Shaking Paper

Wiliam Sellers, E. B. Kennedy, and The 'Lancaster Riot', Garrard, 1874

2023-06-29T22:04:00.018-04:00

This post is a work in progress, but it's been such a long work in progress (picked up and put down again for at least three years if not more) I'm worried about losing all the work on it I've done so far, so I'm publishing it now and I'll work on it more later....

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Leads I have not had time to follow up on:

- Separate out the out-of-state articles to insure I have located all Louisville Courier Journal, Danville Advocate, and Stanford Interior Journal articles (mostly separated out the out of state articles, haven't checked for continuity for each paper)
- Check governor's letters

- check Cincinnati papers prior to Sept 4 for a statement published by Sellers

- look into 1874 U.S. District Louisville suffrage case filed by Luther Jackman against Eb. Kennedy
- check Louisville federal court case files, Sellers sued 20+ people over the burning of his house

- Sellers moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, maybe check Indiana papers
- Sellers father allegedly participated in the Hill-Evans Feud (https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=70793648)
- See: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/KYGARRAR/2010-09/1285606822

- look into this article from an out-of-state paper, four years after the 'Riot', exaggerates many details, but may provide leads on Kennedy family genealogy. "A Family of Murderers." The Stark County Democrat, Canton, OH. January 17, 1878. Page 7. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84028490/1878-01-17/ed-1/seq-7/

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[] "The Case of Robt. Salter." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 27, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 27, 1871] -

THE CASE OF ROBT. SALTER

A Sample of the Suits Brought Against White Men by Negroes

From the Louisville Ledger.

In the United States Court yesterday the case of the United States vs. Robert Salter came up for trial. This was a prosecution under the Civil Rights act of 1866, charging the defendant with having assaulted one Moses Doty, a man of color, in Garrard county, Ky. The only witness introduced by the government was the said Moses, who stated in substance that on the morning of the August election, 1871, just before day, the defendant, with some other person, to the witness unknown, came to his (Moses') house, and brandished a pistol over him, and threatened him with death in case he voted at the election to be held that day; yet, notwithstanding all this, Moses voted.

Upon cross-interrogation witness stated that the stars were shining, and he distinctly recognized the defendant, who stood in the rear of the unknown man, though Salter neither spoke, took hold of or struck him, and there was no light in the house. He stated further that William Sellers, of Garrard county, Ky., had told the witness that if the jury should find a verdict against defendant in this case that the fine would be $5,000, and that Moses would get one half of it. These facts were drawn from Moses with the greatest difficulty, first saying that he did not know anything about it, then that he hardly knew Mr. Sellers, but being hard pressed by counsel for defence he acknowledged in full, and admitted that he knew Sellers well, and that he (Sellers) had been present in court during almost the whole of last week, and witness had had frequent conversations with him about the case during that time.

Defendant introduced four intelligent, honest, good-looking, black men, who all concurred in their testimony, stating that together with Moses Doty and others, they had been together the night of the alleged assault; that during the whole night it was very dark and continuously raining until day-light; that it was impossible for them, they being together, to recognize each other a few feet, except by the voice; two of them went to Mr. Salter's just before day-light and found him at home. Here defendant offered to prove that these witnesses were out watching for Ku-klux; that a party of men came from the direction of Moses Doty's; stopped at John Burdett's, threatened him, went on down the creek, and witnesses followed, keeping the K. K.'s in sight; that the K. K.'s passed Salter's gate; witness went on to Salter's, and found him at home, waked him up, and told him what had occurred, and asked his advice as to what they should do, and Salter told them "it was only an electioneering trick and to go on and vote." To this evidence the District Attorney objected. The court sustained the objection and excluded the evidence from the jury. After being instructed in the law of the case by his Honor Judge Ballard the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." The jury were evidently impressed with the unfavorable personal appearance of the government witness, and his reluctance to state Hon. Wm. Sellers' connection with the case, (who by the way is the radical representative elect of the county,) and strengthened, no doubt by the bold and manly appearance of the defendant who is one of the first citizens of Garrard. -- W. D. Hopper, of Lancaster, and Harlan and Newman were attorneys for the defendant. []

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[] "A Card from Mr. Wm. Sellers." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 17, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[November 17, 1871] -

A CARD FROM MR. WM. SELLERS.

THE TESTIMONY IN THE CASE OF THE UNITED STATES VS. ROBERT SALTER.

Lancaster, October 28th.

Editors Louisville Commercial:

In your paper of the 25th instant, under the head of "Reports of Proceedings in the United States Court," I find that Moses Doty stated, in the case of the United States against Robert Salter, that I told him "the fine against Salter would be $5,000, and he would be entitled to one-half of it."

I would have answered this matter, or, in other words, would have contradicted it before this, but did not reach home until the evening of the 27th instant, at which time I returned from the meeting of the Grand Lodge I. O. O. F. at Bowling Green.

I ask that you and the editors of the Courier-Journal and Ledger will give this communication the same publicity you have given the report alluded to.

I here denounce the statement of Doty as a base falsehood, untrue in every particular, and without any foundation whatever.

On the morning of the August election, 1870, Moses Doty came to and told me that the night before a party of men came to his house, and with drawn pistols in their hands, told him if he voted the Republican ticket they would take his life, and that on that morning some individuals had offered to buy his vote, I told him not to sell his vote, but to vote his sentiments, that I did not think he would be injured for it. As to advising him to indict or interrupt Robert Salter, I did no such thing and any statement intimating any such thing on my part is maliciously untrue.

I will now explain my presence at the United States Court. Being under bond for my appearance on the 11th instant as a witness in the case of the United States vs. Jack Grimes, and others, I went to Louisville, and was held over until the 12th instant, at which time I obtained leave to return home by standing on my bond for appearance again on the 17th instant. I returned on the 13th instant, and again went to Louisville on the 17th, and remained until 2:30 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, at which time I was discharged, and there being no train upon which I could return on that day, I consequently remained over until the next morning, the 21st day of October, on which day I returned home. For the proof of these statements, I refer to the witness book of the United States Court, to Mr. Meriwether (the clerk), and to the bond under which I was held. On the 23d instant I started to attend the Grand Lodge spoken of, as a representative of Franklin Lodge No. 7. I. O. O. F., and after reaching Louisville and eating my dinner, I went around to the court room on business entirely disconnected with Moses Doty or Robert Salter; and after remaining a short time, I went over to Jeffersonville to see Mr. Coleman Hicks, in regard to the sale of some patents; and on the 9:30 train left Louisville for Bowling Green. I refer to Mr. Hicks in regard to this matter.

I admit I had conversations with Moses Doty, and I will now state the substance of those conversations: On the 18th and 19th inst., said Doty approached me and asked me on one occasion to point out to him the Prosecuting Attorney, which I did; and on the other occasion asked me where he should remain until the case came up, and I pointed out to him the Deputy United States Marshal, and told him to see that gentleman, and he would tell him all about it.

This is about all I said to Moses. As to conversing with him about Robert Salter's case, and advising him in regard to that matter, I deny any such conversation. I said greatly more to Robert Salter about the case than I did to Moses.

This statement I make, not that I stand in any fear whatever, but simply to make known the truth, and let an honest public place their own construction upon it.

WILLIAM SELLERS. []

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[] "..." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 7, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 7, 1874] -

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[] "Lancaster, Ky." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 10, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 10, 1874] -

LANCASTER, KY.

Reported Attempt to Assassinate E. B. Kennedy by the Hon. William Sellers.

(Special Dispatch from the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 8. -- Intelligence was received here this morning from Lancaster, Garrard county, of an attempt on the part of William Sellers to assassinate E. B. Kennedy, recently a candidate for Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court. As the story runs, Sellers approached Kennedy about 9 o'clock last night, laid his left hand on his shoulder, and said, "How are you, Uncle Eb?" As he uttered these words, he fired a pistol with his right hand, which brought Kennedy to the ground. He then fired a second shot, disappeared, and has not been seen since. The first shot struck a thick memorandum book in Kennedy's pocket and glanced off. The second inflicted a slight flesh wound in the right side. My information is that there has been no previous quarrel between the men. Sellers has represented his county for two terms in the lower branch of the State Legislature; and many persons here of both political parties, to whom he is well known, find it difficult to believe that he could be guilty of the attempted assassination detailed above. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster, KY." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 12, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 12, 1874] -

LANCASTER, KY.

Hon Wm. Sellers' Statement of the Affair with E. B. Kennedy.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 11. -- In my dispatch which appeared in your issue of the 10th inst. I gave what I understood to be the version of Mr. E. B. Kennedy in regard to the rencounter between him and Hon. Wm. Sellers in Lancaster on the night of the 7th inst. From a gentleman just from Lancaster, I understand the following to be Mr. Sellers' statement:

After closing his store about nine o'clock, and when on his way to his residence, he met Kennedy, whom he spoke to, saying "How are you, Uncle Eb?"

Kennedy replied that he intended to kill several men about town, and that he (Sellers) was one of the number.

Sellers then caught the pistol which was pointed at him, and in the tussle for its possession it was discharged. Sellers then fired at Kennedy, the shot bringing him to the ground, the ball, however being diverted from its course by a thick memorandum book in Kennedy's pocket. Sellers then proceeded to his home.

I understand that the friends of both parties are trying to prevent a renewal of the difficulty, and with hopes of success. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 14, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 14, 1874] -

A difficulty occurred last Friday night, in this place, between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy, in which the former fired two shots at the latter, but without effect. There are a variety or rumors in circulation about the trouble, and with regard to which serious apprehensions are entertained by the friends of both parties. We do not think it proper to publish any detailed statement of the affair, inasmuch as the matter will doubtless undergo a legal investigation at the proper time. []

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[] "Statement from Hon. Wm. Sellers." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 17, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 17, 1874] -

Statement from Hon. Wm. Sellers.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 11, 1874.

In your issue of the 10th inst. is a special dispatch from Danville, Ky., entitled, "Reported Attempt to Assassinate E. D. Kennedy by the Hon. Wm. Sellers," and setting forth such attempted assassination.

A sense of duty to myself prompts me to say the dispatch alluded to is false in every respect.

On last Friday night, about 9 o'clock, while on my way from my store to my dwelling, I was approached by Mr. Kennedy with a drawn pistol. He asked, "Who are you?" I responded, "Sellers." I then told him not to shoot; that I had nothing against him. His only reply was a persistence to take my life. I drew my pistol, cocked it, and grasped his hand with my left hand, and still begged him to desist. Finding that he would not desist, but still attempted to shoot me, and finding that I was physically unable to hold his pistol with one hand, I grasped his hand with both mine, and in the struggle that ensured, my pistol was accidently discharged. He then broke loose from me and I fired at him, whereupon he fell, and I, supposing that I had struck him, and fearing that his friends (a number of whom were in town) would come upon me and give me no chance for my life, left the town and remained away until the following Sunday morning, when I returned and have been at home since. Mr Kennedy had been drinking pretty freely that evening. I, as usual, was perfectly sober. His residence is situated in the east part of the town, and mine in the north, and yet he was in my direct line home.

No one deplores more deeply than I the unhappy occurrence. Mr. Kennedy and myself have been friends in the past, and great was my astonishment at his action. I feel confident that my friends at home and abroad, who know me to have always been a peaceable and quiet man, will not believe the foul misrepresentations of the dispatch mentioned.

As an act of simple justice, I ask you to publish this communication.

Respectfully, WILLIAM SELLERS. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[August 21, 1874] -

We learn through private correspondence that a shooting affray occurred in Lancaster Wednesday night at 8 1/2 o'clock, in which several citizens were wounded. William Kennedy was shot in the left side, though not dangerously. Griffin in the leg. Dr. Stephen Burdett was shot in the leg and had it badly broken while dressing the wound of Ross Smith, m. c., who had been shot in the affray. Thursday morning the negroes were parading the streets carrying their guns. The source from which we get our information does not give the cause of the difficulty, or further light in reference to the afair other than given above. []

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[] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors - Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1874] -

FIGHTING. -- The war department was opened out last night with continued fighting, until morning, between a party of men at the Court House, and supposed to be negroes at the entrances of Danville and Lexington streets. There were no very serious results. Dr. S. L. Burdett was very painfully wounded in the leg and thigh, by a load of buck shot, while attending to a negro, Boss Smith, who received a slight wound. Wm. Kennedy and Geo. Griffin was shot through the door of the "Glass House," but neither wound is considered serious. Considerable excitement prevails this morning and serious apprehensions are entertained for the final result. Knowing nothing of the affair more than current reports this morning, I can but give a summary report. []

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[] "The Trouble in Lancaster." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1874] -

THE TROUBLE IN LANCASTER.

PARTICULARS OF THE SHOOTING WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

SERIOUS APPREHENSIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

In addition to what is furnished by our Lancaster Reporter, we have gathered more particulars with regard to the trouble in that town, from a gentleman who was there on Wednesday night. Since the affair between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy apprehension has been felt that the trouble was likely to be renewed at any time by the friends of each. On Wednesday night, about 8:45, when 'Squire Fred Yeakey, (son-in-law of E. B. Kennedy,) was crossing the public square a volley was fired at him by a party concealed behind the old ruins on the western side of the square or from behind a row of barrels on Storm's corner. Boss Smith, a negro who was with him, was shot. The fire was returned by Yeakey, and a number of shots were fired on either side. The negro was taken to the Court House and Dr. S. L. Burdett was sent for to dress his wounds. When the latter, with some friends, was about to enter the Court House, another volley was fired from the ruins or the corner, striking Dr. B. and breaking his leg and wounding him in two other places. At this fire Geo. Griffin, a white boy, was also shot in the leg, a slight wound. On the opposite side of the square, Wm. Kennedy received a shot while standing in the Glass House, inflicting a slight wound in the breast. Dr. Huffman was sent for to dress. Dr. Burdett's wounds, and went with a guard of four U.S. soldiers. After he had performed his work, and the party were returning across the square with Dr. Burdett on a mattress, still another volley was fired at them, and Dr. B. was again wounded in the side. These were all the casualities reported, although the firing was continued until 3 o'clock in the morning, at irregular intervals. Great excitement prevailed in Lancaster yesterday, (Thursday,) morning, when our informant left, and the apprehension was general that more blood would flow before the end was reached. []

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[] "The Lancaster Outrages." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 22, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 22, 1874] -

THE LANCASTER OUTRAGES.

The Troops Withdrawn and the Town Filled With Armed Negroes -- A House Riddled with Bullets and Set Fire to.

Another Man and a Child Shot.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 21, 1874. -- The war at Lancaster still rages. Last night Mr. E. D. Kennedy's residence was attacked and, as my informant expresses it, completely riddled by balls. Mr. Kennedy's little grandchild, who was in bed with its grandmother, was struck in the head by a spent ball. Mr. Kennedy was absent from home at the time, waiting on his cousin who was wounded on the night of the 19th instant.

This morning about daylight as Yeakey, who is in some way connected with Kennedy's family, was coming into town, he was fired on and wounded in the leg.

From a reliable source[,] I learn this evening that Kennedy's house was set on fire at 2 o'clock to-day by an incendiary, but that the flames were suppressed before much damage was done; that some United States troops who had been endeavoring to keep order during the day, had withdrawn to their barracks; that the town was full of armed men, and that a fight was likely to commence at any moment. I also learn that the medical attendants of Dr. Stephen Burdett, who was wounded on the night of the 19th inst., think he will not recover.

PAYING A DEBT WITH COLD LEAD.

Danville had a little shooting scrape of her own to-night, the participants therein being colored. Doc. Burnet owed Billy Robinson two dollars. Billy asked him for it. This was more than the eminent physician could bear, so he seized a musket loaded with shot, and emptied it into Robinson's back. The extent of the wounded man's injuries is not known at present. []

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[IBID] "The Lancaster Outrages -- Another Account." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 22, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 22, 1874] -

Another Account.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 21. -- The latest advices from Lancaster intimate that the war is still raging.

From a reliable gentleman who arrived at this place (Stanford) at five o'clock P. M., I gather the following statement: Last night E. D. Kennedy's house was fired on nearly the whole night. To-day, about one o'clo[c]k P. M., an effort was made to set fire to it, and it is supposed that negroes did it.

Fred. Yeakey (deputy clerk and son-in-law of Kennedy, the clerk, and woudned man who was shot by Sellers on his way to the clerk's office) was shot, but only slightly wounded.

At night some one, or crowd of men, shot into Kennedy's house and wounded a grandson of his, aged about nine years. The wound is thought to be slight. It is in the head.

It is said that the United States soldiers who had been protecting the people were withdrawn, but by whose orders we can not learn.

The negroes are all well-armed and are parading the streets unmolested, as all fear to offer any resistance.

It is said that, after the excitement shall have subsided, the names of the ring-leaders of this shameless mob will be given and the guilty parties arrested. The peaceful citizens have fled to this and other towns and places for safety; at least many of them have done so.

Circuit Court has adjourned, although they are not through with the docket, and it is thought that the court will not meet again this term.

Such a state of things is disgraceful in the extreme in this part of the country, and evidently the law is excessively lax.

I will report again to-morrow. []

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[] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

THE WAR IN GARRARD

Culmination of the Sellers-Kennedy Difficulty in Sharp Fighting at Lancaster.

One Party Entrenched on Sellers' Place, and the Other Camped in Town.

A Third Body Under Sheriff Saunders Lying Between the Lines.

Federal Troops Called Out and Fired on from Both Sides Yesterday.

Sellers' Residence Burned, and Fears of a General Conflagration.

Skirmishing Going on at Intervals Since Wednesday

Two Hundred and Fifty Men and Two Surgeons Gone to the Scene from Louisville.

SEVERAL NEGROES REPORTED KILLED

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(Special Dispatch to the Courier Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 22. -- A number of men have re-enforced the Kennedy party at Lancaster, and recruits are still going into town well armed. Trouble of a serious nature is brewing. The object is to quiet the excitement peacefully if they can, forcibly if they must.

ENTRENCHED AT SELLERS' PLACE.

The Sellers party are negroes whites, principally negroes, about fifty of whom are guarding his house, where they have entrenched themselves and made a barracks. They are armed with Spencer rifles, but where they got them is strange. Both parties are being re-enforced.

SHERIFF SAUNDERS IN THE FIELD.

The sheriff of this county, W. G. Saunders, has been appointed chief of the peace brigade.

SKIRMISHING GOING ON.

Skirmishing has been going on since 2 o'clock this afternoon. It is reported that the negroes have been killed and several wounded. Sellers house has been burned, and two others.

UNITED STATES TROOPS FIRED ON.

United States troops came out, and both parties fired on them. The troops returned the fire, and dispersed both parties, and returned to their quarters.

ALL QUIET AT NIGHT.

All is quiet at present, 7 o'clock. The end is not yet reached, we fear, although earnest efforts are making to stop hostilities. []

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Second Dispatch.

FIGHTING SINCE WEDNESDAY.

[Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.]

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 22. -- We are really having a terrible war between a party of whites and blacks. Fighting has been going in at intervals since Wednesday night.

THE WHITES IN POSSESSION OF THE TOWN.

Yesterday morning some negroes shot Mr. Fred. Yeakey. This so exasperated the whites that a large party took possession of the town this morning, and firing has been kept up all the evening.

THE NEGROES SURROUNDED.

The negroes are fortified in the house of Wm. Sellers. It is thought two negroes were killed this evening and several wounded. The whites set fire to an out house near Sellers' residence, with the intention of burning the negroes out and it is now burning. The whites now have the negroes surrounded.

A PERFECT REIGN OF TERROR.

It is reported that Sellers has gone after more negroes. The whites here also sent for re-enforcements. A perfect reign of terror exists. There is no law and order here. The troops stationed here now refuse to interfere. The citizens fear that the town may be burned.

RE-ENFORCEMENTS FROM LINCOLN COUNTY.

A party of whites from Lincoln county are here with arms and ammunition.

THE TROOPS CALLED OUT.

A regular engagement has just occurred between the troops and the rioters. The troops were called into town to try and quell the riot, when they were fired on by both parties. They returned the fire, and several were wounded on both sides.

SELLERS HOUSE BURNING.

Sellers dwelling is now burning. [ibid]

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Third Dispatch.

Special Dispatch to the Courier Journal.

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 22. -- The situation at Lancaster up to a late hour this evening was as follows: Kennedy's friends occupy the court-house and the Mason and Saunders Hotel, situated on the road leading to Stanford.

Sellers forces are located on Sellers' premises, just down the hill on the Lexington pike and a short distance from the public square.

A third party, whose mission is to preserve or restore peace, occupy the corner building on the public square, between the two parties and on the road to Lexington. No shooting since my last report.

THE CONTESTED ELECTION CASE.

The Circuit Court has not adjourned, and the man named Yeakey, who was shot, was not the son-in-law of Kennedy, but a brother of that gentleman. The contested election case between Kennedy and Faulkener for the office of Circuit Court Clerk was set for today, but was not tried.

BUSINESS HOUSES CLOSED.

The business houses in the town are closed, and the people are in momentary expectation of further trouble.

DOC BURNETT NOT ARRESTED.

Doc Burnett, who shot Billy Robinson here last night, has not been arrested. [ibid]

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Fourth Dispatch.

THE WHITES FIRED ON.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug 22. -- There is more shooting at Lancaster. The negroes near Sellers' premises fired on a party of whites in Brown's building on the corner above spoken of. The fire was returned, and the skirmish between the two parties was kept up until the time the messenger left. Two negroes were shot; supposed to be killed. No other casualties are known. [ibid]

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

Excitement in Louisville -- Departure of Militia.

About noon yesterday, Col. W. L. Clarke, of the well-known firm of Clarke & Thompson, commanding the State militia in this city, received the following dispatch from Gov. Leslie.

THE DISPATCH.

FRANKFORT, KY. AUG 22, 1874.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Take two of your companies and report at Lancaster immediately to quell the mob. Ammunition will reach you on the down train from here this evening by express. Get special train to carry you out to night to Stanford.

P.H. LESLIE.

Colonel Clark immediately communicated the tidings to the captains of the German Fusileer troop, company A., Camp Rifles, company B, Waddell Grays, company C, and Hewett Grays, company D. The news spread rapidly through the city and the affair was not of course magnified ten-fold.

FORMING THE COMPANIES.

The men of the different companies were informed that at least they were to have a chance to exhibit their bravery, and the results of their military training. The older members were not so enthusiastic as the young members, and did not therefore respond with so much alacrity. Towards the close of the afternoon young men were seen hurrying post haste to the armory at the Court house, their countenances beaming full of excitement and their whole appearance indicating a desire to have some fun. They came from the Main street establishments, from the work shops and factories, and brought along with them whatever piece of clothing, of a military texture, they could find. Some had old gray coats that had seen their full use in the Confederate army; others with new coats of flashy gray material, and still others who were in their working clothes, without over shirts, the whole forming a queer appearance, something skin to the Mulligan Guards.

THE SCENE AT THE COURT-HOUSE.

At the Court house, where the armory of three of the companies is situated, a scene of bustle and confusion presented itself. All were rushing for their guns and knapsacks, and putting themselves in the best warlike shape possible. The companies were to be in readiness at this point by five o'clock. While the Waddell and Hewitt Grays and Camp Rifles were getting themselves in readiness at the Court house, the German Fusileers were preparing at Turner Hall, their headquarters, each member arraying himself in the fine uniforms worn by this company, and putting in an appearance quite in contrast to some of the men forming at the Court-house.

TWO MORE DISPATCHES.

During the afternoon the following additional dispatches were received by Col. Clarke, which increased the already rising excitement materially:

FRANKFORT, Aug. 22, 2:20 P.M.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Will be down with ammunition on train. Meet me at the depot.

THOS. J. HARRIS.
Assistant Quartermaster General.

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FRANKFORT, Aug. 22.

Col. W. L. Clarke:

Did you get my dispatchs. Will you go as directed? Necessity urgent. See Rowland and arrange for special train to start immediately on ammunition getting there.

P. H. LESLIE. [ibid]

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[ibid] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 23, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 23, 1874] -

THE CROWD AND THE TALK.

Meanwhile, the crowd around the Courthouse kept increasing until the yard on the Sixth street side was filled with curious spectators, while the street was also lined with people, talking in groups about the affair, with here and there some of the patriotic militia expressing their views upon the subject, and evencing [sic] much anxiety to kill a few negroes, just for the fun of the thing. None took it seriously, while the fearless youths, of whom there were quite a number, seemed to be more desirous of meeting the foe and pressing him to the wall than any of their other comrades, and stalked about with the stern Caesarian air that frightened the little children, who formed of course a goodly portion of the sightseers. Now and then an anxious parent could be seen wending his way through the crowd in [search] [for] some wayward son, who had bidden goodbye to the family and was determined to go on the war path. Young patriots, to fortune and to fame unknown prompted by the examples before them, expressed a willingness to sacrifice themselves at the altars of their country's cause, and forthwith were enrolled as members of the companies and furnished with guns, many of them were unable to handle the latter, and the captains accordingly had to teach the young idea how to shoot in case the worst came to the worst. At six o'clock a guard was formed and, with a fife and drum, marched to the Frankfort depot to receive the ammunition with which the work was to be done, although some of the enthusiastic ones were afraid that they were going tot he scene of battle without the necessary apparatus with them.

GETTING READY.

A special train of five cars was engaged to take the troops as soon as they were in readiness, and toward dark matters began to assume a really warlike aspect. Two surgeons, Drs. Doil and Metcalfe, were at the starting point, with countenances indicative of their readiness to sew up a leg or reset an arm, while was correspondents from the newspapers of the city, with pockets stuffed full of paper and sharpened pencils were holding themselves in readiness to accompany the troops, and from some safe point write a graphic description of the battle that was to ensue. At dark the German Fusileers, under General Trauer[?] marched down to the Courthouse in admirable order and eager for the fray. Before the Court-house the four companies formed in order to march to the depot. One of the soldiers of the Camp Rifles had got as "drunk as a blind owl," as the sergeant expressively informed the Captain, an he was the first man left behind. At eight o'clock the troops, two hundred and fifty in number, started for the depot, the band playing an inspiring war tune, while the United States flag floated proudly to the breeze. All along their route the streets were lined with people, and at the Nashville depot a large crowd awaited them. Under the command of Col. Clarke, who is an old Confederate officer, they acted with good behavior, two more, however, getting drunk on the way, their places being immediately filled by two others.

AN OLD NEGRO'S COMMENT.

"Good Lord," said an old negro, "a nigger axumdentally fired off a gun, and de Gubnor's called out a thousand troops."

ANOTHER DISPATCH.

Mr. March, superintendent of the telegraph department, handed Col. Clarke the following dispatch at the depot, which had been sent at [?].m.

RICHMOND JUNCTION, 6[?] P.M.

The whites and blacks have been fighting at Lancaster since [?]. Expect the town to be burnt. They have about 100 armed men on each side. Several reported killed.

Mr. March also said that a report had reached him that the United States troops in attempting to quell the disturbance about dark, had been fired on by both parties, and that the houses in which the negroes were quartered had been set on fire.

THE DEPARTURE

This news seemed to make it all the more necessary for the presence of our troops. At a quarter after 9 the train left the depot, amidst the cheers of the crowd. Throughout the city there was a great deal of talk about war between the races, and ominous prophecies given by any quantity of people. It is safe to say that a thousand men coudl easily have been raised to leave the city immediately.

The Sarsfield Rifles, and independent military organization of Irish citizens, were ready to leave, and telegraphed through their captain to Gov. Leslie, asking if they were needed. Gov. Leslie sent the following reply:

FRANKFORT, 9:25 P.M.

D.E. DONOVAN — Thankful for your kind offer. Hold yourselves and companies in readiness. Will call for you certainly if needed. Will know by to-morrow evening.

P.H. LESLIE.

The Origin of the War — What a Citizen of Lancaster Says.

In conversation with a gentleman from Lancaster last night a COURIER-JOURNAL reporter was informed that three years ago a riot occurred at Lancaster in which Kennedy and Sellers took opposite sides. Since then there has been a grudge existing between the two families. At the last election Kennedy was a candidate for clerk of the Circuit Court, and Sellers, who is a Radical, worked actively against him. Kennedy was defeated by eleven votes, and considered that he owed his defeat partly to the influence of Sellers. This naturally added bitterness to the grudge already existing between them, and the conflict followed in which Kennedy was shot by Sellers. The gentleman stated, also, that there was more lounging, worthless impudent negroes about Lancaster than in any other town in the State. These negroes probably are active in the fight now in progress. In and about Lancaster everybody goes armed, and blacks and whites are always prepared to defend themselves.

Sellers is a Republican, Kennedy is a Democrat.

The Beginning of the Trouble -- The Shooting Wednesday Night.

(Danville Advertiser of Friday)

Since the affair between Wm. Sellers and E. B. Kennedy, apprehension has been felt that the trouble was likely to be renewed at any time by the friends of each. On Wednesday night, about 8:45, when Squire Fred Yeakey, son-in-law of E.B. Kennedy, was crossing the public square, a volley was fired at him by a party concealed behind the old ruins on the western side of the square, or from behind a row of barrels on Storm's corner. Boss Smith, a negro who was with him, was shot. The fire was returned by Yeakey, and a number of shots were fired on either side. The negro was taken to the court house, and Dr. S. L. Burdett was sent for to dress his wounds. When the latter, with some friends, was about to enter the court-house, another volley was fired from the ruins or corner, striking Dr. B., and breaking his leg and wounding him in two other places. At this fire, George Griffin, a white boy, was also shot in the leg— a slight wound. On the opposite side of the square, Wm. Kennedy received a shot while standing in the Glass House, inflicting a slight wound in the breast. Dr. Huffman was sent for to dress Dr. Burdett’s wounds, and went with a guard of four United States soldiers. After he had performed his work, and the party were returning across the square with Dr. Burdett on a mattress, still another volley was fired at them, and Dr. B. was again wounded in the side. These were all the casualties reported, although the firing was continued until 3 o'clock in the morning at irregular intervals. Great excitement prevailed in Lancaster yesterday (Thursday) morning, when our informant left, and the apprehension was general that more blood would flow before the end was reached.

The Two Powerful Families.

(Harrodsburg People.)

Mr. Sellers is a prominent man in Garrard, and Mr. Kennedy is one of the most substantial citizens in that county. The origin of the difficulty is very uncertain, inasmuch as affirmation and denial are made by both parties, and the statements of each are such that if one be true the other must be wholly false.

Sellers was a member of the Legislature, is a man of courage and will gather about him a band of determined friends. His father was a desperate man and was killed in the tobacco barn fight during the Hill and Evans feud in Garrard county. A number of the Evans party fired upon a party of Hills as they passed the barn, and killed four of them. In return, a young Hill, only fourteen eyars old, shot Sellers down, and then pinned him to the earth with a knife.

Eb. Kennedy was a candidate for sheriff against Faulkner, and was beaten by eleven votes. His defeat is doubtless due to a difficulty which he had with Denny, Radical candidate for district attorney. Kennedy's father was a well known Indian fighter, and is said to have cut the cover for a razor strap from the back of an Indian he had killed. The present Kennedy has always been considered a peaceable man, though one of dauntless pluck.

The Sellers connection is numerous, and the Kennedy's are a powerful family in Garrard county. Every good citizen hopes that the too possible result of this conflict, a desperate family feud, may be averted. [ibid]

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[] "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

THE SITUATION.

Monday, Aug. 24. -- 3 A.M.

The little army from Louisville has arrived in Lancaster, and the war has dwindled to a pursuit of fleeing negroes and whites. Sellers, Rep., and Kennedy, Dem., the prominent gentlemen for whom the fight seems to have been made, do not appear to have figured conspicuously in it, and are probably both safe. The proclamation of Judge Owsley, backed by the bayonets of the State troops, is likely to have a quieting effect, and it is scarcely probable that there will be any further trouble.

This state of affairs is much different from that of Friday when re-enforcements for the Kennedy party had arrived, and the Sellers party, armed with Spencer rifles had entrenched themselves; when the United States troops had been fired upon by both parties and had retired in disgust; and when the forlorn hope of an armed "peace party" had established itself in a corner building of the public square, between the belligerents.

This remarkable little war began last Wednesday night, when, as Esquire Fred Yeakey, a relative of Kennedy, was crossing the square, a volley was fired at him from behind an old ruin. Boss Smith, a colored Democrat who was with him, fell, shot in the groin. Dr. Burdett, while going to Smith's assistance, was shot in the leg. A brother of Kennedy's was wounded about the same time as he stood in the door of a hotel, and George Griffin, a white boy, was struck in the leg by a bullet. While Dr. Burdett was being carried away he was again wounded, this time in the side. Nearly the whole of the next night Kennedy's house was fired into, and an attempt was made to burn it. Esquire Fred Yeakey was again fired on, and was slightly wounded, and a spent ball that flew into Kennedy's house wounded Kennedy's son, a boy nine years of age. These persons, and perhaps two or three others, make up the list of wounded. Saturday night Sellers house was burned and three negroes are reported to have been burned with it. Besides these three, but one negro lost his life during all the firing that has occurred. The origin of the whole trouble is traced to an old grudge between Sellers and Kennedy which was renewed in the heat of the last election. []

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[] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

GARRARD'S WAR.

No Further Disturbance Since the Arrival of Col. Clarke at Lancaster.

Thirty-five of the Ring-leaders Arrested by the State Guards.

Proclamation by Judge Owsley, Ordering all Rioters to Disperse.

Neither Sellers Nor Kennedy Known to Have Taken Active Part.

Sellers' House, Where the Negroes Had Fortified Themselves, Burned by Fire Balls.

Only Three Men Killed, and One's Face Eaten Off by Rats.

NO FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 23. -- I am just in from Lancaster. Two hundred State militia arrived here at 5:30 this morning and camped on the public square. The negroes all scattered last night, and the whites disbanded. All is quiet.

THE KILLED.

A white man named Ward, who was in the Sellers house with the negroes, was shot. Only one negro was killed. There were eighteen of them in the house that was burned, and all would have been killed except that the United States troops protected them, and they escaped under cover of the Federal guns. A white man named Foley, of Crab Orchard, belonging to the Kennedy party, was killed yesterday.

ONLY ONE HOUSE BURNED.

Only oen house was burned. Sellers' house would not have been burned if the negroes had not fortified themselves therein. Sellers himself wasn't in hishouse, but was said to be in the camp of the United States soldiers. There is no immediate danger of further trouble. The blacks are greatly demoralized.

THE STATE TROOPS.

The State troops have stacked arms on the square, and partook of a hearty breakfast. They appear to be a fine body of young men, and have it in their power to win fame as peacemakers.

WOUNDED DOING WELL.

Dr. Burdett is doing well, also Mr. Yeakey and the child all of whom were wounded, as before stated. Nearly all the citizens left town for the country, but many will return home to-day or to-morrow.

INTERVENTION OF FDERAL TROOPS.

Hon. R. M. Bradley, Circuit Judge pro tem., got the sheriff to take forty United States soldiers and protect the people. This was on Tuesday last. The soldiers got to the courthouse just as the blacks were marching toward it, and the blacks then retreated. But for this timely order much more blood would have been shed before this. All praise is due Judge Bradley for this act. Had the soldiers been permitted to act as conservators of the peace under the sheriff, but little damage would have been done. Why they were withdrawn is not known, but it is said that the commanding officer at Louisville ordered it. The foregoing may be relied upon, and it contains all news up to 11 o'clock A.M. to-day of any importance. []

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

Second Dispatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 23. -- From a gentleman who went to Lancaster yesterday, and returned to-day, I get the following account of last night's proceedings.

At about 7 o'clock a party of white men had the negroes surrounded in Sellers' house, with the intention of capturing or killing them. The United States soldiers, who have been stationed at Lancaster, then came up town, at the request of Town Marshal Miller, and the commander had a conference with the leader of thie whites, and also with Miller, atht econclsuion of which it was agreed that if the negroes would come out and surrender, no violence would be done to them, and they would be protected by the troops.

FEDERAL TROOPS FIRED ON.

The captain of the troops then marched his men in front of Sellers' premises, waving his white handkerchief as a flag of truce. The negroes, it may be, not understanding this demonstration, fired on the soldiers, notwithstanding the flag of truce, when the soldiers broke and ran to the public square, and then fired a volley which seemed directed rather toward a body of white men than toward the negroes who had fired on them.

THE KILLING OF FOLEY.

At this time, Foley (William Kennedy's barkeeper), was killed. It is not charged that the soldiers killed Foley, but it is known that at this time he received his death wound.

SELLERS' HOUSE FIRED.

In a few minutes Seller's house was set on fire by means of fire balls.

SELLERS AND KENNEDY NOT ACTIVELY ENGAGED.

Nothing is known of Sellers' whereabouts or participation in these proceedings. Neither was E. B. Kennedy known to have taken any active part.

FOUR NEGROES KILLED.

Four negroes were killed altogether. Two of them were burned up in Sellers' house.

A BRAVE MAN.

Tom Shanks, of the party opposed to Sellers, pulled out of Sellers' house while it was in flames one Ware, a white man who belonged to the Sellers' party. He also saved Sellers' parlor furniture.

NEGRO'S FACE EATEN BY RATS.

One negro was killed in Hon. George W. Dunlap's garden, which was not far from Sellers' residence. When found this morning his face had been nearly eaten off by rats.

TROOPS FROM LOUISVILLE ARRIVED.

Two hundred and fifty State troops arrived this A.M. from Louisville, since which time there has been no disturbance.

RIOTERS FROM OTHER COUNTIES.

A good many persons, not residents of Garrard county, are known and reported to have been engaged in these disorderly proceedings.

PROCLAMATION BY JUDGE OWSLEY.

The following proclamation has just been issued by the Hon. W. H. Owsley:

Whereas, There have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which ahve already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others; and,

Whereas, It is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity;

Now, therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the Eighth judicial district of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbnaces, or contemplace further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals, to immediately disperse and lay down their arms, and return to their homes as peaceful citizens. Otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law. I have at my command a military force, sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation late effect. This order shall be enforced without [f]ear, favor, or partiality, and all violations of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M. H. OWSLEY,

Judge Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky. [ibid]

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

Third Despatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, Aug. 23, 6 o'clock P.M. -- Col. Clarke, commanding several squads of Kentucky troops, sent out some of his men on horses and they went through the fields and woods to hunt up the negroes who were trying to overcome the whites. The blacks were all well armed. The squad of Col. Clarke returned with about thirty-five black prisoners at four o'clock P.M., and it is said that the ring-leaders have been arrested. Certainly many of the most prominent of them ahve been arrested. Conflicting rumors prevail as to the number of negroes in arms, but it is now said the ring-leaders of the blacks are under arrest. The above information has been derived from Col. Clarke, the commander of the State troops, and may be relied upon as correct.

THE STATE TROOPS BEHAVING WELL.

A more quiet set of men than the State Guards, under Col. Clarke, never tried to make and preserve the peace. I will give you any further news from this quarter of any importance if it should occur to-night. The troops sent here are behaving well, and the citizens of the town and county feel that they are fully protected.

NO FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED.

It is believed that no further trouble will be had. The utmost quiet prevails in all the town and vicinity at this hour, six o'clock P.M. A squad of soldiers under the orders of Col. Clarke are yet out in search oflawless men of either color. [ibid]

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[ibid] "Garrard's War." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 24, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 24, 1874] -

Fourth Dispatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

Lancaster, Ky., Aug. 23. -- The State troops which left Louisville under command of Col. W. L. Clarke last night arrived here at half-past 5 o'clock this morning, and found the town in the quiet possession of a few armed whites and a number of unarmed blacks, the beligerent negroes having retreated during the night, running away by the light of Wm. Sellers' residence, which was burned to the ground by the Kennedy party. An eager, daring and desperate set of men composed the military command, and at several stations on the way news was received of so war-like a nature that the men could scarcely retain themselves till they could reach the field of battle. Rumors were flying all over the country to the effect that one hundred men were engaged on each side, negroes and whites; that several on each side had been killed, that the town was on fire, and that armed bands of negroes and whites were marching in from every direction, 100 negroes having gone in a body from Harrodsburg. All along the route the people, white and black, were up all night, too much excited to sleep.

With commendable caution, the engineer of the train, after leaving Lebanon, moved slowly, blowing down breaks at all curves, grades and bridges, running the train to within half a mile of the Lancaster Courthouse.

Here the command hastily disembarked and began to form in line, and as no news contradictory of the wild sensational rumors had yet been received, Col. Clark immediately placed his command in fighting order by deploying a line of skirmishers under command of Capt. Trauernicht, of the Fusileers, and marching his command in column on the town.

A large crowd of negroes, out of curiosity, it seems, came down the railroad to meet the train, and were about three hundred yards distant when the cars stopped, but the instant they saw the flashy uniforms and glittering bayonets of the Fusileers, beat a hasty retreat and disappeared behind the embankments, as it was thought, to make defense, but nothing more was seen of them, nor were any negroes to be found except a small group here and there on the streets.

ALMOST A FATAL ACCIDENT.

While the skirmish line was being deployed a soldier's gun was accidentally discharged, and the bullet went whistling through the lappel of Captain Trauernicht's coat. The shot was so great that the captain instantly turned pale, and remarked that he was shot, but an instant later he was rejoicing in the consciousness of possessing a whole body unharmed.

THE ADVANCE.

When all was in readiness, the command, "Forward, guide center, march!" was given and the skirmishers deployed on either side of Richmond street, moved cautiously forward, covering the western portion fo the town. The citizens living in the suburbs knew little or nothing about the true situation in town, and there was no word to relieve the impression that the advance was made directly upon the stronghold of the rioters. Many of the young men in the ranks, thinking they had come especially to fight riotous negroes, were almost bursting with impatience, so anxious were they to draw a bead and pull a trigger.

When the skirmishers had advanced to a proper distance the column of soldiers, with glittering guns and bristling bayonettes, moved forward,

MARCHING TO THE TUNE OF DIXIE.

The music and the heavy tramp of feet were the only sounds that broke the stillness of the early Sunday morning. But it did nto disturb the slumbers of the people. They were already up and in the street or at the gates. They had not slept during the night for the terrors which surrounded them, and when they saw the troops marching into the town they hailed them as their deliverer[s].

When within two squares of the Courthouse, Col. Clarke received inormation that the disturbing parties had left the town.

The skirmishers were accordingly raillied, and the whole command marched in column to the public square, where the arms were stacked and the officers commenced an investigation of the affair.

THE MERITS OF THE CASE.

Your correspondent having accompanied the troops to the "seat of war," immediately began making inquiries as to the origin, nature and progress of the disturbances. The origin of the mob was correctly stated in the Courier-Journal yesterday. As to the true nature and aspect of the case, it would be hard for an impartial man to decide without holding both whites and blacks blamable almost to an equal degree. The whole affair is purely personal, or was at least of such a nature in the beginning, and the dissension which has led to such disastrous results arose between two very unimportant personages in the community. Their backers and friends are men of a still less important class, and it would not be going very far wrong to say they are a disgrace to the respective political parties to which they claim allegiance.

THE QUALITY OF THE FIGHTING STOCK.

The negroes who engaged in the fight, about forty in number, were of the lower order of their color.

The white mene ngaged were nearly all from the country, several coming from a distance, very few were citizens, and none of the more respectable classes taking any hand in [t]he fight.

The difficulty on Wednesday last, which led to the fight on Saturday, was commenced by the whites. On that day Ed. Cooly, a son of Mr. Kennedy, came to town in company with two men named Arnold and Long. The three men are represented as country roughs and bullies. During the afternoon of Wednesday, Cooly, it is said, slapped several negroes in the face and otherwise abused them, besides making many direful threats against them. Thus it is said the negroes were provoked to the armed resistance on Wednesday night.

On the other hand, it is stated that the negroes, under instructions from Selelrs, had been all the week preparing for the collision; that they paraded the streets with arms, making threats against the whites. The fact that they were well prepared to fight with the best of weapons on Wednesday night, seems to agree very well with this version of the case.

THE EFFECT OF SENSATIONAL RUMORS.

After the affair of Wednesday night, news spread through the country round about of a great negro riot in Lancaster, and on Saturday morning a body of armed white men, about forty in number, rode into town. They were from Garrard, Boyle, Mead, and Lincoln counties, and came with a view to defending the whites against what they supposed to be a general uprising of the negroes. Soon after their arrival the negroes intrenched themselves in the basement of Mr. Sellers' residence, and commenced firing indiscriminately on the whites, wounding several men during the afternoon. The white men took position in the house surrounding Sellers' house, and the parties, thus situated, fired on each other whenever one of either side appeared in view.

Upon the part of the negroes the affair appeared to be regarded as strictly

A WAR OF RACES,

for they not only fired on their adversaries but shot at every white man they saw in any portion of the city. The white men on the contrary allowed all peaceable negroes to pass unharmed.

RESULTS OF THE BATTLE.

The only persons wounded on the white side during the afternoon were Fred. Yeakey and Henry Ward, both of whom were shot through the [l]egs, Mr. Yeakey being shot while quietly walking along the street. Manifee Foley, the bar-keeper at the Kennedy House,w as supposed to have been killed by the United States soldiers when they returned the fire of the negroes from the burning building.

A white man named William Ward, who was with the negroes at Sellers' house, was shot through the body and dangerously wounded, and a mulatto named Jim Anderson was shot and killed while attempting to escape from the burning house. The firing all the afternoon was very heavy, and many houses in the town are riddled with bullets.

BURNING SELLERS’ HOUSE.

About dark the white men began to close in upon the house, and according to statements made, set it on fire with turpentine balls. When the house began to burn the negroes ran out and escaped in every direction. Several of the number, however, remained and fired till the last moments, and it is declared to-day that

THREE NEGROES WERE BURNED

with this house. When Col. Clarke’s command arrived this morning some portions of the house were still burning, and the terrible stench which arose from the smoking mass confirmed every one in the belief that at least some kind of flesh was going through the cremation process.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM JUDGE OWSLY.

Soon after establishing his bivouac, Col. Clarke sought Judge Owsly for instructions. The Judge informed the commander that the negroes were still lurking in the neighborhood under arms, threatening violence against the people, and advised that the entire command remain a few days in order to restore perfect peace and safety in the country.

The Colonel accordingly released the special train under his command and quartered his troops in the City Hall, where it is probable they will remain until the middle of the week.

This morning several detachments were sent out in different directions to look after the marauding parties, but without any success.

THE PEOPLE FROM THE COUNTRY

have been pouring into town on horseback and in buggies ever since sunrise this morning, and at this writing the streets are full of men wearing anxious faces, all absorbed in the one topic of the day.

The town was placed under martial law at an early hour, and Judge Owsley issued the following

PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, there have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which have already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others, and

Whereas, it is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity.

Now, therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbances or contemplate further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals, to immediately disperse and lay down their arms and return to their homes as peaceful citizens; otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law.

I have at my command a military force sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation into effect.

This order will be enforced without fear, favor or partiality, and all violators of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M. H. OWSLEY,
Judge Eighth Judicial District of Kentucky.
August 23, 1874. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 25, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 25, 1874] -

At Lancaster there seems to be no probability of any further trouble. Our latest reports from that point report all quiet. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Situation." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 26, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 26, 1874] -

Lancaster is Garrard county, with its little army of occupation from Louisville, is getting on very well, and preparations are quietly making for the trial of persons concerned in the recent outbreak. The militia companies are likely to remain there sometime. []

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[] "Garrard County." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 26, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 26, 1874] -

GARRARD COUNTY.

The State Guards Doing their Duty Properly, and the War Thought to be Ended.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug. 25. -- There is not much news from Lancaster. Luther Jackman, a man of color, came in and surrendered to Colonel Clark. He is a leader of the black mob. Other leaders did the same, and all is quiet.

THE STATE GUARDS.

The State guards are behaving splendedly. The guards are well dressed, and well armed with needle-guns, the best in use. The State guards have dress parade every day on the public square.

SENSATIONAL REPORTS.

Sensational reports are flying out, saying armed blacks are coming in from Lexington, but there is no truth in them. The town is still under martial law, and well regulated.

HORSES STOLEN FROM FARMERS.

Several farmers out a few miles from town had horses taken. They are supposed to have been taken by negroes to flee upon.

OFFICERS DOING THEIR DUTY.

The report that Sellers has gone to Washington City for counsel is an idle rumor, surely. Why should the Government interfere with our Governor, who has done so much to conserve the peace? Colonel Clarke, General Traernicht, and all the officers of the State guard are doing their duty. The privates are behaving splendidly. They have such fun with all their anxiety.

THE WAR ENDED.

I will assure you that we believe the Lancaster war is over.

From the Troops at Lancaster.

Lieutenant Dick Sea, of the Camp Rides, Capt. Reccias, of the Waddell Grays, and three men from each of the companies stationed at Lancaster, arrived home yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of obtaining a supply of clothing and other articles for their respective companies. They report that the men are in good spirits, have plenty to eat, and are behaving finely, the citizens being well pleased with them. Every thing is quiet in the neighborhood of Lancaster, and the troops are engaged in scouring the country in search of the negroes engaged in the riot. About fort-five of them, including their ringleaders, have been captured and placed under guard in the courthouse. Every one of them were armed with rifles and revolvers, which they, however, quickly surrendered. Negores who took no part in the affair are in the town, and remain of course unmolested. Court has been opened for the trial of the rioters. The uniforms of the Waddell Grays and Camp Rifles are to be sent by express this morning to Lancaster by Ben. Durrett. The squad who came here yesterday will return today to duty, taking with them additional men belonging to the different companies, who were left behind Saturday. It is probable that the militia will be compelled to remain at Lancaster two weeks yet, if not longer. [ibid]

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[] "Guarded Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 27, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com

[August 27, 1874] -

GUARDED GARRARD.

No Trouble Whatever Between the Federal and State Troops.

Judge Owsley Issues a Proclamation Assuring Citizens of Protection.

A Letter from the Courier-Journal's Correspondent at Lancaster.

Gen. Hewett's Mysterious Movements.

Courtesy and Sociability of the State Guards and the Federal Troops.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION K. & G., LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 26. -- Rumors are current in neighboring towns that my troops have come in contact with the United States forces at this place. Pleas state in emphatic language that this is absolutely false. The very best feeling pervades the two forces. Genial and social feeling prevails, and there is a constant interchange of courtesies between the two commands.

W. L. CLARK.

Colonel Commanding Battalion.

Second Dispatch.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Aug 26. -- Your correspondent has made efforts to obtain reliable news from the town of Lancaster to-day. From a gentleman who has arrived at this hour (6 o'clock P.M.) we learn that all is quiet yet, and no danger whatever of a further outbreak.

PROCLAMATION BY JUDGE OWSLEY.

By a proclamation of the circuit judge, no citizen, either black or white, is allowed to bear arms of any kind. The order of Col. Clarke, commanding the State troops, is to disarm allow all who bear arms. Judge Owsley issued his proclamation in due time, assuring all citizens, whether black or white, and of all parties, that they should be fully protected in their lawful pursuits, and that there was no danger to any one. Moreover, that all citizens, of all colors and politics, should be protected.

The tenor of the proclamation was as follows: The judge, learning that some of the colored people and other citizens feared that they would be molested, assures them that all peaceable citizens would be protected by the strong arm of the State militia.

The proclamation of the judge produced a quieting effect.

COL. CLARK'S SOLDIERS.

The troops at Lancaster will remain as long as may be necessary, we can not say how long they will remain, but we predict that they will stay as long as there may be a necessity therefor. The Colonel commanding, W. L. Clarke had an order read to his troops that all men in their boundary should be disarmed, of all colors, black or white. Such is the order, and the troops will cary it out. A better behaved set of troops never bore the bayonet to a scene of trouble.

Return of Adjutant Hamilton.

... [did not transcribe, not relevant] ...

A Review of the Situation in Garrard -- The Origin of the Fighting -- Our Excellent State Troops.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 26, 1874.

You may have been kept pretty well posted from this quarter since the "trouble" commenced. I have, from time to time, sent you several messages each day. The first I sent were obtained from what your correspondent considered "reliable source," but who can claim to be reliable during an intense excitement. In the main, however, the facts reported were true. You expressed some doubts about a former statement of mine, as to the possibility of an armed mob of negroes going through the streets of Lancaster unmolested, and of the great fear of the citizens, etc. Nevertheless, it was true to the letter. Such had been the teachings of the late war that the negroes every where in the country have concluded that Federal bayonets would be set & ready to their relief on the first effort made upon the part of the white people to keep them within bounds. The prompt action of our Christian and excellent Governor, Leslie, to quell the recent mob, will go far toward convincing them that the government will defend the white man, as well as the black, against any and all attacks unjustly made. The origin of the present difficulty has been pretty clearly set forth in your former issues, and it is unnecessary to repeat it here fully. To say that any single man or set of men, or that either political party alone was to be wholly blamed, would not fairly present the case. Moreover, to assert that this was purely a spiteful disturbance, would be equally incorrect. But for the injudicious conduct of several men upon each side (the Sellers and Kennedy partisans), there would have been no bloodshed or disturbance.

Neither the Democratic nor Republican party can hope to make political capital out of this affair.

The whole trouble grew out of idle and grossly exaggerated reports of the condition and feeling of the two parties. After the election, the first Monday in this month, it was found that Kennedy, the present Circuit Court clerk of Garrard county, who is a Democrat, was defeated by Col. J. K. Faulkner, who is a Republican, by only eleven votes. Mr. Kennedy, believing and charging that Faulkner was elected by illegal votes, determined to contest his right to hold office. A short time after the election, Sellers, it is said, by himself, met Kennedy on (Sellers') way home from his store, and spoke kindly to him; and that Kennedy thereupon attempted to draw his pistol, using abusive words to Sellers, who was a warm partisan of Faulkner. Sellers then drew his pistol and shot and slightly wounded Kennedy, and then fled, but returned in a day or two and gave himself up. This, in substance, is the statement of Sellers.

On the other hand, Kennedy asserts that Sellers purportedly waylaid and attempted to assassinate him because he had given Faulkner and his friends to understand that he would contest Faulkner's right to the office of Circuit Court clerk. I mention these things briefly, in order to give your readers an idea of the beginning of hostilities. Neither Sellers nor Kennedy took active part in the fighting, but the friends of each rallied to his standard, armed and equipped for battle. I have said that it was not a political fight, and this statement is true, as but one white man was engaged on the side of Mr. Sellers--the man Ward, who was badly wounded, where the darkies were fortified. There are nearly as many white men in Garrard county, who vote the Republican ticket, as there are whites who vote the Democratic ticket.

More than that, we saw in the thickest of the trouble a goodly number of unswerving Republicans, some of whom had just been elected to office, walking unmolested about the town and aiding the white people to stay the dreadful proceedings; and they are men who deprecate such conduct as much as any one.

We further assert that it was not a war of races, for we saw as many as twenty able bodied negro men and a number of negro boys, girls, and women, right int he midst of the town, who were as safe and unmolested as the Circuit Judge himself. Every one had a kind word for them, and I am sure that the whites would have fought, if used were, as gallantly for their safety as their own. What, then, was it? Simply a war against a band of excited and imprudent negroes, and a few designing white men who have more desired to breed discord than to preserve the peace.

