At Least Three Killed in Church Yard Feud Battle, Whitley, 1888

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[July 11, 1888] -

A KENTUCKY TRAGEDY.

Factions Fight in a Churchyard -- Two Killed and Four Wounded.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 11. -- One of the bloodiest tragedies that has ever occurred in eastern Kentucky took place Sunday night at Laurel Fork meeting house, in Whitley county. The principal parties in the riot were the Rose and Fuson factions.

The following are the facts as your representative has been able to ascertain after much trouble and expense:

It seems that the old feud has existed for some time along Pine mountain between Mitch Rose and one of the Fusons. For months they have been organizing their friends, and each had sworn eternal vengeance on the other. Sunday night each faction went to Laurel church full of mean whisky and fight. Only a few days since the leaders had met in personal combat, when Fuson and Rose were both seriously hurt. This aroused the members of each  party and extermination was decided upon.

About 8 o'clock, when the gospel was being expounded in true backwoods sincerity, a volley of shots were heard within. Another, and still another followed in quick succession. A dozen men had met in mortal combat. The people at worship rushed from their places into the outer darkness to find it filled with curses, prayers and groans. There in the churchyard sturdy mountaineers had met in battle array and life's blood had flown freely. The screams of women and children and frantic actions of men, with the death agonies, rendered it a scene horrid in the extreme.

On the ground, cold in death with their instruments of warfare beside them, lay Ewell Lawson and his thirteen year-old son, of the Rose faction. They had not died in vain, for near by lay in the most intense agony and fatally wounded, Tom, Jim and Ewing Fuson and John Parton. The astonished and excited inhabitants took charge of the dead and dying, and gave them every attention that backwoods aid could render.

The isolated condition of the battle ground renders details hard to get, but the above facts were gained from a party in that vicinity. That entire section of Kentucky is wild with excitement, and the end is not yet. Both factions have many adherents, and each has ordered an extra supply of firearms. [1]

Elza Langford Kills Tom Rose, Rockcastle, 1905

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[March 1, 1905] -

Killing at Brush Creek.

News comes from Brush Creek of the killing of Tom Rose by Elzie Langford.  Rose was a notorious moonshiner. [1]

Jack Adams Jr. Kills Liberty Langford, Rockcastle, 1878

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[October 1878] -

This 1880 Census Mortality schedule indicates that Liberty Langford was killed in October 1879, but newspaper articles indicate that it was November of 1878. The schedule lists that he is age 20, unmarried, a farmer, born in Missouri but a resident of Rockcastle County for 20 years, and cause of death is "shot, murder."

Listed on the line above Liberty Langford is Liberty's father James Langford, who was murdered in December 1879. (Click image to enlarge) [1]

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[November 15, 1878] -

A SHOOTING SCRAPE.

An unfortunate difficulty occurred in town last Friday evening between Liberty Langford and Jack Adams, Jr., which resulted in Langford's receiving a severe, though not dangerous wound in the head.  The difficulty began in the store, and Langford started out, drawing his pistol as he come.  At the door he turned and fired and Adams' shot followed almost instantly.  Langford's shot did no damage, but Adams' aim was better, and Langford dropped like a dead man.  He was unconscious for several hours.  The ball struck the right temple just behind the eye and glancing round pa[s]sed under the ear.  The doctor seemed to be in doubt as to whether the ball had come out.  Adams at once surrendered to Judge McClure and gave a bond of $1,000 for his appearance at the examination to-morrow (Saturday). If further particulars are developed then, we will give them next week.     QUITO. [2]

Killings Involving William Owens, Rockcastle, 1870-1879

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This post contains articles and documents regarding the killing of Henry Langford by William Owens in 1870, John Griffin by William Owens in 1872, William Pickens by James Langford in 1874/1875, and James Langford by William Owens in 1879.

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I typically do not include oral histories that I come across online for a variety of reasons (genealogy isn't my focus, we all know how unreliable the "telephone game" is, usually there's no source name included, the information is usually otherwise unsubstantiated, there are plenty of other websites out there which focus on gathering this type of information anyway, etc etc).  In this instance, I am making an exception because the newspaper articles which reference the murder of Henry Langford by William Owens all do so in hindsight from 1876, and state that the murder happened in 1868. This oral history, however, indicates the murder happened in May 1870, which is substantiated by the 1870 U.S. Census Mortality Schedule for Rockastle County.

