Tangents, 1880 - 1889

I have tried to categorize the clippings in my 'miscellaneous' drafts into posts sorted by decade, and then by topic.  For some topics, the clippings are mainly editorials or other more general articles that do not currently fit into other posts. Also, these topics are not comprehensively covered by the clippings here. Several of these clippings are not fully transcribed.

The topics within this particular tangent post are as follows:

DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES - ROADS, RAILROADS, BUILDINGS, ETC
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING
PARDONS
POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CRIME
CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME
REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE
ALCOHOL
NEWSPAPER META
MISCELLANEOUS

(if you Ctrl+F search for an equal sign "=" then you can skip down through each topic heading)

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DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES - ROADS, RAILROADS, BUILDINGS, ETC
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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County -- Somerset." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 18, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-05-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[May 18, 1883] -

The L. & N. R. R. Co. will put their trains on the Southern road in a few days, to run from Louisville to Chattanooga. This will give us [Somerset] direct communication with Louisville without change of cars. []

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[] Excerpt from "Legislative Doings." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 12, 1884. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-02-12/ed-1/seq-1/

[February 12, 1884] -

An act to change the boundary line between Laurel and Rockcastle counties was passed by the House. It repeals an act made in 1871 and makes Rockcastle river at Livingston the line, as it was formerly. []

Tangents, 1870 - 1879

I have tried to categorize the clippings in my 'miscellaneous' drafts into posts sorted by decade, and then by topic.  For some topics, the clippings are mainly editorials or other more general articles that do not currently fit into other posts. Also, these topics are not comprehensively covered by the clippings here. Several of these clippings are not fully transcribed.

The topics within this particular tangent post are as follows:

DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES - ROADS, RAILROADS, BUILDINGS, ETC
CIVIL WAR
FREEDMEN’S BUREAU IN KY / FEDERAL TROOPS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING
PARDONS

GUNS / GUN LAWS
POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CRIME
CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME
REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE
ALCOHOL AND CRIME
NEWSPAPER META
MISCELLANEOUS

(if you Ctrl+F search for an equal sign "=" then you can skip down through each topic heading)

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DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES - ROADS, RAILROADS, BUILDINGS, ETC
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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 15, 1871. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[September 15, 1871] -

There are four Churches in Somerset, vis: Methodist, Christian, Baptist, and Presbyterian, eight dry goods stores, four groceries, one drug store, four blacksmith shops, one carriage shop, one hotel, two saddlery shops, one cabinet shop, three merchant tailors, five physicians, six lawyers, two regular pastors, one bank (National). Population about twelve (1200) hundred. []

Tangents, 1850 - 1869

I have tried to categorize the clippings in my 'miscellaneous' drafts into posts sorted by decade, and then by topic.  For some topics, the clippings are editorials or other more general articles that do not currently fit into other posts. Also, these topics are not comprehensively covered by the clippings here. Some of these clippings are not fully transcribed.

The topics within this particular tangent post are as follows:

DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCALITIES - ROADS, RAILROADS, BUILDINGS, ETC
ABOLITIONISTS
THE CIVIL WAR
FREEDMEN’S BUREAU IN KY / FEDERAL TROOPS
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING
POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CRIME
CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME
REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE
MISCELLANEOUS

(if you Ctrl+F search for an equal sign "=" then you can skip down through each topic heading)

Granville Prewitt Hanged for Murder of Jarvis and Ellen Buck, Wayne, 1886

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[June 22, 1880] -

1880 census page for Magisterial District 4 of Wayne County, Kentucky, shows:

1. Jarvis Buck, head of household, age 35, white male, farmer, cannot read or write, born in North Carolina, both parents born in North Carolina;
2. Ellen Buck, age 31, white female, sister of Jarvis Buck, keeping house, cannot read or write, born in North Carolina, both parents born in North Carolina; and
3. Lias L. Buck, age 2, white male, (Ellen's son), born in Kentucky, whose father was born in Kentucky and mother in North Carolina. [1]



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[October 31, 1886] -

TWO HORRIBLE MURDERS.

A Young Man Enticed Into the Mountains to Have His Throat Cut.

His Sister in Turn Shares His Fate, Her Little Son Only Escaping the Murderers.

(Special to the Courier Journal.)

