Articles Describing the County Jails, 1850-1920

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This is a collection of articles describing some of the county jails. This includes some articles about jailbreaks because those often describe aspects of the building when describing how prisoners escaped. 

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DANVILLE, BOYLE COUNTY
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(also in leads)
[] "Boyle County Jail Unlocked and Two Prisoners Escaped." The Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. May 29, 1860. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[May 29, 1860] -

BOYLE COUNTY JAIL UNLOCKED AND TWO PRISONERS ESCAPED. -- On Wednesday night the prison cells of the Boyle county jail were unlocked, and two of the four prisoners escaped. Thos. D. McGrath, who some months ago killed Benj. Proctor, and George Anderson, accused of horse stealing. There were two others confined, who say they did not know their cells were unlocked.

The jailor, Mr. Harness, was away from home, and the supposition is that a servant girl, who slept in the room with Mrs. Harness, had been bribed to steal the cell keys. On the morning after the prisoners had gotten out she ran away from home. -- [Frankfort Commonwealth. []

Grove Kennedy Kills Elbert Kennedy in front of Courthouse, Garrard, 1877

[February 23, 1877] -

On Tuesday afternoon, at half past four o'clock, Mr. Grove Kennedy shot and killed Mr. Elbert Kennedy in front of the Court-House. There were several shots, the first of which was instantly fatal. The murdered man was not armed. We regret to record another crime of so revolting a nature in the annals of this county. So long as "blood for blood" is the watchword, so long will danger stalk abroad, sp[r]eading desolation in its paths. The general effect of the tragedy was to be seen in the groups of excited men who congregated about the public square. The homicide was at once committed to jail, and the trial set for 2 o'clock on Wednesday. [1]

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[February 23, 1877] -

E. D. Kennedy. -- We have again to chronicle the killing of another man in Lancaster. E. D. Kennedy, Master Commissioner of the Garrard Circuit Court, was shot in front of the Court House there, last Tuesday evening, by his cousin, Grove Kennedy. The unfortunate occurrence took place over a law suit, and there was not the remotest cause for a deed so darkly infamous. Grove Kennedy has a fearful account against him, which he will not be able to settle. Five or six men have been sent to the grave or seriously wounded by him, and yet he goes unpunished in this world. How many more are yet to be victims of his insane rage and malice? Not content with shooting the old man once, at a time when he was not expecting such a murderous assault, the fire of his anger was not quenched until he fired two more balls into the expiring victim after he was down, if not dead. We dislike to chronicle such deeds, bu men who commit them should be exposed to public gaze and held up to be loathed by all law-abiding people. The Courier-Journal of Wednesday speaks of the dead Kennedy, as a man fond of contention, and a participant in many legal and personal difficulties. Such is not the fact. He had, as a public man and officer, in Garrard county, to deal with many bold, bad men, and never killed a man in his life. He was not a "participant in many bloody and unfortunate affairs." A kinder heart than his never beat in the breast of a man of unflinching courage, is the judgment of those who knew him. He was a useful citizen, and one of the best Chancery Commissioners, it is said, who ever filled the position in Garrard county. It is the duty of the officers of the law to see that his slayer has a fair trial, but they owe it to the dead man, to themselves, to the community, and the State of Kentucky, to see that they have a just vindication also. [2]

Freeman Farris Kills Robert Land, Garrard, 1878

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[May 29, 1878] -

LANCASTER.

Robert Land, of Madison County, Shot and Killed by Freeman Farris -- Farris Taken to Boyle County Jail. 

(Special Dispatches to the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., May 28. -- An unusually lively County Court day yesterday culminated last night, about nine o'clock, in the shooting and killing of Robert Land, a citizen of Madison county, by Freeman Farris, a negro of this place. Whisky had been flowing freely all day, and Land, together with several friends, had imbibed considerable. On leaving town the party encountered a lot of negroes quarreling in the suburbs. Land stopped and held some discussion with them, the rest of the party proceeding homeward. The negro Farris, who did the shooting, addressed some insolence to Land. He replied to him, when the negro struck him across the face with a stick. Land then drew his pistol and fired at him, but missed his aim. The negro fled out of sight. He returned in a few minutes with a gun, and observing Land seated on his horse, fired upon him, killing him instantly. He then fled, but about 12 o'clock last night he came and surrendered himself to the Town Marshal. By order of the County Judge he was taken to the Boyle county jail this afternoon for safe-keeping, violence from the deceased's friends being apprehended. The deceased, Robert Land, bore the reputation of being a bad man when in liquor. He had killed several men, and was generally regarded as dangerous. The negro was also a bad character, coming from Madison county about three weeks ago. He had been in the workhouse during the greater part of that time, and was only released therefrom the day before the shooting. It is reported he too had killed his man previously.

