed, carrying their guns and pistols. Indeed, the militia united with the Kuklux to scour the country for me. In the counties of Garrard and Jessamine, citizens were permitted to hunt for me, who would not have taken me prisoner, but would have shot me on sight.

 A POLITICAL FIGHT.

I am compelled to have negro guards, because there are very few white Republicans who would consent to go into anything of that kind, knowing the desperate nature of the men on the other side. The negroes naturally took my side, because they saw the Kuklux were on the other side. It was a political fight. They wanted to drive me out, and that is the course they followed. I have been a hard working, active Republican; and have saved the county several times to the Republican party. When I was first elected to the Legislature, it was by a majority of only nineteen votes; the second time it was 600. For this success I am hated. 

I want to say that the negroes in my body guard were not moved by any feeling of hostility to any individual. They were hostile to the Kuklux, and they believe that Kennedy had these men to help him. They did nothing except in self-defense, and there was no thought of intention of an uprising. Such a report is a lie.

AN EXILE.

I have been away from home ever since last Saturday. They were looking for me in every direction, and one day three of them passed in sight of a tree where I was asleep. They all had Henry rifles, revolvers and bowie knives. They did not see me. I am afraid to go back now only on account of the militia. I have done no crime, and I fear no man, but I do not want to be thrown into prison with no chance for my life as I know I would be if i was in the power of the militia. I never raised a difficulty in my life. I have always been a sober man, and attended to my business, and never have sought a quarrel in my life. I hope the militia may soon be withdrawn, for with the loss of my house and furniture, worth about $4,500, and the interruption of my business, I am well nigh ruined. My family is scattered -- I know not how they are living.

The above is the substance of the story told by Mr. Sellers. He added many incidents of the condition of affairs in Garrard county, which show anything but a wholesome regard for law. He announces his determination to engage counsel to defend the negroes who were with him, and who have been arrested. []

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[] "A Complaint from Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

 

A Complaint from Lancaster.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

NICHOLASVILLE, KY., Aug. 26, 1874.

As you have heretofore acted in so impartial a manner in the publication of all accounts relating to the outrages being perpetrated in this State. I take the liberty of sending you some information from Lancaster, which I see you have not yet published. If you are in a position to give any solution to these facts, the people of this section of the country would be pleased to have you do so.

It is a notorious fact that the State Guards are arresting none but the partisans of Sellers, and that Kennedy and a number of his friends are still walking the streets of the town armed and unmolested. The citizens of the country are desirous of knowing who is to blame in the case. Is it Col. Clark, Judge Owsley, or Governor Leslie?

On Monday, after the arrival of the State Guards, Grove Kennedy went to the hotel of Wm. Glass and threatened to kill him for asking the United States troops to stop the spread of the flames from Sellers' house to that of other houses int he neighborhood, knowing that if they were not stopped that his hotel would be destroyed. Kennedy kept walking back and forth in front of the hotel, displaying his revolvers, and Glass left immediately for this place. Grove Kennedy is still at Lancaster. Why is he not arrested? At 2 o'clock P.M. on Monday, three of the Kennedy party, armed with shot guns, Henry rifles and revolvers, rode into Nicholasville in search of Sellers. They had their horses fed at the livery stable, and took dinner for themselves at the hotel. One of them watched the hotel, and the other two went to the depot to see if Sellers would attempt to go North via this route, but as he did not they again left here for Lancaster.

At the commencement of the difficulty Sellers sent Eb Kennedy word that he did not want to draw their respective friends into the affair, and that he thought that, as Kennedy  was determined to have a fight, it would be better for K. and himself to go out and fight alone, and then let it stop. Kennedy sent him word that he could do as he d--n please -- and he, K., would do the same. The negroes would have not been brought into the affair at all if it had not been for the action of one Cooly, a strong Kennedy man, who met two of them on the street on Wednesday, and pushed one of them off of the walk, afterwards breaking one of his ribs with a stone, and swearing that they intended killing every d--d nigger in the country. The negroes therefore thought they were in danger of losing their lives, and consequently armed themselves for the fray. []

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[] "The Lancaster Disturbances." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-08-28/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 28, 1874] -

 

THE LANCASTER DISTURBANCES

More Noise Than Bloodshed.

While many of the readers of the Journal are familiar with the general details of the recent difficulty in our neighboring town of Lancaster, many of them have either heard nothing at all of the affair, or have heard vague and conflicting rumors, more or less exaggerated. Hence we will endeavor to give as fair a statement of 

THE WHOLE DIFFICULTY

as possible under the circumstances.

In the first place, Mr. E. D. Kennedy, a Democrat, and Mr. J. K. Faulkner, a Republican, had a 

HOTLY CONTESTED RACE

at the last election for the circuit clerkship of Garrard county, which resulted in the election of Faulkner by eleven votes. Kennedy gave notice that he would contest the election upon the grounds of alleged illegality, with a fair prospect of sustaining his cause. The parties on either side became

UNDULY EXCITED

during the progress of the canvass between these two men, and the excitement was intensified after the election as the legal contest between them progressed.

MR. WILLIAM SELLERS,

the present Representative of Garrard county in the Kentucky Legislature, met Kennedy recently, and, without provocation, as it is charged by Kennedy, shot and slightly wounded him. In this difficulty Sellers states that he was first attacked by Kennedy, and 

ONLY SHOT IN SELF-DEFENSE!

This rencounter, or, as the Kennedy party style it, attempt to 

ASSASSINATE KENNEDY,

exasperated the friends of both men, and trouble was looked for between the principles in the affair and their friends; though disinterested persons were actively interesting themselves in effecting a reconciliation, with a fair prospect of success.

At this stage of the affair a desperate character, named 

COOLEY

under the influence of whisky, and actuated by a spirit of ruffianism and lawlessness, now too common among men of his class, appeared upon the scene, and commenced abusing and maltreating both whites and negroes whom he met on the streets of Lancaster. The constabulary force of Lancaster were absent from town, and Cooley was not arrested, but suffered to continue his reprehensible conduct until nearly dark on Wednesday evening, when he was informed that the negroes were armed themselves with the intention of mobbing him. He then gathered a force of three or four companions and took possession of the courthouse. About dark a number of negroes organized and made an attack upon Cooley and his party, who retreated into the courthouse, and a general fire was kept up all night.

Our information is that neither Kennedy nor Sellers participated in this fight. The negroes who led the attack were Luther Jackman and Geo. Cohen; whether they were incited by Sellers or any of his party we are unable to say.  We do not believe they were.

Mr. Wm. F. Kennedy, who was not engaged in the difficulty, and standing in the office of the Lancaster Hotel, was shot by the first gun fired; the ball striking him in the right side, passing through and lodging just under the skin. He was on the street the next day.

Wm. Smith, a negro who waits upon E. D. Kennedy, was standing near Cooley, when the first volley was fired, and received a wound in the groin and ran into the courthouse.

Dr. Steve Burdett was sent for to dress the wound of the negro, Smith, and as he was approaching the entrance to the courthouse, he was fired upon and received three buckshot in the leg, from which he fell, and, as the firing was continued after his fall for some time, he took refuge behind a column of the plaza. For a while after the firing ceased his friends were afraid to go to his assistance, but finally did so, although under fire. A physician was summoned to attend the wounded doctor, but he refused to go to his assistance without a guard of soldiers. A guard was provided by the commanding officer of the U.S. troops, stationed at Lancaster, and they were allowed to enter the courthouse without molestation, but when they started from the building with the wounded doctor, a volley was fired upon them, another ball taking effect in his side. The soldiers called upon the atttacking negroes to cease firing, stating that they were soldiers and were only caring for a wounded man, but no attention was paid them, when the soldiers returned the fire and covered the retreat of Dr. Burdett and his attendants to the courthouse, where he was compelled to remain all night without proper surgical attention and nursing, and listen to an unceasing fire of musketry.

 

The firing was kept up at intervals all night, and every white man seen walking the streets was shot by the negroes.

A young man, Geo. Griffin, was standing by the side of Dr. Burdett when he was first fired upon, and one ball struck him in the calf of the leg.

On Thursday morning squads of negroes armed with guns and pistols of ever description, were seen in different parts of town. A meeting of the citizens of the town convened for the purpose of devising means to secure peace between the belligerents, when the negroes rallied and formed a line for the purpose of attacking, but were prevailed upon to desist and retire to another portion of town. A special police force of twenty-five citizens succeeded in keeping down any further disturbance during the day, but on Thursday night the negroes made an attack upon Mr. E. D. Kennedy's residence, and riddled it with bullets, wounding slightly a little child, grandson of Mr. Kennedy.

At the time of this firing there were none but women in the house, but fortunately, and we might say miraculously, no one was wounded but the child above referred to.

On Friday morning Mr. Fred Yeakey, deputy clerk in Kennedy's office, was going from his residence to the depot to attend the Richmond fair, unarmed, and was fired upon by two negroes, receiving wounds in both legs.

On Friday morning the residence of Mr. Kennedy was set on fire by the negroes.

During the day, Friday, the negroes were receiving reinforcements from the country around. At the request of the trustees of the town the soldiers aided in keeping down the disturbance, but the commander, not having received orders to interfere, withdrew them before night and left the citizens at the mercy of from fifty to seventy-five armed and maddened semi-savages, who kept up the fire upon every white man they saw during the night. Reports of the disturbance spread rapidly through the adjoining counties. Citizens of the town were fleeing to adjoining towns for refuge, as threats had been made by the negroes to burn the town and kill the whites without regard to sex or age.

Some fifteen young men went over from Stanford to aid in quelling the disturbance, and squads from other towns hastened to the scene of conflict to take position with the whites and assist in dispersing, and if necessary, slaying the blacks -- to restore peace at all hazards.

Up to Saturday morning, Sellers was at his home with a body-guard composed of negroes and one white man named Ward, who was wounded in the final battle on Saturday evening.

All day Saturday both parties -- whites and blacks -- were receiving reinforcements. Ward, with a large number of negroes (Sellers having left town early Saturday morning) had barricaded themselves in the dwelling house of Sellers, and form this place shot at every white person who passed or showed his face, while the whites let pass, unmolested, negroes who were unarmed.

Several times during the day propositions looking to a cessation of hostilities were sent to the negroes, but they answered with volleys from the portholes of their improvised fortress. They "did not want peace, they must fight."

Just before dark the whites surrounded the negroes completely, stationing brave and daring men at the different points of ingress to Sellers' house, and, with the aid of turpentine balls, set fire to an out house, from which the flames soon communicated to the main building. They again offered terms to the negroes, with ample protection, if they would agree to surrender their arms to the civil authorities, which offer was again answered with volleys from their guns.

When the flames began to envelope the building, Marshall Miller again interceded with U.S. troops to stop further proceedings and bloodshed, and, with the understanding that the whites would lay down their arms on the  surrender of the negroes in Sellers' house, the commander of the troops took a squad of soldiers, waiving a flag of truce. When he arrived opposite Sellers' house, he was fired upon by the negroes, and the whites stationed near the soldiers, who were not made aware of the arrangement with their leader, continued firing upon the negroes, notwithstanding the presence of the troops. The soldiers then fired a volley upon both whites and blacks, and retreated to the public square, where they fired volley after volley upon the whites in the vicinity of the courthouse while they were flying in every direction to avoid destruction. Many of these were citizens of the town and non-participants in the difficulty. At this time Mr. Foley received his death wound.

The firing was kept up upon Sellers' house by the whites stationed around it until the troops again made their appearance opposite the fortress and opened fire upon the whites, calling to the negroes to come out and join them. The negroes rushed out of the building admist the troops, and negroes and soldiers made a hasty retreat to the barracks, firing upon whites as they went. 

Only three men were killed: Menifee Foley, bar-keeper at the Mason House, was shot by the soldiers and died in a few minutes. Two negroes named Jim Anderson and Jim Ray, were shot and killed. It is thought that seven or eight negroes were wounded. Henry Ward -- white -- was mortally wounded and was left in the burning building to perish in the flames. He was rescued by a brave and generous man whose life he had attempted to take while he was offering to him and his dusky companions terms of peace and protection. This same gentleman also saved much of Mr. Sellers' parlor furniture.