MONTICELLO, KY., Oct. 30. -- One of the most shocking murders that ever happened in this vicinity was committed in the southern part of this county last Tuesday night. Out in the mountains, ten miles from this place, lived a very humble family composed of Jarvis Buck, his sister, and her ten-year-old son. On Tuesday night this family was visited by a man whose name is Grand Prewitt. He ordered supper, which was prepared for him. He then told Buck that if he would go up on the mountain about a half mile that a fellow was up there who would give him a drink of whisky.  They went off together, but Prewitt soon returned and when asked where Buck was by his sister, replied that he would be back soon. Immediately he seized the woman, and the little boy fled to a neighbor's house and gave the alarm. The neighbors immediately went to the house and there found the heroic little boy's mother dead, with her throat cut from ear to ear and her skull terribly mashed in three places.

Search was instituted for Buck's body, but it was not found till Wednesday. When found the body was frightfully lacerated and the head almost 

SEVERED FROM THE BODY.

The scene of these two innocent persons, brother and sister, as they lay in their humble little hut, with their heads almost hacked off, was enough to raise the spirit of mobism in the hearts of the most tender-hearted, and a posse of men searched the country for Prewitt, and found him Wednesday night. He made no resistence, but denied the murder until brought before the little boy, who told him that he was the man who murdered his mother, and that he need not deny it. Prewitt then made a full confession of the whole affair.

PREWITT'S CONFESSION.

He said that he was approached by Jim Tuesday morning and offered a large sum of money to kill Jarvis Buck, and he agreed to do it. That night he went to Jarvis Buck's house and persuaded him to go out after a drink of whisky. When about 100 yards from the house Jim Jones and Bill Simpson met them, and he then cut his throat with a case knife. As soon as he did this Jones rifled his pockets, pulled off his boots and took his hat. Prewitt and Jones then went to the house to kill the sister and her son. He cut her throat and Jones made

JELLY OUT OF HER HEAD

with the washboard. He said they tried to catch the little boy, but could not.

This is the sworn confession of Grand Prewitt. Jones and Simpson deny having anything to do with it, but Prewitt calmly talks of the affair as though it amounted to nothing more than a hog killing. 

Yesterday there was strong talk of mobbing Prewitt, but after he confessed the excitement cooled down. All three of the brutes were brought to town to-day and lodged in jail. The exam[in]ing trial will come off next Monday. At present there is much excitement over the matter, and the universal opinion is that all three will certainly be hanged. They are 

VILLAINOUS LOOKING MOUNTAINEERS,

badly dressed, and judging from their appearance, they are capable of doing any kind of crime. They are poor and without influence or friends; so it is very certain that at least two of them will hang. The evidence is sufficient to convict Prewitt, apart from his confession, and there is strong proof against Jones, also. It is the most atrocious crime ever committed in the county, and the whole people are shocked.

The object of the murder was money. Buck had sold a horse a few days before for $60, and it is supposed that he had a little besides. Besides the money they took several articles of apparel and plunder of the house.

There is no danger of a mob now, as it is quite certain that they will be convicted in court in November. [2]

Rev. George Middleton Assassinated Through Church Window, Lincoln, 1876

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[December 1, 1876] -

A negro man named George or John Middleton, after attending a festival at Crab Orchard week before last, was shot at and wounded while sitting in his cabin the same night after the festival. The shot was fired through the window, and took effect in his breast, but the wound is not thought to be fatal. No clue can be found to the dastardly would-be-assassin. [1]

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[January 26, 1877] -

Sam Humber and James Banks, two negroes, charged with the murder of Geo. Middleton, a man of color, at Crab Orchard, some months since, have been in prison here ever since the examining trial. They were brought before Judge Lytle, of the County Court, yesterday, on a writ of habeas corpus, asking for bail, or a full discharge from custody, which was refused them by the examining Court. After hearing the proof and arguments of counsel, Judge Lytle refused bail to the prisoners, and remanded them back to jail. [2]

Railroad Telegraph Operator Assassinated, Boyle, 1904

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Click here for a list of my other Pulaski/Rockcastle/Laurel County KY articles

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This post also contains articles about the killing of Grant Ingram by Pulaski County Jailer Hines at the Somerset Jail in March 1905. 

