1890-1899

The following is a chronological annotated list of all posts on this blog for years 1890 to 1899. See links in navigation bar above for other years available. See About & Contact for more information about this project.

Please use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) to search this list

Within each post you will find newspaper clippings (or other sources) with typed (and therefore Ctrl+F searchable) transcriptions. Please keep the source citations with the articles if you share them elsewhere. I use footnotes to indicate sources. If you're not sure what this means: At the end of each typed transcription is a number like this:[1] If you go to the bottom of a post, you will see a listing of all citations for that post listed together with matching [1], [2], [3] before each one. The citation with the matching number is the source for that article.

If you have comments, corrections, and/or additional info you would like to share, please leave a comment on the relevant post or contact me directly.

If you are particularly interested in a murder case below that contains a Ky Court of Appeals opinion, please see FAQ for Cases with Kentucky Court of Appeals Opinions. Also, see my list of Ky Court of Appeal opinions.

Quick Key:
♦ Homicide
♦ Suicide
♦ 'Law and Order' related, but not about a Homicide
♦ General Info, Non-Criminal Death, or Other
♦ African-American Victim or Defendant, or relates to Race, Slavery, or the Freedmen's Bureau


  • Misc.  (11)
    _____________________________________________________________________________

  • 1890's  (101)
    ____________________________________________________________________________



  • --1890  (8)
    • ♦ Man Kills Brother-in-Law for Deplorable Treatment of Family
      Wildie, Rockcastle County. 1 March 1890. 2 sources.
      "They decided to inform their brother, James Burden, of the awful state of affairs. Upon being told of the matter, Mr. B. was of course dumfounded, but he soon decided what course to pursue.  He with two friends mounted their horses and went to Henderson's home where Burden put four balls in the wretch's body, killing him instantly.  Burden went to Mt. Vernon two weeks afterward, gave himself up and trial set for Saturday, when he was promptly acquitted..."
      Related: Man Kills "Scarlet Woman of Roundstone" To Avenge Relative's Death

    • ♦ Emmett Snodgrass Kills His Brother, Squire Snodgrass
      8 miles from Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County. 9 April 1890. 11 sources.
      "The brothers had a dispute last Monday over some business matters and when they parted it was agreed that they would not speak to each other afterward. Wednesday afternoon Emmett, who lives a short distance from Mr. Collier's, went over there.  When he arrived Squire was at the barn.  His mother, fearing that the brothers would meet, had the Squire to go around by the back way before entering the house.  While they were standing on the porch talking Emmett came around and called to Squire and opened fire upon him. ..." Also contains articles about the murder of Emmett Snodgrass by another yet brother, Isaac, in 1892.
      Related: Regulators Raid Mt. Vernon Jail, Hangs Four Prisoners

    • ♦ Man Killed in Republican Primary Row
      Jugornot, Pulaski County. 17 May 1890. 3 sources.
      "A row during the republican primary in Pulaski occurred at Juganaut between Thomas Jones and Charles Z. Jones, his son, on one side, and Frank Hines on the other.  William Ping, a justice of the peace, interred to stop it and called his son, John L. Ping, to assist him in quelling the disturbance..." John L. Ping killed, William Ping and Frank Hines wounded.

    • ♦ George Shadowen Kills [?] Reynolds
      Tateville, Pulaski County. 17 May 1890. 
      "At Tateville, on the same day, George Shadowen shot and killed a young man by the name of Reynolds."
      See: Man Killed in Republican Primary Row

    • ♦ Man Kills Brother-in-Law During Argument Over Fifty Cents
      Bee Lick, Pulaski County. May 1890. 5 sources.
      "The men married sisters, but there was little love between them. It seems, however, that they had bought a broad axe in partnership and that Warren had taken the first show at it. Delaney went for it several times, but Warren was using it each time. The last call he made for it Warren was not at home, but Delaney told his wife if she would pay him 50 cents he would say no more about the axe..."

    • ♦ P.F. Smith and John Coomer Kill John Chestnut on Election Day
      Burnside, Pulaski County. Election Day, August? 1890. 1 source.
      "P. F. Smith, police judge, and John Coomer, marshal of Burnside, were tried before Judge Denton, charged with killing John Chestnut at Burnside election day, and acquitted on the grounds of self defense."

    • ♦ Man Kills Another Over Alleged Attempted Robbery
      9 miles south of Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County. 18 September 1890. 8 sources.
      "At Mt. Vernon big Jim Mink was killed by Bud Mize. Mize and some other men, it is alleged, had tried to rob Mink, and Mink had threatened to have Mize arrested. Mink met Mize in the road and Mize shot him dead..."

    • ♦ Gunfight at Brush Creek
      Brush Creek, Rockcastle County. 19 December 1890.
      "At Brush creek...on Friday evening, five persons were wounded in a general row. ... Jack Baker received a ball in the left breast... Andy Mason had his wrist shattered from a ball; a son of Mason got a furrow plowed across his head just over his left ear; John Angline received a similar wound, and Angline's wife was shot in the back.  How the fight came up no one here has been able to learn.  All the parties are related by marriage to each other."
      See: At Least Two Killed in Adams-Laswell Feud



  • --1891  (11)
    • ♦ Ben Martin Kills Tom Hodge
      Laurel County. 1891?
      "Ben Martin's case for killing Tom Hodge is before the court and will be tried, both sides being ready."