On Saturday an appeal was made [to] Governor Leslie to interpose and send State troops to the scene of conflict to quell the rioters and restore peace. Forthwith the Governor sent up from Louisville a battalion of State guards, under command of Lieut. Col. W. L. Clark. They arrived at 5:30 a.m. Sunday last, on a special train. Immediately after the arrival quiet prevailed, and a feeling of relief was felt by all. With the same train which brought the State troops, came the commission of Hon. M. H. Owsley as Judge of the 8th Judicial District, who forthwith issued the following

PROCLAMATIONS:

WHEREAS, There have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which have already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others; and

WHEREAS, It is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity.

Now therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbances or contemplate further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals to immediately disperse and lay down their arms and return to their homes as peaceful citizens; otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law.

I have at my command a military force sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation into effect.

This order will be enforced without fear, favor or partiality, and all violators of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M.H. OWSLEY.

Judge 8th Judicial District of Kentucky.

August 23, 1874.

SECOND PROCLAMATION.

The Commanding Officer of the State Guard is respectfully required to disarm all citizens whom he finds inside the town limits, and aid the town authorities in every effort made by them in quelling difficulties and disturbances, and will aid and assist the disbanding of any considerable squads of citizens who may be found congregated together in the streets, and in the protection of all peaceful citizens in the regular pursuits of business or pleasure.

This 24th day of August, 1874.
(Signed) M.H. OWSLEY,
Judge 8th Judicial District Ky.

Judge Owsley has determined to have prosecuted vigilantly all offenders of the law, and maintain peace at all hazards.

The State guards are conducting themselves becomingly.

A number of negroes have been arrested and disarmed, including the leaders of the mob.

We leave the reader to form his own judgment from the facts related. Certainly the affair is in no sense a political war, and not a war of races, except so far as the negroes who participated in the mob are concerned.

It should teach black men that an uprising against whites is a dangerous thing; and in waring whites they encounter a generous but dangerous foe. 

With the Kennedy and Sellers trouble we have no interest one way or the other, and we do not regard it as connected with the costly and mischievous affair at Lancaster except incidently. It is simply one of the necessary results of playing upon the passions and fears of the negro with devilish falsehoods; taking advantage of his ignorance, and inciting him to deeds of violence by making him believe that Democrats are his enemies and are trying to put him back into slavery. The negroes of Lancaster had just cause, in common with insulted whites, for indignation against the man who abused and maltreated them, but they should have followed the example of the whites and appealed to the law for protection, and not resort to deeds of violence and bloodshed--indiscriminate slaughter and wanton destruction of property. 

We hope the war in Central Kentucky is over, and that the Kennedy-Sellers party will be awed by the majesty of the law, and thus prevented from a renewal of their unfortunate difficulty. []

 

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[] "Our Neighbors - Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

GARRARD COUNTY NEWS.

Lancaster, Aug 24th, '74.

Knowing the varied and conflicting reports circulated as to the late war in our midst, we will endeavor to give nothing but what is reliable, while space, as well as time, confines me to a summary account.

The origin of this difficulty has become so stale that we consider it worthless to repeat that the whole troubles may be dated back only to the difficulty between E. D. Kennedy and Wm. Sellers, on public square, on Friday Aug. 7th.

Wednesday last Messrs. Cooley, Long and Arnold were dissipated on the streets, and, we are informed, mis-treated some negroes who voted against E. D. Kennedy in the late election. The negroes organized themselves at Wm. Seller's house for headquarters, that evening, and the white men, [?7] in number, took possession of the Court House. Quite early the streets were cleared by the citizens, who anticipated a fight between the parties that night. About 7 o'clock, the whites were fired upon by negroes from the entrances of Lexington and Danville streets. Bose Smith, a negro, was shot in the groin, and was immediately waited on by Dr. S. L. Burdett. Dr. Burdett was shot while attending to Smith, the shot breaking his leg. B. M. Burdett and F. A. Yeakey were allowed to call in Dr. Hillman, who was escorted by five soldiers to the Court House. They used a light, in order that the negroes might see the proceedings and not fire on them. A volley came while carrying Burdett out and woudned him a second time in the side in hip. The fire was returned by the five soldiers. Burdett was deposited under the stairway and Huffman concealed himself in the Circuit Clerk's office vault, and remained this way until morning. The negroes fired at interval during the balance of the night. Wm. Kennedy was standing in the "Glass Hotel" when the fighting began, and was shot in the side, inflicitng a slight wound. George Griffin was with Dr. Burdett and was shot in the leg. 

No firing on Thursday. Both parties in town, but disbanded. The substantial citizens talked with the officers as to the best manner of promoting harmony. The following night Kennedy's house was fired upon, -- supposed to be negroes. No one at home except women and children. A child of Jno. Slaven's was struck by a spent ball. Wound slight, and child recovering. The ball was extracted by Dr. Huffman.

Friday morning F. A. Yeakey, son-in-law of Kennedy's, while coming to town to attend his usual business, was fired upon, near the Baptist Church, wounding him in both legs. Excitement intense. A meeting of the citizens was called at the Granger's lodge-room, and the negroes unable to define the movement, came marching in, from Seller's residence, in an armed squad to investigate. Marshal. W. S. Miller, Jr., met and requested them to return, and after explaining to them the object of the meeting, they returned contented. The meeting ordered Marshal Miller to enroll militia, and a "Mulligan Guard" was organized with Miller as Captain. R. M. Bradley, Circuit Judge pro. tem. was ordered out the U. S. soldiers to assist in making peace if required. About 6 o'clock Miller and his command proceeded to arrest one, Wm. Ward, at Seller's residence, reported to have shot at Yeakey that morning. The arrest was made, and Sellers escorted Ward to the Court House, went his bond, and both returned to the fort. At 1 [1/2?] o'clock P.M., Kennedy's residence was set on fire, while the family were absent, but was extinguished by the soldiers. Several reports were circulated that the negroes had threatened to burn the town. Although the police guarded it many of the citizens feared it would meet that dreadful fate. 

Friday night, Walter Sanders, Sheriff of Lincoln county, and a company of well armed men arrived from Stanford. Saturday morning found the citizens unmolested, after the restless slumbers of the night. Other Kennedy men came down on the morning train from Paint Lick and upper Garrard. A party from Crab Orchard, and others from Boyle county were here immediately. Excitement on the part of the citizens grew more intense as the battle scene approached. Women and children particularly, who were in most danger, began to move out. At 1 [1/2?] o'clock P.M., skirmishing began. Negroes confined to Seller's residence. 

The whites were under the entire command of Walter Sanders, of Lincoln. The 3 o'clock evening train arrived with another squad from Stanford. About this time a mulatto, named Jim D[?] Ray, was killed while in Curry's yard. He was shot in the abdomen, and laid out until next morning. At 4 o'clock Sellers' coal-house, in the yard, was set on fire by wick balls, saturated with turpentine. At this time the whites had entirely surrounded the house. At 6 o'clcok the residence was in flames, from communication with the burning coal-house. Capt. Fletcher, of the U. S. A., marched his company on public square, and immediately formed an agreement with Sanders, commander of the white men, that if he would disarm his men he would capture the negroes. Marshal Miller with Capt. Fletcher and soldiers marched in front of Sellers' residence and called to the negroes to surrender. The negroes yielded to the command, knowing they could nto remain longer in the burning house, but came out with their guns in a firing attitude, when they, or some heedless white men, fired, causing a stampede of the soldiers, saying they were fired on by some of the Kennedy party. The soldiers fired several volleys into the public square and retired double-quick to camp.

M. L. Foley, bar-tender at the Mason House, was shot and killed, supposed by the soldiers. The negroes made their escape during the stampede. Sellers was reported to have left the house early in the day. M. C. Brickley[?], (white,) ran out with the squad of negroes, while making their escape. Wm. Ward, (white,) was wounded in Sellers' house, -- shot through the back. Taken out while house was burning and conveyed to Geo. Denny, Jr.'s. Wound considered dangerous. Harry Huffman laid out all night, being shot, though not dangerously, in the hip. W. H. Ward, (with the whites,) was wounded in the thigh, slightly. A soldier, Wm. Buley[?], was shot, during the stampede, the shot taking effect in the leg. Wound slight. 

Fourteen negroes have been captured and are now under guard, -- some of them leading men of Sellers' party. The fighting ended with Saturday night. Everything quiet, though some fear of life. Sunday morning, at 5:30 o'clock, an up train bore 280 State Militia, under command of Col. W. L. Clarke, to the relief of Lancaster's troubles. Having heard they were fighting desperately before they arrived, the train stopped one-half mile from town and the troops came in under music of fife and drum, with skirmishers ahead, finding our town once more a peaceful, quiet village. They took possession, with permission, of the Court House and City Hall. It reminds us very forcibly of war times, with morning and evening dress parades on public square. 

M. H. Owsley received his commission and was sworn in. He has issued as much as the second proclamation requiring the others of the State Guard to disarm every citizen found with weapons in side the town limits. This has been carried out with several of both sides, and in fact, all have been deprived of their "body guard." This proclamation, strictly adhered to, will, no doubt, have a very wholesome effect upon the community. A grand jury has been summoned, and is now sitting.

With the exception of the warlike appearance, our town is rapidly regaining its former condition. Thirty more troops are expected, but they are to release some that are required to return. The school house, in District No. 36, was burned Monday night, -- supposed to be accidental, as some children, we understand, were playing with matches about the house. Miss Jennie E. Cochran was the teacher.

No further troubles feared in Garrard. It is supposed, though we can't tell positively, that about three negroes burned in the Sellers' house, being wounded, thereby preventing their escape. Some bones of a skeleton have been found in the ashes.

DON'T KNOW.

The Latest -- The following special telegram to the Advocate gives the latest news. 

Lancaster, Aug. 27, 3 P. M.

On affidavit before Police Judge, Grinan[?], Mack Adams, of Anderson, and ---- Adams was arrested yesterday evening on a warrant to keep the peace. Bail five thousand dollars -- failed to give it. Trial at four o'clock this evening. Adams, of Anderson, executed bond to keep peace. ---- Adams under guard. Five militia deserted--one captured. Remainder doing well. Incessant rain to day. []

 

 

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 [] "The Lancaster Trouble." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

 

[August 28, 1874] -

 

THE LANCASTER TROUBLE. -- Our correspondent, elsewhere, furnishes our readers with the details of the "Lancaster War," and it will not be necessary for us to repeat them here. We are glad, however, to be able to assure the public that peace has been restored and comparative quiet reigns in the town and county, so recently disturbed. We attribute this, in a large degree, to the presence of the State troops who reacehd Lancaster, last Sunday, and the prompt action of Judge Owsley, who qualified and immediately entered into the work of suppressing disorder and enforcing the law against all offenders. the following is a copy of a letter sent to Gov. Leslie, on Wednesday, which explains the line of policy that has been adopted:

Lancaster, Aug. 26, 1874.

P. H. Leslie, Governor of Kentucky:

Dear Sir: -- The forces sent so promptly to the assistance of our people by your Excellency, under command of Lt. Col. W. L. Clarke, arrived here early on Sunday morning, and immediately reported, as directed by you, to me, handling me at the same time my commission as Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Kentucky. Whereupon I immediately qualified as such, and issued enclosed proclamation No. 1 at once. The directions therein contained were promptly executed by the officers of the battalion and the men under their respective commands. Early Monday morning, the Circuit Court being still in session here, i had a new grand jury summoned, (the old one having been previously discharged,) and set them to work. They have been actively engaged since, and i hope and trust will be enabled to accomplish much, although there is much difficulty just yet in obtaining witnesses and information, from the morbid condition of the public mind, and many persons having either ran off or are concealing themselves. On this morning I issued proclamation No. 2., and on yesterday the statement addressed "to whom it may concern," both herewith enclosed, all of which I hope your Excellency will approve. Quiet is now restored, and every one manifests confidence in the troops here. The officers and men have conducted themselves in a most commendable manner, and have been active and efficient in co-ooperating with the civil authorities in quelling disturbances, restoring peace, and in quieting the fears of the community, as well as in bringing the offenders to justice. Allow me to return you my sincere thanks, as well as the thanks of all our good people, for the prompt and efficient manner in which you sent us such material aid in time of need.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

M. H. Owsley,

Judge 8th Judicial District.