A small band of brave and true men came over from Stanford and other points -- not for the purpose of waging war upon inoffensive citizens of either color, but to aid in restoring peace and protecting the noncombatant citizens of their neighboring town. Surely their aim was laudable. But for their timely arrival and energetic aid, as the Federal troops, who had, on one or two occasions given valuable assistance, were withdrawn from the scene of the conflict. The question arises apropos, What were these United States troops sent for? If they can not be used in a time like this, and for such a purpose, when can they be used, and for what kind of purpose? This conundrum we put to the "powers that be." Now that peace has been restored by the arrival of our galiant and able State guards, men can sit down and view the situation at leisure. I telegraphed you the particulars of the arrival of Col. W. L. Clarke, with his fine body of men, among whom your correspondent recognized several old veterans, whose gray beard and soldierly bearing told us plainly that they had seen far more serious service than this.

The best order prevails among the State troops. I look from my window now, at this hour, 5:30 P.M., and Col. Clarke, Gen. Trauernicht, Lieut. Ben Peck, etc., etc., are in the center of the public square; the men in line with glittering bayonets, the roll of drums and the shrill notes of the martial life, inspire us with a war-like sentiment. I learn that they are preparing for a "dress parade," which is had every day. We also learn that squads of gallant fellows are out on the search for armed men, and every now and then a general shout goes up, which can be heard for miles, almost, as the squads come in, putting through on the double-quick some half dozen luckless darkies who have been skulking in corn field or thicket, hoping to escape sight until the "war" is over. I saw and recognized a number of familiar faces of young men from your city. Jimmy Davis, Johnny Stone, L. W. Harris, Ben Peck, A. H. and T. H. Harris, Molly Shepherd, Tom Fletcher, Sam Bronson, and a host of others whose names do not now occur to us. A better drilled set of militia never trod Kentucky soil. Our people are grateful to them for their timely aid in this their hour of danger. When they shall have restored peace again, and return to your city, let your people tender them an ovation worthy of their heroic and unselfish deeds. Governor Leslie should, or he doubtless will, tender them such thanks as will inspire them and others with a new love for our brave old State.

As many of the leaders of the mob have been arrested, or given themselves up to Col. Clarke, our opinion is that the end is near, if not at hand, and the troops will soon return for their peaceful pursuits. But let it be distinctly understood, that if it shall become necessary to call them again to the scene action no quarter will be given and the direct punishment inflicted on all evil-doers. The action of our Governor will go far toward a final settlement of these outrages in Kentucky, as lawless men have been taught that the old State which has sent brave soldiers to war in other and darker days still retains the blood of those men, and their honor and the old Kentucky flag will be maintained by them at all hazards and under all circumstances.

Again, we say, all praise to Colonel Clarke, General Trauernicht, Governor Leslie, and to each and every officer and private of the gallant State guards.

VIOLA.

A Letter from the Louisville Boys.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., AUG. 26, 1874.

Allow us a short space in your valuable paper to correct a wrong impression which seems to have spread both in Louisville and at this place. We will just state for the benefit of your [?] readers that there are three other companies of State guards stationed in this place belonging to the First Battalion Kentucky State Guard beside company A, all under command of Col. W. L. Clarke, a gallant and efficient offer. These companies are B, commanded by Capt. C. L. Clarke; C commanded by Capt. J. W. Recius[?], and D under command of First Lieutenant N. B. Peck. We will say, without exception, that the members of all the companies both officers and men, have, and are doing their duty well, and are making rapid improvement in drill. The citizens of this place treat us in a very hospitable manner, and hailed with joy our arrival in town. The boys are all well and are satisfied to remain, so long as there is any prospect of trouble.

K.

Gen. Hewitt Moving.

(Cincinnati Commercial's Frankfort Telegram. Aug ?)

General Hewitt left today for Lancaster, with instructions from the Governor to leave some twenty five to fifty troops at Lancaster to enforce the persons from Judge Owsley's court, and to take the balance on a new and secret expedition, in another part of the State. General Hewitt was reticent as to his destination, but Colonel Craddock states that it was to suppress the feuds in Breathitt county that have prevented Judge Randall from holding court there. []

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[] "Sellers' Story." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

SELLERS' STORY.

A Statement by One of the Principals of the Origin and Incidents of the Riots in Garrard County.

(Cincinnati Gazette, Aug 27.)

Mr. Sellers is now a fugitive from his desolated home, since last week his whereabouts have not been definitely known. It was said that he had hastened to Washington, but he only came to Cincinnati, having been all the time not very far from his pursuers. He tells his story with a straightforwardness, and a freedom from passion or resentful feeling, that is remarkable in one that has passed through such an experience. He is a man of about thirty-five or forty years of age, tall, slim, dark complexion, and black hair. He wears a heavy mustache, beneath which a smile may be seen playing even when recounting his troubles and losses. He has an air of coolness and determination that betokens a man who can not be swerved from his purpose by any kind of intimidation.

Meeting a Gazette reporter last night, the following narrative of the late war in Lancaster was given by Mr. Sellers:

THE BEGINNING.

On the night of August 7 I was walking home from my store, about nine o'clock, when I met E. D. Kennedy, Circuit Court clerk, with a drawn pistol in his hands. He said, "who are you," or "what are you," and I replied, "I am Sellers; don't shoot." But he was drunk and made demonstrations as if he was going to shoot me. I tried to persuade him to put up his pistol, and then tried to take it away from him. In the scuffle my pistol was discharged. Kennedy then jumped away and tried to shoot me. He was too drunk to handle his pistol nimbly, and before he could pull the trigger I shot him, and he fell. I thought he was dead, and I at once fled to avoid mobbing by Kennedy's friends, several of whom were in town drunk. I have since heard that my shot did not even wound him, the ball striking him on the side and knocking him down without penetrating the body. I had seen him that day, had seen him drinking, and he and other Kuklux friends had been on the streets drunk, and seeking some one to kill. Kennedy had been for some time before I met him walking about with a drawn revolver, looking for somebody to shoot. His special enmity against me arose from the fact that he was defeated by four votes for the office of Circuit Court clerk, and he blamed me for working against him.

ARMING,

This happened on Friday night. I returned on Sunday morning, and found that Kennedy had called together a force, and had kept constant watch over the approaches to my store, having armed men stationed so as to command the store and the street, rendering it impossible for me to go to my place of business. This continued until Tuesday of the next week, which was the first time I ventured to go up town. When I got near to the store I saw Kennedy's men get to their positions in the court-house and take their guns. I turned back and went home. I then heard that Kennedy sent word to his son-in-law, Ben Slavin, that I had appeared on the public square, and he wanted more men, that they must be instructed to kill me on sight.

THE ATTACK ON NEGROES.

On the next day, Wednesday, nineteen desperadoes, armed with shot-guns and pistols, regular Kuklux, came into town and began indiscriminate attacks on negroes, beating them over the head with pistols and stones, and threatening to shoot them. This conduct aroused the negroes, and this accounts for all they have done. On that night some of the negroes discovered their Kuklux persecutors going with Kennedy's men into the court-house and arming themselves.

THE FIRST BATTLE.

That night the negroes fired on Kennedy's men in the court-house about half-past 8 o'clock. The fire was returned, and it was kept up nearly all night, but not much harm was done. I knew the negroes were going to make this attack, but it was not done at my request or suggestion, and I was not present. I was at home. The whole affair arose out of the treatment during the day of the negroes by the Kuklux, who afterward, joined Kennedy's party. There were almost twenty negroes in the fight against fifteen on Kennedy's side. Kennedy's men used the court-house for their arsenal and fort.

GATHERING FORCES.

The next day, Thursday, Kennedy gathered more men. I remained at home, and deemed it my duty to place about my house some guards, because I had been told that I would be attacked. I specially instructed the men I gathered about me for this purpose to not bring on an attack, but only to act in defense. That night some parties, supposed to be negroes, fired on Kennedy's house. They were in nowise connected with my men. But on Friday morning, after some of the negroes had left my house, they fired on Fred. Yeaky, a brother-in-law of Kennedy, wounding him in both legs. That, however, was done without my knowledge, and against my direction which was to not provoke or begin an attack.

INTERFERENCE.

During that day the civil authorities, aided by the United States troops, some forty or fifty in number, stationed at Lancaster, interfered to stop further proceedings by both sides. They placed a guard about my house and kept me prisoner. I am informed they did the same with Kennedy. That afternoon, while under charge of the United States troops, Kennedy's house was burned. I believe Kennedy himself caused it to be burned in hope of enlisting sympathy. I was not at home all that day.

WAR AGAIN.

That night the town marshal notified me that I must defend myself. The United States troops withdrew, and I sent immediately for my men, and they came. I was also notified by several parties that I would be attacked at my house before morning, and that the intention was to kill me and burn my house. Placing my guard, eighteen in number, in charge of my house, and sending my wife and child away to a place of safety. I went to the camp of the United States troops, because I was suffering from a severe pain in my breast, and was unable to sit up. The night passed without an attack on my house. I returned early on Saturday morning and informed my men that a number of armed men had come to town. I requested as many as could to stay with me. Some went away and others came, so that I kept about eighteen men, of whom six were white, and the rest colored. Hearing that Kennedy was collecting men from Madison, Lincoln, and Boyle counties, and knowing my force was too small to compete with so many, I went about 9[?] o'clock on Saturday morning to the United States camp to get help. I was told they could do nothing for me, not even give me a guard to take me back to my house. I secured a soldier's uniform, and in this disguise went on the Sugar creek pike and made my escape.

THE LAST BATTLE.

While I was at the camp, as I understand, the Kennedy party began to fire at my house. My guard from the inside of the house returned the fire, and it was kept up for some time. At length the Kennedy party, seeing they could do nothing by shooting, fired turpentine balls at my house and set it on fire. My men, as soon as they discovered this, made their escape, with the loss of one killed and one wounded. They were fired on from the cupola of the court-house. It was around half-past seven o'clock when the house was burned, and then the battle was over. So far as I am informed, every man who came to the aid of Kennedy was a noted Kuklux. I know nothing about their killed and wounded.

DOINGS OF THE MILITIA.

The militia soon after arrived, and prevented me from returning home. They began to arrest with considerable zeal, every man suspected of being with me, and allowed Kennedy's Kuklux to roam about undisturbed, carrying their guns and pistols. Indeed, the militia united with the Kuklux to scour the country for me. In the counties of Garrard and Jessamine, citizens were permitted to hunt for me, who would not have taken me prisoner, but would have shot me on sight.

A POLITICAL FIGHT.

I am compelled to have negro guards, because there are very few white Republicans who would consent to go into anything of that kind, knowing the desperate nature of the men on the other side. The negroes naturally took my side, because they saw the Kuklux were on the other side. It was a political fight. They wanted to drive me out, and that is the course they followed. I have been a hard working, active Republican; and have saved the county several times to the Republican party. When I was first elected to the Legislature, it was by a majority of only nineteen votes; the second time it was 600. For this success I am hated.

I want to say that the negroes in my body guard were not moved by any feeling of hostility to any individual. They were hostile to the Kuklux, and they believe that Kennedy had these men to help him. They did nothing except in self-defense, and there was no thought of intention of an uprising. Such a report is a lie.

AN EXILE.

I have been away from home ever since last Saturday. They were looking for me in every direction, and one day three of them passed in sight of a tree where I was asleep. They all had Henry rifles, revolvers and bowie knives. They did not see me. I am afraid to go back now only on account of the militia. I have done no crime, and I fear no man, but I do not want to be thrown into prison with no chance for my life as I know I would be if i was in the power of the militia. I never raised a difficulty in my life. I have always been a sober man, and attended to my business, and never have sought a quarrel in my life. I hope the militia may soon be withdrawn, for with the loss of my house and furniture, worth about $4,500, and the interruption of my business, I am well nigh ruined. My family is scattered -- I know not how they are living.

The above is the substance of the story told by Mr. Sellers. He added many incidents of the condition of affairs in Garrard county, which show anything but a wholesome regard for law. He announces his determination to engage counsel to defend the negroes who were with him, and who have been arrested. []

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[] "A Complaint from Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

A Complaint from Lancaster.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

NICHOLASVILLE, KY., Aug. 26, 1874.

As you have heretofore acted in so impartial a manner in the publication of all accounts relating to the outrages being perpetrated in this State. I take the liberty of sending you some information from Lancaster, which I see you have not yet published. If you are in a position to give any solution to these facts, the people of this section of the country would be pleased to have you do so.

It is a notorious fact that the State Guards are arresting none but the partisans of Sellers, and that Kennedy and a number of his friends are still walking the streets of the town armed and unmolested. The citizens of the country are desirous of knowing who is to blame in the case. Is it Col. Clark, Judge Owsley, or Governor Leslie?

On Monday, after the arrival of the State Guards, Grove Kennedy went to the hotel of Wm. Glass and threatened to kill him for asking the United States troops to stop the spread of the flames from Sellers' house to that of other houses int he neighborhood, knowing that if they were not stopped that his hotel would be destroyed. Kennedy kept walking back and forth in front of the hotel, displaying his revolvers, and Glass left immediately for this place. Grove Kennedy is still at Lancaster. Why is he not arrested? At 2 o'clock P.M. on Monday, three of the Kennedy party, armed with shot guns, Henry rifles and revolvers, rode into Nicholasville in search of Sellers. They had their horses fed at the livery stable, and took dinner for themselves at the hotel. One of them watched the hotel, and the other two went to the depot to see if Sellers would attempt to go North via this route, but as he did not they again left here for Lancaster.

At the commencement of the difficulty Sellers sent Eb Kennedy word that he did not want to draw their respective friends into the affair, and that he thought that, as Kennedy was determined to have a fight, it would be better for K. and himself to go out and fight alone, and then let it stop. Kennedy sent him word that he could do as he d--n please -- and he, K., would do the same. The negroes would have not been brought into the affair at all if it had not been for the action of one Cooly, a strong Kennedy man, who met two of them on the street on Wednesday, and pushed one of them off of the walk, afterwards breaking one of his ribs with a stone, and swearing that they intended killing every d--d nigger in the country. The negroes therefore thought they were in danger of losing their lives, and consequently armed themselves for the fray. []

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[] "The Lancaster Disturbances." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-08-28/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 28, 1874] -

THE LANCASTER DISTURBANCES

More Noise Than Bloodshed.

While many of the readers of the Journal are familiar with the general details of the recent difficulty in our neighboring town of Lancaster, many of them have either heard nothing at all of the affair, or have heard vague and conflicting rumors, more or less exaggerated. Hence we will endeavor to give as fair a statement of

THE WHOLE DIFFICULTY

as possible under the circumstances.

In the first place, Mr. E. D. Kennedy, a Democrat, and Mr. J. K. Faulkner, a Republican, had a

HOTLY CONTESTED RACE

at the last election for the circuit clerkship of Garrard county, which resulted in the election of Faulkner by eleven votes. Kennedy gave notice that he would contest the election upon the grounds of alleged illegality, with a fair prospect of sustaining his cause. The parties on either side became

UNDULY EXCITED

during the progress of the canvass between these two men, and the excitement was intensified after the election as the legal contest between them progressed.

MR. WILLIAM SELLERS,

the present Representative of Garrard county in the Kentucky Legislature, met Kennedy recently, and, without provocation, as it is charged by Kennedy, shot and slightly wounded him. In this difficulty Sellers states that he was first attacked by Kennedy, and

ONLY SHOT IN SELF-DEFENSE!

This rencounter, or, as the Kennedy party style it, attempt to

ASSASSINATE KENNEDY,

exasperated the friends of both men, and trouble was looked for between the principles in the affair and their friends; though disinterested persons were actively interesting themselves in effecting a reconciliation, with a fair prospect of success.

At this stage of the affair a desperate character, named

COOLEY

under the influence of whisky, and actuated by a spirit of ruffianism and lawlessness, now too common among men of his class, appeared upon the scene, and commenced abusing and maltreating both whites and negroes whom he met on the streets of Lancaster. The constabulary force of Lancaster were absent from town, and Cooley was not arrested, but suffered to continue his reprehensible conduct until nearly dark on Wednesday evening, when he was informed that the negroes were armed themselves with the intention of mobbing him. He then gathered a force of three or four companions and took possession of the courthouse. About dark a number of negroes organized and made an attack upon Cooley and his party, who retreated into the courthouse, and a general fire was kept up all night.

Our information is that neither Kennedy nor Sellers participated in this fight. The negroes who led the attack were Luther Jackman and Geo. Cohen; whether they were incited by Sellers or any of his party we are unable to say. We do not believe they were.

Mr. Wm. F. Kennedy, who was not engaged in the difficulty, and standing in the office of the Lancaster Hotel, was shot by the first gun fired; the ball striking him in the right side, passing through and lodging just under the skin. He was on the street the next day.

Wm. Smith, a negro who waits upon E. D. Kennedy, was standing near Cooley, when the first volley was fired, and received a wound in the groin and ran into the courthouse.

Dr. Steve Burdett was sent for to dress the wound of the negro, Smith, and as he was approaching the entrance to the courthouse, he was fired upon and received three buckshot in the leg, from which he fell, and, as the firing was continued after his fall for some time, he took refuge behind a column of the plaza. For a while after the firing ceased his friends were afraid to go to his assistance, but finally did so, although under fire. A physician was summoned to attend the wounded doctor, but he refused to go to his assistance without a guard of soldiers. A guard was provided by the commanding officer of the U.S. troops, stationed at Lancaster, and they were allowed to enter the courthouse without molestation, but when they started from the building with the wounded doctor, a volley was fired upon them, another ball taking effect in his side. The soldiers called upon the atttacking negroes to cease firing, stating that they were soldiers and were only caring for a wounded man, but no attention was paid them, when the soldiers returned the fire and covered the retreat of Dr. Burdett and his attendants to the courthouse, where he was compelled to remain all night without proper surgical attention and nursing, and listen to an unceasing fire of musketry.

The firing was kept up at intervals all night, and every white man seen walking the streets was shot by the negroes.

A young man, Geo. Griffin, was standing by the side of Dr. Burdett when he was first fired upon, and one ball struck him in the calf of the leg.

On Thursday morning squads of negroes armed with guns and pistols of ever description, were seen in different parts of town. A meeting of the citizens of the town convened for the purpose of devising means to secure peace between the belligerents, when the negroes rallied and formed a line for the purpose of attacking, but were prevailed upon to desist and retire to another portion of town. A special police force of twenty-five citizens succeeded in keeping down any further disturbance during the day, but on Thursday night the negroes made an attack upon Mr. E. D. Kennedy's residence, and riddled it with bullets, wounding slightly a little child, grandson of Mr. Kennedy.

At the time of this firing there were none but women in the house, but fortunately, and we might say miraculously, no one was wounded but the child above referred to.

On Friday morning Mr. Fred Yeakey, deputy clerk in Kennedy's office, was going from his residence to the depot to attend the Richmond fair, unarmed, and was fired upon by two negroes, receiving wounds in both legs.

On Friday morning the residence of Mr. Kennedy was set on fire by the negroes.

During the day, Friday, the negroes were receiving reinforcements from the country around. At the request of the trustees of the town the soldiers aided in keeping down the disturbance, but the commander, not having received orders to interfere, withdrew them before night and left the citizens at the mercy of from fifty to seventy-five armed and maddened semi-savages, who kept up the fire upon every white man they saw during the night. Reports of the disturbance spread rapidly through the adjoining counties. Citizens of the town were fleeing to adjoining towns for refuge, as threats had been made by the negroes to burn the town and kill the whites without regard to sex or age.

Some fifteen young men went over from Stanford to aid in quelling the disturbance, and squads from other towns hastened to the scene of conflict to take position with the whites and assist in dispersing, and if necessary, slaying the blacks -- to restore peace at all hazards.

Up to Saturday morning, Sellers was at his home with a body-guard composed of negroes and one white man named Ward, who was wounded in the final battle on Saturday evening.

All day Saturday both parties -- whites and blacks -- were receiving reinforcements. Ward, with a large number of negroes (Sellers having left town early Saturday morning) had barricaded themselves in the dwelling house of Sellers, and form this place shot at every white person who passed or showed his face, while the whites let pass, unmolested, negroes who were unarmed.

Several times during the day propositions looking to a cessation of hostilities were sent to the negroes, but they answered with volleys from the portholes of their improvised fortress. They "did not want peace, they must fight."

Just before dark the whites surrounded the negroes completely, stationing brave and daring men at the different points of ingress to Sellers' house, and, with the aid of turpentine balls, set fire to an out house, from which the flames soon communicated to the main building. They again offered terms to the negroes, with ample protection, if they would agree to surrender their arms to the civil authorities, which offer was again answered with volleys from their guns.

When the flames began to envelope the building, Marshall Miller again interceded with U.S. troops to stop further proceedings and bloodshed, and, with the understanding that the whites would lay down their arms on the surrender of the negroes in Sellers' house, the commander of the troops took a squad of soldiers, waiving a flag of truce. When he arrived opposite Sellers' house, he was fired upon by the negroes, and the whites stationed near the soldiers, who were not made aware of the arrangement with their leader, continued firing upon the negroes, notwithstanding the presence of the troops. The soldiers then fired a volley upon both whites and blacks, and retreated to the public square, where they fired volley after volley upon the whites in the vicinity of the courthouse while they were flying in every direction to avoid destruction. Many of these were citizens of the town and non-participants in the difficulty. At this time Mr. Foley received his death wound.

The firing was kept up upon Sellers' house by the whites stationed around it until the troops again made their appearance opposite the fortress and opened fire upon the whites, calling to the negroes to come out and join them. The negroes rushed out of the building admist the troops, and negroes and soldiers made a hasty retreat to the barracks, firing upon whites as they went.

Only three men were killed: Menifee Foley, bar-keeper at the Mason House, was shot by the soldiers and died in a few minutes. Two negroes named Jim Anderson and Jim Ray, were shot and killed. It is thought that seven or eight negroes were wounded. Henry Ward -- white -- was mortally wounded and was left in the burning building to perish in the flames. He was rescued by a brave and generous man whose life he had attempted to take while he was offering to him and his dusky companions terms of peace and protection. This same gentleman also saved much of Mr. Sellers' parlor furniture.

On Saturday an appeal was made [to] Governor Leslie to interpose and send State troops to the scene of conflict to quell the rioters and restore peace. Forthwith the Governor sent up from Louisville a battalion of State guards, under command of Lieut. Col. W. L. Clark. They arrived at 5:30 a.m. Sunday last, on a special train. Immediately after the arrival quiet prevailed, and a feeling of relief was felt by all. With the same train which brought the State troops, came the commission of Hon. M. H. Owsley as Judge of the 8th Judicial District, who forthwith issued the following

PROCLAMATIONS:

WHEREAS, There have been serious disturbances in the town of Lancaster, on the part of various persons, which have already resulted fatally to the lives of some of the citizens thereof, and the serious injury and wounding of others; and

WHEREAS, It is understood that armed bands of men threaten to further endanger the lives and property of the citizens of said town and vicinity.

Now therefore, by virtue of a commission from the Governor of Kentucky, and my qualification as Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Kentucky, and the powers vested in me by law, I hereby direct and order all persons who have been engaged in said disturbances or contemplate further violence, and all bands and squads of armed men, and all individuals to immediately disperse and lay down their arms and return to their homes as peaceful citizens; otherwise they will be subjected to all the pains and penalties of the law.

I have at my command a military force sent by the Governor, who will aid the civil authorities in carrying this proclamation into effect.

This order will be enforced without fear, favor or partiality, and all violators of law will be most rigidly dealt with, and all peaceful citizens fully protected.

M.H. OWSLEY.

Judge 8th Judicial District of Kentucky.

August 23, 1874.

SECOND PROCLAMATION.

The Commanding Officer of the State Guard is respectfully required to disarm all citizens whom he finds inside the town limits, and aid the town authorities in every effort made by them in quelling difficulties and disturbances, and will aid and assist the disbanding of any considerable squads of citizens who may be found congregated together in the streets, and in the protection of all peaceful citizens in the regular pursuits of business or pleasure.

This 24th day of August, 1874.
(Signed) M.H. OWSLEY,
Judge 8th Judicial District Ky.

Judge Owsley has determined to have prosecuted vigilantly all offenders of the law, and maintain peace at all hazards.

The State guards are conducting themselves becomingly.

A number of negroes have been arrested and disarmed, including the leaders of the mob.

We leave the reader to form his own judgment from the facts related. Certainly the affair is in no sense a political war, and not a war of races, except so far as the negroes who participated in the mob are concerned.

It should teach black men that an uprising against whites is a dangerous thing; and in waring whites they encounter a generous but dangerous foe.

With the Kennedy and Sellers trouble we have no interest one way or the other, and we do not regard it as connected with the costly and mischievous affair at Lancaster except incidently. It is simply one of the necessary results of playing upon the passions and fears of the negro with devilish falsehoods; taking advantage of his ignorance, and inciting him to deeds of violence by making him believe that Democrats are his enemies and are trying to put him back into slavery. The negroes of Lancaster had just cause, in common with insulted whites, for indignation against the man who abused and maltreated them, but they should have followed the example of the whites and appealed to the law for protection, and not resort to deeds of violence and bloodshed--indiscriminate slaughter and wanton destruction of property.

We hope the war in Central Kentucky is over, and that the Kennedy-Sellers party will be awed by the majesty of the law, and thus prevented from a renewal of their unfortunate difficulty. []

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[] "Our Neighbors - Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

GARRARD COUNTY NEWS.

Lancaster, Aug 24th, '74.

Knowing the varied and conflicting reports circulated as to the late war in our midst, we will endeavor to give nothing but what is reliable, while space, as well as time, confines me to a summary account.

The origin of this difficulty has become so stale that we consider it worthless to repeat that the whole troubles may be dated back only to the difficulty between E. D. Kennedy and Wm. Sellers, on public square, on Friday Aug. 7th.

Wednesday last Messrs. Cooley, Long and Arnold were dissipated on the streets, and, we are informed, mis-treated some negroes who voted against E. D. Kennedy in the late election. The negroes organized themselves at Wm. Seller's house for headquarters, that evening, and the white men, [?7] in number, took possession of the Court House. Quite early the streets were cleared by the citizens, who anticipated a fight between the parties that night. About 7 o'clock, the whites were fired upon by negroes from the entrances of Lexington and Danville streets. Bose Smith, a negro, was shot in the groin, and was immediately waited on by Dr. S. L. Burdett. Dr. Burdett was shot while attending to Smith, the shot breaking his leg. B. M. Burdett and F. A. Yeakey were allowed to call in Dr. Hillman, who was escorted by five soldiers to the Court House. They used a light, in order that the negroes might see the proceedings and not fire on them. A volley came while carrying Burdett out and woudned him a second time in the side in hip. The fire was returned by the five soldiers. Burdett was deposited under the stairway and Huffman concealed himself in the Circuit Clerk's office vault, and remained this way until morning. The negroes fired at interval during the balance of the night. Wm. Kennedy was standing in the "Glass Hotel" when the fighting began, and was shot in the side, inflicitng a slight wound. George Griffin was with Dr. Burdett and was shot in the leg.

No firing on Thursday. Both parties in town, but disbanded. The substantial citizens talked with the officers as to the best manner of promoting harmony. The following night Kennedy's house was fired upon, -- supposed to be negroes. No one at home except women and children. A child of Jno. Slaven's was struck by a spent ball. Wound slight, and child recovering. The ball was extracted by Dr. Huffman.

Friday morning F. A. Yeakey, son-in-law of Kennedy's, while coming to town to attend his usual business, was fired upon, near the Baptist Church, wounding him in both legs. Excitement intense. A meeting of the citizens was called at the Granger's lodge-room, and the negroes unable to define the movement, came marching in, from Seller's residence, in an armed squad to investigate. Marshal. W. S. Miller, Jr., met and requested them to return, and after explaining to them the object of the meeting, they returned contented. The meeting ordered Marshal Miller to enroll militia, and a "Mulligan Guard" was organized with Miller as Captain. R. M. Bradley, Circuit Judge pro. tem. was ordered out the U. S. soldiers to assist in making peace if required. About 6 o'clock Miller and his command proceeded to arrest one, Wm. Ward, at Seller's residence, reported to have shot at Yeakey that morning. The arrest was made, and Sellers escorted Ward to the Court House, went his bond, and both returned to the fort. At 1 [1/2?] o'clock P.M., Kennedy's residence was set on fire, while the family were absent, but was extinguished by the soldiers. Several reports were circulated that the negroes had threatened to burn the town. Although the police guarded it many of the citizens feared it would meet that dreadful fate.

Friday night, Walter Sanders, Sheriff of Lincoln county, and a company of well armed men arrived from Stanford. Saturday morning found the citizens unmolested, after the restless slumbers of the night. Other Kennedy men came down on the morning train from Paint Lick and upper Garrard. A party from Crab Orchard, and others from Boyle county were here immediately. Excitement on the part of the citizens grew more intense as the battle scene approached. Women and children particularly, who were in most danger, began to move out. At 1 [1/2?] o'clock P.M., skirmishing began. Negroes confined to Seller's residence.

The whites were under the entire command of Walter Sanders, of Lincoln. The 3 o'clock evening train arrived with another squad from Stanford. About this time a mulatto, named Jim D[?] Ray, was killed while in Curry's yard. He was shot in the abdomen, and laid out until next morning. At 4 o'clock Sellers' coal-house, in the yard, was set on fire by wick balls, saturated with turpentine. At this time the whites had entirely surrounded the house. At 6 o'clcok the residence was in flames, from communication with the burning coal-house. Capt. Fletcher, of the U. S. A., marched his company on public square, and immediately formed an agreement with Sanders, commander of the white men, that if he would disarm his men he would capture the negroes. Marshal Miller with Capt. Fletcher and soldiers marched in front of Sellers' residence and called to the negroes to surrender. The negroes yielded to the command, knowing they could nto remain longer in the burning house, but came out with their guns in a firing attitude, when they, or some heedless white men, fired, causing a stampede of the soldiers, saying they were fired on by some of the Kennedy party. The soldiers fired several volleys into the public square and retired double-quick to camp.

M. L. Foley, bar-tender at the Mason House, was shot and killed, supposed by the soldiers. The negroes made their escape during the stampede. Sellers was reported to have left the house early in the day. M. C. Brickley[?], (white,) ran out with the squad of negroes, while making their escape. Wm. Ward, (white,) was wounded in Sellers' house, -- shot through the back. Taken out while house was burning and conveyed to Geo. Denny, Jr.'s. Wound considered dangerous. Harry Huffman laid out all night, being shot, though not dangerously, in the hip. W. H. Ward, (with the whites,) was wounded in the thigh, slightly. A soldier, Wm. Buley[?], was shot, during the stampede, the shot taking effect in the leg. Wound slight.

Fourteen negroes have been captured and are now under guard, -- some of them leading men of Sellers' party. The fighting ended with Saturday night. Everything quiet, though some fear of life. Sunday morning, at 5:30 o'clock, an up train bore 280 State Militia, under command of Col. W. L. Clarke, to the relief of Lancaster's troubles. Having heard they were fighting desperately before they arrived, the train stopped one-half mile from town and the troops came in under music of fife and drum, with skirmishers ahead, finding our town once more a peaceful, quiet village. They took possession, with permission, of the Court House and City Hall. It reminds us very forcibly of war times, with morning and evening dress parades on public square.

M. H. Owsley received his commission and was sworn in. He has issued as much as the second proclamation requiring the others of the State Guard to disarm every citizen found with weapons in side the town limits. This has been carried out with several of both sides, and in fact, all have been deprived of their "body guard." This proclamation, strictly adhered to, will, no doubt, have a very wholesome effect upon the community. A grand jury has been summoned, and is now sitting.

With the exception of the warlike appearance, our town is rapidly regaining its former condition. Thirty more troops are expected, but they are to release some that are required to return. The school house, in District No. 36, was burned Monday night, -- supposed to be accidental, as some children, we understand, were playing with matches about the house. Miss Jennie E. Cochran was the teacher.

No further troubles feared in Garrard. It is supposed, though we can't tell positively, that about three negroes burned in the Sellers' house, being wounded, thereby preventing their escape. Some bones of a skeleton have been found in the ashes.

DON'T KNOW.

The Latest -- The following special telegram to the Advocate gives the latest news.

Lancaster, Aug. 27, 3 P. M.

On affidavit before Police Judge, Grinan[?], Mack Adams, of Anderson, and ---- Adams was arrested yesterday evening on a warrant to keep the peace. Bail five thousand dollars -- failed to give it. Trial at four o'clock this evening. Adams, of Anderson, executed bond to keep peace. ---- Adams under guard. Five militia deserted--one captured. Remainder doing well. Incessant rain to day. []

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[] "The Lancaster Trouble." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

THE LANCASTER TROUBLE. -- Our correspondent, elsewhere, furnishes our readers with the details of the "Lancaster War," and it will not be necessary for us to repeat them here. We are glad, however, to be able to assure the public that peace has been restored and comparative quiet reigns in the town and county, so recently disturbed. We attribute this, in a large degree, to the presence of the State troops who reacehd Lancaster, last Sunday, and the prompt action of Judge Owsley, who qualified and immediately entered into the work of suppressing disorder and enforcing the law against all offenders. the following is a copy of a letter sent to Gov. Leslie, on Wednesday, which explains the line of policy that has been adopted:

Lancaster, Aug. 26, 1874.

P. H. Leslie, Governor of Kentucky:

Dear Sir: -- The forces sent so promptly to the assistance of our people by your Excellency, under command of Lt. Col. W. L. Clarke, arrived here early on Sunday morning, and immediately reported, as directed by you, to me, handling me at the same time my commission as Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Kentucky. Whereupon I immediately qualified as such, and issued enclosed proclamation No. 1 at once. The directions therein contained were promptly executed by the officers of the battalion and the men under their respective commands. Early Monday morning, the Circuit Court being still in session here, i had a new grand jury summoned, (the old one having been previously discharged,) and set them to work. They have been actively engaged since, and i hope and trust will be enabled to accomplish much, although there is much difficulty just yet in obtaining witnesses and information, from the morbid condition of the public mind, and many persons having either ran off or are concealing themselves. On this morning I issued proclamation No. 2., and on yesterday the statement addressed "to whom it may concern," both herewith enclosed, all of which I hope your Excellency will approve. Quiet is now restored, and every one manifests confidence in the troops here. The officers and men have conducted themselves in a most commendable manner, and have been active and efficient in co-ooperating with the civil authorities in quelling disturbances, restoring peace, and in quieting the fears of the community, as well as in bringing the offenders to justice. Allow me to return you my sincere thanks, as well as the thanks of all our good people, for the prompt and efficient manner in which you sent us such material aid in time of need.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

M. H. Owsley,

Judge 8th Judicial District.

The following persons compose the new Grand Jury, viz: A. R. Denny, foreman, E. H. Beasley, Levi Long, John Lackey, T. M. Johnson, J. S. Gill, J. V. Cook, J. H. Bruce, E. M. Leavel, Morgan Hudson, Wm. McCarty, Saml. Johnson, T. A. Elkin, W. R. Doty, R. F. Scott, Geo. Evans. This Jury is made up of good, substantial citizens, irrespective of party, and we are assured, will do their duty fearlessly and faithfully. Judge Owsley gave them an excellent order, and assured them of his purpose to cooperate with them in bringing all offenders to justice without fear, favor, or partiality. This is the only road to peace and quiet, and all good, law-abiding citizens will see the necessity of standing by the faithful officers of the law. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 28, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1874] -

The excitement in Danville during the progress of hostilities in our neighboring town of Lancaster, was quite intense, and a reat desire was manifest in every quarter to learn the latest news. The light occasioned by the burning of Sellers' house, on Saturday evening, was distinctly seen by a number of persons from our Court House cupola. []

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[] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 31, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 31, 1874] -

LANCASTER.

Peace in Garrard -- The Statements of Mr. Sellers Not Warranted by the Facts -- No Politics in the Troubles.

A Letter from Judge Owsley.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 20, 1874.

The Judge of the Circuit Court now has his court open, and a good, brave, and sensible grand jury has been impaneled to investigate charges against all regardless of party or race, who may have unlawfully engaged in the recent riotous proceedings. The letter of Governor Leslie to the Judge, and the proclamation of the Judge to all citizens, have a true, wholesome, and hearty tone, not to be misunderstood, and lawless men of all classes may make up their minds to obey the laws or suffer the just penalty for their violation. Moreover, those who have transgressed the laws may rest assured that it is the object of these proceedings to ferret them out, and that, if upon investigation they shall be found guilty, the punishment prescribed will be certainly meted out to them. This is not to be the work of a day, or a week, or a month, but in the language of our Governor, "the courts will remain open until the last culprit shall have been arrested and tried, even though the court is compelled to remain open for months and even years." The Governor of the State, backed and upheld by the wishes of every good citizen, is determined to break up lawlessness within our borders at all hazards. After the darkness of the past few years, we now see the dawn at last.

Much surprise is felt at the alleged statement of Mr. Wm. Sellers as detailed to a correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette, and which was copied into your columns of last Friday's issue. Some of his statements were almost astonishing, and he must have been laboring under grave misapprehensions at the time he was interviewed by the Gazette reporter, or else he was wholly ignorant of many of the facts and the scenes which transpired in Lancaster after he left the county.

He says that Kennedy's house was burned by Kennedy himself, in order to obtain sympathy. Of course this is not true, although the house was set on fire, probably by negroes, but was not much damaged. Mr. Sellers also speaks of "nineteen Kuklux coming into town." There were no Kuklux that any one knows of. The many Cooly and another were all of the men that behaved badly prior to the arming of the blacks, and all good men, regardless of party or color, deprecate their conduct.

Mr. Sellers also says that all who came to Kennedy's relief were Kuklux. If he refers to the squad of men who came to Lancaster from Stanford and other points, to aid in suppressing the riot, and to protect the citizens of all colors and of all parties, eh can not find any one to agree with him. The statement of Mr. Sellers that it was a "political fight" can not be corroborated.

The most absurd statement made by Mr. Sellers is, that he was "afraid to return to Lancaster on account of the presence of the State militia."

Had he seen the orders of the officers in command of them, Col. Clarke, and the several proclamations of Judge Owsley, or known of their tenor, I can not see why he should fear the militia. The troops were not sent here to arrest Mr. Sellers or Mr. Kennedy, or to disturb them, or either of them in any way, as they had not taken active part in the troubles; but they came to disperse or arrest the mob, regardless of race or politics, and to conserve the peace.

Any attempt upon the part of any one to make political or personal capital out of the disgraceful proceeding here will surely prove to be abortive. This entire community can and do assure Mr. Sellers and Mr. Kennedy, and all the friends of each, that no harm shall come to either, provided they act as law-abiding citizens. It is admitted that Mr. Sellers has been a law-abiding citizen and an industrious man. This people have honored him greatly, and are willing now to throw around him the strong arm of their own support in every proper way and protect him against all outlawry. They assure Mr. Kennedy of the same support. Both are worthy and useful citizens, and all that is required of either is that they act as become useful and intelligent men in society. We feel further assured that the Judge of the district and the colonel commanding the State troops would lend their whole power in the protection of Mr. Sellers, and that they would see that justice was done to any partisan of his or Mr. Kennedy on the trial of any charge against one or all.

In conclusion, let us all hope that this fearful and cruel excitement is over for all time, and that each and every citizen, of whatever party or color, will now return to the peaceful pursuits of every-day life; and let us each strive to restore that fellowship and good will which obtained in other and happier days. We have a common destiny to fulfill. Life is too short for any of us to engage in bitter and vindictive animosities. Ours is a common heritage, and whether we be Republican or Democrat, white or black, we can not afford to incur the ill will of one another. "Let us have peace."

VIOLA. []

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[ibid] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 31, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[August 31, 1874] -

Judge Owsley on the Lancaster Situation.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Aug. 29.

A correspondent from Nicholasville, signed "Kentucky," wrote you of date August 26, in which he complains that the State Guard stationed at this place were arresting none but partisans of Sellers, and tells a very pathetic story about William Glass, hotel-keeper in this town.

Now, in justice to the State Guard, I have this to state. They arrived here on Sunday morning, brought my commission as Judge of the Eighth Judicial district for Kentucky, with directions to report to me and aid the civil authorities in suppressing the troubles then existing in Garrard county. They were under command of Lieutenant Colonel W. L. Clarke. Immediately after consultation with representative and respectable men of both parties -- George Denny, Sr., William H. Kennard, being two of the prominent Republicans -- I issued proclamation No. 1 (which has already been published by you), after having first consulted and obtained the approval of all these gentlemen. The object of this was to disperse and disarm all bands of armed men who might be found loitering in the county and in the neighborhood of the town, both as a matter of protection to the community and as a matter of safety to the command, as rumors were flying in every direction that forces and bands of armed men, negroes especially, were on the way to Lancaster. This order was carried out without due reference as to which side the persons outside the town limits belonged. Neither Col. Clarke, the State Guards, nor myself, knew anything about who were on the respective sides (certainly, so far as I was concerned, but very few).

In the excitement, incident to the troubles which the community had passed through, some innocent parties were arrested. These arrests brought about in some instances by over-zealous and indiscreet persons. Such parties were immediately released and only persons held against whom material charges were preferred to await the action of the grand jury, which was to be empaneled the next day. The next day, finding that troubles were likely to occur from citizens who wore concealed deadly weapons, I promptly issued proclamation No. 2 (here inclosed), and this proclamation was promptly carried into effect by the command, and order was restored, and on the next morning, learning that some of the colored people were apprehensive of danger, I issued the paper herewith inclosed, addressed to whom it may concern. Certainly all these proclamations and orders have been fully carried out, as far as it was possible to do so.

The difficulty between Glass and Grove Kennedy was personal. Both are Democrats, and both voted for E. D. Kennedy at the election. Col. Clarke's headquarters were at Glass', and I know he offered to guard him and his house; but Glass, apprehensive of danger when the troops left, went to Nicholasville. He subsequently returned, is at home now, and he and Grove Kennedy are friends. Kennedy was both arrested and disarmed, and so with every other citizen, white and black. The State Guards have acted in a most commendable manner, and the officers in a spirit of great liberality and kindness. The few prisoners retained have been treated with gentleness and kindness, faring much better than the soldiers themselves. They but await the action of the grand jury, and will be released if not indicted, and held to answer if they are.

As to any one pursuing Sellers, no orders from these quarters, so far as I know, were ever issued to pursue him to Nicholasville or elsewhere. On the contrary, Colonel Clarke informed Mrs. S., when applied to for permission to remove Sellers' goods, that she could do so; and that if Mr. S. himself would return, his whole command would be at his services to guard and protect him from harm, and that he would only be subjected to any action the grand jury might take in the matter.

He referred her to Judge Denny, Commonwealth's Attorney, and myself, and she preferring to see Judge Denny (he being a leading Republican, and just elected Commonwealth's attorney), Mr. D. went off to seek and consult with her, but found her absent at the time from town, and I have no information at this writing as to what the attempted conference has resulted in.

The grand jury have been actively engaged under the special superintendence of Commonwealth’s Attorney Denny. Indictments have been returned, bench-warrants in the hands of the officers, and such as are guilty must suffer the just penalty of a violated law, if all do their duty as they should. Persons not indicted will certainly not be molested by the State authorities, civil or military.

Gen. Trauernicht, of the Volkablatt, is in command here (since the withdrawal of Col. Clarke by Gov. Leslie for other scenes). He is a soldier of large experience and served with gallantry in the Federal army during the late war.

Col. Clarke won the esteem and confidence of all here, and every one regretted that he was called away. The State Guard is composed of men made up of the two political parties, and under an order of Col. Clarke; which I herewith inclose, it will be seen that no soldier is permitted to express an opinion as to the merits of the difficulties here.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff are both leading Republicans, and so far as I know the whole machinery of the State government, both civil and military, is acting harmoniously and with a view to suppress our unfortunate disturbances. The grand jury is an excellent one, and are trying hard to do their duty.

I know nothing myself, nor do I care, in performance of my own official duty, as to the merits of the personal controversy out of which all our troubles arose. I shall try to learn fully my duty, and the laws of this [State?] shall be executed so far as I can enforce them.

M. H. OWSLEY. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

Quite a number of the young men, who went over to Lancaster during the unpleasantness existing there from our county, have been indicted by the Grand Jury of Garrard county for taking part in the trouble. They go over to attend their trial, which has been set for to-day, (Wednesday.) We trust that each may pass safely through the firery ordeal and be let off with the lowest penalty possible. They acted under the impulse of the moment, and not knowing how matters certainly stood at the time, were unfortunately drawn into the trouble. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

War Department. -- In speaking of the late unpleasantness in Lancaster, we have but little to say. Since last week matters have been perfectly quiet and everything has a cheerful appearance. Two companies of the militia have left, leaving us now with about 100. The Fusiliers, German Company, has 60 men, and Company D., "Hewitt Grays," number about 40. Since Col. Clarke left for Owen, Gen. Trauernicht has command. There was some excitement on the public square, Monday night. Three horsemen came into town about 2 o'clock A. M., and, in being halted by the guard, they attempted to escape. They dismounted to run, and the horses and one of the men were captured, but the man escaped before morning. The horses were claimed by Mr. Wm. Collier, of Crab Orchard, next evening. Mr. Collier stated that they had been stolen from his premises. The Grand Jury has been in session this week, and, we understand, found several true bills. We noticed several parties from Lincoln county in town this evening, who have been indicted and are here to give bond. The case of mandamus, of this county, has been removed to Madison, --the efforts, so far, of the parties have been unsuccessful in getting a Judge to preside during the trial. Those mentioned as being wounded, in our last, are all recoving, -- some very slowly, while others, who received slight wounds, are going about. The militia are here for the protection fo all citizens and the proceedings of the present special term of the Court, but how long they will remain is indefinate. There has not been the least discord between the militia and the U. S. soldiers, and the citizens have found them a most agreeable company of men, and, should peace reign, would regret to have them leave Lancaster.

Later -- The Court adjourned Wednesday, but will meet again October 5th, for the trial of all indictments. The parties indicted gave bond for appearance at that date. The troops will probably remain until that time. Peace reigns.

DONT KNOW.

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

William Sellers, one of the originators of the late troubles in Garrard county, has turned up in Jeffersonville, Ind. The presumption is that he has gone there in order to institute a suit in the Federal Court. He took the trouble to go to Cincinnati and have an elaborate statement published in the Republican papers with regard to the troubles in Garrard, which has been pronounced false in many important particulars, by Judge Owsley and other citizens of Lancaster. Mr. Sellers is attempting to play the role of a martyr for political principles, when the truth of the matter is the whole affair is personal, and for which he is largely responsible. []

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[] "How Does Public Sentiment Stand?" The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 4, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 4, 1874] -

We put the question, therefore, with reference alone to public sentiment, is Kentucky to become too hot for outlaws?

We must confess that the indications are not altogether promising in this respect. It matters not whether Bill Smoot, or the Walkers and Willis Russell, in Owen, or Kennedy or Sellers, in Garrard, and their respective clans, were most in the wrong. They were all openly violating the law. They were all bidding defiance to lawfully constituted authority, and that so powerfully that the chief Executive of the State had to avail himself of the very last resort provided by the Constitution for the security of the peace and the preservation of the Commonwealth, and invoke the aid of the military power. The body politic is not healthy when the reserve military force must be called out. It is a dangerous power to exercise in any community. It is a surgeon's knife, that should be used only in desperate cases. Yet what is the public estimate of the men who brought about this calamitous condition of affairs? They are heroes. Bill Smoot rode into Frankfort, not as a captured criminal, but as a hero, and it is doubtful if he was ever treated with as much distinguished consideration before. On his approach to his native heath, we are informed that a body of his followers came out to greet him, and, as a guard of honor, quiet overshadowed the sheriff and his posse who had him in official keeping. On the other hand, the Walkers are equally heroes, and Kennedy and Sellers are held by not a few in high esteem as the bold authors of a war.

Yet none of these men, nor their clans, are heroes. They have violated the law, and all that distinguishes them is that, after violating the law, they resisted the constituted authorities. They have all committed grave offenses. They have done wrong, and the face of the community ought to be set against them. Until public sentiment is outspoken against all disturbers of the peace and exacting in demanding a rigid observance of the law there will be no peace in Kentucky. The courts can not suppress the pistol, if public sentiment attaches no stigma to its use. Until we cease to regard malefactors as heroes, and until we place all concealed weapons on the ignoble footing of the slung[?] shot, Kentucky will know no other reign but the reign of the pistol, and no other rule but the rule of mob law. []

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[] "The War in Garrard." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 5, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 5, 1874] -

THE WAR IN GARRARD

Uncle Eb. Kennedy’s Story of the Attempt to Assassinate Him and the Fighting that Followed.

The Remarkable Siege of the Court-House and the Firing of Seller’s House with Turpentine Balls.

The Troubles from Beginning to End

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

In the beginning of the troubles, which have lately prevailed in and disturbed Garrard county, a statement was published in your paper, over the signature of Mr. William Sellers, and recently you have published from the columns of the Cincinnati Gazette what purports to be an oral statement of Mr. Sellers to a reporter of that paper, both of which are attempts by Mr. Sellers to vindicate his own conduct, and to detach from himself blame and censure and any public suspicion of his criminal responsibility for the wrongs which have been done.

Until this time I have refused to write a detailed statement for publication, first because from my dislike of newspaper controversies—I have never until now engaged in one; and second, for the reason that I have not considered that the difficulty between Mr. Sellers and myself, so far as my conduct in it is concerned, had anything to do in originating the county troubles, and did not wish to annoy the public with it. But since matters have assumed such extensive proportions as to cast a reflection even upon the character and conduct of the good people of the State, and to provoke from some of the Republican papers of the country insinuations against their good name and character, I deem it my duty as a good citizen, in justice to and in justification of my self, my friends and all lovers of peace and order, and especially our most worthy Governor, P. H. Leslie, who has so commendably acted in the whole affair, and those who notified him of the troubles in the county to give a fair, full and true statement of the facts, from the beginning to the end of the troubles, as I understand them.

At the last August election I was a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court, which office I have held for the last six years. Col. John K. Faulkner was my opponent. Upon the face of the papers returned to the County Clerk as poll books by the persons who acted as Sheriff of the election I was defeated by twelve votes. I objected to the examining board selected to compare the polls and count the votes, and notified the County Clerk not to deliver the poll books to them nor to any other persons except those legally constituting the board, whom I considered to be Hall Anderson, acting sheriff of the election, Wm. M. Kerby, the sheriff, being a candidate, and E. Brown and J. M. Doty, the two justices of the peace residing nearest to the county seat, the County Clerk and County Judge both being candidates. Notwithstanding my objections the poll books were delivered to Hall Anderson, J. M. Doty, and T. Ford, as an examining board. Ford being a justice of the peace, residing eight miles from the county seat, E. Brown having refused to act because he was a candidate for office of County Judge that election.

After the qualification of Anderson, Doty and Ford as a comparing board, I notified them not to take into consideration a roll of papers which had ben delivered to the county clerk purporting to be the roll-book of Buckeye voting precinct No. 2 of Garrard county, because it had been delivered to the person acting as sheriff of the election at that precinct by the judges thereof at the close of the polls, unsealed and unenveloped as the law requires, but only tied with a loose hemp string, and was thus delivered by himself to the county clerk, and by the county clerk to those acting as the comparing board.

This board began its [?] on Tuesday, August 6th[?] and completed on the 7th.

T. Ford, one of the board, refused to consider or count the paper purporting to be the Buckeye polls book, according to which Col. Faulkner had received at that precinct a majority of fifty-six, and if that precinct had not been counted I would have been elected in the other three precincts by a majority of forty-four.

Ford wrote and signed a certificate of election and tendered it to the other two acting members of the board, and they refused to sign it, but wrote and signed one for Col. Faulkner, which Ford refused to sign. Thus the matter stood till Tuesday, August 11, when Anderson and Doty delivered to Faulkner a certificate signed by them alone, and on the 12th of August Ford delivered to me a certificate signed by him alone. Previous to this I had determined to contest the election, regardless of all legal objections as to the sealing of the poll books, &c, for the reasons that many negroes voting for Col. Faulkner were imported from other counties — other negroes voted for him twice, and many others who were under age; and I had so expressed my intention without consulting or advising with any one, and served my notice of contest upon Col. Faulkner, which set forth one hundred and fifty-five votes counted for him which I knew to be illegal, and which, if deducted from the number of votes cast for him, which justice and law demand, would elect me by a considerable majority.

On Friday, August 7, previous to the delivery of the certificate to me by Ford, it was known that he would also refuse to sign a certificate for J. Westby West, a cousin of Wm. Sellers, who was a candidate for county clerk in opposition to W. H. Whirett, and who if the Buckeye vote was counted was election, according to the returns, by a majority of 49 votes, and would otherwise be defeated.

Sellers had worked hard for the election of his cousin, West, of which he was very desirous, and had said that he should be elected at all hazards.

My contest against Faulkner if successful would also prevent the election of West.

Sellers and myself were personal friends previous to the election, and if he did me any injury in my election beyond what was necessary for him to forward and promote the election of West, I never knew it.

West and Sellers were Republicans and I was a Democrat.

On the night of Friday, August 7, I had determined to sleep in the Circuit Court clerk’s office, fearing that it might be forcibly taken possession of, and had gone there for that purpose. Before retiring I walked out on the public square and around the pavement on private business, and started back to the clerk’s office from a point directly across the public square from the courthouse, and had walked about fifty feet in the direction of the court-house, when Sellers came up to me in the dark and laid his left arm in a friendly manner over my right shoulder and said: “Uncle Eb.” I supposed he wanted to tell me something that was going on in my favor, but he immediately fired at me with his pistol, the powder burning the left side of my face, and the ball entering the upper part of the left lappel of my coat, ranging downward and through the side pocket and some papers therein carried. At the same time he pushed me down, and fired at me a second time, the ball passing through the lower part of the left side of my coat tail. (My coat was a short Marseliles.) Sellers then ran. As soon as I could recover myself, I got up and shouted at the top of my voice that I was not hurt, denouncing him in the same voice as a cowardly scoundrel, and asking him to come back and fight it out; but he ran on, I publicly announced then and there that Sellers had shot me twice. I was enraged and excited, and my friends used their efforts to quiet me, but I asserted positively then that Wm. Sellers, without cause or provocation, shot at me twice in the dark, in the guise of friendship, and tried to take my life by assassination. And this man is a member of the General Assembly of Kentucky, twice elected by the Republicans and negroes of Garrard county.

He went that night to his friends on Scott’s fork, or Sugar Creek, and on the next day sent for the sheriff to deliver himself up. The sheriff went and brought him to town, <i>in the night time</i>, and on the next day after he was on the streets of Lancaster. I was at the time in the country. On Monday morning I came back to perform the duties of my office, it being the first day of the Garrard Circuit Court, which I did as usual.

All passed off quietly during that week.

