Beatty Wickliffe Kills Evan Warren, Boyle, 1889

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[July 23, 1889] -

DANGEROUSLY WOUNDED. 

Evan Warren Shot by Beatty Wickliffe, a Negro Hackman, at the C. S. Depot. Wickliffe also Shot by Warren. 

The Condition of Warren is Extremely Critical. 

A difficulty took place at the [Danville] depot Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock between Evan Warren and Beatty Wickliffe, in which both were probably fatally wounded. Warren was shot through and through twice. Wickliffe received a wound under the right arm and the ball has not been found. So many reports are current regarding the beginning of the trouble that we are not able to give them with any degree of accuracy further than as reported to a representative of the Advocate by Jno. Crouch, who says he saw a portion of the shooting. Said he: "The first of the trouble that I saw was after the first pistol shot was fired. I then turned around and saw Evan Warren with a pistol in his hand and Beatty Wickliffe running. In running, Wickliffe threw a negro boy on the railroad track and the incoming train came near running over him. The next I saw, Bob Mayo and Flem. Murphy had hold of Warren, having wrenched his pistol from him. My attention was then attracted by two pistol shots fired rapidly at Warren while he was held by the two parties mentioned. Warren was shot in the back. He then broke loose and ran and the third shot was fired at him by Wickliffe." Mayo claims that when Warren fired at Wickliffe they grabbed Warren to keep him from shooting, and that when Beatty Wickliffe shot they turned Warren loose. They claim they did not know that Wickliffe was near when he shot Warren. At this writing the doctors are working with the wounded men and both are regarded as dangerously wounded. This is a most unfortunate affair, and from the fact that Warren was disarmed and held while shot down, puts a bad face on the matter for those concerned in it. The difficulty was the termination of a quarrel which the parties had at noon, and in which only fists were used. 

At the time of going to press the physicians stated that Evan Warren's condition is not hopeless, but his wounds are such that his chances for recovery are one in a hundred. One of the balls passed entirely through the body, perforating the liver, while the other struck him squarely in the chest and lodged there. Wickliffe's wound is not considered dangerous. The ball entered the right arm pit and its course was checked after passing a short distance into the flesh. The ball has not been extracted, but the physician says it is near the surface. [1]

Railroad Telegraph Operator Assassinated, Boyle, 1904

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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]

Dan Kyle Kills Railroad Clerk E. W. Prentiss, Pulaski, 1876

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[March 24, 1876] -

Last Thursday morning a Mr. Prentiss, the "head clerk" on Smith's work, on the C. S. Railway, was very severely, if not fatally, cut in the abdomen, by a negro named Dan. Kyle. Kyle ran off, but was subsequently captured at King's Mountain, and brought back to this place [Somerset] and lodged in jail Thursday night. Since the above has been put in type, the unfortunate man has passed into another world -- his death occurring last Monday evening, inflammation having set in. We learn that his home was in Virginia. His remains were deposited in the cemetery at this place [Somerset], last Tuesday evening. Rev. J. R. Peeples and Elder D. Wilburn, visited Mr. Prentiss just before his death, and prayed and sung with him. He was asked if he was a christian, to which he replied in the negative, but he had been brought up in a religious family, of the Episcopalian Church. -- [Somerset Reporter.

We were well acquainted with the deceased for several years and can testify to his many virtues. Always unassuming and polite, his death by the hands of a worthless negro, was to us a very great surprise. Mr. Prentiss was from Norfolk, Va., and comes from a time honored family, whose hearts will be wrung at the news of his untimely death. --[Editor Interior Journal. [1]

Wesley McFerran Kills Railroad Hand, Pulaski, 1874

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[October 9, 1874] -

Wesley McFerron, who was brought to our town [Somerset] from Mt. Vernon, one day last week, upon a warrant for stabbing a railroad hand in our county [Pulaski], a few months since, made his escape from the guards and is now running at large. [1]

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[September 24, 1875] -

Wes. McFerrin, lies in jail under a charge of killing a negro on Cummings' work. [2]