The following persons compose the new Grand Jury, viz: A. R. Denny, foreman, E. H. Beasley, Levi Long, John Lackey, T. M. Johnson, J. S. Gill, J. V. Cook, J. H. Bruce, E. M. Leavel, Morgan Hudson, Wm. McCarty, Saml. Johnson, T. A. Elkin, W. R. Doty, R. F. Scott, Geo. Evans. This Jury is made up of good, substantial citizens, irrespective of party, and we are assured, will do their duty fearlessly and faithfully. Judge Owsley gave them an excellent order, and assured them of his purpose to cooperate with them in bringing all offenders to justice without fear, favor, or partiality. This is the only road to peace and quiet, and all good, law-abiding citizens will see the necessity of standing by the faithful officers of the law. []

 

 

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

 

[August 28, 1874] - 

 

The excitement in Danville during the progress of hostilities in our neighboring town of Lancaster, was quite intense, and a reat desire was manifest in every quarter to learn the latest news. The light occasioned by the burning of Sellers' house, on Saturday evening, was distinctly seen by a number of persons from our Court House cupola. []

 

 

 

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[] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 31, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 31, 1874] -

 

LANCASTER.

Peace in Garrard -- The Statements of Mr. Sellers Not Warranted by the Facts -- No Politics in the Troubles.

A Letter from Judge Owsley.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 20, 1874.

The Judge of the Circuit Court now has his court open, and a good, brave, and sensible grand jury has been impaneled to investigate charges against all regardless of party or race, who may have unlawfully engaged in the recent riotous proceedings.  The letter of Governor Leslie to the Judge, and the proclamation of the Judge to all citizens, have a true, wholesome, and hearty tone, not to be misunderstood, and lawless men of all classes may make up their minds to obey the laws or suffer the just penalty for their violation. Moreover, those who have transgressed the laws may rest assured that it is the object of these proceedings to ferret them out, and that, if upon investigation they shall be found guilty, the punishment prescribed will be certainly meted out to them. This is not to be the work of a day, or a week, or a month, but in the language of our Governor, "the courts will remain open until the last culprit shall have been arrested and tried, even though the court is compelled to remain open for months and even years." The Governor of the State, backed and upheld by the wishes of every good citizen, is determined to break up lawlessness within our borders at all hazards. After the darkness of the past few years, we now see the dawn at last.

Much surprise is felt at the alleged statement of Mr. Wm. Sellers as detailed to a correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette, and which was copied into your columns of last Friday's issue. Some of his statements were almost astonishing, and he must have been laboring under grave misapprehensions at the time he was interviewed by the Gazette reporter, or else he was wholly ignorant of many of the facts and the scenes which transpired in Lancaster after he left the county. 

He says that Kennedy's house was burned by Kennedy himself, in order to obtain sympathy. Of course this is not true, although the house was set on fire, probably by negroes, but was not much damaged. Mr. Sellers also speaks of "nineteen Kuklux coming into town." There were no Kuklux that any one knows of. The many Cooly and another were all of the men that behaved badly prior to the arming of the blacks, and all good men, regardless of party or color, deprecate their conduct.

Mr. Sellers also says that all who came to Kennedy's relief were Kuklux. If he refers to the squad of men who came to Lancaster from Stanford and other points, to aid in suppressing the riot, and to protect the citizens of all colors and of all parties, eh can not find any one to agree with him. The statement of Mr. Sellers that it was a "political fight" can not be corroborated.

The most absurd statement made by Mr. Sellers is, that he was "afraid to return to Lancaster on account of the presence of the State militia."

Had he seen the orders of the officers in command of them, Col. Clarke, and the several proclamations of Judge Owsley, or known of their tenor, I can not see why he should fear the militia. The troops were not sent here to arrest Mr. Sellers or Mr. Kennedy, or to disturb them, or either of them in any way, as they had not taken active part in the troubles; but they came to disperse or arrest the mob, regardless of race or politics, and to conserve the peace.

Any attempt upon the part of any one to make political or personal capital out of the disgraceful proceeding here will surely prove to be abortive. This entire community can and do assure Mr. Sellers and Mr. Kennedy, and all the friends of each, that no harm shall come to either, provided they act as law-abiding citizens. It is admitted that Mr. Sellers has been a law-abiding citizen and an industrious man. This people have honored him greatly, and are willing now to throw around him the strong arm of their own support in every proper way and protect him against all outlawry. They assure Mr. Kennedy of the same support. Both are worthy and useful citizens, and all that is required of either is that they act as become useful and intelligent men in society. We feel further assured that the Judge of the district and the colonel commanding the State troops would lend their whole power in the protection of Mr. Sellers, and that they would see that justice was done to any partisan of his or Mr. Kennedy on the trial of any charge against one or all.

In conclusion, let us all hope that this fearful and cruel excitement is over for all time, and that each and every citizen, of whatever party or color, will now return to the peaceful pursuits of every-day life; and let us each strive to restore that fellowship and good will which obtained in other and happier days. We have a common destiny to fulfill. Life is too short for any of us to engage in bitter and vindictive animosities. Ours is a common heritage, and whether we be Republican or Democrat, white or black, we can not afford to incur the ill will of one another. "Let us have peace."

VIOLA. []

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[ibid] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 31, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 31, 1874] -

Judge Owsley on the Lancaster Situation.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 29.

A correspondent from Nicholasville, signed "Kentucky," wrote you of date August 26, in which he complains that the State Guard stationed at this place were arresting none but partisans of Sellers, and tells a very pathetic story about William Glass, hotel-keeper in this town.

Now, in justice to the State Guard, I have this to state. They arrived here on Sunday morning, brought my commission as Judge of the Eighth Judicial district for Kentucky, with directions to report to me and aid the civil authorities in suppressing the troubles then existing in Garrard county. They were under command of Lieutenant Colonel W. L. Clarke. Immediately after consultation with representative and respectable men of both parties -- George Denny, Sr., William H. Kennard, being two of the prominent Republicans -- I issued proclamation No. 1 (which has already been published by you), after having first consulted and obtained the approval of all these gentlemen. The object of this was to disperse and disarm all bands of armed men who might be found loitering in the county and in the neighborhood of the town, both as a matter of protection to the community and as a matter of safety to the command, as rumors were flying in every direction that forces and bands of armed men, negroes especially, were on the way to Lancaster. This order was carried out without due reference as to which side the persons outside the town limits belonged. Neither Col. Clarke, the State Guards, nor myself, knew anything about who were on the respective sides (certainly, so far as I was concerned, but very few).

In the excitement, incident to the troubles which the community had passed through, some innocent parties were arrested. These arrests brought about in some instances by over-zealous and indiscreet persons. Such parties were immediately released and only persons held against whom material charges were preferred to await the action of the grand jury, which was to be empaneled the next day. The next day, finding that troubles were likely to occur from citizens who wore concealed deadly weapons, I promptly issued proclamation No. 2 (here inclosed), and this proclamation was promptly carried into effect by the command, and order was restored, and on the next morning, learning that some of the colored people were apprehensive of danger, I issued the paper herewith inclosed, addressed to whom it may concern. Certainly all these proclamations and orders have been fully carried out, as far as it was possible to do so. 

The difficulty between Glass and Grove Kennedy was personal. Both are Democrats, and both voted for E. D. Kennedy at the election. Col. Clarke's headquarters were at Glass', and I know he offered to guard him and his house; but Glass, apprehensive of danger when the troops left, went to Nicholasville. He subsequently returned, is at home now, and he and Grove Kennedy are friends. Kennedy was both arrested and disarmed, and so with every other citizen, white and black. The State Guards have acted in a most commendable manner, and the officers in a spirit of great liberality and kindness. The few prisoners retained have been treated with gentleness and kindness, faring much better than the soldiers themselves. They but await the action of the grand jury, and will be released if not indicted, and held to answer if they are.

As to any one pursuing Sellers, no orders from these quarters, so far as I know, were ever issued to pursue him to Nicholasville or elsewhere. On the contrary, Colonel Clarke informed Mrs. S., when applied to for permission to remove Sellers' goods, that she could do so; and that if Mr. S. himself would return, his whole command would be at his services to guard and protect him from harm, and that he would only be subjected to any action the grand jury might take in the matter.

He referred her to Judge Denny, Commonwealth's Attorney, and myself, and she preferring to see Judge Denny (he being a leading Republican, and just elected Commonwealth's attorney), Mr. D. went off to seek and consult with her, but found her absent at the time from town, and I have no information at this writing as to what the attempted conference has resulted in. 

The grand jury have been actively engaged under the special superintendence of Commonwealth’s Attorney Denny. Indictments have been returned, bench-warrants in the hands of the officers, and such as are guilty must suffer the just penalty of a violated law, if all do their duty as they should. Persons not indicted will certainly not be molested by the State authorities, civil or military.

Gen. Trauernicht, of the Volkablatt, is in command here (since the withdrawal of Col. Clarke by Gov. Leslie for other scenes). He is a soldier of large experience and served with gallantry in the Federal army during the late war.

Col. Clarke won the esteem and confidence of all here, and every one regretted that he was called away. The State Guard is composed of men made up of the two political parties, and under an order of Col. Clarke; which I herewith inclose, it will be seen that no soldier is permitted to express an opinion as to the merits of the difficulties here. 

The Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff are both leading Republicans, and so far as I know the whole machinery of the State government, both civil and military, is acting harmoniously and with a view to suppress our unfortunate disturbances. The grand jury is an excellent one, and are trying hard to do their duty.

I know nothing myself, nor do I care, in performance of my own official duty, as to the merits of the personal controversy out of which all our troubles arose. I shall try to learn fully my duty, and the laws of this [State?] shall be executed so far as I can enforce them. 

M. H. OWSLEY. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

Quite a number of the young men, who went over to Lancaster during the unpleasantness existing there from our county, have been indicted by the Grand Jury of Garrard county for taking part in the trouble. They go over to attend their trial, which has been set for to-day, (Wednesday.) We trust that each may pass safely through the firery ordeal and be let off with the lowest penalty possible. They acted under the impulse of the moment, and not knowing how matters certainly stood at the time, were unfortunately drawn into the trouble. []

 

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com. 

[September 4, 1874] -

 

War Department. -- In speaking of the late unpleasantness in Lancaster, we have but little to say. Since last week matters have been perfectly quiet and everything has a cheerful appearance. Two companies of the militia have left, leaving us now with about 100. The Fusiliers, German Company, has 60 men, and Company D., "Hewitt Grays," number about 40. Since Col. Clarke left for Owen, Gen. Trauernicht has command. There was some excitement on the public square, Monday night. Three horsemen came into town about 2 o'clock A. M., and, in being halted by the guard, they attempted to escape. They dismounted to run, and the horses and one of the men were captured, but the man escaped before morning. The horses were claimed by Mr. Wm. Collier, of Crab Orchard, next evening. Mr. Collier stated that they had been stolen from his premises. The Grand Jury has been in session this week, and, we understand, found several true bills. We noticed several parties from Lincoln county in town this evening, who have been indicted and are here to give bond. The case of mandamus, of this county, has been removed to Madison, --the efforts, so far, of the parties have been unsuccessful in getting a Judge to preside during the trial. Those mentioned as being wounded, in our last, are all recoving, -- some very slowly, while others, who received slight wounds, are going about. The militia are here for the protection fo all citizens and the proceedings of the present special term of the Court, but how long they will remain is indefinate. There has not been the least discord between the militia and the U. S. soldiers, and the citizens have found them a most agreeable company of men, and, should peace reign, would regret to have them leave Lancaster.