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[February 5, 1904] -

ASSASSINATED

AS HE SLEPT ON A TELEGRAPH TABLE.

DEPOT OFFICE IS ROBBED

After Operator W. B. Rucker Had Been Killed Through a Window.

Danville, Ky., Feb. 4. -- (Special.) -- W. B. Rucker, night, telegraph operator and ticket agent at the Queen and Crescent depot in this city, was found dead on a telegraph table with a bullet hole in his head at 11:20 o'clock to-night by passengers who had come to board the train for the South.

The ticket office drawer was broken open and all the money was missing. Rucker had some change in his pocket, and it is evident that the robbers paid no attention to his valuables.

He was shot through the window while lying asleep on the table. This is shown by a bullet hole through one of the window panes.

It is not known who shot Mr. Rucker, or how much money was secured from the ticket office drawer.

There is evidently an organized gang of robbers at work here. Within the past week attempts have been made to rob the Farmers' National Bank, the Boyle National Bank and the post-office.

Mr. Rucker was about twenty-five years of age. He was married about a year ago to Miss Daisy Boyd, of Derry, Ky. He came here from Paint Lick. [1]

William Austin Hanged for the Murder of Betsy Bland, Garrard, 1882

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[January 24, 1882] -

Our Lancaster correspondent gives an account of another horrible murder in Garrard. The devil seems to have been turned loose again in that county. [1]

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[January 24, 1882] -

The blood had scarcely dried on the axe which murdered the Wilmot family, before the tale of a most brutal murder, scarcely less bloody than its predecessor is brought to our ears. The victim this time is Miss Betsy Bland, aged 85; the murderer, is Wm. Austin, a young man about 24 year old. Jos. Bland, an old widower, lives about one-and-a-half miles from town, near the Danville pike. His sister, Miss Betsy, kept house for him. For about three months, Wm. Austin, a grand-nephew of theirs, has lived with them, helping about the work on the small farm. He is a wild, drunken fellow, and altogether his reputation is not of the best. Friday, January 20th, Jos. Bland came to town on business, and remained till about 5 o'clock. Austin also left home and was seen last (previous to any knowledge of the murder,) at Herring's still house, which place he left about 4 o'clock, for home. As a party of men were returning from town, they were met by Austin at the mouth of a lane leading to Bland's house, and he told them Aunt Betsy (as she was familiarly known,) had been murdered. At first they laughed at his story, but were finally induced to go to the house where they found the old lady lying on the floor with her head nearly severed from her body. They did not disturb it, but hastened back to town to inform her brother and the officers. As soon as they were notified, Sheriff Higginbotham, with Marshal Singleton, and a posse, went out to the scene of the murder, where they encountered Austin standing in the door, apparently very much affected. Suspicion had already pointed to him as the murderer, and when a little scrutiny revealed stains of blood on his pants and boots, he was arrested and put under guard. The Coroner not being convenient, Esquire Boyle, who is the nearest Magistrate, was summoned to hold an inquest. The Court was in session till near 10 o'clock, P. M., at which time sufficient circumstantial evidence had been obtained to confirm the suspicion that Austin was the murderer. The Court adjourned, how ever, without a verdict till next day. In the meantime, Austin's pants and boot had been taken from him. After supplying him with these articles from Mr. Bland's wardrobe, he was mounted behind the Sheriff, brought to town and lodged in Jail. Had the citizens been fully convinced of his guilt it is quite probable an attempt would have been made then and there to administer justice on a speedier plan than the one by which that article is usually obtained. The body of Miss Betsy was still warm when the officers arrived, which, with the fact that she had made a fire in the stove for the purpose of getting supper, goes to prove that she was killed only a short while before. Her head and face bore several deep gashes from an axe, three of which, beside the lick across the neck, which severed the vertebra would have been instantly fatal. Her face also bore marks of a boot heel as if the wretch had stamped her. When the Court of inquest convened the next day, several witnesses were examined as to the relative time of Austin's being seen on the way home, and his first appearance after the murder. All this testimony strengthened the chain of circumstantial evidence which, with the addition of another link furnished by his clothing has bound him so closely that his life will no doubt pay the forfeit. When his pants were produced in Court, besides the blood on the legs, the right hand pocket was found to be bloody. An inspection of the boots revealed clinging to the heel of one of them several long gray hairs which corresponded exactly with the hair of the murdered woman. Austin told several tales in regard to the blood on his clothing. One was that when he opened the door his aunt in her death struggle threw the blood on him -- another to account for the blood and gray hair on his boot, was that he caught a rabbit on his way home, put his foot on its head and pulled it off, the blood spurting on his boot, He did not produce the rabbit, however. But one reason can be given for the perpetration of such a cruel murder. It was generally known that Miss Betsy kept some money in the house, never less than fifty dollars, and some time more. This she kept in the drawer of a sideboard, the keys to which she carried. The keys were found lying on the floor near her. The drawer had been forced and it is presumed, robbed as but about two dollars were found which in his haste or purposely, the murderer had left. No money was found on Austin, with the exception of twenty-five cents, which he proved by a negro to have been paid him that day. Austin was not brought into Court Saturday, whether from an apprehension of a mob or not, I don't know. But there was a crowd in town and excitement was very high. A leader could in a few moments have organized a mob, but whether he could have got hold of Austin or not, is another question. Beside putting Austin in a cell, no other precaution against a mob has been taken. The fact that Circuit Court convenes today, and that the Grand Jury might attend to his case as it deserved, may have something to do with preventing an outbreak of popular indignation. [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]