Man Kills Neighbor in Right-of-Way Dispute, Lincoln, 1877

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[February 9, 1877] -

FIGHT. -- SHOT GUN AND PISTOLS THE WEAPONS. -- THREE MEN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. -- Last Saturday a feud that has for some time existed between Povall Sampson and Wm. Martin, culminated almost in a terrible tragedy. The ill feeling grew out of a dispute about the right of a roadway through Sampson's premises. The latter seriously objected to the road and at several points through his farm, put obstructions across it. These, Martin had, previous to the time of the fight, cut down, for which he was abused by Sampson in strong terms. He renewed the obstructions and Martin having occasion to come to town in his Spring wagon, commenced again to cut them away. He was approached by Sampson, who ordered him to desist, at the same time threatening Martin. The latter drew a pistol and told Sampson that if he came any nearer he would shoot-- Sampson remarked that he had no arms, save a barlow knife, was not afraid of Martin, and could run him off with a stick. Martin then fired several times, and finally succeeded in shooting Sampson in the breast, the ball ranging downward to the bowels, and producing a wound that was at first thought fatal. Immediately after he was shot, he called for his gun, which was handed by some one (his son it it reported.) Martin having exhausted his ammunition and seeing his danger, retreated behind his wagon, when Sampson fired, three of the buck-shot striking Martin in the breast and shoulder, and another burying itself in the leg of a man named Dunaway, who was standing at a distance. Sampson then sank down from exhaustion, and friends prevented further trouble. Both of the combatants are seriously wounded, so much so, that a trial of the case before an examining Court had to be postponed. Dunaway is suffering severely from his wound, the ball having batter itself against his shin, split and ranged around the bone into the calf. He will probably be confined for some time. [1]

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[February 9, 1877] -

DIFFICULTY. -- On last Saturday a serious, and perhaps fatal, difficulty occurred, about 4 miles from town [Stanford], in the neighborhood of Hall's Gap. It seems that Wm. Martin, who lives back of P. Sampson's farm, has been making an effort in the County Court to have a passway opened through Sampson's land for his egress and ingress to and from the pike. Sampson resisted the motion, and very bitter feelings were the result. On the morning of the 3rd inst., these parties met, as Martin was on his way through Sampson's premises to town, and the difficulty ensued. We cannot give all that passed, and perhaps it would not be proper for us to do so even if we could, for it might prejudice one party or the other. It is said that after some words Martin drew his pistol and fired, striking Sampson in the left side, just below the ribs, the ball ranging downwards and entering the stomach, producing a wound from which he died last night. After being shot he seized his gun and fired a load of buck-shot at Martin, -- three striking him, -- one on each collar bone, fracturing the left, and one in the left hand, mangling it badly. Jno. A. Dunaway, who was standing by, was accidentally struck on one leg just below the knee, breaking the bone and being itself split in two by the bone. He seems to suffer more than either of the others. Martin was arrested and is now under guard at his home. [2]



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[February 9, 1877] -

A telegram sent to his relations [in Mercer County], this morning, stated that young Sampson, recently shot in Lincoln, was dead. [3]




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[February 16, 1877] -

The young man Dunaway, who handed the gun to Mr. Sampson who shot William Martin with it, had an examining trial last Monday, and was acquitted without any trouble. The prosecution admitted that there was but little, if any evidence, tending toward his conviction as a particeps criminis. [4]

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[February 16, 1877] -

The trial of Wm. Martin, for the killing of Sampson, was called by the Examining Court, composed of Esquires Carson and Hughes, last Wednesday morning, but as the parties were not ready to proceed, the case was laid over until next Tuesday week, at which time it will be disposed of so far as the preliminary Court is concerned. The prosecution will be conducted by our County Attorney, assisted by several Attorneys from Harrodsburg. The warrant has been altered, and now charges Martin with murder in the first degree. [5]

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[February 16, 1877] -

Fearing violence at the hands of the friends of young Sampson, who was killed by Wm. Martin a few days since, the latter requested that the officers of the law should have him brought to town for safety. Consequently, he was brought here last Saturday morning, and lodged at the Myers House, under a proper guard. Mr. Martin's wounds are healing rapidly. [6]

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[March 2, 1877] -

The examining trial of Wm. Martin, for the murder of Powell Sampson, is now progressing and will probably consume tomorrow. The Commonwealth is represented by the County Attorney, Wat. Hardin, Esq., of Harrodsburg, and G. A. C. Rochester. The defendant is represented by Saufley & Warren and Capt. Welch. [7]





