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]

Man Kills Another Following Argument Over Injured Horse, Lincoln, 1896

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[November 3, 1896] -

KILLING AT CRAB ORCHARD -- Frank Brooks shot and killed John Nevels in Edmiston's store at Crab Orchard at 5 o'clock Saturday, from the effects of which he died Sunday afternoon about 3 o'clock.  It seems that Brooks had a horse injured by a railroad train and he was trying to get the company to pay him for it.  He accused Nevels, who was section boss, of having written to the company that Brooks continued to use the horse, which was not much hurt.  Saturday afternoon Nevels went into Edmiston's store and was eating some oysters, when Brooks came in.  Nevels asked him to join him, when Brooks ripped out: "Go to h--l, God d--n you," and Nevels is said to have responded rather jocularly, "Go there yourself." Brooks rushed out to the buggy, in which he and Jim Fish had come, and getting a pistol, went back into the store and striking Nevels over the head with it, knocked him to his knees, when he fired the shot that resulted in his death.  Brooks must have fired several times, as Lige Bastin and Jim Fish were both shot slightly in the arms.  He is himself slightly wounded in the arm and claims that Nevels shot him, but this is not believed.  Immediately after the shooting Brooks skipped out and D. K. Farris, constable, and posse started in pursuit.  They followed him all night and next day captured him in Rockcastle.  Sheriff T. D. Newland and posse were also out in search of him.  It was said that Brooks, who is reported to be a desperate man, would fight to the death before he would submit to capture, but when Constable Farris told him to surrender he did so without a murmur.  Sheriff Newland brought the prisoner here Sudnay night and yesterday his trial was continued till Thursday to await the action of the grand jury.  He is now in jail and will not vote for McKinley today. [1]

The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania, 1915

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This week marks the one hundred year anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania.

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[August 7, 1914] -

2 GERMAN WARSHIPS REPORTED SUNK IN A BATTLE OFF U.S.

Two British Cruisers Calle by Lusitania's Wireless

Declared to Have Fought Pursuers--Great Liner is Now Said to Be Safe

Special to The Inquirer.

NEW YORK, Aug. 6. -- Two German cruisers are reported to have been sunk by two British cruisers after a terrible sea battle off the Grand Banks today.  The Germans pursued the Cunard liner Lusitania, which sailed from New York early Wednesday, nearly 200 miles.

The British cruisers answered radio calls for assistance sent by the Lusitania. After destroying the Germans they followed the liner and will convoy her to Southampton.

Reports of the pursuit and battle were contained in radios picked up by Captain Agassiz, of the liner Uranium, which arrived here today from Rotterdam.

Captain Agassiz in a report to the British Consul here today said parts of the radio were indistinct, but the part telling of the battle and destruction of the German vessels was plain. This radio was picked up at 7 o'clock this morning.

Pursued by Two Cruisers

Another radio from the Lusitania was picked up at 1 A.M. today, saying she was being pursued by two German cruisers and two British cruisers had answered her call for assistance.

Red Cross liner Florizel, en route from Halifax, picked up another radio from the Lusitania at 7:30 last night, saying a German cruiser was in pursuit, and calling on "any British or French cruiser" for immediate assistance. The Florizel reported this on her arrival here today.

The radio station at Sayville, Long Island, was reported to have received a message early today saying the two Germans pursuing the Lusitania and engaged in the battle were the Karlsruhe and Dresden.

Wires Lusitania Is Safe

The British cruisers engaged in the fight are believed to have been the Suffolk and Lancaster. These, with the Essex, have been patrolling the steamship tracks between Nantucket Shoals and the Grand Banks, prepared to assist English or French liners.

The last radio from the Lusitania was short, the operator explaining he did not wish additional German cruisers to learn the position of the liner. It said the Lusitania was safe and Captain Dow was driving her under forced draft for Southampton. Her speed was then about twenty seven knots.

The message indicated that she had left the battling cruisers far astern, but that after the fight had received a radio saying at least one of the cruisers would follow as convoy for the remainder of the voyage.

"Coast is Clear," Cruiser Says

Captain Capper, of the Cunarder Pannonia, which arrived here today, reported passing the Lusitania and receiving a "wigwag" from her saying she was making twenty-seven knots.

Previous to this, the Pannonia passed a British cruiser which told him to proceed at full speed, as "the coast was clear." Later he received a radio from the Lancaster, which was out of sight, saying if he needed assistance to call at once.