The Murder of Major James H. Bridgewater, Lincoln, 1867

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Related: Roll of the Hall's Gap Battalion

See also: Maj. James H. Bridgewater's page on Findagrave.com - includes pictures and a summary of his life and career.

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[June 8, 1867] -

LYNCH LAW IN LINCOLN COUNTY. -- Some four or five days ago a party of men at Crab Orchard undertook to lynch one James Bridgewater, but he succeeded in escaping from them. Thursday evening, about the time the cars arrived, Bridgewater rode into Crab Orchard, with about ten men, in search of one Birch who was said to be the leader of the lynching party. But before they succeeded in finding him, Birch had concentrated his forces and made another attack on Bridgewater, who being outnumbered had to beat a retreat, which he did very successfully. [1]

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[June 9, 1867] -

Some two weeks ago a party of six or seven men, headed by a man named Steven Bruce [Burch?], undertook to regulate, reconstruct or reform one Major Jim Bridgewater, in the vicinity of Crab Orchard, Ky. This Major was in the Federal army, it is said, during the war, and mounted himself, it is asserted, without regard to expenses, rather too often to the cost of certain citizens in or near Crab Orchard. At any rate, considerable prejudice existed against him when he returned to the rosy paths of peace. The attempt to reconstruct him proved a failure, and no damage was done. The second act in the drama occurred on the 6th instant at Crab Orchard. Bridgewater in turn collected a party of about ten men, all armed with Spencer rifles, and made a dash into the town about train time. Bruce, and his friends, it seems, were on the alert, and gave the raiders a warm reception. Several volleys were fired by both sides. Fortunately, it is supposed, no one was hurt. Bridgewater's crowd soon broke and fled from the town. [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]

One Regulator and Several Occupants Killed in Attack on Residence, Pulaski, 1868

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Updated: Sept. 2017. Added July 12, 1895 article based on information from anonymous commenter.

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[September 23, 1868] -

TERRIBLE AND BLOODY AFFAIR IN LINCOLN COUNTY.

Tragical Result of an Old Feud.

Two Men and One Woman Killed.

The Full Details of the Tragedy.

CRAB ORCHARD, KY., Sept. 20, 1868.

To the Editor of the Louisville Courier:

A year or two since an unfortunate difficulty occurred near this place at a meeting-house, in which men named Anderson and their friends upon one side, and the Adamses with their friends upon the other, were engaged. In this fracas a man named Simms, son-in-law of the elder Adams, was killed and several others on each side were shot or otherwise wounded. A trial at the time of each party resulted in an acquittal of all concerned. A short time after this as the elder Adams was returning home from Lancaster he was assassinated by being shot from his buggy by some one stationed in a church near the road side.