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[March 2, 1877] - 

The case of the Commonwealth vs. Wm. Martin, for the killing of Povall Sampson, three weeks since, occupied the Examining Court, composed of Squires Carson & Lynn, from Tuesday, till Thursday of this week. Some forty odd witnesses were summoned, at least thirty of who were examined. A great deal of interest was felt in the case and the desire for punishment of the accused by the brothers of the deceased, led to the employing of Mr. P. W. Hardin, of Harrodsburg, and Mr. G. A. C. Rochester, of this place, to assist Mr. Bobbitt, in the prosecution. Two days were consumed in the examination of witnesses, and on yesterday morning the argument was commenced by Mr. Rochester, followed by Mr. Warren, then by Mr. Hardin, then by Judge Saufley, and closed by Mr. Bobbitt. All the speeches were good, and to the point, and at the close, at a late hour yesterday afternoon, the Court, after a short consultation, decided that the case is not one of murder in the first degree, but a strong one of manslaughter, and sent him on to the Circuit Court, allowing Martin bail in the sum of $1,500. He gave the required bond with a number of responsible sureties, and is again at liberty. [8]

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[April 20, 1877] -

The Grand Jury have found indictments against the following men and their trials have been fixed for the present term on the days opposite their names:

Tom Baughman, colored, murder, 7th day.
Henry Green, horse stealing, 7th day.
Agnes Craig, grand larceny, 8th day.
Wm. Fowler, grand larceny, 9th day.
Andy Gentry, grand larceny, 9th day.
Wm. Martin, murder, 10th day.
Biff Floyd, cutting, 11th day. [9]

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[October 19, 1877] -

The case of Wm. Martin for the killing of Mr. Sampson is next on the docket and will be called this morning. [10]

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[October 26, 1877] -

Circuit Court Notes. -- Owing to the difficulty in getting the Martin Jury, and the tediousness of several minor cases, there has been but little done in this Court since our last issue. [11]

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[October 26, 1877] -

The case of William Martin for the killing of Povall Sampson in February last, has occupied the Court nearly the whole of the week. Eighty-three men were examined before the jury could be obtained, then a great many witnesses were introduced, which, added to the fact that there were six lawyers engaged, has made the case thus lengthy. The testimony was completed yesterday morning and the argument of the case begun. Messrs. P. B. Thompson, Jr., Jas. A. Alcorn, and the regular Attorney represented the Commonwealth, and Messrs. J. S. Van Winkle, W. G. Welch and M. C. Saufley, the defendant. All of them made speeches and the case was given to the jury at 5 o'clock last evening, and after a retirement of about an hour, returned a verdict of "not guilty." [11 ibid]




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[November 2, 1877] -

Since our last report, Wm. Martin, for killing Powell Sampson, has been tried and cleared. [12]




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[1] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 9, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-09/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors -- Lincoln County." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. February 9, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors -- Mercer County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. February 9, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[4] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 16, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-16/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 16, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-16/ed-1/seq-3/ (ibid)

[6] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 16, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-16/ed-1/seq-3/ (ibid)

[7] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors - Lincoln." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 2, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[8] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 2, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[9] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 20, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-04-20/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 19, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[11] Excerpts from "Circuit Court Notes." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 26, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-26/ed-1/seq-1/

[12] Excerpt from "Lincoln County." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

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Samuel Williams Kills Thomas Burns, Casey, 1876

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[May 26, 1876] -

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

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[June 2, 1876] -

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

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

Articles and Letters before/after The Battle of Mill Springs, Pulaski, 1862

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Updated 7/19/2017 with one additional source (#11).


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[December 24-26, 1861] -

Army Correspondence.

From the 17th Regiment.

The following extracts from letters of Captain Stinchcomb to his wife, we publish for the benefit of those who have friends or relatives in the 17th Regiment.

CAMP NEAR SOMERSET, KY., }
December 24, 1861. }

The Health of the Fairfield Boys.

Henry Laymen, Aston P. Berry and John W. Champman are so bad that Colonel Conneli directed us this morning to give them liberty to go home, while H. C. Hart, Daniel Johnson, Joseph Lockart, Abraham Ressley, John Dogan, John L. Elder, Elisha Hall, Wm. Barr, are all in the hospital. In addition, Thomas and Charles Shrieves are both taking medicine. Jams Hindman, Edward Thompson, William C. Holiday, Sargent Sears, George W. Spittler, Eli Tipple, John E. Sane, Joseph Delong and Enoch Berry, are sick at quarters. Many of the above, though sick, are able to perform duty. I will write to you each day in regard to the condition of the sick, and you will endeavor to inform the relations, by sending them word directly, or by publishing the above in the Gazette.