    • ♦♦ Jane Mullins Kills Henry Mullins
      Crab Orchard, Lincoln County. 11 January 1891. 1 source.
      "Jane Mullins, colored, shot her son Henry through the lungs Sunday night, killing him instantly."

    • ♦ [?] Lasley Kills John Wesley Gooch
      Kingsville, Lincoln County. Last week in April 1891. 1 source.
      "In a difficulty at Kingsville this week John Wesley Gooch was shot in the right side by a fellow named Lasley from Pulaski, the ball going clear through him."

    • ♦ George Hays/Hayes Kills Thomas Hays/Hayes
      Wildie, Rockcastle County. First half of May 1891. 3 sources.
      "Sunday afternoon George Hays shot his cousin Thomas Hayes three times from which the latter died yesterday morning. The parties had been at outs over a settlement about some corn."

    • ♦ Bill Damerel Kills John D. Mullins
      Crooked Creek, Rockcastle County. July/August 1891.
      "The only trouble in the county on election day was at Crooked Creek precinct where John D. Mullins met his death at the hands of Bill Damerel."

    • ♦ George Gragg Kills William Miller
      Pittsburg, Laurel County. August 1891. 5 sources.
      "Bill Miller, who was shot by Geo. Gragg Saturday night at Pittsburg, died Monday morning. The wounds were supposed to be slight at the time of the shooting." ... "George Gragg, for killing Wm. Miller at Pittsburg, was given 21 years. Gragg was deputy town marshal at the time of the killing."

    • ♦ Crab Orchard Town Marshal Kills Crab Orchard Police Judge
      Crab Orchard, Lincoln County. August 19, 1891. 38 sources.
      "Andrew Egbert, the Police Judge of Crab Orchard, was shot and killed Wednesday night by William Saunders, the town marshal. The two men became involved in a difficulty because of Egbert's interferring with the marshal in the discharge of his duty. The dead man leaves a family. Saunders is a brother of the late Walter Saunders."

    • ♦ Assassination of Sheriff McHargue & Lynching of the Gilliland Brothers
      Pulaski County. 12 September 1891, 15 September 1891. 38 sources.
      "The affair has created intense excitement, as McHargue was a very prominent and most estimable citizen and a very efficient and reliable officer, and popular, and but few would have supposed that he had an enemy in the world.  Hundreds of people gathered yesterday in the vicinity, many going from the city.  The officers went out early this morning and arrested the Gillilands and found in their possession a large navy pistol with one chamber empty.  They were brought here this afternoon and placed in jail.  They do not bear a very favorable reputation, and it is alleged that McHargue is their fourth victim..."
      Related: Somerset Ex-Chief of Police Assassinates Local Newspaper Editor

    • ♦ John Catron Kills John White
      Somerset, Pulaski County. Last half of September 1891.
      "If the reports, which come from Somerset about the killing of Engineer John White of the C. S., by John Catron, a saloon keeper, be true, Judge Lynch might with much propriety resume his operations there. With no apparent provocation whatever, he struck his victim with a stick, knocking him down, and drawing a pistol, shot him as he lay on the floor. The only excuse given for the crime is that Catron was drunk."

    • ♦ Frank Bastin Stabs Joe Henry
      Lincoln County. Last half of September 1891. 1 source.
      "[W]hile on their way to church at Highland became involved in a quarrel as to which should have the empty pint bottle which they had just drained of its liquor, and Bastin drew his pocket-knife and plunged it up to the handle in his companion's side. Henry, it is thought, will die."

    • ♦ Thomas Candler Kills J. P. Brewer
      Pulaski County. November 1891. 1 source.
      "Thos. Candler, of this place, was given a preliminary hearing to-day in Judge Denton's court for the killing, last month, of J. P. Brewer, in a saloon fight. After examining thirty witnesses, the court released Candler, as he was justified in his act."



  • --1892  (12)
    • ♦ Charles Atkin Kills Hiram Taylor
      Pulaski County. 1892?
      "Charles Atkin, who is wanted at Somerset for the murder of Hiram Taylor, has been arrested in Tennessee and taken back to Somerset."

    • ♦ Lynch Mob Targets the Mayor of Somerset
      Somerset, Pulaski County. 6 January 1892. 29 sources.
      In January 1892, the Mayor of Somerset Barney Higgins drunkenly detained and attempted to rape Finnetta Woods at a train depot. Others at the depot came to her rescue, and as word spread of his crime, a mob formed to lynch the Mayor. Higgins escaped the mob, but was eventually convicted and sentenced to two years prison.  The poor woman "became insane as a result of her fright and ill treatment" and was committed to an asylum. The Ky. Court of Appeals then ruled that Higgins should have been granted a change of venue, and granted him a new trial.  When the case was subsequently called in Danville, Boyle County, it was continued to the next term.  The female victims' brother, present as a witness, then overheard Higgins bragging about successfully postponing his trial, and became enraged.  He shot Higgins dead on the Danville courthouse steps, and was shortly thereafter pardoned by the governor for taking justice into his own hands.