The most deadly enmity has existed ever since between the belligerents, and many men have been suspected by the Adamses ex particeps criminis to the murder of their father. Among the the number accused, or who was thought by the Adams family to have been concerned in his death, was a man named Cummins, who lived near the Lincoln and Pulaski county line, beyond this place eight or ten miles. Threats have been made, we learn, by the Adames, upon Cummins, and last night it culminated most tragically. It seems, from what we can learn, that two of the Adames, together with three or four of their friends went to the house of Mr. Cummins, at night -- demanded admission, which was refused; and thereupon Rodney Adams broke down the door and as he entered was shot dead. The [assault?]ing party then fired, killing a young lady, daughter of Mr. Cummins, and also shot and killed Cummins. They shot at Mrs. Cummins also, but missed. It is not known whether any others of the assaulting party were injured or not. It is reported that the party took young Adams away from the house, and carried him to a house on the wayside, and left him, and that one of the party told the landlord that there was a dead man, his brother, and he wanted him to stay there until morning; and after putting a pillow under his head, he stooped down and kissed him. This is thought to be young Mack Adams, the only brother of Rodney, except a small boy.

We cannot vouch for the truth of this latter statement, but give it as we heard it. It may be proper to state that the community doubt that Cummins had anything whatever to do with the killing of the elder Adams.

The story, true or false, of Cummins having a hand in the death of J. Q. Adams, certainly did not, nor does it, excuse this party in assaulting a whole family, and [striking?] down an innocent girl, who certainly was guilty of no wrong, unless they deemed it wrong to be the child of a suspected man. There is but one remedy for these multiplied evils which daily teem the press, and it is for the "halter" applied to the culprit's neck by the slow and uncertain forms and process of the law, or if need be, to quell it by the hands of an outraged community.

We know nothing of the real facts in this case beyond what we have attempted to give from hearsay; but if  it be that this midnight assaulting party perpetrated these bloody deeds without cause amply sufficient for their justification, our community owe it to themselves, to the State, to the world of law and order at large, and especially to the stricken survivors of this afflicted family, to search out to the bitter end the perpetrators of this most hideous and diabolical outrage, and see that justice, stern and inflexible, is meted out to each and every one of them.  M. [1]

[I have been unable to find newspaper articles detailing the meeting-house killing, or J. Q. Adams' death in or about February of 1866. Please email me if you have any.]

Three Regulators Shot in Attack on Residence, Lincoln, 1868

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[October 14, 1868] -

LOUISVILLE, October 13.

Last night a party of eight or ten men went to the negro cabins near Hanging Fork, in Lincoln county, this State, a water station on the Crab Orchard road, between Stanford and South Danville, for the purpose, as is alleged, of hanging two negroes. They broke in the door of one of the cabins, when they were fired upon by the inmates, and one of the scoundrels killed and two seriously wounded. The others fled, leaving their dead and wounded on the ground. One of the negroes was shot through the hand and shoulder. He got on the train to come to this city, but was arrested at Lebanon by the Sheriff and sent back to Stanford. 

The attacking party was composed of roughs who live in that vicinity, and claim to be Ku-Kluxes. The above are all the facts that could be gained from passengers on the train.

There is intense excitement in the city to hear the result of the elections to-day. The streets are thronged, and the newspaper offices are crowded with eager inquirers for the returns. [1]

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.

Regulators Hang Man in Baptist Churchyard, Lincoln, 1870

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[April 10, 1870] -

One of Judge Lynch's Band Shot.

On Tuesday night last a negro horse thief named Fox, while walking along the road with another negro near Crab Orchard, was arrested and hung in the Baptist church yard. Next day the citizens were talking the matter over, and a man named Winston Owens remarked that he could name six of the party who did the hanging. On Thursday morning, between 2 and 3 o'clock, a party of men went to the hotel, where Owens kept bar, and called for whisky. He told them he would give them the key to the saloon, but would not go down stairs himself. The men then said they would make him come. Owens then took a double-barreled shot-gun, loaded with buckshot, and emptied both barrels into the crowd. The crowd quickly left the hotel, and next morning blood was found on the pavement. It was afterward ascertained that the crowd intended violence toward Owens, and that a man named Platt or Hyatt was dangerously wounded in the bowels, and will probably die. [1]

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[March 25, 1871] -

From Partial List of Ku-Klux Activities in Kentucky, 1867-1871:

73. Negro hung by mob at Crab Orchard, Lincoln County, April 6, 1870.

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[1] "One of Judge Lynch's Band Shot." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. April 10, 1870. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