(The friends and relatives of the above named can learn all about their health, by calling upon Mrs. Stinchcomb as she will get letters every day from Captain Stinchcomb. -- Eds.)

Dec. 26, 1861. -- CHRISTMAS IN CAMP.

Christmas is over and we had quite a fine "Turkey and Chicken" dinner. We had 29 Turkeys and 28 Chicken. We invited all the Field Officers and Captains, and nearly all the Lieutenants, and any number of the boys. There were about 300 at our dinner, and we had plenty although at 10 o'clock we were informed that we had neither bread nor meal to bake bread of, but as soon as we learned this fact, Lieutenant Ashbrook, Sargent Ruffner, Corporal McNaughten and myself, and several others started out on a foraging expedition to the country to buy bread and meal. We soon found two and a half bushels of corn meal, and by half past 12 o'clock we had so much good corn bread as 500 men could eat. Enoch Shumaker baked three pones on the stove. I got a flat or "Dutch" oven and baked five Virginia Corn cakes -- which were pronounced by good judges, excellent. The balance we hired the negroes in Somerset to bake for us.

After dinner Lieutenant Colonel More, Captain Philips of the First Tennessee, Lieutenant Graten of the 38th, Captain Jackson and Captain Frye of the 31st Ohio, and Captain Fullerton, each made short appropriate speeches, filling the boys with enthusiasm. We then sung songs and adjourned with three cheers.

I never saw a Christmas pass over with so little drunkenness as there was in the 17th Regiment. I saw none drunk, although I learned there were three who got "How come you so." The boys were allowed to have as much liquor as they wanted, under a promise from all that none would get drunk, and I am proud to say that so far as the 17th is concerned, with the exception above, their promise was strictly and faithfully kept.

We now begin to feel the effects of the hard march from London and the exposure of the boys, in the shape of death, the 17th has lost seven by death and will lose a number more, probably 50 to 75 are dangerously sick.

It is enough to sicken the stoutest heart to hear the boys cough when awakened in the night and called into line. There will be, probably, one-half of the Regiment coughing at the same time, yet each trying to restrain his cough. We hope to be able to rest here, or at some point, a sufficient length of time, that the men of the Regiment may recruit their health.

The men have improved in health rapidly since we have been here. As to myself I have never had better health than at present. About the time of our exposure I caught a severe cold, and at one time I thought I would be sick, but by keeping close to quarters and using stews and hoarhound tea, I soon got rid of my cold, and in a short time found myself in good health.

THE PROSPECT OF A FIGHT.

I don't look for a fight now, unless, we attack the enemy, which will not be done, unless, we get force enough to make our victory sure. In which event you will hear of a victory, such as General Pope is said to have achieved in Missouri. I am not at liberty to give the details or places, but I think you may prepare yourself to hear of a battle and a victory before long, not a thousand miles from Gen. Schoephff's column.

HEALTH.

Noah Sites is apparently better this morning, though he is so low that it is difficult to ascertain his true condition. He is the only one of my boys that is dangerous, who are at present in our camp.

Frank Shoemaker of Company A, accidently shot off his right fore finger this morning. Company C, buried another of the boys this morning. He took colic and the Surgeon sent him a vial of laudanum to take in doses, and his comrade gave him too much, and from the effect of it he died yesterday morning. I find that nearly every death that has occurred has been the result of carelessness to some extent, either in eating too much or exposure unnecessarily.

JAMES W. STINCHCOMB. [1]

Description of Stagecoach Journey From Stanford to Somerset, 1871

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[July 30, 1871] -

THE ROUTE OF THE RAILROAD

Correspondent Cincinnati Commercial

SOMERSET, PULASKI CO., KY., July 30, 1871.

AN ALL DAY'S JOURNEY.

Big things have been going on at Stanford the past week. The County Fair was held and a newspaper started. This paper is called the Democrat, and is Democratic in politics, but it is not sufficiently impressed with the shortness of life, for it has this paragraph: "We publish today a letter from Hon. A. H. Stephens on the New Departure. It is worth reading." 