Captain Martin, of the Florizel, reported to his company today he had picked up radios Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning which indicated two German cruisers were lying in wait for the Lusitania.

A comparison of the radio messages by steamship men today indicated the first German cruiser began the pursuit of the Lusitania when the latter was about 100 miles east of Nantucket Shoals lightship. It was several hours later before the other cruiser, believed to be the Karlsruhe, joined the chase.

The last message from the Lusitania indicated she was between 725 and 800 miles east of Sandy Hook. The weather was slightly foggy, but the liner was being driven at top speed.

Steamship men today declared if the British cruisers had not been patrolling in the positions they were they would not have been able to catch the speedy Lusitania or the Karlsruhe. [1]

Railroad Contractors Charged With Holding Workers In Peonage, Whitley/McCreary, 1911

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[July 15, 1911] -

CONTRACTOR HELD ON 
CHARGE OF PEONAGE

(Special To The Herald.)

SOMERSET, Ky., July 14-- Something of a sensation was created here and at Stearns today when Deputy United States Marshal J. A. Coleman arrested A. M. Cook, a prominent contractor, who has charge of the building of the Kentucky & Tennessee railroad extension at Stearns, on a charge of violating the Federal statutes on peonage.

Cook was arraigned before United States Commissioner E. T. Wesley here and was held under $1,500 bond for his appearance at examining trial on August 11. [1]

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[July 15, 1911] -

CHARGE PEONAGE TO CONTRACTOR

SOMERSET, KY., July 15.--(Spl.)--A. M. Cook, contractor, charged with violating the Federal statutes on peonage, was arrested here by Deputy United States Marshal J. A. Coleman.

The arrest followed charges of workingmen employed by Cook, who assert that they were employed from distant towns and were offered free transportation to Cook's camp.  After they arrived, they say, they were compelled to work out their transportation.

They also claim that they were repeatedly fined $10 by Cook for supposed failure to do certain work, and that, owing to the fines, they never received any money.  Cook was held under $1500 bond. [2]

A Letter to Santa, 1905

[December 20, 1905] -

Cloverport, Ky., Dec. 17  Dear Santa I am a good little boy and I want you to bring me lots of nice things, I want a little red wagon and a pair of brass toed boots, And say Santa won't you move Cannelton across the river from Cloverport and make all the girls quit flirting with me.  From your little Friend Billy Wilson. [1]

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[1] Excerpt from "More Letters to Saint 'Nic.'" The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, KY. December 20, 1905. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/1905-12-20/ed-1/seq-1/

Fights and Killings Involving John Proctor, Rockcastle, 1888-1889

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[July 24, 1888] -

Sunday night, in returning from preaching, a difficulty arose between Jno. Proctor and John Parker, in which Parker was fatally stabbed. The wounded man is alive at this writing, Monday morning. He made a statement of the affair, which is about as follows: Proctor was returning from church with some young ladies; Parker followed and desired the company of one of them, Miss Maggie Reynolds, to which she objected, saying she didn't want that fool with her. Hot words passed between them; then Parker shook his fist in the young lady's face. Proctor interfered and the difficulty waxed warmer, when blows were exchanged. Proctor used his pocket knife, cutting a deep gash in Parker's breast and two in his bowels. The wounded man will not likely live thro' the day. Proctor surrendered and is under guard. Proctor is the young man upon whose head the doctors have twice performed the difficult operation known as trephining, removing each time a portion of the skull. Young Parker is the son of Pat Parker, who came here from Tennessee some years since. [1]

Man Fatally Strikes Another with Rock During Argument, Rockcastle, 1882

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[July 14, 1882] -

Harrison Matthews died at Livingston Tuesday night, it is said, from the effects of a wound in the head, inflicted by a rock in the hands of Dan Quinn with whom he had a difficulty some weeks ago. The matter will be investigated by the authorities. [1]

Man Killed in Political Quarrel in Somerset Square, Pulaski, 1894

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[April 21, 1894] -

Killing at Somerset.