Mob Raids Garrard County Jail, Hangs One Prisoner, Garrard, 1876

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[January 28, 1876] -

A difficulty occurred in the Barber shop of Chas. Prince, colored, of Lancaster, one night last week, between a white man, named Yeakey, and a negro, named Floyd Pierce. The negro was knocked down and shot at twice. The white man was severely cut with a razor, on the side of the neck. [1]

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[February 4, 1876] -

The white man, Yeakey, whose neck and face were cut by a negro man in Lancaster, some days ago, is still in bed, but is some better. The negro who cut him, was tried for the offense and acquitted, after which, he left for parts unknown. Although he got off clear from the charge of guilt, he is said to be of a mean and dangerous disposition. [2]

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[February 5, 1876] -

The Lancaster Killing.

Henry Yeakey, of Lancaster, Ky., died two days ago from the effects of a wound in the throat inflicted on the 22d ult by Floyd Pierce, a negro. At the time mentioned Yeakey took a razor from Pierce and, after cutting him with it, fired a pistol at him. Pierce succeeded in regaining the razor and with it cut the throat of Yeakey. The latter remained alive and, for some time, it was thought he would recover. He finally died, but whether Pierce, who was arrested, tried and released on the charge of maliciously wounding him, will now be tried for manslaughter, remains to be seen. [3]

Former Rockcastle Judge Gunned Down on Church Steps, Lincoln, 1876

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[April 27, 1876] -

LINCOLN COUNTY.

Horrible Murder of Judge John A. Carson by John Smith at Crab Orchard Last Sunday -- The Murderer in Jail and Mob Violence Expected--Political Points.

[Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.]

STANFORD, KY., April 26, 1876. -- On Sunday morning last, about 11 o'clock, Judge John A. Carson was assaulted at the Baptist-church door in Crab Orchard, by John Smith, and shot to death. One of the witnesses states that Smith was observed standing at the church door as the congregation was assembling for worship, and when Judge Carson was seen approaching Smith crossed the street to his shop, entered it and remained a few moments, when he came out and recrossed the street, coming up behind Carson, and just as Carson reached the door Smith drew a pistol, and, without warning, shot him in the back. Carson turned and cried for help, receiving a second shot in the breast, he then begged piteously for mercy, seeing no help at hand, and, receiving a third shot, fell. A Mr. Foly rushed across the street and caught Smith, who hurled him away, and, presenting his pistol at him, made him retreat. Smith then turned and shot Carson, while prostrate upon the ground, bleeding and dying, twice more. One chamber of his revolver failed to fire, he stood over his dead victim and snapped his pistol several times. The congregation inside of the church heard the shots and screams and dying groans of the murdered man, but feared to go to his assistance. After snapping his pistol several times and failing to fire the remaining load, Smith cooly pocketed it and walked across the street, and stood calmly and apparently unconcerned until arrested, when he told the officer that Carson had "talked about him and had to die for it, and had as well die then as at any time." The officer placed him in jail here Sunday night, and to-day the grand jury (which has been in session several days) has the case under consideration. Great excitement exists about Crab Orchard especially, and mob violence is expected. The jail is guarded at night by citizens, summoned by the jailer.

As an atrocious, fiendish and unprovoked murder, this has no parallel in the annals of Lincoln county. And this is not alone the opinion of your correspondent, but the outspoken judgment of every one who has heard the particulars of the tragedy. No sort of justification or excuse can be offered for the assault and murder -- not even the plea of insanity. The malice of Smith was shown a short time ago, when the deceased called upon him in his shop to assess his property for city revenue. Smith responded by seizing a hatchet and attempting to kill him.

Smith has heretofore borne the character of an industrious mechanic, of sober and peaceable habits, but morose and unsociable. He is about thirty-five years of age.

Judge Carson was aged seventy, has kept a hotel in Crab Orchard for a number of years, is very extensively related in this part of the State, and was pious, inoffensive and generally beloved. He has four sons in the 'drumming' business, two (John F. and Zack) in Louisville, and two in Cincinnati, all of whom are well known in the State, and deservedly popular as salesmen.