The fair being over, people naturally enough wanted to go home, and this crowded the Somerset stage[coach] to its utmost capacity. I got on top with three others and a nigger. It was a hot place. Even the nigger sweat great drops of perspiration, and said in his agony that he would never go to another fair. The heat suffocated us, the sun scorched us, and the dust choked us. It had not rained for weeks, and all things seemed to have conspired to make us miserable. Philosophy states that black draws heat, and philosophy is quite correct. The top of the stage was covered with black carpet bags, black bundles, and the nigger was a very black one. The only things on the stage not black were my boots. To make our condition still more desperate, if that was possible, an insane man put a black dog into a black box and put it upon the black coach for the black nigger to sit on. The dog would not accept the temperature of the situation, and howled, and clawed, and foamed at the mouth, and wanted to come out among the other passengers, which would have been pleasant, as the whole top of the coach was no longer than the top of an ordinary cooking stove, and about as hot as one while a 4th of July dinner is being cooked.

Then the road was a dear piece of human ingenuity. During war times the Government had laid ten or twelve miles of it with corduroy, ever which the coach jolted about as it would over cross ties, laid far enough apart to let in the wheels a comfortable jolting distance.

Train Passenger Kills Station Agent Without Provocation, Lincoln, 1907

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Thank you to Rick, descendant of J.W. Acton (mentioned in source #2 as a witness), for bringing this case to my attention.

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[September 20, 1907] -

UNUSUAL KILLING

Harvey Watts Killed Depot Agent at Kings Mountain, but is Unable to Account for His Action.

Danville, Ky., Sept. 19. -- At four o'clock this afternoon Harvey Watts, a lumberman representing a Tennessee firm, walked into the passenger depot at Kings Mountain and placing his grip upon the floor called Agent W. B. Vandiver and asked him to open it. Vandiver complied with the request and Watts took a pistol from the grip, remarking, "now you have opened the grip, I will open you." He fired, and the ball penetrated Vandiver's head, killing him instantly.

Watts fled to the Knobs north of King's Mountain. Vandiver was a native of Harrodsburg, Ky., and belongs to a prominent family. An officer later found Watts hiding in a hollow stump. He offered no resistance. When questioned about the murder he stated that he had never before seen Vandiver and was unable to account for his action. Watts was taken to the Stanford jail for safekeeping. [1]

Boy Shot and Killed While Trying to Board Train, Pulaski/McCreary, 1909

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[November 29, 1909] -

BOY SHOT

WHILE TRYING TO BOARD TRAIN.

One Man is Arrested For the Killing When Another Admits He Fired Bullet.

(Special to the Leader.)

DANVILLE, KY., Nov. 29. -- Starling Litton of Greenwood, Pulaski county, is under arrest in this city, it being alleged that he shot and killed the 10-year-old son of Tilford, Shadowan of Burnside, Ky., Friday afternoon. The boy, according to the statements of those who are informed as to the circumstances of the killing, attempted to board a freight train. A shot was fired and he fell from the moving cars mortally injured. Richard Smith of Danville, was arrested and charged with the shooting, but after his arrest Litton appeared and admitted the shooting. He claims that it was accidental as he only shot to scare the boy. He will have his examining trial this week. [1]

Man and Officer Argue, Fall From Moving Train, Rockcastle, 1887

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[December 27, 1887] -

HORRIBLE TRAGEDY.

An Officer in Charge of a Prisoner Called Out of the Car and Shot.

MT. VERNON, Ky., Dec. 27. -- Bal Chumley Saturday, in Laurel County, arrested Hugh McHargue, who was charged with the seduction of a young girl at Pine Hill, Ky. He started on the train with him for this place Sunday. When he arrived at Livingston Walter Mullins, one of McHargue's friends, boarded the train against the protestations of his friends. The train had not run far when, nearing a tunnel which opens out on the bridge over Round Stone creek, Mullins entered the car, and slapping Chumley on the shoulder, told him a man wanted to see him out on the platform quick. Chumley went out, carrying his Winchester with him. After reaching the platform, witnesses say that a discussion ensued, and the report of arms aroused all passengers. Mullins was shot through the hand, and Chumley through the foot. Both fell from the moving train off the bridge, a distance of about thirty feet. The train was at once stopped and backed up to the scene. Both men were found dead, Mullins with his neck broken and Chumley with his head all torn to pieces, making it difficult to tell whether he was shot in the head or not, but it is supposed he was, as his brains were found upon the car steps. In the confusion McHargue escaped and his whereabouts is still a mystery. [1]

One Killed in Quarrel Between Horsebus Drivers, Pulaski, 1886

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[December 21, 1886] -

Still another fatal shooting occurred in Somerset, Beddow, the driver of a rival bus line, firing a centre shot into Hodgecraft, another driver. [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]

One Killed in Sheriff's Posse Standoff, Rockcastle, 1885

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[January 8, 1885] -

WHISKY AND BLOOD.