    • ♦ Isaac Snodgrass Kills His Brother, Emmett Snodgrass
      Rockcastle County. 5 March 1892. 
      "Isaac Snodgrass shot and killed his brother Emmett.  The latter's body was literally filled with buckshot and his horse was shot and killed from under him...." Emmett was Town Marshal of Mt. Vernon at the time of his death.
      See: Emmett Snodgrass Kills His Brother, Squire Snodgrass

    • ♦ Robert Eldridge Kills Jesse Davis
      Pulaski County. Last half of March 1892.
      "Last night Robert Eldridge shot and killed Jesse Davis, son of a well-known pension attorney. Davis was shot in the arm, temple and heart. The trouble occurred in Eldridge's butcher shop over a bill of $8 which Davis owed for meat. After the shooting Eldridge surrendered."

    • ♦ William Fain Kills Jesse Hilton
      Rockcastle County. First week of June 1892.
      "Another bloody murder occurred in the eastern part of this [Rockcastle] county this week. Bill Fair shot and killed Jesse Helton."

    • ♦ Thomas Tucker, Sam Young and Mose Morrow Kill Gilson/Giles New
      Pulaski County. Fall 1892?
      "Thomas Tucker, Sam Young and Mose Morrow, charged with killing Gilson New, were bound over to the grand jury in Pulaski in the sum of $3,000 each. It is alleged that the men were paid $180 to kill New." ... "Neeley says that New was killed to keep him from implicating Mason and John Johnson for the killing of Joseph Kieth at Greenwood seven months ago, for which John Johnson was sent to the penitentiary for two years and Mason is yet to be tried."
      Related: Somerset Mayor T. R. Griffin Helps Foil Train Robbery Attempt

    • ♦ Joe Howard Kills Bruce Wilmot
      Mount Vernon, Rockcastle County. September? 1892. 1 source.
      "Mr. Bruce Wilmot died at Brodhead Friday morning from the effects of the gun shot wound received at the hands of Joe Howard."

    • ♦ Somerset Ex-Chief of Police Assassinates Local Newspaper Editor
      Somerset, Pulaski County. 19 September 1892. 21 sources.
      "Editor Rucker has criticised the ex-Chief of Police several times for his bad conduct, and the editor received the approval of his criticism from the best citizens of Somerset. Mr. Anderson has frequently made threats against the editor of the Reporter, and everything points to the guilt of Anderson, and if he is captured it will indeed go hard with him, as it is the most dastardly deed ever committed in the county..." Also contains two articles about an assault of Editor Rucker by Tom Scott four months prior to Rucker's death.
      Related: Assassination of Sheriff McHargue & Lynching of the Gilliland Brothers

    • ♦ Man Kills Another Following Trivial Argument at Store
      western Pulaski County. 20 September 1892. 6 sources.
      "Daniel Norflett, a prominent citizen of the western part of this county, was Tuesday evening assassinated by Milt M. Britton. Norflett early in the morning had a disagreement over some small matter. The quarrel was at Geses' store. Norflett started home, and when about a quarter of a mile from his home, Milt Britton came to the roadside, stopped Norflett, who was in a buggy, and told him he meant to kill him, drew his double-barreled shotgun and discharged one load..."

    • ♦ Two Killed, One Wounded in Fight Between Charles Haynes/Haines and Lucien Patterson
      Greenwood, Pulaski County. 22 October 1892.
      "A shooting affray occurred at Greenwood, twelve miles South of the Cumberland river, and which is a considerable mining town, this morning about 10:00 o'clock. Chas. Haynes and Lucien Patterson have had an old grudge at one another for a long time, and this morning they concluded to shoot it out. Haynes drew his pistol and attempted to shoot Patterson, but an Afro-American named John Jewett tried to part them, when he was shot through and through and killed instantly. The [station] agent, Mr. Weatherford, was also accidentally shot in the breast, but his wound is not necessarily fatal and he will recover. Patterson then shot with a Winchester rifle and instantly killed Haynes."

    • ♦ [?][?] Kills Bill Hubbard
      Brush Creek, Rockcastle County. 31 October 1892.
      "Monday on Brush creek, this county, Bill Hubbard, while sitting at dinner, was shot and instantly killed. Whether the killing was accidental or not is not known."

    • ♦ Eveline Burdine Kills Joseph Arthur
      Pulaski County. December 1892.
      "Mrs. Eveline Burdine is in jail at Somerset charged with the murder of Joseph Arthur. She claims that Arthur was attempting to gain admittance to her room and that she killed him in self defense."



  • --1893  (13)
    • ♦ W. S. Baxter Kills John Baxter
      Laurel County. 1893?
      "W. S. Baxter for killing his uncle, John Baxter, was given 21 years."