Our circuit court is still in session, and, having disposed of the Aug[den] Bridgewater case, nothing of importance in the criminal line remains to be done, save the trial of Smith, which we learn will not take place this term. [1]

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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Mary Eades James Kills Smith Burton, Pulaski, 1882

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[April 6, 1882] -

Somerset Reporter: A little thirteen year-old daughter of Mary Eads (the woman who recently killed Smith Burton and is now a fugitive from justice) applied to Judge Cosson last Saturday for a home, and when the Judge proposed to get a home for her she concluded she didn't want a home, but wanted to be sent to Louisville. The young girl was rather pert, and as she was not furnished transportation she returned to her home in the country. [1]

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[May 25, 1882] -

ALLEGED MURDER.

Mary Eades Arrested on the Charge of Killing a Man near Somerset, Ky.

Policemen Reid and Broderick arrested a woman named Mary Eades, alias James, at Emma Hedges' bagnio, on North College street, yesterday afternoon, on the charge of the murder of a man named Samuel Burton, near Somerset, Kentucky, about three months ago.

An American reporter visited the prisoner at the work-house, and asked her how the killing was brought about. She said that there were about twenty-one in the party, and all of them had been drinking more or less. Burton, throughout the day, had been threatening to kill somebody, and had beat his nephew. Burton had gone into the house of a woman and was beating her, when Eades appealed to two men to know whether they would stand on the outside and hear the shrieks of the woman and not offer any aid. They told her that if she would break down the door they would see that she was not harmed, as Burton would kill one of them if they dared to do what they requested of her. Feeling a deep sympathy for the woman and having herself taken several drinks, Eades assented, broke down the door and prevented the further beating of the woman. Subsequent to that time, Burton brought in a single-tree and threatened to kill Mary Eades, but it was taken away from him by his nephew.

He then threatened to kill her with an ax. She asked him whether he would kill her, when he responded that he would, and drew back the ax to strike her. At that moment, someone gave her a knife, and under the excitement of the moment, she stuck it in his breast, and ran away, he following her, as she believed at the time. She said that the act was done purely in self-defense. Burton was considered a desperado, and had in his shoulder eight buckshot, which he had received in a fight. He did not believe that lead would kill him. Eades said she regretted the occurrence, but it was an act which could hardly have been avoided. Burton's nephew, after the affair was over, brought her down the river in a skiff, and put her on a steamboat for Nashville, where she had since remained. She had been separated from her child, and did not know who had the care of it. She believed she would be able to prove that the deed which had been forced upon her had been done in self-defense. She had preferred to have gone to Somerset and to have given herself up, but she had been persuaded to come to Nashville and remain until the excitement had died away. With even half justice she would be cleared.

Mrs. Eades is a small woman, was neatly attired in black, and it would seem strange that she had the courage to attack a man who is said to have been a stalwart blacksmith. She said that he had previously struck her three times and that the knot from a blow still remained on her head to testify his assault. [2]

Mob Raids Monticello Jail, Hangs Arson Suspect, Wayne, 1896

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[February 5, 1896] -

 A SELF-STYLED KUKLUX.

Wayne County People After a Couple of Alleged Barn Burners.

Monticello, Ky., Feb 3. -- (Special Correspondence.) -- There is no little curiosity and considerable excitement among the citizens of Monticello and Wayne county as to what will be the outcome of a barn-burning and a visit made upon a suspicious character by a band of ku-klux. The circumstances incident upon the affair are as follows:

About six weeks ago Bonnie Bates' barn, with all it contained--several head of horses and cattle, a crop of tobacco, hay, oats and corn--was consumed by fire, in the vicinity of Steubenville, inflicting upon the owner a loss of several thousand dollars. Circumstantial evidence led to the arrest and incarceration in the county jail of Fount Martin, who is awaiting trial before the Circuit Court. The wrath, however, of the outraged Steubenvillians was not appeased. Consequently, on last Friday night the band of kuklux visited the cabin of James Troxell, a neighbor of Martin, and, coaxing him forth into the night, endeavored to extort from him a confession of guilt either of Martin or himself. What information was secured is known only to Troxell and his visitors. Howbeit, Troxell's body was finally from the end of a rope and was cut down only in time for him to recover his fleeting breath.

On the following day Troxell came to town to disclose the neck wounds made by the rope and to swear out warrants for the arrest of his supposed assailants, whose identity he thinks he can establish, as they wore no mask. The persons whom he accuses of making him this most unwelcome visit are among the most prominent and influential citizens of the county. [1]