Somerset, Ky., April 20. -- (Special.) -- Albert Davis, colored, this evening shot and killed Napoleon Hudson, also colored, on the Public Square. Hudson and Davis had quarreled over politics. Davis was arrested. Davis fired five shots, all of which took effect. [1]

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[April 24, 1894] -

At Somerset Albert Davis, colored, shot and killed Napoleon Hudson, also colored, on the Public Square. Hudson and Davis had quarreled over politics. Davis was arrested. Davis fired five shots, all of which took effect. [2]

Death of Man Crushed By Train Investigated as Murder, Rockcastle, 1901

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[January 31, 1901] -

Henry Idol was found dying near Livingston, with his head crushed in.  There is no clew. [1]

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[February 1, 1901] -

Judge P. D. Colyer went to Livingston Tuesday to investigate the killing of Henry Idol.  An inquest was held but the jury was dismissed until next Monday when they will meet again and hear some further evidence before rendering a decision.  While it is possible that he was hit by a train, yet it is hardly thought that that is the way his death came about. [2]

Prohibition, Alcohol, and Saloons in Pulaski County: 1870-1879

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A core belief of the Prohibition movement is that the availability of alcohol directly relates to crime.  Several of the murders I've posted about took place in saloons or near roadside kegs or involved the illegal sale of moonshine in one way or the other. Due to the relationship between liquor and crime, I decided to compile a list of articles that detailed the history of prohibition laws in Somerset and Pulaski County.

These posts, which I have divided by decade, will be an extensive but not comprehensive list of articles relating to this topic, and I will add to it if and when I find additional articles. I've limited the selection of articles to those that are about either local option elections, alcohol laws, efforts to enforce those laws, info about the saloons in town, or public opinion of alcohol in Somerset/Pulaski. If specific crimes are mentioned, I have included the article because it  also contains details about local law enforcement's efforts to enforce the prohibition laws generally.

//in progress//

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[March 22, 1872] -

There has also within the last three months been revivals at the Northern and Southern Methodist and Baptist churches of our town, with about seventy-five or eighty additions.  Our citizens are now manifesting a great interest in the religion and morals of our town and truly has there been a great change. Our worthy Board of Trustees, refusing to grant whisky license the present year, the whisky ring has "played" and not a single case of drunkenness before our Police court in '72. While our physicians and druggists use their prescription power with great caution. Such is the exerting influence of our Good Templars. [1]

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[April 12, 1872] -

TEMPERANCE.

During the first week of our court, the Hon. Berry Pitman, John S. Van Winkle and J. E. Hays, delivered temperance lectures, all of whom are able and effective speakers, particularly Mr. Pitman, who, from sad experience, can say "beware you moderate dram drinkers." Berry's lecture was a good one and will long be remembered. Our citizens are wide awake on the subject, and intend, if possible, to exterminate the traffic of ardent spirits from our county. [2]

Tennessee Man Murdered and Robbed Near Somerset, Pulaski, 1888

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[March 29, 1888] -

FOULLY MURDERED.

An Ex-Soldier Brutally Kicked to Death By a Worthless Character at Somerset.

H. M. Sidebottom Confess the Crime and Says He Did It For His Victim's Money.

Somerset, Ky., March 28. -- (Special.) -- The people were startled this morning when the news of a foul murder being perpetrated within two miles of the town of Somerset and in one hundred yards of County Judge J. T. Tarter's residence, was known. The murder has no parallel in the history of Pulaski county*, and the fiend who did the work will not go unpunished, for the people are getting tired of the lawlessness of late, and they are almost unanimously in favor of dispatching the murderer in as quick time as possible.

About 6 o'clock Sunday, Shelby Coomer and James Smith, two farmers, were going to Henry Brooks' to grind their axes, when they were startled to find a man lying about six feet from the Stanford road, stark dead. His body was lying face downward, and his face was imbedded in the yielding earth. Rain had poured down all night, and his clothes were wringing wet. Evidence of a severe struggle was everywhere plainly visible. There was a flat path and he had evidently been passing along there when attacked.  The earth was torn beside the path. His hat lay a few feet from the path, and still a little further off was his umbrella. Then the struggle was kept up some three feet further, where the man had fell and was found this morning. Your correspondent was at the scene as soon as the news was spread, and found a horrible [s]ight. The man was lying face downward, and his hands were thrown over his head. There were thirteen deep gashes on his head, and his body was bruised in several places. Rain was pouring down, and the Coroner had the body removed to the County Court room, where the inquest was held. When lifted up his pocket book was lying under him, and the contents, except a lock of hair, were gone. Papers in his pocket were addressed to Thomas Wilson, Olive Springs, Tennessee. Several parties recognized him afterward. He came to this place ostensibly to get Paulina Mercer and Capt. Cundiff to assist him in securing his pension. He was in the Union army under Capt. Cundiff, and was nursed by Mrs. Murder during the summer of 1862.