Later -- The Court adjourned Wednesday, but will meet again October 5th, for the trial of all indictments. The parties indicted gave bond for appearance at that date. The troops will probably remain until that time. Peace reigns.

DONT KNOW.

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com. 

[September 4, 1874] -

 

William Sellers, one of the originators of the late troubles in Garrard county, has turned up in Jeffersonville, Ind. The presumption is that he has gone there in order to institute a suit in the Federal Court. He took the trouble to go to Cincinnati and have an elaborate statement published in the Republican papers with regard to the troubles in Garrard, which has been pronounced false in many important particulars, by Judge Owsley and other citizens of Lancaster. Mr. Sellers is attempting to play the role of a martyr for political principles, when the truth of the matter is the whole affair is personal, and for which he is largely responsible. []

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[] "How Does Public Sentiment Stand?" The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

We put the question, therefore, with reference alone to public sentiment, is Kentucky to become too hot for outlaws?

We must confess that the indications are not altogether promising in this respect. It matters not whether Bill Smoot, or the Walkers and Willis Russell, in Owen, or Kennedy or Sellers, in Garrard, and their respective clans, were most in the wrong. They were all openly violating the law. They were all bidding defiance to lawfully constituted authority, and that so powerfully that the chief Executive of the State had to avail himself of the very last resort provided by the Constitution for the security of the peace and the preservation of the Commonwealth, and invoke the aid of the military power. The body politic is not healthy when the reserve military force must be called out. It is a dangerous power to exercise in any community. It is a surgeon's knife, that should be used only in desperate cases. Yet what is the public estimate of the men who brought about this calamitous condition of affairs? They are heroes. Bill Smoot rode into Frankfort, not as a captured criminal, but as a hero, and it is doubtful if he was ever treated with as much distinguished consideration before. On his approach to his native heath, we are informed that a body of his followers came out to greet him, and, as a guard of honor, quiet overshadowed the sheriff and his posse who had him in official keeping. On the other hand, the Walkers are equally heroes, and Kennedy and Sellers are held by not a few in high esteem as the bold authors of a war. 

Yet none of these men, nor their clans, are heroes. They have violated the law, and all that distinguishes them is that, after violating the law, they resisted the constituted authorities. They have all committed grave offenses. They have done wrong, and the face of the community ought to be set against them. Until public sentiment is outspoken against all disturbers of the peace and exacting in demanding a rigid observance of the law there will be no peace in Kentucky. The courts can not suppress the pistol, if public sentiment attaches no stigma to its use. Until we cease to regard malefactors as heroes, and until we place all concealed weapons on the ignoble footing of the slung[?] shot, Kentucky will know no other reign but the reign of the pistol, and no other rule but the rule of mob law. []

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[] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 5, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 5, 1874] -

THE WAR IN GARRARD

Uncle Eb. Kennedy’s Story of the Attempt to Assassinate Him and the Fighting that Followed.

The Remarkable Siege of the Court-House and the Firing of Seller’s House with Turpentine Balls.

The Troubles from Beginning to End

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

In the beginning of the troubles, which have lately prevailed in and disturbed Garrard county, a statement was published in your paper, over the signature of Mr. William Sellers, and recently you have published from the columns of the Cincinnati Gazette what purports to be an oral statement of Mr. Sellers to a reporter of that paper, both of which are attempts by Mr. Sellers to vindicate his own conduct, and to detach from himself blame and censure and any public suspicion of his criminal responsibility for the wrongs which have been done.

Until this time I have refused to write a detailed statement for publication, first because from my dislike of newspaper controversies—I have never until now engaged in one; and second, for the reason that I have not considered that the difficulty between Mr. Sellers and myself, so far as my conduct in it is concerned, had anything to do in originating the county troubles, and did not wish to annoy the public with it. But since matters have assumed such extensive proportions as to cast a reflection even upon the character and conduct of the good people of the State, and to provoke from some of the Republican papers of the country insinuations against their good name and character, I deem it my duty as a good citizen, in justice to and in justification of my self, my friends and all lovers of peace and order, and especially our most worthy Governor, P. H. Leslie, who has so commendably acted in the whole affair, and those who notified him of the troubles in the county to give a fair, full and true statement of the facts, from the beginning to the end of the troubles, as I understand them.

At the last August election I was a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court, which office I have held for the last six years. Col. John K. Faulkner was my opponent. Upon the face of the papers returned to the County Clerk as poll books by the persons who acted as Sheriff of the election I was defeated by twelve votes. I objected to the examining board selected to compare the polls and count the votes, and notified the County Clerk not to deliver the poll books to them nor to any other persons except those legally constituting the board, whom I considered to be Hall Anderson, acting sheriff of the election, Wm. M. Kerby, the sheriff, being a candidate, and E. Brown and J. M. Doty, the two justices of the peace residing nearest to the county seat, the County Clerk and County Judge both being candidates. Notwithstanding my objections the poll books were delivered to Hall Anderson, J. M. Doty, and T. Ford, as an examining board. Ford being a justice of the peace, residing eight miles from the county seat, E. Brown having refused to act because he was a candidate for office of County Judge that election.

After the qualification of Anderson, Doty and Ford as a comparing board, I notified them not to take into consideration a roll of papers which had ben delivered to the county clerk purporting to be the roll-book of Buckeye voting precinct No. 2 of Garrard county, because it had been delivered to the person acting as sheriff of the election at that precinct by the judges thereof at the close of the polls, unsealed and unenveloped as the law requires, but only tied with a loose hemp string, and was thus delivered by himself to the county clerk, and by the county clerk to those acting as the comparing board.

This board began its [?] on Tuesday, August 6th[?] and completed on the 7th.

T. Ford, one of the board, refused to consider or count the paper purporting to be the Buckeye polls book, according to which Col. Faulkner had received at that precinct a majority of fifty-six, and if that precinct had not been counted I would have been elected in the other three precincts by a majority of forty-four.

Ford wrote and signed a certificate of election and tendered it to the other two acting members of the board, and they refused to sign it, but wrote and signed one for Col. Faulkner, which Ford refused to sign. Thus the matter stood till Tuesday, August 11, when Anderson and Doty delivered to Faulkner a certificate signed by them alone, and on the 12th of August Ford delivered to me a certificate signed by him alone. Previous to this I had determined to contest the election, regardless of all legal objections as to the sealing of the poll books, &c, for the reasons that many negroes voting for Col. Faulkner were imported from other counties — other negroes voted for him twice, and many others who were under age; and I had so expressed my intention without consulting or advising with any one, and served my notice of contest upon Col. Faulkner, which set forth one hundred and fifty-five votes counted for him which I knew to be illegal, and which, if deducted from the number of votes cast for him, which justice and law demand, would elect me by a considerable majority.

On Friday, August 7, previous to the delivery of the certificate to me by Ford, it was known that he would also refuse to sign a certificate for J. Westby West, a cousin of Wm. Sellers, who was a candidate for county clerk in opposition to W. H. Whirett, and who if the Buckeye vote was counted was election, according to the returns, by a majority of 49 votes, and would otherwise be defeated.

Sellers had worked hard for the election of his cousin, West, of which he was very desirous, and had said that he should be elected at all hazards.

My contest against Faulkner if successful would also prevent the election of West.

Sellers and myself were personal friends previous to the election, and if he did me any injury in my election beyond what was necessary for him to forward and promote the election of West, I never knew it.

West and Sellers were Republicans and I was a Democrat.

On the night of Friday, August 7, I had determined to sleep in the Circuit Court clerk’s office, fearing that it might be forcibly taken possession of, and had gone there for that purpose. Before retiring I walked out on the public square and around the pavement on private business, and started back to the clerk’s office from a point directly across the public square from the courthouse, and had walked about fifty feet in the direction of the court-house, when Sellers came up to me in the dark and laid his left arm in a friendly manner over my right shoulder and said: “Uncle Eb.” I supposed he wanted to tell me something that was going on in my favor, but he immediately fired at me with his pistol, the powder burning the left side of my face, and the ball entering the upper part of the left lappel of my coat, ranging downward and through the side pocket and some papers therein carried. At the same time he pushed me down, and fired at me a second time, the ball passing through the lower part of the left side of my coat tail. (My coat was a short Marseliles.) Sellers then ran. As soon as I could recover myself, I got up and shouted at the top of my voice that I was not hurt, denouncing him in the same voice as a cowardly scoundrel, and asking him to come back and fight it out; but he ran on, I publicly announced then and there that Sellers had shot me twice. I was enraged and excited, and my friends used their efforts to quiet me, but I asserted positively then that Wm. Sellers, without cause or provocation, shot at me twice in the dark, in the guise of friendship, and tried to take my life by assassination. And this man is a member of the General Assembly of Kentucky, twice elected by the Republicans and negroes of Garrard county.

He went that night to his friends on Scott’s fork, or Sugar Creek, and on the next day sent for the sheriff to deliver himself up. The sheriff went and brought him to town, <i>in the night time</i>, and on the next day after he was on the streets of Lancaster. I was at the time in the country. On Monday morning I came back to perform the duties of my office, it being the first day of the Garrard Circuit Court, which I did as usual.

All passed off quietly during that week.

Towards the latter part of the week Sellers left Lancaster and went, as I understood, to Nicholasville and Lexington, and I was advised by reliable men that he had gone to furnish himself with ammunition, guns, and pistols and men for the purpose of killing me. On Sunday, August —, I notified my friends that Sellers was preparing to kill me, by arming and congregating negroes about him for that purpose, and four or five of my friends came to Lancaster on Tuesday and stayed with me until noonday Wednesday, when two of them having become intoxicated, were somewhat disorderly in their conduct, mistreated one white man and three negroes without, however, doing them any injury beyond the insults offered them. All this I tried to prevent, and then regretted and now deeply regret and deprecate.

After that all was quiet till about half past 9 o’clock Wednesday night, when I was in the Circuit Court room, in the second story of the court-house, making up the orders of the day, and five or six of my friends and relatives were in front of the court-house, on the porch below, armed with guns and pistols, to repel any attack that might be made on me, but with no intention of making any attack on Sellers or his house; and just at that time, without any provocation on the part of my friends, a fire was opened upon from the north and west sides of the public square, the court-house being situated on the south side thereof. At the same round of firing my cousin, William F. Kennedy, who had been my active friend in the election, was shot while standing inside of a glass door at the Lancaster Hotel, on the east side of the public square. The firing was returned by my friends from the court-house for a time, then all became quiet, and my son-in-law, F. A. Yeakey, who was my deputy clerk, went across the public square towards Marrs’ corner, directly opposite the court house, and from which the first firing came, with a view to see who was doing the firing. A colored man named Wm. Smith, commonly called “Bose,” went with him. When they were within thirty or forty steps of Marrs’ corner, they were fired on by five or six shots, and Bose was wounded in the groin. Yeakey fired one musket at the crowd as they run off in the direction of Sellers’ house. Yeakey then returned to the court-house with Bose, under the impression that the fight was all over, and that the negroes had run off. Yeakey then went for Dr. S. L. Burdett, who lived about 150 feet from the court-house, to wait on Bose, who was though to be wounded in the bowels. Dr. Burdett refused to go, but after being assured that all was safe and the fight over, agreed to go and did go.

As Dr. Burdett stepped upon on the front porch of the court-house, a volley was fired from Marrs’ corner, on the north side, and Stormes’ corner, on the west side of the public square, by which Dr. Burdett was wounded, breaking his left leg badly just above the ankle, and one shot entering his thigh about twelve inches above the knee, and ranging downward. He was carried into the court-house.

George Griffin, who was on his way home, followed Dr. Burdett up to the court-house, and was wounded by one buckshot in the calf of his left leg and got away.