    • ♦♦ Al Berry Kills [?][?]
      Rockcastle County. 1893?
      "Al Berry, the negro the Rockcastle jury let off with a life sentence for robbing and murdering a peddler, who escaped from the penitentiary, was captured in a straw rick and returned to prison."

    • ♦ James Ramey and Jesse Bullock Kill Jeff Arnold
      Pulaski County. 1893?
      "Jeff Arnold died from wounds inflicted by James Ramey and Jesse Bullock at his home near Somerset."

    • ♦♦ John Ledford and Jim Ledford Kill Luck Sutton
      Barren Fork mines, Pulaski County. January 1893.
      "Near Somerset, at the Barren Fork coal mines, John and Jim Ledford shot and killed a negro named Luck Sutton. The shooting was the result of a drunken row."

    • ♦ Mike Lynch Kills Mary Hardwick
      Pulaski County. May 1893.
      "Mike Lynch has been named by the coroner's jury at Somerset as the murderer of Mary Hardwick, who was mysteriously shot a week ago. Lynch is a railroad section boss and the woman was of bad reputation."

    • ♦ Man Kills Ex-Mayor of Somerset to Avenge His Sister
      Courthouse, Danville, Boyle County. 4 May 1893.
      See: Lynch Mob Targets the Mayor of Somerset, KY

    • ♦ [?][?] Kills Andy Dodson/Dolson
      Pulaski County. June 1893.
      "In the Circuit Court here this morning Judge Morrow ordered the jury to find Seth Mofield and others not guilty of the murder of Andy Dodson. The evidence was purely circumstantial."

    • ♦ Two Men Killed at Fourth of July Celebration
      near Dallas, Pulaski County. 4 July 1893. 5 sources.
      "John Hamp Brinkley, the cripple who shot and killed John Babbitt, the man who wounded him at Dallas on the Fourth, is dead. Robert Eldridge, a son-in-law of Babbitt, has been arrested, it being supposed that he also shot Brinkley."

    • ♦ Married Man Kills Another in Fight Over a Woman
      Barren Fork, Pulaski County. October 1893. 2 sources.

    • ♦ Jim Crews Kills Ed Trainham
      Pulaski County. 7 October 1893.
      "At Somerset, Jim Crews, for the murder of Ed Trainham, was given 21 years instead of having his neck broken as he deserved."

    • ♦ Dooly/Dooley Mize Kills Robert Sears
      Pulaski County. November 1893. 2 sources.
      "Marshall Newland got a dispatch yesterday from Judge G. W. McClure, county attorney of Rockcastle, to arrest Dooley Mize, 22 years old, 5 feet 8 inches, 135 pounds, light hair and red complexion, on a charge of murder committed in Pulaski. The marshal searched all the trains yesterday and kept his eye skinned for the man, but failed to catch him."

    • ♦ James Smallwood Shoots Craig Gragg
      Pittsburg, Laurel County. November/December 1893. 2 sources.
      "Craig Gragg...was shot and mortally wounded in a saloon near Pittsburg by James Smallwood. He was shot in the bowels and died next morning." ... "Craig Gragg is not dead by a great big lots. Although there is a bullet hole clear through his body, he was on the streets of Pittsburg Saturday. When a doctor told him he was certain to die, he replied with the assertion that he 'was not going to do any such a blank, blank thing.'"

    • ♦Wyatt Norfleet Kills John Hooker Frye
      near residence of James Ard, Wayne County. 2 December 1893. 4 sources.



  • --1894  (5)
    • ♦ Alex and Simeon Tuttle Kill Evan Williams
      Blackwater, Laurel County. February 1894. 7 sources.
      "Alex Tuttle shot and killed Evan Williams, son of "Reb" Williams, at the home of the latter on Blackwater, in this county, last week. After shooting young Williams, Tuttle was struck in the head and face with an ax by "Reb" and he will likely die also."

    • ♦ Man Kills Another in Premeditated Murder
      Laurel County. First half of March 1894. 7 sources.
      "Bob Jackson...shot and probably fatally wounded 'Black' Ed Chestnut at the home of Jackson's sister-in-law, Mrs. Alice Jackson, a widow, this morning about 4 o'clock. From what the attending physician says, the shooting was premeditated."

    • ♦♦ Man Killed in Political Quarrel in Public Square
      Somerset, Pulaski County. April 1894. 5 sources.
      "At Somerset Albert Davis, colored, shot and killed Napoleon Hudson, also colored, on the Public Square. Hudson and Davis had quarreled over politics. Davis was arrested. Davis fired five shots, all of which took effect..."

    • ♦♦ Man Arrested for Burglary Killed in Escape Attempt
      London, Laurel County. 28 April 1894. 3 sources.
      "...Eb Moran, son and deputy under Sheriff James W. Moran, arrested a negro named John Ely at a depot on the charge of burglary.  He was assisted by Deputy Sheriff S. W. Warnack, and they took from him a pistol and gold ring that he had stolen from the house of George Bendel..."