Another Report of the Affair.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, May 28. -- Freeman Farris, who killed Robert Land at Lancaster yesterday evening, was brought here at 3 o'clock P.M. to-day by Town Marshal Singleton, Jailer Eason and others and committed to the Boyle county jail for safe-keeping. This was done by order of Judge M. H. Owsley, of the Eighth Judicial district, because of reasonable apprehension that Land's friends and the indignant citizens would assemble and hang Farris. The murder was a foul one, and the particulars are about as follows: Land, who was a good citizen and a peaceable man, was in Lancaster yesterday, and had started toward his home, about ten miles in the country, out the Sugar-creek pike. He had been drinking a little during the day, and when he reached the edge of town, he stopped and engaged in a conversation with a colored man, who was trying to persuade him to go on home, when Farris came up and advised the colored man to let the son of a --- go where he pleased. Land made some appropriate reply to this suggestion, when Farris struck him violently over the head with a stick. Land retorted by shooting at his antagonist with a pistol, the shot not taking effect. Farris then ran to a negro cabin about fifty yards distant, and seizing a musket returned and shot Land, the latter falling from his horse and dying in twenty minutes. Farris immediately fled, but probably knowing that his chances for escape were rather slim, returned and surrendered to the officers last night about twelve o'clock.

Farris is a mulatto about twenty-five years old. He was raised and formerly owned by Charles Gentry, of Madison county, and has made a record as a desperado, Robert Land being his fourth victim. He had escaped from the work-house, where he was serving a term for a misdemeanor, at the time he killed Land. [1]

Tom Cain Kills Hiram Tucker, Lincoln, 1878

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[August 9, 1878] -

MAN SHOT. -- The Barbecue at Squirrel Springs, near Hall's Gap Station, last Saturday broke up in a drunken row, in which Hiram Tucker was shot and probably fatally wounded. It seems that Tucker, who is disposed when drinking to be boisterous and troublesome, got into a fight with Frank Hooker. Both used pocket knives, but no serious damage was done further than the carving up of the fighters' clothes. While the fight was in progress Tucker was shot from the bushes by a ball from a large, square barrel navy pistol, which entered the little back of the shoulder and ranging downward to the dorsal part of the spine, produced paralysis of the lower extremities. It is alleged that the shot was fired by Thomas Cain, and although a warrant for his arrest was issued last Sunday and placed in the hands of the officers, we have heard of no attempt to bring him to justice. Dr. Steele Bailey, the physician called upon  to attend Tucker, says that the wound is a most dangerous one, and will no doubt prove fatal. [1]

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[August 23, 1878] -

ACQUITTED. -- Frank Hooker was tried this week on a charge of shooting with intent to kill Hiram Tucker, and acquitted.



SLOWLY DYING. -- Mr. Hiram Tucker, who was shot so severely at Foster's Barbecue, is gradually sinking, and the end must soon come. We learn from those who have talked with him that he is perfectly resigned to his fate. His cowardly assassin, alleged to be Tom Cain, is still at large. [2]

Samuel Williams Kills Thomas Burns, Casey, 1876

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[May 26, 1876] -

MURDER. -- At a late hour last night, we learned that Sam'l Williams, a son of Rev. Logan Williams, of Hustonville, fell out and quarreled about a chew of tobacco with a man named Byron, in Liberty, yesterday. Williams, who was drinking, drew a pistol and fired, killing Byron instantly. Byron is said to be a very respectable citizen. [1]

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[June 2, 1876] -

Young Williams, who shot and killed Burns, at Liberty, last Thursday, was indicted for murder by the Grand Jury of the Casey Circuit Court, which was in session at the time. 

The Sheriff of Casey county, Mr. Russell, together with a sufficient guard, passed through town last Tuesday night about 10 o'clock, having in charge the young man, Sam'l Williams, who stands indicted by the grand jury of the Casey Circuit Court for the murder of Burns. Williams was taken to the Lancaster jail for safe keeping, as the jail at Liberty is not a safe place for prisoners. The accused was safely landed in the prison at Lancaster. [2]