B. M. Burdett, a brother of Dr. Burdett, who was at his boarding house about 300 feet south of the court house, heard a lady, Mrs. Anderson, say she believed Dr. Burdett was wounded. B. M. Burdett then sent to young men up street to see. They saw young Wm. Mason, who told them he was certainly wounded, and upon their report Mr. Burdett went immediately to the court-house and found the doctor badly wounded, and determined to go for Dr. Hoffman to treat the wound, and, in company with Mr. J. T. McQuerry, started across the square to go to Huffman’s house, which was on the east side of town and about 400 feet from the public square. While crossing the square Burdett was called by Mr. Miller and asked if any one was wounded. Burdett replied in a tone so loud that he was heard as far as 300 feet off, that Dr. Burdett was badly wounded, and that he was going for Dr. Hoffman to treat him. Dr. Hoffman refused to go, but on being assured that all was quiet, agreed to go, provided he could get a file of soldiers to go with him. Mr. Burdett went and applied to the colonel commanding a company of Federal troops near Dr. Hoffman’s house for a file of soldiers, who readily gave a file of three soldiers and a sergeant, who, in company with Mr. Burdett, called for Dr. Hoffman and went with him a back-way to Dr. Burdett’s house, got a couch and carried it to the court-house, put Dr. Burdett upon it, and rolled him to the front door. Just as they were in the act of taking up the couch to carry it—the soldiers in front and a boy just i front of and a little to one side of the couch, with a burning lamp in his hand—the whole party were fired upon by persons from Marr’s and Stormes’ corners. The sergeant called to them, “Stop that shooting; you are firing on United States troops.” The firing continued, and the soldiers then returned the fire pretty lively for half a minute or more, aided by friends who were in the court-house. At that firing Dr. Burdett was again wounded twice, once in the side slightly and once in the left knee.

The sergeant sent back to camp for re-enforcements, but got none, and receiving orders from Colonel Fletcher, the commanding officer, to return to camp with his men, which he accordingly did.

When we found we could not get out of the court-house, we placed Dr. Burdett in a secure place, and barricaded the doors and windows as best we could with some old doors and window shutters that happened to be in the house and were forced to remain all night, during which we were fired on at intervals from between fifteen to thirty minutes, until nearly four o’clock in the morning.

There were only fifteen men in the court house, ten of whom were disposed to fight if they had any showing — Dr. Burdett, Dr. Hoffman, Isaac Dunn, J. T. McQuerry, and B. M. Burdett were the others, having no hand in the trouble, and only being there on account of Dr. Burdett being wounded. We had no ammunition except what was in the guns and pistols, and that all told at the time we closed the doors could not have exceeded thirty shots, which the more prudent of us deemed proper to withhold for the purpose of resisting a charge on the house, which several times seemed inevitable by a gang of forty or fifty negroes and two or three white men, all well armed with first class guns and pistols and plenty of ammunition furnished, as I understand, by Sellers.

At the dawn of day all was quiet, and negroes who were in the fight were doubtless on the streets regretting seemingly what had been done, and wondering who had done it. Dr. Burdett lay in the court-house all night with only two glasses of warm, dreggy water which happened to be left in the bottom of a water cooler in the Circuit Court room. He suffered intensely all night from pain and thirst, but being a man of good nerve, he bore it like a hero, and lay all the latter part of the night with his pistol in his hand, determined to sell his life as dearly as possible in case the house was charged.

We were shot at from behind salt barrels, stockpiles, brick piles, and corners of houses, and, when we could not be drawn out in that way, they threw rocks against the doors and windows and taunted us with curses and loud words, which we could not distinguish but prudence then was the better part of valor, so we took it all and remained quiet, because we could not help ourselves.

On Thursday morning, Mr. R. M. Bradley, who was acting as special judge of the Circuit Court, had an order entered directing the sheriff to call on the Federal troops to assist in maintaining order and peace. The sheriff at first agreed to execute the order, but, upon hearing complaints against the order, he refused to act under it. I urged him to do so, but he refused, and I understand from Mr. Bradley that he learned that Sellers complained of the order. At any rate, it was not executed, and the order was set aside, and the whole matter turned over to the town authorities, who very promptly called on the soldiers, and they came on the public square about eleven o’clock and took position of the court-house just in time to prevent an attack by some twenty-five or more negroes from Sellers’ house and yard, who were drawn up in line ready to make a charge on the town, being irritated, as is claimed by their friends, by a congregation of good citizens assembling at the Grangers’ hall advising as to the best means of restoring peace.

All remained quiet during the rest of the day. In the evening a proposition was made to me by Col. Fletcher to send my friends, who had come to defend me, away to their homes, on the ground that Sellers would disband and disarm his negroes. I did send my friends away on condition that Col. Fletcher would protect me (except F. D. and Wm. Cooley, who went to my residence in the suburbs of town to stay with the family, who were all women and children. I had business, and was staying that night at the Kennedy and Higgins Hotel, at which place Col. Fletcher came to me at 9? o’clock at night, after I had retired, and assured me that all would be well and that I might rest contented, and assured me that no firing would be done that night. I told him all the time that I looked to him for the fulfillment of the agreement—that I had no confidence in Sellers.

During that night, my residence was fired upon during most of the night, commencing at about 10 o’clock with good guns, and my little grand-son, Kennedy Slavin, whom I had thus far raised (his mother having died when he was only a few months old), was slightly wounded by a buckshot or pistol ball in the side of his head. The ball was taken out early next morning by Dr. Hoffman. My wife, five grand-children and a neighbor lady were in the house during the night.

On Friday morning, hearing that my little grandson was wounded, I went up early a back way to see him. After early breakfast my son-in-law, F. A. Yeakey, my deputy clerk, started up town to the office, and when within about 250 feet of the public square was fired upon by a party of four or five negroes commanded by one William Ward, a white man, and cousin of Wm. Sellers, and who had been in his house with him and his negroes for several days, and who, I understand, commanded the fight on Wednesday night. Yeakey was severely wounded in both legs, deep flesh wounds, both near and below the knees.

The Federal troops were still on duty, but about twelve o’clock in the day the commander determined to withdraw them, and did so. My friends who had come to defend me were all gone. Sellers was at his house with a number of armed negroes, and m[any] of the negroes who did the shooting on Wednesday and Thursday nights and Friday morning were walking at large on the public square, well armed. I had sent my wife and grand-children early in the morning to the country for safety. I had returned from my residence to the hotel, and had a conversation with my lawyers about my election case, then lay down and went to sleep, and when I awoke about 2 o’clock in the evening I was informed that my house had been set on fire, but that it had been put out; that the United States troops had been withdrawn, and that the negroes had possession of the town. I was advised and urged to leave immediately, or I would be killed before night. I took the advice, and did leave forthwith in a buggy with a friend, going out a back way and went to Crab Orchard. I came back the next morning about 9 o’clock, and found many of my friends in town, and many of whom I did not know; who had come, not to assist me, but to restore law and order and to prevent the whole town from being demolished or destroyed by fire, and its people murdered by a gang of armed negroes, led by Sellers and friends. There were men here from various parts of Garrard, Lincoln, Boyle and Madison counties when I arrived, and they continued to come in all that day from every direction, well armed, ready and willing to fight for law and order, not for me or against Sellers.

T. Ford, a justice of the peace, who lives some eight miles from town, came into town that morning on business, and saw the aspect of things—that the civil authorities about town had surrendered our were powerless, and that unless something was done a general fight was inevitable. He went to Sellers’ yard fence in company with Mr. W. H. Miller, of Stanford, and called for Sellers. They were met by four negroes, armed with guns and pistols, who reported that Sellers was at the camp of the Federal troops in town. Ford then told them that he was a peace officer; that he had come to get them to give up their arms, disband and leave the house, and they replied that they had no terms to make, and could do nothing in the absence of Sellers. Ford then left and went in company with Mr. R. K. Hackley to the Federal camp to find Sellers, but learned that he was not there, and he returned to the public square, and told the parties, who seemed to be armed, particularly Mr. Miller, of Stanford, to break that band of negroes at Sellers’ house, if possible, without the loss of too much life, before dark; and, if it could not be done, to guard the streets and prevent re-enforcements that night from coming to Sellers’ camp, in hopes that something might turn up next morning that would better the condition of affairs.

Ford then left town. Other negotiations were offered by good citizens, but before anything could be completed the whites had begun forming from different points and had well-nigh driven off all the negroes stationed in houses abandoned by the owners on account of the trouble, near to and commanding the approaches to Sellers’ house, and from the corn patches along the alleys and streets, and as a last resort had set fire to Sellers’ house by throwing fired turpentine balls upon the roof of a little coal house near it. The negroes had congregated in Sellers’ house. Many of them were in the cellar. They had made port-holes through which to shoot by making holes through the foundation or underpinning of the house. They had also made port-holes through the body of the house out of which to shoot.

As I understand, the firing commenced about 5:30 or 6 o’clock in the evening. The whites had the house completely surrounded with a good force at the time, and the negroes would have been compelled to surrender, burn up or be killed in their attempted escape, when Colonel Fletcher, in command, came into town with his company of soldiers (on whose request I do not know—some say one and some another), and proceeded directly toward Sellers’ house, and, on his approach, the negroes abandoned the house, firing as they ran (some say at the soldiers), and everybody else firing at the negroes. There seemed to be a general battle. The officers and soldiers retreated to their camping confusion, and the negroes scattered in every direction. The soldiers captured some twelve or fifteen negroes and three white men on their retreat from the fight, who were all released one way or another, I do not know how. Some say one way, some another. I myself do not know who released them or upon what terms they were released.

Many little incidents and perhaps important occurrences may have taken place during the day (Saturday) which I can not relate because I was not actively engaged in the day’s transactions; my friends actively engaged in and conducting the operations of the day, having requested and urged me not to participate in the matter, and took my arms and gave them to younger and more active men, who were ready and willing to fight (men being plentier than arms) and I being an old man, having but one eye, and well-nigh exhausted from fatigue and excitement.

All remained quiet during Saturday night. The white men had every approach to the town well guarded all night to prevent re-enforcements, and to prevent the town from being attacked by surprise, we having been reliably informed that re-enforcements to Sellers were coming in from every direction, and which we learn was prevented by the defeat of the negroes, as a great many, upon learning this, turned back after starting to town with their arms.

Gov. Leslie had been telegraphed on Saturday by good men to send State troops here to quell a mob, and at 5 1/2 o’clock on Sunday morning Col. Clarke arrived in town with four companies of State militia, well armed and well commanded. He was ordered to report to the Hon. M. H. Owsley, who that morning had received his commission as Judge of the Eighth Judicial district of this State, from Gov. P. H. Leslie, by special messenger.

Judge Owsley’s prompt action, in conjunction with and aided by Col. Clarke, soon quieted all fears, and everything has been quiet up to this time, except some little personal difficulties, with which I do not desire to trouble your readers.

In all of the Saturday’s fight, so far as I can learn, one white man, Menifee Foley, a citizen of this place, who was not in the fight, was killed by the Federal soldiers. As I learn, one negro who ran out of Sellers’ house was killed. Another negro, Harry Huffman, was wounded in the general retreat from Sellers’ house, and one white man named Wm. Ward, before referred to, a cousin of Sellers, was wounded in his house and left by his comrades to be burned up, but was taken out by Mr. Thomas Shanks, of Stanford, after the negroes had abandoned the house.

I understand Ward commanded the negroes after Sellers left until he was wounded, when one M. C. Bricky took the command. Some other negroes are supposed to be wounded, and some say two or three were killed, who were burned up in the house, but of this I can not speak reliably.

As to the man who first came to defend me, as detailed above, or the men who came to the town on Friday night and Saturday to save it and its citizens, as before written, being Kuklux, I know nothing nor have ever heard such a thing intimated until I saw it charged in Sellers’ story. I never belonged to the Kuklux organization or any organization that did what some people charge Kuklux with doing, and never of my own knowledge knew that any particular men did certainly belong to Kuklux or any such organization.

I know that those who came here on the occasion above referred to were gentlemen of high character and standing and did the citizens of the town of Lancaster a great favor, for which I shall ever feel under many and lasting obligations to them.