Mr. Mercer recognized him at once, as did several men in Somerset. He had about $50 on his person yesterday morning, and H. M. Sidebottom, a worthless character, made up with him and tried to beat him out of it, but failed. Late in the evening Mr. Wilson started for Mr. Mercer's, intending to spend the night, and was closely followed by Sidebottom.

Hon. James Denton, stated to the Coroner's Jury that he saw Wilson pass, and that he was closely followed by Sidebottom.

As witness after witness was called in to testify, the web of guilt was closely weaving itself around Sidebottom. Dr. J. W. F. Parker's statement was as follows: "I made a post mortem examination of Wilon. I found that he had been literally clubbed to death. The head was covered in wounds. I think he was knocked down and beaten to death on the ground. He fell on his face, and it had been beat into the ground. I found several blood spots on Sidebottom's coat and vest, some were fresh, and others looked as if they had been washed."

Drs. Colver and Warren were examined, and their testimony corroborated Dr. Parker's statement. All the witnesses examined stated that Sidebottom was with Wilson all day. Shell Coomer, who found the murdered man, said he though he was drunk, and went to wake him, when he saw blood on his hands, and found the man was dead. He saw tracks leading to the railroad.

The court-house was crowded when Sidebottom was brought in, and, to the surprise of everybody int he house, he confessed. His statement of the affair is about as follows: "I did not see the corpse this morning. I was introduce to him yesterday by Newby Moore. He told me he intended to go to my father's last night and went on the Stanford road, I followed him. I started to my brother's Perry Sidebottom. I overtook Wilson near Judge Tartar's. Perry lives about one mile from where I murdered Wilson. When I caught up with the deceased, he began cursing me and finally I threw a rock and knocked him down and kicked him to death. We were close together and he had a knife and started at me when I knocked him down. I then started to the railroad and went down tot he depot and stayed there all night.

Sidebottom was arrested early this morning by Sheriff Elrod. He had taken the money from Wilson, and had bought a pair of pants and shoes from Mr. Barber. He threw the old clothes away, and put on the new shoes and pants. The money he took from Wilson was lost last night in a game of craps. 

The inquest was continued until 4 p.m., when the jury brought in a verdict of death by some blunt instrument in the hands of one H. M. Sidebottom, and that the said killing was not in self defense. The prisoner was sent to jail, and a strong guard appointed to watch it to-night. Threats of lynching are heard on all sides, and it is more than likely a big attempt will be made to swing him to-night. [1]

[* This one from 1883 does.]

Father Stabs Son to Death During Family Dispute, Rockcastle, 1896

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[March 6, 1896] -

George Todd, a youth, was killed at Wildie, by his father, during a drunken quarrel. The father was lodged in jail here. [1]

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[March 10, 1896] -

Clint Todd, who killed his son in Rockcastle county, was held over under bond of $500. It was claimed that George went to the old man's house and told him he had come to thrash him for treating his mother badly, when the father whipped out a knife and stabbed him to death. [2]

Man Kills Neighbor Following Reckless Gunfire, Pulaski, 1907

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[July 6, 1907] -

FLAT ROCK SCENE OF AWFUL TRAGEDY

Lige Taylor Shoot Hugh Pennington With Double-barreled Shotgun.

SOMERSET, Ky., July 5.-- A terrible tragedy occurred at the home of Tom Taylor, near Flat Rock, in the Southern part of this county, when Hugh Pennington was shot to death by Lige Taylor, son of Tom Taylor, with a double-barrel shot gun. The coroner says that the case of the tragedy was about as follows: "Pennington had gone to the home of Taylor in an intoxicated condition and was cursing and firing off his shot gun in a reckless manner and making threats to kill some one. He had stepped out of the house and was returning thereto when young Taylor opened fire on him with a double-barrel shot gun, one shot tearing away almost the entire shoulder and another tearing a terrible hole in the abdoman." 

Taylor surrendered to the authorities and will be given a trial next Tuesday. [1]

Gunshot Victim's Body Placed on Railroad Tracks to Conceal Crime, Laurel/Whitley, 1904

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[May 27, 1904] -

CORBIN

The scene of a Horrible Murder Last Saturday.