    • ♦ Reverend Kills Man For Having Affair With His Wife
      Lily, Laurel County. 21 May 1894. 10 sources.
      "When [Rev.] Stott found out the state of affairs he went for Collins, who departed for a safer clime, leaving the woman behind. Like a nemesis, Stott followed him for 50 miles or more and overtaking him sent his soul unprepared into eternity, a rather malicious and unpreacherlike performance..."



  • --1895  (8)
    • ♦ Man On Trial For Murder Points Blame at Deceased Father
      Tateville, Pulaski County. March 1895. 3 sources.
      James Hollars killed Samuel Shadoan in a field, ran out into the road and excitedly announced his crime, which was overheard by others on the road.  He then fled West before he could be captured.  Two years later he's located and extradited back to Pulaski County.  In the meantime, his aged father had died. During the trial he claimed his dead father had committed the murder. Shortly after this defense is somehow successful, the defendant stabs to death one of the witnesses against him, then flees Westward again.

    • ♦ Somerset Mayor T. R. Griffin Helps Foil Train Robbery Attempt
      ~1 mile north of Greenwood, Pulaski County. 27 March 1895. 9 sources.
      Several men were killed and wounded in a robbery attempt on the express car of a southbound train. Somerset Mayor T. R. Griffin, who was also employed as a detective for the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, helped defend the train and reportedly killed one or two of the would-be robbers.

    • ♦♦ Baptist Preacher Attempts Murder-Suicide After Wife's Divorce Filing
      Brodhead, Rockcastle County. May 1895. 20 sources.
      This post contains articles regarding three separate but related tragic incidents: (1) the attempted murder-suicide of Rev. William G. Capps and his second wife, the widow of Dr. Adams; (2) the fatal shootout involving their respective children, Robert Capps and Jack Adams; and (3) the alleged killing of Thomas Capps, another son of W. G. Capps, in Valley City, North Dakota in 1899.

    • ♦ Arthur Todd Kills J. J. Thompson
      Woodstock, Pulaski County. May/June 1895.
      "At Woodstock, a small place 18 miles from Somerset, Ky., J. J. Thompson and Arthur Todd became involved in a quarrel, when Todd stabbed Thompson in the throat, causing a mortal wound. Thompson lived but a short time after the cutting. Thompson was eighteen years of age and the son of Magistrate John Thompson. Todd is also eighteen years of age and is well connected. The trouble is supposed to have originated over a game of marbles which the boys were playing."

    • ♦ [?][?] Kills Will Jesse Adkins
      15 miles north of Somerset, Pulaski County. June/July 1895.
      " W. J. Adkins, residing about 15 miles northeast of here, was shot from ambush near his home, the wound proving fatal. Adkins has been a terror to the eastern part of the county for several years. He leaves a family and several children. ... Will Jesse Adkins, who was shot from ambush in Pulaski county a short time ago, will probably die of his wounds without revealing the identity of his assassin."

    • ♦ Louis Coffey Kills Isaac Burnett
      Monticello, Wayne County. July 1895.
      "When Louis Coffey, a young man of 19, attempted to reach the house of Isaac Burnett, near Monticello, to get his daughter to elope with him, he was discovered by Mr. Burnett, who charged him with doing so. Coffey called him a liar and as Burnett approached him drew a pistol. Burnett grabbed for the weapon, which was discharged both balls taking effect in Burnett's body from the effects of which he died after several days suffering."

    • ♦ Step-Brothers Engage in Fatal Quarrel in Road
      Rockcastle County. August 1895. 
      Jack Adams kills his step-brother Robert Capps.
      See:Baptist Preacher Attempts Murder-Suicide After Wife's Divorce Filing

    • ♦ Former Legislative Member Kills Man For Mistreating His Son
      ~15 east of Somerset, Pulaski County. 15 September 1895. 2 sources.
      "Eli Farmer, an ex-Representative, shot and killed Hamp Angel in Pulaski county Sunday, who was beating Farmer's son."



  • --1896  (9)
    • ♦ John Gruarch Kills [?][?]
      Pulaski County. 1896?
      "...John Gruarch, who is now confined in [Somerset] jail charged with murder..."

    • ♦ William Southerland Kills William Osborn
      Pittsburg, Laurel County. February 1896.
      "At Pittsburg, Wm. Southerland shot and killed William Osborn. Osborn was drunk. Southerland was arrested and taken to London, where he was given an examining trial and allowed bail in the sum of $4,000."

    • ♦ Mob Raids Monticello Jail, Hangs Arson Suspect
      Monticello, Wayne County. February 1896. 12 sources.
      "A mob of twenty masked men raided the jail here Friday midnight. The jailer being powerless in their hands turned over his keys, whereupon Fount Martin and James Troxell were carried off. Martin had been arrested two months ago charged with barn-burning. Troxell was a suspected accomplice and neighbor of Martin, and was lodged with him behind the bars last week."

    • ♦ Father Stabs Son to Death During Family Dispute
      Wildie, Rockcastle County. First week of March 1896. 7 sources.
      "It was claimed that George went to the old man's house and told him he had come to thrash him for treating his mother badly, when the father whipped out a knife and stabbed him to death...."