The Liquor Men of Livingston Stand Out Against the Late Prohibitory Law.

They Release One of Their Brotherhood From the Custody of County Officers.

And Defy the Authorities to Enforce the Enactment of the General Assembly.

The Result a Clash of Citizens and Sheriff, One Man Being Killed and Others Wounded.

THE END NOT YET COME.

[Special to the Courier-Journal.]

MT. VERNON, KY., Jan. 7. -- There is serious trouble in this county between the whisky dealers and the officials, and to-night the devil is to pay at Livingston, a railroad station on Rockcastle river, the junction of the Kentucky Central railroad with the Knoxville branch. For years there has been a local prohibition law in this county, and latterly the majority sentiment of the people has opposed the law. Last winter, however, the Legislature repealed the old law and passed another much more stringent in its application. At the same time the criminal code was so amended that a Magistrate was given the power to call persons before him and inquire of them, under oath, if any offenses against the law had been committed within their knowledge. The new plan was inaugurated by the County Judge of this county, and the County Court came to be known as a perpetual grand jury. Citizens from all parts of the county were brought into court and made to give information under oath concerning the misdeeds of their fellow-men. In spite of this surveillance, the whisky traffic blossomed like an aloe-tree. Whisky was sold in all parts of the county, and especially at Livingston, where eight saloons did a thriving business.

During the holidays the County Judge summoned S. H. Thompson and T. T. Wallace, two citizens of this town, to testify before him concerning the sale of intoxicants, carrying pistols, and so forth. These witnesses declined to testify, and were accordingly adjudged to be guilty of a contempt. They were assessed with a fine of $2.50 each and ordered to be imprisoned in the county jail for six hours. They paid their fines, went to jail and on their release at once brought suit against the County Judge, County Attorney and County Jailer and their bondsmen for $10,000 each. In the opinions of many prominent attorneys these suits can be maintained, while others say the County Judge did not exceed his powers by punishing the witnesses.

About the same time, or just before these suits were filed, there came to this place from Livingston one J. W. Goff, who has for years been engaged in illegal whisky traffic in this county and Laurel county. He opened a saloon there, but enjoyed a brief career. In a few days he was arrested on eleven bench warrants from the Laurel Circuit Court. The officer and posse started with Goff to London; when the train reached Livingston Goff was rescued by a party of friends said to be composed of James Burton, Henry Burton, Fred. Shuck, George Thompson, Mart. Goff, and others. Since then Goff has been at large, but not left this county. He is supposed to be hiding in the woods near Pine Hill. Warrants of arrest were issued against James Burton, Powell, Barlow, Mart. Goff and Fred. Shuck, charged with the offense of forcibly rescuing a prisoner. These warrants were placed in the hands of James White, Deputy Sheriff, and he went to-day to Livingston to execute them. The Burton boys have a whisky saloon at Livingston, and the officer found his men in this saloon. Attempting to enter, the door was closed in his face, and he was told that if he forced his way in he would be shot. Some reports say there were as many as ten men in the saloon, some of them negroes. The officer summoned a posse and surrounded the saloon, a little cabin in a field just beyond the railroad depot. The men persisted in refusing to surrender, and White, leaving his posse to guard the place, went to the depot and telegraphed to H. H. Baker, Sheriff of this [Rockcastle] county, at this place, to come to his relief with recruits. Baker, accompanied by ten men armed with shot-guns and pistols, went down on the train which passes here [Mt. Vernon] at 3 o'clock. Before Baker started the excitement here was running high and the reports from Livingston were to the effect that the denizens of that locality were anxious and expectant.

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]

Somerset Mayor T. R. Griffin Helps Foil Train Robbery Attempt, Pulaski, 1895

T. R. Griffin was acting mayor of Somerset, elected in 1894, when he helped stop this train robbery which took place on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad near Tunnel No. 9, in modern day McCreary County. Here is a webpage that has recent photographs of Tunnel No. 9. 