In giving this little history of the troubles in Garrard county I hvae been more prolix than I intended, and yet have left out many interesting and important incidents, only including such as I thought necessary to give the public a reasonably clear conception of the causes of the trouble, the general courses it took, the proportions it assumed, and the point at which it now rests; which I sincerely hope may be its end. I have not aimed to reflect upon any person nor give my opinion as to the conduct of any man in the whole affair—not even to justify my own course—but merely to state facts as I know them, or could learn from the best information I could get, and let the public draw their own conclusions, because I do not wish to trouble them with my opinions. I know the people of Garrard county, who know the parties and incidents and transactions in this matter, or at least a large majority of them, will come to a proper conclusion, and the verdict of public sentiment will be a just one.

E. D. KENNEDY

Sept 1874 []

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[September 5, 1874] -

 

A Statement from Esquire Ford.

To the Editor of the Courier Journal.

LANCASTER, KY., Sept 4?, 1874.

I am a justice of the peace of Garrard county. Kentucky, and was in Lancaster on Saturday, the 22d day of August, 1874, when the noted fight occurred and Sellers house was burned. I went to town that morning on business in the Circuit Court, and found everything in confusion and turmoil. A number of negroes, variously estimated at from twenty-five to fifty, were quartered[?] in Wm. Sellers’ dwelling house in the very heart of the town, well armed and ammunitioned. The civil authorities of the town had surrendered, or were powerless, and doing nothing toward quelling the disturbances. There were in town some white men from Garrard, Boyle, Lincoln and Madison counties, armed with guns and pistols, who proposed to do anything that might be necessary to restore law and order in the town. Some gentleman from Lincoln county, who assumed and had control of them, came to me and said they were willing to do whatever I as a peace officer would direct. I then went in company with Mr. W. H. Miller, of Stanford, to Sellers’ yard fence and called for him. We were notified by four negroes who met us as pickets that Sellers was not there. I told them I had come as a peace officer and wanted them to disband, lay down their arms and go home. They replied that they could do nothing in Mr. Sellers’ absence. We left them and went up town and there learned that Sellers was at the quarter[s] of the Federal troops in town. I then went there and inquired for him, and he was not there. I returned, at directed the white men who were armed to break up the fortifications and Sellers’ house before dark, if possible, without too much loss of life on the part of those outside the fortifications, and, if they could do so, to guard the approaches to the fortifications that night, so as to prevent reinforcement, which I was reliably informed was coming into the fortifications from various quarters. I left town about four or five o’clock in the evening, and went to my home, some eight miles in the country, and saw no more of the difficulty. I urged many citizens during the day to try to get the negroes within the fortifications to disband. They did not. Whether they could I can not say.

I knew no more of the trouble until Sunday morning, when I returned and found the State troops here and all quiet. I wrote this article not in the interest of Kennedy or Sellers and I know nothing of their difficulty except what I have heard as general rumor, and take no part in their troubles, but write to show the public under what authority the brave boys who came from Lincoln, Madison, Boyle and various parts of Garrard county to save our town from ruin and negro supremacy fought and did what they did do here on Saturday, the 22d ult. 

T. FORD. [ibid]

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[] "Official Ire." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 9, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 9, 1874] -

OFFICIAL IRE.

Another Sheriff who Needs to be Looked After by the Court.

(Lancaster News, Sept. 5[?].)

In our last issue we mentioned the course of Sheriff W. M. Kerby in a street difficulty which had occurred a few days previous. Two men were engaged in a difficulty, and Kerby, instead of using his authority of his office -- being sheriff of Garrard county, and therefore the highest peace officer -- drew his own pistol and gave it to one of the combatants.

Mr. Kerby know he did wrong, and admits it, yet on Friday morning he approached us on the street and inquired why we did not come to him for our information. He denied using the same language we published, but made use of some very ungentlemanly and approbrious epithets to us, and added that if we ever made use of his name again he would cut our throat from ear to ear. We care as little about such threats as if they were uttered by a child.

We have nothing to say about Mr. Kerby's personal character, but we have the right to approve or condemn his official acts, as they are public property, and we shall continue to maintain and use that right regardless of threats.

As a public journalist we would be recreant to our trust were we to allow ourself to be intimidated in such a manner as Mr. Kerby has attempted -- even if we believed that the threat would be carried out.

Mr. Kerby's actions only go to prove his unfitness for the position he occupies. He is the main officer responsible for all our late troubles. Being the highest peace officer the public naturally look to the sheriff to quell all disorders arising in the county. In his duty to put a stop tot he late feud in its incipiency, and he could have done so without the least danger; or even if there was danger, every citizen and the United States troops were at his command, and by a little energy upon his part there would have been no bloodshed, no loss of life or property.

As a peace officer, why did he not arrest Sellers and Kennedy when he knew they had violated the law?

As a peace officer and professed friend to the negro, why did he not arrest Cooley and his party when they were abusing the negroes in such a shameful manner?

Why did he not call the citizens and soldiers to his aid and quell the riots as was his duty?

Does not Mr. Kerby's whole course as an officer demand the severest condemnation?

Who of our citizens are not indignant at his negligence and subsequent conduct?

Has he not pursued a course disgraceful as a private citizen -- much more as a peace officer?

Instead of setting upon his oath of office, in the capacity of a peace officer, we find him neglecting his duty when mobs threaten and do violence; and again, in a street fight, gives his pistol to an excited citizen and incites him to murder; and yet again, when the local paper mentions the affair, this model peace officer wants to cut our throat. 

We had more questions to ask, and more to say about Mr. K's official course, but time, space and other reasons preclude it now. []

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[] Excerpt from "Kentucky." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 10, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[September 10, 1874] -

Garrard County.

SHERIFF KERBY INDICTED.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

  DANVILLE, KY., Sept. 9., -- The attention of Judge Owsley, now holding court at this place, having been called to the conduct of the sheriff of Garrard county, delineated in the Lancaster News of September 3, which is republished in to-day's issue of the Courier-Journal, I am informed by him that the sheriff of that county was indicted for his conduct more than two weeks ago. []

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[] "The Garrard Outbreak." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 10, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 10, 1874] -

THE GARRARD OUTBREAK.

 

A Statement from Mr. Kennedy in Regard to Sheriff Kerby.

 

To the Editor of the Courier Journal.

 

In my statement of facts about the troubles in Garrard county, as published in your issue of the 5th inst., I made two statements as to Wm. M. Kerby, Sheriff of Garrard county, which deserve some little correction in Mr. Kerby's favor. Through true in substance they are not exactly correct in form, and are subject to an improper construction. In my article it was stated that Sellers sent for Kerby to surrender himself, and that Kerby went to where he was on Saturday evening and brought him to town on Saturday night and left him at his house. The exact facts as Mr. Kerby relates them to me are: Sellers sent a negro to his house on Saturday night at 12 o'clock with a note to him (Kerby) and that Kerby sent his wife to the door and the negro refused to deliver her the note, and said he would not deliver it to anyone except Kerby himself, and Kerby told his wife to say to the negro if he could not trust her with the note to go, and the negro went. In about two hours, a man named M. C. Bricky called at his house and called for him (Kerby). He sent his wife to the door again, and Bricky made himself known, and he went out and talked with him (Bricky), telling him that he had just come from Sellers' and that they had sent a negro for him sometime before that and had heard nothing from him, that Sellers wanted to see him, and insisted that he should go. Kirby did go with Bricky to where Sellers was, some six or seven miles from town, starting about 2 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at the place where Sellers was near daybreak; had a short conversation with him, advised him to surrender to him as sheriff or Miller as marshal of the town, and he refused, claiming, Kerby says, that he had done nothing to surrender for. Kerby, Sellers, Bricky and West all started to town, Kerby and Bricky some fifteen minutes ahead of Sellers and West, which division was made at Kerby's request, he stating that he had nothing to do with the difficulty and did not want to become implicated in it. The party arrived in town about 7 o'clock Sunday morning instead of night, as stated in my article. That is what Kerby reports to me.

Sellers went to his house and there stayed, as stated in former articles, and was not arrested.

Another statement is that Kerby refused to execute the order of the court, Hon. R. M. Bradley, special Judge, to bring the United States soldiers to aid the civil authorities. That is incorrect in this: Mr. Kerby, as he says, did bring the soldiers on to the public square in pursuance of the direction of the Judge and held them there until about four o'clock P.M., when, hearing that Marshal Miller was complaining that it was his province, as marshal of the town, to maintain the laws and keep order within the limits of the town, Kerby refused to act further, and told the officers in command of the soldier that he had no further use for them, and they could go, as far as he was concerned. I urged Kerby to hold the soldiers and act in concert with Marshal Miller, which he refused to do. Kerby says he understood me as wanting him to turn the soldiers over to Miller, and that is the reason he refused.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees represented to Judge Bradley that the town authorities were able to command the peace, and he thereupon turned the soldiers over to Marshal Miller, who retained them, as stated in a former article. I make these corrections at Mr. Kerby's request and in justice to myself, because I have armed to state plain, square facts, no more and no less, without even the slightest coloring. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 11, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-09-11/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 11, 1874] -

In reference to the late war in Lancaster, both Kennedy and Sellers have published detailed statements. Let the unprejudiced reader place the two statements side by side and observe the contrast. Sellers' statement is purely one-sided, and abounds in bitterness and self-praise. It is a story of personal misfortune and political persecution; something after the style of Parson Brownlow's thrilling account of his "escape from the Southern bloodhounds" at the opening of the war. -- Mr. Kennedy recites in an intelligent, manly and truthful manner the whole difficulty from beginning to finis without attempting by falsehoods or misrepresentations to excuse himself or shield his friends. []

 

 

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 18, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

 

[September 18, 1874] -

 

Lancaster has had no preaching on Sunday nights since the war. []

 

 

 

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[] Excerpt from Column _. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 11, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-09-11/ed-1/seq-2/

there is another article, longer, on this same page


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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 18, 1874. Page 3. LOC.

[September 18, 1874] - 

We learn that Mr. William Sellers has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court, at Louisville, against thirty-five persons who were engaged in suppressing the negro riot at Lancaster recently. []

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[] "Our Neighbors -- Public Meeting in Garrard." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 25, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

 

[September 25, 1874] -

 

PUBLIC MEETING IN GARRARD. 

IMPORTANT ACTION TOUCHING THE RECENT TROUBLES.

Pursuant to a call made by the chairman of a preliminary meeting held on the 5th of September, 1874, in Lancaster an enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Garrard county was held at the Court House in Lancaster, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 1874. 

A large number of the very best citizens in the county were present, and the best of feeling prevailed.

Mr. John Y. Leavell, chairman of the preliminary meeting, presided. 

After the meeting was called to order, Mr. B. M. Burdett stated, in a few very appropriate remarks, the object of the meeting, it being for the purpose of confering together and adopting some measures to effectually eradicate the existing evils in our midst, and prevent a recurrence thereof in the future. 

Upon motion the chairman appointed the following gentlemen as a committee to draft resolutions to express the sentiment of the people:

 

Jas. A. Anderson, chairman; Russell A. Harris, B. F. Jennings, J. V. Cooke, John Boner and John K. West. 

 

The committee retired, and after a short interval returned with the following resolutions, which were read and adopted with great unanimity:

 

Having assembled together as law-abiding citizens, for the purpose of mutual conference in regard to the troubles surrounding us, and after mature consideration and free interchange of opinion, we do declare:

 

That we deeply deplore and lament the recent outbreak and law[l]essness in our midst, and condemn and denounce it in the most unmeasured terms, and urge a rigorous and prompt enforcement of the law against the wrong-doers.

 

That we believe our disturbances could have been averted by the prompt and vigorous action of the officers of the law, more especially had they been hitherto upheld and sustained by a determined exhibition of moral courage upon the part of the citizens.