Father and Son Murder Witness Against Them, Hanged by Mob, Boyle, 1866

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[April 12, 1866] -

FOUL MURDER OF AN OLD LADY NEAR PERRYVILLE. -- We yesterday received the startling information that Mrs. Polly Bottoms, and old and highly respected lady, residing near Perryville, in Boyle county, was foully murdered on Tuesday night last, by a man named Bill Taylor. Our informant states that some time ago the murderer and two other men committed a robbery at the house of Mrs. Bottoms, for which two of the perpetrators, having been caught, were tried and convicted and are now undergoing sentence at the Frankfort penitentiary. Taylor, the guiltiest of the wretches, made his escape at the time of the robbery, and has been at large ever since. Recently he was recognized as one of the robbers by a little daughter of Mrs. Bottoms, whereupon he visited the house about 10 o'clock Tuesday night, and deliberately murdered the old lady. He could have had no other object in perpetrating this cold blooded deed than to silence an important witness against him. We fervently hope that speedy and terrible justice will overtake the unmitigated demon. [1]

Men on Drunken Spree Kill Two, Injure One, Boyle, 1873

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[January 24, 1873] -

Murder in Boyle County.

On last Saturday evening, about two o'clock, a most brutal murder was committed at Shelby City, in Boyle county, about eight miles west of this place, on the Knoxville Branch railroad, the particulars of which are about as follows: Two men, Bill Wilson and Clay Drye -- the former a notorious desperado and outlaw -- rode into Shelby City and stopped at the drug store of J. B. Williamson, where the proprietor and his two sons, John and Robert, were sitting around the stove engaged in social converse. The two men were exceedingly boisterous and insulting in their conduct, demanding liquor, which Mr. Williamson declined to sell them, saying that it would be a violation of law. Young Drye drew his pistol and threatened to kill elder Williamson, who grasped the weapon and a struggle ensued. J. B. Williamson attempted to assist his father, when Wilson drew his pistol and fired, the ball taking effect in the head of the young man. Drye, being released, also shot young Williamson. The two men were total strangers to the Williamsons. The first shot killed young Williamson instantly. It is reported that the two murderers also shot a negro man on the road from Shelby City to Hustonville, after leaving the store of Williamson. A party of men are out in pursuit of the murderers, and, it is hoped, will be able to secure their arrest. We have no sympathy for the dastardly villains who committed this brutal murder, but deeply sympathize with the bereaved friends of the murdered man and the relations of young Drye, who are among the most respectable families of our county. This is another case to swell the terrible docket against the traffic of ardent spirits. [1]

Shoemaker Murdered and Robbed Near Crab Orchard, Lincoln, 1879

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[January 17, 1879] -

MURDERED AND ROBBED. -- The body of George W. Sutton was found in the road four miles from Hall's Gap, near the house of Mr. John Warren, on Wednesday last, with a load of 10 d. nails in his head, evidently fired from an old musket. Ike Stapleton and a man named Ferrill, have been arrested for the murder, and it is said that Sutton's watch was found on one of them. Sutton is from Tazewell, Tenn., is a shoemaker by trade, but frequently goes out peddling liniment, and was on this errand when killed. He is spoken of as an unoffending and sober man. [1]

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[January 24, 1879] -

MURDERED AND ROBBED. -- When we went to press last week, John Ferrell and Ike Stapelton were under arrest for the murder of George W. Sutton, a shoemaker who, for the last four years has plied his trade at Crab Orchrd. A Coroner's verdict was held on Friday, and the facts elicited were enough to shock even those who are accustomed to deeds of violence and murder. It was proved that Sutton, Ferrell and Stapleton, spent the night at John Weaver's, some five or six miles distant from Crab Orchard, a frail damsel being the object of their visit. Next morning Sutton left and in a short time after his departure, Ferrell followed with an old musket, ostensibly to hunt rabbits. At first, he went in an opposite direction, but soon circled around and stepping in Sutton's tracks, came up behind him and emptied a load of shot and broken nails into his head, tearing a hole nearly two inches in diameter. The pockets were then rifled and left turned wrong side out, and the body dragged from the road to the woods and covered up in snow behind a log. A short time after the shot was heard, Ferrell returned to Weaver's, and in answer to an inquiry in regard to the blood on his coat, said that it came from a rabbit he had killed, and proceeded to wash out the stains. As there was no direct proof of the guilt of Stapleton, he was introduced as a witness and swore that the Friday previous, Ferrell had told him that he intended to kill Sutton for his watch and money, and that he had borrowed not quite a load of squirrel and bird shot from him (both kinds of shot were found in Sutton's head.) Ferrell was held without bail and lodged in jail here, Saturday. The indignation against him at Crab Orchard, was very great, and threats of lynching were loudly made. It is one of the most brutal murders that ever cursed this blood-stained county, and the fiend being a poor man, is sure to pay the penalty for it with his neck, a death far too good for the perpetrator of so foul a crime. In jail, Ferrell acts like a wild man, pacing his cell ever and amen, apparently fearful that a moment's rest would be too much for his over-burdened conscience. He protests his innocence, and says that there is a conspiracy against him, but his story is so badly constructed as to leave but little doubt that he is not wrongfully accused. He claims that he is a native of Lee county, Virginia, and that Sutton was also from that county, but both have since lived in Tazewell, Tennessee. In appearance, Ferrill is not the looking person that one would think capable of such a deed, being a young man of pasably fair exterior, but the facts and the evidence seem too direct even to admit a doubt of his guilt.