Pascal Bryant, aged twenty-three, of Keavy, Laurel county, was shot in the back of the head and killed at Lynn Camp, in the edge of Laurel county, adjoining Corbin, last Saturday night.  Geo. Newman, of Laurel county, and Bert Catron, of this place, have been arrested and lodged in jail at London, charged with the crime, while Laura Newcomb and Mariah Newman, the wife of George Newman, are in jail on the charge of conspiracy.

It is not known what caused the shooting, but after Bryant had been killed his body was placed on the railroad track for the purpose of making it appear that the train had run over and killed him.  The engineer of the train, however, saw the body in time to stop the engines before the body was crushed to pieces.

A street fair carnival had been in progress there for a week and it had attracted a large number of the most desperate characters in the surrounding country, and this murder marked the closing of the carnival. [1]

Man Kills Neighbor Following Dispute Over Hogs Eating His Corn, Rockcastle, 1896

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[June 19, 1896] -

Monday last about one mile from town J. H. Jarrett shot and instantly killed N. B. Padgett. It seems from Jarrett's statement, the only living witness to the sad affair, that they met in the county road. Jarrett called on Padgett to halt and at same time telling him he must not go through his farm as he was accustomed to. Padgett replied he was going home and threw his hand as if to draw his weapon, when Jarrett fired with above results. It seems there had been some trouble between the parties before on account of Padgett's hogs destroying Jarrett's corn. Padgett was returning home from work. Jarrett was armed with a double barrel shot gun. Padget had no arms at all. Jarrett is in jail with his examining trial set for Tuesday. [1]

Man Kills Another For Alleged Relationship with His Wife, Rockcastle, 1888

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[December 4, 1888] -

DROPPED DEAD.

A Load of Buckshot Ends the Checkered Career of Lee B. Carter.

The Man Who Killed the Moore Brothers Shot By a Friend He Had Wronged.

Mt. Vernon, Ky., Dec. 3. -- (Special.) -- At 5:10 this evening Lee B. Carter fell with fourteen buckshot in his breast and two through the heart, from a gun in the hands of James Frazer. Carter had had no warning of his impending fate. He, with the proprietor of the Joplin Hotel, had just finished supper and stepped out on the pavement in front of the hotel, when the deadly shot was fired. Not a word was passed after the shot. Carter threw up his hands and ran into the hotel and fell on his left side, expiring immediately. Frazer went to Jailer Arnold and surrendered.

At the Coroner's inquest, the verdict was given according to the facts as above stated. It is thought the trouble originated Saturday night, when Carter remained over night at Frazer's residence, in the east end of town. During the night Frazer woke up and thought he discovered Carter in a compromising position with Mrs. Frazer. He accused Carter of wrongdoing and they quarreled for some time, when Carter left the house, followed by threats from Frazer. The parties had not met until to-night, in front of the Joplin House. Frazer had lain in wait for Carter. Frazer was thought to be intoxicated when the shooting was done. Carter had only been acquitted at Stanford a month since for the killing of Tom Moore, which took place here in July, 1886, when both Jack and Tom Moore fell from buckshot fired by Carter. Frazer is a nephew of the slain Moore boys.

A strange coincidence connected with the killing of Carter is that he was killed by the same kind of gun, buckshot, at the same time of day to almost a minute, and within two hundred feet of where the Moore boys fell. Carter's father, Judge James G., had lately married Miss Marry Miller, an aunt of Frazer, and a sister of the Moores. Lee Carter had lately sold out his possessions here and was to move to Missouri within a few weeks. [1]

Former County Judge Involved in Mt. Vernon Street Shootout, Rockcastle, 1886

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The events in this post about several ku-klux incidents in Rockcastle County in  June and early July 1886 are what lead to this shootout. According to the articles below, Judge McClure and Attorney L. B. Carter wanted the Moore brothers to write a letter to George and Jeff Huff to come to town to answer for some ku-klux charges against them.

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[July 18, 1886] -

THE MOUNT VERNON TRAGEDY.

Tom Moore's Ante-Mortem Statement--His Slayer in the Custody of the Sheriff--Friends of the Parties Gathering in the Village.