That we urge upon our ministerial and peace officers to suppress all disturbances, violence, and crime, promptly arrest all perpetrators, and take all necessary action to insure their merited punishment, and in the discharge of their duties to call to their aid, if need be, the whoel power of the county.

That we call upon the grand juries of the county to fearlessly investigate the criminal conduct of everyone, and indict them, that they may be brought to speedy justice. That we call upon the petit juries of the county in like manner to discharge their duties, so that whether they be grand or petit jurors, it may never be said of them that there has been upon the part of either a criminal disregard of their oaths and the wants and necessities of society, for there must be a change for the better, and to make it permanent and effective it must begin with the juries of the country. And this is not only true in regard to our present difficulties, but equally applicable to the future.

That whilst we emphatically condemn all violators of the law, and disturbers of the peace and good order of society, and earnestly insist that they be brought to condign punishment, we at the same time condemn ourselves for laxity and want of moral courage in the performance of our duties in having the laws enforced. We have been remiss in not openly and un-mistaken terms condemning all lawlessness of whatever [character?], and by whom[ever?] committed. We have stood quietly by for years, witnessed oft-repeated violations of the law, without the moral courage ot rebuke and condemn in deserving manner and terms. We have, by our indifference and supineness, suffered that public moral sentiment in disapproval of crime to become paralyzed, all of which the vicious have virtually construed, if not as an open, as a tacit, approval of their criminal conduct. It, therefore, behooves us to arouse from our lethargy and inactivity, and, by words and deeds, determine and show that the reign of lawlessness shall cease and that the majesty of law shall be upheld and vindicated. We, as citizens, owe it to ourselves, our families, to the community, and to society at large, to exert ourselves to bring about a sound, healthy reaction of that high moral sentiment so essential to the preservation and enforcement of the laws, and which we deem the most powerful agency at our command, in prompting the officers of the law, the grand and petit juries, and courts of justices fearlessly to do their whole duty.

 

That the law must be enforced at all hazards, and criminals punished as they deserve

That we deem it appropriate to enumerate, denounce and call public attention to some of the more prominent vices in our community:

 

Extreme partisanism of both poltiical parties in filling non political offices.

 

Buying and selling votes -- an evil greatly to be deplored, and a violation of law that should be thoroughly eradicated by punishing the guilty participants.

 

Intemperance and carrying concealed deadly weapons -- two of the most open and notorious violations of law, and productive oft times of blood-shed and death.

 

Idleness, which begets other vices.

 

And, along with the aobve enumerated we may class as an evil, the lack of moral courage upon the part of th elaw abiding citizens in the condemnation fo all unlawful conduct, vice, and immorality.

 

Let us put shoulder to shoulder, and unitedly determine that these evils shall exist no longer; that wrong doers shall be brought to justice; that law and order shall reign supreme. We earnestly ask the hearty cooperation of all law-abiding citizens -- a mutual cooperation of the courts of justice, officers of the law and citizens.

 

That we call upon jduciial and magisterial officers to disarm every person that comes in open court carrying concealed deadly weapons, fine them for contempt, refer their conduct to the grand jury and hold them in bonds to keep the peace. And we likewise urge upon every peace officers to promptly arrest the drunken, disorderly, and every one found on the streets or elsewhere with conealed deadly weapons upon their person, and carry them before some magistrate in the county, to be dealt with according to law. 

 

That this meeting, recognizing the evils resulting to the whole community from the frequent appeals to the Governor of the State for executive clemency, we here and now resolve that we will not sign any petition asking the Governor to pardon any person who may be found guilty by a jury of his county, or remit any fine which may be assessed by the jury convicting, and that we hereby request every good citizen to unite with us in this resolution. 

 

That one thousand copies of these proceedings be printed and circulated throughout the county, and that every civil and peace offier be, and they are hereby, requested to post a copy in their offiers or places of business.

 

We suggest that every good citizen in the county will signify his approval of the foregoing by subscribing a paper to that effect, which will be furnished at a convenient point in every neighborhood.

 

JOHN Y. LEAVELL, Ch'm. []

 

 

 

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 25, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 25, 1874] -

THE GARRARD TROUBLE TRANSFERRED TO LOUISVILLE. -- William F. Kennedy, of Garrard county, arrested on a criminal warrant sworn out by Luther Jackman, colored, was taken to Louisville, last Monday, by U. S. Marshal Jno. Wyatt, for trial before the U.S. District Court. The warrant charges that said Kenedy with having "within this district, and within three months last past, attempted to prevent, hinder, control and intimidate, by means of bribery and threats, one Luther Jackman from excising the right of suffrage guaranteed by the Fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," &c., &c. A civil process sworn out by Sellers, now a resident of Indiana, against sundry residents of Garrard county for alleged destructio of property owned by him, and implicating thirty-five persons, has recently been served by the United States Marshal upon seventeen of that number, citing them to appear for trial before the United States District Court, to be held at Louisville, on the 22d day of October next. The following is a list of the names of the parties upon whom the civil warrant was served: Walter G. Sanders, William Rochester, Wm. H. Miller, Thos. Shanks, Jno. Chrisman, Erasmus Bruce, Wm. G. Welsh, Archibald Snow, Jas. B. Mason, Benj. M. Burdett, Dudley Myers, Elbert D. Kennedy, Wm. P. Barlow, Timothy Ford, Jno. Baughman, Benj. Yeiser, and Jas. T. McQuery. []

 

 

 

 

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 2, 1874. Page 3. LOC.

[October 2, 1874] -

The white man, Wm. Ward, who was wounded in Seller's house during the Lancaster riot, and rescued from the flames by Capt. Shanks, of this place [Stanford], has since died. []

 

 

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[] Excerpt from "Late News in Brief." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[October 9, 1874] -

Wm. Sellers was arrested in Louisville last week, on a bench warrant from Garrard. He gave bond for his appearance at Garrard court, and arrived in Lancaster last Monday. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[October 9, 1874] -

 

SOMERSET, KY., Oct. 5, 1874.

Our Circuit Court adjourned on Saturday night last, about 10 o'clock, having been in session but one week. The early adjournment being required that the Judge and Attorney might be present at the called court in Lancaster, which commenced on the 15th inst., for the purpose of the investigation of and trial of the parties engaged in the recent troubles in Garrard county. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 9, 1874] -

ARRESTED. -- Deputy Sheriffs Owsley and Bishop, with the aid of about ten militia, left town, about 2 o'clock, A. M., Sunday, and at twilight arrived at the abode of one Elbert Cooley, noted as, in part, the originator of the late riot. Finding him out from the house a short distance, they immediately arrested him and returned home. Several attempts have been made before to capture him, but without success. He remained under the custody of the guard until Monday, when he executed bond and was released. By this time a telegram, from Louisville, came, ordering the Sheriff to hold him under U.S. authority, until further orders. He was transferred to the custody of the U.S. soldiers stationed here, and is, at this writing in their charge ... A Squad of militia, headed by Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., left town, last Tuesday night, for Scott's Fork, and arrested one negro, Thos. Taylor, against whom no indictment was found, but arrested under charge of being engaged in the late riot. Nick Leavel, (col'd,) came in and gave himself up to the proper authorities and the two constituted a Police Court, R. L. Grinnan presiding. Mr. Matt Walton, acting as County Attorney pro. tem., stated to the Court that the Commonwealth's witnesses were not present, and asked a continuance. The Judge held them to bail in the sum of $ 500 and $200 respectively, to appear on the 8th inst., in default of which they were committed to jail.

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The special term of the Garrard Circuit Court was called last Monday, with Hon. M. H. Owsley presiding. There was nothing, more than the empaneling of a jury, done on the first day. WM. Sellers arrived on the evening train, escorted by Lieut. Wheller, of the State Militia, and 5 or 6 others as guards. His presence on public square created quite a sensation. A greater throng in the Court House, to witness his appearance there, we have never before seen at Court for a long time. Mr. Sellers asked for a guard, which has been furnished him, by Capt. Miller, both day and night since his arrival. He is the guest of the Lancaster Hotel, and will remain for several days. Those from this and adjoining counties, who were under bond from indictments to appear during this Court, are quite numerous. On the second day of the Court (Tuesday,) the case of the Commonwealth against Wm. Bland (col'd.,) and others for maliciously shooting during the late disturbance, was called. After exhausting the regular jury, the proceeded to summon others to obtain competent jurors. The Judge ordered the Sheriff to summon 40 men from the extreme limits of the county to appear. Up to adjournment, this evening, (Tuesday,) only four were obtained, -- W. H. Wherritt, Elijah Lear, Timothy Logan and Merrill Hardin. There are a good many predictions that a jury will be hard to find in this county, if so, our Court will progress slowly. Up to this writing there has been nothing done.

Later -- Nothing done in Court yesterday. The county has been exhausted, and only six jurors found for the case of the Commonwealth against Wm. Bland, (col'd.,) and others for shooting Dr. Burdett and others on the night of the riot. Geo. Jennings and Frank Williamson added to those reported Tuesday as jurors. Judge Owsley instructed the Sheriff and his deputies to summon 30 men from the West End of Boyle, and 30 from Madison, to appear here to-day, (Thursday,) at 11 o'clock. The regular jury dismissed, to appear again Saturday morning. Next Monday is the time for the Chancery term of this Court, and we suppose the criminal term will necessarily close this week. Eb. Cooley, who was here under U.S. custody, was taken to Louisville, Wednesday morning, and his bondsmen for his appearance here were released.

A NICE PRESENT. -- The citizens of Garrard presented to Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., a handsome sword. It has beautifully inscribed upon it, -- "From the citizens of Garrard, to Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., of the Garrard Guards." It was ordered from New York, and presented last Tuesday.

DON'T KNOW. []

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[] Excerpt from "Madison County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 9, 1874] -

Our Circuit Court adjourned on Saturday last, without transacting any great amount of business, a considerable number of cases go over to the Common Pleas Court. The election case of FAULKNER, KENNEDY & CO., of Garrard, was tried on Friday, resulting in favor of FAULKNER, &C.  The jury in the case of RHODUS for killing GRIMES, returned a verdict of acquittal. A colored boy, JOHN DAVIS, was sent to the Penitentiary four years for killing "JACK," the Mexican, at a livery stable in Richmond, last winter. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 8, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 8, 1875] -

The report which gained some circulation last week, to the effect that the Kennedy's and Best's had met in Lancaster and had a bloody fight, was a mischievous falsehood.

A special term of the Garrard Circuit Court is in session for the trial of criminal cases, and will continue several weeks. The trial of the parties in Lincoln county for participation in the late "war of races" in Lancaster, will take place on the 15th day of the term.

We have cheering news from Lancaster this week. A new order of things is about to be set up, and a beginning of the end of lawlessness is about to dawn upon our long suffering, forbearing neighbors. The power of the arm that strikes for self-preservation, and the order and peace of a community, will shortly be felt by the ruffians that have brought reproach upon a quiet and orderly people. The good citizens of Lancaster have determined to no longer submit to have their town made a battle ground by certain blood-thirsty denizens of the county. They have resolved to protect the good name of their town by force of arms in the future, and we learn that they have armed and equipped themselves for that purpose. Bravo!

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 15, 1875] -

The trial of Wm. Bland, (negro,) charged with malicious shooting, commenced last Monday. It is alleged that Bland was connected with the late riot in Lancaster, and it was difficult to procure a jury. []

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[] Excerpts from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 22, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 22, 1875] -

 

The negro, Bill Bland, concerned in the riot at Lancaster, and charged with shooting Dr. Burdett and Jas. Griffin, was convicted last week, and sentenced to the Penitentiary for three years.

 

 

The trial of Wm. Ward, charged with burning Wm. Sellers' house in the late riot, consumed several days of the Court. The Jury in his case was made up of citizens of Jessamine and Mercer. The trial were perhaps be concluded to-day. []

 


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[] "Bloody Lancaster." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 29, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-29/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 29, 1875] -

William Rochester, Samuel Miller

there's also a column about Rochester's funeral

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 26, 1875. Page 2. LOC.