From: Charles S. Owens [mailto:cowens01@charter.net] Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 2:22 AM To: tsmith130@cox.net Subject: Fw: Mt. Vernon Owens in the NY Times Hi Terry, Good to hear from you - it has been a while since we corresponded. Here is the article from the NY Times of 30 or 31 Dec. 1879, you'll have to scroll down to the article. I haven't been able to isolate it from the column - had to save the whole column from the Times. I have heard my grandfather talk about this incident, in fact I used to play with Uncle Bill's pistol when I was a kid, of course granddad made sure it wasn't loaded. Granddad was 9 years old when the first shooting took place at a county fair in Mt. Vernon in May 1870. The whole family was there and Uncle Bill and Henry W. Langford got into a fight over something and Henry cut Uncle Bill in the shoulder with his hunting knife and was going after him trying to stab him when Bill pulled his gun out and shot him. This was in May 1870 and according what I have been able to find out, Henry lived through the night and died the next day. Uncle Bill was arrested by his uncle, Ashley Owens, was either the sheriff or a deputy at the time, but released because of self defense. Henry Langford's brother James was a pretty rough individual and spent the next 9 years trying to kill Bill. He even tried to kill Rev. Martin Owen (Bill's uncle) late one night when the Rev. was riding home, but he got away safely. James did kill John Pickens from ambush one night in 1874. Mr. Pickens looked a lot like Uncle Bill and rode a horse similar to Bill's. James ran away to Missouri, but was captured and returned to Mt. Vernon to face murder charges, but the jury was afraid to convict him so I've been told. ... [1]

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[May ?, 1870] -

The 1870 U.S. Census Mortality Schedule indicates that Henry W. Langford was 27, not married, a farmer, died in May 1870, and in the cause of death it says "Hemorrhage from Gun Shot Homicide." (click to enlarge) [2]

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[July 12, 1872] - 

On the Fourth the community was startled at receiving the intelligence of the death of Mr. John Griffin, an old and well known citizen of Stonesburg, caused from a shot by the hands of Wm. Owens, son of John Owens, of Cave City. Mr. Griffin was an old resident of this county, and, by frugality, economy and industry, had accumulated a considerable estate in lands, &c. He accused Owens of infringing on his rights, by cutting his timber for the use of a steam saw mill in which Owens was somewhat interested. The difficulty first occurred a day or two before, and on this occasion it was renewed by Griffin in a very obstreperous and threatening manner, with an attempt to draw his weapons, when Owens commenced firing as rapidly as possible. Griffin received three shots, one of which merely passed through the fleshy part of his arm, and the other two entered his chest near the heart and lungs, either of which were fatal. He received the fatal shots about 1 o'clock P. M., and expired at 3 o'clock the next morning. Owens has not been seen or heard of since the difficulty, and his whereabouts are not known. Mr. Griffin has eight dead and ten living children, and their mother is still a hearty and robust woman, and will, apparantly, live for generations to come. The departed leaves many relatives and friends to mourn over his untimely death. [3]

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[October 11, 1872] -

There were a good many indictments returned for carrying concealed weapons, but very few of any other character. The grand jury failed to find an indictment against William Owens for killing John Griffin. [4]

Family Ambushed While Planting Corn, Mob Lynches Suspects, 1870

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[May 20, 1870] -

A KENTUCKY TRAGEDY.

Four Men Taken from Jail in Laurel County and Hanged by a Mob--Effect of a Family Feud.

[Special Mt. Vernon (Ky.) correspondence (May 10) of the Louisville Commercial.]

A large portion of the county was thrown into a state of great excitement some days ago over a terrible murder committed just above Rockcastle river, in the border of Laurel county.  The victim's name was P. H. Bullock, a young lawyer of Laurel county, and of good standing as a citizen.  Young Bullock resided on his father's farm, between whom and some of his neighbors and relations, by the name of Parker, there has, for over a year, existed a mortal feud, which culminated as above stated, in the death of the young Bullock and the wounding of his little brother, sixteen years old, five times.  The Bullocks were planting corn in a field adjoining a very dense wood, and when within fifty yards of the wood, advancing toward it, they were suddenly fired on out of the brush by five or six persons; two of the party in the field escaped unhurt.  There was no positive proof against the Parkers, but a great many strong circumstances pointed to them as the  murderers, and accordingly they were arrested, and after some delay tried before an examining court and committed for further trial without bail.  On Saturday morning last (14th), at about one o'clock, the guard state that from 100 to 200 men, all in disguise, suddenly surrounded the jail and demanded the keys, telling the guard they did not intend them any harm, but unless they surrendered the keys they would tear down the jail." (I have neglected to say that four of the Parkers were arrested and in jail, and a man by the name of William Shelter, an accomplice making five in all).  The guard readily gave them up, [...illegible...] of the party went in, took out the five unfortunate men, and carrying them some half a mile from town on the Manchester road, hung four of them to one tree, where they were found next morning by the citizens, stark and cold in death, with a notice pinned to one of them, "Don't cut them down before twelve."  The youngest of the five, Allie Parker, is missing.  It is unknown what became of him.  Some think he probably escaped the mob.  All four of the doomed victims have left wives and little children to bewail their terrible fate.  While in all probability they had forfeited their lives to the laws of the country, still, all good citizens condemn the act of hanging them.  Thus, within the short space of two weeks, out of one little neighborhood five human beings, hurled into eternity without warning and unprepared, and five families of women and little children, besides gray-haired fathers and tottering old mothers, bowed down in sorrow, heart-broken, bereft and refusing to be comforted. [1]