Mt. Vernon, Ky., July 17: There is great excitement in this little village over the killing of Jack and Tom Moore. The friends of the deceased are flocking in in great numbers, as also are the friends of the accused parties. McClure surrendered to the county judge last night, and was told to go home till this morning. He came in early and surrendered to the sheriff. The sheriff and posse are now gone after Carter. No more trouble is anticipated over this affair at present. Tom Moore made a confession of religion this morning, and was baptized by Elder James Hiatt. Moore made the following statement before H. C. Gentry, police judge, this morning: "They (McClure and Carter) came in and wanted us to write to Mrs. Huff to come in; that they (meaning George and Jeff Huff) would not be hurt. We told them that we would not write that, as we did not belong to any mob, and to write such a letter would be to acknowledge that we did. McClure then cracked his hands in Jack's face and asked us if that was our game, and Jack told him it was. McClure the[n] grabbed Jack. I drew my pistol and fired[?] at McClure. Carter drew his pistol and fired at me about the same time. Carter and I exchanged shots till I saw I could kill Carter but would not do it."

The funeral of Jack Moore will take place this afternoon. Public sentiment is about equally divided in this affair. The parties are all popular citizens of this county. At this writing Tom Moore is still alive, but his physician says he cannot live till night. [1]

Man Kills Brother-in-Law During Argument Over Fifty Cents, Pulaski, 1890

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[May 23, 1890] -

MURDER.--There was a killing a few days ago just over in Pulaski from Bee Lick, which looks like a very serious murder. Wyatt Warren shot and killed Jim Delaney under the following circumstances: The men married sisters, but there was little love between them.  It seems, however, that they had bought a broad axe in partnership and that Warren had taken the first show at it. Delaney went for it several times, but Warren was using it each time. The last call he made for it Warren was not at home, but Delaney told his wife if she would pay him 50 cents he would say no more about the axe. Mrs. Warren gave him the money, but Warren was much displeased when he heard of it. Delaney passed shortly afterwards, and he ran out and demanded the return of the 50 cents. Delany rode on without making any reply and when he got off a little ways pulled his pistol out and shook it over his head. Warren ran and got his gun and without warning fired a load of buckshot at Delaney, one of which struck him in the back of his head and passed clear through it, killing him instantly. Warren is a distiller and Delaney, who was known as Drunken Jim, was a stock trader for Ike Herrin. A grudge of long standing existed between the brothers-in-law and it was predicted several years ago that one would finally kill the other, but their differences were patched up to some extent and they had recently been apparently on fair terms. Warren was arrested, but we have not heard the results of the trial. [1]

Article About Early Pulaski County Court Records, 1799-1803

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[December 20, 1872] -

FROM PULASKI COUNTY.

SOMERSET, KY., Dec. 16th, 1872.

A Glance at the Records of Antiquity--The First Clerk--Lawyers--First Grand Jury--Three First Civil Actions--Bail in Case of Debit--The First Deed--First Will--First Marriage License--Minister's Certificate--Died--County Court--Rev. W. W. Harris--Interior Journal.

Correspondence Interior Journal:

A GLANCE AT THE RECORDS OF ANTIQUITY.

The first Court of Quarter Sessions, for the county of Pulaski, was held at the home of Henry Frances, about seven miles south of the present town of Somerset, on the 23d day of July, 1799, for the trial of both civil and criminal cases. James Gilmore, Joseph McAlister and John Hardgrove, Justices of said court, commissioned by James Garrard, governor, who were styled thus: Present the worshipful James Gilmore, Joseph McAlister and John Hardgrove, gentlemen.

THE FIRST CLERK

William Fox, the father of Judge F. T. Fox, was the first clerk, who held both the office of County and Circuit Clerk up to the year 1847.

THE LAWYERS

Who practiced in this court were as follows: J. L. Bridges, A. E. Mills, Micah Taul, Wm. Owsley, Thomas Mongomery, Solomen Brents, John Boyles and William Logan, producing their license as attorneys within the years 1799, 1800 and 1803.

Man Kills Brother-in-Law for Deplorable Treatment of Family, Rockcastle, 1890

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[March 4, 1890] -

Saturday evening near Wildie, this county, Aus. Henderson was shot and instantly killed by James Bunlin, his brother-in-law.  The weapon used was a 44 Colts.  Four balls passed through Henderson's body, tearing great holes.  The cause of the shooting is said to have been on account of the bad treatment of his wife by Henderson, who has been in numerous escapades with other women.  Bunlin, who lives in Garrard county, with two men came to Henderon's on the above date and went into the house.  Henderson stepped out to get some wood followed by Bunlin, who drew his pistol.  Henderson cried don't shoot.  Bunlin replied "That's my business" firing with above result.  Bunlin and the other two men left.  No arrest. [1]