Towards the latter part of the week Sellers left Lancaster and went, as I understood, to Nicholasville and Lexington, and I was advised by reliable men that he had gone to furnish himself with ammunition, guns, and pistols and men for the purpose of killing me. On Sunday, August —, I notified my friends that Sellers was preparing to kill me, by arming and congregating negroes about him for that purpose, and four or five of my friends came to Lancaster on Tuesday and stayed with me until noonday Wednesday, when two of them having become intoxicated, were somewhat disorderly in their conduct, mistreated one white man and three negroes without, however, doing them any injury beyond the insults offered them. All this I tried to prevent, and then regretted and now deeply regret and deprecate.

After that all was quiet till about half past 9 o’clock Wednesday night, when I was in the Circuit Court room, in the second story of the court-house, making up the orders of the day, and five or six of my friends and relatives were in front of the court-house, on the porch below, armed with guns and pistols, to repel any attack that might be made on me, but with no intention of making any attack on Sellers or his house; and just at that time, without any provocation on the part of my friends, a fire was opened upon from the north and west sides of the public square, the court-house being situated on the south side thereof. At the same round of firing my cousin, William F. Kennedy, who had been my active friend in the election, was shot while standing inside of a glass door at the Lancaster Hotel, on the east side of the public square. The firing was returned by my friends from the court-house for a time, then all became quiet, and my son-in-law, F. A. Yeakey, who was my deputy clerk, went across the public square towards Marrs’ corner, directly opposite the court house, and from which the first firing came, with a view to see who was doing the firing. A colored man named Wm. Smith, commonly called “Bose,” went with him. When they were within thirty or forty steps of Marrs’ corner, they were fired on by five or six shots, and Bose was wounded in the groin. Yeakey fired one musket at the crowd as they run off in the direction of Sellers’ house. Yeakey then returned to the court-house with Bose, under the impression that the fight was all over, and that the negroes had run off. Yeakey then went for Dr. S. L. Burdett, who lived about 150 feet from the court-house, to wait on Bose, who was though to be wounded in the bowels. Dr. Burdett refused to go, but after being assured that all was safe and the fight over, agreed to go and did go.

As Dr. Burdett stepped upon on the front porch of the court-house, a volley was fired from Marrs’ corner, on the north side, and Stormes’ corner, on the west side of the public square, by which Dr. Burdett was wounded, breaking his left leg badly just above the ankle, and one shot entering his thigh about twelve inches above the knee, and ranging downward. He was carried into the court-house.

George Griffin, who was on his way home, followed Dr. Burdett up to the court-house, and was wounded by one buckshot in the calf of his left leg and got away.

B. M. Burdett, a brother of Dr. Burdett, who was at his boarding house about 300 feet south of the court house, heard a lady, Mrs. Anderson, say she believed Dr. Burdett was wounded. B. M. Burdett then sent to young men up street to see. They saw young Wm. Mason, who told them he was certainly wounded, and upon their report Mr. Burdett went immediately to the court-house and found the doctor badly wounded, and determined to go for Dr. Hoffman to treat the wound, and, in company with Mr. J. T. McQuerry, started across the square to go to Huffman’s house, which was on the east side of town and about 400 feet from the public square. While crossing the square Burdett was called by Mr. Miller and asked if any one was wounded. Burdett replied in a tone so loud that he was heard as far as 300 feet off, that Dr. Burdett was badly wounded, and that he was going for Dr. Hoffman to treat him. Dr. Hoffman refused to go, but on being assured that all was quiet, agreed to go, provided he could get a file of soldiers to go with him. Mr. Burdett went and applied to the colonel commanding a company of Federal troops near Dr. Hoffman’s house for a file of soldiers, who readily gave a file of three soldiers and a sergeant, who, in company with Mr. Burdett, called for Dr. Hoffman and went with him a back-way to Dr. Burdett’s house, got a couch and carried it to the court-house, put Dr. Burdett upon it, and rolled him to the front door. Just as they were in the act of taking up the couch to carry it—the soldiers in front and a boy just i front of and a little to one side of the couch, with a burning lamp in his hand—the whole party were fired upon by persons from Marr’s and Stormes’ corners. The sergeant called to them, “Stop that shooting; you are firing on United States troops.” The firing continued, and the soldiers then returned the fire pretty lively for half a minute or more, aided by friends who were in the court-house. At that firing Dr. Burdett was again wounded twice, once in the side slightly and once in the left knee.

The sergeant sent back to camp for re-enforcements, but got none, and receiving orders from Colonel Fletcher, the commanding officer, to return to camp with his men, which he accordingly did.

When we found we could not get out of the court-house, we placed Dr. Burdett in a secure place, and barricaded the doors and windows as best we could with some old doors and window shutters that happened to be in the house and were forced to remain all night, during which we were fired on at intervals from between fifteen to thirty minutes, until nearly four o’clock in the morning.

There were only fifteen men in the court house, ten of whom were disposed to fight if they had any showing — Dr. Burdett, Dr. Hoffman, Isaac Dunn, J. T. McQuerry, and B. M. Burdett were the others, having no hand in the trouble, and only being there on account of Dr. Burdett being wounded. We had no ammunition except what was in the guns and pistols, and that all told at the time we closed the doors could not have exceeded thirty shots, which the more prudent of us deemed proper to withhold for the purpose of resisting a charge on the house, which several times seemed inevitable by a gang of forty or fifty negroes and two or three white men, all well armed with first class guns and pistols and plenty of ammunition furnished, as I understand, by Sellers.

At the dawn of day all was quiet, and negroes who were in the fight were doubtless on the streets regretting seemingly what had been done, and wondering who had done it. Dr. Burdett lay in the court-house all night with only two glasses of warm, dreggy water which happened to be left in the bottom of a water cooler in the Circuit Court room. He suffered intensely all night from pain and thirst, but being a man of good nerve, he bore it like a hero, and lay all the latter part of the night with his pistol in his hand, determined to sell his life as dearly as possible in case the house was charged.

We were shot at from behind salt barrels, stockpiles, brick piles, and corners of houses, and, when we could not be drawn out in that way, they threw rocks against the doors and windows and taunted us with curses and loud words, which we could not distinguish but prudence then was the better part of valor, so we took it all and remained quiet, because we could not help ourselves.

On Thursday morning, Mr. R. M. Bradley, who was acting as special judge of the Circuit Court, had an order entered directing the sheriff to call on the Federal troops to assist in maintaining order and peace. The sheriff at first agreed to execute the order, but, upon hearing complaints against the order, he refused to act under it. I urged him to do so, but he refused, and I understand from Mr. Bradley that he learned that Sellers complained of the order. At any rate, it was not executed, and the order was set aside, and the whole matter turned over to the town authorities, who very promptly called on the soldiers, and they came on the public square about eleven o’clock and took position of the court-house just in time to prevent an attack by some twenty-five or more negroes from Sellers’ house and yard, who were drawn up in line ready to make a charge on the town, being irritated, as is claimed by their friends, by a congregation of good citizens assembling at the Grangers’ hall advising as to the best means of restoring peace.

All remained quiet during the rest of the day. In the evening a proposition was made to me by Col. Fletcher to send my friends, who had come to defend me, away to their homes, on the ground that Sellers would disband and disarm his negroes. I did send my friends away on condition that Col. Fletcher would protect me (except F. D. and Wm. Cooley, who went to my residence in the suburbs of town to stay with the family, who were all women and children. I had business, and was staying that night at the Kennedy and Higgins Hotel, at which place Col. Fletcher came to me at 9? o’clock at night, after I had retired, and assured me that all would be well and that I might rest contented, and assured me that no firing would be done that night. I told him all the time that I looked to him for the fulfillment of the agreement—that I had no confidence in Sellers.

During that night, my residence was fired upon during most of the night, commencing at about 10 o’clock with good guns, and my little grand-son, Kennedy Slavin, whom I had thus far raised (his mother having died when he was only a few months old), was slightly wounded by a buckshot or pistol ball in the side of his head. The ball was taken out early next morning by Dr. Hoffman. My wife, five grand-children and a neighbor lady were in the house during the night.

On Friday morning, hearing that my little grandson was wounded, I went up early a back way to see him. After early breakfast my son-in-law, F. A. Yeakey, my deputy clerk, started up town to the office, and when within about 250 feet of the public square was fired upon by a party of four or five negroes commanded by one William Ward, a white man, and cousin of Wm. Sellers, and who had been in his house with him and his negroes for several days, and who, I understand, commanded the fight on Wednesday night. Yeakey was severely wounded in both legs, deep flesh wounds, both near and below the knees.

The Federal troops were still on duty, but about twelve o’clock in the day the commander determined to withdraw them, and did so. My friends who had come to defend me were all gone. Sellers was at his house with a number of armed negroes, and m[any] of the negroes who did the shooting on Wednesday and Thursday nights and Friday morning were walking at large on the public square, well armed. I had sent my wife and grand-children early in the morning to the country for safety. I had returned from my residence to the hotel, and had a conversation with my lawyers about my election case, then lay down and went to sleep, and when I awoke about 2 o’clock in the evening I was informed that my house had been set on fire, but that it had been put out; that the United States troops had been withdrawn, and that the negroes had possession of the town. I was advised and urged to leave immediately, or I would be killed before night. I took the advice, and did leave forthwith in a buggy with a friend, going out a back way and went to Crab Orchard. I came back the next morning about 9 o’clock, and found many of my friends in town, and many of whom I did not know; who had come, not to assist me, but to restore law and order and to prevent the whole town from being demolished or destroyed by fire, and its people murdered by a gang of armed negroes, led by Sellers and friends. There were men here from various parts of Garrard, Lincoln, Boyle and Madison counties when I arrived, and they continued to come in all that day from every direction, well armed, ready and willing to fight for law and order, not for me or against Sellers.

T. Ford, a justice of the peace, who lives some eight miles from town, came into town that morning on business, and saw the aspect of things—that the civil authorities about town had surrendered our were powerless, and that unless something was done a general fight was inevitable. He went to Sellers’ yard fence in company with Mr. W. H. Miller, of Stanford, and called for Sellers. They were met by four negroes, armed with guns and pistols, who reported that Sellers was at the camp of the Federal troops in town. Ford then told them that he was a peace officer; that he had come to get them to give up their arms, disband and leave the house, and they replied that they had no terms to make, and could do nothing in the absence of Sellers. Ford then left and went in company with Mr. R. K. Hackley to the Federal camp to find Sellers, but learned that he was not there, and he returned to the public square, and told the parties, who seemed to be armed, particularly Mr. Miller, of Stanford, to break that band of negroes at Sellers’ house, if possible, without the loss of too much life, before dark; and, if it could not be done, to guard the streets and prevent re-enforcements that night from coming to Sellers’ camp, in hopes that something might turn up next morning that would better the condition of affairs.

Ford then left town. Other negotiations were offered by good citizens, but before anything could be completed the whites had begun forming from different points and had well-nigh driven off all the negroes stationed in houses abandoned by the owners on account of the trouble, near to and commanding the approaches to Sellers’ house, and from the corn patches along the alleys and streets, and as a last resort had set fire to Sellers’ house by throwing fired turpentine balls upon the roof of a little coal house near it. The negroes had congregated in Sellers’ house. Many of them were in the cellar. They had made port-holes through which to shoot by making holes through the foundation or underpinning of the house. They had also made port-holes through the body of the house out of which to shoot.

As I understand, the firing commenced about 5:30 or 6 o’clock in the evening. The whites had the house completely surrounded with a good force at the time, and the negroes would have been compelled to surrender, burn up or be killed in their attempted escape, when Colonel Fletcher, in command, came into town with his company of soldiers (on whose request I do not know—some say one and some another), and proceeded directly toward Sellers’ house, and, on his approach, the negroes abandoned the house, firing as they ran (some say at the soldiers), and everybody else firing at the negroes. There seemed to be a general battle. The officers and soldiers retreated to their camping confusion, and the negroes scattered in every direction. The soldiers captured some twelve or fifteen negroes and three white men on their retreat from the fight, who were all released one way or another, I do not know how. Some say one way, some another. I myself do not know who released them or upon what terms they were released.

Many little incidents and perhaps important occurrences may have taken place during the day (Saturday) which I can not relate because I was not actively engaged in the day’s transactions; my friends actively engaged in and conducting the operations of the day, having requested and urged me not to participate in the matter, and took my arms and gave them to younger and more active men, who were ready and willing to fight (men being plentier than arms) and I being an old man, having but one eye, and well-nigh exhausted from fatigue and excitement.

All remained quiet during Saturday night. The white men had every approach to the town well guarded all night to prevent re-enforcements, and to prevent the town from being attacked by surprise, we having been reliably informed that re-enforcements to Sellers were coming in from every direction, and which we learn was prevented by the defeat of the negroes, as a great many, upon learning this, turned back after starting to town with their arms.

Gov. Leslie had been telegraphed on Saturday by good men to send State troops here to quell a mob, and at 5 1/2 o’clock on Sunday morning Col. Clarke arrived in town with four companies of State militia, well armed and well commanded. He was ordered to report to the Hon. M. H. Owsley, who that morning had received his commission as Judge of the Eighth Judicial district of this State, from Gov. P. H. Leslie, by special messenger.

Judge Owsley’s prompt action, in conjunction with and aided by Col. Clarke, soon quieted all fears, and everything has been quiet up to this time, except some little personal difficulties, with which I do not desire to trouble your readers.

In all of the Saturday’s fight, so far as I can learn, one white man, Menifee Foley, a citizen of this place, who was not in the fight, was killed by the Federal soldiers. As I learn, one negro who ran out of Sellers’ house was killed. Another negro, Harry Huffman, was wounded in the general retreat from Sellers’ house, and one white man named Wm. Ward, before referred to, a cousin of Sellers, was wounded in his house and left by his comrades to be burned up, but was taken out by Mr. Thomas Shanks, of Stanford, after the negroes had abandoned the house.

I understand Ward commanded the negroes after Sellers left until he was wounded, when one M. C. Bricky took the command. Some other negroes are supposed to be wounded, and some say two or three were killed, who were burned up in the house, but of this I can not speak reliably.

As to the man who first came to defend me, as detailed above, or the men who came to the town on Friday night and Saturday to save it and its citizens, as before written, being Kuklux, I know nothing nor have ever heard such a thing intimated until I saw it charged in Sellers’ story. I never belonged to the Kuklux organization or any organization that did what some people charge Kuklux with doing, and never of my own knowledge knew that any particular men did certainly belong to Kuklux or any such organization.

I know that those who came here on the occasion above referred to were gentlemen of high character and standing and did the citizens of the town of Lancaster a great favor, for which I shall ever feel under many and lasting obligations to them.

In giving this little history of the troubles in Garrard county I hvae been more prolix than I intended, and yet have left out many interesting and important incidents, only including such as I thought necessary to give the public a reasonably clear conception of the causes of the trouble, the general courses it took, the proportions it assumed, and the point at which it now rests; which I sincerely hope may be its end. I have not aimed to reflect upon any person nor give my opinion as to the conduct of any man in the whole affair—not even to justify my own course—but merely to state facts as I know them, or could learn from the best information I could get, and let the public draw their own conclusions, because I do not wish to trouble them with my opinions. I know the people of Garrard county, who know the parties and incidents and transactions in this matter, or at least a large majority of them, will come to a proper conclusion, and the verdict of public sentiment will be a just one.

E. D. KENNEDY

Sept 1874 []

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[September 5, 1874] -

A Statement from Esquire Ford.

To the Editor of the Courier Journal.

LANCASTER, KY., Sept 4?, 1874.

I am a justice of the peace of Garrard county. Kentucky, and was in Lancaster on Saturday, the 22d day of August, 1874, when the noted fight occurred and Sellers house was burned. I went to town that morning on business in the Circuit Court, and found everything in confusion and turmoil. A number of negroes, variously estimated at from twenty-five to fifty, were quartered[?] in Wm. Sellers’ dwelling house in the very heart of the town, well armed and ammunitioned. The civil authorities of the town had surrendered, or were powerless, and doing nothing toward quelling the disturbances. There were in town some white men from Garrard, Boyle, Lincoln and Madison counties, armed with guns and pistols, who proposed to do anything that might be necessary to restore law and order in the town. Some gentleman from Lincoln county, who assumed and had control of them, came to me and said they were willing to do whatever I as a peace officer would direct. I then went in company with Mr. W. H. Miller, of Stanford, to Sellers’ yard fence and called for him. We were notified by four negroes who met us as pickets that Sellers was not there. I told them I had come as a peace officer and wanted them to disband, lay down their arms and go home. They replied that they could do nothing in Mr. Sellers’ absence. We left them and went up town and there learned that Sellers was at the quarter[s] of the Federal troops in town. I then went there and inquired for him, and he was not there. I returned, at directed the white men who were armed to break up the fortifications and Sellers’ house before dark, if possible, without too much loss of life on the part of those outside the fortifications, and, if they could do so, to guard the approaches to the fortifications that night, so as to prevent reinforcement, which I was reliably informed was coming into the fortifications from various quarters. I left town about four or five o’clock in the evening, and went to my home, some eight miles in the country, and saw no more of the difficulty. I urged many citizens during the day to try to get the negroes within the fortifications to disband. They did not. Whether they could I can not say.

I knew no more of the trouble until Sunday morning, when I returned and found the State troops here and all quiet. I wrote this article not in the interest of Kennedy or Sellers and I know nothing of their difficulty except what I have heard as general rumor, and take no part in their troubles, but write to show the public under what authority the brave boys who came from Lincoln, Madison, Boyle and various parts of Garrard county to save our town from ruin and negro supremacy fought and did what they did do here on Saturday, the 22d ult.

T. FORD. [ibid]

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[] "Official Ire." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 9, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 9, 1874] -

OFFICIAL IRE.

Another Sheriff who Needs to be Looked After by the Court.

(Lancaster News, Sept. 5[?].)

In our last issue we mentioned the course of Sheriff W. M. Kerby in a street difficulty which had occurred a few days previous. Two men were engaged in a difficulty, and Kerby, instead of using his authority of his office -- being sheriff of Garrard county, and therefore the highest peace officer -- drew his own pistol and gave it to one of the combatants.

Mr. Kerby know he did wrong, and admits it, yet on Friday morning he approached us on the street and inquired why we did not come to him for our information. He denied using the same language we published, but made use of some very ungentlemanly and approbrious epithets to us, and added that if we ever made use of his name again he would cut our throat from ear to ear. We care as little about such threats as if they were uttered by a child.

We have nothing to say about Mr. Kerby's personal character, but we have the right to approve or condemn his official acts, as they are public property, and we shall continue to maintain and use that right regardless of threats.

As a public journalist we would be recreant to our trust were we to allow ourself to be intimidated in such a manner as Mr. Kerby has attempted -- even if we believed that the threat would be carried out.

Mr. Kerby's actions only go to prove his unfitness for the position he occupies. He is the main officer responsible for all our late troubles. Being the highest peace officer the public naturally look to the sheriff to quell all disorders arising in the county. In his duty to put a stop tot he late feud in its incipiency, and he could have done so without the least danger; or even if there was danger, every citizen and the United States troops were at his command, and by a little energy upon his part there would have been no bloodshed, no loss of life or property.

As a peace officer, why did he not arrest Sellers and Kennedy when he knew they had violated the law?

As a peace officer and professed friend to the negro, why did he not arrest Cooley and his party when they were abusing the negroes in such a shameful manner?

Why did he not call the citizens and soldiers to his aid and quell the riots as was his duty?

Does not Mr. Kerby's whole course as an officer demand the severest condemnation?

Who of our citizens are not indignant at his negligence and subsequent conduct?

Has he not pursued a course disgraceful as a private citizen -- much more as a peace officer?

Instead of setting upon his oath of office, in the capacity of a peace officer, we find him neglecting his duty when mobs threaten and do violence; and again, in a street fight, gives his pistol to an excited citizen and incites him to murder; and yet again, when the local paper mentions the affair, this model peace officer wants to cut our throat.

We had more questions to ask, and more to say about Mr. K's official course, but time, space and other reasons preclude it now. []

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[] Excerpt from "Kentucky." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 10, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[September 10, 1874] -

Garrard County.

SHERIFF KERBY INDICTED.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Sept. 9., -- The attention of Judge Owsley, now holding court at this place, having been called to the conduct of the sheriff of Garrard county, delineated in the Lancaster News of September 3, which is republished in to-day's issue of the Courier-Journal, I am informed by him that the sheriff of that county was indicted for his conduct more than two weeks ago. []

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[] "The Garrard Outbreak." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 10, 1874. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 10, 1874] -

THE GARRARD OUTBREAK.

A Statement from Mr. Kennedy in Regard to Sheriff Kerby.

To the Editor of the Courier Journal.

In my statement of facts about the troubles in Garrard county, as published in your issue of the 5th inst., I made two statements as to Wm. M. Kerby, Sheriff of Garrard county, which deserve some little correction in Mr. Kerby's favor. Through true in substance they are not exactly correct in form, and are subject to an improper construction. In my article it was stated that Sellers sent for Kerby to surrender himself, and that Kerby went to where he was on Saturday evening and brought him to town on Saturday night and left him at his house. The exact facts as Mr. Kerby relates them to me are: Sellers sent a negro to his house on Saturday night at 12 o'clock with a note to him (Kerby) and that Kerby sent his wife to the door and the negro refused to deliver her the note, and said he would not deliver it to anyone except Kerby himself, and Kerby told his wife to say to the negro if he could not trust her with the note to go, and the negro went. In about two hours, a man named M. C. Bricky called at his house and called for him (Kerby). He sent his wife to the door again, and Bricky made himself known, and he went out and talked with him (Bricky), telling him that he had just come from Sellers' and that they had sent a negro for him sometime before that and had heard nothing from him, that Sellers wanted to see him, and insisted that he should go. Kirby did go with Bricky to where Sellers was, some six or seven miles from town, starting about 2 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at the place where Sellers was near daybreak; had a short conversation with him, advised him to surrender to him as sheriff or Miller as marshal of the town, and he refused, claiming, Kerby says, that he had done nothing to surrender for. Kerby, Sellers, Bricky and West all started to town, Kerby and Bricky some fifteen minutes ahead of Sellers and West, which division was made at Kerby's request, he stating that he had nothing to do with the difficulty and did not want to become implicated in it. The party arrived in town about 7 o'clock Sunday morning instead of night, as stated in my article. That is what Kerby reports to me.

Sellers went to his house and there stayed, as stated in former articles, and was not arrested.

Another statement is that Kerby refused to execute the order of the court, Hon. R. M. Bradley, special Judge, to bring the United States soldiers to aid the civil authorities. That is incorrect in this: Mr. Kerby, as he says, did bring the soldiers on to the public square in pursuance of the direction of the Judge and held them there until about four o'clock P.M., when, hearing that Marshal Miller was complaining that it was his province, as marshal of the town, to maintain the laws and keep order within the limits of the town, Kerby refused to act further, and told the officers in command of the soldier that he had no further use for them, and they could go, as far as he was concerned. I urged Kerby to hold the soldiers and act in concert with Marshal Miller, which he refused to do. Kerby says he understood me as wanting him to turn the soldiers over to Miller, and that is the reason he refused.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees represented to Judge Bradley that the town authorities were able to command the peace, and he thereupon turned the soldiers over to Marshal Miller, who retained them, as stated in a former article. I make these corrections at Mr. Kerby's request and in justice to myself, because I have armed to state plain, square facts, no more and no less, without even the slightest coloring. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 11, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-09-11/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 11, 1874] -

In reference to the late war in Lancaster, both Kennedy and Sellers have published detailed statements. Let the unprejudiced reader place the two statements side by side and observe the contrast. Sellers' statement is purely one-sided, and abounds in bitterness and self-praise. It is a story of personal misfortune and political persecution; something after the style of Parson Brownlow's thrilling account of his "escape from the Southern bloodhounds" at the opening of the war. -- Mr. Kennedy recites in an intelligent, manly and truthful manner the whole difficulty from beginning to finis without attempting by falsehoods or misrepresentations to excuse himself or shield his friends. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 18, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 18, 1874] -

Lancaster has had no preaching on Sunday nights since the war. []

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[] Excerpt from Column _. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 11, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-09-11/ed-1/seq-2/

there is another article, longer, on this same page

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 18, 1874. Page 3. LOC.

[September 18, 1874] -

We learn that Mr. William Sellers has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court, at Louisville, against thirty-five persons who were engaged in suppressing the negro riot at Lancaster recently. []

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[] "Our Neighbors -- Public Meeting in Garrard." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 25, 1874. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[September 25, 1874] -

PUBLIC MEETING IN GARRARD.

IMPORTANT ACTION TOUCHING THE RECENT TROUBLES.

Pursuant to a call made by the chairman of a preliminary meeting held on the 5th of September, 1874, in Lancaster an enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Garrard county was held at the Court House in Lancaster, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 1874.

A large number of the very best citizens in the county were present, and the best of feeling prevailed.

Mr. John Y. Leavell, chairman of the preliminary meeting, presided.

After the meeting was called to order, Mr. B. M. Burdett stated, in a few very appropriate remarks, the object of the meeting, it being for the purpose of confering together and adopting some measures to effectually eradicate the existing evils in our midst, and prevent a recurrence thereof in the future.

Upon motion the chairman appointed the following gentlemen as a committee to draft resolutions to express the sentiment of the people:

Jas. A. Anderson, chairman; Russell A. Harris, B. F. Jennings, J. V. Cooke, John Boner and John K. West.

The committee retired, and after a short interval returned with the following resolutions, which were read and adopted with great unanimity:

Having assembled together as law-abiding citizens, for the purpose of mutual conference in regard to the troubles surrounding us, and after mature consideration and free interchange of opinion, we do declare:

That we deeply deplore and lament the recent outbreak and law[l]essness in our midst, and condemn and denounce it in the most unmeasured terms, and urge a rigorous and prompt enforcement of the law against the wrong-doers.

That we believe our disturbances could have been averted by the prompt and vigorous action of the officers of the law, more especially had they been hitherto upheld and sustained by a determined exhibition of moral courage upon the part of the citizens.

That we urge upon our ministerial and peace officers to suppress all disturbances, violence, and crime, promptly arrest all perpetrators, and take all necessary action to insure their merited punishment, and in the discharge of their duties to call to their aid, if need be, the whoel power of the county.

That we call upon the grand juries of the county to fearlessly investigate the criminal conduct of everyone, and indict them, that they may be brought to speedy justice. That we call upon the petit juries of the county in like manner to discharge their duties, so that whether they be grand or petit jurors, it may never be said of them that there has been upon the part of either a criminal disregard of their oaths and the wants and necessities of society, for there must be a change for the better, and to make it permanent and effective it must begin with the juries of the country. And this is not only true in regard to our present difficulties, but equally applicable to the future.

That whilst we emphatically condemn all violators of the law, and disturbers of the peace and good order of society, and earnestly insist that they be brought to condign punishment, we at the same time condemn ourselves for laxity and want of moral courage in the performance of our duties in having the laws enforced. We have been remiss in not openly and un-mistaken terms condemning all lawlessness of whatever [character?], and by whom[ever?] committed. We have stood quietly by for years, witnessed oft-repeated violations of the law, without the moral courage ot rebuke and condemn in deserving manner and terms. We have, by our indifference and supineness, suffered that public moral sentiment in disapproval of crime to become paralyzed, all of which the vicious have virtually construed, if not as an open, as a tacit, approval of their criminal conduct. It, therefore, behooves us to arouse from our lethargy and inactivity, and, by words and deeds, determine and show that the reign of lawlessness shall cease and that the majesty of law shall be upheld and vindicated. We, as citizens, owe it to ourselves, our families, to the community, and to society at large, to exert ourselves to bring about a sound, healthy reaction of that high moral sentiment so essential to the preservation and enforcement of the laws, and which we deem the most powerful agency at our command, in prompting the officers of the law, the grand and petit juries, and courts of justices fearlessly to do their whole duty.

That the law must be enforced at all hazards, and criminals punished as they deserve

That we deem it appropriate to enumerate, denounce and call public attention to some of the more prominent vices in our community:

Extreme partisanism of both poltiical parties in filling non political offices.

Buying and selling votes -- an evil greatly to be deplored, and a violation of law that should be thoroughly eradicated by punishing the guilty participants.

Intemperance and carrying concealed deadly weapons -- two of the most open and notorious violations of law, and productive oft times of blood-shed and death.

Idleness, which begets other vices.

And, along with the aobve enumerated we may class as an evil, the lack of moral courage upon the part of th elaw abiding citizens in the condemnation fo all unlawful conduct, vice, and immorality.

Let us put shoulder to shoulder, and unitedly determine that these evils shall exist no longer; that wrong doers shall be brought to justice; that law and order shall reign supreme. We earnestly ask the hearty cooperation of all law-abiding citizens -- a mutual cooperation of the courts of justice, officers of the law and citizens.

That we call upon jduciial and magisterial officers to disarm every person that comes in open court carrying concealed deadly weapons, fine them for contempt, refer their conduct to the grand jury and hold them in bonds to keep the peace. And we likewise urge upon every peace officers to promptly arrest the drunken, disorderly, and every one found on the streets or elsewhere with conealed deadly weapons upon their person, and carry them before some magistrate in the county, to be dealt with according to law.

That this meeting, recognizing the evils resulting to the whole community from the frequent appeals to the Governor of the State for executive clemency, we here and now resolve that we will not sign any petition asking the Governor to pardon any person who may be found guilty by a jury of his county, or remit any fine which may be assessed by the jury convicting, and that we hereby request every good citizen to unite with us in this resolution.

That one thousand copies of these proceedings be printed and circulated throughout the county, and that every civil and peace offier be, and they are hereby, requested to post a copy in their offiers or places of business.

We suggest that every good citizen in the county will signify his approval of the foregoing by subscribing a paper to that effect, which will be furnished at a convenient point in every neighborhood.

JOHN Y. LEAVELL, Ch'm. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 25, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[September 25, 1874] -

THE GARRARD TROUBLE TRANSFERRED TO LOUISVILLE. -- William F. Kennedy, of Garrard county, arrested on a criminal warrant sworn out by Luther Jackman, colored, was taken to Louisville, last Monday, by U. S. Marshal Jno. Wyatt, for trial before the U.S. District Court. The warrant charges that said Kenedy with having "within this district, and within three months last past, attempted to prevent, hinder, control and intimidate, by means of bribery and threats, one Luther Jackman from excising the right of suffrage guaranteed by the Fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," &c., &c. A civil process sworn out by Sellers, now a resident of Indiana, against sundry residents of Garrard county for alleged destructio of property owned by him, and implicating thirty-five persons, has recently been served by the United States Marshal upon seventeen of that number, citing them to appear for trial before the United States District Court, to be held at Louisville, on the 22d day of October next. The following is a list of the names of the parties upon whom the civil warrant was served: Walter G. Sanders, William Rochester, Wm. H. Miller, Thos. Shanks, Jno. Chrisman, Erasmus Bruce, Wm. G. Welsh, Archibald Snow, Jas. B. Mason, Benj. M. Burdett, Dudley Myers, Elbert D. Kennedy, Wm. P. Barlow, Timothy Ford, Jno. Baughman, Benj. Yeiser, and Jas. T. McQuery. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 2, 1874. Page 3. LOC.

[October 2, 1874] -

The white man, Wm. Ward, who was wounded in Seller's house during the Lancaster riot, and rescued from the flames by Capt. Shanks, of this place [Stanford], has since died. []

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[] Excerpt from "Late News in Brief." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[October 9, 1874] -

Wm. Sellers was arrested in Louisville last week, on a bench warrant from Garrard. He gave bond for his appearance at Garrard court, and arrived in Lancaster last Monday. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC.

[October 9, 1874] -

SOMERSET, KY., Oct. 5, 1874.

Our Circuit Court adjourned on Saturday night last, about 10 o'clock, having been in session but one week. The early adjournment being required that the Judge and Attorney might be present at the called court in Lancaster, which commenced on the 15th inst., for the purpose of the investigation of and trial of the parties engaged in the recent troubles in Garrard county. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 9, 1874] -

ARRESTED. -- Deputy Sheriffs Owsley and Bishop, with the aid of about ten militia, left town, about 2 o'clock, A. M., Sunday, and at twilight arrived at the abode of one Elbert Cooley, noted as, in part, the originator of the late riot. Finding him out from the house a short distance, they immediately arrested him and returned home. Several attempts have been made before to capture him, but without success. He remained under the custody of the guard until Monday, when he executed bond and was released. By this time a telegram, from Louisville, came, ordering the Sheriff to hold him under U.S. authority, until further orders. He was transferred to the custody of the U.S. soldiers stationed here, and is, at this writing in their charge ... A Squad of militia, headed by Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., left town, last Tuesday night, for Scott's Fork, and arrested one negro, Thos. Taylor, against whom no indictment was found, but arrested under charge of being engaged in the late riot. Nick Leavel, (col'd,) came in and gave himself up to the proper authorities and the two constituted a Police Court, R. L. Grinnan presiding. Mr. Matt Walton, acting as County Attorney pro. tem., stated to the Court that the Commonwealth's witnesses were not present, and asked a continuance. The Judge held them to bail in the sum of $ 500 and $200 respectively, to appear on the 8th inst., in default of which they were committed to jail.

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The special term of the Garrard Circuit Court was called last Monday, with Hon. M. H. Owsley presiding. There was nothing, more than the empaneling of a jury, done on the first day. WM. Sellers arrived on the evening train, escorted by Lieut. Wheller, of the State Militia, and 5 or 6 others as guards. His presence on public square created quite a sensation. A greater throng in the Court House, to witness his appearance there, we have never before seen at Court for a long time. Mr. Sellers asked for a guard, which has been furnished him, by Capt. Miller, both day and night since his arrival. He is the guest of the Lancaster Hotel, and will remain for several days. Those from this and adjoining counties, who were under bond from indictments to appear during this Court, are quite numerous. On the second day of the Court (Tuesday,) the case of the Commonwealth against Wm. Bland (col'd.,) and others for maliciously shooting during the late disturbance, was called. After exhausting the regular jury, the proceeded to summon others to obtain competent jurors. The Judge ordered the Sheriff to summon 40 men from the extreme limits of the county to appear. Up to adjournment, this evening, (Tuesday,) only four were obtained, -- W. H. Wherritt, Elijah Lear, Timothy Logan and Merrill Hardin. There are a good many predictions that a jury will be hard to find in this county, if so, our Court will progress slowly. Up to this writing there has been nothing done.

Later -- Nothing done in Court yesterday. The county has been exhausted, and only six jurors found for the case of the Commonwealth against Wm. Bland, (col'd.,) and others for shooting Dr. Burdett and others on the night of the riot. Geo. Jennings and Frank Williamson added to those reported Tuesday as jurors. Judge Owsley instructed the Sheriff and his deputies to summon 30 men from the West End of Boyle, and 30 from Madison, to appear here to-day, (Thursday,) at 11 o'clock. The regular jury dismissed, to appear again Saturday morning. Next Monday is the time for the Chancery term of this Court, and we suppose the criminal term will necessarily close this week. Eb. Cooley, who was here under U.S. custody, was taken to Louisville, Wednesday morning, and his bondsmen for his appearance here were released.

A NICE PRESENT. -- The citizens of Garrard presented to Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., a handsome sword. It has beautifully inscribed upon it, -- "From the citizens of Garrard, to Capt. W. S. Miller, Jr., of the Garrard Guards." It was ordered from New York, and presented last Tuesday.

DON'T KNOW. []

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[] Excerpt from "Madison County News." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[October 9, 1874] -

Our Circuit Court adjourned on Saturday last, without transacting any great amount of business, a considerable number of cases go over to the Common Pleas Court. The election case of FAULKNER, KENNEDY & CO., of Garrard, was tried on Friday, resulting in favor of FAULKNER, &C. The jury in the case of RHODUS for killing GRIMES, returned a verdict of acquittal. A colored boy, JOHN DAVIS, was sent to the Penitentiary four years for killing "JACK," the Mexican, at a livery stable in Richmond, last winter. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 8, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 8, 1875] -

The report which gained some circulation last week, to the effect that the Kennedy's and Best's had met in Lancaster and had a bloody fight, was a mischievous falsehood.

A special term of the Garrard Circuit Court is in session for the trial of criminal cases, and will continue several weeks. The trial of the parties in Lincoln county for participation in the late "war of races" in Lancaster, will take place on the 15th day of the term.

We have cheering news from Lancaster this week. A new order of things is about to be set up, and a beginning of the end of lawlessness is about to dawn upon our long suffering, forbearing neighbors. The power of the arm that strikes for self-preservation, and the order and peace of a community, will shortly be felt by the ruffians that have brought reproach upon a quiet and orderly people. The good citizens of Lancaster have determined to no longer submit to have their town made a battle ground by certain blood-thirsty denizens of the county. They have resolved to protect the good name of their town by force of arms in the future, and we learn that they have armed and equipped themselves for that purpose. Bravo!

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[] Excerpt from "Lancaster News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 15, 1875] -

The trial of Wm. Bland, (negro,) charged with malicious shooting, commenced last Monday. It is alleged that Bland was connected with the late riot in Lancaster, and it was difficult to procure a jury. []

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[] Excerpts from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 22, 1875. Page 3. LOC.

[January 22, 1875] -

The negro, Bill Bland, concerned in the riot at Lancaster, and charged with shooting Dr. Burdett and Jas. Griffin, was convicted last week, and sentenced to the Penitentiary for three years.

The trial of Wm. Ward, charged with burning Wm. Sellers' house in the late riot, consumed several days of the Court. The Jury in his case was made up of citizens of Jessamine and Mercer. The trial were perhaps be concluded to-day. []

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[] "Bloody Lancaster." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 29, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-29/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 29, 1875] -

William Rochester, Samuel Miller

there's also a column about Rochester's funeral

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 26, 1875. Page 2. LOC.

[February 26, 1875] -

The Court of Appeals reversed the case of the Commonwealth against Bland, from the Garrard Circuit Court. Bland was sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years, on the charge of shooting and wounding, with intent to kill, Dr. S. L. Burdett, of Lancaster, during the riot there last August. The following extract from the decision will explain the grounds of the reversal. Of course Bland will be tried on another charge, and punished according to his deserts.

"It was error in the court below to instruct the jury that if appellant confederated and engaged with other persons for the purpose and with the design of committing unlawfully and maliciously the crime of shooting and wounding, with intent to kill any person, and that while so confederated and engaged in company with that design, they or either of them, while appellant was present or near enough to give immediate assistance to those actually setting, if necessary, did shoot and wound Burdett, etc, with intent to kill them, he should be confined in the penitentiary, etc.

Appellant was not indicted for conspiring with other persons to commit a felony, and cannot be punished under the statute providing for the punishment of persons so conspiring.

He may have confederated with other persons to maliciously shoot and wound one or all the persons named in the indictment, but if he did not actually do the shooting, he can be convicted only as one who counseled, aided or abetted the person or persons who did commit the principal offense or offenses.

For the error of thus instructing the jury, the judgment of conviction must be reversed.

The case is remanded for a new trial upon principals not inconsistent with this opinion. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 18, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-06-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 18, 1875] -

The Board for deciding contested election cases for this county met to-day to hear the proof in the contested election case between E. Kennedy and John K. Faulkner, in reference to the Clerkship of the Garrard Circuit Court. The contestant asked for further time in which to take repellant proof, and after some argument by Messrs. R. M. Bradley and Burdett for contestant, and Dunlap and Denny for contestee, the Court granted ten days more to each party. The parties in this action have been actively engaged in taking proof for the last fifty days, and with the additional proof that will be adduced by the extension of time, we think we would hazard nothing in saying that it will surpass in quantity (we are confident it will in quality) the amount of testimony adduced in that nice little case up at Brooklyn, N. Y. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 20, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-20/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 20, 1875] -

The Sellers case which was removed from Garrard to Jessamine county, was continued on Wednesday last, to the next session of the Court. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 24, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-09-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 24, 1875] -

The case of Wm. Sellers vs. E. D. Kennedy, and also same vs. Walter G. Saunders, and others, the latter being for damages for the burning of his (Sellers) house, in Aug. 74, will be heard in the United States Court, at Louisville, next month. The case will be watched with interest by a great many people, as it will expose the causes that led to the riot here, in August 1874. The Attorneys for the Defendants, Messrs. Burdett & Hopper, of this place, will commence taking proof here, in a few days. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 8, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 8, 1875] -

In the United States Court at Louisville, the case of Wm. Sellers against various parties in this section, will be called for trial in a few days. We see from the published docket that the plfl., Sellers, has caused to be dismissed his action against Ben Mitchell, of this town, Jas. B. Mason, and D. B. Myers, of Garrard county. The other parties will, we presume, be prosecuted to a final judgment, and whether plfls. or defts. will be successful, it remains for time to show. The docket of the U.S. District Court is very large, and many "moonshine" distillers will have to give an account for the "deeds done in the body."

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 19, 1875] -

The cases of Wm. Sellers against E. D. Kennedy, W. G. Saunders, et al, which arose out of the Lancaster troubles, will be tried in the U. S. Court at Louisville, before Judge Bland Ballard, on the 23d of this month, which will be next Tuesday. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 19, 1875] -

The Defendants in the case of Wm. Sellers vs W. G. Saunders et al, are at present taking proof here, to be read on the trial. The case is set for the 23d of this month, in the United States Court at Louisville, Ky. A good many persons will attend the trial from this place, as witnesses and parties to the suit, and the proceedings in the case will be watched with interest by almost every one in Garrard county. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 25, 1875. Page 2. LOC.

[December 25, 1875] -

On Tuesday night the livery stable of Kennedy & Higgins was burned, together with several head of horses, and two buggies and one rockaway, undoubtedly the work of incendiaries. In the building formerly occupied by Wm. Sellers was found some shavings saturated with coal oil, evidently for the purpose of setting fire to the building. The hotel occupied by Kennedy & Higgins, was also set on fire but discovered and extinguished. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 11, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-02-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 11, 1876] -

The cases of Sellers vs Saunders, et al., is set for the 7th of next month, for trial in the U.S. Court, at Louisville, before Hon. Bland Ballard. The case of the negro Tom Scott, against Stephen Burch, which arose out of the burning of the Crab Orchard Springs building, some years ago, is set on the same docket for the 23rd of this month. We presume they will all be disposed of at the present term. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 10, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[March 10, 1876] -

Judge Owsley is still enforcing strict rules within the bar, and in regard to witnesses and litigants his rulings appear to give the greatest satisfaction. Judge O. was called to Louisville on Thursday by telegraph, as a witness in the celebrated case of Wm. Sellers vs. E. D. Kennedy, &c., now pending in the United States Court. The bar held a meeting and elected J. D. Goodloe to act as Special Judge in his absence. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 17, 1876. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[March 17, 1876] -

SELLERS VS. SAUNDERS, ET. AL. -- Most of the witnesses in this important case, now being heard in the U. S. Court, at Louisville, returned home, last Friday and Monday. Many of them were not introduced, on account of the novel ruling of Judge Ballard, -- not permitting any testimony to go before the jury, except as to matters which occurred here on the 22nd of August, 1874, (the day Seller's house was burned.) The Defendants pleaded and relied mainly on matters that occurred prior to that day for their defense,--not by any means anticipating the verdict of the jury. It is easily discernable that the rulings of the Court have nearly annihilated the basis of the defense. The arguments in the case closed on Tuesday, and a verdict will probably be reached this week. It is not improbable that Judges of the Supreme Court may peruse the papers in this case. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-03-24/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 24, 1876] -

The defendants in the Sellers-Saunders case have moved for a new trial. This has been done, we presume, in order to put them in a position to take an appeal to the highest tribunal in the land, as Ballard, the Judge, is sure to overrule the motion. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-03-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 24, 1876] -

The case of Wm. Sellers against Walter G. Saunders and twenty-four others, was tried in the United States Court at Louisville, before Hon. Bland Ballard, Judge of that court, during the past ten days. Sellers, it will be remembered by our readers, had his house burned during the Lancaster riot, in August, 1874. The particulars are so familiar to all of our people, that we need not repeat them now. Sellers sued for $60,000 damages, but the jury awarded him only $5,600. This sum, if paid, will be pro-rated between all of the defendants, so that in case each of them can pay his share, the burthen will fall lightly upon them. Mr. B. M. Burdett, one of the Defendants, provided an alibi, and thus escaped a judgment against himself for any amount. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Kennedys." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 29, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[December 29, 1877] -

THE LANCASTER ELECTION RIOT,

as it is yet fresh in the public mind, is only mentioned here as a link in the apparently interminable chain of bloody events. In 1868[?], Eb. Kennedy beat the Democratic nominee, and was elected Circuit Clerk of Garrard county. In 1875 he bulldozed the Democratic party into making no nomination, and ran an independent race against Col. J. K. Faulkner, the Republican candidate. The issue was one of money and physical force, with a small element of morality, that was, however, sufficiently large to defeat Col. Kennedy by twelve votes, a little over that number of Democrats refusing to vote for him because of his notoriously bad moral character. One William Sellers, an ex-Representative, and Chairman of the Republican County Committee, a man who held the negro vote as in the hollow of his hand, had a cousin, Westby[?] West, running on the Republican ticket for County Clerk. It is not positively known, but there are many persons to believe that a bargain and sale, or rather a swap, was entered into between Sellers and Kennedy, by which Sellers was to throw the Republican vote to Kennedy and receive in return the Democratic votes for West. After an election that was unprecedently hot, even in the history of Garrard, West was elected by a good majority, and Kennedy defeated by a dozen votes. For some cause, a mutual suspicion of bad faith most probably Eb. Kennedy and Bill Sellers exchanged shots on the public square late one night about three weeks after the election and parted without any wounds, but with a common charge of attempted assassination. Eb. swore he would kill Sellers on sight, and, it is said, stationed one of his sons-in-law to slay his enemy as he came to his place of business. Sellers kept close[?] in his home, a hundred or so yards from the public square.

In the meantime the Cooley boys, Eb.'s illegitimate, but acknowledged, sons, and some others came into town, and after abusing respectable Democrats for not voting "the ticket" (a performance in which Grove and uncle Eb. had taken part), they began on Wednesday morning, August 19, 1874, slapping, cursing, and otherwise mistreating negroes on the street. This greatly incensed the negroes, and about noon they began to arm and flock to Seller's house. The Cooleys and others of the Kennedy party posted themselves in the courthouse, the negroes behind the brick walls of a burned[?] house in the opposite side of the public square, facing the courthouse. Squire Fred Yeaky, a son-in-law of Eb. Kennedy, accompanied by "Burt"[?] Smith, a friendly negro, started over to where the armed negroes were congregated, but were fired on and Smith badly wounded. He was taken to the court-house, and Dr. Burdett sent for to dress his wounds. As the Doctor came he also was fired on by the negroes and wounded. Near town was a detachment of United States troops, and in response to an appeal, a squad was sent to escort a second doctor to the hospital of the whites. These were also fired on by the negroes, and the fire returned. This promiscuous shooting resulted in the wounding of George Griffin and Wm. Kennedy. All that night the firing was kept up and the chipped courthouse and other walls still show where the balls took effect. Thursday, 'Squire Yeaky was shot and wounded in both legs by a party of negroes stationed in a church, and that night Ed. Kennedy's house was fired into and his little grandson wounded in the head. Friday telegrams and runners were sent to bring in help from Crab Orchard, Stanford, Richmond, Danville and other points to put down the negro insurrection. The people of Lancaster, looking upon the affair as a personal one between Kennedy and Sellers, and being unable to suppress the riot, shut themselves up in their houses and refused to participate in the war. Friday night or Saturday morning, however, reinforcements began to arrive. Walter Saunders was given or assumed command, and the negroes, with two white men, Ward and Brickley[?], were driven to and besieged in Sellers' house. Here the firing was kept up until late in the evening, when the house was fired by [?] of turpentine balls. This induced General Landram, Collector for this district, to send down the United States soldiers. A negro named Ray had already been killed, and Ward, of the Sellers' party, was brought wounded out of the burning house and afterward died. When the soldiers arrived the negroes escaped from the house, but the soldiers became demoralized and started back up town on a run, firing in every direction. One of their shots struck and killed a barkeeper named Menifee Foley, standing on the opposite side of the public square, and many spectators in the riot narrowly escaped with their lives. The next morning (Sunday) about two hundred State militia arrived from Louisville, bout found the riot at an end. They remained several weeks, but never fired a shot. Sellers, who was out beating up recruits, upon hearing of the fall of his fort, gave up the fight and bade a final adieu to Garrard. He brought suit in the United States Court at Louisville against a number of persons alleged to have been engaged in burning his house, and recovered about $6,000. The insurance companies paid him some $1,000, and with the spoil he retired to Terre Haute, Ind., and it will be wonderful if he does not turn up some day as a Cabinet officer or some other dignitary. Several negroes were tried and convicted, and pardoned by Governor Leslie. Judge Owsley, who received his commission as Judge and was sworn in the Sunday morning the State troops arrived, appointed Eb. Kennedy Circuit Clerk during the contest, which was finally decided in Faulkner's favor, and the famous election riot was ended. Uncle Eb. was appointed Commissioner, and fell by the hand that he had raised and nurtured, by precept and example, to deeds of violence. It was, perhaps, a just retribution for his own violent, vindictive, immoral life. But his taking off was cowardly and malicious. The human law, like the divine, may realize on the one side the benefit of an act, and on the other the necessity of inflicting punishment upon the instrument thereof. Such is the strait in which Grove finds himself to-day. []

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Tracing the Origins of the Political Epithet 'Copperhead', 1860-1861

2021-02-10T22:10:00.001-05:00

Tracing the Origins of the Political Epithet 'Copperhead'

By Lisa Mabrey. Copyright © 2021. This post contains original writing that is not to be reproduced elsewhere online or in print without the author's permission. Contact lamabrey3[a/t]gmail[d/o/t]com.

It is conventionally accepted that the political epithet 'copperhead' was first used in the New York Tribune on July 20, 1861.[1] However, this date is based on scholarship that predates modern newspaper archive computer databases. A search on any such database today quickly reveals several political uses of 'copperhead' that predate July 1861, including use in that very same paper, the New York Tribune, in February 1861. The term was also used by a Missouri Congressman in a widely publicized June 1, 1861 speech, which likely fueled its popularity. The epithet appears to have originated in response to widespread Southern use of rattlesnake iconography during the Secession Crisis.

In November of 1860, many Southerners demonstrated their support for secession by creating homemade banners and flags and displaying them publicly. On November 12, the Charleston Mercury noted, "[t]here is a general demand for flags. Everybody that can make them is hard at work…"[2] One week later, the Mercury wrote, "there are just so many different styles of handsome banners, hung out on the outer walls, that we confess we are puzzled to discriminate among them."[3] The Columbus (Ga.) Sun commented, "[m]uch importance seems to be attached to the flag under which the seceders are to fight."[4] A Charleston correspondent for the Baltimore Sun reported, "[t]he raising of Palmetto flags in various sections of the South is becoming all the rage," and that flags were being raised "as soon as they can be manufactured."[5] By mid-November 1860, "nowhere in [South Carolina], except from the forts and the United States Arsenal, is the American flag seen to wave."[6] A Boston Journal correspondent in Charleston reported that, "the eye is continually arrested by the numerous representations of the palmetto which wave and flutter in almost uninterrupted secession through the whole length of the street."[7] A Boston Herald correspondent likewise wrote, "I have counted one hundred and nineteen banners [in Charleston], and, judging from the number of streets I passed along, the whole number in the city must exceed two hundred."[8]

Though a variety of symbols reportedly appeared on secession flags, many designs featured rattlesnakes. "Flags of every variety of color, texture and device increase rapidly in number. The Palmetto, Rattle-Snake, Crescent, and Lone Star figure conspicuously among them," reported the Boston Herald.[8] The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that South Carolina "is a nation within herself, and her emblems are the palmetto tree, the lone star and that fascinating and dangerous reptile, the rattlesnake."[6] The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph remarked, "there is no emblem more appropriate…for the flag of a Southern State, than that of a serpent, harmless if let alone, warning those who are trespassing upon his rights, that if they continue their aggressions, he will give them the most deadly wound that his poisonous fangs can inflict."[9]

In an article reprinted in dozens of papers, the Charleston Mercury called on South Carolina to officially adopt a flag of the following design: "The ground entirely of blue, with a golden palmetto in the center; a golden rattlesnake twining round the stem of the palmetto, with its rattle sprung, head erect and tongue protruded. In the background, to the rear of the tree and snake, a golden eagle, and a single golden star in the upper right corner, with the words 'Room for More' on the opposite."[10] The Charleston Courier described another flag, "showing the Palmetto tree, rattlesnake, one red star and two blue stars, the initials, 'S. C.,' and the motto 'Separate action—Secession.'"[11]

A battalion muster in Cheraw, South Carolina rallied around a flag of "a Palmetto tree, with the rattlesnake, head and tail erect, entwining it, and the motto, 'Noli me tangere,' [Touch me not] and on the reverse the stalwart arm of a blacksmith, with hammer raised with the inscription, '28th regiment ready to strike.'"[12] Days later, a banner of similar description was hung in the Cheraw town square.[13]

In the days before South Carolina's Secession Convention in December 1860, a large secession banner was displayed on a line stretching from the Guard House to the City Hall in Charleston. This banner featured an arch made up of fifteen Southern States, South Carolina as the keystone, the non-slaveholding States in a broken pile at the bottom, a palmetto and rattlesnake in the center, and the words 'Southern Republic' and 'Built from the ruins'.[14] At nightfall, the banner was moved to the Hall where the Secession Convention would take place, and remained prominently displayed for the duration of the Convention.[15]

This illustration from Harper's Cyclopedia of United States History (1893)[16] differs slightly
from the Charleston Mercury's description of this flag. The Mercury described the figure above
South Carolina as "Calhoun, with the Constitution in his hand."