LATER. -- Ferrell has confessed to the murder, but says he had an accomplice who got the money, $250 in cash and two checks of $70 and $80. The watch taken from the body was found by Sim Roberson, Deputy Sheriff, at a point designated by Ferrell. [2]

Freedmen's Bureau School Burned by Arsonists, Boyle, 1866

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[August 24, 1866] -

Danville Aug 24, 1866

Brevet. Col. R. E. Johnston
Chief Supt. Six S. Dist.

Colonel,

I have the honor to report that a building built and used as a Freedman's Schoolhouse and owned by a Freedman named Jackson Davis was destroyed by fire last night in this town.

I have today initiated inquiries but have been unable to learn who were engaged in this outrage. There had been considerable excitement during the day, caused by the arrest of a Freedman charged with poissoning [sic] a man. During the evening this man and three others escaped from the jail which added to the excitement and probably led to the perpetuation of this outrage. At present I can merely inform you of the fact but hope in another report to give fuller information. The building was probably worth about $250.00. Will you please advise me what steps to take in this case. [1]

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[August 31, 1866] -

JAIL STAMPEDE -- FOUR PRISONERS MAKE THEIR ESCAPE. -- Our town was thrown into a hubbub of excitement on Monday night by the report of fire-arms in the proximity of the jail, and a rumor spreading to the effect that the prisoners had made a stampede. Upon inquiry we learn that Mr. Williams, the jailor, about 7 o'clock on the night above-mentioned, went to the prison cell for the purpose of giving the inmates their supper. He opened the door partially and handed in some four places of provisions to one of the prisoners, and was engaged in passing in the remainder, when James Slaughter, one of the prisoners, sprang to the door, caught hold of it, and though vigorously resisted by the jailer succeeded in opening (it opened on the inside), simultaneously with which action he presented a pistol at the head of the jailer, exclaiming: "Resist and you die." Mr. Williams, letting go the door, ran his hand in his pocket for his weapons as Slaughter and three other prisoners ran rapidly out the door into the street. Williams drew his pistol, and, aiming at them, was just in the act of shooting when his wife and two or three other ladies, who had entered the passage on their way to attend a town exhibition, ran in between him and them, and thus momentarily prevented his firing. He ran quickly to the door, however, and fired three shots at the party as they ran out on the pike. Fearing, then, that the remaining prisoners might make an escape likewise, he ran back in the passage with both his pistols presented, and secured the safety of the remaining six. Mr. Williams thinks he must have wounded some escaping party, as they were but a few steps from him when he fired. The names of the prisoners who escaped were James Slaughter, indicted in the Garrard Circuit Court for murder, Holman Crawford (m.c.) indicted for larceny, George Washington (m.c.) indicted for larceny, and Lee (m.c.) imprisoned on suspicion of poisoning. It is believed that the pistol in the possession of Slaughter was given him by some of his friends who recently visited him in the jail. None of the party have yet been retaken. -- Danville Gazette. [2]

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[August 31, 1866] -

FIRE. -- A small schoolhouse near the creek within the limits of the town was burned about 12 1/2 o'clock Monday night. It was occupied by negroes, we are informed. -- Danville Gazette. [ibid]

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[September 25, 1866] -

Danville, Ky. Sept. 25, 1866.

Brevet Colonel R. G. Johnston
Chief Supt Six. Sub. Dist Ky

Colonel,

I have the honor to transmit herewith reports due from this Dist for the month of Sept. except the school report, which will be forwarded as soon as the necessary teacher reports are received.

There is very little to do in this Dist. The Freemen are generally employed and well treated. During the past month, there has been but one outrage reported to me. The burning of the School house. There is no hope of learning who were the guilty parties in that case, as the fire was kindled during the night and when observed, the building was nearly destroyed.

The Freedmen are not willing usually to call attention to small affairs between themselves and whites, they say the Bureau will eventually be withdrawn, and then those who had difficulties will be worse off than if they had submitted to what the whites demanded. I believe though that the Freedmen are benefited by the presence of the Bureau, as it tends to keep the lower classes of whites from disturbing them.

