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. []

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]

Albert Cosby Kills Frank Jackson Over Insult to His Wife, Boyle, 1876

Previously:

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

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[July 14, 1876] -

HOMICIDE AT MITCHELLSBURG. -- Last Monday afternoon a difficulty occurred between Al. G. Cosby and Frank Jackson, at Michellsburg, in this [Boyle] county, which resulted in the former shooting the latter with a pistol, producing a wound which resulted in his death at 11 o'clock, A.M., on Tuesday. We have heard some particulars of the trouble, but perhaps it would hardly be proper to print them inasmuch as the examining trial is set for to-day (Friday). R. P. Jacobs, of this city, has been engaged for the defence, and Mr. Sam. Harding, County Attorney, will conduct the prosecution. [1]

William F. Kennedy Kills Frank Johnson, Garrard, 1863

Previously:

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

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[February 28, 1879] -

Among the large number of indictments found this Court is one against E. B. Kennedy, for killing a negro in 1865, and the old one against W. F. Kennedy for the murder of Frank Johnson in 1863, was taken from its long resting place in the Circuit Clerk's office and reinstated. [1]

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[March 7, 1879] -

COURT ITEMS. -- On Saturday, the Grand Jury adjourned after finding more than eighty indictments. Among these was one against E. D. Kennedy, of Lincoln, for the killing of a colored man, named Wyatt Walker, thirteen years ago. Another against W. F. Kennedy, for killing Frank Johnson, sixteen years ago. The former was accompanied here by quite a retinue of gentlemen from Lincoln, who testified to his character as a peaceful and popular citizen ever since the fatal day when whisky branded him as a murderer. He was released in the sum of $7,000 to appear in April, by change of venue at the Lincoln Court. [2]

Thomas Purden/Purdon Kills Dick [?] (slave), Lincoln, 1864

Previously:

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

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[July 20, 1865] -

Stanford Kenty 20" July 1865

To His Excellency Tho E Bramlette —

Your Petitioner Thomas Purdon would respectfully represent that in the fall of 1864, he was residing in the Town of Stanford where he was borned, and Just after dark it was announced, on the streets that horse theives were in a pasture adjoining the Town of Stanford attempting to catch two through bred race mares the property of W B Withers Mr Withers called upon Petitioner with others to assist him in protecting his property and in capturing the theives, and he together with others run under great excitement to the pasture when Petitioner was directed to gard one string of fence, whilst others entered the pasture and searched for the theives and others still, guarded the other sides of the pasture with the disign of capturing the theves if possible, Petitioner had only for a moment been stationed, at his post and was greatly Excited when in the darkness he thought he discovered some person advancing toward him up the fence, he was guarding; instantly he called out "hault" which was twice repeated and to no Effect as the person still advanced whereupon in the excitement of the Moment he fired, and unfortunately Killed Dick a Slave the property of Joseph McAlister, against whom Petitioner believes no suspicion could attend of Guilty intention to steal the horses aforesaid Petitioner statesd that at the September Term of the Lincoln Circuit Court last he was indicted by the Grand Jury of Lincoln for (Manslaughter) the Malicious Shooting and Killing of said boy — Now Petitioner states he was ^not^ guilty of Murderous intent in Killing said boy, That it was done in excitement of the moment, without any malice whatever, under the honest belief that said boy was the thief who was attempting to steal the two Mares aforesaid of W B Withers, all of which was by Petitioner acknowledged at the time of the Killling

Phillip Cormany Kills [?] Hines, Pulaski, 1859[?]

Previously:

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

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[January 17, 1861] -

To the Govenor of the State of Kentucky The undersigned who was appointed by the court to defend and the Commonwealth atty state that Phillip Cormany was tried and convicted to the Penitentiary of Ky for the period of Seven years for the killing of a man by the name of Hines at the march Term of the Pulaski Circuit Court 1859 that he is now in said Penetentiary The proof and circumstances in the case a abundantly showed that he was a man of very weak mind approaching very nearly to Idiocy that he was greatly under the influence of Liquor at the time and when under the influence of Liquor he was bereft of what mind he had, that before the killing took place he had been very badly treated by two man Shellery and Lynn_ one had held him and the other had pissed on him Lynn had drawn a dangerous knife on him twice and made at him to thrust it in him that Just about the time he shot Hines (which was at the door of ^a^ drinking house where a good many persons were of assembled and drinking Liquor) that Hines Lynn walked to him where he was peaceably standing and slapped him in the face and ordered him out of the house Cormany went out and as he went Lynn followed him with his knife drawn and Just as Cormany passed out of the door he turned and fired and Hines fell the witness ^thought^ it was Lynn that fell the officer immediately arrested Cormany who asked what for: the officer said for killing that man. Cormany replied I told ^him^ if he drew his knife on him ^me^ again he ^I^ would kill him ^It was also proven that the Pistol with which he shot he had taken from me other means [...][...] Just a short time before the shooting^ we think it would be proper to pardon him Jan 17th 1861

Shoemaker Murdered and Robbed Near Crab Orchard, Lincoln, 1879

Previously:

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

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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]

John Jarrett Kills Buck Padgett, 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 on Padgett's hogs destroying Jarrett's corn. Padgett was returning home from work. Jarrett was armed with a double barrel shot gun. Padgett had no arms at all. Jarrett is in jail with his examining trial set for Tuesday. [1]

Jonathan Damron Kills Hayes Mullins, Rockcastle, 1897

Previously:

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[December 14, 1877] -

At the last Term of our Common Pleas Court, Charles Damron sued out a writ for the body of his son Jonathan, an infant of two years, charging that said Jonathan was unlawfully detained by its great-grandfather, Liberty Langford. Upon the hearing of the case, Judge Breckenridge gave the child to Langford, deciding that "while it was hard to deprive a father of the custody of his child, yet in the discharge of his sworn duty, the Chancelor must consult the interests of the child, which in this case impelled him to take the child from its father." [1]

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[February 1, 1897] -

SAYS IT WAS ACCIDENTAL.

John Dameron Shoots and Kills Hayes Mullins Near Mt. Vernon.

Mt. Vernon, Ky., Jan 31. -- (Special.) -- Last night, three miles from this place, John Dameron shot and killed Hayes Mullins. The story, as Dameron tells it, is that they had removed the cartridges from the pistol and had been snapping the weapon at each other. Later Mullins replaced the cartridges and laid the weapon down on a table. Dameron picked the pistol up, pointed it at Mullins and snapped it. The cartridge fired and Mullins was killed almost instantly, the ball passing in just below the neck. Dameron came in this morning and surrendered. He declares  the killing was accidental.

At the Coroner's inquest to-day it appeared from evidence of witnesses that it was a case of murder. Dameron and Mullins were at the house of Liz. Merricks. A dispute arose, when Dameron seized a pistol from a table and fired at Mullins, killing him instantly. The pistol with which Mullins was killed was his own, which he had laid down on the table. Further developments go to show that Dameron had been a suitor to the hand of a sister of Mullins and had met with considerable objection from all the family and particularly from Hayes Mullins. Dameron for the last four months has carried a commission as notary public. [2]

Man Killed Over Game of Cards, Pulaski, 1883

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[April 20, 1883] -

A negro named Lewis McIntyre was shot at Beaver Creek mines Tuesday evening by a negro who had recently arrived there from Chattanooga. McIntyre died Tuesday night from the effects of the shot. His slayer made his escape, and a large party of men started out to search for him, but up to the present writing he has not been apprehended. [1]