Meanwhile, in Augusta, Georgia, a banner suspended across Broad Street bore the image of a cotton plant with a rattlesnake coiling around the base, and the words, "Georgia, the Empire State of the South, resumes her sovereignty."[17]

In Savannah, Georgia's Johnson Square in early November 1860, a large gathering of people rallied around a flag with "the representation of a large rattlesnake in the attitude of striking," and the phrases "Don’t tread on me," and "Our Motto, Southern Rights and the Equality of the States."[18] Shortly thereafter another secession banner was hung in Savannah’s Reynolds Square, bearing on one side a single star, with the words ‘State Action' and on the otherside an oak tree, rattlesnake, and the words 'Don’t Tread on Me.'[19] Meanwhile, at a public meeting in Charleston, the so-called 'flag of Georgia,' described as having a rattlesnake and the words 'Don’t Tread on Me,' was unfurled to an enthusiastic crowd.[20]

Johnson's Square, Savannah, GA
November 8, 1860 [21]

In Alabama, a popular suggestion for a new official flag was a design containing a rattlesnake with fifteen rattles coiled next to a cotton plant and the words 'Noli me tangere.'[22] A flag with the same design on one side was later flown over the Capitol during the Alabama Secession Convention in January 1861, and was also officially adopted as the official flag of the Convention. It flew over the capital until February 10, 1861, when it was reportedly damaged by weather.[23] A flag of similar design was later adopted by the 1st Alabama Infantry, Companies I-K.[24]

flag of the 1st Alabama Infantry, Companies I-K [24]

In Baltimore, a 'Southern Guard' group raised a flag above the Liberty Engine House on Liberty Street that depicted a rattlesnake, Palmetto, and fifteen stars. [25] One Baltimore correspondent wrote of the spectacle, "I could hear numerous whisperings and mutterings among the crowd as they gazed upon the Palmetto flag... that it must soon come down and give place to the National stars and stripes. There appeared to be present a hard looking crowd determined to protect it, and from certain indications I would not be surprised to hear of a conflict before morning. The novelty drew together many curious spectators, nine out of every ten of them disapproving the idea of hoisting such a flag in our midst at such a time. The better policy, however, would be to allow it to float quietly. A good many cockades are being sported by persons here, but mostly for mere sport."[26] Meanwhile, another Baltimore resident planted a live Palmetto tree in the front of his residence and expressed his plans to get a live rattlesnake to coil around it.[25]

These secession banners also flew on ship masts and above at least one fort. The Richmond Whig reported, "The steamer Carolina displayed a blue flag, with the words 'Florida goes with South Carolina.' The yacht Nora was also decked out with States Rights flags. In fact, if any of our readers will walk along [the Richmond] wharves, they will notice a great many new signals."[27] The Alexandria Gazette reported a brig "elegantly dressed with signal flags, and at her peak, flying in the breeze, is the Palmetto and the lone star."[10] The Wheeling (W.Va.) Daily Intelligencer reported that a steamer had to lower the U.S. Flag and hoist the palmetto flag before her arrival at the port of Charleston.[28] A flag bearing the motto “Southern Rights" and a rattlesnake also briefly flew over Fort Kearney in Kansas.[29] A Massachusetts paper reported a ship sailing from Savannah into Boston Harbor, "bearing at the main a white flag, having on it the emblem of a rattlesnake ... 'Don’t tread on me!' and ... fifteen stars, representing the fifteen slave states; but carrying no American flag." A crowd formed on the wharf, demanding that the captain replace the flag with an American one before they would disperse. After complying, "[t]he 'rattlesnake' was eagerly seized and trampled upon by the multitude, and then torn completely to tatters." [30]

It is likely apparent from the recurrent phrasing of 'Don't Tread on Me' that many of these flag makers drew their inspiration from the Gadsden Flag. Several papers described the rattlesnake flag raised in Savannah's Johnson Square as being one and the same as "the old colony flag of Georgia."[31] This Revolutionary-era inspiration for symbols did not pass without comment. As the Philadelphia Inquirer noted, the banner "under which our navy first engaged with the enemy, and had in the centre a coiled rattlesnake, with crest erect, and the significant motto, ‘Don’t tread on me’ [has been adopted] by the Secessionists of South Carolina, [and] has for a device a Palmetto tree with a rattlesnake coiled around it."[32] The Montgomery Mail described secession banner-makers as “enthused with the spirit that actuated the women of '76."[33] One particular report of a South Carolina flag description claimed that "The apprentices of Robt James, No. 16 State street, a few days ago raised a banner which was the original banner used in 1832, when Major Heileman, with his troops, were compelled to evacuate the Citadel (now the Military School of Carolina’s sons). The ground is blue, with two shields—one contains the Palmetto tree, with the rattlesnake coiled around it ready to strike; the other contains a single star, representing State Sovereignty."[34]

Despite the fact that rattlesnakes appearing on American-made banners was not a new phenomenon to 1860, they became one of the defining symbols for the Southern Secession movement. “South Carolina is now, practically, not one of the United States," wrote an Ohio editor in November 1860. "She has no Senators, no Representatives at the Capital. She has removed the banner of the Stripes and Stars form her flag staffs, and has hoisted the Colonial flag of her infancy. Her sons mount the Blue Cockade, carry arms, drink whiskey and swear at the Union. They are drunk with excitement and folly. They talk only of 'Lone Stars,' 'Palmetto Trees,' 'Rattle Snakes rampant,' 'Eagles conchant,' 'Room for more'..."[35] The Vermont Phoenix referred to South Carolina's secession flags as "rattlesnake and cabbage tree" ensigns.[36]

Dozens of newspapers throughout the country reprinted reports of secession banner designs, and Northern papers were quick to ridicule the South for its embrace of rattlesnakes as a mascot, regardless of inspiration from Revolutionary-era symbolism. Of the proposed official flag design for South Carolina that featured a rattlesnake and eagle, the Springfield (Mass.) Republican remarked that "the symbols are not explained, but seems to indicate that the eagle of the Union is destined to be swallowed by the South Carolina rattlesnake."[37] The New York Herald snidely remarked that the same flag was “a suitable and appropriate national banner for the Southern Confederacy."[38]

Garrison remarked in his Liberator of snake flag designs collectively, "How appropriate, that a den of snakes, especially when stirred up, should put forth one of its own species, in defiant attitude, to spit out its venom!"[39] The Salem (Oh.) Anti-Slavery Bugle remarked of rattlesnake flags, "it would be no cause of surprise if the North should speedily find she has stirred up a nest of southern rattlesnakes."[40] A report of cockades featuring actual snake rattles and the words 'When I make a noise, I strike—Death rather than dishonor' caused one Pennsylvania editor to quip, "If they can find rattlesnakes enough to furnish cockades for all hands, South Carolina must be rather a pleasant country to live in."[41]

A few Southern editors were also critical of rattlesnakes as a Southern emblem, as seen in this excerpt from the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph:

"...the snake, from the days of Adam to the present time, by the common consent of mankind, has been held to enblemise low craft, deceit and cunning, moral and physical degradation, malignity, and finally that impersonation of all that is vile--Satan himself! But notwithstanding all this, South Carolina has a snake--colonial Georgia a snake--and now Alabama is going to have a snake too. Are we to be a snake republic altogether? Are the Heavens above and the teeming earth around us so destitute of striking and significant emblems of a noble moral and physical energy, that we must all burrow in dens and caves, in swamps and morasses for snakes?—If so, let us vary the species a little. Your rattle snake takes to his legs--no, to his belly—at the sight of the king snake, and never stops till the royal reptile has him in his fatal folds. He is a dead snake so soon as the king-snake gets sight of him. Did you ever think of that and its significance to a rattle-snake Republic?"[42]

As alluded to in the above Telegraph editorial, the use of rattlesnakes on Southern flags invited all manner of comparisons of the South and Secessionists to a snake or a den of snakes. The Charleston Mercury wrote that, "Florida is now in coil. She will spring her rattles immediately upon the opening of the Legislature, and then the blow will follow, prompt, forcible and decisive. And when she does strike, the blow inflicted upon her adversaries will be fatal."[43]

These comparisons of Secessionists to snakes continued when Northerners began to express sympathies with the Southern cause. On February 7, 1861, a Baltimore correspondent to the New York Daily Tribune wrote:

"The Republicans at Washington seem to have a hard time of it. They are in the fix of the Indian hunter among the snakes. After a day’s fatigue, he made a bed of leaves and laid his head upon a stone, to take a snooze. All at once he was waked up by a storm of rattles on every side, which his ear quickly interpreted, and rising form his bed, he softly made his way out of the nest of rattlesnakes into which he had unwittingly strayed. His next effort at spreading for himself a couch in the forest was not a whit more successful, for he was waked up, shortly after he laid down, by a shower of hisses, which proved to be the warnings of a nest of copperheads, out of which he stealthily wormed his way. So with the Republicans: if they escape from the fangs of the Breckinridge Secession rattlesnakes, it is to be assailed by the still more poisonous ones of the Bell and Everett copperheads."[44]

There was also, in early April 1861, a widely circulated report that two copperhead snakes had been mailed from a Southern State to the post office in Washington, which were killed after "an exciting scramble." This story appeared in scores of papers across at least fourteen States.[45] Some versions of the story claimed that the box of snakes was addressed directly to President Lincoln for "murderous purpose." The Cleveland (Oh.) Leader remarked of the story, "So Washington is to be invaded at any rate. The Palmettoans threatened to do it with their rattlesnake flag, but did not ... think that bunting quite fierce enough..."[46] A New Hampshire editor quipped, "It was certainly labor thrown away -- for [Lincoln] has already as many 'vipers' about him as he can take care of."[47] Another editor in Washington noted that "[t]he whole tale, improbable as it would seem, has even been made the subject of sensation despatches and editorials in the New York papers."[48]

One such editorial appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on April 10, 1861, which is reproduced here at length because it serves not only to illustrate an editor seizing on this mailbag snakes story for political simile, but also because it illustrates a growing trend of editors to compare specific politicians to different species of snakes. Not to mention that the final analogy is so particularly biting that it would be a shame not to repeat it.

"A marked peculiarity of the present “spread” in the Cotton States is the revolution it has worked in the zoological symbols of national glory. Hitherto, the lion, the cock or the eagle, either single or double-headed, have been emblazoned on the shields and crowned the standards of armies victorious and armies defeated from the days of imperial Rome to the days of King Cotton and the C. S. A. But Jeff Davis and “the fathers” will have none of them. They are monitors of freedom. They soar, and flap, and crow; and spring, despite pains and penalties. These objections apply alike to the furred and feathered tribes. To be sure, the sea has monarchs as good as ever were caught, such as the shark and the whale. The shark has claims, in being a fish of prey, that the whale, who is only preyed on, has not. But, if the C. S. A. asked for a fish, Jeff Davis has given them a serpent, in violation of Christian teachings, and, therefore, the historian of the times, while searching for material among Cotton State annals, finds snakes of every conceivable species wriggling in every possible direction.

Three of them lately arrived in Washington. We do not refer to Jeff Davis’ Commissioners, but three veritable and deadly copper-heads, who were sent from Florida in a mail bag, and, to the horror of a group of clerks, presented their fangs as credentials, on last Saturday morning, in the Dead Letter office. We will not comment on the mingled meanness and malignity that prompted so dastardly a trick. Perhaps the copper-head mail was the invention of the man who described the American cent as “a piece of dirty copper, with liberty stamped on it to make mischief.” What a pity he does not write a book on “Secessionists and Snakes.” He could probably portray the original serpent, who, in 1832, first introduced into our political paradise the sin of secession. The dangerous moccasin snake, of the Yancey variety, who darts a stealthy and venomous blow, might be described, as also the gentlemen in waiting on the White House steps, who emulate the rattlesnake in the warning rattle they give before the fatal sting.—Twiggs could be classed under the head of the black snake, which is said to suck the milk from a cow, and then embracing the animal’s throats with sinewy folds, strangles the helpless and doomed creature.

Then there are quantities of garter snakes, such as Pryor and Rhett, and whip snakes like Wise and Keitt, and vipers like Floyd and Cobb, who fasten their deadly fangs into the soft bosom that has warmed them into life. The men who are recognized as leaders at the South should remember that the slightest blow of courage and decision upon the back of a snake cripples and destroys him, and that the misguided people whom they have led to ruin and destruction, may one day throw off the coil of the serpent by the aid of a coil of rope." [49]

It is worth noting that the mailbag snakes story may have been at least partially untrue, as the editor of the Cleveland Leader points out, "The telegraph reports are made up of rumors and sensation items... [t]hese contradict each other day after day, and sometimes in the course of one day’s report, and yet they are sent over the country as the latest information."[50] About a week after the story first appeared, the Washington National Intelligencer reported that the snakes had been sent from the post office to the Smithsonian Institute, and speculated that the snakes may have been addressed to the Smithsonian instead of Lincoln in the first place. The National Republican, however, remarked that this speculation by the Intelligencer editor was "as improbable as it is incorrect" and that the original story is easily confirmed "by inquiry at the Post Office." [51]

After Fort Sumter, allusions to political snakes continued. In late May or early June, the Cincinnati Gazette published an article that stated, "Of all the conspirators who have labored to bring upon the South her present calamities, the Bell disunionists merit most richly the execrations of true men. They are the copperheads of treason who lurked among the flowers of loyalty to bite the unwary and confiding." [52] A few weeks later, an observer at Phillippi, West Virginia wrote, "The Secessionists here are active and determined. They embrace every opportunity...to convey information to the rebel forces. They act as constant spies... And still the farce of arresting them, administering them the oath of allegiance and releasing them, goes on... If giving aid and comfort to the enemy be treason, why not punish a few of the traitors...? The judicious hanging of half a dozen of these copperheads would be better, to-day, than a couple of additional regiments...." [53] On July 1, in Washington, Missouri Congressman Francis Preston Blair, Jr., gave a speech in which he called the Legislature of Maryland "a nest of copperheads." This specific quote from Blair's speech was widely reported in dozens of papers, often front page, likely increasing the acceptance and dissemination of the term. [54] By the autumn of 1861, 'copperhead' had practically become political shorthand, with several articles using it without explanation, and several suggesting that some politicians had begun to embrace it as the name for a faction within the Democratic Party.[55]

Thus, in the symbolism and rhetoric of the U. S. Civil War, a rattlesnake came to represent rebellion and a copperhead to signify sedition.

Young America: Crushing Rebellion and Sedition. [56]

--------------------- SOURCES ------------------------------

[1] Charles H. Coleman, "Use of the Term 'Copperhead' during the Civil War." The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Vol. 25, No. 2 (Sep., 1938), pp. 263-264. The Encyclopedia Brittanica cites the same date as Coleman, therefore I can only assume their date is based on his work. Brittanica.com.

[2] Reprinted in “Newspaper Accounts: The Palmetto Flag.” New York Herald, New York, NY. November 17, 1860. Pages 3-4. Genealogybank.com.

[3] “What Shall Be The Flag?” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 20, 1860. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[4] Reprinted in “Affairs at the South.” Richmond Dispatch, Richmond, VA. November 13, 1860. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[5] “Local Matters: Raising of Palmetto Flags.” The Sun, Baltimore, MD. November 27, 1860. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[6] “Attitude of South Carolina.” Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA. November 29, 1860. Page 4. Genealogybank.com.

[7] Reprinted in “The Secession Movements at the South: Scenes and Incidents at Charleston.” The Sun, Baltimore, MD. November 29, 1860. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[8] “Letter From Charleston.” Boston Herald, Boston, MA. November 29, 1860. Page 4, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[9] “The Alabama Snake, And Poor Jim.” Macon Telegraph, Macon, GA. November 17, 1860. Page 1, Column 3. Genealogybank.com.

[10] Reprinted in the “Progress of the Disunion Movement.” Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, VA. November 13, 1860. Page 2, Column 5. Genealogybank.com.

[11] “Another Palmetto.” Charleston Courier, Charleston, SC. December 4, 1860. Page 1, Column 6. Genealogybank.com.

[12] “Our Cheraw Correspondence.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 21, 1860. Page 4, Column 3. Genealogybank.com.

[13] “Our Cheraw Correspondence.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 23, 1860. Page 1, Column 4. Genealogybank.com.

[14] “Another Banner.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. December 21, 1860. Page 1, Column 2. Genealogybank.com.

[15] “An Expressive Banner.” Charleston Courier, Charleston, SC. December 21, 1860. Page 1, Column 7. Genealogybank.com.

[16] Harpers’ Popular Cyclopedia of United States History. Volume II. Harper & Brothers, New York, NY. 1893. Page 1320. Googlebooks.

[17] “Large Banner.” Augusta Chronicle, Augusta, GA. December 9, 1860. Page 3, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[18] “Hoisting the Colonial Flag.” Charleston Courier, Charleston, SC. November 13, 1860. Page 2, Column 3. Genealogybank.com.

[19] “The Secession Flag in Savannah.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 20, 1860. Page 4, Column 2. Genealogybank.com.

[20] “Various Movements.” New York Herald-Tribune, New York, NY. November 14, 1860. Page 7, Column 5. Genealogybank.com.

[21] Howell, R. H., Lithographer, and Henry Cleenewerck. The first flag of independence raised in the South, by the citizens of Savannah, Ga. November 8th, 1860 / drawn by Henry Cleenewerck, Savannah, Ga. ; lithographed by R.H. Howell, Savannah, Ga. Georgia Savannah United States, 1860.

[22] “The Secession Movements at the South: The Flag of Alabama.” The Sun, Baltimore, MD. November 17, 1860. Page 1, Columns 3-5. Genealogybank.com.

[23] Official Symbols and Emblems of Alabama, Alabama Department of Archives and History. http://www.archives.state.al.us/emblems/noliflag.html

[24] Alabama Civil War Period Flag Collection, Alabama Department of Archives and History. http://www.archives.alabama.gov/referenc/flags/011.html

[25] “More Banners.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 27, 1860. Page 2, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[26] “Our Baltimore Letter.” Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA. November 27, 1860. Page 4, Column 5. Genealogybank.com.

[27] “Marine News.” Richmond Whig, Richmond, VA. November 13, 1860. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[28] “By Telegraph.” The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Wheeling, WV. November 12, 1860. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[29] “More ‘Secession’ Waggery.” Rock River Democrat, Rockford, IL. February 26, 1861. Page 2, Column 5. Genealogybank.com.

[30] “The Rattlesnake Flag in Boston Harbor.” Massachusetts Spy, Worcester, MA. April 24, 1861. Page 4, Column 3. Genealogybank.com.

[31] “Hoisting the Colonial Flag.” Charleston Courier, Charleston, SC. November 13, 1860. Page 2, Column 3. Genealogybank.com. ; “State of Feeling and Movements South.” Constitution, Washington, DC. November 14, 1860. Page 2, Column 2. Genealogybank.com.

[32] “Something About Flags.” Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA. November 23, 1860. Page 3, Columns 1-2. Genealogybank.com.

[33] Reprinted in “State of Feeling and Movements South.” Constitution, Washington, DC. November 14, 1860. Page 2, Column 2. Genealogybank.com.

[34] “What Shall Be The Flag?” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 20, 1860. Page 2, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[35] “The Union.” Canton Repository, Canton, OH. November 21, 1860. Page 2, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[36] “The Evacuation of Fort Moultrie Confirmed.” Vermont Phoenix, Brattleboro, VT. January 1, 1861. Page 2, Column 4. Genealogybank.com.

[37] “The Disunion Excitement.” Springfield Republican, Springfield, MA. November 14, 1860. Page 2, Column 3-4. Genealogybank.com.

[38] “Flag for the Southern Republic.” New York Herald, New York, NY. November 12, 1860. Page 2, Column 3. Genealogybank.com.

[39] “Alabama Raises Her Flag.” Liberator, Boston, MA. November 23, 1860. Page 3 [187], Column 4. Genealogybank.com.

[40] “Snakes.” Anti-Slavery Bugle, Salem, OH. November 24, 1860. Page 3, Column 2. Library of Congress: Chronicling America, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83035487/1860-11-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[41] “The Palmetto Cockade.” Raftman’s Journal, Clearfield, PA. November 28, 1860. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[42] “Leave Out Snakes.” Macon Telegraph, Macon, GA. November 13, 1860. Page 1, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[43] “Florida in Coil.” Charleston Mercury, Charleston, SC. November 23, 1860. Page 4, Column 2. Genealogybank.com.

[44] "From Maryland: Rattlesnakes and Copperheads.” New York Herald Tribune, New York, NY. February 11, 1861. Page 6, Columns 4-5. Genealogybank.com.

[45] Including but not limited to: On Apr 8, 1861: New York Herald, Albany (Ny.) Evening Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, Providence Evening Press, Wisconsin Daily Patriot, Wisconsin State Journal, Cleveland (Oh.) Plain Dealer, Daily Ohio Statesman, Boston Herald; On Apr 9, 1861: Springfield (Ma.) Republican, Lowell (Ma.) Daily Citizen and News, Sandusky (Oh.) Register, Daily Illinois State Journal, Daily Illinois State Register, Milwaukee Sentinel, Albany (Ny.) Evening Journal, Cleveland (Oh.) Leader, Louisville Daily Courier, Chicago Tribune, Daily Missouri Republican; On Apr 10, 1861: Massachusetts Spy, Philadelphia Inquirer, Springfield Republican, Washington Evening Star, Nashville Tennessean, Brooklyn Evening Star; On Apr 11, 1861: New Hampshire Sentinel, Boston Herald, Buffalo Morning Express, Washington National Republican; On Apr 12, 1861: Kalamazoo (Mi.) Gazette, Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Commercial Advertiser, Washington National Republican, Cape Ann (Ma.) Light and Gloucester Telegraph; On Apr 13, 1861: Albany Evening Journal, Plattsburgh (Ny.) Republican, Washington Daily National Intelligencer, Newport Mercury, Vermont Journal, Weekly Wisconsin Patriot, Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics.

[46] "Washington Invaded." Cleveland Leader, Cleveland, OH. April 9, 1861. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[47] Excerpt from Column 1. New-Hampshire Patriot, Concord, NH. April 17, 1861. Page 2, Column 1. Genealogybank.com.

[48] "The Snake Story (reprinted from the National Intelligencer, April 13)." Boston Daily Advertiser, Boston, MA. April 16, 1861. Page 2, Column 4. Genealogybank.com.

[49] “Secession and Snakes.” Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA. April 10, 1861. Page 4, Columns 2-3. Genealogybank.com.

[50] “’Special to the Herald.’” Cleveland Leader, Cleveland, OH. April 9, 1861. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[51] "The Snake Story (reprinted from the National Intelligencer, April 13)." Boston Daily Advertiser, Boston, MA. April 16, 1861. Page 2, Column 4. Genealogybank.com. ; Excerpt from Column 1. The National Republican, Washington, DC. April 17, 1861. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014760/1861-04-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[52] "The Bell Disunionists. Reprinted from the Cincinnati Gazette." Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Wheeling, WV. June 4, 1861. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[53] "Secession Around Phillippi. From a Phillippi Letter to the Cincinnati Gazette." Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Wheeling, WV. June 26, 1861. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[54] “Last Night’s Report.” Sandusky Register, Sandusky, OH. July 2, 1861. Page 3, Columns 5-6. Genealogybank.com. Also published in (including but not limited to): On July 2, 1861: Louisville Daily Courier, Chicago Tribune, Cleveland Daily Leader, The Baltimore Sun, Janesville (Wi.) Daily Gazette, New Orleans Times-Picayune, Buffalo Courier, Daily Missouri Republican; On July 3, 1861: Nashville Tennessean, Daily Milwaukee News, The Leavenworth Times, Mobile (Al.) Advertiser and Register, Charleston Daily Courier, Atlanta Southern Confederacy;

[55] On August 19, 1861, an article about a Louisville Union group included the phrase, "the copperhead democracy of Ohio." ( "Union Meeting at Louisville." Cleveland Daily Leader, Cleveland, OH. August 19, 1861. Page 2. Newspapers.com.); A Maine paper referred to "the Copperheads of Maine" on August 29, implying that a political group had formed in Maine under that name. (Excerpt from Column 3. Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, Bangor, ME. August 29, 1861. Page 2. Newspapers.com.) In September, the New York Tribune article referred to a local politician in Maine as "the Copperhead candidate." ("City Items." New York Tribune, New York, NY. September 9, 1861. Page 7. Newspapers.com.)

[56] Sartain, William, Lithographer. Young American crushing rebellion and sedition / engraved by William Sartain. , ca. 1864. [Philadelphia: Published by William Sartain, 728 Sansom St., Phila] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2003689254/.

Violence Relating to Elections, 1867 - 1897

2020-10-06T13:50:00.003-04:00

[Per usual, this is not a comprehensive list. Notably missing is info on the violence that erupted in Lancaster in 1874 related to an election there. I'm in the process of making a seperate post on that and it's taking longer than expected.]

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[ROCKCASTLE] [1867] -

Kentucky Senate Candidate Kills Man At Poll Site

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Excerpt from "Pulaski Column." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 9, 1873. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-05-09/ed-1/seq-3/

[PULASKI] [May 9, 1873] -

In the evening after the voting was about over a spirited debate arose upon the streets between two colored divines which attracted a large crowd composed of both white and black, who were laughing heartily and enjoying the fun until some mischievous fellow threw a large sized fire-cracker into the crowd which exploded dispersing them in double quick, presenting one of the most ludicrous scenes we ever witnessed.

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[GARRARD] [August 1874] -

Wiliam Sellers, E. B. Kennedy, and The 'Lancaster Riot', Garrard, 1874

At the August election of 1874, Elbert Kennedy ran as an independent candidate for Circuit Clerk against J. K. Faulkner, the Republican nominee, and was defeated. William Sellers was also running for some office on the Republican ticket. Kennedy and Sellers exchanged shots at each other in the public square one night following the election, "and that was the commencement of the celebrated Kennedy and Sellers' war. Suffice it to say that all the Kennedy's who had not previously left the country were in it; that the United States troops were put in rout when they attempted to interfere, and that many whites and blacks were killed." Three years later, Elbert Kennedy was killed by his nephew Grove Kennedy on the courthouse steps in Lancaster.

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 7, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-05-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[PULASKI] [May 7, 1875] -

We had some excitement at our election here on last Saturday, most of which, was due to the whisky that was issued unsparingly by most, or all of those who ran the race through. We are sorry to herald the fact that some of our respectable citizens were drawn into the execution of measures that should be left to the monopoly of those who float down int he dregs of filthy society. True Democracy, or Republicanism, if you please, does not warrant the use of such intrigue as was employed by the friends of the candidates for the Magistracy. During the day, many were seen busily engaged using the bottle as a means of procuring votes, steeping their fellow creatures in that liquid which causes men to do things contrary to themselves, and the opposite to all that is just and right. Towards the close of the day, any and every resort was taken to procure votes -- it having been announced that two of the candidates were near a tie. Runners were sent to the country for votes; every available man was brought forward, and even the ebony youths and other railroad negroes were brought up and voted. We would ask by what law the negroes, who are here only temporarily, are allowed a vote, while contractors are refused that privilege. Late in the day, some assuming Gabriel, sounded the trumpet that resurrected an old negro eighty-four years of age, for whose burial clothes the county paid at least four years ago. He not having sufficient strength to walk, after being "limbered up," he was borne upon the wings of half-a-dozen dark colored sprites, to the voting place, where he exercised one of the privileges of free humanity. The final result of the election was the success of Wm. Waddle, Dem., and Joe Porch, who is a Fremont-Lincoln-Grant-Butler Republican of the first dye -- to the office of Magistrate, and David Epperson, Dem., for Constable. It is painful to show, that some of the partisans came down so low, as to circulate so many low, vile slanders, as to cause uncle Joe Sallee, to withdraw from the Magistrates race the day previous to the election, in utter disgust. These were scattered by the tight-squeeze, skin-flint, low-salary men, who were trying to run in their man ahead of the more liberal candidates. These are the kind of men that want the Doctors to sell their medicine at 10 per cent, and throw in a ten mile ride. Who leave temperance meetings when some noble heart proposes to vote more money to put down the liquor traffic. Who spend half an hour in jewing the merchant on a yard of calico, and ask him to "fling in a spool of the best thread" -- and who hires the honest, poor man, for fifty-cents per day, and pay hi in corn at one dollar per bushel, at the end of the week, he having to shell it after supper. -- We desire to say, that Joel W. Sallee was one of our best Magistrates, and had he continued in the race, he surely would have sat side by side with our other Joe, in our next County Court. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News -- Somerset." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 6, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-06/ed-1/seq-2/

[PULASKI][August 6, 1875] -

A negro was brought before the Police Court on Thursday, charged with shooting with intent to kill. It was proven that he shot at a small negro boy on the day of the election because the boy laughed at him. He went back to jail.

The election passed off quietly, except one or two wordy broils. Two men named Tuttle and Hartgrove, came near fighting, but were prevented by the Police. A young fellow, Silas Denham, drew a pistol and amused himself by firing a number of shots at the sidewalk. A lot of young scrubs who were drunk, remained until late in the evening, and attempted to get a "fuss." What are town laws for, if not to "jug" such fellows? The Republican ticket carried the county by about the usual majority. Selling whisky on the sly, elected A. M. Parsons to the Marshalship of our town, and Al did not sell the whisky either. []

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[] Excerpt from "Election Day." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 6, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-06/ed-1/seq-3/

[LINCOLN][August 6, 1875] -

Election Day.

August the second has come and gone. -- A very large crowd was in town all day, and what with the excitement of the election and a counter excitement produced by the imbibation of mean whisky freely dealt out by the friends of the various candidates, a considerable noise and shouting were indulged in, though no serious disturbance took place. A drunken individual, however, was so boisterous in his enthusiasm concerning his favorite candidate that an attempt was made by his friends to take him out of town, but some other of his friends, deemed the rights of a free citizen infringed upon by those bodily conveying him against his will, interfered, and for a time there was every indication of a pitched battle, but the coolness of Sheriff Withers and several other gentlemen of less excitable disposition, soon quieted the mob, and order again reigned in Warsaw, after a fashion.

A perfect Babel of confusion was kept up all day, and the amount of mean whisky drank was simply astonishing. Money was freely spent; and votes which went at the nominal price of twenty-five cents early in the day would have brought a much higher figure as the day advanced. We quote medium to choice 25c to $2.50.

That there was a vast amount of swapping indulged in there can be no doubt, and our State ticket was almost forgotten, while the little county races seemed to occupy the attention of all. []

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[] "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 13, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-13/ed-1/seq-2/

[PULASKI][August 13, 1875] -

The election is not over yet, with some of our town gas-bags. It is the general opinion that it is much better for a man to be preparing the necessaries of life for his dependant family, rather than pacing the streets, hunting some one to whom he may pour forth this political effluvia. We generally find, that those who have the worst political epithets, and who delight most to use them, are the men who remained at home during the late war to "protect women and children." Their sympathetic organ was large. We would like to see the vagrant act enforced in a few instances, so that we might purchase a couple of the soft-muscled gentry to work the garden, &c. []

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Excerpt from "Boyle County -- Danville." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 13, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[BOYLE][August 13, 1875] -

Since the election, Danville has been very quiet. For about two weeks the whole town and county was in a state of great excitement. The Radicals were sure of victory and the Democrats determined to put forth every exertion in order to come off victorious. A great deal of whisky was drank, and a large amount of money, we understand, was given for votes. But now, it is all forgotten and passed, and no one remembers any such things, especially about the whisky and money. The manner in which elections are conducted, is a disgrace to civilized communities. The day will be hailed with joy, when the candidates for offices will be elected by a sober and intelligent people. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 17, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-09-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[LINCOLN] [September 17, 1875] -

Education is now considered by the great men of the world, not a luxury, but a necessity. Even the leading monarchical rulers, have found that the most humane, economical and safe way of governing their subjects, is to enlighten their moral and intellectual faculties; and that the material prosperity of their countries, depend upon having educated agriculturists, mechanics and laborers. If this be true in regard to kingly governments, how much more important is it to have the masses educated in republican governments where all powers come from the people.

One of the blighting effects of illiteracy is becoming fearfully conspicuous in Lincoln. It is asserted, that it takes from one to ten thousand dollars expenditure to secure an office worth seeking after. It is known to the writer of this, that some of the best citizens of Lincoln county, owing to corrupting influences, used in elections, have of late years, almost entirely abstained from participating in them. It is averred that there are enough voters in the county, who can be influenced by money and whisky, to decide any election in which there is anything like a contest. This class of voters, then, has become a power; not only a controlling, but a tyran[n]ical power. What is the true policy of those who consider themselves the leading citizens and property holders, in regard to this class? Does not safety and self-interest, as well as humanity, dictate, that, instead of throwing around them influences which will make them more debased, it would be best to use all exertions to build up schools in every neighborhood, that would make men instead of beasts, of the offspring of this class? That bloody page of history, the French Revolution, teaches that when illiteracy becomes ponderous, it becomes dangerous. The twenty-five thousand dollars spent in buildings, the magnificent temple, used to bring the illiterate lawless to justice, added to the amount taken to build the gloomy cage "where he, who enters, leaves hope behind," would have furnished enough to build a model school house in every district in the county, where a good one is not already constructed; and the money used to corrupt voters would give the Gospel to the, and educate their children. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 5, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[LINCOLN] [November 5, 1875] -

Of the 101 indictments preferred at the last term of the Circuit Court, about twenty of them were for a breach of the election laws. In other words, men, and some of them high in authority, or seeking office, were indicted for using money in the election, in buying votes, &c. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 11, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-08-11/ed-1/seq-2/

[PULASKI] [August 11, 1876] -

Somerset.

If there is a town of its size in the State that can get up more excitement over a petty election than Somerset, we would like to hear from it. Monday, a Sheriff, a Constable and a town Marshal were elected, and the usual amount of whisky, quarreling and shooting was indulged in. []

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[PULASKI] [October 1876] -

Two Men Stabbed at Election Polling Sites in Pulaski

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[] Excerpt from "Wayne County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-2/

[WAYNE] [November 15, 1878] -

ELECTION DAY FISTICUFF.

The excitement on election day here, culminated about noon in a few old fashion fisticuff fights, from which, nothing save a few bruised heads and bloody noses resulted. We noticed that "moonshine" or something of equally as exhilarating a nature circulated quite freely for a local option town on that day. But the license usually accorded in election times doubtless accounts for it, and we have no doubt but the town will immediately relapse into its wonted status of sobriety and good morals. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[LINCOLN] [November 15, 1878] -

ACQUITTED. -- Winfred Skidmore and Wm. Mershon, generally known as "Shino," were arrested last Sunday and held here under guard until Wednesday on a charge of maliciously cutting and wounding Joe Lamme. The cutting was done on their way home from the election, the cutters and the cut both being strongly under the influence of whisky. At their trial they proved that Lamme had started the fuss and that they had acted only in self defense, and were acquitted. []

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[] "Col. Welch's Response." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[LINCOLN] [November 15, 1878] -

Col. Welsh's Response.

STANFORD, KY., Nov. 12, 1878.

W. P. Walton, Esq.:

MY DEAR SIR: -- I am sorry that I am unable to furnish the information you desire. I know nothing whatever of the writer of this letter further than that by some mistake, he was accredited a delegate to the late District Convention. That he is an ill-conditioned and illiterate ass, sufficiently appears from the letter itself. That he is the kind of person one could approach with a bribe, I am quite prepared to believe upon the same evidence. But what particular sum of money, if any, was offered for his vote at Somerset, or what particular sum was paid for it at Crab Orchard, I really do not know. Nor, since the polls are closed, is it of any consequence to inquire. By the next election, if it should be a close one, it might be to those who deal in such cattle, of some interest to know the market price of Mr. Samuel Irvin. Just now, however, this advertisement of himself seems to be premature.

Yours, very truly, W. G. WELCH. []

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[] Excerpt from "Boyle County -- Danville." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-03-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[BOYLE] [March 21, 1879] -

Three negroes engaged in the row at Shelby City, at a recent primary election, were sentenced to fifty days each in the work-house. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 8, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-08-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[GARRARD] [August 8, 1879] -

The election passed quietly, without brawls or uproar. At 3 o'clock in the morning, the epithet "quiet" did not exactly apply, for the noble army of colored Republicans commenced their reveille march tot he drum and fife, that awoke the slumbering echoes (and every thing else.) The Democracy, torn asunder by two independent candidates, did no rally to any alarming extent. Mason beat Leavell 47 votes. Daniel Murphy, Rep., was elected by about 300 majority. Evans' majority is counted at 175. The good old stormy, shouting election times have fallen back to the era of "Granny Short's Barbecue." []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 8, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-08-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 8, 1879] -

The election last Monday passed off very quietly. There was a good crowd in town, and several "floaters" became intoxicated. Peace, however, was admirably preserved throughout the entire day. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle -- Mt. Vernon." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 5, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-11-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[ROCKCASTLE] [November 5, 1880] -

ELECTION DISTURBANCES. -- In Copper Creek a young fellow named Riddle struck Jack McCall on the back with a club, and Jack got out his knife and tried to kill him, but the crowd interfered and separated them. The man that tries to impose on Jack has his hands full. ..... In the Glades, Andrew Herrin burst a bottle filled with brandy over the head of a fellow named Todd, with no more serious results than the loss of the brandy. ..... In Mt. Vernon the negroes and a few white Republicans were very impudent until "Rock" Boyle, a negro, tried to bluff Billie Mullins, when Billie drew his knife and walked into the darkey with so much vigor that in a few moments Bill would have severed his jugular, had not peace makers interfered, and after that the negroes were quiet and their white allies careful. ..... In Skagg's Creek it had been reported that a crowd of Radicals were coming from Pulaski to capture the polls, but John Graves, John Bloomer, J. W. Brown, and other plucky fellows, had provided themselves with a few double-barreled shot-guns and round-barreled navy pistols, and proposed to make necessary a number of Coroner's inquests in the event of their arrival. They didn't come , and it's lucky they didn't -- lucky for them. If they had come, devilish few of them would have gone back. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 5, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-08-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[PULASKI] [August 5, 1881] -

Very little excitement prevailed at the election yesterday, except that occasioned by a few boobies, who had taken too much of Kentucky's pride. Sol Turpin and Bill Singleton, famous for their patriotism when drunk, had a row at the polls over a negro, the one wanting him to vote for Beatty (Democrat), the other for Parker (Republican). Turpin, however, prevailed, and the negro cast his vote for Beatty. We cannot at present know for a certainty, but from what we can learn L. D. Parker, the Republican candidate for the Legislature, has a majority of from 75 to 150. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 10, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-08-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 10, 1883] -

Champ Mullins was shot by Hiram Cox a few days since. Both parties were drinking. They got to joking each other about the election and were calling rather hard names, when Mullins, in good-humored way, patted Cox on the cheek and said, "G-d d--n you, come in and take a drink," and turned to go in the grocery, and as he stepped in the door Cox shot him in the back with a pistol supposed to be a 38 calibre. The ball took effect in the back just above the hip bone and ranged around toward the groin. The wound was probed to be the depth of about 6 inches, but the ball could not be found. Mr. Mullins is in a critical condition, but the doctors think he will recover. Cox was arrested and he waived an examination of his case. His bail was fixed at $800, and on failing to give it he was remanded to jail. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 10, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-08-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 10, 1883] -

The election passed off very quietly in this precinct. There were a few little rows, but no fights, and was pretty much the same all over the county. The republicans bulldozed the voters in Crooked Creek precinct. They had six or eight negroes armed with shotguns and army muskets standing around the polls to intimidate other negro voters. They marched around making threats that they would kill every negro who voted the democratic ticket. Mr. Taylor was at that precinct and his friends asked him which they should do run off the negroes or give up the election? He told them to keep quiet and do no violence, as he would rather lose the election than to cause any one to be hurt. It is an evident fact that these negroes had some white republicans to back them, as it was of no interest to them one way or the other. They were railroad negroes and some of them had not been in the State over six weeks, yet they were allowed to vote, notwithstanding the contractors offered to give the exact date of the arrival of these negroes in the State. More illegal votes were cast this election than ever before in this county. I do not deny that illegal votes were cast by both parties. M. J. Cook, republican candidate for Representative, was elected in Laurel and Rockcastle counties by about 400 majority. His majority in this county is greater than for any other candidate on the ticket. Col. Morrow's majority will probably be 75 in this county, with the other candidates for State offices close up, except the colored brother, who fell behind some 50 to 100 votes. Thus it is seen that the white republican does not stand up to the colored man every time. []

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[PULASKI] [August 1884] -

Man Kills Another in Personal Argument on Election Day

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 14, 1886. Page 3. LOC.

[LINCOLN][September 14, 1886] -

CUTTING SCRAPE -- The only election row that occurred Saturday was at Turnersville, which resulted in Will Murphy seriously cutting George Carter in the side. Murphy came in yesterday and delivered himself to the officers and from him we learned that Carter charged that all church members would take a drink anywhere they could get it, even in church. Murphy told him he certainly didn't believe that, when Carter responded that Murphy himself would do it. Murphy called him a liar, finally, when Carter rushed at him and began belaboring him with an umbrella. He drew his knife as soon as possible and used it as above stated. We learn that the blade penetrated the hallow and that the chances are against Carter's recovery. Murphy was permitted to give bond in $500 to await the result of the wounds. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 8, 1888. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1888-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 10, 1888] -

Mitchell Norton and --- Pitman on their way home from the election, exchanged shots as long as their cartridges held out, when Pitman struck for the timber. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1888. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1888-08-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 31, 1888] -

Mitchell Norton and Geo. Pitman, who exchanged several shots on election day, have been placed under bond of $100 each. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 8, 1888. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1888-08-10/ed-1/seq-1/

[ROCKCASTLE] [August 10, 1888] -

No serious trouble occurred at the election here. Mat Pike and Jailer Arnold had some trouble over voting a man and came to blows. Pike fired one shot at Arnold, but did no damage. It was the most boisterous crowd that has gathered on our streets for many a day. At 1 o'clock there were 100 men and boys on the street, more or less intoxicated, attempting to fight, yelling and acting like lunatics. A veritable howling mob. By 7 o'clock they had dispersed and quiet was once more restored. []

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[ROCKCASTLE] [August 1888] -

Man Stabbed During Arrest Attempt on Election Day

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[ROCKCASTLE] [August 1889] -

John Proctor Kills Wade Purcell on Election Day

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[] Excerpt from "Williamsburg, Whitley County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 23, 1892. Page 6. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-09-23/ed-1/seq-6/

[WHITLEY] [September 23, 1892] -

The republicans held their primary election to elect county officers last Tuesday. It was one of the most exciting elections held here for years and whisky and money flowed freely and long before night our streets, usually so quiet and decent, were filled with drunken rowdies giving us another terrible example of the rottenness of politics. The night was made hideous by the yells of drunken men and the firing of pistols. The election was not only a disgrace to the republican party, but to civilized society and yet these pious, incorruptable republicans want the State of Kentucky turned over to them, and try to deliver lectures on morals and hold the democrats up as examples of all that is corrupt. May the Lord never permit our now happy land to pass under the management of such a party, ruled and controlled by such means. J. L. Manning was nominated for sheriff and U. H. Meadows for circuit clerk. A good many of the best republicans refused to take part and declare that they will vote for whom they please in November and not be dictated to by any primary. []

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[] Excerpt from "Vicinity News." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 5, 1897. Page 6. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1897-11-05/ed-1/seq-6/

[PULASKI] [November 5, 1897] -

Squire Smith and John Pointer, two prominent men of Dallas, Pulaski county, got into a brawl over the election and Smith was very badly cut. Both were drunk. []

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Killing of Walter Saunders and Tuck Ballard, Madison, 1877

2020-10-04T15:44:00.010-04:00

Links to images for this post can be found with the citations at the end of the post. Due to Blogger's new interface 'update,' I can no longer nest images beside text without a huge headache.

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[March 8, 1872] -

The Race for Sheriff.

By reference to our columns it will be seen that W. G. Saunders, the present incumbent, announces himself as a candidate for re-election. Rumor is to the effect that we are to have quite a number of candidates for the office of sheriff. Why don't you announce yourselves, gentlemen? [1]

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[March 12, 1875] -

Our former popular Sheriff, Mr. W. G. Saunders, has gone into the Hotel business at Crab Orchard. He informs us that his hotel will be first-class in all its appointments, and that he will run in connection with his hotel, a livery stable, where the fastest horses and nicest turnouts can be procured. We wish him the most unlimited success, and trust that no "Civil Rights" will disturb "the even tenor of his way." Read his card elsewhere. [2]

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[March 12, 1875] -

[Advertisement]
The Crab Orchard Hotel.
Crab Orchard, Ky.,
W. G. Saunders, Proprietor.
Accommodations Unexcelled.
Excellent Bar.
No. 1 Livery Stable
Connected with the Hotel. [3]

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[I'm not aware of the circumstances leading to this judgment, but I include this article for anyone very interested in Saunders who may want to pursue this tangent for further inquiry]

[April 30, 1875] -

The securities on the official bond of W. G. Saunders, late Sheriff, obtained a judgment against him for $10,000. [4]

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[July 21, 1876] -

A report gained currency here, on Saturday, that Best, who killed Post Master Hedger, of Lancaster, had murdered Walter Saunders, of Crab Orchard. This report was contradicted by Mr. Miller, on his arrival, to the gratification of many of Saunders' relatives and friends here. [5]

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[August 18, 1876] -

P.S. -- S. H. Hickle, went yesterday evening and served the warrant of arrest on Walter Saunders, who, contrary to the general belief, made no opposition, but gave bond for his appearance on the day named. Mr. Hickle has in his possession, a letter from Mr. Saunders, greatly repudiating the idea of resisting an officer, and says at all times he will most cheerfully submit to any process of law. He claims to have been greatly misrepresented. We would willingly have published the letter requested by Mr. Hickle, but he did not arrive with it till nearly 8 o'clock, last night. [6]

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[August 29, 1877] -

THE BLOODY GROUND

Fatal Shooting at Richmond, Ky.--Two Men Killed.

Special Dispatch to the Cincinnati Gazette.

LEXINGTON, Aug. 28.

A fatal shooting affray occurred in Richmond, Madison County, yesterday evening, resulting in the death of two men and the dangerous wounding of two others. Four men came to the town to release a man named Saunders. They attacked the town Marshal and his two deputies, named Edwards. The officers fought the desperadoes, killing Walter Saunders, of Crab Orchard, and a man named Ballard, and dangerously wounding Will Kennedy, who, however, escaped. The fourth made good his escape, also. A party is now in pursuit of the two latter. The town is in a state of excitement over the affair.

To the Associated Press:

LOUISVILLE, KY., Aug. 28.-- A special correspondent of the Courier-Journal at Danville telegraphs the following: "Walter Sander, late Sheriff of Lincoln County, and his brother-in-law, Jack Ballard, were killed last evening at Richmond, Madison County, by Gus Edwards, Town Marshal, and a party of his friends. The particulars as far as I have been able to gather, are these: A younger brother of Sanders was at the Richmond Fair about a week ago, and during that time was badly beaten over the head by Edwards--Sanders and his friends say inexcusably--Edwards saying that Sanders interfered while he was in the discharge of his duty as an officer. Yesterday Walter Sanders and his friends went to Richmond to attend the trial of young Sanders for his alleged offense. After the trial a conversation occurred between Edwards and Walter Sanders at the Garnet House, during which Sanders denounced Edwards' conduct as brutal and cowardly, at the same time drawing his pistol. About this time Sanders was shot by some other person, but leveling his pistol made things lively while his strength lasted. When the firing ended Sanders and his brother-in-law, Ballard, were dead. Marshal Edwards is slightly and his brother dangerously wounded. Many shots were fired, but only the four persons mentioned were struck." [7]

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[August 29, 1877] -

DANVILLE.

Row at Richmond -- Two Men Killed and Two Wounded.
(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, KY., Aug. 28. -- Walter Sanders, late Sheriff of Lincoln county, and his brother-in-law, Jack Ballard, were killed last evening at Richmond, Madison county, by Gus. Edwards, Town Marshal, and a party of his friends. The particulars, as far as I have been able to gather, are these: A younger brother of Sanders was at the Richmond fair about a week ago, and during that time was badly beaten over the head by Edwards, Sanders and his friends say inexcusably; Edwards saying that Sanders interfered while he was in the discharge of his duty as an officer. Yesterday Walter Sanders and his friends went to Richmond to attend the trial of young Sanders for his alleged offense. After the trial a conversation occurred between Edwards and Walter Sanders at the Garnet House, during which Sanders denounced Edwards' conduct as brutal and cowardly, at the same time drawing his pistol. Abou this time Sanders was shot by some other person, but, leveling his pistol, made things lively while his strength lasted. When the firing ended Sanders and his brother-in-law Ballard were dead, Marshal Edwards slightly and his brother dangerously wounded. Many shots were fired, but only the four persons mentioned struck.

Another Report.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

LEXINGTON, Aug. 28. -- The news comes here to-day of a street fight in Richmond, Madison county, which took place yesterday evening, resulting in the death of two men and the wounding of two others. Four men, known to be desperate characters, came to town in a spring wagon for the purpose of releasing from prison a man named Saunders, who had been arrested and put in jail during the Madison fair. He was one of a gang of which Grove Kennedy, who was enjoying himself so luxuriously at Crab Orchard, is a shining light. Walter Saunders, the brother of the prisoner, a hotel-keeper at Crab Orchard, headed the quartet. He was accompanied by Will. Kennedy, a man named Ballard, and another who was the driver. On entering the town, Walter Saunders attacked Edwards, the Town Marshal, trying to shoot him in the head. He missed his arm, on account of Edwards throwing up his arm. Edwards drew and fired, with the muzzle of his pistol at the head of Saunders, and blew his brains out. By this time the others had opened fire, which was answered by a volley from Edwards and his two brothers, who had come up. Shots were exchanged, and Ballard fell, shot dead. Kennedy, who was badly wounded, jumped into the wagon and was driven off by the fourth ally. Thus the casualties were Saunders and Ballard killed, Kennedy badly wounded, and one of the Edwards brothers dangerously shot. To-day a party went out in search of Kennedy, who is a resident of the county. The citizens are very much excited over the affair, and there is some talk of lynch law. [8]

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[August 30, 1877] -

THE RICHMOND TRAGEDY.

Particulars of the Bloody Affair as Furnished by an Eye-Witness.

Demonstration at Crab Orchard on the Arrival of the Bodies of the Dead Men.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GROVE KENNEDY.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

CRAB ORCHARD SPRINGS, AUG. 29. -- As the unfortunate men who were killed at Richard last night reside in or near Crab Orchard village, the community has been today in a state of great agitation. I will give you a version of the affair which I get from an eye-witness, and which is abundantly corroborated by hearsay evidence. Last week Geo. Saunders was seriously hurt by a blow upon the skull, delivered by a policeman's club in the hands of Edwards, the Marshal of Richmond. This occurred in Richmond, and, as the story is told, the Marshal acted in an indefensible manner as to the harshness in which he treated his prisoner, whose offense was of a petty character. Saunders has been since confined to his bed from the effects of the blow. The trial for the offense, a breach of the peace, was set for to-day, and yesterday Walter Saunders, Tucker Ballard, Ballard's brother, and a Mr. Kennedy went to Richmond to attend the trial. George was too feeble to accompany them. The party stopped on their way at the springs drinking and billiard saloon; were not intoxicated; were in jovial humor, and in the course of several games which they played there was no outgiving of any serious business before them. After arriving in Richmond they separated, and several betook themselves to billiards. It was at this juncture that Walter Saunders accosted Edwards, the Marshal, and the fact that he did so while his friends were dispersed appears to be an argument that there was no combination of conspiracy to break the peace. At this point the testimony of the eye-witness begins. Saunders, meeting Edwards in the hotel, took him by the arm rather forcibly and told him that he wished to withdraw with him for a conference. Edwards hesitated, but Saunders insisted, drawing him along somewhat rudely.

They passed out the door, and Saunders demanded an explanation of the Marshal's treatment of his brother. The Marshal answered that he could not have arrested him without using the degree of force which he had exerted. Saunders retorted that he was a d--d liar. Edwards instantly drew his pistol and fired; Saunders returned the fire promptly; Edwards fired again and Saunders fell. It is said that Edwards and his brother, who had joined the party, fired upon the prostrate man, but of this there is no positive evidence. At any rate, his body bore the marks of a number of bullets. In the melee, Tucker Ballard and Kennedy rushed from the billiard room and commenced firing on the Edwards party, which now amounted to perhaps a score. Tucker Ballard was shot down, and there were, in a few moments of insane fury, two dead bodies lying near each other in the streets of the village, while two panic-stricken fugitives, one of whom was shot in several places, fled for their lives through the alleys and across the fields. Kennedy, wounded and bleeding, took his way "across country," and occasionally had the satisfaction of hearing his pursuers galloping back and forth along the road. He passed here [Crab Orchard Springs] about eleven o'clock this morning, having obtained a horse from a friend. Ballard [Tuck's brother] also returned, being unhurt. The former, by the way, is a brother of Grove Kennedy.

The bodies of the two dead men arrived about noon at Crab Orchard village, on the L. and N. Branch railroad. They were buried at sunset this evening in the village cemetery on an eminence in full view of the Springs hotels, and about a half a mile distant. I counted thirty-seven carriages and buggies in the procession. You never saw a more unequivocal popular demonstration of friendliness and respect. Saunders had been twice elected Sheriff of the county, and all speak of him as a man of generous and kindly impulses, though a most dangerous man to his enemies, being as quickwitted as he was brave. He killed one or two men (they sometimes fail to keep tally) during the two terms of his office, as I recollect, but, in both cases, it is claimed that he acted in self-defense and in the discharge of his official duty. Both Saunders and Ballard are connected with or related by blood with a large number of the most substantial citizens of the county; they had many warm friends, and it is said that the end is not yet. I have met them personally, as well as various of their friends, during my sojourn here, and I found them all polite and friendly, meeting the stranger, as is the manner of Kentuckians, more than half way.

Walter Saunders has been in the habit of driving by the springs every day or two behind a team of coal black horses, the handsomest get-up I have seen here. This morning, as a kind of set-off rather dramatic for everyday country life, a carriageful of his family passed by filing the air with lamentations at his death. Mrs. Saunders is peculiarly unfortunate, one of the men killed last night being a husband and the other a brother. [can't read italicized part]

I am sorry to see that the false news of the Lexington Press has misled the Courier-Journal as to the treatment of Grove Kennedy at Crab Orchard Springs. K. has never boarded here a day, but on two different occasions during the season he dined at the table by invitation of a friend who was a regular boarder. He behaved himself decorously, and the proprietor could not have been expected to go out of his way to do police duty for the county, and in the meanwhile offered a respectable guest. Kennedy has many friends, and they among the solid people of the county, who pity and sympathize with him. Whether they are right or not is of no consequence, but it is very certain that there would be some little trouble and risk if any one outside of these sympathizers should attempt a $500 speculation by arresting him. It is a case which illustrates the importance of the moral power with which the law clothes its ministers, by showing its absence and the results.