[February 26, 1875] -

The Court of Appeals reversed the case of the Commonwealth against Bland, from the Garrard Circuit Court. Bland was sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years, on the charge of shooting and wounding, with intent to kill, Dr. S. L. Burdett, of Lancaster, during the riot there last August. The following extract from the decision will explain the grounds of the reversal. Of course Bland will be tried on another charge, and punished according to his deserts. 

"It was error in the court below to instruct the jury that if appellant confederated and engaged with other persons for the purpose and with the design of committing unlawfully and maliciously the crime of shooting and wounding, with intent to kill any person, and that while so confederated and engaged in company with that design, they or either of them, while appellant was present or near enough to give immediate assistance to those actually setting, if necessary, did shoot and wound Burdett, etc, with intent to kill them, he should be confined in the penitentiary, etc.

Appellant was not indicted for conspiring with other persons to commit a felony, and cannot be punished under the statute providing for the punishment of persons so conspiring.

He may have confederated with other persons to maliciously shoot and wound one or all the persons named in the indictment, but if he did not actually do the shooting, he can be convicted only as one who counseled, aided or abetted the person or persons who did commit the principal offense or offenses.

For the error of thus instructing the jury, the judgment of conviction must be reversed.

The case is remanded for a new trial upon principals not inconsistent with this opinion. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 18, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-06-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 18, 1875] -

The Board for deciding contested election cases for this county met to-day to hear the proof in the contested election case between E. Kennedy and John K. Faulkner, in reference to the Clerkship of the Garrard Circuit Court. The contestant asked for further time in which to take repellant proof, and after some argument by Messrs. R. M. Bradley and Burdett for contestant, and Dunlap and Denny for contestee, the Court granted ten days more to each party. The parties in this action have been actively engaged in taking proof for the last fifty days, and with the additional proof that will be adduced by the extension of time, we think we would hazard nothing in saying that it will surpass in quantity (we are confident it will in quality) the amount of testimony adduced in that nice little case up at Brooklyn, N. Y. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 20, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-20/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 20, 1875] -

The Sellers case which was removed from Garrard to Jessamine county, was continued on Wednesday last, to the next session of the Court. []

  

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY.  September 24, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-09-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 24, 1875] -

The case of Wm. Sellers vs. E. D. Kennedy, and also same vs. Walter G. Saunders, and others, the latter being for damages for the burning of his (Sellers) house, in Aug. 74, will be heard in the United States Court, at Louisville, next month. The case will be watched with interest by a great many people, as it will expose the causes that led to the riot here, in August 1874. The Attorneys for the Defendants, Messrs. Burdett & Hopper, of this place, will commence taking proof here, in a few days. [] 

 
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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 8, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 8, 1875] -

In the United States Court at Louisville, the case of Wm. Sellers against various parties in this section, will be called for trial in a few days. We see from the published docket that the plfl., Sellers, has caused to be dismissed his action against Ben Mitchell, of this town, Jas. B. Mason, and D. B. Myers, of Garrard county. The other parties will, we presume, be prosecuted to a final judgment, and whether plfls. or defts. will be successful, it remains for time to show. The docket of the U.S. District Court is very large, and many "moonshine" distillers will have to give an account for the "deeds done in the body." 

 

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 19, 1875] -

The cases of Wm. Sellers against E. D. Kennedy, W. G. Saunders, et al, which arose out of the Lancaster troubles, will be tried in the U. S. Court at Louisville, before Judge Bland Ballard, on the 23d of this month, which will be next Tuesday. []

 

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 19, 1875] -

The Defendants in the case of Wm. Sellers vs W. G. Saunders et al, are at present taking proof here, to be read on the trial. The case is set for the 23d of this month, in the United States Court at Louisville, Ky. A good many persons will attend the trial from this place, as witnesses and parties to the suit, and the proceedings in the case will be watched with interest by almost every one in Garrard county. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 25, 1875. Page 2. LOC.

[December 25, 1875] -

On Tuesday night the livery stable of Kennedy & Higgins was burned, together with several head of horses, and two buggies and one rockaway, undoubtedly the work of incendiaries. In the building formerly occupied by Wm. Sellers was found some shavings saturated with coal oil, evidently for the purpose of setting fire to the building. The hotel occupied by Kennedy & Higgins, was also set on fire but discovered and extinguished. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 11, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-02-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 11, 1876] -

The cases of Sellers vs Saunders, et al., is set for the 7th of next month, for trial in the U.S. Court, at Louisville, before Hon. Bland Ballard. The case of the negro Tom Scott, against Stephen Burch, which arose out of the burning of the Crab Orchard Springs building, some years ago, is set on the same docket for the 23rd of this month. We presume they will all be disposed of at the present term. []




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[] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 10, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[March 10, 1876] -

 

Judge Owsley is still enforcing strict rules within the bar, and in regard to witnesses and litigants his rulings appear to give the greatest satisfaction. Judge O. was called to Louisville on Thursday by telegraph, as a witness in the celebrated case of Wm. Sellers vs. E. D. Kennedy, &c., now pending in the United States Court. The bar held a meeting and elected J. D. Goodloe to act as Special Judge in his absence. []




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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 17, 1876. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[March 17, 1876] -

SELLERS VS. SAUNDERS, ET. AL. -- Most of the witnesses in this important case, now being heard in the U. S. Court, at Louisville, returned home, last Friday and Monday. Many of them were not introduced, on account of the novel ruling of Judge Ballard, -- not permitting any testimony to go before the jury, except as to matters which occurred here on the 22nd of August, 1874, (the day Seller's house was burned.) The Defendants pleaded and relied mainly on matters that occurred prior to that day for their defense,--not by any means anticipating the verdict of the jury. It is easily discernable that the rulings of the Court have nearly annihilated the basis of the defense. The arguments in the case closed on Tuesday, and a verdict will probably be reached this week. It is not improbable that Judges of the Supreme Court may peruse the papers in this case. []




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[] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-03-24/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 24, 1876] -
 

The defendants in the Sellers-Saunders case have moved for a new trial. This has been done, we presume, in order to put them in a position to take an appeal to the highest tribunal in the land, as Ballard, the Judge, is sure to overrule the motion. []

 

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-03-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 24, 1876] -

The case of Wm. Sellers against Walter G. Saunders and twenty-four others, was tried in the United States Court at Louisville, before Hon. Bland Ballard, Judge of that court, during the past ten days. Sellers, it will be remembered by our readers, had his house burned during the Lancaster riot, in August, 1874. The particulars are so familiar to all of our people, that we need not repeat them now. Sellers sued for $60,000 damages, but the jury awarded him only $5,600. This sum, if paid, will be pro-rated between all of the defendants, so that in case each of them can pay his share, the burthen will fall lightly upon them. Mr. B. M. Burdett, one of the Defendants, provided an alibi, and thus escaped a judgment against himself for any amount. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Kennedys." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 29, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[December 29, 1877] -

THE LANCASTER ELECTION RIOT, 

as it is yet fresh in the public mind, is only mentioned here as a link in the apparently interminable chain of bloody events. In 1868[?], Eb. Kennedy beat the Democratic nominee, and was elected Circuit Clerk of Garrard county. In 1875 he bulldozed the Democratic party into making no nomination, and ran an independent race against Col. J. K. Faulkner, the Republican candidate. The issue was one of money and physical force, with a small element of morality, that was, however, sufficiently large to defeat Col. Kennedy by twelve votes, a little over that number of Democrats refusing to vote for him because of his notoriously bad moral character. One William Sellers, an ex-Representative, and Chairman of the Republican County Committee, a man who held the negro vote as in the hollow of his hand, had a cousin, Westby[?] West, running on the Republican ticket for County Clerk. It is not positively known, but there are many persons to believe that a bargain and sale, or rather a swap, was entered into between Sellers and Kennedy, by which Sellers was to throw the Republican vote to Kennedy and receive in return the Democratic votes for West. After an election that was unprecedently hot, even in the history of Garrard, West was elected by a good majority, and Kennedy defeated by a dozen votes. For some cause, a mutual suspicion of bad faith most probably Eb. Kennedy and Bill Sellers exchanged shots on the public square late one night about three weeks after the election and parted without any wounds, but with a common charge of attempted assassination. Eb. swore he would kill Sellers on sight, and, it is said, stationed one of his sons-in-law to slay his enemy as he came to his place of business. Sellers kept close[?] in his home, a hundred or so yards from the public square.

In the meantime the Cooley boys, Eb.'s illegitimate, but acknowledged, sons, and some others came into town, and after abusing respectable Democrats for not voting "the ticket" (a performance in which Grove and uncle Eb. had taken part), they began on Wednesday morning, August 19, 1874, slapping, cursing, and otherwise mistreating negroes on the street. This greatly incensed the negroes, and about noon they began to arm and flock to Seller's house. The Cooleys and others of the Kennedy party posted themselves in the courthouse, the negroes behind the brick walls of a burned[?] house in the opposite side of the public square, facing the courthouse. Squire Fred Yeaky, a son-in-law of Eb. Kennedy, accompanied by "Burt"[?] Smith, a friendly negro, started over to where the armed negroes were congregated, but were fired on and Smith badly wounded. He was taken to the court-house, and Dr. Burdett sent for to dress his wounds. As the Doctor came he also was fired on by the negroes and wounded. Near town was a detachment of United States troops, and in response to an appeal, a squad was sent to escort a second doctor to the hospital of the whites. These were also fired on by the negroes, and the fire returned. This promiscuous shooting resulted in the wounding of George Griffin and Wm. Kennedy. All that night the firing was kept up and the chipped courthouse and other walls still show where the balls took effect. Thursday, 'Squire Yeaky was shot and wounded in both legs by a party of negroes stationed in a church, and that night Ed. Kennedy's house was fired into and his little grandson wounded in the head. Friday telegrams and runners were sent to bring in help from Crab Orchard, Stanford, Richmond, Danville and other points to put down the negro insurrection. The people of Lancaster, looking upon the affair as a personal one between Kennedy and Sellers, and being unable to suppress the riot, shut themselves up in their houses and refused to participate in the war. Friday night or Saturday morning, however, reinforcements began to arrive. Walter Saunders was given or assumed command, and the negroes, with two white men, Ward and Brickley[?], were driven to and besieged in Sellers' house. Here the firing was kept up until late in the evening, when the house was fired by [?] of turpentine balls. This induced General Landram, Collector for this district, to send down the United States soldiers. A negro named Ray had already been killed, and Ward, of the Sellers' party, was brought wounded out of the burning house and afterward died. When the soldiers arrived the negroes escaped from the house, but the soldiers became demoralized and started back up town on a run, firing in every direction. One of their shots struck and killed a barkeeper named Menifee Foley, standing on the opposite side of the public square, and many spectators in the riot narrowly escaped with their lives. The next morning (Sunday) about two hundred State militia arrived from Louisville, bout found the riot at an end. They remained several weeks, but never fired a shot. Sellers, who was out beating up recruits, upon hearing of the fall of his fort, gave up the fight and bade a final adieu to Garrard. He brought suit in the United States Court at Louisville against a number of persons alleged to have been engaged in burning his house, and recovered about $6,000. The insurance companies paid him some $1,000, and with the spoil he retired to Terre Haute, Ind., and it will be wonderful if he does not turn up some day as a Cabinet officer or some other dignitary. Several negroes were tried and convicted, and pardoned by Governor Leslie. Judge Owsley, who received his commission as Judge and was sworn in the Sunday morning the State troops arrived, appointed Eb. Kennedy Circuit Clerk during the contest, which was finally decided in Faulkner's favor, and the famous election riot was ended. Uncle Eb. was appointed Commissioner, and fell by the hand that he had raised and nurtured, by precept and example, to deeds of violence. It was, perhaps, a just retribution for his own violent, vindictive, immoral life. But his taking off was cowardly and malicious. The human law, like the divine, may realize on the one side the benefit of an act, and on the other the necessity of inflicting punishment upon the instrument thereof. Such is the strait in which Grove finds himself to-day. []

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