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[March 27, 1895] -

SIX BANDITS

Hold Up the Cincinnati Southern Fast Florida Special

At Tunnel No. 9, Seventeen Miles Below Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky.

One Was Shot Dead, Another Paid the Penalty Two Hours Later and a Third Will Die.

The Messengers and Railroad Officers Were Well Prepared for the Attack.

The Citizens of Greenwood, Ky., Do Not Recognize the Bold Wretches.

The Train Messenger Is Daniel Laseke, Who Lives on Seventh Street, Cincinnati.

There Was a Terrific Fight Between the Robbers and Trainmen.

Railroad Detective Griffin Did the Most Telling Work With His Revolver.

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A sensational attempt was made about 2 a.m. Wednesday to rob the fast Florida special on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, in the vicinity of Greenwood, Pulaski County, Kentucky.

Two of the robbers were killed by train agents, and another was severely wounded and will die.

The train was No. 3, which left Cincinnati Tuesday at 8 p.m. for the South.

The attempt was made by a gang of six.

The engineer was signaled to stop, and did so. 

Part of the gang stood guard over the engineer and fireman while the others proceeded to effect an entrance.

The train agents were prepared however, and gave them a hot reception.

Jeff Mercer Kills Hopkins Foster, Pulaski, 1874

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A group of men gathered at the Greenwood Hotel in order to investigate a rumor involving a black railroad worker and the daughter of a white railroad contractor named Clark. The meeting escalated into a drunken melee in which at least two people were injured. Factions involved in the fight left to obtain additional arms from different locations and return to fighting. When one party was returning, a man named Hopkins B. Foster who had not been involved in the melee (but worked for the railroad with some of those that were) tried to stop further fighting, but due to his "rashness" was shot and killed by Rev. T. J. Mercer.

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[June 1, 1874] -

Trouble at Point Isabel.--One Man Killed and Two Wounded.

On Monday, last, a young man by the name of Walters was sent for and brought to the "Point" that he might make an explanation regarding certain remarks that he had circulated in the neighborhood about a young lady whose name he did not know. He was taken to a room by two of the Clarks and others who felt themselves aggrieved, where they met Jeff Mercer, who was there by accident quietly whittling, knowing nothing of any remarks having been made, or that there was a difficulty brewing. After reaching the room an explanation was demanded, when Walters, who is a nephew of Mercer, commenced by repeating what he had previously stated, when he was knocked down with a chair and badly beaten by two of the Clarks and perhaps others. Mercer, of course, attempted to release his nephew from his assailants, when he was also knocked down and otherwise maltreated; and while leaving the room he was shot at four or five times, none of the balls, however, taking effect. Mercer went home, a short distance from the Point, and soon returned to the scene of the late conflict, when he was accosted thus by Foster, "You had better go home; or you had better leave here, you d--d coward, and not be slipping around in the bushes trying to kill our men." Mercer being in no mood to receive such an insult--his blood being hot--boiling with rage and excitement over the treatment inflicted upon himself and nephew, replied by saying: "I'll show you whether or not I am a d--d coward," leveled his gun and fired at Foster, who was over a hundred yards distant, the ball taking effect just below the nipple, killing him instantly. In the me[a]ntime the other parties who were engaged in the first difficulty had taken refuge in safe quarters. After the killing Mercer reloaded his gun and went to the place where the unfortunate Foster had fallen, saw that he was dead, and walked quietly away.

This is certainly one of the most unfortunate and deplorable difficulties that ever took place in our county.

Foster, who was killed, was married in [?] [?] [leaves a] young wife, who fainted after hearing of the tragic end of her husband and is yet in a critical condition. Deeply do we sympathize with her in this her saddest of all bereavements. Her husband was not engaged in the difficulty with young Walters an how unfortunate that he spoke to Mercer in such a manner, he being in so terrible a rage.

The Clarks are railroad contractors and work near the Point. Foster was in their employ.

Jeff Mercer is a man well-known in our county, and highly respected as a clever gentleman and a minister of the Gospel.

About fifteen shots were fired in the first difficulty, in which old man Clark and one of his hands by the name of Dunn were wounded, the former with a knife, the latter by a pistol shot, both slight.