At the Springs we are eating, drinking, and living merry, happy as clams at high tide. [9]

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[August 31, 1877] -

A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY -- WALTER SAUNDERS AND TUCK BALLARD SHOT AND KILLED AT RICHMOND.-- Intelligence of the killing of Mr. Walter G. Saunders and D. L. Ballard reached here by telegraph on Tuesday morning, and shortly thereafter nearly every man in town had gathered at the Depot to learn the particulars of the tragedy. The crowd was not long held in suspense, for in a short time the train arrived, bearing the lifeless remains of the unfortunate men, and one or two witnesses to the bloody deed. The particulars, so far as we have been able to get them are, that Mr. Sanders. Mr. Ballard, Wm. Kennedy and John Ballard went up to Richmond Monday evening to attend the trial of George Saunders, which was to have taken place the next day. It was understood that an ill feeling was held by the Saunders party against Edwards, the Town Marshal, for knocking down young Saunders with a club in making his arrest. This caused Edwards to be on the look out for trouble, so he armed a couple of his brothers to assist him, should any occur. About 10 o'clock at night Mr. Walter Saunders came up to Edwards, who was standing at the Garnett House, and taking him by the arm, told him he wanted to have a little talk with him. Edwards demanded to be let loose, and immediately drew a pistol and fired at Saunders, without effect further than to blind Saunders by the flash, who also fired, doing no damage. Edwards or one of his brothers then fired, the ball taking effect in Saunders' head, and killing him instantly. The firing was then kept up between Wm. Kennedy and the Edwards, and Tuck Ballard coming on the scene, was shot through the heart, the ball entering his back and lodging under the skin on his breast. After the blood fray two on the Edwards were found to be wounded, one severely in the spine, and Wm. Kennedy, who made his escape, is said to have been badly wounded, both in his arm and leg. The Edwards were acquitted. The Odd Fellows took charge of the bodies of the dead men here, and conveyed them to Crab Orchard, the homes of the deceased, where, after an appropriate funeral sermon by Rev. J. L. Barnes, they were lain away in their long resting places. Mr. Saunders was widely known, and although possessed of faults (and who is not?) he had many worthy and admirable traits of character, which made him many lasting friends. Our sincerest sympathies are with the grief-stricken widow, doubly bereaved by the tragic deaths of husband and brother; but human sympathy is powerless here. To Him whose care is promised to the widow and fatherless she must look for comfort. [10]

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[August 31, 1877] -

The horrible killing of Walter Saunders, at Richmond, is regretted by a number of persons here. Saunders, whatever his desperate qualities, certainly possessed many good traits. He had several warm friends at this place [Mt. Vernon]. [11]

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[August 31, 1877] -

A natural feeling of excited interest was prevalent throughout our community [Lancaster] when Tuesday's morning train brought down the lifeless remains of Walter Saunders and T. Ballard, of Crab Orchard, said citizens having met their death at the hands of the Richmond Police on Monday night. Quite a history attaches to the tragedy, but we give the affair only a passing notice. If the sadly-belied citizens of Lancaster have any cause for rejoicing in the matter, it is that some other theatre than this was chosen for the dreadful occurrence, and that we are spared the odium of another murderous conflict. All lovers of humanity must sympathize with the friends of the unfortunate men thus hurried into eternity. [12]

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[August 31, 1877] -

Mr. Walter Saunders will be greatly missed by the people of this [Lincoln] county. He was a man of indomitable courage, and while Sheriff and since the expiration of his office of his office, whenever his services were called for, he was a terror to evil doers. The occasional troubles into which he got, were always in support of his friends, for whom he was ever ready to die. A number of Mr. Saunders' acts during his official career will always be gratefully remembered by the people of the county he served. We write this not because it is necessary here, but for the benefit of those of our exchanges who are speaking of him as a desperado, &c. [13]

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[August 31, 1877] -

THE KENTUCKY HOMICIDE.

Full Particulars of Madison County's Disgrace.

THE DEAD MEN AND THEIR RECORD.

Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial.

RICHMOND, MADISON CO., KY., August 29, 1877.

Richmond, in Madison County, Kentucky, is one of the prettiest little towns in the State. It is in the midst of a country as fertile as that which surrounds Lexington. Its people are cultivated, [?] in the enjoyment of much of this world's goods. It is a nest of learning, having the great Presbyterian College of the State, Central University, besides a large and thriving seminary for young ladies. The churches are numerous, and their congregations wealthy; and last though not least, Richmond is the home of the present Governor of Kentucky, Hon. Jas. B. McCreary. But notwithstanding those advantages, it is liable, and has been ever since the war, to occasional outbreaks that which but recently brought disgrace upon this charming little town.

With regard to this last affair, the accounts which have been given and published have made the matter appear worse than it really is, though that is bad enough.

THE FACTS.

On Thursday evening, during the fair at Richmond, some young men became unruly, and raised a disturbance in the Richmond Hotel billiard room. Among them was George Saunders, a brother of Walter Saunders, of Crab Orchard. The Marshal of the city, Gus Edwards, was called in by the landlord to quell the disturbance. While within the billiard room the officer beat young Saunders over the head very severely with a leaded cane, or walking stick. The justice of this treatment of Saunders by the officer is the question out of which grew the late fatal affray, but, as the matter has not yet been investigated by the Court, no legal evidence can be given on the point. It is said by the friends of Edwards that, while the officer and his deputy were in the act of removing one of the disturbers of the peace, George Saunders, who was very much intoxicated, came behind with a knife uplifted to stab Edwards in the back; that the Deputy observing him, seized his arm, whereupon Edwards turning around beat Saunders in the manner described. The friends of the latter say that the officer, going into the billiard room and finding a party of young men behaving uproariously, at once, without further cause, reads a murderous attack on Saunders with his leaded stick. Whether from fear of the a general attack from the numerous friends of Saunders, who had come with him from Crab Orchard and Lancaster, or under an impression that his force was insufficient to make the necessary arrests, Officer Edwards retired and returned very soon with a posse of special police. By this time most of the young men who had been making the disturbance had been prevailed upon to go to bed. Saunders had been taken into the wash-room of the hotel to have his wounds cleaned of blood. With him was a Mr. Tuck Ballard, a relative, who was well known to be as brave and determined as man could be. When Edwards appeared with his posse to arrest Saunders, Ballard placed himself at the door of the wash room with a loaded pistol in his hand and declared that George Saunders should not go to jail, and that he would kill the first man who laid a hand upon him. The police retired and warrants were issued for the arrest of Saunders for breach of the peace, and for the arrest of Mr. Tuck Ballard for carrying concealed deadly weapons. Officer Edwards was not allowed by Ballard to serve the warrants, and the Coroner was called into service. The men were to appear next day, Friday, for their examining trial. That night Ballard telegraphed to Walter Saunders, at Crab Orchard, that his brother was dangerously, perhaps fatally, injured by the attack made by Edwards, and asking him to come up to Richmond. The fact of the sending of this telegram became generally known, and it was feared that Walter Saunders would bring up a party and not only remove his brother, but avenge the assault upon him. A number of special police were sworn in, who armed themselves with shotguns and prepared for the expected invasion. Walter Saunders came, but without a party at his back. He came to attend the examining trial of his brother. For some reason the Commonwealth's Attorney procured a continuance until the next day--Saturday--and being unable then to procure his witnesses the trial was postponed until Tuesday last, for the double purpose of allowing the Commonwealth to prepare her case and to enable Walter Saunders, who was a hotel keeper at Crab Orchard, to attend his business during the intervening week, which was race week at that place, and during which time he would be unable, with out great inconvenience, to attend the trial in the interest of his brother, who was in no condition, on account of his wounds, to take care of himself.

It was to attend this trial that, on Monday evening, Walter Saunders, William Kennedy, Tuck Ballard and John Ballard came up from Crab Orchard in buggies. Mrs. Saunders, the wife of Walter, came on the train, went to the Richmond Hotel, and notified the landlord that her husband and friends were on the road and would want supper. They arrived shortly afterwards, and, after having their horses put up at a livery stable, waited for supper.

THE FIGHT.

After supper, about 9 1/2 o'clock, Walter Saunders proposed to Kennedy that they walk around to the Garnet House, on the next street. The two started off together, leaving Tuck Ballard at the Richmond Hotel, John Ballard having previously gone to the Garnet House to play billiards. As Saunders and Kennedy walked down the street they peered into the faces of two men sitting outside the bar room of the Garnet House, and being apparently satisfied that they were not the men of whom they were in search, they went on and passed two men who were sitting about a dozen steps off, upon the steps of the ladies' entrance to the hotel. Immediately they stopped, turned around, and Saunders, stepping up to one of them, asked his name. He answered that it was Edwards. It was, in fact, the Marshal, Gus. Edwards, sitting with his brother Dan. Saunders then took the Marshal by the right arm, and jerking him off the step, said, "You are the man that beat my brother. I want to talk with you." Edwards, who was trying to reach his pistol, said, "Let me go, and I will go with you anywhere," and turned his hand to see who was around to render assistance. Saunders said: "Look at me, damn you: I want you to talk to me." Dan Edwards, who, up to this time, had been kept from interfering by Kennedy said, "Let him loose." Saunders asked, "what the hell he had to do with it." Dan Edwards replied that the Marshal was his brother. The Marshal then called for his brother John, who was across the street, all while trying to reach his pistol, which he at last succeeded in doing, and instantly fired under Saunders' chin, without, however, striking him. Then a second shot was fired, and Saunders fell dead, having been shot through both temples. The Marshal claims that he fired the fatal shot. The testimony at the Coroner's inquest showed that his brother Dan had done it. Kennedy immediately commenced firing, being engaged by the brothers, Dan and Gus Edwards. John Ballard came running from the billiard room, through the bar room to the street, and standing in the doorway fired, some of the witnesses say two shots and some one. He then turned and ran out through a back way and made his escape. About the same time John Edwards had arrived on the scene and was wielding his weapon. Tuck Ballard, who was on his way to the same locality, when the shooting commenced, ran up and entered the bar room floor. He received a shot in the back, just as he reached the doorway, and fell dead in the room. Kennedy having exhausted his pistol, ran and made good his escape to the Richmond House, where he found John Ballard, and the two started on foot for the country and escaped.

CASUALTIES

Walter Saunders fell dead, at the edge of the pavement opposite the ladies' entrance to the Garnet House, and lay there for half an hour. He was wounded in no other part of the body than the head.

Tuck Ballard was shot in the back, the ball passing through his heart. It is not known who shot him, but a man named Huston[?] Corneilison, a witness at the inquest, admitted having taken part in the affray, and it is believed by some that he killed Ballard. Corneilison was a special policeman.

John Edwards was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the hip, in the lumbar region. This wound is considered very dangerous.

Dan Edwards received a shot in the breast, the ball not going into the cavity, but passing around under the skin to the armpit, from which the ball was extracted. The wound is slight.

William Kennedy was grazed by the shot in several places, but suffered no injury. The sleeve of his coat, and his pants, were shot through, and a piece was shot out of the sole of his boot. Beyond this he escaped marvelously. John Ballard escaped without a scratch.

AFTER THE BATTLE.

The ladies' hall and doorway of the Garnet House bear witness to the engagement. Three shots penetrated the door, one cut a slice out of the plastering on the wall, and another ranged along the hat rack, nipping the iron hooks, and still another cut a very round hole in the glass place of a door. The bodies of Saunders and Ballard were taken to the Richmond House, where they were laid out, and at three o'clock in the morning were conveyed to Crab Orchard. The funeral took place Tuesday. The friends of Edwards represent that the people there were pleased at what had taken place, while those favoring Saunders think the people of Crab Orchard are much incensed over the affair.

WHO ARE THE PARTIES?

Walter Saunders, who was first killed, was considered the handsomest man in Kentucky. He stood six feet three inches, and weighed two hundred and ten pounds. He was formed with wonderful symmetry, and was as graceful in motion as man could be. From reports he was a perfect Adonis. He courage was never doubted. He is variously reported to have killed from two to eight men. That he killed two is certain. The notorious highwayman and murderer, Bridgewater, was one of them. Saunders at that time was Sheriff of Lincoln County, and going with a posse to arrest Bridgewater and meeting with resistance, he shot him.

Saunders was at the head of the mob, it is charged, when burned the house of Sellers, a Republican, in Lancaster, when the Federal troops were called upon for the protection of a number of colored people confined in the burning building. This charge, however, has never been proven. It was the common belief that Saunders was the head of a gang numbering about one hundred, who were ever ready to do his bidding. It is the fear of this supposed gang that protects Grove Kennedy in Crab Orchard, the home of Saunders, and it was this gang of which the citizens of Richmond stood in dread, when they heard that Saunders was coming up to revenge the assault of his brother. On the body of Saunders was found a postal card, which, however, was not put in evidence before the Coroner's jury. It was dated at Richmond and postmarked there. It reads "Walter Saunders, You G-- d-- scoundrel; you said you could take Richmond; come on, G-- damn you, we are read for you." There was no signature. It is quite probable that the reputation Saunders bore led to his death. Although his grip of the Marshal's arm was secure enough to leave the blue prints of the fingers and thumb three or four days after, yet had he intended to go to extremes he might easily have killed Edwards when they first met. Saunders' wife became extremely ill when the shocking intelligence of her husband's sudden death reached her, and it is thought that her nervous system has been so much shaken that she will not recover.

The other parties to the affray with Saunders are all credited with having "killed their men," but the reports are not reliable. Will. Kennedy is undoubtedly of a family that will shoot, and the Ballards have never been known to show the white feather, but, on the contrary, have been ready to fight "at the drop of the hat."

The citizens very much deplore the occurrence, and are somewhat divided in opinion as to where the blame rests. Many good men think Saunders was murdered, while, on the other hand, substantial citizens, and particularly the town authorities, maintain that Edwards did only his duty throughout the whole business. The end is not yet. The fight will certainly be renewed. It was expected last night, but Old John Robinson's circus amused the boys, and probably drove fighting out of their minds. But it will come.

SPECTATOR. [14]

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[August 31, 1877] -

{Another Account.}

The Richmond (Ky.) Tragedy--Great Religious Revival
at Stanford--Kentucky Crops, Drouth, &c.

On Monday night last, about 10 o'clock, a serious and fatal difficulty occurred at Richmond, the county seat of Madison County, Kentucky, between Edwards, the Town Marshal of that place, aided by two of his brothers, on one side, and W. G. Saunders, ex Sheriff of Lincoln County, Kentucky, aided by his brother in-law, Tuck Ballard, and William Kennedy, on the other, which resulted in the shooting and instant killing of Saunders and Ballard, and the slight wounding in the arm and leg of Kennedy. The origin of the tragedy was substantially as follows: Last week, during the stock fair at Richmond, a brother of Saunders, aged about nineteen years, is said to have behaved improperly on the Fair grounds, whereupon Edwards, acting Marshal, knocked him on the head with a stick and seriously injured him. This fact being communicated to W. G. Saunders, the dead brother, who was at his home in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, he repaired to Richmond with his friends, Ballard and Kentucky, to investigate the matter. A difficulty between the two parties was then apprehended, but it did not at that time take place. Meantime, young Saunders, who had been knocked senseless at the Fair grounds, was arrested and held for trial on a charge of a breach of the peace, his trial fixed for Tuesday last, and he gave bond for his appearance. Being too unwell to appear, his brother, W. G. Saunders, and Ballard and Kennedy again went to Richmond to have the trial postponed. Before the day came, however, the fatal tragedy came on. The Edwards brothers were sitting in front of a hotel in Richmond when Saunders and his party walked up to or near them, and W. G. Saunders took hold of the arm of Marshal Edwards and said: "Mr. Edwards, I wish to have a talk with you." Edwards replied, "Let my arm loose and I will walk with you." This Saunders did not do, and a brother of Edwards stepped up then and told Saunders to let his brother's arm loose. Saunders then asked, "What have you to do about it?" The response was, "He is my brother, damn you, let him go," and immediately fired a pistol ball through Saunders' brain, killing him instantly. Ballard then ran up into the hotel door, and as he did so was shot in the back, the ball passing through his heart, and he dropped dead in the doorway. Someone also shot at Kennedy, and hit him in the arm and leg, producing only slight flesh wounds. He is walking about, and was present at the burial, the following day, of two of his comrades. Kennedy, after the shots he received, ran through a house, swiftly pursued by the Edwards party, and made good his escape, else he too would now be sleeping in the cemetery at Crab Orchard. Kennedy, I learn, is a brother of the notorious outlaw, Grove Kennedy, a fugitive from justice, who has killed four or five men and attempted to take the life of others. His last victim was his uncle, whom he shot last spring, at Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky. Wm. Kennedy, the comrade of Saunders, is a bold, bad man, as I learn. Saunders has killed three men, namely: Holmes, at Crab Orchard, in 1865; the notorious Jim Bridgewater, of civil war infamy, in 1866, and a man named Bethurum in 1874 or 1875, all in this [Lincoln] county. He was tried for each case and honorably acquitted, the proof being that he acted in self-defense each time. Ballard has been in a number of affrays, but never killed any one that I can learn of. But little sympathy has been expressed for these men so far as I can see.

Saunders was a splendid type of the brave and dauntless Kentuckian, standing six feet three inches in his stockings, and weighed about 185 pounds. he was an officer in the Confederate army, Sheriff of this (Lincoln) county, and at one time bore a fine reputation for courage, and always considered a man of honor in his business relations, although his securities on his official bond had to pay considerable money for him, owing to 'laches' caused by a desire to befriend the luckless debtors against whom he held debts and executions for collection. He left a young wife and two small children, who have the hearty pity and sympathy of the public. May the winds be "tempered to the [??]."

Ballard was a man about twenty five years of age, and unmarried Kennedy has a wife and several children. "He that taketh the sword shall perish by the sword" is a Biblical maxim which has been abundantly verified to this unfortunate tragedy. The people fear that the end is not yet. The Saunders and Kennedy families, as well, also, the Edwards family, are numerous and bold. The pistol, that great and potent arbiter among the chivalry of Kentucky, will not be allowed to rust in the belt, and ere long, doubtless, other victims will be added to the long roll. We of the peace partly[?] could wish otherwise, but it would be "hoping against hope." The law has no terror for such men as carry deadly weapons. [ibid 14]

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[August 31, 1877] -

The Richmond Tragedy -- A Full Report
from Our Special Correspondent.

RICHMOND, KY., Aug. 28, 1877.

Thursday night, August 16th, during the week of the Fair at this place, a difficulty occurred between Geo. Saunders, of Crab Orchard, and the Marshal, A. J. Edwards, of this place. The Marshal, we learn, attempted to arrest Saunders for misbehavior, when he drew a knife and tried to cut the Marshal, and the Marshal struck him a severe blow on the head with a hickory stick. J. T. Ballard and several others then drew their pistols, and the Marshal retired. The next day, however, they surrendered to an officer, and were released on bail to appear here today for trial. The next day after the above occurred, Walter Saunders (brother to George) and Will Kennedy came up in a buggy. While here Walter Saunders abused the Marshal, and, it is reported, threatened his life. All of this occurred during the week of the Fair.

Last night Walter Saunders, Will Kennedy, and J. T. and John Ballard arrived here in buggies to attend the trial which was set for to-day. They had been in town about and hour when Saunders and Kennedy went around in front of the Garnett House, where the Marshal and his two brothers were sitting. Saunders approached the Marshal, and asked his name; he told him. He asked if he was the Marshal, and he said, "Yes." Saunders then took hold of Edward's right arm with his left hand, and said, "Come out here, I want to talk to you." Edwards said, "Let me loose, and I will go with you anywhere." Saunders, still holding Edwards, said, "You d--d s-n of a b---h, you struck my brother." Just then Edwards' brother, Dan, stepped up and told Saunders to let his brother loose, but he did not do it, then the firing commenced. Saunders was killed instantly, one bullet taking effect in the side of the head and another under the chin. J. T. Ballard was also killed, the ball entering his back. Kennedy, it is said, was wounded in the arm and leg, but he and John Ballard made their escape. John Edwards was seriously wounded, and Dan Edwards slightly wounded.

While the good citizens of the town regret that the difficulty occurred, they believe that the Marshal and his brothers (his deputies) acted in self-defense, and will sustain them in the discharge of their duties. [15]

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[September 4, 1877] -

THE RECENT RICHMOND TRAGEDY.

Two accounts of the Bloody Affray in Which Walter Sanders and "Tuck" Ballard Were Killed and Others Wounded.

SKETCH OF THE DEAD DESPERADOES.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

RICHMOND, KY., Sept. 3, 1877. -- I am induced by the humorous erroneous reports furnished the Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati press of the killing of Walter Sanders and Ballard at this place, to give you a truthful account of the affair. All the printed reports are wide of accuracy in many particulars, and in justice to a good and brave officer, and that this community may have the reputation abroad of being law-abiding and law-enforcing instead of lawless and desperate, I ask that you publish what is here written. I write from a purely impartial standpoint, having neither partiality for, nor prejudice against, any of the parties concerned.

ORIGIN OF THE DIFFICULTY.

During the last fair, more than two weeks ago, a young man by the name of George Sanders, another named D. T. Ballard, usually called Tuck Ballard, and some others, all residents of Lincoln county, were in the saloon of Jarman's Hotel, in Richmond. They had all been drinking freely, and during the evening Sanders became involved in an affray with some one in the saloon drawing his knife, and making use of very noisy and bad language. About this time Marshal Edwards was called in. He arrested one of the parties, and while taking him toward the door he was struck at several times by Sanders with a knife and cursed. He expostulated with Sanders in vain; and finally, failing in all else, he struck him one blow with his walking-cane, knocking him down, thereby succeeding in quieting the crowd for the time. This was the whole of the first difficulty, and all reports that Sanders was brutally and unmercifully beaten are untrue. As soon as possible warrants were issued and served upon the parties by the Coroner, they refusing to allow the Marshal to do so without further difficulty. The trial was set for the next morning, and in the meantime Sanders had his brother, Walter Sanders, summoned by telegraph from his home in Crab Orchard. On Friday, Walter Sanders arrived in Richmond with his two brothers-in-law, Tuck and John Ballard, and William Kennedy, all desperate men and willing to do the bidding of their leader. They all came well armed and with the evident and avowed intention of taking the law into their own hands. By this time the Marshal, under the instruction of the Trustees of the town, Judge Chas. H. Brock, Messrs. J. W. Crooke, William Jarman, W. K. Litcher and C. F. M[???]y, had collected a posse of ten or fifteen citizens, and had deposited a number of shot guns in the vault of the Circuit Court's office for use in case of necessity. Sanders and his party after their arrival, sometimes together and sometimes apart, but always within available distance, strutted over the town with their arms plainly visible. At one time they were on the Fair Grounds, and when appeared to have no difficulty there where were thousands of ladies and children, Sanders declined to make any promise except upon condition that the Marshal should not be allowed to come upon the ground. Finding during the day that there were a number of guns in the Clerk's office, he went over and demanded of the Clerk to know by what authority they were there, conceiving, perhaps, that it was offense against him for the town to provide means of its protection. While standing in the door of the Clerk's office, Sanders saw Edwards standing a short place away, when he began cursing him in an outrageous manner, and endeavoring to precipitate a difficulty. His time, however, had not come yet. With commendable prudence Edwards declined to say anything, and thus frustrated his designs. It being impossible to get a jury during the fair, the case against George Sanders was continued until Tuesday last, on motion of Sanders, the week intervening being race week at Crab Orchard. After the continuance Sanders and all his party left, all the citizens hoping and many believing they would not return, as their bonds were worthless.

RETURN OF SANDERS TO RICHMOND.

On Monday night, however, Walter Sanders, Tuck and John Ballard and Bill Kennedy returned to Richmond, arriving about nine o'clock P.M. in buggies, and quietly putting up at Jarman's, but not registering their names. Getting supper, the party proceeded down Main street to Second, Walter Sanders stopping once or twice to raise the hats of one or two parties sitting on the streets. This he did in order to identify his intended victim. Proceeding down Second the party went into the Garnett House, and, after taking a drink, part went into the billiard-saloon, while Sanders and Bill Kennedy returned to the street. After maneuvering a while the latter two started toward the ladies' entrance to the hotel. After having passed the steps leading up to the entrance, Sanders got sight of Edwards and his brother, Dan Edwards, sitting on the stoop. Immediately he turned, walked up to Edwards and grasped him roughly by the right arm, and, at the same time, after asking his name, jerking him up and telling him to come along with him. He asked him also why he had struck his brother. Edwards replied that he had struck his brother in defense of himself, and that if he would let go his arm he would go with him. Dan Edwards, who had risen from his seat when his brother was jerked up, then told Sanders to release his brother, and Sanders replied by asking, "What have you to do with it?" Just then the firing began, which resulted in the death of Walter Sanders and Tuck. Ballard, and in the wounding of Bill Kennedy, Dan. Edwards and John Edwards, the latter of whom had come from across the street to the assistance of his brother. During the firing the two Ballards -- John and Tuck -- came up and participated in the fight, the former shooting from the inside of the hotel and running out the back way. Kennedy was the last of his party who left the field. Finding himself alone, he ran, stricken with terror, into the saloon of A. C. Buchanan, where he hid behind a counter until he found an opportunity of escaping. It may be of some consolation to Kennedy to know that he ran from two men, one of whom was badly wounded, and neither of whom had a load in his pistols. Search was afterwards made by the Sheriff for Kennedy and Ballard, but neither could be found. They turned up, however, next day, at the burial of their dead comrades. I have not attempted to give the order of the shots nor the location of the wounds, that has perhaps been given correctly heretofore.

MOB LAW.

Some of the accounts of the affray have gone as far as to say that there would have been danger of mob law had Kennedy and Ballard been caught. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. I was on the ground during the first flash of excitement, within ten minutes of the occurrence, and while all of the two or three hundred present were prepared and determined to support the majesty of law and uphold the Marshal, there was not the slightest talk of lynching anybody. Walter Saunders and Tuck Ballard were beyond the power of the mob, and Bill Kennedy and John Ballard were well on their way to Crab Orchard.

WALTER SAUNDERS.

You readers can not appreciate the tragedy without some knowledge of Walter Saunders and his party. If everybody lived around and about Crab Orchard and its vicinity, it would be superfluous to record the events of Saunders' calamitous and bloody life. Apparently about thirty seven in years, standing six foot four, symmetrically formed, weighing 230 pounds, with a muscular development equal to that of Yankee Sullivan [a well-known 19th cent. bare-knuckle boxer], and having the port and, to some extent, the manners of a gentleman, Walter Saunders would have made a splendid and appreciable addition to the celebrated regiment of giants collected by the father of Frederick the Great. During his career he killed three men, and, as accounts have it, was an active participant in the death of several others. His victims -- I name them without reference to the order of their taking off -- were Holmes, whom he cut to death with a knife; Bridgewater, whom he shot while playing drafts, and who was a brother to the noted Augden Bridgewater, now imprisoned at Frankfort, and one Betherrune [Bethurum]. Of all these killings he was acquitted, and perhaps rightly sow, but they left him a desperate man, amiable enough to his friends, but the mortal terror of his foes. After failing as Sheriff of Lincoln, to which office he was twice elected, he settled down to keep a small hotel in Crab Orchard, and was living there up to his death, liked by many and feared by more.

His house has generally been understood to be the refuge of lawbreakers, and it is undeniable that he was the friend and protector, at his death, of two notorious outlaws -- Grove Kennedy, who murdered his uncle at Lancaster, and Holmes, who killed in cold blood one of the best men in Lincoln, the late Colonel Napier. I have no desire to paint Sanders blacker than he was, and I ought to say that he had the friendship of many good people who knew him, and he possessed many qualities which, if had had a better start, might have made a popular, law-abiding and useful citizen.

TUCK. BALLARD.

Tuck. Ballard was born and reared in Madison county, but for several years past he has been living in Crab Orchard. He also had killed two men, one a soldier in the United States army, and the other a citizen. He was the brother-in-law of Sanders both ways, he having married Sanders' sister, who died several months since, leaving one child, and Sanders having married his.

WILLIAM KENNEDY.

I am not disposed to treat Mr. Bill Kennedy with much consideration. He had no earthly pretext for his visit to Richmond, and it is hoped he will not come again. It will not be prudent, William, for you to do so. If you have an unconquerable fondne[s]s for displaying your contempt for the laws of your country, I would suggest to you -- bear in mind my friendship -- that there are healthier localities for your exploits.

WILL KENNEDY & CO RETURN?

Most all of your correspondents have expressed the opinion that there would be a renewal of the difficulty. I do not believe so. The people here intend to preserve the peace and enforce the law, and there is no division of sentiment about it. The whole moral feeling of the community is with the Marshal, and he will receive all necessary physical support. Richmond is the seat of a [?]sity, and the home of a people who intend there shall be no power among them above the law. Nobody here, outside of the near relatives of Sanders, reflects on the Marshal, and it is Richmond's honor, instead of "Richmond's disgrace," as the Commercial had it, that her officers unflinchingly did their duty. [16]

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[September 4, 1877] -

Another Account.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

RICHMOND, KY., Sept. 3., 1877. -- On Thursday evening, August 16, an altercation occurred in the billiard hall of the Richmond Hotel, in which several young men were engaged, among them young George Sanders, of Crab Orchard. The Marshal, Edwards, together with two or three assistants, who stood in the room, and just what occurred there is not publicly known, no judicial investigation having yet been had. Enough is known, however, to justify us in stating that George Sanders was struck a most severe blow on the head, fracturing his skull. This ended the affair for the time being. On the Saturday following, the time set for the trial, excitement ran so high and the condition of Sanders was such that the court deemed it prudent to postpone an investigation until Tuesday, 28th ult. Accordingly, on Monday evening, Walter Sanders, brother to George, Wm. Kennedy, D. L. Ballard and John Ballard came to Richmond for the purpose of attending the trial, young Sanders still being confined to his bed in a precarious condition and unable to be present; and we will state just here for the information of all interested that D. L. Ballard (or "Tuck," as he is familiarly called here) was a brother to John Ballard, a brother-in-law to Walter Sanders, and a party himself to the breach of the peace warrant. Wm. Kennedy is from Garrard county, and was the firm friend of the Saunders. This explanation will justify the presence of these gentlemen in Richmond on this occasion. Soon after their arrival, having had supper, the parties became separated, Mr. Sanders going toward the Garnet House, on Second street, Mr. Kennedy alone accompanying him. Seated upon the stone steps leading to the dining room of the Garnet House was Marshal Edwards and his brother Dan. Sanders seeing there the man who had dealt his young brother the fearful blow which would probably result in death, approached, and, taking him by the arm, requested that he take a walk with him, as he wished to have conversation or "talk" with him. To this the Marshal demurred, and asked that he loose his hold upon his arm, at the same time drawing a pistol with the unencumbered hand, with which he attempted to shoot Sanders, the charge passing up and entirely missing its aim. At this juncture Dan Edwards approached the parties and demanded [that?/first?] Sanders let go his hold upon his brother, and almost simultaneously with the demand presented a pistol to the head of Sanders and fired, the ball passing directly through the brain and out upon the opposite side, causing instant death. Sanders fell with pistol in hand and never spoke. The Sheriff of the county, N. B. Deatherage, soon arrived upon the scene, going at once to the body of Sanders and secured his arms, two pistols, with not a shot discharged from either, showing very clearly and beyond all doubt that Walter Sanders had not fired a shot. This was in evidence before the Coroner. A general firing, lasting probably twenty seconds, now ensued, participated in by Marshal Edwards, his two brothers, and rumor has it other special policemen on the one side, and Wm. Kennedy on the other. John Edwards and Dan were both wounded, each in two places, during this firing, as also was Kennedy, who received a flesh cut in one arm. D. L. Ballard, who was not present until some time after the reucounter had begun, hearing the shots, hastened to the spot, and when entering the bar-room of the hotel received the death-shot from behind, and fell to the floor, and, with an involuntary "O, Lord!" expired at once. Upon examination, it was found that he carried a pistol upon his person, the chambers of which were all loaded, not a shot having been discharged. Thus it will be such that upon the side of Sanders no firing was done, save by Wm. Kennedy. Very soon after the occurrences above recited, John Ballard and Wm. Kennedy, in some way, made their exit from the town, comparative quiet reigned, and the dark pall of death hid from view one of the darkest, bloodiest tragedies ever enacted in our town. With the desolated widow and little orphan children of Sanders I sympathize; with the relatives and friends of Tucker Ballard also, and lastly with the fair name of our people and our town, in thus being compelled to receive another stab at her reputation as an orderly and moral little city, with an intelligent, law-loving population. In detailing this matter it has been my steady aim to write it up impartially and truthfully, without fear or favor, and I am fully satisfied that I have succeeded. If I have erred, as is the lot of all men, it has not been done intentionally.

VERITAS. [ibid 16]

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[September 10, 1877] -

STILL ANOTHER.

A Reverend Doctor's Account of the Great Pistol Tragedy at Richmond.

AN APPEAL TO FIVE COUNTIES.

(Kentucky Presbyterian, Sept. 7.)

The bloody tragedy which occurred here last week is deplored by all good citizens of the place. Not, however, as derogatory, when the facts are known, of the character of the people of Richmond as peaceable and orderly community nor as censurable on the part of the officers of the town. The fatal result to two men and the wounding of three others under any circumstances is matter for regret, and the notoriety which such a bloody issue gives to a town, however justifiable, is not desirable. The regret is the greater as the men who lost their lives, though living elsewhere, were closely connected with a number of excellent people of the town and the county, who are greatly grieved by the occurrence. We write this with the very kindest consideration of the feelings of these good citizens, but with justice to the other parties engaged, and with fidelity to the town whose good name -- and possibly its peace -- requires a faithful statement of facts and of the sentiment of the community about the matter. Our relations to the public here, and to many families in other parts of the State, give us a special interest in everything that concerns the order and the honor of the town; and as journalists in the community, duty demands of us a just and reliable account of an occurrence of such lamentable interest.

A number of accounts of the tragedy have been published, all of which contain much error or are deficient in statement of facts necessary to a just judgment of the case; and most of them seem to have been written in the interest of the desperate men who broke the peace of our quiet and orderly community, and paid the penalty with the lives of two of them. Nothing as yet has appeared defending the town and fairly representing the sentiment of our people. The article in the Courier-Journal from Crab Orchard is a partisan account defending the assailants of the Richmond Marshal, and even commending the outlaw Grove Kennedy, for whose arrest the Governor of Kentucky has offered a reward of $500, who has walked unmolested about Crab Orchard protected by the men who lost their lives here and other desperate men banded with them. The article in the Cincinnati Commercial was evidently inspired by hostility to the Marshal of Richmond. In addition to a very unfair account of the tragedy, it perpetuates a gross slander upon the town of Richmond. After a statement of the various attractions of the place, the writer says: "But notwithstanding these advantages, it is liable, and has been ever since the war, to occasional outbreaks like that which but recently brought disgrace upon this charming little town." Now,t he people of no place in our country value more highly its good name, or have been at more pains to deserve and to preserve it. Ten years ago they organized their sons into a military company and put guns in their hands, to add the officers of the law, and thoroughly abated the lawlessness with which the town was occasionally molested from the settlement in the streets of their difficulties by parties from the country. Until this foreign invasion by lawless men, no such tragedy has occurred in our streets in many years. And there is no town of its population in any part of the land which is freer from violence, whose people are more orderly or more determined to uphold and protect its officers in the discharge of their duty.

It is very important that the survivors of the party which came to Richmond, and their allies (of whose renewal of the assault upon the authority of the town, the accounts in their interest give vague intimations), should not be misled by such accounts and misconceive the sentiment of our people. Richmond is proverbially a hospitable town. Its people are attentive to strangers; none having reasonable claims upon their hospitality will be disappointed. But it is an orderly and law-abiding town. Strangers who conduct themselves properly will not come in contact with its peace officers. If they violate law they must submit to arrest. If they come back in bands for violence, to assail and murder our officers for discharge of duty -- then nothing else remains, and let them not be deceived -- they will be "welcomed with bloody hands to hospitable graves." We trust that there is no probability of a renewal of the assault which terminated so disastrously to the party which made it; but the best prevention we know is this assurance of the inflexible purpose of the people of Richmond to maintain and defend the administration of its law.

The following are the essential facts respecting the deplorable occurrence:

During the Richmond fair, the Marshal was called into one of the hotels to suppress a disturbance. In an attempt to arrest a man whom he found with a pistol in his hand, he was resisted by a man, Sanders, from Crab Orchard, with a knife, from which he narrowly escaped. To protect himself, and in order to make the arrest, he struck the party resisting a severe blow upon the head with his stick. Another man, Ballard, from Crab Orchard, resisted the arrest of Saunders with a drawn pistol. Walter Saunders, brother of the man struck, a notorious desperado of Crab Orchard and a leader of a band of reckless and desperate men, the terror of towns of the region, the protectors of Grove Kennedy against the authority of the State of Kentucky, was telegraphed for by Ballard. The next day Saunders came with a number of his band. The police were promptly strengthened by the addition of twenty well-armed men. The men, Saunders and Kennedy, insolently visited the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which adjoins that of the Sheriff, where he had ascertained that arms had been deposited, from which he was ordered out by the intrepid clerk as soon as his business was known. His object was not more for inspection tan to provide for cutting off access to the arms in the assault he seemed to be meditating upon the Marshal, who sat in the court-yard. The Police Judge of the town was approached by one who was a friend of the Saunders party, but a man solicitous for peace, and urged to dismiss the offending men with a light fine, and warned that otherwise a bloody difficulty would occur. The fearless Judge gave a counter notification that the law would be executed at every cost. Saunders repeatedly passed the Marshal, uncer[t]ain whether to risk the assault, and cursed him in his hearing. The assault was averted for the time by the assurance Saunders had that it would probably result in the death of himself and all his party.

The trial of the younger Saunders and Ballard, owing to the absence of witnesses, was postponed, and for the accommodation of the elder Saunders, was fixed for Tuesday of last week. The younger Saunders being seriously hurt, was removed to Crab Orchard. On Monday, although there is a railroad connection between Crab Orchard and Richmond, Walter Saunders, William Kennedy (brother of Grove Kennedy, and like his little brother under indictment in Garrard county for murder), John Ballard, and Tuck Ballard, arrived at Richmond in buggies, at 9 o'clock at night. They took supper at the Richmond Hotel without registering. They counseled together, and matured their plan, and came near making difficulty with a citizen whom they incorrectly suspected of eaves-dropping. About 10 o'clock Saunders and Kennedy went around to the other hotel, where they had ascertained that the Marshal was sitting upon the steps to the ladies' entrance -- John Ballard having previously gone around into the same hotel. What was Tuck Ballard's place, and from what point he came into the affray is not known. Saunders asked the Marshal his name, and, receiving answer, with his left hand grasped the Marshal's right arm, and told him to come out, he had something to say. The Marshal told him to let go of him and he would go with him anywhere. Saunders cursed him, and, being a very powerful man, dragged him from the steps, maintaining his hold like a vice upon his arm. Edwards, a brother to the Marshal, and a Deputy Marshal, told Saunders to let go his brother, drawing a pistol. Kennedy confronted the younger Edwards, also drawing a pistol. A violent struggle was taking place between Saunders and the Marshal. Each succeeded in getting out a pistol, the Marshal with difficulty, his arm being pinioned above the elbow. A flash, and another, and another; Saunders falls in the street, shot upward under the chin and through the temples; and the younger Edwards receives a ball upon the chest, turned by a heavy pocket-book and glancing around over the breast-bone, doing no serious damage. The two Edwardses and Kennedy continued the firing in the street. John Ballard appears firing from the door of the hotel. A third Edwards, also a Deputy Marshal, appears and takes part in the street. Tuck Ballard is first recognized with a pistol in hand, pursuing a citizen into an adjoining house, mistaking him for one of the other party. He enters the hotel in the midst of the firing, and receives a shot in the back and falls dead upon the floor. Neither he nor Saunders succeeded in firing a shot. Kennedy and John Ballard fled, the one pursued by the Edwardses till their pistols were exhausted, and escaping temporarily into an adjoining building; thence to his hotel, where he met John Ballard, who had escaped back through the other hotel. The two then made their way together through the fields several miles to friends who furnished them with horses. The Marshal escaped unhurt. The only wound received by the second Edwards was that which has been stated. His closing was riddled by bullets. The third Edwards was shot in the arm and very seriously in the hip. It is thought he will recover. Kennedy was wounded in the arm. John Ballard was not hurt. There is no proof that any shots were fired except by the persons we have named. One witness, a Deputy Marshal, declined to answer the question whether he had did any shooting.

These are the leading facts developed in the investigation by the Coroner of this bloody struggle of the Marshals of Richmond with the desperate men who defied the law of the town, who leagued with others have held other towns in terror, and were able to make a fashionable watering place and a railroad town [Crab Orchard] a safe asylum for a man [Grove Kennedy] for whose arrest a large sum is offered by the State, and for others charged with murder and other worst of crimes.

The information brought out through the occurrences of this bloody tragedy in our streets, presents a marvelous state of things in the very heart of Kentucky -- the existence of an organized gang of desperadoes, the bands of many of whom are stained with blood, a number of them under indictment for murder, defying the law, protecting each other against arrest, pursuing with their vengeance all who resist their violence, holding in terror a great region of the State. Freeborn men of Kentucky, how long shall this state of things exist to the shame and disgrace of our great Commonwealth? Men of Lincoln, of Garrard, of Boyle, of Mercer, of Madison, will you not assert your manhood, and bring these red-handed men to justice, or drive them from your soil? [17]

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[December 14, 1877] -

LINCOLN COUNTY.

The Parties Charged with the Crab Orchard Outrages Hold to Answer -- Desirable Conclusion to a Series of Disgraceful Crimes -- Personnel of the Prisoners.

A CHAPTER OF LAWLESSNESS.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., Dec. 12. -- As telegraphed you, the trial of the parties charged with the latest of a long series of outrages at Crab Orchard came this afternoon to a sudden and much-desired end. After nearly four days spent in the examination of Commonwealth witnesses, the defense declined to introduce any testimony, probably for the very good reason that they had none, and the argument for the case began. Short and able speeches were made by W. H. Miller, Esq., Judge M. C. Saufley and County Attorney Fountain Fox Bobbitt for the Commonwealth; and by Col. Tom P. Hill, R. M. Bradley, Esq., and J. B. Jones, Esq., for the defense. The result was that Geo. Saunders was held to answer the charge of burglary in the sum of $4,000. Robert James was then brought in, waived an examination and had his bail fixed at $2,000. The two negroes, James Banks and Sam Humber, likewise waived an examination and had their bail fixed at $1,800 each. None of the parties have given the required bond, and it is not likely that they will, as this is only the first step on the hard way that opens up for these transgressors.

THE OFFENSE

for which these parties have been held to answer the certain indictment of the next grand jury, which will be impaneled the third Monday in April, has been already laid out in extenso before the readers of the Courier-Journal. Aside from the fact that it was the straw that broke the long-burdened back of pubic patience -- that it was the capstone to a disgraceful monument to the submission of a vast majority of good men to an indignant minority of very mean ones -- there is nothing in the Crab Orchard robbery to lift it above the common run of wholesale burglaries. On Saturday night, December 1, the grocery and provision store of John Buchanan, a very old and upright citizen of Crab Orchard, was broken open, and shoes, clover seed, tobacco, wheat and freshly butchered hogs to the amount of $800 taken therefrom. On the next morning a posse of citizens, of whom the prisoner, George Saunders, was one, made a faint attempt to find the stolen plunder, but failed. The people all over the county were aroused by the long continuance of such outrages, and on Monday morning Capt. T. G. Moore was appointed a special deputy to continue the search with a posse taken largely from this place. Late that night Deputy Lasley found the stolen plunder hid in corn shocks and under a bluff on Saunders' farm. The hogs had in the meantime been cut up and prepared for salting. Circumstances not necessary to detail here pointed to George Saunders, W. R. James and the two negroes, James Banks and Sam. Humber, as the guilty parties, and on Tuesday they were arrested by Will Saunders, Town Marshal of Crab Orchard and a brother to one of the accused. He turned them over to Judge Carson and had another Marshal appointed to take charge of them, as he naturally felt a delicacy in acting under the circumstances. The arrest of Saunders amounted to little more than an obsequious invitation to favor the court with his presence if agreeable to himself, as he continued to cary his arms and had the freedom of the town, and used it to the extent of being quite demonstrative of his objection to the indignation offered him. He even went so far as to present a pistol to the nose of old man Buchanan, the man robbed, and informed him that he was not to open his mouth about the affair. An effort to disarm Saunders led to a trial of physical strength, in which he was finally overpowered, but his friends collected in considerable numbers, and made so open threats to avenge the mistreatment that the little guard telegraphed to Stanford for aid, which was promptly sent in two detachments, one on horseback and one on the train. Both parties arrived about the same time and determined to put an end to the difficulty by tying the parties and bringing them to the county jail. All submitted quietly except Saunders, who attempted to brain the Sheriff with a poker, and was given moral support by his friends, who cried out, "Don't tie him, don't tie him." For a few moments matters took on a squally look, but upon Saunders promising to submit, and some respectable citizens pledging themselves for his good behavior, he was allowed to come to the jail unmanacled. They were all safely landed here, but Saunders continued very defiant for several days.

At the same time the above parties were brought down, David Payne was arrested and brought with them, and, as there were threats against the witnesses in the case, Deputy Lasley and posse remained behind and arrested a number of witnesses and brought them to this place [Stanford]. Threats were openly and freely made by the friends of the accused that they would be rescued, and County Judge Lytle at once put a large body of citizens on guard, and procured needle-guns from Frankfort to add to their efficiency. This had the desired effect, and though they hung around town for several days and talked very largely, the friends of the arrested [? .... fold in paper, cannot read two lines....].

THE MIDDLETON MURDER.

At the November term of the Circuit Court the two negroes above-named as charged with the recent robbery were tried for the murder of George Middleton, at Crab Orchard, in December of last year, and one of them acquitted. Middleton was one of the best citizens of Crab Orchard, and greatly respected by the better class of both whites and blacks. He had great influence with the latter, and had refused on several occasions to allow them to be made the tools of the Saunderses, Tuc. Ballard and the others of the disreputable band that controlled affairs about Crab Orchard. Either this fact or his knowledge of some of their criminal acts made him obnoxious to these men, and they were on the lookout for an opportunity to put him out of the way. Middleton had built a church at Crab Orchard, and on several different occasions gave festivals to assist in paying for it. On one of these occasions the two very disreputable negroes, Jim Banks and Sam Humber, mentioned above, created a disturbance, and Middleton had them arrested. Shortly after, in December of last year, at a similar festival in the church, after several suspicious attempts on the part of Banks and Humber to inveigle Middleton out of the building, he was fired upon through the window and mortally wounded. A few nights after the shooting, twenty or more shots were fired into the room where the friends were sitting up with Middleton's corpse, several of the balls passing through the coffin and the dead body in it. Banks and Humber were indicted and tried for the offense, though Tuc. Ballard swore before the grand jury investigating the case, that he knew the negroes were innocent of the shooting. Banks was cleared and Humber released without trial. The murder of Middleton remained a mystery, save in the suspicions of a few; but while working up the recent burglary evidence was stumbled upon that implicates Geo. Saunders, Tuck. Ballard (killed in Richmond), David Payne, Bud Broaddus, Sam Holmes, the fugitive murderer, and others, as the perpetrators of the cowardly and bloody deed. The case will come on for trial to-morrow, and some startling developments are promised.

PERSONNEL OF SOME OF THE PARTIES.

Geo. Saunders, held for the burglary in the unusual bond of $4,000, and to be tried for the murder and two or three thefts of stock, is a mere youth in appearance, and not yet twenty-one years of age, and had run off with and married a Miss Rebecca Stephenson, only three or four weeks prior to the commission of the burglary for which he is held to answer. He is a brother of the notorious Walter Saunders, ex-Sheriff of the county, and is the identical youth who was cracked over the head by marshal Edwards, of Richmond, last August, an affair that led to the killing of Walter Saunders and Tuc. Ballard when they came to his rescue. He is a very bad egg, and from present indication will get his dues either in the penitentiary or on the gallows.

W. R. JAMES,

who is held for the robbery only, is a fine subject for a Murphy orator to expatiate upon. He is of a good family, and is connected with some of the wealthiest and most prominent people in the State. Nature endowed him with a bright mind, which education further polished, but whisky brought him to poverty and disgrace. He has been until his arrest the Crab Orchard correspondent of several papers, and furnished the Cincinnati Enquirer with its special in regard to Grove Kennedy’s exploits of the past summer.

DAVID PAYNE

is an illiterate man, rough and vicious, but a fine gun and silversmith, and could cut out of the old trap of a jail here with a fine-tooth comb were other obstacles removed.

BUD BROADDUS

is a handsome fellow, with an eye piercing and bright as that of a bird of prey, and follows agriculture as an avocation and deviltry as a vocation. He is married, and his wife, a sister to Wiatt, the Rockcastle-county murderer, is doubly to be pitied.

SAM. HOLMES, THE SO-CALLED FUGITIVE,

is about thirty years old, and appears to be a permanent and perambulating disgrace to Lincoln county. He is unmarried, desperate in character, and protean in personal appearance. His father was a wealthy farmer, and at the close of the war young Holmes found himself the unhappy possessor of ample cash, which he invested largely in whisky. In September, 1869, he came to Stanford and got on a drunk. At that time Thomas Napier was Sheriff of this [Lincoln] county. At the breaking out of the Mexican war he [Napier] went out as a private volunteer and rose, with many wounds, to the rank of Lieutenant. He came back covered with honorable scars, and was, at the next election, sent to represent Lincoln in the legislative council of the State. in 1862 he closed a second term as County Judge, and with the late Col. J. Warren Grigsby, of Boyle, raised a regiment and went into the Confederate service as Lieutenant Colonel, and fought gallantly through the four-years' war. In 1867 he was elected Sheriff, and was universally esteemed as a courageous and efficient public officer. Coming into this place on the fatal September day, he heard a pistol shot, and following the sound found young Holmes to be the offender. Ed. Davidson, the then Town Marshal, was sent to head off Holmes, and Napier, unarmed, followed after. They came upon Holmes and attempted to arrest him, but he fired two fatal shots upon Napier, the old hero of many a battle, and seriously wounded Davidson, who still lives to tell the story. Holmes escaped, a wanderer in many lands, and after spending $11,000 for his father, returned about the time of that father's death, four or five years ago. Since then he has lived in this county, has lain drunk on the public highway, and that two, while there was a reward of $1,000 by the county and $500[?] by the State, and $500[?] by relatives of the murdered man offered for his capture. He is in the county to-day, to the shame of his people. Grove Kennedy long stalked impudently over this county and despite the officers of the law and drew down upon Lincoln the sneers of people all over the land. His crime is white as driven snow beside that of Sam Holmes.

THE SOURCE OF THESE TROUBLES

finds its head and front in the unpunished crime of Sam Holmes, sheltered by the protecting arm of Walter Saunders and his henchmen. Saunders is dead, and concerning the dead we are cautioned to speak no wrong, but, in justice to the living, the truth should be told. Walter Saunders has been represented as a gallant soldier, sans peur, sans reproche ["without fear, without reproach"]. He was, I am reliably informed, never in either army. At the close of the war, in 1865 or 1866, the notorious Federal guerrilla [actually, employed by the Freedmen’s Bureau], Jas. Bridgewater, brother of Og. Bridgewater, now in the penitentiary, was the terror of this country. A very laudable effort was made to rid the country of this scourge. Walter Saunders, a man of undoubted personal courage and a certain personal magnetism, headed a band for this purpose, but was foiled by an attack by Bridgewater, who put the party to flight and wounded Saunders. Open war between the two parties followed — a case of sauve qui peut ["run for your life"] — and Saunders surprised his opponent and killed him at a game of drafts, across the street from where I write. Half in gratitude for the riddance, the people elected Saunders Sheriff a first and second time, but he failed before the close of his second term, and his bondsmen had to make up the deficiency of ten or twelve thousand dollars. Up to the time of his deposition from office, Saunders had been a terror to evil doers, but chagrined by his fall, he began, though not guilty of absolute criminality himself, to gather about him a clan who afforded protection to criminals. He rented a hotel at Crab Orchard from Buchanan and James, the former the old man recently robbed, and the latter an uncle of the James accused of the robbery, and failing to give the promised bond for rent, most shamefully mistreated Buchanan, whom he accused of suing out a writ of ejectment. By means of personal violence he quashed the proceedings, and died with his boots on with a portion of the debt unpaid. He informed his successor to the shrievealty [?] that he could not arrest certain parties about Crab Orchard until he (Saunders) should first consider the case, and give his consent. Grove Kennedy, when he escaped from Lancaster, took refuge at the house of Walter Saunders; Sam. Holmes, while a fugitive from justice, resorted to the same haven, and thus the band that was so long, but is no longer, a terror and a disgrace to Lincoln county, was nurtured into life in her own bosom. For years this band ruled there as

IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO, ["government in power"]

and the remainder of the people, though a thousand to one, yielded to this autocracy of bad men. Like all other evils, it worked its own cure, and the outraged sense of justice, whipped by the scorn of “outside barbarians,” arose to self-vindication upon the simple straw of the burglary of a village store. Heretofore, and even in the incipiency of this case, there has been a system of terrorism about Crab Orchard, and it was worth a man’s life to testify against a member of the clan. John Buchanan has been for two years subjected to a system of robbery through terrorism. Men whom he knew would never pay, would serve themselves the “Kentucky treat” — “charge that to me,” or a sycophantic wink that meant “I’ll take this, and you just grin and bear.” Honest, honorable men went before the grand jury and testified to facts that would have sent villains to the penitentiary or gallows, and then cried off from the finding of an indictment because their lives would pay the penalty. Walter Saunders, Tuc. Ballard & Co. were the backbone of this state of affairs, and much as Richmond, of the neighboring country, has been reviled therefor, her cold lead broke the vertebral column of this horrid mammal of crime. Madison got the head, and now Lincoln is preparing a sacrifice of the body. I know that this is not a complimentary recital; I know that certain rural and metropolitan roosters will charge me with slandering, through the Courier-Journal, the great old Commonwealth of Kentucky, but they snuff the battle from afar, and I refer them to W. P. Walton, of the Interior Journal of this place, one of the gamest rural roosters in the land, whether I have set down ought in malice, however much I may have extenuated.

THE INTERIOR JOURNAL

has stood up squarely in all these years of public cowardice — stood bravely and squarely to an extent that has drawn out threats of assassination from members of the clan. The mass of these people are beginning to-day to appreciate it; and that is one of the favorable signs visible in old Lincoln to-day.

And now that I am giving credit to whom credit is due, let me speak a word for

LUCIEN M. LASLEY,

who lives in the midst of these dispersed desperadoes, but has taken his life in his hands and struck what I believe to be a death blow at the root of all this evil. Such men need the moral support of public journals and all good men. The chance they take is that of the black and white bean — if they convict the parties and break down the organization they are safe; if not, a midnight assassination, a startling headline in the press and all is over with them.

J. A. LYTLE,

County Judge, Republican though he be, is also entitled to all credit. Now that he has the people to back him, he has stood so firm in the matter that the accused, who swore him off the bench and substituted Esquires R. Carson and — Cash, builded wiser than they knew and jumped from the frying-pan into the fire. To

W. H. MILLER,

an attorney at the bar, and for the preceding term Circuit Court Clerk, belongs much of the credit for the issue of these troubles. He has aroused the people, gone boldly into the inbottom[?]. He has taken a leading part in the prosecution, and, come weal or come woe, will see the matter through.

“HOW MANY MEN HAVE BEEN KILLED

in Lincoln county since the war?” I asked of a prominent citizen and office-holder. “Not less than one hundred,” was his reply. “Oh, not half that number,” put another citizen. “I’ll be the oysters for the crowd,” was his reply, “that I can count up that number.” This led to an off-hand count. Seven were counted up that died with their boots on since the present year was ushered in, and it was declared that that was below an average. Nearly twelve years have passed since the war, and the wager was declined. It was declared and agreed to that more of Lincoln’s citizens have bee killed since than during the war, and one man who lives here, but has a farm near Crab Orchard, expressed himself delighted with the present awakening of justice, because it would double the value of his land. In justice let me say, the people of Crab Orchard precinct did not kill all nor a half of that hundred men. The friction of whisky under belts that carried pistols has spilled this blood all over the county.