    • ♦ John H. Jarrett Kills Buck Padgett
      Brodhead, Rockcastle County. July 1896. 15 sources.
      "Jarrett called on Padgett to halt and at same time telling him he must not go through his farm as he was accustomed to. Padgett replied he was going home and threw his hand as if to draw his weapon, when Jarrett fired with above results. It seems there had been some trouble between the parties before on account on Padgett's hogs destroying Jarrett's corn."

    • ♦ Man Kills Neighbor Following Dispute Over Hogs Eating His Corn
      near Brodhead, Rockcastle County. 15 June 1896. 9 sources.
      "Monday last about one mile from town J. H. Jarrett shot and instantly killed N. B. Padgett. It seems from Jarrett's statement, the only living witness to the sad affair, that they met in the county road. Jarrett called on Padgett to halt and at same time telling him he must not go through his farm as he was accustomed to. Padgett replied he was going home and threw his hand as if to draw his weapon, when Jarrett fired with above results. It seems there had been some trouble between the parties before on account of Padgett's hogs destroying Jarrett's corn..."

    • ♦ Shell Sutherland and Ansel Wilson Kill E. M. Smock
      Norwood, Pulaski County. July 1896.
      "Near Norwood, Ky., E. M. Smock was found dead on the railroad track. His head had been cut off. Shell Sutherland and Ansel Wilson have been arrested at Cynthiana, charged with the murder."

    • ♦ Man Kills Another Following Argument Over Injured Horse
      Crab Orchard, Lincoln County. 31 October 1896. 7 sources.
      "Brooks had a horse injured by a railroad train and he was trying to get the company to pay him for it. He accused Nevels, who was section boss, of having written to the company that Brooks continued to use the horse, which was not much hurt. Saturday afternoon Nevels went into Edmiston's store and was eating some oysters, when Brooks came in. Nevels asked him to join him, when Brooks ripped out: 'Go to h--l, God d--n you,' and Nevels is said to have responded rather jocularly, 'Go there yourself.'"

    • ♦ Stolen Mule Precipitates Feudal Battle
      Tate's Mill on Copper Creek, Rockcastle County. 26 December 1896. 11 sources.
      Offense over theft of a mule is supposedly to blame for a gunfight that began at a "Christmas merrymaking and was fought out on the highway in Kentucky feudal fashion between opposing factions." Two men were killed and at least one other badly injured. Twelve years later, in a continuation of the feud, a gunfight results in the death of another.



  • --1897  (10)
    • ♦ Decker Perkins Kills John Holloway
      Pulaski County. 1897?
      "Decker Perkins for killing John Holloway was acquitted."

    • ♦ Grudge Escalates into Saloon Fight and Killing
      Cain's Saloon, Somerset, Pulaski County. 30 January 1897. 6 sources.
      "It is claimed by the prisoner's friends that the dead man was brandishing a knife and running Dalton around the stove, who fired twice to defend himself."

    • ♦ Jonathan Damron Kills Hayes Mullins
      near Brush Creek, Rockcastle County. 30 January 1897. 7 sources.
      "Hays Mullins, a son of Squire Mullins, was shot and killed last Saturday night by his companion, Jonathan Dameron, more familiarly known as Boy Langford, at the home of Liz. Merricks, near Brush Creek."

    • ♦ Man Killed in Billiard Room
      Burnside, Pulaski County. 22 April 1897. 5 sources.
      "Thomas Smith, living in Burnside, was shot and instantly killed in a billiard room here Thursday by John Satterfield, who was arrested. The murder was apparently unprovoked."

    • ♦ Man Kills Neighbor in Argument Over Hogs Eating His Corn
      near Wildie, Rockcastle County. 1 September 1897. 6 sources.
      "Wilson Huff, aged 21, and married, and Joe Singleton aged 50, quarreled over some hogs belonging to the latter getting in and destroying corn in Huff's field, when apparantly without cause Singleton was blown to the ground by Huff with a double barrel shot gun, the load taking effect in the left side..."

    • ♦ George Roberts Kills [?][?]
      near Cumberland Falls, Pulaski/Whitley County. September 1897.
      "George Roberts, charged with killing his nephew at Cumberland Falls a few nights ago, was arraigned before Judge Catron Saturday, but the case was continued for lack of witnesses. General opinion is that the deed was done in self-defense."