Very Respectfully
Your Ablest Servt
W. R. Roume Capt. [?]
[3]

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[1] Kentucky, Freedmen's Bureau Office Records, 1865-1872, NARA Publication M1904, Roll 94, Danville Letters sent Jun 1866 - Sept 1867, vol 3. Page 18, Image 25.

[2] Excerpts from "State News." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 31, 1866. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[3] Kentucky, Freedmen's Bureau Office Records, 1865-1872, NARA Publication M1904, Roll 94, Danville, Letters sent Jun 1866 - Sept 1867, vol 3. Page 23, Image 28.

Freedman Lynched on Christmas Eve, Boyle, 1866

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[December 27, 1866] -

JUDGE LYNCH IN DANVILLE.

Rencounter Between a Vicious Negro and a Constable -- The Officer Wounded -- The Negro Hung by the Populace.

[Special Correspondence Louisville Journal.]

Christmas eve has come and gone, but not without making an item of history for Danville. Yesterday evening about five o'clock the quiet of the town was abruptly broken by the discharge of a pistol at the corner of Second and Main streets, which attracted to that point an immense crowd of excited persons, of both colors and both sexes, to ascertain the cause of the irregularity. 

It appears that a negro man, Al. McRobards, had made a huge effort take the life of W. A. Harne, an officer of the law. He shot at Harne twice, both of which took effect, though not afflicting a serious injury. The officer finally succeeded in getting the best of the negro, with the aid of a large club, and with the assistance of some other constable, lodged him in jail. This, I supposed, would be the last of the matter until legal investigation could be had, judging from the quiet that prevailed in a few moments after the prisoner was secured, and seeing that all were again enjoying the usual Christmas hilarities.

But in this conjecture I, at least, was disappointed; for scarcely had the "god of dreams" encircled me before the full tones of the Court-house bell aroused me from my dreamy rest, at twelve o'clock precisely--which was a premonition that "Judge Lynch" had business on hand. I did not go to see, but concluded to bide my time, and so I did until this morning. The judge, with his officers, went to the jail and took the negro "aforementioned" and hanged him by the neck until dead on a large elm tree in the old Presbyterian church-yard, at the west end of Main street, Danville, Ky. This boy was a desperate fellow, having made several attempts before this to kill several persons, and did slay a negro at South Danville a few days since, for which crime had not been punished. Everything is now quiet in "Little Britain."

A pleasant holiday to you, Messrs. Editors.    J.W.D. [1]

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[January 5, 1867] -

Danville, Ky., Jan'y 5, 1867.

Captain R. E. Johnston
Chief Supt. Six Sub Dist. Ky.

Captain,

I have the honor to furnish the following report of the murder of a Freedman at Danville Boyle Co. Ky. Dec 24th 1866.

Al. McRoberts a Freedman, was in Danville on the 24th inst having in his possession a pistol carried by authority of Thomas P. Young a Police Judge of this town, to protect himself against one W.A. Harness an officer of Boyle Co. who had threatened to kill him. He was shot on the Street by Harness who demanded his pistol. McRoberts refused to deliver it to him, and after some words had passed shot at Harness three times, without inflicting serious injury. McRoberts was arrested and taken towards the jail followed by an excited crowd, who advised Harness to kill him. On the way to jail Harness beat him severely with a large cane while he was being led along the street. On arriving at the jail, Harness took a pistol and deliberately shot him, inflicting a serious perhaps fatal injury. This occurred at about 5 P.M.   At 10 P.M. a party went to the jail and took McRoberts to the outskirts of the town and hung him. The farce of an inquest was played the next morning, with no attempt to learn any facts about the case, and a verdict rendered simply stating that the man McRoberts came to his death by hanging by some parties unknown. On the 27th inst. W. A. Harness was arrested by the civil authorities and held in $50.00 for his appearance at the next term of the circuit court, to be held in Feb. next.

Very Respectfully,
Your Ablest Servt.
W. R. Roume  [2]




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[1] "Judge Lynch in Danville." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 27, 1866. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[2] Kentucky, Freedmen's Bureau Office Records, 1865-1872, NARA Publication M1904, Roll 94, Danville, Letters sent Jun 1866 - Sept 1867, vol 3. Page(s) ?-85, Images 58-59.

Jasper Rowsey Hanged By Mob, Lincoln, 1859

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[May 4, 1859] -

ESCAPE OF A MURDERER. -- J. L. Ruffin, Esq., Chief of Police, received a telegram yesterday morning informing him of the escape--from Milledgeville Jail, Lincoln county, Ky.,--of Jasper Rouser, a person held in custody under a charge of murder. A reward of two hundred dollars is offered for his apprehension. -- Cincinnati Commercial, Monday. [1]

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