SPEAKING OF PISTOLS,

reminds one of shooting, and to prevent that in the court-room bayonets are locked across the thresh-hold, and every one who enters is searched for the concealed cause of so much of Kentucky’s trouble. Prisoners are brought to and from the jail amid a constellation of twinkling bayonets, and one can not go a square on the street at this moment without being accosted with, “Halt! Who comes there?” All this looks bad and sounds bad in this peaceful and free Christian Commonwealth; but it is the beginning of the end of that demoralization of a war, the single campaign of which Voltaire has said breeds more evils than all other causes beside. E.G.L. [18]

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[December 29, 1877] -

William [Kennedy] also figured in the Richmond tragedy when Walter Saunders and Tuc. Ballard lost their lives and Marshal Edwards and brother were wounded, and almost miraculously escaped himself with five abrasions of the skin by as many pistol balls. Two indictments were found against him on account of this affair, and he is under $3,000 bond to answer at the next spring term of the Madison Circuit Court. [19]

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[January 21, 1878] -

THE LATE WALTER G. SANDERS.

His Widow Comes to the Defense of His Character.

The following letter, having been directed to Stanford, came to hand only a day or two since. It speaks for itself:

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

CRAB ORCHARD, Dec. 27, 1877. -- In the communication of the Courier-Journal's correspondent from this place some statements were made that I would like to see corrected. The remarks, no doubt, were based upon information received from a third party. I state what I know to be true, as regards to the personnel of Walter G. Saunders.

On the 21st of December, 1869 -- before the holy man of God -- I breathed vows that made me the wife of W. G. Saunders. From that day to this I have never had the shadow of a cause to regret the step then taken. He was my husband, in whom I trusted; never did he give me a harsh word, never a look of impatience. He was a devoted father to the children God gave us, and now, that his voice is hushed in death, his right arm powerless, can I remain silent when a stranger says my husband was a desperado -- the leader of a gang? No! Though feeble my pen, it must speak, and you owe it to the widow and these fatherless children to make the correction public.

Grove Kennedy was at our house several times last summer, but not secreted here. I heard Mr. S. say more than once: "Grove, I am your friend, but if the arm of the law lays hold of you beneath my roof I am powerless, for I can not evade the law."

Sam Holmes never stayed a night in our house, never ate a meal at our table.

My husband went to Richmond last August -- the 27th day -- to inquire into the cause of the trouble his brother became involved in during the fair. Mr. Saunders had no intention of having a difficulty. I, with my two little children, went to Richmond the same day by train. We went for a visit of several days. I took material in my trunk for a suit for Mr. Saunders. That night he was basely murdered, and now the insurance authorities are trying to defraud me of my just rights, and such sensational talk as that in the letter of the 14th may assist them in doing this.

Since my bereavement I have been living in the retirement of a boarding-school, and answer the article now for the sake of Walter, Jr., and Ella May, who nightly in their prayers lisp a prayer for paps, and pray the Lord to take them to him when they die. When the world brands their father as a desperado, I want them to see the contradiction by their mother.

Mr. Saunders claimed no perfection, but he had a noble heart. He was a brave, loyal man. He was a true friend, an affectionate husband, son and brother, and a devoted father. Respectfully,

Mrs. Maggie Saunders. [20]

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[May 3, 1878] -

DIGGING FOR THE DEAD. -- It has been whispered around for several weeks, that Sam Umber, one of the negroes charged with being engaged in the robbery of Mr. John Buchanan's store, at Crab Orchard, last November, had given information of a terrible murder that had been committed by Walter Saunders, Tuck Ballard, George Saunders and Sam Holmes, in August 1876. His story was that a man, hailing from Tennessee, tall, and wearing full whiskers, stopped at the Saunders' Hotel in the month mentioned for supper, and to have his horse fed. After supper he got on his horse intending to ride as far as Stanford, but the above parties discovering that he had money, followed him a short distance down the pike, and after shooting him robbed the body of $165 and took possession of the fine horse he was riding. He further stated that he had been employed to dig the grave, which he did, in the old Cemetery, on the West of the town, and helped the party who brought him thither to cover him up. Thinking there might be something to his story, a committee of the grand jury, viz: 'Squire J. S Murphy, Capt. B. F. Powell, W. C. Bailey and Jos. McAlister, with the negro and a guard of fifteen men, visited Crab Orchard last Friday, but after digging around in various places designated by the negro without making any discovery, returned to Stanford, the negro having finally admitted that he had deceived the party as to the place of burial, because George Saunders had threatened him in jail before he left, that if he showed the right place he (Saunders) would see that he was killed at once, but if he would not tell he would reward him with $1,000. We doubt whether there is much dependence to be placed in the statements of the negro, but enough corroborating testimony was found to induce the grand jury to make a thorough investigation.

P. S. The Grand Jury having obtained further evidence in the murdered man story, a committee, with a guard and the prisoner, went up to Crab Orchard again on Wednesday, but made no discoveries. A slight show of resistance was made toward the party by a crowd of men who objected to the search, but fortunately for them, there was no collision. The action of the men is regarded as very suspicious, and many, who at first gave no credence to the story, are now convinced that there is something in it. Certainly, if a man has not been murdered, no one could take offense at the Grand Jury for doing a duty they were sworn to perform. [21]

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[May 31, 1878] -

CONTINUED. -- The cases against W. F. Kennedy, for malicious shooting at Richmond, when Walter Saunders was killed, were called this week at Lexington, where they had been taken by a change of venue, and continued for the defendant till the 4th day of the next term. The Lexington Press speaks of his attorney, Col. W. G. Welch, as one of the most promising young lawyers of the State. [22]

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[October 26, 1878] -

THE MURDER OF SAUNDERS.

-- We clip the following from the Richmond correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial. It differs from any other version we have had in the matter, and, if true, shows that the Edwards were not so much actuated by a desire to protect themselves and preserve the peace as they were to gain a reputation for bravery, but committing an uncalled for murder: "A witness has late[l]y come forward who was present throughout the fight in which Walter Saunders met his death, saw it all, and was the only person who did. He was seated in a chair in such a position that escape was impossible. That he was there is now generally believed. His version of the conversation between Saunders and Marshal Edwards represents the former as speaking in a mild and conciliary tone, without bravado or threat. He also states that Gus Edwards shot Saunders under the chin, and that he ran as soon as Will Kennedy commenced firing. This young man's name is Jarman, a brother of the proprietor off the Richmond House. He states other facts and particulars which might, on a closer legal investigation, become important. The young man Corneilison, who took part in that fight on the side of the Marshal, and afterwards claimed to have killed Kit Ballard, departed from his home very suddenly about a month ago, and telegraphed from a Western town for his trunk. He not unwisely considered Richmond an unsafe place for one of his war-like propensities." [23]

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[November 22, 1878] -

The case of W. F. Kennedy, growing out of his participation in the difficulty at Richmond, when Walter Saunders and Tuck Ballard were killed, were set for trial at Lexington, yesterday, where they had been taken by a change of venue. [24]

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[November 23, 1878] -

The trial of Wm. F. Kennedy in the Circuit Court was ended to-day. The court instructed the jury, who retired without hearing argument, and in five minutes returned a verdict of acquittal. Some persons thought that there was a danger of a difficulty between the Edwardses and the friends of Kennedy, but nothing of the kind has occurred or is likely to occur, though perhaps it would not be conducive to peace to leave the parties alone together. [25]

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[November 29, 1878] -

ACQUITTED. -- Wm. F. Kennedy was acquitted at Lexington, last week, of the charges arising from his participation in the affair at Richmond, in which Walter Saunders and Tuck Ballard were killed. There was no argument of counsel, and the jury was but a few moments in making its verdict. [26]

---

[November 29, 1878] -

A UNPROVOKED ASSAULT. -- Last Saturday, Lucien Lasley was called to Crab Orchard, on business with Capt. T. G. Moore, and while standing talking with him in the middle of the street, Will Saunders, who had been walking up and down the pavement in an excited manner, went to where the gentlemen were, and taking Lasley by the lapel of his coat, applied the vulgar and rough epithet to him, and told him that he had to acknowledge that he was just what he had called him or suffer the consequences. Lasley told him that he was unarmed, but he would see him in the lowest regions of -- before he would make any such as an acknowledgment. Saunders, who had had his right hand in his pants pocket all the time, cocked his pistol and had it nearly in readiness to send a ball through Lasley's heart, when Capt. Moore seized his hand and prevented him from doing the terrible deed that he contemplated. At this juncture, old Arch Carson, no doubt, to curry favor with Saunders and his ilk, rushed on Lasley with a drawn knife, and used the same words to him that Saunders had done. Mr. Reuben Bronaugh took him in charge, and Carson, to show that if he did not release him, that he would carve his d--n head off. Mr. Bronaugh immediately let him go, and told him to proceed with his carving, but the old man's courage began to ooze out of the ends of his fingers when confronted by a man who had an equal show with himself, and he very wisely concluded to desist. A large crowd had gathered by this time, when Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Will Kennedy, seeing the great danger that Mr. Lasley was in, came to his rescue, and under their protection he reached Capt. Moore's house. Thither the crowd, headed by Saunders, followed, and Saunders making other demonstrations toward Lasley, Capt. Moore went to him, told him he was acting very foolishly, and asked him to leave, which he finally consented to do, and after the excitement had subsided, Capt. Moore took Mr. Lasley in his buggy and saw him safely home. To Capt. Moore and those estimable ladies, and Mr. Bronaugh, Mr. Lasley undoubtedly owes his life, and all good people will join in awarding them the highest praise. Saunders' action was most reprehensible and completely kills the good opinion that his previous conduct since his brother George got in to trouble, had created on his behalf. It shows his feelings, and his last Saturday's doings will redound, not only to his own injury, but infinitely to the damage of his brother. In palliation of his outrage, our informant states, that Saunders, with others, had been making merry over the acquittal of Will Kennedy, who had arrived that morning, and that at the time he attacked Lasley, he was under the influence of liquor. Be that as it may; it speaks no good of a man, whose pent up passion finds expression only when he is drinking. The severest penalty of the law should be inflicted on Saunders, the more so, as he occupies the position of Town Marshal of Crab Orchard, and makes his attack under cover of that office. Mr. Lasley's conduct we learn from Capt. Moore, was the coolest and bravest that he has ever seen shown by any man, and he makes no hesitation in saying that "he is a man, every inch of him." Mr. Lasley has incurred the wrath of the law-breakers of Crab Orchard and elsewhere, by his manly efforts in bringing George Saunders and others to justice, and to him is mainly due the astonishing revelations that twelve months ago caused the people of this county to rise in their might in behalf of law and order. The same people stand in readiness now to protect Mr. Lasley, in all his lawful and commendable doings, and we would advise Saunders et id omne genus ["and all that sort"] not to incur their wrath, nor cause their second uprisal. In justice to Mr. Lasley, we state that the statements contained in this article were not obtained from him, but from a gentleman who witnessed the affair and who is in every way reliable. [27]

-----------SOURCE CITATIONS-----------

[1] "The Race for Sheriff." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 8, 1872. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1872-03-08/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [1] Image

[2] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 12, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-03-12/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [2] Image

[3] Excerpt from Advertisements. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 12, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-03-12/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [3] Image

[4] Excerpt from "Circuit Court Items." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 30, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-04-30/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [4] Image

[5] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 21, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-07-21/ed-1/seq-2/ Source [5] Image

[6] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 18, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-08-18/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [6] Image

[7] "The Bloody Ground." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. August 29, 1877. Page 1. Genealogybank.com. Source [7] Image

[8] "Danville." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 29, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com. Source [8] Image

[9] "The Richmond Tragedy." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 30, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com. Source [9] Image

[10] "A Terrible Tragedy." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [10] Image

[11] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-2/ Source [11] Image

[12] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-2/ Source [12] Image

[13] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [13] Image

[14] "The Kentucky Homicide." Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, OH. August 31, 1877. Page 5. Genealogybank.com. Source [14] Image Part One; Source [14] Image Part Two

[15] "The Richmond Tragedy." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com. Source [15] Image

[16] "The Recent Richmond Tragedy." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 4, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com. Source [16] Image Part One; Source [16] Image Part Two; Source [16] Image Part Three

[17] "Still Another." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 10, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com. Source [17] Image Part One; Source [17] Image Part Two

[18] "Lincoln County." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 14, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com. Source [18] Part One; Source [18] Image Part Two

[19] Excerpt from "The Kennedys." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 29, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com. Source [19] Image

[20] "The Late Walter G. Sanders." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 21, 1878. Page 3. Newspapers.com. Source [20] Image

[21] "Digging for the Dead." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 3, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-05-03/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [21] Image

[22] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 31, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-05-31/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [22] Image

[23] "The Murder of Saunders." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 26, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-26/ed-1/seq-2/ Source [23] Image

[24] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 22, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-22/ed-1/seq-3/ Source [24] Image

[25] Excerpt from "Lexington Locals." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. November 23, 1878. Page 4. Newspapers.com. Source [25] Image

[26] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 29, 1878. Page 3. LOC. Source [26] Image

[27] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 29, 1878. Page 3. LOC. Source [27] Image

.

Postmaster William Hedger Killed By Brother-in-Law, Garrard, 1874

2020-07-27T18:43:00.000-04:00

Previously:

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

-----------

[December 25, 1874] -

Horrible Murder in Lancaster! Postmaster Wm. Hedger, Assaulted and Killed by Nese Best and Andy Conn.

On Monday afternoon, last, Wm. Hedger, Postmaster at Lancaster, a quiet, inoffensive citizen, and an efficient officer, was assaulted in his office, in Lancaster, and instantly killed by Nese Best and Andy Conn, citizens of the Paint Lick section of Garrard county, and notoriously dangerous characters.

We were in Lancaster on Tuesday, and found the citizens, as a general thing, afraid to speak of, or express an opinion about the awful tragedy, above a whisper, however, we gathered the following particulars of the killing, from reliable sources. We record the terrible crime, but refrain from commenting upon it, for the reason that it is not always safe for a Journalist to undertake to condemn in adequate terms the perpetrators of a crime, when the people in the locality in which is was perpetrated have not the boldness and true bravery to rise up in their might and protect themselves and their neighbors, officers and advisers, and maintain, at all hazards, the majesty of the law. Without making a diagnosis, or furnishing a prescription for the present case, we will venture to suggest that "desperate cases require heroic and desperate treatment."

Several months ago, Hedger, the deceased, married the sister of his deceased wife, who was also a sister to the wife of Best. -- Best forbade, without the shadow of authority, this marriage, and after its consummation, threatened the life of Hedger. Best being a dangerous character, having taken the lives of some four or five men within the past few years, Hedger has lived in continual dread of his carrying the treat into execution.

On last Monday, Best, in company with Conn, visited Lancaster, and during the day became intoxicated. Hedger, fearing an assault, locked his office and remained concealed sometime, but a few minutes before the arrival of the Louisville mail, he returned to his office to attend to his imperative duties, and just as he entered the door, Conn and Best approached it from different directions and commenced firing. Hedger fell, mortally wounded, if not killed, from the first fire. Other shots were fired after he fell, and four shots took effect. His wife heard the firing and instinctively devined the cause, and she was the first to go to the dead body of her husband. The scene which then ensued beggars description. She was carried away from the scene of the shocking tragedy heart-broken and insensible; while the perpetrators of it walked leisurely away, brandishing their weapons and boasting of the cruel deed.

Writs for the arrest of Best and Conn were immediately placed in the hands of officers Miller and Singleton. As they approached the men, determined to arrest them at all hazards, they were met by the sheriff of the county, Mr. W. M. Kerby, who informed them that Conn and Best had placed themselves in his custody, and he was responsible for their detention. So far, so good; but the sequel shows that these men who had but a moment before shot down in cold blood, a defenseless and inoffensive citizen, were suffered to go from the very clutches of an offended and outraged law, upon the mere promise that they would return the next day for trial!

We simply record this ugly circumstance connected with an awful tragedy that blackens the blood-stained annals of crime in Kentucky, with the ope that it is a mistake. It is a grave charge to make against an officer of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and we disclaim its authorship.

LATER -- AND MORE TROUBLE. -- We learn from a gentleman who came over from Lancaster on Wednesday morning, that Best and Conn had not been arrested, tho' the Sheriff and his deputy went in quest of them Tuesday. We also learn that Best and Conn state that Hedger fired upon them first. A small loaded Durrenger was found in Mr. Hedger's pocket. No other weapons were found upon his person or in his office. Best promises to surrender for trial as soon as the excitement subsides. [1]

---

[January 8, 1875] -

A paragraph is going the rounds of the papers to the effect that Hedger was the sixth man whom Best has killed. I know not how correct that may be as to the number, but it is certain that several have fallen by his hand, the law in every instance, I believe, being on his side. If, as the action of the examining court and the facts seem to indicate, he killed his men in self-defense and justifiably, he has been a singularly unfortunate man. There is nothing about his appearance or manner to stamp him as a bad or bloodthirsty man. Ebenezer, or Nees Best, as he is generally called, is probably between forty-five and fifty years of age, of good medium-sized person, somewhat inclined to flesh, and of agreeable manners and address. He is well-known as a trader in stock through Garrard and the adjoining counties, and is, I believe, looked upon by most of those who have had transactions with him, as well as by his acquaintances generally, as a fair man, and by no means difficult to get along with. -- Lex. Cor. Courier Journal. [2]

---

[January 8, 1875] -

Best and Conn have not been arrested. It is probable that Best will come to trial, in course of time, but it is announced that Conn has fled the country. [3]

---

[January 15, 1875] -

The card of A. J. T. Conn, one of the murderers of Wm. Hedger, at Lancaster, a few weeks ago, published in this issue, hath an history, which we may relate in future. It seems from his statement, that he, too, has been unfortunate in having to kill several of his fellow-men in self-defence. The suggestion of the Courier-Journal in regard to Best, will apply to Conn, with equal force. The citizens of Garrard ought to hang any man whom fate compels to kill in self-defense, more than one man. He is a bad citizen, and ought to be hung to prevent the further flow of blood. [4]

---

[January 15, 1875] -

A Letter from Andy Conn.

GARRARD CO., Ky., Jan. 8, 1874[5?].

Editors Interior Journal:

GENTLEMEN: -- I notice a paragraph in your paper in which I am spoken of as a notoriously dangerous character, and I think it a duty I owe to myself, my friends and relations to state how I came by a reputation so unenviable.

On three several occasions I have been compelled to shoot three of my fellow men; two of whom I killed.

First -- During the war I was fired upon by two Federal soldiers, and in the exercise of the God-given right of self-defense I shot and killed one of the men who were trying to kill me.

Second case -- A darling brother was killed without provocation, and armed with a warrant I went with the Sheriff to arrest the man who had committed the deed. He resisted and fell by my hand.

Third case -- I was fired upon and returned the fire of my assailant, and seriously but not mortally wounded him.

For these offenses I have been tried and honorably acquitted. And all the cases did not cost me fifty dollars. And in regard to the late bloody drama at Lancaster, in which they say I participated, I think the proof will clear me, and am willing to surrender and would have done so before now; and had gone half way to Lancaster, when I was met by friends who told me that the excitement was too intense to obtain justice at that time, and they thought it prudent to wait for the sober second thought.

Respectfully,

A. J. T. Conn. [5]

---

[May 28, 1875] -

Eben Best, who shot and killed S. W. Hedger, Postmaster at Lancaster, some months since, made a formal surrender of himself to the authorities of Garrard county the other day, and asked that he be allowed a trial forthwith. He was brought before Justices Doty and Brown, on a writ of habeas corpus, who, after hearing the proof, admitted him to bail in the sum of $5,000, on a charge of manslaughter, which bail was given, and he, Best, is now at large to await his trial at the coming term of the Garrard Circuit Court in July. [6]

---

[December 24, 1875] -

Ebenzer Best Acquitted.

It is well known to our readers in this part of the State, that the special or called term of the Garrard Circuit Court, was held for the purpose of hearing the criminal case of the Commonwealth against Ebenzer Best, charged with the murder of S. W. Hedger, at Lancaster about a year since. Mr. Hedger was the Post-Master at Lancaster, and had married a sister of Best's wife, and, it is said, that this marriage greatly incensed Best, because it was done contrary to his wishes. We are not sufficiently acquainted with the details of the trial to give a decided opinion, and can only say to our readers that after four or five days trial, the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty," and Mr. Best was turned loose. As usual in such trials, when the evidence is "conflicting," the public are divided in their opinions as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. Some people assert that Best should have been hung, others that he ought to have been put in the penitentiary for life, and still others that a term of years in the State prison would have been sufficient punishment for the killing. The jury, however, who were sworn to render a verdict according to the law and evidence, saw proper to acquit him of all crime. The case, hence, rests with the members of that jury and their God. They alone are responsible for Mr. Best's acquittal, and right or wrong, the public must abide thereby. It is a fearful thing to take the life of a fellow being, and the more of those lives a man destroys, the greater the responsibility. We learn that the jury in the case were, at first, unable to agree, and were on the verge of disagreement; but when the court sent them back to their room again, they returned a verdict of not guilty. Thus has ended the trial of one who has taken the life of several of his fellow beings, and the consequences thereof can rest alone with him and the great court from which there is no appeal. In all charity we can only hope that Best is guiltless of his fellow's blood, and that in the great day of reckoning he may be able to stand before the final Bar and show that his hands are not stained with innocent gore. [7]

---

[December 7, 1883] -

Ebenezer Best, a prominent farmer and stock trader of this [Garrard] county, died on the 29th, at his residence, near Paint Lick. He will be remembered as the man who killed Hedger, postmaster at this place [Lancaster], in 1875. It is said that he had killed four men, but was acquitted in every case. Whatever his former life may have been, he had of late years become a peaceable and valuable citizen. He was always a staunch friend of the poor. He leaves an estate valued at $50,000. [8]

------------ SOURCES ----------

[1] "Horrible Murder in Lancaster!" The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 25, 1874. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-12-25/ed-1/seq-2/

[2] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 8, 1875. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[3] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 8, 1875. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[4] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-15/ed-1/seq-2/

[5] "A Letter from Andy Conn." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-01-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[6] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 28, 1875. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-05-28/ed-1/seq-2/

[7] "Ebenzer Best Acquitted." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 24, 1875. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-12-24/ed-1/seq-2/

[8] Excerpt from “Lancaster.” Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. December 7, 1883. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

.

Elisha Sloan Kills Silas Isaacs, Rockcastle, 1876

2020-06-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

Previously:

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

-----------

[September 13, 1878] -

SURRENDERED.

Elisha Sloan, who is indicted in our Circuit Court for the murder of Silas Isaacs, in 1876, and who has since been a fugitive from justice, came into town [Mt. Vernon] Monday and surrendered himself to the Jailer. He was committed to jail and will have his trial at the September Term of Court. [1]

---

[September 17, 1878] -

A difficulty occurred in 1876, between Silas Isaacs and Elijah Sloan, resulting in the death of the former. Sloan was indicted for the murder, but was never captured. His whereabouts were a mystery, though no vigorous search was made to discover them. Last Monday morning he surprised everybody by coming into town and surrendering himself to the Jailer. He says he is innocent, and wants a trial at the approaching term. [2]

---

[September 20, 1878] -

same vs Elisha Sloan for killing Silas Isaacs; [3]

---

[September 27, 1878] -

On Thursday morning the Court was engaged in the trial of the Commonwealth vs. Elisha Sloan for the murder of Silas Isaacs. [4]

---

[October 4, 1878] -

The case of the Commonwealth vs. Elisha Sloan, the trial of which was in progress last week, resulted in a verdict of acquittal. The case against Wm. Cundiff, for murder, was continued. [5]

---

[October 11, 1878] -

Only two of the seven murder cases on the docket were tried. One of them was the case against Elijah Sloan for the murder of Silas Isaacs. Sloan was acquitted. [6]

---

[1] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 13, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-09-13/ed-1/seq-2/

[2] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Ky." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. September 17, 1878. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 20, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-09-20/ed-1/seq-2/

[4] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 27, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-09-27/ed-1/seq-2/

[5] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 4, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-10-04/ed-1/seq-2/

[6] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 11, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-10-11/ed-1/seq-2/

Articles Describing the County Jails, 1850-1920

2020-06-27T21:56:00.003-04:00

Previously:

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

-----------

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

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

[May 29, 1860] -

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

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

---

[January 5, 1867] -

[On Christmas Eve 1866,] McRoberts was arrested and taken towards the jail followed by an excited crowd, who advised Harness to kill him. On the way to jail Harness beat him severely with a large cane while he was being led along the street. On arriving at the jail, Harness took a pistol and deliberately shot him, inflicting a serious perhaps fatal injury. This occurred at about 5 P.M. At 10 P.M. a party went to the jail and took McRoberts to the outskirts of the town and hung him. [Excerpt from Source No. 2 in Freedman Lynched on Christmas Eve, Boyle, 1866]

---

[] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 25, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[March 25, 1876] -

The Grand Jury of the Boyle Circuit Court, recently in session, condemned our County Jail, and declared it "totally unfit for the purpose for which it is used, that from the plan of its construction it is necessary foul and unhealthy; and that it is almost, if not altogether, inhuman to confine any human being within its walls." The Grand Jury recommend its immediate reconstruction, and submit a draft, which in their judgment, will fully meet and remove all objections indicated, and promote healthfulness and security combined. The cost will not exceed $4,500, which includes a solid brick wall entirely around the grounds, which would also furnish a good and appropriate place for a work house. The Grand Jury also state, that in their opinion, there is no reason of any complaint against the present Jailer (Mr. Minor) but on the contrary they believe, from all they could see and learn, that he has done all that could be done for the wants and comfort of his prisoners. []

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LIBERTY, CASEY COUNTY
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[] Excerpt from "From Liberty." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 5, 1872. Page 3. LOC.

[April 5, 1872] -

NEW JAIL.

Our County Court, since the burning of the old jail, are making arrangements to build a handsome brick prison which will be an ornament to the town, besides a terror to the evildoers of the county. The sheriff reports that all the persons that have been gone from the county for several years, to keep from paying fines and being arrested for misdemeanors have returned, as there is no place confine them. []

---

[] Excerpt from "State News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 1, 1872. Page 2. LOC.

[November 1, 1872] -

The new stone jail at Liberty is almost completed. []

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LANCASTER, GARRARD COUNTY
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[] Excerpt from "State News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 11, 1872. Page 2. LOC.

[October 11, 1872] -

Lancaster will sell her present jail building on the 22nd, preparatory to the erection of a new jail. []

---

[July 7, 1876] -

A BLOODY DEED. -- Last Thursday night, or rather about 2 o'clock, Friday morning, a mob, numbering nearly or quite fifty persons, went to jail, at Lancaster, and by force, broke in and took from his cell a colored man named Floyd Pearce, and carried him out of town and hung him. They set at liberty the young man, Samuel Williams, who had been sent to that jail for safe keeping, to await his trial at the next Circuit Court in Casey county, on a charge of murder, committed in Liberty some weeks since, by shooting a man named Burns. [Excerpt from Source No. 5 in Mob Raids Garrard County Jail, Hangs One Prisoner, Garrard, 1876]

---

Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 4, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[October 4, 1878] -

Taking advantage of a favorable opportunity, I paid a visit to our [Garrard] county jail, and was escorted through the wards by Capt. Dillion, who, with his wife, has labored efficiently to restore the building to something like neatness and comfort. At the opening of the first door a stone hall with grated sides was revealed; and here were about a dozen prisoners, white and black, confined for manslaughter, larceny and other misdemeanors. One, the white man McCoy, who killed Soard, has been shut in from the sunlight till his complexion is thoroughly bleached. All of them cease instantly from the noisy mirth with which they had been beguiling the time, and gazed at us with respectful curiosity. The keeper cooly singled them out and discussed the offenses for which they were suffering the penalty of the law. Three cells ranged on either side of this central enclosure, and within these were the beds where the men repose at night. We saw the clever mechanical contrivance by which the door of each cell, whether near or remote, is opened or shut without the necessity of coming in contact with it. The modus operandi of the several escapes heretofore conspicuous was explained and the repaired damages pointed out. Closing this ponderous door, we were conducted around the inner hall of the prison to the outer grating of the cells. []

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[October 17, 1878] -

"Meanwhile the prisoner is growing daily more desperate. Once he escaped from the jail and was found a few hours later, hiding in a coal-house. Three times he has filed his manacles apart, and twice severed the iron bars of his cell. His facilities for concealing saws, files, and knives have been wonderful, unless aided by the other prisoners, which is probable. His latest exploit was to dash his breakfast basin at the new Republican Jailer and shatter the vessel to atoms. Such measures require harsh remedies. The prevailing opinion, or rather superstition, is that so persevering a man will at last succeed in fleeing justice." [Excerpt from Source No. 12 in Freeman Farris Kills Robert Land, Garrard, 1878]

---

[June 20, 1882] -

The County Judge decided Friday morning, after several affidavits as to the probability of an attempt by Austin's friends to liberate him and the unsafe condition of the Jail had been made, to send Austin to Richmond for safe keeping. The Sheriff accordingly notified him to be ready to go by train that day. After the Sheriff left the jail Austin went to the cell of Bishop, the prisoner from Rockcastle county, to borrow a razor, which by some means had come into his possession. [Excerpt from Source No. 23 in William Austin Hanged for the Murder of Betsy Bland, Garrard, 1882]

---

[October 13, 1882] -

The gallows is about completed. It was designed by Mr. Stafford, Stafford, of Richmond, after the style of the one from which Guiteau started on his journey to the "Lordy," and was built by Mr. Solon Henry, one of the Grand Jury which indicted Austin for the murder for which he is now to pay the penalty. It occupies a position directly in the rear of the jail and is built of heavy oak timber. The scaffold is about eight feet from the ground, from which it is reached by steps in the centre of the scaffold is the trap, about two-and-a-half or three feet square. This is held in position by a bolt working under it, which is manipulated by a lever in the hand of the Sheriff on the scaffold. After the drop the trap is held back by weights. The rope for the occasion has arrived. It was made by F. Vonderheide, of Cincinnati. It is long enough after fastening to the cross-beam to allow a fall of seven or eight feet. The machinery will all be properly tested beforehand to insure against any bobble that might torture the criminal and executioner. [Excerpt from Source No. 32 in William Austin Hanged for the Murder of Betsy Bland, Garrard, 1882]

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LONDON, LAUREL COUNTY
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[] Excerpts from "Local Breveties" and Column 6. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 9, 1873. Page 3. LOC.

[May 9, 1873] -

Laurel County is to have a new prison and jail house. See notice to contractors in another column.

TO CONTRACTORS.

Sealed proposals are requested and will be received at Laurel Bridge Postoffice, Laurel, county Kentucky, until the first monday in June next, for building a county Jail, with Jailor's residence attached thereto, in the town of London, Laurel county, Ky. The building is to be of stone, brick and wood, and the the size of the house to be 40x24 feet, two stories high. The work to commence by the first of July, 1873, and to be completed by the 1st of October, 1874. Bids will be received for stone-work, brick, or wood-work separately, or for all together. All work to one contractor is preferred.

The county judge reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Information relating to the plan of building, and paying for the [...] will in given on application at the office of the county judge, at W. H. Jackson's store, in London, Kentucky.

Also proposals will be resolved, at the same time as above, for building a wooden jail, the plan of which can be seen at the office of the county judge. LEVI JACKSON, J. L. C. C. []

---

[] Excerpt from "From Laurel County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 20, 1873. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-06-20/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 20, 1873] -

London is improving very rapidly; new buildings going up, and our streets being repa[i]red. [T]he new jail-house will be put under contract by July 1st. If the people of our county could see their ancient Hall of Justice as others see it, they would demand and willingly pay for a new and more modern structure. Let us go to work and at least get ahead of Lexington on the court-house question. []

---

[] Excerpt from "London, Laurel County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 28, 1891. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-08-28/ed-1/seq-1/

[August 28, 1891] -

The prisoners at the jail all escaped Tuesday evening, and were captured again. They were let out in the corridor on the ground floor and had raised the brick walk around the cage and had tunnelled under the foundation. Mrs. Lovell discovered the last one as he went out and emptied a five-shot revolver at them. []

---

[] Excerpt from "London, Laurel County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 6, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-05-06/ed-1/seq-1/

[May 6, 1892] -

Five prisoners, led by the notorious Craig Gragg, escaped from the London jail Monday night by prizing out a cross bar of the cage. The following are the names of the parties: Craig Gragg, for robbing the Pittsburgh depot; Enoch Boone, seducing a girl under 16; Wm. Osby, carrying a pistol; John Parrot and Larkin Cress for selling liquor. Cy Ping, in for selling liquor, got out at the same holes Tuesday night while Jailer Lovell was out hunting the other prisoners. They had smuggled in a crowbar about 5 1/2 feet long with which they did their work and which they took with them. Craig Gragg is as hard to catch and harder to hold than a flea. []

---

[] Excerpt from "London, Laurel County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 10, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-05-10/ed-1/seq-1/

[May 10, 1892] -

John Warren was arrested and put in [the London] jail last Wednesday, charged with stealing a mule and two hams from some parties near Pittsburgh, and was caught with both in his possession. It is thought he had no intention of keeping the mule, but had taken it to carry the hams home as he lived near. Friday he succeeded in picking a lock in the corridor, next to the sleeping cell that Craig Gragg and others got out of and escaped through the same holes. Dick Harbin and Rowan Hardin gave him a foot race, while Simp Stanifer, who had a horse hitched convenient, also gave him a chase and the trio succeeded in capturing him before he got to the top of cemetery hill and he has since been confined in a sleeping cell. It has been several days since the jail was broken open, and yet the bars have not been mended and even the bricks on the outside wall have not been put in. Both the jailer and the county judge are personal friends of the writer, but that don't keep me from saying that it shows a most wilful neglect of duty in not making these necessary repairs.

Jailer Lovell returned Friday from Jackson county, where he has been after one of the prisoners who escaped from him recently. John Parrott was the man and he was in on a U. S. warrant for selling whisky. Bad Jink Young, from the Raccoon neighborhood, accompanied Lovell and they succeeded in capturing him and on their return with the prisoner Bad Jink's double barrel shot-gun went off and shot Parrott through the arm, up near the shoulder, going through where the arm and body joins and coming out back under the left shoulder blade, from which Parrot died in a few hours. Lovell says that Parrot was walking by the side of Young, who was horseback, and Young was carrying his muzzle loading shotgun in front of him when it was accidentally discharged. Lovell took Young to a magistrate and gave him up, but it is rumored that Young gave bond and has left the country. Circuit court is going on in Jackson county and Sunday the sheriff and R. A. Dyche, of that county, came here and took Lovell there, accused with having been accessory to the death of Parrott. They said the prisoner made a dying statement that he was shot intentionally and unnecessarily, but the citizens here believe Lovell's statement. []

---

[] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 31, 1892. Page 3. LOC.

[May 31, 1892] -

Judge Boyd doesn't mind taking the bull by the horns. He called the attention of the grand jury to the careless way Jailer Lovill was keeping the prison and the Echo says he was indicted in three cases for permitting prisoners to run at large. He was found guilty in one case and fined $50, whereupon the court made an order removing Lovill from his office as jailer and directing the keys of the jail to be turned over to Sheriff J. W. Moren. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Bobbitt in the Mountains." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 10, 1892. Page 4. LOC.

[June 10, 1892] -

Now I shall talk about something less lovely and less beautiful -- Judge Boyd and his court. His honor's instructions to the grand jury were sublimely grand. He fined the gay and jovial jailer $5 for appearing in the presence of the court intoxicated and recognized him in a bond of $200 to appear before the grand jury to tell where he got his whisky. I looked every minute for him to tell the jailer to go and put himself in jail, lock the door and send the court the key. This is the judge who recently removed the jailer from his office in the county of Laurel for suffering prisoners to run at large over town, and although that jailer was a republican, he now sighs to find the jailer's keys no more. Boyd says the place for a man sent to jail is within the walls, and the judge is exactly right. The few weeks' confinement in jail before trial is often the only punishment the bloodiest of murder[er]s ever get. I have heard of a jailer in a county adjoining Lincoln that allowed even a guilty parricide to visit the young ladies in town and go on a visit as far as Harrodsburg. Blackstone says that it is an escape to allow a prisoner more liberty than the law allows -- that it is to let him run at large, and it matters not that the prisoner does not take advantage of the jailer's criminal negligence, the opportunity to escape and the evil resulting to the boys of the country seeing a blood-stained murderer going at large, is the same. So well did our English ancestors understand this that they destroyed everything (even inanimate) that had caused the death of a man, as a wagon wheel that had run over him, a knife with which he had been killed, that the people might not become familiar with murder. If Judge Boyd were on the bench in the 8th judicial district how long would that clever and ultra-humane jailer carry the keys of the jail of the county to which I refer and which you so well know which I mean. Perhaps the Reporter and Republican will publish this letter, or an extract therefrom. I mean no ill-will towards that jailer; I only mean to censure friends as well as foes, when they deserve it. []

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STANFORD, LINCOLN COUNTY
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[July 11, 1859] -

On Saturday morning, about two o'clock, a mob of nearly one hundred persons collected around the jail, made an attempt upon it, and seized the prisoner. They then conveyed him a short distance into the woods and hung him on a tree. [Excerpt from Source No. 4 in Jasper Rowsey Hanged By Mob, Lincoln, 1859]

---

[] "Our Jail." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 19, 1872. Page 3. LOC.

[April 19, 1872] -

Our Jail.

The jail of Lincoln county, at Stanford, is known to be so secure that prisoners from other counties, charged with serious offenses, are brought and confined therein for safe keeping. The cell work was done by F. W. Merz, of Louisville, an iron founder. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 18, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-06-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 18, 1875] -

ATTEMPTED JAIL BREAKING. -- On yesterday morning it was discovered that Green, with a number of aliases, who is confined in jail here under indictments for robbery at King's Mountain Tunnel, and who, it is said, is the perpetrator of several murders, had so far succeeded in his attempt to break out as to have cut out of his iron cell. This cell is made in box shape of iron bars 2 inches broad and 1/2 inch thick, securely interwoven. Three of these bars he had cut with a common case knife, furnished by an outside accomplice. He had also with the end of a common file drilled a hole nearly through the large lock on the outside door. Fortunately his plans were discovered in time to prevent his escape. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 12, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-12/ed-1/seq-3/ attempt to break jail

[October 12, 1877] -

ATTEMPT TO BREAK JAIL. -- A bold attempt to free themselves from the irksome restrains of prison life was made last Friday by Sam Duncan and --- Lair, prisoners, confined for stealing. Mr. Thos Buford, the jailor, opened the door to give the prisoners their dinner, when Duncan struck him across the temple with the elbow of a buggy top, stunning him severely. He was not knocked down, however, but drawing his pistol at once pulled the trigger on Duncan, tho' without effect, as the cartridge failed to explode. He then caught hold of Duncan, threw him down, and fired at the escaping prisoner, Lair, the ball passing through his hat. The shot drew at once a number of people to the scene, and Mr. Cicero Reynolds and others joined Mr. Buford in the chase after Lair, who was soon captured in a field beyond the railroad. Mr. Buford deserves the highest commendation for his heroic conduct. It shows that he is the right man in the right place. []

---

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

[November 2, 1877] -

Speaking of prisoners naturally suggests our jail. The Grand Jury at this term of the Circuit Court condemned it as insecure and rules have been ordered against the Magistrates to show cause why they shall not repair it or build another. []

---

[] Excerpts from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 11, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-01-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 11, 1878] -

Ten prisoners now view the snow clad street through the bars of our miserable jail. Three are charged with murder and the others with stealing. Besides these, Lincoln county is represented by two gentlemen charged with murder in the Louisville jail, and one with stealing in the Lebanon jail. Judge Owsley will have his hands full in April.

COUNTY COURT. -- In the County Court last Monday a committee was appointed to confer with architects and others in regard to plans for a new jail, with the instructions to report a plan and the probable cost of a suitable building. The Court also made an order petitioning the Legislature for an act authorizing the issual of the bonds of the County to amount of, not exceeding $12,000 to raise means to pay for it. It will be remembered that the present jail was condemned by the Grand Jury at last Circuit Court. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 1, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-03-01/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 1, 1878] -

REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY. -- Some erroneous reports having gone forth in regard to the condemnation of the Jail by the late Grand Jury, we copy a part of it: "So far as the duties required of Thomas Buford are concerned, they are discharged with an efficient and entirely satisfactory manner, the prisoners are kindly treated, well fed, and their persons, clothing and bedding, are kept clean as the present construction of the Jail will permit, but we find that the building is not such an one as we should have, that it has not proper ventilation, that the construction is such as to make it a matter of little or no difficulty for persons from the outside to hand weapons and tools to prisoners with which they can make their escape, that the door which now opens into said Jail is arranged in such a manner as to make it unsafe and dangerous for the Jailer to enter the building, &c. In view of these facts, we would report that the Jail is insecure and unhealthy." (Signed) Thos. B. Montgomery, Foreman, T. T. Daviess, James Robinson and J. M. Sibold, Committee. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 5, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 5, 1878] -

NEW JAIL. -- The County Court on Monday, decided to accept the plans and specifications presented by Mr. H. P. McDonald, for the new Jail. We understand that the Court was greatly pleased with this plan and is sure that our next Jail will rank among the best in the State. The next step towards its erection is to get some one to undertake the job, and to this end, the Court will advertise for bidders until June Court, when the bids will be opened and the work awarded to the lowest and best bidder. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 17, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-05-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[May 17, 1878] -

NEW JAIL. -- Bids for the erection of a new jail and residence here will close on the 29th. Judge J. A. Lytle, one of the committee to receive the bids, returned a few days ago from Cincinnati, whither he had been, by order of the Court, to examine the improvements in jail architecture, and ascertain cost of building them. He is of the impression that the new jail can be let at very reasonable figures. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 10. The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. May 18, 1878. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[May 18, 1878] -

PROPOSALS.

-------------------

PROPOSALS FOR THE ERECTION

- OF -

A JAIL AND RESIDENCE

At Stanford, Ky.

Sealed bids for the erection of a stone and brick jail and jailer's residence will be received by W. R. Carson and J. A. Lytle at Stanford, Ky., until the 28th day of May, 1878.

Plans and specifications can be seen at the office of W. R. Carson at Stanford, and at the office of H. P. McDonald, architect, corner Fourth and Market sts., Louisville, Ky.

Contractor will be required to give security.

W. R. CARSON,
J. A. LYTLE,
Committee.

April 17, 1878. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 31, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-05-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[May 31, 1878] -

JAIL PROPOSALS. -- Judge J. A. Lytle and 'Squire W. R. Carson, the Committee to receive the proposals for building a new jail and residence, opened the bids on the 27th. Four Contractors presented proposals, as follows: Henry Baughman, Stanford, $11,990. Peter Pheiffer, Louisville, $12,410. Anderson & Stafford, Richmond, Ky., $13,484. W. H. Myers, Fort Wayne, Ind., $16,550. The County Court next Monday, will, no doubt, award the contract to Mr. Baughman, although they reserve the right to reject any and all bids. The Architect's estimate of the costs of the buildings was about $11,500. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 5, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[June 5, 1878] -

LINCOLN COUNTY BONDS. -- Judge Lytle sold at public auction, last Monday, the twelve Lincoln County Bonds of $1,000 each, issued to raise funds for the building of the new Jail. They were offered in parcels of four, and were all bought by the Farmers National Bank, at an average premium of about 43-100 of one per cent. They are payable in ten years, and bear six per cent. It is rather unusual thing for a county bond to sell for more than one par, but our people are to be congratulated on the fact that the finances of the County are in a good and safe condition, and the prospect is that these bonds will be paid some time before they mature, as that right was reserved. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 7, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[June 7, 1878] -

JAIL CONTRACT CLOSED. -- The County Court on Monday last, decided to build a new Jail and entered into a contract with Mr. Henry Baughman to complete it, Mr. B. being the lowest bidder as found upon opening the bids on Wednesday of last week. Mr. B.'s bid was $11,990 for the entire job, which was accepted by the Court, and the contract closed. The work is to be commenced in a few days and to be completed sufficiently for the reception of prisoners by the 15th of October next. []

---

Excerpts from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 28, 1878. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-06-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 28, 1878] -

MOVED. -- Jailor Thos. Buford moved from the jail residence yesterday to Mr. W. Craig's house on Main street.

...
...

NEW JAIL. -- Architect H. P. McDonald commenced on yesterday to stake out the ground for the new jail and residence. The location is between the present buildings and the Court-house, and will be shut off from the street by a heavy fence. The Contractor will commence at once with his job, and in a few days the prisoners confined here will be taken to Lancaster. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 27, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[September 27, 1878] -

NEW JAIL. -- John A. Gary, of Louisville, the Contractor for the plumbing necessary for the new jail, is laying a pipe from that building down Lancaster street, to the creek. The work is progressing well on the new jail, the heavy iron cells are completed, and by Circuit Court will be ready for use. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 1, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[November 1, 1878] -

JAIL BIRDS. -- The new jail being in condition for use, all the prisoners from this county, heretofore confined in the Lancaster jail, have been brought back and quartered in it. They number eighteen. []

---

Excerpt from "Stanford, Ky." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. November 2, 1878. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[November 2, 1878] -

STANFORD, KY.

A Bad Lot of Brothers Escape from the New Jail -- A Sheriff's Posse in Pursuit -- The Congressional Contest -- The Blackburn Brothers Arousing the People.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier Journal.)

STANFORD, Nov. 1. -- Thomas Cain, John Cain, Peter Cain and Joseph Cain escaped from the jail here last night at twelve o'clock by breaking out a bar from the main cell and from the window. Thomas Cain is indicted for the murder of Hiram Tucker in August last, and was committed without bail. John Cain has been convicted of arson at the present term of the Circuit Court, and his punishment fixed at ten years in the penitentiary, and the trial of Peter, for the same crime, is in progress, with almost certainty of conviction. Joseph Cain is indicted for carrying concealed deadly weapons. They are brothers and a very bad set, and have been an annoyance to this county for a number of years past. The Jailer has offered a reward for their recapture, and a posse is in pursuit of them this morning. Three other persons -- Westmoreland, who is convicted of larceny; Wm. Blakely, who is indicted for placing obstructions upon the railroad, and --- Privett, who is serving out a term for carrying concealed weapons, escaped at the same time, but they waked up the Jailer, who resides one hundred and fifty yards form the jail, informed him of the whole matter and surrendered themselves into his custody and went back to jail.

The jail is a new one, not yet finished, and the magisterial wisdom of the county considered it a marvel of security. It was built upon the plan and under the supervision of Mr. McDonald, architect, of Louisville, who has been paid a good round sum of money by the county for his supervising wisdom and knowledge and experience of such work, and I suppose Mr. McD will now be called upon to explain. [Source No. 10 in Tom Cain Kills Hiram Tucker, Lincoln, 1878]

---

[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News -- Tunnel City." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 15, 1878] -

EXACTLY.

If the county will give us $200 we will guarantee to build a jail here that the Cains can't get out of with a scantling. Nearly $10,000 for a jail that wouldn't hold the prisoners for scarcely a fortnight! We expect that the tax-payers would have been better satisfied with the investment of their money if those who had the matter in charge had expended more on the jail proper, and no so much in building a palatial residence for the jailer, who we know could be induced to stay with a much less imposing structure, while the prisoners require much stronger inducements, it seems, than is at present afforded to get them to stay. We should do all in our power to have them satisfied to stay, if the jailer has to "rough it" in an old army tent, if necessary. The present inducements for jailer will produce an extended list of candidates, provided the jailer is not held responsible for the escape of prisoners, by breaking through the pliant bars of the jail. There are a great many men in the county like ourselves, no doubt, who are deserving of an elegant and commodious residence at the expense of the public. And, we may as well state in this connection that it has always been our misfortune heretofore to be patriotic enough to heed the voice of the majority in preference to our own individual interest. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 15, 1878] -

THE JAIL BUSINESS. -- All the prisoners confined in the new jail on felony charges were taken back to Lancaster for safe-keeping, and the Magistrates have decided not to use the jail until it is fully completed. Architect H. P. McDonald came up this week, and decided that contractor Baughman should replace the broken bars with new ones, which he will do, and the trouble about it being received b the county will, no doubt, be settled. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 13, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[December 13, 1878] -

THE NEW JAIL AND RESIDENCE. -- As the jail and residence is completed, and will no doubt be received by the members of the County Court to-day, it may not be out of place to give our readers, especially those of them who will have to foot the bill, a discription of the buildings. The residence is a handsome two-story brick, 36x45 feet, with three large rooms above and the same number below, and the necessary hall and stairways. Up stairs is a large tank which is filled with water pumped by the prisoners inside of the jail from a cistern in the yard. From this tank pipes run to the bath-room and water closet on the same floor of the building and into the upper and lower departments of the jail. There are a number of cellar rooms, in one of which is a huge furnace, with four one foot pipes leading to the jail, by which means that establishment is heated. The rooms of the residence are furnished with nice iron mantles and grates, have inside shutters, and are well ventilated. There are two verandahs to the building, and the whole presents a neat and stylish appearance. The jail is attached to the residence, the brick part of that side of its wall being also the wall of the house. It is 35x35 feet and is built on a foundation a number of feet below the surface of the ground. The walls are build of ten-inch stone set on edge, with a nine-inch course of brick outside and against the rock. The bottom floor and upper ceiling are of heavy stone. There is an upper and lower department, in each of which are six cells of iron, 5x8 feet. These face each way with three on a side, divided by a solid sheet of iron half inch thick. The cells are inclosed in a cage made of large Chrome steel bars, and so arranged that the prisoners in but three cells can have access with each other in the walk during the day. At one end of each of these walks there is a bath tub, an iron basin, and a privy, all of which is connected with the tank before mentioned, by pipes, the water from which can be turned on by the prisoners. An excellent arrangement is the one that enables the jailer to stand outside of the cage and lock each cell, thereby preventing an attack from the prisoners. There is to each cell door besides, another lock which can be fastened after the prisoners are safe within. The walls inside are cemented, the windows, eight in number, are heavily barred with Chrome steel, and the entire inside is painted a bright red. The entrance to the jail is through the Jailer's office, which is 16x16 feet, built of brick, with two heavy iron doors at the outside entrance, two on the entrance by the residence, two in to the jail. These have heavy double locks and appear large enough and strong enough to hold even his Satanic Majesty himself. A wall fifteen feet high and covered with cement, into which broken glass is embedded, encircles the jail at a distance of fourteen feet from it all around. All of the work seems well and substantially done, and Mr. Henry Baughman, the Contractor, who did the whole of it for $11,900, deserves great praise, both for the work and the amount he has saved to the county by his low bid -- it being $1,584 less than the next lowest responsible bid, and $4,650 less than the highest. Mr. Baughman has given the work his closest attention, and is willing to testify that it is really what it appears to be -- a first-class job. In addition to the contract price, the Court has to pay Mr. H. P. McDonald, the Architect and Superintendent, 5 per cent. of the cost, besides other items, which makes his pay run up to about $750 and the total cost of the jail about $13,000. Even with the extras added, the price of the buildings are low for the quality, and Lincoln county may now boast of having as good a jail as any of her neighboring sisters, and one if from which a prisoner escape, the jailer will be the party to suffer the blame and censure. []

---

[January 31, 1879] -

ATTEMPT TO BREAK JAIL. -- The Cains, one of them confined on a charge of murder, and the other awaiting the action of the Court of Appeals, on his sentence to Penitentiary for ten years for arson, and Thomas Robinson, serving out a sentence for carrying concealed weapons, made an attempt to free themselves this week, by sawing out the bars. Mr. Newland fortunately discovered the plan, and by threats of punishment compelled them to give up their saw, which was found to be the blade of a knife, filed down for the purpose. [Source No. 13 in Tom Cain Kills Hiram Tucker, Lincoln, 1878]

---

[] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 31, 1879. Page 3. LOC.

[January 31, 1879] -

THAT FENCE. -- It is a false piece of economy to enclose so handsome a building as the new jail residence with such a fence as is being put up. Five dollars more would have given a neat enclosure, and such an one ought by all means to have been put there. []

---

(also in non-fatal 1870s)

[] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 16, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-05-16/ed-1/seq-3/

[May 16, 1879] -

ESCAPED. -- Clint Todd and Ben Denny, both white, and from Rockcastle, escaped from the rock-pile this week, to which they had been sent for breaking the peace and carrying concealed weapons. Balls and chains were attached to their legs, but they soon got them off when the jailer's back was turned. It is the sheerest nonsense for our juries to convict and sentence men to the work-house unless a guard is put over the prisoners. Our authorities should see to this, and make some one responsible for the scamps, or abolish the system, so far as the county is concerned, altogether. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 17, 1879] -

ATTEMPT TO BREAK JAIL. -- An attempt was made by the prisoners confined in the lower department of the jail to effect their escape on Wednesday night, but the jailer had had his suspicions aroused, and being on the lookout, prevented it. The ringleader of the undertaking was George Kelly, the negro who is charged with stealing $16 from Miss Logan, at Hustonville. He had succeeded in forming keys out of old spoons that would unlock the cell doors, but still a bold held the door fast. To remove this, he induced a fellow prisoner, Charles Owsley, charged with rape, to go in to the water closet, instead of his cell when Mr. Newland fastened them up for the night, thinking that there he would have a better chance at the bolt. After turning the bold, Mr. Newland remained quiet for a while and soon the noise of shaking the bolt commenced in the closet. He went there and found the negro, whom he treated to a good caning, and then by threats of dire vengeance, he made the others give up the spoons and other things that they had accumulated to aid them in their escape. The spoons are of German Silver, and the jailer thinks that they were thrown over the wall through the window into the building tied to stones, as he found a stone with a string tied to it on the floor. Kelly will not be given the liberty of the prisoners' walk again, but will be kept in close confinement till he takes his little jaunt to Frankfort. []

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RICHMOND, MADISON COUNTY
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[] Excerpt from "Home News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1873. Page 1. LOC.

[March 21, 1873] -

MADISON COUNTY.