    • ♦ Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Leads to Mullins/Langford Feud
      Crooked Creek, Rockcastle County. 5 November 1897. 37 sources.
      "Several parties became very boisterous and abusive towards the sheriff on account of his having declared his intention of voting the 'Independent Ticket.'"  Sheriff Mullins attempted to make an arrest at the Crooked Creek precinct voting place.  A gunfight broke out, and one man was killed and two badly wounded. The following January, John W. Lawrence, who was one of the men wounded in the Election Day fight, is killed by William C. Hundley.  At Hundley's trial a week later, a gunfight broke out among Elza Langford, Payton Langford and a few of the Mullins family. Ex-Jailer C. L. King is fatally wounded in the crossfire and dies from his wounds two months later. Elza Langford and Payton are indicted for King's murder. Before that trial takes place, Elza avenges Lawrence's death and kills Hundley. Hundley had also previously accused Elza of making an attempt on his life from ambush. Meanwhile, Sheriff Mullins is tried for the initial gunfight during the election.
      Related: Killings of Henry Langford, John Pickens, & James Langford, 1870-1879
      Related: Elza Langford Kills Tom Rose
      Related: Former Deputy Sheriff Shoots Man (Elza Langford) in Head, Man Survives

    • ♦ James Hollars Kills Robert Erp
      Tateville, Pulaski County. November 1897.
      See: Man On Trial For Murder Points Blame at Deceased Father.

    • ♦ Henry Clay Burton Kills John Smith
      near Wayne/Pulaski County border. 2 December 1897. 2 sources.
      "Henry Clay Burton killed John Smith at the home of Mac Smith, on Cumberland river, in the edge of Wayne county, last night about 6 o'clock. The trouble arose over a controversy in regard to some discussion."

    • ♦ Policeman Kills Former Chief-of-Police Candidate
      Somerset, Pulaski County. 31 December 1897. 6 sources.
      "...he was climbing the steps at the depot and was looking back, when Colyer says he demanded that he throw up his hands, Wickersham declined to do so and Colyer fired.  Wickersham staggered to the right and Colyer fired the other barrel of his shot gun..."
      Related: Pulaski County Jailer killed in a Blind Tiger.



  • --1898  (16)
    • ♦ Permelia Young Kills [?] Rains/Raines
      Pulaski County. 1898? 1 source.
      "The grand jury at Somerset returned an indictment against Mrs. Permelia Young charging her with beating Mrs. Rains, an old woman, to death, because she said that Mrs. Young's husband had stolen a sow. The old woman was found terribly beaten in a field and died shortly afterwards."

    • ♦ William C. Hundley kills John Lawrence
      Orlando, Rockcastle County. First half of January 1898.
      Lawrence was one of the men wounded in the Crooked Creek election fight.
      See: Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Causes Langford/Mullins Feud

    • ♦ Ex-Jailer Fatally Wounded in Feudal Shootout at Rockcastle Courthouse
      Courthouse, Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County. Second half of January 1898.
      At the trial of Hundley for the murder of Lawrence, a gunfight broke out between Mullins and Langford factions. Ex-Jailer C. L. King is killed in the crossfire. Elza Langford and Peyton "Pate" Langford are indicted for the killing of L. C. King.
      See: Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Causes Langford/Mullins Feud

    • ♦ Geo. Durbin Kills John Redwood
      Mullins Station, Rockcastle County. February 1898.
      "A dispatch says that at Mullins Station on the K. C., Geo. Durbin followed John Redwood to a tunnel where he and others were shooting craps and telling Redwood that he had come to kill him, pulled his pistol and fired the fatal shot."

    • ♦ Man is Stabbed to Death by Step-Son after Chasing Him With an Ax
      Drippings Springs, Garrard County. 27 February 1898. 9 sources.
      "John Grady...was severely cut in the stomach by his stepson Saturday afternoon.  Grady, who was drinking, was chasing the young man with an ax, when he was stabbed." I primarily made note of this one because it involves a Whitaker, albeit in a neighboring county.

    • ♦ Jellico Smallpox Quarantine Leads to Violence
      Whitley County. February/March of 1898. 11 sources.
      The quarantine affected Knox, Whitley, and Laurel counties. "Fifty shots were exchanged at East Jellico mines Saturday between guards and miners, who were trying to escape from the small-pox quarantine..."

    • ♦ ♦ Murder-Suicide in Pittsburg
      Pittsburg, Laurel County. March 1898. 1 source.
      "Unrequited love caused a man at Pittsburg to kill his sweetheart and then himself."

    • ♦ Deputy Sheriff Kills Man During Arrest Attempt
      Lily, Laurel County. 19 March 1898. 4 sources.
      "Deputy Sheriff Woodson Hopkins shot and instantly killed J. F. Robinson while resisting arrest yesterday evening, near Lily. Robinson formerly lived in Rockcastle county and has been preaching at different points in the county occasionally, and recently has been employed in the mines at Lily. The warrant against Robinson charged him with kukluxing in Clay county several years ago..."

    • ♦ Attempt Made Upon William Hundley's Life From Ambush
      Brush Creek, Rockcastle County. 27 March 1898.
      "Wm. Hundley has sworn out warrants against Elza and Pate Langford charging them with having fired fifteen shots at him last Saturday afternoon while he was standing on his father's door step at Brush Creek Station."
      See: Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Causes Langford/Mullins Feud

    • ♦ Hamp Gragg Shoots James Ellison
      Pittsburg, Laurel County. April 1898. 1 source.
      "Hamp Gragg, a brother of Craig and George Gragg, ... shot and seriously wounded James Ellison at Pittsburg, and is now in jail at London."