At Least Two Killed in Adams-Laswell Feud, Rockcastle, 1887

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[July 26, 1887] -

The Adams and Laswells, living in the eastern portion of the county, between whom there has existed a family feud for sometime, met at Brush Creek, a station on the K. C. road, Saturday evening and opened fire upon each other, one faction on each side of the creek.  They kept up the firing for some minutes, exchanging probably fifty shots.  No one was hurt, so far as can be learned.  It is expected that they will meet again soon and bloodshed is likely to be had any day, as there are men on each side who have been under fire before, and when aroused are not slow to use fire arms or other weapons when the occasion arises.  Up to this writing no arrests have been made or writs issued. [1] 

One Killed Three Wounded in Gunfight at Public Sale, Pulaski, 1921

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[February 28, 1921] -

FREE-FOR-ALL FIGHT AT PULASKI SALE

(By Associated Press)

 

 Somerset, Ky., Feb. 28-- A telephone message from Burnetta, in the western part of the county, says in a fight at a public sale near that place Saturday between Virgil Wood and James Pierce, that Pierce was shot and killed.  Hugh Pierce was shot in the back of the neck as he was stooping over his brother James.  Grover Pierce, another brother, rushed into the scene and he was shot in an arm.  Wright Wood was shot through the nose.  The three wounded men will probably recover.  Ill feeling is said to have existed between Wood and Jas. Pierce for some time. [1] 

Shootout Victim's Brothers Retaliate With Dynamite, Whitley, 1901

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[January 17, 1901] -

BUILDING BLOWN UP.

Rioters Terrorize the Town of Corbin -- One Dead, 

One Fatally Wounded and Others Missing.

Corbin, Ky., Jan. 17. -- Intense excitement prevailed in Corbin Wednesday night.  About 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon James Shotwell and Rollie White met in front of Hagan's drug store and began quarreling.  Few words were spoken when White drew a pistol and fired three shots into the body of Shotwell.  Shotwell was carried to his room, and is not expected to survive more than a few hours.  White took refuge in his brother's grocery, and submitted to arrest.  A guard was placed over him, awaiting the arrival of the county sheriff.

John Shotwell, a son of the dying man, was in Williams burg attending circuit court.  A hasty summons brought him to Corbin at 4 o'clock.  He at once swore vengeance on his father's murderer.

A Terrific Explosion.

At 6:30 a terrific explosion occurred under the grocery of E. R. White, where his brother was being guarded.  So severe was the shock that it tore the building literally to pieces.

There were about a dozen persons in the building at the time.  Several escaped with slight injuries, while several remain in the debris. No one at this time can say how many are killed.

One old man in trying to extinguish the blaze, declares that he took hold of a corpse.  Susan Cox, a well-known character, was found dead between the wrecked building and William Harp's residence.  It is supposed she was taken refuge there, and was hit by a stray ball.

Rapid Firing Begun.

Immediately after the explosion rapid firing in the neighborhood began by unknown parties, who were concealed.  About 9 o'clock more shooting took place, the result of which can not be learned.

Citizens are afraid to visit the rioting districts.  It was thought that the morning will find three or four persons dead.

The trouble between Shotwell and White grew out of the fact that White had been paying attentions to Shotwell's daughter, much against the will of the entire Shotwell family.

Wednesday afternoon when the two met Shotwell told White he must not visit his house again, as he did not wish such a man in his family.  From this the quarrel began.  Shotwell is about 50 years of age and a well respected citizen.  White is a young man about 22 years old. [1]

Dog Killing Allegedly Sparks Feud, Pulaski, 1920

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[May 26, 1920] -

THREE ARE SLAIN IN PULASKI FEUD

(By Associated Press)

Danville, Ky., May 26.-- Jack McKinney and two sons, George and Virgin, who were shot and killed yesterday at Ocala, Pulaski county, lost their lives in an argument over a dog according to word received here today.  The McKinneys, according to the report, killed a dog which belonged to John Hansford a month ago.  Hansford and his son met the McKinneys yesterday and discussed the dog killing.  Weapons were drawn and when the smoke cleared away the three McKinneys were dead.  Hansford and his son were arrested after they had gone to Somerset and surrendered to County Judge Tartar.

All the parties involved are prominently connected.  Hansford is a deputy sheriff. [1]

Election Day Shootout Involves Sheriff, Causes Langford/Mullins Feud, 1897-1899

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[November 3, 1897] -

THREE KILLED

IN AN ELECTION BROIL IN MT. VERNON ON CROOKED CREEK.

Mt. Vernon, Ky., Nov. 2.-- A number of tough characters created a disturbance at the Crooked Creek Precinct in this county this afternoon.  Sheriff Mullins attempted to restore order when a general shooting affair took place between the Sheriff and his deputies and the disturbers, three of the latter being killed.  The dead are Henry Langford, John Lawrence and Charles Payne. [1]