A party of twelve or fifteen men rode into Richmond, about two o'clock on Monday night, 10th inst., asked for the keys to the county jail, and, having procured the same from the jailor's wife, proceeded to release one Barabas, called John Brooks, in durance vile for robbing the meat-house of a poor negro man who gained an honest livelihood by the sweat of his brow. It was not Johnny's only offense, this robbery of the negro; but he bad been often engaged in such disreputable proceedings, and was not by himself. In fact it was very positively known in his neighborhood that a baud of petty thieves had an organization there, and their "operations were of frequent occurrence. Arresting Brooks, Collins and Johnston, put an end to their thefts. Yet a number of other persons besides those mentioned were members of the gang, and while Brooks remained in jail, a terrible uneasiness rested on their minds least John might blow on them; and indeed it is said that last week Brooks sent his partners, in crime, word that Circuit Court was near at hand and unless he should be rescued from the law before court began he would expose the whole concern. His threat had the desired effect, and the result was the outrage on Monday night. []

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SOMERSET, PULASKI COUNTY
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[] Excerpt from Column 4. The Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. March 23, 1860. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[March 23, 1860] -

Two prisoners, Gilpin and Geddis, escaped from the jail in Somerset, Ky., on Sunday night. []

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[] Excerpt from "Letter from Somerset." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 9, 1875. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-04-09/ed-1/seq-1/

[April 9, 1875] -

On Monday, the first day of the Circuit Court, while our marshal was attempting to persuade a lot of drunken rowdies to leave town without further disturbance, one of them drew a pistol and fired at him. This caused the others to desire a chance to show off "blood" that was in them, and the whole of them began firing at the officer, who, as he called for help, attempted to discharge his pistol at one or two of them, but did not succeed. He was quickly reinforced by some of our old and best citizens. After twenty-five shots and one or two foot races, some of the law and peace breakers were jugged, the others escaping to their hiding places. It is something remarkable that so many shots were aimed at Major Elliot, the marshal, and still he passed through all with scarcely a scratch. He proved, however, that he would stand fire, though he was himself virtually unarmed. Only one or two persons were injured during the affray, and they very slightly.

During the night following the difficulty the men escaped from the jail by crawling out through "Leon's Tunnel" (hole in the wall.)

We are glad to know that this difficulty has awakened our people to a sense of the condition to which our town is being brought by a set of men (?) who seem determined to follow this hell-born vocation, bid defiance to all law, and not once consider the welfare, peace or happiness of their fellow creatures. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 2, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-07-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[July 2, 1875] -

We are informed by Mr. J. B. Newnam who passed through our town [Stanford] a few days since, en route to Lebanon, on -- well, we all know his business -- that the prisoners confined in the Pulaski county jail, made an ineffectual attempt to escape a few nights since. They procured case knives by some means unknown, and succeeded in sawing off the hinges of their cell, and gained entrance to the hall. They were discovered in time, however, by some outside parties, and again placed in the narrow confines of a cell. There were five in number, and it is almost a miracle that they did not escape. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 15, 1875] -

Two prisoners passed through town last Saturday in charge of the Sheriff of Pulaski county, en route to the penitentiary for a period of two years. Two other prisoners were brought here by him and lodged in our jail for safe keeping, until the the next term of the Pulaski circuit court, owing to the fact that the jail down there is but little better than an ordinary house, as a prison. Pulaski county has purchased an iron cell, however, which will be placed in the old jail when finished. []

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[ibid] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 15, 1875] -

If our Pulaski friends had spent $10,000 of the money they used in building their fine temple of justice, in the erection of a safe prison, they would have had a court house good enough for any in the State, and no further taxation would be required to build a jail. So said a citizen of Somerset to a Journal reporter the other day. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 5, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 5, 1875] -

JAIL DELIVERY. -- We learn that on Sunday last, about noon, the nine prisoners who were confined in the jail at Somerset, made good their escape therefrom. The prison was known to be very insecure and hence five guards were placed around it to insure their safe keeping. These guards, we hear it said, were at dinner at the time, not thinking, we presume, that they would be so bold as to make an effort at escape in broad day light. But rogues, as well as lovers, laugh at locksmiths and guards. None of them have been re-arrested up to this time. []

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[] Excerpt from "Home Jottings." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 12, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-12/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 12, 1875] -

We learn that three of the prisoners who escaped from the Pulaski jail, recently, have been captured and returned to "durance vile." Of this fact we are not fully advised, but hope it is true, as all malefactors should receive such punishment as their offenses merit. Some of them are said to be bad men, and they should be taught in the school of experiences to cease their infamous conduct. []

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[] Excerpt from "State News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 28, 1876. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-01-28/ed-1/seq-1/

[January 28, 1876] -

The building of the new jail in Pulaski county was let out by the County Court on Monday last for $9,000 to H. G. Trimble. They also allowed $880 to the architect until the completion of the building. This will make the jail, completed, cost about $11,000. To meet this amount it was decided to issue bonds bearing 10 per cent interest, payable in 20 years. An advalorem tax was also levied at 15cts on the $100 worth of property for the year 1876, for the payment of the jail bond principal and interest. So we learn from the Somerset Reporter, and from which we also learn that Mr. Jos. B. Rucker will retire from the editorial to the mechanical department of the Reporter. His partner, Mr. W. C. Owens, assuming entire editorial control. We will bank high on his making it lively. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 16, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-16/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 16, 1877] -

When the Somerset Reporter has exhausted the jail question in Pulaski county, it might move up here [Mt. Vernon] and try it's hand at our jail. The place of confinement for criminals in this county [Rockcastle], certainly deserves more than a passing notice. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 19, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[October 19, 1877] -

At the late term of the Pulaski Circuit Court, Judge Owsley decided that the County Court had no power, except by special legislation, to levy a tax to build a jail. This was an important local question, and has excited a good deal of interest in Pulaski. An appeal was taken. []

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[] Excerpts from "Pulaski County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 2, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-12-02/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 2, 1881] -

Jailer Shepperd left this week to take Copenhaver to Illinois, where he is wanted for a murder committed over a year ago. He is a very courageous man, and officers Cundiff and Shepperd deserve praise for the promptness with which they arrested him.

James Gragg, charged with robbing Kelley, has escaped. He being the only prisoner, Shepperd allowed him to remain outside of the cells. Our jail building outside of these 6x8 cages, thanks to the political economists of this county, is nothing but a shell, and James pining for the fresh air of freedom, gave the wall a little kick and left for parts unknown. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 31, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-10-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 31, 1882] -

It is finally settled that Pulaski county is to have a new jail. A committee consisting of Messrs. Tarter, Langdon and Ashurst will superintend the building. []

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Excerpt from "Somerset." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. January 5, 1883. Page 6. Newspapers.com.

[January 5, 1883] -

SOMERSET.

AFTER TWENTY-NINE DAYS' WORK, THREE PRISONERS FILE THEIR WAY OUT OF THE COUNTY JAIL.

(Special to the Courier-Journal.)

SOMERSET, Jan. 4. -- Intense excitement prevailed here this morning over the escape of three prisoners from our jail. This was the most remarkable escape in the history of our county. Our jail is a brick structure of small dimensions, and for some time has been in a dilapidated condition. The cells are built in the center of the building with a passage all around so that the Jailer may pass to examine every side of the cells. It seems that the prisoners had a druggist's spatula, in which they filed teeth like a saw, and managed to saw eight of the iron bars, leaving a hole ten inches square. This was sufficient for them to pass through, though they were compelled to disrobe themselves in order to reduce their sizes. A stove stands in the passage immediately in front of the hole, and this acted as a shield for their work, as the jailer could not see the notches already cut. The prisoners in the adjoining cell state that the work required twenty-nine days and it does seem strange that during this time the Jailer saw nor heard nothing of it.

The names of the prisoners who escaped are Frank Anderson, charged with burglary, and Jesse and Sol. Perkins, malicious cutting. The Jailer neglected to lock the doors between the room containing the cells and the hole in front where the coal is kept. The prisoners came out of their cells and passed into the hole, where an ax was kept for breaking coal, and with this they tore a hole through the brick wall, which is two feet thick, and made good their escape.

An new jail is being erected near where the old one stands, and, as it is to be of almost the same material as the old one, the prospects look gloomy. Our county is in a lawless condition now, and if we do not have a jail sufficiently secure to keep prisoners when they are captured, we can not see the necessity of making the people pay taxes to build a new jail. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 9, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-01-09/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 9, 1883] -

Our city was ablaze with excitement last Thursday morning upon hearing that three of the six prisoners confined in our jail had escaped. Their names are Anderson, charged with burglary, and two Perkins brothers, charged with malicious cutting. They obtained a druggist's spatula, with which they sawed eight of the heavy iron bars in two. The remaining prisoners say that the work required 29 days. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 20, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-03-20/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 20, 1883] -

The jail, which has long been a disgrace to the town and county, both in its outside appearance and its internal a[r]rangement, is to be town down and a modern structure, with jailer's residence attached, after the style of the one in your town [Stanford], is to take its place. []

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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 foundation of the new jail has been completed and the brick work will be commenced next Monday. The iron cells have been received. Mr. Craig Asher is superintending the construction. []

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[] "Thought to Be a Jail-Breaker." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 18, 1892. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[January 18, 1892] -

Thought to Be a Jail-Breaker.

Bill Ray, colored, was arrested last evening by Officers Mulverhill and Sullivan on the charge of being a fugitive from justice. It is thought to be an important arrest. Ray is believed to be one of the men who escaped from the Somerset, Ky., jail last week. Several of them were in for murder, and Ray was charged there with rape. []

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[] Excerpt from "In Neighboring Counties." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 18, 1908. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052021/1908-08-18/ed-1/seq-1/

[August 18, 1908] -

Complying with an order made by Judge M. L. Jarvis, of the Pulaski circuit court, Sheriff Jasper, of Somerset, took 14 prisoners, who had been confined there to Danville for safe-keeping. The Somerset jail is insecure and Danville is now made the jailing point for that place. []

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MOUNT VERNON, ROCKCASTLE COUNTY
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[September 24, 1853] -

"...the jail seemed to be about twelve feet by fourteen of wood logs, floored with the same; though an aperture in the floor, the prisoner was let down into a close room by a rope or ladder, and then the trap door closed--there seemed to be no ventilation, and but one aperture, not allowing light enough for Parker to read the letter I carried him: the stench was intolerable and a Mexican prison was never fuller of vermin! ..." [Excerpt from Source No. 3 in Kentucky Abolitionist Cassius M. Clay in Rockcastle County, 1853]

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 12, 1867. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[January 12, 1867] -

GENERAL JAIL DELIVERY. -- On Friday night of last week, the prisoners confined in the jail at Mount Vernon, Rockcastle county, Kentucky, seven in number, succeeded in breaking jail and making good their escape. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 8, 1874. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-05-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[May 8, 1874] -

One of the prisoners, Wm. Johnson, colored, was sent for a term of fifteen years on three indictments, viz: horse-stealing, burning the Mt. Vernon jail, and assaulting and attempting to kill the jailor. []

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[] Excerpts from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 4, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-05-04/ed-1/seq-2/ top of rockcastle col

[May 4, 1877] -

WANTED. -- A place of confinement for criminals in this [Rockcastle] county.

Only one man convicted to the Penitentiary this term of Court and he escapes from the Jail before sentence is passed upon him. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 31, 1877] -

Last Wednesday night, the doors of our [Rockcastle] jail were opened in some mysterious manner, and two prisoners made their escape. This is the second time within six months that the doors have been unlocked at night by parties unknown, and the inmates set at liberty. We have heard that there are duplicate keys in existence. The manner should be investigated, the locks changed, or our jail smashed into kindling wood. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 8, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-08-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[August 8, 1879] -

John P. Hughes and Aleck Smith, two prisoners confined in jail charged with larceny, escaped last Sunday night from "durance vile." There was a hole in the floor of the jail which afforded them an easy means of egress. Once under the floor, they had but to knock out a few chunks of "underpinning," when they were at liberty. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 9, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 9, 1880] -

An attempt on the part of the prisoners to break jail was happily frustrated a few nights ago. It seems that they had been at work for several nights cutting and burning their way through the floor. Pending the completion of the aperture, one of them was bailed out. He got a little too much Christmas "egg-nog" ahead and divulged the operations to some friends. It was talked about and finally came to the ears of the jailor, Mr. Houk. He made an investigation and discovered the hole. Hereafter the prisoners will remain in their cells. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 30, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-30/ed-1/seq-2/ jailbreak

[January 30, 1880] -

Last Thursday night the prisoners confined in our jail at this place [Mt. Vernon] made their escape shortly after night-fall. Their names and crimes were as follows: Wm. Cundiff, indicted in two cases for murder; J. A. Hobbs, indicted for false pretenses; Sam. Swayne, awaiting indictment for burglary in two cases, and Wm. Biley who was serving out a sentence for carrying concealed weapons. They made their escape by boring through the floor and then scratching through the earth at the upper side of the jail. Swayne was recaptured Monday night near town by Willis Adams, Jr., and F. L. Thompson, and is again in durance vile. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 9, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-04-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 9, 1880] -

Last Saturday night while the elements were at war without, Saml. Swayne alias Riddle, the solitary prisoner confined in our county jail, removed a couple of loose planks in the floor and working a pole through the foundation, pushed his body through and again scented the fresh air of liberty. Swayne was in on a charge of burglary in two cases -- for robbing the store of Willis Adams, Jr., and that of Williams & Miller last Winter. He had escaped once before since his arrest, but was recaptured. He will make his whereabouts scarce this time if he is smart. Had he been properly confined in the cell the escape could not have been effected. In justice to the jailer, Mr. Houk, his statement should be given. He says he locked Swayne securely in the cell the evening before. Swayne must have played some sort of trick on his keeper and prevented the bolt from slipping into its place. The jail escapes during the past few months demonstrates conclusively that if our county wishes to keep her criminals, she must build a new and substantial jail. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 23, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-04-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 23, 1880] -

Several of the neighboring county papers are boasting that their county jails are empty. Well, our [Rockcastle] county jail is empty, too. The fact is, if you were to fill the building with prisoners it would empty in a few minutes. It's no trouble to make an "escape" from our jail. Let's abolish it? []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 14, 1881. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-01-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 14, 1881] -

The attention of the grand jury is respectfully called to the jail. It most certainly deserves an investigation. If not convenient to unlock the door, the sublime jurors can crawl in at the hole to the left or ascend to the second story and go down the flue, a la Geo. Crecey, who went up that way once to a bed-fellow. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 28, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-10-28/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 28, 1881] -

The jail is empty, but then it isn't the jail's fault. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 29, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-06-29/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 29, 1883] -

The prisoners in jail made an attempt to get out a few days ago by sawing into the hinges of the door. They had gotten and old case-knife blade and a piece of file and made a saw by these means, and had sawed one hinge in two before it was discovered. The door works very smoothly and in opening it Mr. Houk noticed a scratching noise, and on examination noticed the hinges as above. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 10, 1884. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-06-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 10, 1884] -

Friday about 6 o'clock six persons, four white and two colored confined in the county jail on various felonious charges and awaiting the action of the next grand jury, made a dash for liberty. When the jailer, who had gone into the jail alone, was locking the door of a cell, two prisoners rushed from another cell and threw a blanket over his head and hurling him to the floor held him until he was insensible. Then the six started for the hills and freedom. Shouts of murder and escape soon started a band of avengers on their trail. Three of them were soon captured, but the other three made good their escape. Several shots were fired at these parties as they ran, a long distance off, and none of them took effect. Ten shots were fired at John Bernhardt, colored, and three of them took effect; one in the left wrist and one in the left hip. Neither of these wounds are thought to be dangerous. After Bernhardt was shot he staid out all night in the rain. About 1 o'clock Saturday he was seen to enter the stable at Robt. Furguson's by some of his family. They informed Mr. F. and he and Isaac Munday went out and arrested him and brought him to town that evening. He said he had got cold and wanted to lay in the straw and dry himself. Numerous threats of lynching the prisoners are being made and it would not surprise me to hear of their being strung up at any time. Mr. Houk offers $20 reward each for the two who are still uncaught. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 9, 1886. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-07-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[July 9, 1886] -

J. W. Mullins, of East Bernstadt, was here Monday to get the contract to build the new jail. Mr. Mullins comes well recommended. He built the court-house at London, which is just completed and is said to be the best one in the mountains. He will draw some plans and submit them to the committee. Bids will be let soon and it will not be long before we have a new jail going up. []

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[] "A Kicking Tax-Payer." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 18, 1887. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1887-03-18/ed-1/seq-2/ whole article

[March 18, 1887] -

A Kicking Tax-Payer.

(To the Editor of the Interior Journal.)

MT. VERNON, March 17. -- At the late session of the Kentucky Legislature, an act was passed authorizing the Rockcastle county court to issue the bonds of the county to an amount not exceeding $8,000 for the purpose of building a jail and jailer's residence, and at the October term of the county court a committee was appointed to visit the jails at London and Williamsburg and ascertain the plans, cost of building, &c. That committee was instructed to report at a special term, I think in January, 1887. At any rate this court met and appointed M. J. Miller, M. J. Cook and H. H. Baker as a building committee to let out the work, &c. This committee has gone ahead and privately let out the contract to J. W. Mullins, of Laurel county. I am not objecting to the man who secured the contract, because he comes to us well recommended as a builder. But I am objecting to this way of letting out a contract for the erection of a public building privately. And another thing, the people ought to know what their jail is to cost. One of the members of the committee when asked what the contract was let at replied: "We have agreed to keep the price a secret for a few days." What do the tax payers of Rockcastle county say to this way of doing business? And besides all this perhaps some citizens of our county might want to have a chance to make a few dollars out of the job. I know of at least two parties, both good, reliable men, who wanted to put in bids for the work. And behold their consternation when they began to make inquiries in reference to the time for putting in bids, to find that the whole job had been fixed up privately. I, as a tax payer of Rockcastle county, demand that the committee explain their actions. The people have a right to know and a few of them are determined to find out how "these things are." TAX PAYER. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 27, 1888. Page 1 LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1888-01-27/ed-1/seq-1/

[January 27, 1888] -

In county court Monday the poll tax was placed at $2.35 with 15 cents added to go towards paying for the new jail and 15 cents per $100 for same purpose. The jail building committee were allowed $100 for their services. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 18, 1890. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1890-03-18/ed-1/seq-1/

[March 18, 1890] -

A discovery was made with regard to our new jail, which was supposed to be rat proof as well as burglar proof. On Friday when Bill Austin and Jim Palmer were brought out for trial a cut place was found in the floor leading to the upper cells. Inquiry disclosed the fact that the male prisoners, who were kept down stairs, devised a plan for having a visitor from the upper cell. They went to work with an eleven inch porker, used in punching the fire in the stove, pried off the iron lining of the ceiling, proceeded to burn three six inch sleepers in two, besides two thickness of a floor. It required but a few days to accomplish the task. The 8 by 13 inch hole made was kept covered from above by a mattress. The place was made some two months since and kept concealed until last Friday. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 4, 1893. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-07-04/ed-1/seq-1/

[July 4, 1893] -

The jail is being talked of as being too dark. It is claimed that the lower prison department, on account of the Mullins patent windows, is so dark that it is impossible to read a newspaper during the day without the aid of a lamp. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local." Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. January 15, 1909. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1909-01-15/ed-1/seq-3/ (2nd col)

[January 15, 1909] -

BROKE JAIL:-- John B. G. Miller and a man by the name of Flynn from Pulaski county, serving long jail sentences for the illegal sale of whisky, made their escape last Saturday night. These men were in the second story and to force an exit was a very easy matter as the upper part of the jail is better suited for most any other purpose than for a jail. The officials should be and are no doubt glad that the[y] are gone, if they will only leav[e] the county and stay away. Miller has served numerous sentences on similar charges and has been [a] source of considerable worry and annoyance to the officials. He now stands indicted for a nuissance[sic] and with the large number of whisky indictments hanging over him he is not very likely to return unless brought back by the officers of the law and this would mean more trouble in the end and nothing gained. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local." Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. December 17, 1909. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1909-12-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 17, 1909] -

The prisoners broke jail again Monday night and all that wanted to, made their escape. "Peg Leg" the negro charged with breaking in Krueger's store, and Reese, charged with selling liquor, made their escape. Faulk Ross, colored, left but returned two days later of his own accord. Leger and another person charged with minor offences as soon as they found the others had escaped went to Jailer Langford's home on Richmond street and told him what had happened and returned to the jail with him. When Ross returned he asked Jailer Langford to lock him up and with a small wire, such as "Peg Leg" had used two nights before, he opened the door and walked out. Reese escaped about two weeks ago and was captured by Marshal Burton of Livingston last Sunday. This jail, although it cost about $8,000; is a nuissance[sic] in every particular and if the county expects to maintain a jail to hold the law breakers a new one or some decided improvements on the old one are absolutely necessary. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local." Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. November 5, 1909. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1909-11-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 5, 1909] -

If there is any county in Kentucky which needs a new jail it is Rockcastle. The present jail is a disgrace to the county and the way it is arranged the prisoners can not be cared for like people and residence part is simply the limit. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Local." Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. June 13, 1919. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1919-06-13/ed-1/seq-5/ (4th col)

[June 13, 1919] -

When Judge Cam Mullins gets through fixing the jail, court house and county property, it will be a decent place to stay. The old dungeon to the jail has been torn up and will be used for a coal house. This should have been done a long time ago. If a man has to go to jail, that is no reason he should live in a place worse than a hog pen, and the Mt. Vernon jail has never been a place suitable to keep human beings. The second floor will be fixed for the jail use hereafter. []

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MONTICELLO, WAYNE COUNTY
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WILLIAMSBURG, WHITLEY COUNTY

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 15, 1884. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-02-15/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 15, 1884] -

We are informed that the postofice at Williamsburg was broken into and the safe blown open and about $700 in cash taken there from. There is no clue to the burglars yet. At the same place a mob visited the jail with the intention of taking Harris and Wigginton out and hanging them, on last Monday night. They were protected by friends from Lily and other points this side of Williamsburg. The mob was supposed to be from Jellico, Tenn. Harris and Wigginton shot and killed one Jas. Anderson at Jellico Sunday night. Anderson was a barber and lived at Williamsburg; Harris lived, at Lily where he sold whisky as a "profession" and Wigginton is said to be from London, Ky. The killing is said to be justifiable, but great indignation is felt against Harris and Wigginton by the people who thought a great deal of Anderson. All the parties are white men. Anderson leaves a wife and one child. []

---

Jerry Brown Kills John Engleman Sr., Lincoln, 1877

2020-06-19T13:15:00.000-04:00

Previously:

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

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[September 14, 1877] -

KILLED. -- Mr. John Engleman, Sr., whose skull was crushed on Friday, by a rock thrown by a negro named Jerry Brown, died at the residence of Mr. J. M. Martin, on Saturday evening. The difficulty occurred near Highland, and originated in a jocular suggestion to the negro, as to the proper way to make his balking team pull. The negro made an insolent reply and just then succeeded in making his horses pull out. Mr. Engleman completed his business and rode on to town, but before proceeding far overtook the negro, to whom he spoke in regard to his insolence. The negro was very insulting and Mr. Engleman made a lick at him with his whip. The negro then jumped down and got a rock and threw at Mr. Engleman, who also got off his horse and attempted to get a rock, but while he was bending down the scamp again threw, this time with the force and precision of a bullet, the rock striking the old man a little back of the top of his skull crushing it in. As badly hurt as he was, Mr. Engleman succeeded in getting upon his horse but by the time he reached Mr. Martin's he had become so weak that he was forced to dismount and spend the night. He did not complain much, so the services of a physician was not called till next day, when Drs. Peyton, Craig and McRoberts were sent for, and examination immediately convinced them that the skull was badly crushed and was pressing on the brain. They knew that to relieve this pressure was the only hope to prolong his life but the operation had been postponed too long and Mr. Engleman died in the course of the evening. Meanwhile search was commenced for the negro, who, on learning the condition of his victim, had set out to make his escape; but the determination of those who had attempted his capture was too great for him and on the news being carried to Somerset and a reward offered, Messrs. S. T. Wolsey and J. F. Barker, set out up the railroad and succeeded in finding the negro in a shanty about two miles above town. They took him to town and next day brought him to this place and lodged him in jail; but there being grave apprehensions of summary punishment he waved an examining trial and was taken to the Junction and sent to the Jail at Richmond. The remains of Mr. Engleman were taken to his home and after a funeral sermon by the Rev. Mr. Smith, were consigned to the earth with the honors of Masonry, of which Order he was a consistent member. Deceased was about 70 years of age, and was well known throughout this country, and although possessed of peculiarities, was much liked and respected. His family have our warmest sympathy in their bereavement. [1]

---

[September 14, 1877] -

The murder of John Engleman, Sr., which occurred last Friday evening, has perhaps been heard of by many of your readers. The particulars are about as follows: On the evening mentioned, Mr. Engleman and his son Sam went up on the knobs to Henderson Young's store for a load of boards. Sam drove and his father rode on horse-back. While in front of Young's store loading their wagon, Jerry Brown, a very black, short, heavy-set negro about twenty-five years of age, came along driving a two horse wagon. He stopped and went in the store. When he came out and tried to start, his horses, being young, did not move off gently, but "cut up" a little. Mr E made some humorous remark to the negro, who retorted in an insolent manner. Just then his horses started, and this ended the matter for a short time. Mr. E's wagon was loaded and ready to go, so he mounted his horse and rode on, leaving Sam to drive the wagon. In some 300 or 400 yards Mr E overtook the negro and an altercation ensued. The party from whom our information is obtained was not near enough to hear what was said, but he could see from the motions of the two that angry words were passing. Pretty soon the negro whirled off his horse and stooped to pick up a rock. Mr. E. did the same, and then each started to meet the other. Mr. E either threw his rock or attempted to throw it, and in doing so fell on his hands and knees, being a very week, old man, 70 years or so of age, and while in this posture the negro sprang on him and struck him in the back of the head with his rock, mashing in the skull and then pushing him over on the ground. This done, he mounted his horse and drove on. Jos. Baugh near whose house the affair occurred, saw the latter part of it and shouted at the negro to stop, being too far away to reach the spot in time to prevent the deed. He assisted Mr. E to rise and then, after a little while, to mount his horse, which he rode several miles -- as far as Mat. Martin's -- where, overcome by sickness produced by the blow, he was compelled to stop. He was there attended by physicians who did all they could, but without avail, for he died on Saturday evening. Jerry Brown, the murderer, made his escape, but was overtaken and arrested in Pulaski county, near the Cumberland River, and brought back here early Monday morning and lodged in jail in Richmond. We are not informed as to when his examining trial will take place. [2]

---

[September 14, 1877] -

The negro, Jerry Brown, who killed Mr. John Engleman, Sr., was brought through Danville, last Monday, having been captured in Pulaski, the evening previous. He had got on the train at the [King's Mountain] Tunnel on Saturday night and got off at Somerset, and then returned some distance North on the railroad, where he was captured. He was evidently making off. He was badly frightened when we saw him. His appearance was not prepossessing. He has a villainous face, that indicated a brutal nature. He was a Virginia negro, and came to this country as a railroad laborer. He had recently been living with Dr. Barbour, near Hall's Gap. [3]

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[October 5, 1877] -

ACQUITTED. -- Geo. F. Russell was arrested last week and lodged in jail here on a charge of aiding and abetting in the murder of Mr. John Engleman. The case was postponed several times but was finally tried on Wednesday, when Russell was acquitted. The Commonwealth was ably represented in the case by Capt. W. G. Welch, and the defendant by Messrs. J. S. & R. W. Hocker, who did their duty nobly and well for him. [4]

---

[October 26, 1877] -

The case of Jerry Brown for the killing of Mr. John Engleman is set for to-day. [5]

---

[November 2, 1877] -

The case of Jerry Brown for the murder of John Engleman, was continued till next Court, and the Judge ordered him to be taken to Madison for safe keeping. [6]

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[March 22, 1878] -

CIRCUIT COURT.-- It is but little over three weeks till Circuit Court, and then comes the tug of war. There are five murder cases to be tried: Holmes, for the murder of Sheriff Napier; Saunders, for assassinating the colored preacher, Middleton; Morrison, for the murder of young Gooch, two years ago; Jerry Brown, colored, for the murder of Mr. John Engleman, and William Oakes, for assassinating 'Squire Petre. The prisoners at Louisville, and the one at Richmond, will be brought here, and we understand it is the intention of the authorities to employ a guard of a sufficient number that will serve during the whole trials. These will be armed with the needle guns and pistols, and will be on hand at all hours. We incline to the opinion that this will be a much better arrangement than for the Sheriff to have to hunt up a special guard for each day and night, and besides it will be infinitely more satisfactory to the public generally. Of course there is no great fears of any attempt at rescue, but forewarned is forearmed, and our officers are going to profit by the experience of the past. Affairs are in good shape in this county now, and it only remains for the Jurors in the coming Court to remember their oaths and punish the offenders to the full extent of the law. We have heard of a number of cases where Juries, through fear or favor, have acquitted criminals, or what is nearly as bad, hung, and allowed the murderer to go at large. Don't let this be repeated, but show the officers you are for a full execution of the laws by doing your own duty. []

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[April 19, 1878] -

There is considerable indignation among the officers here at the refusal of Governor McCreary to furnish a company of Militia, when he was requested to do so by them. His response that he would send troops if any emergency should arise. did not help the case much, as after the emergency had arisen there would be no time to wait for them to come from Frankfort and do any good here. There were much better grounds for Militia to be sent here than there were in the Grove Kennedy case. There then was only one man to try, against whom public sentiment was strong--here we have six murder cases. All have friends, and it happens that all who were friends of Kennedy; besides, legions of others, are interested in these cases. A negro, for the murder of Mr. John Engleman, a wealthy and influential citizen, and related to a majority of the people in the county, is on trial. His sons, relatives and friends feel very rightly a serious indignation against him, and there is considerable fear felt for his safety. A combination of the friends of the prisoners could be formed that would be a most formidable one, and one that strangers and well-drilled men could resist much better than men who know all the parties in the various cases. Besides the prisoners, the witnesses in some of the cases express great fears of their own safety, and a number of them are kept constantly under guard. We are not prepared to say that there will be any outburst, but there are sufficient grounds for the cautious to believe so, and, should any occur, and the majority of the law overthrown, Governor McCreary will stand in a most unenviable attitude. If troops were needed to guard Grove Kennedy, with one-tenth the number of friends and supporters that the prisoners here have, the Governor can give no reason whatever for not answering the call for assistance. [8]

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[April 19, 1878] -

The particulars of the killing of old man Engleman by Jerry Brown, colored, in September last, are so fresh in the minds of most of our readers that we regard it useless now to give them. This case was called on Wednesday about 10 o'clock, and after the examination of 55 persons a jury was obtained. The Commonwealth was represented by Judge Geo. Denny, Hon. W. O. Bradley, Messrs. J. S. & R. W. Hocker, and the prisoner by Judge M. C. Saufley and Col. T. P. Hill, the latter two appointed by the Court. The case was ably argued on both sides and submitted to the jury at 6 o'clock last evening. They did not agree on the first ballot so the Judge gave them into the custody of the Sheriff. They will probably present a verdict this morning. [9]

---

[April 26, 1878] -

The Jury in the case of Jerry Brown, negro, for the killing of Mr. John Engleman, rendered a verdict of manslaughter on Friday morning last, and fixed his punishment at seven years in the Penitentiary. [10]

----------------- SOURCES ----------------

[1] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] Excerpt from "Lincoln County." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[4] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 5, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt 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-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[7] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 22, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-03-22/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 19, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[9] Excerpt from "[Lincoln] Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 19, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 26, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-26/ed-1/seq-3/

Tangents, 1890 - 1899

2020-04-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

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
CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME
REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE
FEUDING
ALCOHOL AND CRIME
SOMERSET MUNICIPAL USURPATION OF OFFICE
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 "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 7, 1890. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1890-03-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 7, 1890] -

Mr. J. W. Miller informs us that he has been appointed by the court to run out the line between Rockcastle and Pulaski. This is to determine where the line should really be as there has been some dispute regarding the matter for some years. Mr. Miller says from late surveys and maps by the Geological Survey he believes from 30,000 to 20,000 acres will be thrown into Rockcastle that are now listed in Pulaski. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 1, 1890. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1890-04-01/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 1, 1890] -

Before adjourning the jury handed the following report to his honor, Judge Morrow:

We find that the wall of the Courthouse facing on Lancaster street, to be considerably sprung, and in our opinion unsafe, the cornice in bad condition and the plastering in circuit and county court-rooms badly in need of repair. We find the back door to hall of Court-House broken down and lock to county court room useless. We find the wood work of the jailer's residence in need of paint and sash to windows in bad condition and fencing around said residence out of repair. J. T. Rose, Foreman. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 13, 1890. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1890-05-13/ed-1/seq-1/

[May 13, 1890] -

James W. Miller, civil engineer and deputy county clerk of this place [Mt. Vernon], dropped near Level Green Friday evening. Mr. Miller had been appointed a special commissioner by the court to survey the disputed line between Rockcastle and Pulaski counties. He had been at the work about three weeks and had run one line and was returning with the second when death overtook him. Apoplexy is supposed to have caused his untimely taking off. Mr. Miller was an expert engineer and a talented young man, a good newspaper writer and had filled several responsible positions. His remains were brought here [Mt. Vernon] Saturday and interred in the cemetery. []

----

[] "Boundary of Voting Precincts." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 23, 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-09-23/ed-1/seq-1/

[September 23, 1892] -

detailed legal description boundaries of Lincoln county voting precincts, two and half columns long

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[] Excerpt from "The General Assembly." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 10, 1892. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-06-10/ed-1/seq-2/

[June 10, 1892] -

It is to be hoped that the petition presented by Hon. John S. May, from the citizens of Pulaski, Wayne and Whitley counties, asking for the establishment of a new county to be known as Coal county, and to be composed of portions of Pulaski, Wayne and Whitley, will be set down on with a dull thud. There are too many pauper counties now. []

---

[] Excerpts from "Pulaski's Capital, Politics, &c." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 26, 1897. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1897-10-26/ed-1/seq-1/

[October 26, 1897] -

The [Somerset] Opera House is indeed an elegant play house and its name -- The Gem -- is a most appropriate one. It has a seating capacity of 800, not including the boxes, which are very popular. Messrs. Hail, Claunch & Ogden pay $60 per month for it and will make money if their patronage is as good in the future as it has been in the past.

Somerset hardly looks like herself without saloons. The anti-prohibitionists claim that a great deal of whisky is still sold there, but I saw no evidence of it. A big crowd was in town Saturday and if there was a single drunken man I didn't see him.

The telephone fever has struck Somerset and there are few towns which have better service in that line. There are 100 or more instruments in town while the whole county is traversed by the lines. The price per instrument is only $1.50 per month, which is a fourth less than the Stanford company charges. []

---

[] Excerpts from "Somerset, Politics, Big Court and Other Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 28, 1898. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1898-10-28/ed-1/seq-1/

[October 28, 1898] -

As is the case about 99 times out of 100, the fire Somerset suffered the first of the year was of benefit to her. In the place of the old-fashioned structures that went up in smoke splendid business houses are now completed and the proud little city is wonderfully improved in appearance. Another handsome brick building is being finished up, which further aids to the looks of public square. There only remain a few frame buildings on the square and if fire does not remove them soon, it is hoped that the owners will and put modern houses in their stead.

At last Somerset has adopted standard time -- something she should have done years ago. The day of two times in a single town is rapidly dying out. []

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING
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[] Excerpt from "." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 29, 1892. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-29/ed-1/seq-4/

[April 29, 1892] -

advantages of murderers in the courts, left col

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CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME
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[] Excerpt from "." Richmond Climax, Richmond, KY. August 13, 1890. Page 2.

[August 13, 1890] -

There is too much killing in Kentucky. Human life is cheaper than beef or pork. Is there no remedy for the crying disgrace which murderers are daily heaping upon proud old Kentucky's reputation? Are we to be regarded as a people who turn our attention to homicide or to the peaceful pursuits of life? -- Danville Advocate. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 3. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 25, 1891. Page 4. LOC.

[December 25, 1891] -

Early in the present year the Chicago Tribune made an investigation for the purpose of informing itself in regard to the matter and among the points brought out were these: The number of murders and homicides in the United States, reported in newspapers during the year 1800, was 4,200, classified as follows: Quarrels, 2,184; jealousy 396; liquor 486; by highwaymen, 216; highwaymen killed, 74; insanity, 59; infanticide, 167; resisting arrest, 149; strikes, 1; self defence, 67; outrage 25; duels 1; unknown 464. The number of legal executions reported was 102. Of these 43 were white persons, 59 colored and six Indians. All of the executions were for murder except four, of which one was for rape, one for incest and two for arson. The number of lynchings reported was 126, of which one was a woman, 31 were whites, 90 were blacks, four were Indians and one was a Mexican. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 1. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 5, 1892. Page 2. LOC.

[January 5, 1892] -

The Chicago Tribune, which has used every effort to procure correct information, says that there were 5,906 murders in the United States in 1891, and yet there were but 123 legal executions, Kentucky furnishing two. The lynchings number 195, six of the victims being females. Of the lynchings 11 occurred in Kentucky and nearly half of all of them were for outrages committed on women. Of the murders 2,820 were caused by quarrels and 877 were directly due to liquor, while we suppose nine-tenths of all of them were more or less due to the latter cause. The record, is a terrible one and it grows more so with each year. About 6,000 murders and only 318 hangings for all causes! With such odds in their favor is it any wonder that red-handed murderers stalk abroad at noon day and pursue their occupation of carnage? The old Mosaic law, which demanded a life for a life and which is on most of the law books of the present day, ought to be enforced to the letter. Human life is too cheap and the courts and juries seem to combine in making it even cheaper. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 29, 1892. Page 2. LOC.

[January 29, 1892] -

The dark and bloody ground has one redeeming county at least -- Johnson -- and its name should be written in letters of gold and pictures of silver. She has not had a murder in 40 years. In that time our own fair county of Lincoln has had over 100, murders nearly all, but they have generally been given as simple homicides. []

---

[] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 23, 1896. Page 5. LOC.

[October 23, 1896] -

For the first time for many moons there is no murder case on the docket of the circuit court. This tribunal convenes next Monday with only 49 Commonwealth cases, most of them for misdemeanors, 27 ordinary appearances, 33 equity appearances, 40 old ordinary and 141 old equity. There are seven petitions for divorce. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 1. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 5, 1897. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1897-03-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 5, 1897] -

God save the Commonwealth. Her record of unprovoked murders is a blot on her name and a disgrace to a civilized age. []

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REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 11, 1897. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1897-06-11/ed-1/seq-4/

[June 11, 1897] -

anti-mob law? guards at toll gates? (2nd half of col 2)

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FEUDING

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[] "Feud and Vendetta." The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, KY. November 16 1892. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/1892-11-16/ed-1/seq-1/

[November 16, 1892] -

FEUD AND VENDETTA.

FAMILY WARS THAT HAVE CONTINUED FOR GENERATIONS.

Conflicts in Kentucky Which Involved Whole Counties--They Are Rapidly Dying Out Before Civilization's Advance. Records of Some Families.

Relics of antiquity are always highly prized, and it is doubtless for that reason that we cherish an interest in the few family feuds that linger on in civilization's track as reminders of the barbarism of our distant forefathers. They are unique now and worthy of the newspaper reader's especial attention, because of their rarity, though there was a time when they were so common that except where the station of the participants was high, as in the case of the Marmion-Douglas row, or where there was some frill of romance attached, as in the Montague-Capulet quarrel, the gossiping chroniclers of the day made no more mentio of them than a newspaper nowadays does of a plain murder. That time was in the good days of old when knights were bold, and a baron differed from a bandit only in the extent of his stealings of the people. So far as they have existed in the United States they have been most prevalent in the mountains of Kentucky.

The lurid glory of the Kentucky feud has departed. The last echoes of the old quarrels are dying away in the haunts of the survivors, and a new order of things has come in eastern Kentucky, so long scourged by these bloody and brutal vendettas. The crack of the Winchester is still heard, and fights continue more numerous than prayer meetings. There may be occasional outbreaks for years to come, but the day of the full grown feud has vanished.

The unsympathetic law and the uncongenial touch of civilization, with its railroads, and its land syndicates, and its town builders have dispelled the old conditions that nurtured the feud. The old leaders are dead, or in prison, or living in peace. Craig Tolliver is dead. Boone Logan and the Youngs are practicing law. Andy Johnson is a capitalist. The Yellow Creekers have become land speculators or gone west. Wils Jennings and the Hatfields are in the penitentiary. Joe Eversole has been killed. A saw log dispatched Jerry Little. "General" Sowders is a quiet citizen, and his old enemy, Alvis Turner, is slain.

Ten years ago Governor Knott treated the feudsmen of Rowan county as belligerent nations, and invited the leaders down to Louisville to make a treaty of peace under his benign auspices. Today the most powerful leader in any mountain quarrel is held to answer before the Clark county circuit court for his crimes, like any other ordinary law breaker. The contrast represents the changed attitude of the people toward the feud.

There have been almost innumerable feuds in Kentucky, but those which has lasted longest, involved the greatest number of people and claimed most victims becoming remarkable as anomalous outbreaks of crime of this period of civilization, were eight in number. They were the Turner-Sizemore feud, in Knox county; the Strong and Little feuds in Breathitt county; the Martin-Tolliver war, in Rowan county; the Turner-Sowders feud, in Bell county; the Turner-Howard quarrel, in Hardin county; the Hatfield-McCoy feud, on the West Virginia border, in Pike county, and the French-Eversole war, in Perry county.

There was no foolishness about any of these affairs. They were not the simple primitive forays of Bitter Creek terrors. They were regular wars involving altogether many hundreds of men, and with a death roll counting well up into the hundreds. They terrorized entire counties, put a stop to all business but that of killing, drove scores of people permanently from their homes, held the civil power at bay and required frequent calls upon the military strength of the state in order that courts might be held at all. They have cost the state several hundred thousands of dollars, and have put an almost ineffaceable blot upon its reputation.

When the lawless spirit in the Kentucky mountains had its beginning and how would be difficult to say. Thousands of square miles of mountain region; with no settlements larger than mere hamlets; with the nearest railroad sometimes more than a hundred miles away; with almost no communication with the outside world, and with a population shut in by rugged mountains to its own devices, offered a favorable soil for the germination of petty quarrels, which soon grew into ugly feuds.

Large family connections are the rule in the mountains, where the boys and girls marry in their teens, and when a feudsman called his clan to battle they started up, like men of Rhoderick Dlin, from every bush and stump. There were no cares of business to distract attention from the quarrels. Most of the people are farmers, who need to work but little on their hilly patches to raise the little that they require, leaving them abundant leisure for the serious business of fighting.

Feuds probably existed before the war, but we have heard little of them if they did. The familiarity with scenes of bloodshed which many thousand mountaineers acquired while serving against the rebellion--for the section was overwhelmingly Union in sentiment--doubtless had much to do with the subsequent fuller development of the feud into something unique in its line They made good soldiers, but they didn't know when to quit fighting. From sire to son the passion for tumult and bloodshed has been transmitted, and some of the most dangerous outlaws in the mountains have been boys under twenty, while most of the leaders in the greatest of the feuds have been under thirty years of age. -- St. Louis Globe-Democrat. []

---

[] "Hard On the Feudal Fighters." The Hazel Green Herald, Hazel Green, KY. March 3, 1893. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86063242/1893-03-03/ed-1/seq-1/

[March 3, 1893] -

Hard On the Feudal Fighters.

An Eastern Kentucky correspondent--perhaps one of these enterprising news bureaus that have undertaken to keep the feuds running riot in newspaper columns, if no where else--has again worked the Eastern press on the venerable old story about the dramatic termination of the Hatfield-McCoy feud by the marriage of Miss McCoy to a scion of the rival clan. No accurate account has been kept, but it is thought that this same marriage has terminated this same feud at least a dozen times in the last four years. As usual the marriage happened "a few days since," and this time the feud had been "raging for thirty years." The attempt to weave a romance about the Kentucky feuds is too absurd to succeed. There is nothing romantic or heroic about them. They are simply brawls between ignorant, vicious, idle, drunken vagabonds and loafers, who would usually rather shoot each other sneakingly from ambush than participate in a stand-up fight. The feud-fighter of the mountains is merely a degraded brute. There is no heroism or romance about him or his cowardly crimes, notwithstanding the vast amount of slushy fiction that has been worked up over him by enterprising space writers. -- Courier Journal. []

---

[] Daily Public Ledger, Maysville, KY. August 5, 1899. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069117/1899-08-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 5, 1899] -

on feuds

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ALCOHOL AND CRIME
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[] Excerpt from Column 3. Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. March 25, 1898. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1898-03-25/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 25, 1898] -

Last Saturday seven cases were tried in County Court and six convictions were secured -- mostly liquor cases. It is a foregone conclusion that the Court will break up the liquor business throughout the county as well as giving its attention to all manner of offenses against the laws. The Court is not vindictive in its work but treats impartially without fear or favor every case brought before it. Old Rockcastle is climbing right out of the ruts. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 15, 1898. Page 6. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1898-04-15/ed-1/seq-6/

[April 15, 1898] -

All but one of the blind tigers of the town have been closed by Judge Williams. One of the chief proprietors said he would not have been put in jail but for the work of the ladies. Yes, there is a strong temperance sentiment here and the women are not afraid to work and pray for "God and Home and Native Land." The beautiful example set by Miss Christine Bradley was heartily approved by the Mt. Vernon Union. []

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SOMERSET MUNICIPAL USURPATION OF OFFICE
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[] "Old Board Holds." The Courier Journal, Louisville, Ky. January 7, 1894. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[January 7, 1894] -

OLD BOARD HOLDS.

Injunction Proceedings Dismissed at Somerset For Want of Jurisdiction.

Somerset, Ky., Jan. 6. -- (Special.) -- The injunction proceedings against the old board brought by the Board of Councilmen who contend that they were elected at the last November election as City Councilmen of the city of Somerset were decided this morning by Judge T. Z. Morrow, of the Circuit Court, and the injunction was dismissed for want of jurisdiction. The case was not on the regular docket, but has taken up several night sessions of the court, and has been hard fought on both sides.

This leaves the old Board of Council in charge of the city, with the following other city officials: T. R. Griffin, Mayor; A. A. Lewis, Police Judge; J. P. Hornaday, City Attorney; R. O. Hughes, Chief of Police; J. H. Wheelock, City Clerk; A. M. Mounce, Assessor, and J. A. McGee, Treasurer. The plaintiffs were represented by O. H. Waddle and W. C. Curd. The defendants, or old Council, were represented by Hon. W. A. Morrow and J. P. Hornaday. []

---

Excerpt from Column 1. Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY. January 9, 1894. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[January 9, 1894] -

Somerset has two Councils and two [sets?] of city officers, as a result of the [con]fusion that caused similar trouble [in] Frankfort, Hopkinsville, Lebanon [an]d other cities. The Republican Circuit Judge at Somerset has dismissed an injunction, leaving the old Board of Republicans in office. []

---

Excerpt from "Newsy Notes." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 9, 1894. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1894-01-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 9, 1894] -

The newly elected council of Somerset failed to oust the old one, notwithstanding the fact suit was brought asking that they be enjoined from taking office. Judge Morrow dismissed the case and the old board and officers of the town will continue to hold on. []

---

Excerpt from Column 3. The Evening Bulletin, Maysville, KY. April 14, 1894. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[April 14, 1894] -

Members of the City Council of Somerset and most of the other officials of the place have been indicted for usurpation of office. The Council refused to order an election last fall, and old members are trying to hold over for two years. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Here and There." Hopkinsville Kentuckian, Hopkinsville, KY. April 24, 1894. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069395/1894-04-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 24, 1894] -

Another chapter in the history of the fourth class town charters was made by the Pulaski Circuit Court grand jury last week when it indicted the six members of the City Council and the major portion of the officers they have elected and who are now in authority, for usurpation of office. The issue will be tried at this term of court, and its results will be awaited with unusual interest, owing to the great importance it sustains to the city's welfare. []

---

[] "The Old Council Will Stand." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. April 24, 1894. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[April 24, 1894] -

The Old Council Will Stand.

Somerset, Ky., April 23, -- (Special.) -- The indictments against J. T. Powell, Councilman, and the Board of City Council for usurpation of office were tried in the Circuit Court to-day, resulting in a verdict in favor of defendants. The present Board of Council is the old hold-over board, and was indicted at the instance of the new, but illegally elected board, which wants the place. The trial will settle the entire controversy, and leaves the old Council and their appointees in full control of the city. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Evening Bulletin, Maysville, KY. April 25, 1894. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[April 25, 1894] -

The members of the City Council of Somerset, indicted for usurpation of office some time ago, were tried this week and were acquitted. []

---

[] Excerpt from "." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 21, 1898. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1898-01-21/ed-1/seq-1/

[January 21, 1898] -

It is said that Somerset's long drawn out municipal fight which has been the cause of several murders and many estrangements, is about to be amicably settled. []

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NEWSPAPER META

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 21, 1892. Page 6. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-10-21/ed-1/seq-6/

[October 21, 1892] -

ALFRED ALCORN LEWIS.

On another page of this edition we print a picture of a very distinguished editor and above we present that of a very remarkable one. He is one of the few republicans who has ever resigned an office, and is therefore a curiosity. Mr. Lewis was getting $5 a day from the government, but gave it up to resume the editorship of the Somerset Republican, which recently suspended.

He was born in this county of democratic parents, who raised him in the nurture and admonition of that good old doctrine, but he went astray in early life and we fear there is no helpin him. He is a dashing, fearless kind of a fellow and will make the journalistic field in Somerset lively enough. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Some Notes From Somerset." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 31, 1893. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-03-31/ed-1/seq-1/

[March 31, 1893] -

The [Somerset] Reporter, John S. VanWinkle editor and proprietor, will soon move into new quarters, diagonally across the street from its present location. Mr. VanWinkle is very much pleased with the newspaper business and is quite popular with the Pulaskians. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 16, 1894. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1894-01-16/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 16, 1894] -

The Somerset Paragon is the latest newspaper venture in the town, which has seen the rise and fall of many newspapers. The initial number is newsy and interesting and if the succeeding issues shall be as good, there may be room for it, if any republican paper can live in that benightedly republican section. The names of the editors are not given, but it is understood that Judge James Denton is editor, with A. A. Lewis as assistant. J. K. Sewell, who worked in this office in its tenderer years, is foreman. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Somerset, Politics, Big Court and Other Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 28, 1898. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1898-10-28/ed-1/seq-1/

[October 28, 1898] -

The [Somerset] Reporter has changed hands. Mr. Barnett, who was defeated for the nomination for jailer, and Kirk Boone, a brother of Editor Sam Boone, have become owners and will run it "wide-open republican." I predict that Mr. A. A. Lewis, who has had years of experience, will start a democratic paper and do a good business. []

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MISCELLANEOUS

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[] Excerpt from "Danville and Vicinity." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. February 11, 1890. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[February 11, 1890] -

The marriage of the season will be consummated at six o'clock (this Tuesday) evening at the Broaway Baptist church. Then will it be that Mr. Samuel J. Harlan and Miss Florence Thomas Slaughter shall be made man and wife. Madam Rumor has for a long time had this couple in the line of promotion and now their friends here and elsewhere are upon the eager tiptoe of expectancy waiting for the liquid notes of the wedding march and the music of the preacher's voice, which shall pronounce them man wife, amid hundreds of amens and congratulations. More than five hundred invitations were sent out and it is evident that the little church around the corner will not hold one-half the people who will wish to see the marriage ceremony performed. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Brodhead." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 1, 1893. Page 6. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-09-01/ed-1/seq-6/

[September 1, 1893] -

A crowd of men and women passed through town Sunday morning and about 2 P.M. a pursuing sheriff's posse passed. They were overtaken at Bee Lick, near the Pulaski line, but the ones they were hunting for were not captured. Two Wilsons were in the crowd, but both succeeded in escaping. They caught Rusty Champ and shot Henry Mullins, who were hauling the crowd. Two stolen saddles were found in the wagon. They took the men back to the Richmond jail. The two Wilsons were again attacked on Tuesday morning by a crowd of Rockcastle and Pulaski citizens and 10 or 15 shots were fired, but both got away. The crowd ran upon them again in the evening when they succeeded in arresting one of them, who gave his name as Robert Wilson. The older one got away, but the citizens of Woodstock are still looking for him. []

---

[] Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 30, 1894. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1894-01-30/ed-1/seq-1/
obit of Col. C. O. Bradley's mother

---

[] Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 24, 1894. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1894-08-24/ed-1/seq-1/

james maret's brother killed in mexico?

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[] March 11, 1896. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069161/1896-03-11/ed-1/seq-3/

lengthy interesting obituary about a madison county man named Warren Harris, spent time in kansas, early settler of kentucky

---

Tangents, 1880 - 1889

2020-03-06T21:40:00.001-05:00

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. []

---

[] 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. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 22, 1884. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-02-22/ed-1/seq-4/

[February 22, 1884] -

Three years ago, Mr. Procter, State Geologist, started from Frankfort with Mr. Otto Brunner to locate the first colony. It was since developed into the thrifty Swiss Colony of Burnstadt, in Laurel county, with 450 souls in the colony proper, and a still larger number scattered through the county. There are besides this six other colonies: The Swana Swiss Colony, in Lincoln; the Highland German Colony, in Lincoln; the Strasburg Colony, Rhenish, in Laurel; the New Austria Colony, in Boyle; the Pine Hill Salsburg Colony, in Rockcastle; and the Templar Spring Colony, Swedes, in Edmonson. The number of thrifty immigrants who have settled in Kentucky through the efforts of Mr. Procter is much larger without than within these colonies, the total number reaching many thousands, while each colony or family becomes a nucleus for other immigrants. --(Yeoman. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 4, 1887. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1887-03-04/ed-1/seq-1/

[March 4, 1887] -

It was thought the postoffice named Wabd was a rather peculiar name, but Disputanta, one of Mr. D. N. Williams' christening, in this [Rockcastle] county, about comes up with it. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 10, 1888. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1888-01-10/ed-1/seq-1/

[January 10, 1888] -

As predicted, in our correspondence sometime since, the roads are almost impassable. Had they been looked after during the summer months it would have been different. Our jack-leg statesmen, thro' our member of Legislature, are to blame for nearly all of this business. But a few roads in this [Rockcastle] county have been worked in the last two years. Where are the working people now? In the mud. Thus it goes. If Sam Ward don't look after the road interests of our county in having some law enacted, or the old one restored during this session, we for one vote for his following his ducks, which went --- --- off to a warmer climate. []

[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 30, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 30, 1880] -

first column, 3rd or 4th article abt legislature wanting to let loose prisoners to alleviate crowding at penitentiary

---

[] "Crime in Kentucky." The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, KY. December 6, 1882. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/1882-12-06/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 6, 1882] -

law must be enforced, includes some statistics

---

[] Excerpt from "." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 7, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-12-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 7, 1883] -

editorial on crime, murder conviction rates, ineffective jury laws

---

[] Excerpt from "Legislative Doings." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 18, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-01-18/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 18, 1884] -

The Committee on General Statutes reported adversely upon a bill to repeal the law providing that in murder cases and jury may at its discretion fix death or imprisonment for life as the penalty. The idea was to dispense with life imprisonment in such cases. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 17, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-06-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[June 17, 1884] -

article top of second column talking about the failure of the courts and the necessity for mob violence

---

[] Excerpt from Column 1. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 3, 1885. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1885-03-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[] "Some Comments on the Neal Reprieve." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 6, 1885. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1885-03-06/ed-1/seq-1/

stay of execution motivated lynch mob(s) in neal case

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 30, 1887. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1887-12-30/ed-1/seq-1/

[December 30, 1887] -

This important decision was handed down by the Court of Appeals recently: Where one may kill in his own defense because of danger, either real or apparent, an other may do so for him; but one who thus interferes is guilty of murder if the person in whose defense he acts was in fault. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 20, 1888. Page 1. LOC.