    • ♦ Pulaski County Jailer Killed in a Blind Tiger
      Somerset, Pulaski County. 18 June 1898. 15 sources.
      "John Perry Colyer, a farmer of this county, shot and killed A. J. Catron, Jailer of Pulaski county. Both were intoxicated. The trouble came up over bad feeling which grew out of the Colyer-Wickersham tragedy some six months ago..."
      Related: Policeman Kills Former Chief-of-Police Candidate.

    • ♦ Deputy Sheriffs Kill Man Wanted For Robbery
      Whitley County. June 1898. 3 sources.
      "Pete Crabtree was shot and killed by Sheriff George Kidd, of Whitley county while resisting arrest for robbery. Crabtree and his brother had stood the officers off with Winchesters the day before."
      Related: Murder Victim Found in Ashes of Blind Tiger Shack, Pulaski/McCreary, 1909

    • ♦♦ Man Shoots Another In The Back
      East Bernstadt, Laurel County. September 1898. 5 sources.
      "Milt Green, white, who killed James Mullins, colored, was refused bail. Green walked up and shot Mullins in the back without warning."

    • ♦ Man Brutally Beats Brother-in-Law to Death
      Laurel County. October 1898. 7 sources.
      "The proof shows that the deceased, Rowland, married a sister of the defendant [Strange], and that Mrs. Colvin, who is indicted with him, is also his sister. Mrs. Rowland died some years ago, as the defendant thought from neglect on the part of her husband, and some bad feeling between them existed on account of this."

    • ♦ Charles Marsee Kills Richard Stapleton
      Lily, Laurel County. November? 1898. 1 source.
      "Charles Marsee, for killing Richard Stapleton at Lily, Laurel county, was held in $5,000, which he gave."

    • ♦ John Meadows Kills Clayton "Clate" Matthews, Wounds John Matthews
      Pine Hill, Rockcastle County. 2 November 1898. 4 sources.
      "Clate Matthews was shot and instantly killed at Pine Hill on Wednesday afternoon and John Matthews mortally wounded by John Meadows. The difficulty took place on the depot platform over the alleged statement that Matthews had torn down some notices Meadows had tacked upon the school house door where Meadows is teaching."



  • --1899  (7)

    • ♦ Former County Attorney Kills Mistress In Botched Abortion
      Catching(s) Hotel, London, Laurel County. January 1899. 16 sources.
      "A sensation that had been smoldering and brewing in London the past four weeks burst forth with all its hideousness and desolating fury upon the peaceful inhabitants of our usually quiet little mountain city last Saturday and Sunday. It was the exposure of one of the most hideous, black and damnable crimes that ever disgraced our favorite town or blacked the record of our court...." This case was referred to as "the next Pearl Bryan case," referring to a 1896 murder case in Campbell Co., KY.
      Related: Articles Relating to County Judge David P. Bethurum


    • ♦ Boy Born Without Limbs Exhibited at Cincinnati Zoo
      Conway, Rockcastle County. 20 January 1899. 1 source.
      "This remarkable freak of nature, should it live, will be exhibited throughout the world..."

    • ♦ Elza Langford Kills William Hundley
      Jop Langford's Store, Brush Creek, Rockcastle County. First week in February 1899.
      "Hundley had killed John Lawrence, a friend of Langford's it is said. Bad blood has existed between them since Lawrence's death."
      See: Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Causes Langford/Mullins Feud

    • ♦ Ross Meece Kills John Haynes
      Science Hill, Pulaski County. 17 June 1899. 3 sources.
      "Saturday night at Science Hill, Ross Meece shot John Haynes, from the effects of which he died in a short time. Both were drunk."

    • ♦ James R. Mills Kills Will Tomlinson
      Pulaski County. 18 June 1899. 2 sources.
      "James R. Mills shot and fatally wounded Will Tomlinson at Providence meeting-house, this [Pulaski] county, this morning."

    • ♦ [?][?] Kill Mrs. [?] Mason
      Flat Rock, Pulaski County. October 1899. 1 source.
      "At Flat Rock, this county, 23 miles south, on the Cincinnati Southern, Mrs. Mason, a widow, was assaulted and her throat cut by two men, supposed to be white tramps. Mrs Mason has 10 small children. The woods and mountains are being scoured by bodies of men. A lynching is in prospect. Telegrams have been sent here for bloodhounds."

    • ♦ William Hayes Kills Ross Meece
      Somerset, Pulaski County. 18 October 1899. 1 source.
      "Ross Meece and William Haynes got into a difficulty this morning, which ended in the fatal shooting of Meece by Haynes. The trouble came up in Goodman & Waddel's store at this place. Haynes and his brother went to the back part of the store to get a drink, when they met Ross Meece. Meece, it is alleged, at once picked up a hatchet and started to throw it at Haynes. Haynes led to him not to throw, at the same time drawing his pistol. Meece threw the hatchet, nearly severing Haynes' ear. Haynes then fired three shots, two taking effect in Meece's neck and one in the body."
      Related: Ross Meece Kills John Haynes, June 1899



    • -----

      1890 - 1899 leads (my pending/drafts file)
      1890 - 1899 tangents




No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)