Old man Clark, the contractor, has the reputation also of being a clever gentleman, and, we learn, regrets the difficulty as much as any other good man, and boldly asserts that he is not to blame. Work on his sections was stopped but for a short time, and our latest advice is "all quiet at the Point."

The foregoing facts and circumstances we have from disinterested parties, from which we must condemn both parties, and by no means can we condemn the one and approve the conduct of the other.

The worst and saddest feature in the case is the killing of an innocent man, which must forever destroy the happiness of one our best citizens, who has permitted the evil of sudden heat and passion to [?] his better judgment.

None of the parties engaged in the difficulties [have?] yet been arrested. [1]

Q. & C. Brakeman Kills Section Foreman, 1910

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[January 11, 1910] -

SECTION FOREMAN SHOT AND MAY DIE

Warrant Issued for Brakeman Charging Him With the Crime.

(Special To The Herald.)

SOMERSET, Ky., Jan 10.-- William McKee section foreman was shot four times at Sloans' Valley about 6 o'clock Sunday night.  A passenger train had just pulled in and McKee was standing in the crowd on the station platform, when a man approached in the dark and without removing his pistol from his overcoat pocket fired.  Four shots took effect in McKee's abdomen.  The assassin ran off in the darkness, pursued by Deputy Sheriff Holloway, who fired three times at him but failed to catch him or to wound him. 

A warrant was issued Monday for Luther Sharpe a brakeman charging him with the shooting.  It is said that Sharpe mistook McKee for Walker.

Sharpe and Walker are young men.  McKee is about fifty years old and has been section foreman for twenty years.  He is at his home and is not expected to live. [1]

L&N Master Mechanic Kills Master of Trains, 1903

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[October 26, 1903] -

TRAGEDY IN BATH HOUSE

B. N. Roller Was Killed With His Own Pistol

DISARMED IN THE FIGHT

The Principals Were Officials of the L. & N. Railroad at Livingston and Clashes of Authority Provoked Ill Feeling that Resulted in the Fatal Affray Yesterday.

MT. VERNON, Ky., Oct. 25.-- (Special.)-- B. N. Roller, master of trains of the Livingston division of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, was shot and instantly killed at Livingston this afternoon by A. N. Bentley, master mechanic.  Roller was shot five times and any three of the wounds would have proven fatal.  The first  intimation of the shooting was when Bentley gave himself up to the Town Marshall with the statement that he had killed Roller in self defense.  A crowd of men went to the bath house where the shooting occurred.  No pistol or other weapon was found near Roller.  Bentley claims that he was unarmed when Roller attacked him and that in the scuffle he took Roller's pistol and shot him with his own weapon.

Bad feelings had existed between the two men for a year and a half.  They were continually quarreling over a clash of authority, each claiming that the other was encroaching on his authority.  They first met at the pumping station this afternoon and engaged in a quarrel.  Their discussion was heated, but both calmed down apparently and Bentley went down to the bath house, several hundred feet distant.  He was shortly afterward followed by Roller.  The quarrel was here renewed with fatal results.  Bentley claims that Roller pulled his pistol and in the scuffle he succeeded in getting hold of it and shot Roller.

Roller was 48 years old and was married, but had no children.  He moved to Livingston from Marion county and rose  from section foreman at Lebanon to the position of master of trains.

Bentley  has a wife and five children and is 50 years old.  He will be brought here for examining trial tomorrow morning.

Both men were prominent in railroad circles. [1]

Profile of Somerset, KY in the Lexington Herald, 1906

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[Feb 4, 1906] -

Somerset, the county seat of Pulaski county, is a good type of the enterprising and progressive cities which are now growing up more rapidly than ever before in the mountains of Eastern and Central Kentucky.  Within the last few years these small cities have taken a new lease of life and by reason of the infusion of new capital and development of the enterprises and natural resources of the respective counties have increased in population and wealth enormously.

Somerset is a division point on the Queen and Crescent railway, situated about 161 miles from Cincinnati and 177 miles from Chattanooga.  The nearest city of any size is Lexington, from which it is distant 82 miles.  In point of years, Somerset is one of the oldest towns in Kentucky, having been first settled in 1799.  But its growth in population was exceedingly slow.  It was incorporated as a city in 1887.  The slowness of that growth will be seen from the fact that at the close of the civil war it had a population of only 700.  The first indication of its recent progress dates from 1877, when the Queen and Crescent railway was completed: then it numbered 1,200.