[January 20, 1888] -

If every paper in Kentucky should resolve that no murderer is one of our most respected citizens and that the sentiment of the entire community has nothing to do with the fact of a killing, the state would be in a better way when it entered upon the first year of the century's last decade. The laws are well enough. They acquit no criminals. It is the intelligent jury, backed by the fearless press, which does the work. -- (Lebanon Standard. []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 27, 1888. Page 2. LOC.

[January 27, 1888] -

There is a great deal of sentimental gush being printed now about the most humane and painless manner of disposing of criminals doomed to die. In the meantime the bloody murderers continue to get rid of their victims in any horrible manner that they may conceive. When they adopt a more humane method of murder it will be time enough to consider the easiest manner of their own taking off. Hanging is good enough and too good for the average murderer. Burning at the stake would cover some cases better. []

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PARDONS

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 23, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 23, 1880] -

first column, about governor pardons on sick/dying and pardons for no good reason

---

[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 9, 1880. Page 2. LOC.

[April 9, 1880] -

Governor Blackburn continues to turn his machine and grind out on an average of a pardon a day. Thus are the courts thwarted, the country is flooded with red-handed criminals and everybody is damaged except the assistant Secretary of State who gets his $2 every time a pardon is granted or a fine remitted. How long, oh Lord, are we to endure such flagrant violations of the true intent of pardoning power? []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 9, 1880. Page 2. LOC.

[April 9, 1880] -

The Pulaski Circuit sent seven prisoners to the Penitentiary, but the in[dividual?] who is imbued with the idea that the people elected him to turn the pardon machine solely, set two of them loose before they even darkened the doors of the institution. []

---

[] "Pardons Everywhere." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 30, 1880. Page 1. LOC.

[April 30, 1880] -

Pardons Everywhere.

Even the woods appear to be full of pardons. One Charles Corbin was placed in the Falmouth jail to serve out a sentence of fifty days imprisonment and fifty dollars fine. A few days after his incarceration he escaped, but the jailer camped on his trail for three or four months and finally captured the fugitive -- with the Governor's pardon in his pocket. It will soon be so that the outside world will accept no man's assurance that he is a Kentuckian, begawd sir, unless he can produce a pardon or a colonel's commission. --[Bowling Green Intelligencer. []

---

[] "Our Simple-minded Old Governor." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 20, 1880. Page 1. LOC.

[August 20, 1880] -

Our Simple-minded Old Governor

AN OUTSIDE OPINION. -- Too much Blackburn in Kentucky, and some to spare from Congress. -- [Port Gibson (Miss.) Reveille.

Dr. Blackburn, who by virtue of a mistake of the Democracy of this Commonwealth, sits in the Gubernatorial chair at Frankfort, has taken it upon himself to attack the country newspapers who have dared to criticise the official venality of His High Mightiness. --(Flemingsburg Times. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 12, 1880. Page 2. LOC.

[November 12, 1880] -

An item is going the rounds that Governor Blackburn has offered $150 for the capture of a certain murderer. He must be getting hard up for somebody to pardon, when he has to resort to such an expedient. []

---

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POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CRIME
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[] "The K. K. K.'s." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 23, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 23, 1880] -

The K. K. K.'s -- We learn from a gentlemen just returned from Mt. Vernon that there does not exist so much of a Democratic feeling for or a Republican feeling against Grove Kennedy as there is of a Ku-Klux and anti-Ku-Klux sentiment. If a Ku-Klux jury is obtained an acquittal is assured, while if an anti-Ku-Klux tries the case they will convict, no matter what the evidence. Can't the Governor step in, stop the foolishness and cut off the tremendous expense? []

---

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 28, 1881. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-10-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 28, 1881] -

killing of a dog or horse gets more attention than a man, laments lincoln co judge. second column under court

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[] "Kentucky Crime." The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, KY. January 30, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/1884-01-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 30, 1884] -

editorial on crime, need for public perception to change in order for murder to decrease

=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 16, 1880. Page 2. LOC.

[January 16, 1880] -

Rockcastle floats into the New Year as gently and peaceably as though there were no blood stains on the pages of her history. After all there were but three homicides in the county during 1879. It is to hoped there will be few killings this year. In good truth there is nobody left worth killing. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 11, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-11/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 11, 1881] -

The county [Rockcastle] is singularly quiet. There has been no blood shed, no fights and no disturbances (except a little drunkenness) since the beginning of the year. It is hoped that this State of affairs will continue. Where peace abideth there is to be found considerably more of happiness. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-18/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 18, 1881] -

Our county [Rockcastle] jail is empty, but that fact by no means indicates that it ought not to be full. []

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[] Excerpt from "Mt. Vernon Department." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 3, 1882. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-01-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 3, 1882] -

The holidays are ended, and nobody was killed in Rockcastle. There were very few disturbances reported and they amounted to nothing. Verily, we are becoming a peaceable people. Bully for us! []

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[] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 14, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-02-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 14, 1882] -

SIXTY PERSONS KILLED. -- Mrs. S. S. Myers, who came here in 1875, informs us that he has kept a count of the murders and killing in Lincoln county since his arrival, and that the two that are chronicled in this issue, make the alarming total of sixty. It is hardly necessary to comment. We must have some hanging by the law if we can, or by Judge Lynch if we cannot. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, KY. January 3, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/1883-01-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 3, 1883] -

From the number of killings that occurred in this state Christmas day and night, it seems that Kentuckians imagine that the proper way to celebrate the murdered Savior's birthday is with murder. []

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[] Excerpt from "Notes of Current Events." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 5, 1883. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-10-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 5, 1883] -

On the docket of the Pulaski Circuit Court there are five murder cases and over two hundred civil suits. []

[] Excerpt from "Livingston, Rockcastle County." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 19, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-08-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 19, 1884] -

Nearly all our citizens, including the ladies, are being summoned to appear before the grand jury at Mt. Vernon. The Commonwealth seems to be pretty hard up when it can't get enough men to suppress the sale of whisky and carrying concealed weapons and have to call on the ladies. We are greatly in hopes that after the adjournment of the grand jury, we shall have less drunkenness, shooting and profanity. It has become really dangerous for a lady to go the post office alone. []

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REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE

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[] Excerpt from "." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 7, 1885. Page 3 LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1885-08-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[August 7, 1885] -

blurred line between mob violence of lynch mob and desperadoes

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ALCOHOL

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[] Excerpt from "The General Assembly." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 19, 1886. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-02-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 19, 1886] -

Mr. Ramsey, of Laurel, wants the blind tigers suppressed. Sam Burdett, who ought to know, says a blind tiger is a mountain bar-room that has no proprietor. You go in, put your money on a revolving shelf; it disappears and in a few minutes a glass of whisky makes its appearance. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Mountain Signal, Mount Vernon, KY. February 24, 1888. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069560/1888-02-24/ed-1/seq-5/

[February 24, 1888] -

"Rambo," said Baldwin, "what is the reason you drink your beer and whisky through a straw nowadays?" "I promised my dear little wife last New Year's Day," replied Rambo, feelingly, "that I would never touch my lips to the intoxicating cup again and I'm a man of my word, Baldwin." []

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http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-04-04/ed-1/seq-3/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-04-11/ed-1/seq-3/ rockcastle

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-04-11/ed-1/seq-3/ laurel

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-05-02/ed-1/seq-4/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-07-11/ed-1/seq-1/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-07-11/ed-1/seq-3/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-08-26/ed-1/seq-2/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-09-12/ed-1/seq-3/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069394/1884-12-09/ed-1/seq-2/

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http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1889-06-25/ed-1/seq-1/

prohibition v. high license

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Excerpt from Column 1. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 30, 1889. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1889-04-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 30, 1889] -

Editor Cress, of the Mt. Vernon Signal, describes his town as a hell upon earth, with whisky sold in open defiance of the law and night made hideous by drunken revelries, and calls loudly upon the officers to do their duty. Officers can't do it all. A public sentiment must be created making the dealers in the illegal traffic outcasts and their business odious. Whenever the people are in earnest about the execution of a law it is generally executed, officers or no officers. []

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NEWSPAPER META

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Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 29, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-02-29/ed-1/seq-2/

1884 article about the novelty of old newspapers

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[] Excerpt from "Notes of Current Events." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 2, 1884. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-09-02/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 2, 1884] -

The Somerset Reporter has suspended, owing to the foreclosure of a mortgage on it. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 5, 1884. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-12-05/ed-1/seq-5/

[December 5, 1884] -

The newsiest sheet we have seen in many a day is the new Somerset Telegraph. Some one took the copy sent this office before we had time to see who are the editors, though we learn that J. G. Hail, well known here [Stanford] is one of them. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 10, 1885. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1885-02-10/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 10, 1885] -

PULASKI. -- The Somerset Telegraph is now owned and edited by Mr. T. B. Coppage, Mr. James G. Hail having sold out to him. []

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MISCELLANEOUS

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[] "Storm at Pittsburg." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-03-28/ed-1/seq-3/

tornado/cyclone in Pittsburg, Laurel county 1884

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1884-03-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 28, 1884] -

The House has made it a crime to sell, or offer to sell, any paper, book or periodical the chief feature or characteristic of which is to record the commission of crimes, to display by cuts or illustrations crimes committed, the actors, pictures of criminals, desperadoes, fugitives from justice, and cuts or illustrations of men and women in improper dress, lewd and unbecoming positions or men and women influenced by liquors, drugs or simulants. []

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[] Excerpt from "Garrard County Department -- Lancaster." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 10, 1885. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1885-02-10/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 10, 1885] -

During our Circuit Court, just adjourned, James Schooler, a young colored man, applied for license to practice law. Messrs. Kauffman and Herndon were appointed to examine him. He passed a credible examination in the first volume of Blackstone, but as he had not read his second volume, the examiners advised him to wait six months before pressing his application. He took their advice and will probably be admitted to the bar next time. []

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http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1889-08-16/ed-1/seq-1/

antebellum kentucky county court day, quoted from harpers magazine

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Tangents, 1870 - 1879

2020-02-28T13:08:00.002-05:00

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. []

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[] Excerpt from "From Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 17, 1873. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-01-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 17, 1873] -

Our county [Rockcastle] is to have a new court house. The court of claims appropriated sixteen thousand dollars for its construction. The contract will be let out in the spring. It is to be built of brick on the site of the old one. The enterprise reflects credit upon the officers of the county, and meets the unanimous approbation of the tax-payers of the county. We think Livingston station has a company of soldiers. It is thought for the purpose of checking illicit distilling. Look out "moonshiners." []

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[] Excerpt from "From Rockcastle." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 13, 1873. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-06-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 13, 1873] -

Mt. Vernon, Ky., June 10, 1873.

On last Saturday evening the derrick, which had been erected a few hours previous, for hoisting heavy stone for the erection of the court-house, fell. Two of the hands were slightly injured, making a very narrow escape with their lives. The foundation rocks are now being put down. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski Column." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 11, 1873. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-07-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[July 11, 1873] -

Somerset, Ky., July 7th, 1873.

We hear many of our citizens complaining of the filthy condition of certain localities in our town, and in their behalf, we must again urge the board of trustees to look to the cleanliness of our streets, alleys, cellars, yards, etc. Would it not be wise to appoint a committee for this purpose, with directions to make a strict and careful examination and report all places of malarious character and the localities infected with filth. Our hogs have been driven from the streets and enclosed in close pens, some of them being located immediately upon main and other public streets, and we venture to say that there is now one hog pen on main street, near M. E. Church South, that is sending forth a greater stench and creating more filth than did all the hogs which run at large in our town some weeks since, and we, in the name of our good citizens, pronounce this filthy pen an outrage and a great nuisance, and demand its immediate abatement, together with all others of a similar character. Read the news from Franklin, Kentucky, and other small towns, and let it be a warning, and see that the health of our town is protected at all hazards. The Board of Health, at Paducah, have recently declared hogs to be good scavengers, and ordered them all to be set at liberty from their pens; which had better be done here, rather than suffer and tolerate so much filth and such sickening odors as arise from the hog pens in our midst. The cellars, particularly those on the public square of our town, remain in a very filthy, sickening condition, and should the cholera make its appearance here, much of the blame must rest upon those who have promised to look to the cleanliness of our town, and to the health of our citizens. We think it our duty to make these suggestions while dangers are so threatening, and hope something will be done immediately. []

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[] "Pulaski County Department -- Point Isabel." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 1, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-05-01/ed-1/seq-2/

[May 1, 1874] -

Point Isabel.

On Wednesday last, we had the pleasure of spending the day with a number of friends at this enterprising place, 9 miles south-east of Somerset, at the head of navigation on the Cumberland, and is destined to be the most prominent point for many kinds of business on the line of the Cincinnati Southern R. R. The railway bridge will cross the Cumberland some three or four hundred yards above where the two rivers form a junction, which will give the point both the advantages of river and railway transportation. A new hotel has recently been built near where the towers are to be erected, which is now in readiness to accommodate the prospector and traveler generally, under the control of Messrs. Owens & Dabney, formerly of Virginia.

Immediately at the Point, our friend Joseph Ballou has been engaged since the war in the mercantile, warehouse and commission business. He is a polite and affable gentleman, full of energy, and a reliable man in every sense of the word. He keeps a large and splendid stock of goods, while his popularity and standing in the community as a good and useful citizen has built up for him a most excellent and lucrative trade. His farm, a beautiful valley, is bounded both by the Cumberland, South Fork of the Cumberland, and the railroad line, while the prevailing opinion is that the depot must be as a necessity located near the residence of Mr. B. His farm furnishes beautiful sites for buildings of all kinds, business houses, mills, manufactures, residences, hotels, etc., and we predict that the day is not far distant when a flourishing town of much enterprise and business will have been built at the Point. In fact that eventful day has already dawned, and friend Ballou feels it and knows it well, but his motto being enterprise and progress, he is willing to divide his soil with those desiring town lots or location at or near the Point.

Point Isabel is the old, original name of this place, and we, like friend Ballou, insist upon calling it by its rightful name. General Burnside has no right, title or claim to the name; no more so than to have any other prominent point in Kentucky called for him. He is, no doubt, a meritorious gentleman, but we Pulaskians claim the name of Point Isabel, in fee, prescription, custom and limitation, which is certainly a bar to all other names, and we will contend for it and continue to call it Point Isabel.

Messrs. Harvey and Pettus own the land across the river immediately opposite Point Isabel, upon which many excellent and suitable sites are also found for building purposes. Saw and other mills, door and sash factories, planing mills, cedar-ware factories, and immense lumber yards will be numerous at this place, having the advantage of both rivers as well as the railroad. Timber of all kinds abounds in the vicinity, and easy of access to both rivers, and can be rafted to the junction at little cost.

We are informed that e'er long large business houses for mercantile and other purposes will be built upon the lands of Messrs. Harvey and Pettus.

Much heavy work is now being done on the section of the railroad line, south of where the bridge crosses the river, particularly by contractor Clark.

We advise all those coming to our part of the State, on prospective tours, not to return before paying Point Isabel a visit. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. May 8, 1874. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[May 8, 1874] -

Messrs. Reid & Flannery have undertaken to complete the tunnels and the bridge at Burnside's Point. Mr. Flannery done the masonry of the Ohio River Bridge, over the Falls, at Louisville. This work is a standing monument to his genius for all time to come, and stamps him as a man of no ordinary character, and is also a guarantee that their present contract will be done in the most thorough and scientific manner. The genial Reid passed through here, to-day, in the direction of this work. He goes to perfect his arrangements for the commencement of operations at once. They have their own steamboat, and will transport the larger part of their stores direct to the place. The same is now under way, loaded. []

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[] Excerpt from "Notes of an Excursion Across the State of Kentucky." The Stark County Democrat, Canton, OH. August 13, 1874. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84028490/1874-08-13/ed-1/seq-1/

[August 13, 1874] -

We stopped Wednesday night at Stanford, which is the county seat of Lincoln county, and one of the oldest towns in Kentucky, containing about 600 inhabitants. The next morning we took a hack for Somerset, the county seat of Pulaski county, distant from Stanford 34 miles, arriving at Somerset at about 5 P. M. Our route lay over the military road made, or rather transformed, during the war of the rebellion by General Burnside. The first seven miles of this road are McAdamized and good; but the rest of the way it is largely made of cross pieces or ties made of split logs, horrible to ride over, or of coarsely broken stone, scarcely less ugly. General B.'s military road continues beyond Somerset 9 miles to Point Burnside on the Cumberland river, and even further; we took no note of its Southern terminus.

Somerset, like Stanford, is an old town, and contains 700 or 800 inhabitants. After staying here over night we hired a mule and open buggy to take us over the rest of the way, for public conveyances now failed us. We were forewarned of the badness of the road we were to travel, and of the difficulties and dangers we had to encounter, all of which we found on trial not to be overstated. It would be tedious to describe, if description were easy, as it is not -- the perils and hair-breadth escapes of the residue of our journey of 50 miles from Somerset into the edge of Tennessee and back. Suffice it to say that our surefooted mule never failed us in any of our manifold emergencies, and that we escaped broken bones and even dislocated joints, but not entirely superficial scratches.

Arriving at the Cumberland river we were ferried over it to Point Burnside on its southern bank, a place of perhaps half a score of buildings, counting as such every sort of structure. To this point the Cumberland is navigable for from four or five to eight months in the year. This was the last place having a name, and here was the last frame building we saw until our return; all houses and out-buildings farther south being made of logs. Although the road is an old one, and formerly the leading road from Somerset to Knoxville, and although the country began to be settled fully three-quarters of a century ago, yet, excepting the new shanties of railroad contractors, there are few houses along it -- not more, on an average, than one in four or five miles. The scattered clearings in which the houses are located scarcely prevent the country from presenting the appearance of an unbroken forest. Not more probably than five acres in a hundred have ever been cleared; perhaps not more than two acres.

The people, so far as we came in contact with them, appeared to be remarkably unsophisticated and innocent. They were always good-natured, affable and obliging; eager to answer all inquiries and generally giving information very minutely and intelligently. Ignorant it would seem they must be, for we saw no signs of any opportunities to obtain any education. After passing the Cumberland river we saw no building which could possibly be either a school-house or a church. At the house where we stayed over Sunday, June 28th, we fell in with a remarkably bright girl about ten years old. On being asked if she could read, she answered no. Do you know your letters? No; but there will be a school after awhile, when I shall go and learn to read. How far will you have to go? A mile and a half. A house where we stayed over night June 26th, called "Coffey's" from the name of its occupant, and which he hand his parents had occupied for more than half a century, was 30 miles from Somerset, the nearest post-office in one direction, and 17 miles from Marsh creek, the nearest post-office in the other.

[... talks about apple orchards, coal, timber, etc. ...]

There is one feature which we noticed as characteristic of the people, that deserves particular mention. It is that the women and children do the larger part of the work that gets done at all. The grown men either lounge lazily about, or amuse themselves at little gatherings here and there; or else they perform only the least repugnant labors. Here we found, in actual use in every family, the old spinning wheel, and in many, the little wheel and distaff which men of our age remember that our mothers used when we were children fifty or sixty years ago. The yarn is here woven into cloth by the hand loom, and flax is spun as it then was by our mothers; for the men will not buy anything which the labor of women and children can make. In one field we saw two women pulling up by the roots the flax which was doubtless destined to the distaff of the domestic household to which they belonged. The fuel used for cooking is bits of wood gathered by women and children from the neighboring forest. At the only place where we had a light to sit by in the evening (south of the Cumberland) it was a light made on the hearth by blazing pine splinters gathered in the same way. These are specimens of their entire system of industry.

But now that the Cincinnati Southern Railway is about to penetrate into the land of these old forest homes, we may anticipate that a more or less rapid change will take place, and that these stagnant abodes will awake to a new life. This road is being graded from the Ohio river through Kentucky and some distance into Tennessee. From Somerset south our route lay very near that of the railroad all the way, and the contractors' shanties and their work are already beginning to give an air of activity to the rugged wilderness. When the road is completed it will open to the markets of the world, not only an immense mineral region, but also vast tracts of forest, in which the quantity of lumber now appears almost inexhaustible. In a few years this part of Kentucky will wear a new face, inasmuch as a progressive and enterprising population will be added to the stationary and sluggish one which has so long occupied it to so little purpose. []

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[] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. December 25, 1874 Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[December 25, 1874] -

Mr. John O. Fox, Inspector of Masonry on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, is in Danville for a few days. He has charge of eleven miles of work, on the line south of the Kentucky border, in Tennessee. He confirms the reports we get from every source with regard to the satisfactory nature of the work and the rapidity of its execution. He says, however, that the demoralization of society in that part of the country is fearful. Murder and robbery are almost every day occurrences, and crime goes unpunished. Recently a contractor was missing, and his partner became uneasy, and put out his entire force of laborers to search for hi. It turned out that the contractor had gone to Louisville, but the search brought to light the bodies of three persons who had been murdered and concealed in the brush! We are told that railroads are great "civilizers," and if the construction of the Southern road does nothing more than civilize the natives of that benighted region, it will be a good thing. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 5, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-02-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 5, 1875] -

Lark Edge says that a man can't drive a stage from this place to Somerset and be a Christian. The mud is so deep, and the road so long, that a Christian man would lose all patience with himself, his coach, his horses, and the road, before he got as far as Waynesburg. After he reached that point, Job himself, would get out of heart before he reached his destination. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 5, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-03-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 5, 1875] -

We made a hasty trip on business, to Somerset, the Metropolis of South-eastern Kentucky, last week, but the bad roads over which we had to travel, were enough to put one in an exceedingly bad frame of mind. However, on arriving there, the cheerful faces of the people, the air of thrift and business, caused us to get in a good humor with ourself and everybody else. The most attractive object which meets the eye on entering town, is the magnificent Court House, recently built at a cost of nearly $35,000, it is one of the handsomest public buildings of the kind, in the State. All over town are seen marks of improvement. If the three excellent hotels had a few coats of paint, well laid on, the appearance of the Public S[q]uare would be vastly improved. The attention of the traveler will be attracted by the beautiful new sign of the "Hicks House." For information as to who painted this artistic piece of handy work, enquire of the gentlemanly proprietor, who will also take pleasure in convincing you that he is up to snuff in the management of a hotel. We met many of the patrons of the Journal who renewed their subscriptions cheerfully, and we had their promise to aid us in its further circulation. When the C. S. R. R. shall have been completed, we see nothing in the way of a rapid progress of the town, in fact, there are already many evidences of advancement.

We predict that Somerset will double its population in the next few years, as it will be a general trade centre for a large scope of country. So mote it be. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 19, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-03-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 19, 1875] -

Point Isabel, Ky., March 16, 1875.

Correspondence Interior Journal:

In our last we promised to give you a description of our embryo manufacturing city. Point Isabel (named after Alfonso's mother,) is situated on a level valley at the junction of Cumberland and South Fork Rivers, at the head of navigation for same, and is 10 miles from Somerset, and we believe is destined to be a place of some importance. We have the Point Isabel Hotel, by Messrs. Burrett & Poague -- the largest in the county -- The Greenwood Hotel, by Mr. Otho Owens, with the celebrated cook "Aunt Bettie," presiding in the kitchen -- and the Ballou House, being fitted up by Mr. Jno. West, for another. Our place will have quite an acquisition in the family of Mr. West. A number one Dry Goods Store by Mr. M. E. Jones, and two large warehouses by Strubbe & Pearcy. Mr. W. G. Strubbe is the owner of all the lands of the town proper, and has laid it off in streets and lots. His warehouse is a very large one, and is filled every week from steamboats from Nashville, with supplies for the contractors along the C. S. Railway line, and the country merchants. Mr. Sam. Pearcy has his warehouse well filled with 3000 barrels of cement and other consignments. Quite a large business is done here from the fact of it being at the head of steamboat navigation. In speaking of steamboats -- it is quite a novel and pretty sight in this wooden country, to see from some high point, large vessels coming up the river; and the shrill shriek of the whistle, has something very city-like in its noise. We notice a number of very nice looking men on our streets, inquiring into the merits of our place with a view of locating. The country around Point Isabel is quite thickly settled, and the citizens kind and hospitable. Our ferry is another important item, and does a business of from two or three thousand dollars a year. Our new ferry-boat "Stella Baird" was launched with a very impressive ceremony, the other day. Mr. Strubbe, the owner, never made a more eloquent speech in his life than when naming his boat "Stella" after Cincinnati's brightest star in its firmament of wit and beauty. Long may she float -- the animated saccharine star, I mean.

The scenery around Point Isabel is very picturesque and grand, and the meeting of the rivers when viewed from some of the high bluffs adjacent, is truly magnificent. How an artist could feast on these lovely sights. The cars coming from a tunnel immediately onto the Cumberland Bridge, 150 feet high, will be the only instance of the bridge and tunnel compound that we ever heard of. The bridge will be one thousand six hundred feet long, including the approach and the track curves, both on the approach and the tunnel. From Tower Bluff, Somerset 19 miles distant, is plainly seen, and a view from Cedar Cliff, and a visit to Newell's Cave, is well worth a trip from Stanford. When we have pleasant weather the bright-eyed belles of Somerset, Richmond and Lexington, come down, and we subsist on the glorious recollection until the kind fates bring them again. But enough, the half cannot be described, so come and visit us and we promise to introduce you to some of our sweet flowers.

GALLATIN. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 26, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-03-26/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 26, 1875] -

Point Isabel, Ky., March 22, 1875.

Correspondence Interior Journal:

Since our last, we learn from one of our leading citizens, that we were in error in regard to the naming of our city. It was so called by its first settler, Mr. Withers, from a town in Mexico, and not for Ex-Queen Isabella, of Spain. []

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[] Excerpts from "Some Pulaski County Items." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 17, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-11-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 17, 1876] -

It is generally understood that a telegraph line runs to this place [Somerset]. Well, its true, but it is sort of a private, one-horse enterprise, and no dependence can be put in it, when the fact of the business is, it's down half the time and not in working order the other half. At the present rate of progress we are expecting by the next presidential election, to have a railroad running to this place, and then we wont have to wait for the news via Stanford and the stage passengers.

...

C. S. R. R. -- The great bridge across the Cumberland is about finished. It is indeed a grand structure and worth coming many miles to see. It is daily the resort of sight seers, but on Sundays the crows reach the climax, numbering sometimes as many as several hundred .... Contractor, P. F. Smith, expects to finish three miles of his contract this week. This will enable him to get the reserve percentage on it, which is the heart's delight of the average contractor .... We learn from high authority that no ballast proposals will be entertained for the present. We suppose the money is needed for more important purposes. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 24, 1876. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-11-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 24, 1876] -

One of the most important undertakings of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, is the magnificent Iron Bridge across the Cumberland River, which has just been completed. The masonry for the work, and the section composing it, was let in the Spring of 1874, to one Hoblitzell, who failed to come in time. It was re-advertised, and subsequently let to Messrs. Reid & Flannery, who completed it last Spring. The masonry consists of abutments, numerous pedestals and two piers, which are built from a solid foundation at the bottom of the river, to a height of about 140 feet above. The superstructure, which is of wrought iron, was built by the Chicago Bridge Company, for the sum of $100,406.02. From abutment to abutment, including the iron trestle, the bridge is 1,257 feet long, is 156 feet above the bed of the river, and 74 feet above high water mark. Commencing immediately from the portal of a tunnel, the passenger, who is ushered from its darkness, into the mid air light of the bridge, will feel a thrill of surprising wonder as from his lofty perch he scans the picturesque scenery of the surrounding country. It will, indeed be worth a trip to see; but we opine that the citizens, who live thereabouts, will be content to behold from a safe distance, many trains of cars passing over it before they intrust their bodies upon them. This work has been under the immediate charge of Capt. H. R. Week, as Division, and John E. Earley, as Resident Engineer, assisted by Messrs. J. M. Richardson and T. H. Reed. It is a triumph of engineering skill, and we doubt not that these gentlemen will, in retrospecting their railroad career, regard it as the crowning work of their lives. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 31, 1877] -

By the time this is in print, we shall have annexed "ourself" with a sledge-hammer and gone to knocking the fire out of some of those beautiful flinty boulders with which our State road is paved. This State road business is a humbug. Every fellow must work six days in the year unless he belongs to that fortune class who are unable [able?] to furnish substitutes. And yet the road from here to Crab Orchard is so wickedly and inexpressibly rought that we defy the most meek and saintly ministers, in whose God-like presence crime ever blushed and hid its face, to ride over it one trip without giving vent to his bruised feelings in the utterance of such "cuss words" as would shock the organs of hearing of the most degraded set of bar-room bullies that ever sought the bottom of a drinking cup. []

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[] "Among the Mountains." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 29, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[December 29, 1877] -

AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

Magnificent Scenery on the Knoxville Branch of the L. and N. Railroad -- All about the Coal Mines at Livingston -- An Embryo City

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 22, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-22/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 22, 1878] -

burning well in rockcastle

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 22, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-22/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 22, 1878] -

descrip of Brodhead

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[] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 28, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-06-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 28, 1878] -

NOTES ON A TRIP TO SOMERSET. -- A trip to Somerset is not what it used to be. Eighteen months ago when we visited that city that is to be, a whole day and a portion of the night was consumed in jolting in a rickety old stage coach over a road in some places macadamized with rock as big as a water bucket, in other places repaired with logs and fence rails, and still others in which the bottom seemed entirely dropped out. Monday, an hour's drive over a nice turnpike brought us to McKinney Station, where, entering a "Palace Car," we were soon taken to Somerset, the whole trip having been made from Stanford in two hours and a half, without ever a jolt or a jostle. Somerset we found to be in a thriving and growing condition, and the improvements so great that the place was scarcely recognizable. Handsome residences and substantial business houses have taken the places of those of ancient architecture and general dilapidation, and an air of thrift is apparent on all sides. The Bank building, which was formerly a little one-room concern, has spread itself into metropolitan dimensions. In the same building is a commodious store room, and [...] is Will Owens' new Opera House, [...]ly the pride of the town. It is ad[mirably?] constructed, can seat 350 persons, and the stage and scenery would do credit to [...]ity of far greater pretensions. Among the many other improvements, the new Hicks House and J. R. Richardson's Drug Store are particularly noticeable. The former is a large brick building, and fills the bill in the long felt want of a good Hotel establishment in an excellent manner, and we have only to remark that Sim Hicks is the proprietor to assure the public that it is kept in first-class style. The Baptists have taken down their old church, which was situated on one of the most inaccessible hills near town and are preparing to build an edifice on Main street worth of that large and growing denomination. A saw mill, an ax-handle and other factories, are giving employment to numbers of laborers. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 30, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-08-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 30, 1878] -

LONDON.

It was our good fortune to be allowed last week, the pleasure of paying a visit to our neighboring town of London. We only remained one night, but in that time saw enough to form quite an agreeable impression, both of the place and the people. Circuit Court was in session, his Honor, Judge Randall, presiding with his usual grace and dignity. J. H. Tinsley, the popular Commonwealth's Attorney for this District, was, we regret to say, very unwell, suffering from a severe attack of bilious fever. London, the County seat of Laurel county, has a population of about 400 souls. It is pleasantly situated, and contains some neat private residences. The public buildings are not what they should be. There are seven hotels in the place, so that no one need ever go to bed hungry. Six stores furnish goods and groceries to the country round about. The Male and Female Academy is a handsome brick structure and does honor to the town. There is one church (Christian) which is a neat and commodious building. Messrs. Pearl, Boyd, Brown, Craft, Newell, Moran and Canifax, constitute the bar, and are a formidable set of attorneys. Miss Grace Hammet, a charming young lady, and an accomplished teacher of music, from Cincinnati, has charge of a class of young ladies. In the person of Mr. W. H. Jackson, who keeps the best hotel in the mountains, we found a most accommodating "mine host." Mr. W. L. Brown, a popular young lawyer, and the County Judge elect, placed us under lasting obligations for courtesies extended to us during our stay. We shall, the Lord willing, visit London again. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Trial of Sam Williams and other Casey Court Items." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 5, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-12-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 5, 1879] -

The old [Liberty, Casey County] Court-house stands as a reminder of the style of architecture of public buildings in vogue in the years long gone by, and is not a pretty or pretentious building by any means, but as County Clerk, Wash, would say, it is paid for and serves all practical purposes. It is a square building with chimneys at each corner, and has two stories. Court is held below, and the jury rooms are up stairs. Speaking of the Court-house, we were informed by Judge Winston Bowman, who has held the position of County Judge for a number of terms, and who has been a citizen of Liberty for 72 years -- that the first Court ever held in Casey, was in a bark-house. Subsequently a substantial log-house was built and used as a Court-house for a number of years. A small brick building followed this, but in 1834 it was destroyed by lightening, and in 1835 the present Court-house was erected. []

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[] Excerpt from "Casey County - Liberty." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 19, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-12-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 19, 1879] -

Green River has been out of its bank for the last three days; consequently we [Liberty, Casey Co.] got no mails during that time. []

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[] Excerpt from " The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 26, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-12-26/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 26, 1879] -

Lincoln's Court-House

An Interesting History of it, and Other old-time Notes worthy of A Careful Perusal, By John Blain

[2.5 columns long]

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CIVIL WAR

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. May 5, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[May 5, 1871] -

BURIAL OF THE CONFEDERATE DEAD AT CRAB ORCHARD. -- Next Thursday the 11th of May, the remains of the unknown Southern Soldiers killed at the battle of Wild Cat, will be interred with appropriate ceremonies in the Cemetery at Crab Orchard, Ky. Distinguished speakers, comrades of the dead, are invited and are expected to be present. The ceremonies to begin at 3 o'clock P.M. All who feel disposed to pay this last tribute of respect to the hitherto unhonored and unburied dead of the "lost cause" are respectfully invited to attend. []

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FREEDMEN’S BUREAU IN KY / FEDERAL TROOPS

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[] Excerpt from "Letters From Louisville." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. February 28, 1870. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[February 28, 1870] -

The Government officers whose duty it is to enforce the laws in Kentucky are compelled to undergo hardships and privations at times almost equal to the severest campaigns of the late war. Indeed, to perform these duties in portions of Kentucky, where the laws are violated and the officers are defied, where desperadoes band together to protect themselves against the penalty of the law--requires the bravery, determination, and patriotism of a soldier. The hardships which some of the officers have endured even recently can not be recounted and if the truth was told if would be doubted in many instances, even by good people living in the neighborhood in which the most shameful scenes are enacted. []

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[] Excerpt from "The Duty of the Governor." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 29, 1873. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 29, 1873] -

The Duty of the Governor.

Governor Leslie has made a faithful Executive, and has rendered too much service to the State for us to make captious complaints of his administration. We have often commended him, and we are anxious to commend him again. The Kuklux question is the most important one that has arisen since his election, and we, in common with the people of the entire State, whose confidence he commands, sincerely desire that he will use all the authority within his reach to drag the marauders to justice. In addition to the power conferred upon him by the late Kuklux act, section 1 of the act of February 16, 1866, provides as follows:

The Governor shall have power to call the militia of this Commonwealth, or any portion thereof, into active service for the purpose of repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection, rebellion, and riot and to aid civil officers in execution of the laws of the State, where he is fully satisfied by proof made to him, by affidavit or otherwise, that the combination against or the resistance to the execution of the laws are too powerful to be met and put down by an ordinary posse comitatus in the county where such resistance takes place, and provided further, that said militia shall be immediately disbanded after the objects for which they were called out have been accomplished.

We have been unable to find any act repealing this; and, if it is now the law, it is sufficient authority for the suppression of the Kuklux at once by military force. If we mistake not, Governor Stevenson, in 1867 or 1868, enlisted under this law a company of militia in Woodford county, under Captain Leavy, and with them effectually suppressed the "regulators" of Boyle, Lincoln, Marion, and Washington. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 16, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-16/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 16, 1877] -

first column, editorial on the army as a standing police force to prevent mob violence

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=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 21, 1873. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-02-21/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 21, 1873] -

A bill was introduced into the House of Representatives providing that the Governor shall offer a reward of $1,000 for the capture of every person concerned in outlawry in Kentucky, and the punishment for Ku Klux crimes be imprisonment in the penitentiary. Such a law conscientiously enforced would soon redeem the State from the disgrace under which she now exists. []

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[] Excerpt from Columns 1 and 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-10-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 9, 1874] -

The Louisville Daily Gazette is encouraged by a letter from Stanford, from which it quotes as follows: "Your article upon the escape of Wilson has won you many admirers in this locality. The people want an influential journal, that has the boldness to take hold of individual criminals. They have no confidence in these sensational sheets that talk of crimes in general, and throw the blame upon all sections of our State alike." It promises to continue its warfare against the influence of money in shielding crime from punishment. It says: "Kentucky must be relieved from the opprobrium that covers her name with infamy all the country over. And we never can relieve her until we dissolve the mutual admiration society which has been the bane of Kentuckians for so man[y] years. We must realize the fact that a Kentuckian is better than anybody else only when his conduct is better than anybody else's conduct. We must learn to look upon murder when committed by a Kentuckians as foul as a crime as when committed by a citizen of some other State. We must, above all things, disabuse our minds of the erroneous idea that Kentuckians are too good to be hanged. We must use the gallows industriously, and put a summary stop to imprisonment as a punishment for murder. God is wiser and more just and impartial than any Legislature, and He provides DEATH as the penalty for murder. That's first principles. That's sense.

A murderer once hanged and buried cannot commit other murders. The grave is a penitentiary from which executive clemency cannot rescue the murderer, and turn him loose to again prey upon his fellow-men the first time he gets drunk. Holding to these opinions, we opposed the law leaving it to juries to imprison or hang, as they may choose. It is silly, it is mischievous, it is infamous. This year the murder calend[a]r in our State has been more than doubled already, and a quarter of the year yet to come; ad this infamous act of the General Assembly, is the cause thereof. We must work for its repeal, every one of us who value our own lives and the lives of our neighbors, and the good name of our commonwealth. We also must work for the removal of the barricades the statutes have erected around the murderer, and which effectually resist every attempt of justice to sustain the majority of the law, and exact of him the penalty of his crime. All these things the people of Kentucky must accomplish, for the honor of our grand old State. []

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(also in leads)

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 9, 1874. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1874-10-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 9, 1874] -

The facts developed in the trial of the parties accused of the murder of Ferill at Millidgeville last week fully warranted the judgement of the court. Though Ferill was upon the aggressive during the day, and violated the peace and good order of the village the killing could easily have been averted had the parties whom he maltreated placed that reliance in the strong arm of the law which it warrants, and have had him promptly arrested for his disorderly and brutal conduct towards unoffending citizens. We must rely more upon the laws of the land, and promptly cause the arrest of all evil-doers--those who are guilty of the slightest misdemeanors as well as the perpetrators of the most shocking crimes--and depend less upon our strong arm and well loaded revolvers and shot-guns for protection. So long as we are cursed with the prolific parent of the crime, whisky, in our midst, making blood-thirsty savages of peaceable and orderly citizens, we must enforce the law against those who patronize this fountain of crime and thus become law-breakers. Hang murderers, imprison homicides, and promptly punish all minor offenses, is our motto. Desperadoes must be punished--but it is not necessary that everybody turn executioner to insure their punishment! []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 8, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 8, 1878] -

HANGMAN'S DAY. -- There were three legal neck breakings in the United States last Friday, and for a variety, Kentucky had a good old fashioned hanging. It seems rather a pity that a poor old negro should have been the victim when there are so many white scamps that deserve the halter, but then it is pretty good as it is, for it will show that hanging is not "played out" entirely. The negro referred to was Phillip Watson, who was hung at Covington for the murder of his wife committed some time in September last. He confessed his crime and as he stood upon the trap, with the halter around his neck he delivered himself of this little speech: "Farwell, vain world! Ise g'wan home. Soon I'll see my Maker. Dar's a mighty sight of rascals left behind me, too, an some of dem will follo' me into da torments of hell." Immediately after it the trap was sprung, and the old man was launched into eternity almost without a struggle. The Sheriff deserves credit for his skillfulness in the matter. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 8, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 8, 1878] -

It will be seen by our Legislative reports that An act re-establishing the whipping post has been passed by the House. This is good, but when the Senate passes it it will be better, and when we see some sneak thief get nine and thirty on his naked back it will be the superlative of our delight. We hope Speaker Turner's bill against carrying concealed weapons at all, will become a law. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County -- Crab Orchard." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 22, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-22/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 22, 1878] -

WANTS THE WHIPPING POST.

It will be a blessing to this community, as well as to all others, if the establishment of a whipping-post can be effected. There is no jail here to even confine the violators of the law. It is an expense to send prisoners to jail, and it is a greater expense to keep them in jail several weeks or months, as is often the case, and why not, for small offences, give the offender, on the naked skin, about forty hard and well-proportioned licks, then turn him loose? []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 1, 1878. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-03-01/ed-1/seq-1/

[March 1, 1878] -

editorial on how the whipping post is not cruel and unusual, also includes some penitentiary cell crowding details

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[] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 12, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-12/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 12, 1878] -

A FEW TIMELY WORDS. -- For years this county has been ridden by bands of lawless men who have held an almost undisputed sway of terror. Cold blooded murders, assassinations, burglaries, highway robberies, and every conceivable crime have been committed. Life, limb and property were in constant danger, and those who had suffered were warned, under pain of instant death, not to lay their grievances before the Grand Juries. This state of affairs grew out of the fact that officers were afraid to do their duty because the cowardly Jurors and the more cowardly public failed to give them sufficient support to put an end to the reign of terror. But the straw that was to break the camel's back was destined to come some day, and so bold had the rascals become that the people arose in their power last December and decided to end these murders and robberies by shutting the perpetrators in jail. Since then Lincoln county has enjoyed a season of comparative rest from these terrors, and it only now remains for the Jurors of the approaching Court to finish the work so nobly begun. The Grand Jury has a powerful duty to perform and it behooves them, man to man, to stand up and do their whole duty, investigate thoroughly all the cases that have come to light, and use their utmost endeavors to bring to light the scores of others that we hear of but as yet, are not sufficient materialized to make public. Recent developments show that our officers and others, who have assisted in the good work of bringing criminals to justice, are in imminent danger of their lives being taken by lawless parties. Protect these officers and citizens, and above all, throw the protecting arm of the law around the witnesses that are to testify in the cases to be tried. Every day we hear of intimidation and threats of violence toward them, and some have been compelled to leave the country to save their lives. This must be ended, justice must be done, and Lincoln must be restored to her former honorable position. Therefore, we urge upon our Jurors the importance of standing squarely to their oaths and doing their whole duty. We do not wish to see a single innocent man suffer, but we do want to see murderers and thieves get the full extent of the law. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 7, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-03-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 7, 1879] -

There are now fifty men in the Kentucky Penitentiary serving out life sentences, and the Frankfort Yeoman estimates that in ten years, unless the penalty of murder is changed to death, instead of leaving it discretionary with the juries to return verdicts of death or imprisonment for life, that there will be men enough convicted for life to completely fill the Penitentiary as it now stands. The law is, however, a good one, for our average tender-hearted juryman would rather let a murderer go free than sentence him to dangle from the gallows. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-03-21/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 21, 1879] -

Owing to the crowded status of the Penitentiary, the convicts are shuffling off their mortal coil at a lively rate. We hope that the terrors of death in the Penitentiary, if the Penitentiary itself has none, may cause a diminution of crime. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 18, 1879. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-04-18/ed-1/seq-1/

[April 18, 1879] -

An extract from Judge Buckner's speech before the Bar Meeting at Frankfort: "The old murder law should be revised. Experience shows that the greater the enormity of the crime and the greater the popular indignation, the poorer is the material of which the jury is composed. All intelligent men now read the newspapers. This debars them from acting as jurors, and as a consequence the jurors are elected from a stratum below the intelligent citizens who read the papers." []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 4, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-07-04/ed-1/seq-2/

[July 4, 1879] -

There are sixty-five life prisoners in the Penitentiary, and the number is constantly increasing, and will increase until the law is changed to make death alone the penalty for murder. Our Solons altered the law under the belief that life punishment is a more humane one, but really it is not. Who ever heard of a hardened murderer sentenced for life, getting religion and bearing evidence that he was going straight to glory when he died? No body. They don't hanker after religion, but after a dreary life, die and go to the devil. But sentence a man to be hung, and no sooner, he goes to work to make his peace, his calling and election sure, and no matter how hardened or abandoned he is, his salvation is assured, and he usually dies with a word of warning to sinners on his lips, and an earnest entreaty for every body to meet him in heaven. The conversion of such fiends could not be accomplished any other way, and if our next Legislature has a desire to save souls, put an end to murder and cut off a useless expense to the State, it will change the law and makes it discretionary with the jury to say whether a man should be hung or be clothed and fed at the expense of the State for the balance of his natural life. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 19, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-12-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 19, 1879] -

In discussing the recent decision of the special Court of Appeals granting Buford a new trial, the Bowling Green Intelligencer makes the startling but true assertion that at least one thousand white men have committed murders in Kentucky since the war, for which but one man has been hung, and not exceeding twenty-five or thirty have been given life terms in the penitentiary. The result, it continues, is that emigration has been kept away, and the people having little faith in the courts as avengers of wrong, have taken the administration of justice into their own hands, and in many sections of the State have resorted to Lynch law. Murder must be made odious by the swift punishment of murderers, or Kentucky will have to content herself with a seat away back in the progress of the States. []

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PARDONS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 24, 1876. Page 2. LOC.

[March 24, 1876] -

A singular, not to say, a laughable resolution was passed by the State Senate, last Monday, which recommends the Governor to pardon twenty-five convicts a month, until the number of prisoners confined in the Penitentiary is reduced to suit the prison accommodations. We are glad to know that the House did not act upon the resolution, but would be happier to learn that they indignantly rejected such a thing. The Senate, composed, as is thought, of grave and thoughtful men, should know better than to offer such a resolution. They had as well resolve to request the Circuit Judge and Commonwealths Attorneys, to dismiss all prosecutions of criminals until the State built another prison. Are felons and common thieves to be pardoned by the two dozen, in regular monthly installments, simply because we have no Penitentiary in which to confine them? Would it not have been better, for the good of the honest people of the country, to have made an appropriation sufficient to build another prison, or extend the one now at Frankfort? Where would the Senate have the Executive begin his list of pardons? Atwood is a shining light in the gloomy walls of the Penitentiary. Would he do to head the list of pardons for the month of April? Others are there, convicted of heinous crimes, from murder to manslaughter, to arson and horse stealing. Who would be first, and who last, in the monthly roll of pardoned convicts, until room shall have been made, for others, who, perhaps, may be guilty of a smaller offense. We would suggest to the Kentucky Senate, if it were not too late for them to act upon gratuitous suggestion, that they offer a resolution, imploring the Governor of our beloved Commonwealth to insist upon a general pardon by Congress, of all the thieves, murderers, burglars, and other criminals, in all the Jails and Penitentiaries of the States, and present those pardons, signed, sealed and enrolled as the law directs, as a Centennial present to all criminals. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 25, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-01-25/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 25, 1878] -

about governor clemency (column 1)

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 5, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-09-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 5, 1879] -

Gov Blackburn speech on pardoning power and concealed weapons (column 2)

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[] Excerpt from "Notes of Current Events." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 17, 1879] -

A mass meeting of the citizens of Pendleton county passed resolutions censuring Gov. Blackburn for pardoning one George Beard, who had been sentenced to six and a half years for Kukluxing and robbery, but who had served buy six months of his time. There had been no petitions for his pardon. []

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[] "Bobbitt at Lebanon." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 7, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-11-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 7, 1879] -

Bobbitt at Lebanon.

[Fontaine Fox] Bobbitt spoke at Lebanon, last Monday, to a large audience. A synposis of his speech is given in the Courier-Journal, from which we copy his remarks concerning the wholesale pardoning by Gov. Blackburn. He said that "the pardoning power was incorporated in the State Constitution to relieve against hardships, and was to be cautiously and sparingly used. He was much opposed to the wholesale manner of turning criminals loose upon the country, and said that the people all over the State should hold indignation meetings to condemn the action of the Governor. He said the people were taxed to death to pay judges, commonwealth's attorneys, jurors and witnesses to send convicts to the penitentiary, and some of them never entered the portals of the penitentiary before the Governor pardoned them. He said by the law a boy of seven years of age could be convicted and hanged for murder, and that Blackburn overrode the law when he said no boy under 14 should be confined in the penitentiary. He remarks on Blackburn for pardoning pregnant women were very amusing, and showed that it offered inducements to privilege one crime by another. He said the pardoning power had not been properly exercised. He said the blood-stained murderer, red with human gore, the incendiary who applied the flaming torch to the sleeping man's dwelling, the thief that stole the honest man's property while he slept, the forger and the rapist who had blighted forever female honor, had all shared in the sympathy of this humane Governor. The applause showed that the feelings of the people were with the speaker, and we think it high time that the Governor should call a halt in this matter."

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 21, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-11-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 21, 1879] -

Gov. Blackburn on retiring from office ought to collect his pardoned convicts and with them, sail for Robinson Crusoe's "Desolate Isle," and colonize. There he might use his Executive clemency to his heart's content and none dare to molest or make him afraid. []

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 GUNS / GUN LAWS
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[] "Carrying Concealed Weapons -- Both Workings of the Law." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 12, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-02-12/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 12, 1875] -

about concealed weapons (column 5)

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 26, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-02-26/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 26, 1875] -

Notwithstanding the new law, which punishes guilty parties with fine and imprisonment for carrying concealed, a deadly weapon, it is a safe calculation that half of the men are guilty of the offense, and not one in fifty is convicted. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 2, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-04-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 2, 1875] -

Why, sir, we happened to be around at the birth of several children, and the expectant father always stood at the door with a pistol in his hand, ready to send it to his boy, if such it chanced to be. The cowardly habit of carrying a pistol ought to be stopped, and until it is done, life is not safe in this country. There is never the slightest bravery shown, for those who carry concealed weapons never give you a chance, or act on the square, in the slightest degree. -- The quickest hand on the trigger is their motto. The idea of calling you out and having a good, old fashioned 1,2,3 is entirely unheard of here. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 10, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-09-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 10, 1875] -

The law against carrying concealed deadly weapons is almost a dead letter. Not a day passes that we do not hear of some one, black or white, being guilty of a violation of the statute. We predict a lively time before the Grand Jury of the coming October term of the Lincoln Circuit Court on account of a violation of this very proper law. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 18, 1879. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-04-18/ed-1/seq-1/

[April 18, 1879] -

THE TURNER WEAPON LAW. -- The worst law, in many respects, on the Statute Books is the Turner weapon law, passed by the last Legislature. It arms the desperado and disarms the respectable citizen. A man who cares nothing for law, and always carries his pistol (and there are thousands in Kentucky who do so,) is always ready to shoot, while the honest citizen, who out of respect for the law never wears a weapon, is defenseless before the rowdy. There is no terror in the land to draw the pistol from the hip-pocket of a bad character, but it does forbid a good citizen to arm himself when threatened. We ought to have an anti-weapon law, but one which will give honest men a chance to meet villains, and to save his life when threatened. -- [Lexington (Ky.) Transcript. []

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POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CRIME
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] Excerpt from "Cincinnati Southern Railroad." Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, OH. March 28, 1870. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[March 28, 1870] -

The political necessity of this road [the Cincinnati Southern Railroad] is even greater now than when Lincoln wrote, more than eight years ago. Kentucky is not loyal in feeling to day as then, and of all the States in the broad extent of our Union she is the only one where the pernicious theories which [?] dated, inspired and supported the rebellion control legislation. No change can be for the worse where the arm of the law is paralyzed where the Ku Klux Klan controls the Courts and mocks justice by hanging negroes and poor white men for petty crimes, while the rich can murder with impunity; which glorifies Washington by eulogizing him as the "first rebel," and shuts the doors of justice against one fourth the citizens born and raised within her borders. The commercial necessity of the road is demonstrated by the willingness of the citizens of Cincinnati, and a large part of the citizens of Kentucky and Tennessee, to provide the means for its construction and equipment. The necessity of this road as an educational measure is known to all who are familiar with the mental condition of the people in South eastern Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee, who have suffered since the first settlement of these regions for want of proper mail facilities. One may travel there for miles and miles without sight or sound of a human being.

I shall not soon forget that while traveling less than a year ago along the lonely "post road" which passes from London via Sublimity Springs to Somerset, I was asked by a 'native:' "You ain't got no news from no whar, is yer?" Nor shall I soon forget the eager interest with which the poor fellow listened to a relation of something that had been going on in the great world beyond him, to which he was almost as much a stranger as was Daniel Boone a century ago. The United States owes a debt of gratitude to the people of Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. They can, in part at least, repay by authorizing the construction of this road. Poor and ignorant as many of them are, they never forgot their duty to country, and their blood was shed for the Union in every battlefield in the West. It is but just to the survivors of these brave men, their widows and their children, and a fitting rebuke to the rich rebels of Western Kentucky, that Congress should do what the Legislature failed to do, and provide means for increased mail facilities among a people who have born with manly fortitude the heaviest burdens of the Union, and have enjoyed few of its benefits. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 13, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-08-13/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 13, 1875] -

The election is not over yet, with some of our town gas-bags. It is the general opinion that it is much better for a man to be preparing the necessaries of life for his dependant family, rather than pacing the streets, hunting some one to whom he may pour fourth his political effluvia. We generally find, that those who have the worst political epithets, and who delight most to use them, are the men who remained at home during the late war to "protect women and children." Their sympathetic organ was large. We would like to see the vagrant act enforced in a few instances, so that we might purchase a couple of the soft-muscled gentry to work the garden, &c. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 4, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-07-04/ed-1/seq-2/

[July 4, 1879] -

One fruitful source of crime in these parts is the importance that silly, politic people give to criminals, which the ignorant construe into almost hero-worship. For instance, let an individual steeped in crime get out of jail on bail, and no sooner than he does so, than hundreds of cowardly boot-lickers crowd around him, vieing with each other for the honor of first shaking his hand, saying by their actions, if not by their words, "I am for you--I stood by you in your troubles!" or, "I never did believe the charges brought against you!" This species of cowardice ought to be frowned upon; and no person of ordinary self-respect will be caught honey-fuggling a scamp who, if he had his deserts, would be dangling from the end of a rope or shut up on a Penitentiary. Public sentiment has more to do in keeping down crime than the laws themselves, and so soon as that sentiment is educated to abhor the criminal, as well as the crime, will evil-doers awake to their senses. Ostracise that class of cattle, and crime will decease forthwith. []

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CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] Excerpt from "Amnesty." Daily Illinois State Journal, Springfield, IL. December 28, 1870. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[December 28, 1870] -

A correspondent of a Cincinnati Gazette, writing to that paper from Kentucky, says:

Were I to mention every Ku-Klux outrage that occurs in this State, my weekly letters would contain little else. Within the past ten days, five men were hung or shot, two at one time, two at another, and one at another. The recital of these crimes is horrible. The last one occurred in this way: A party of men disguised go to a farm house, search through the cabins for their victim, shoot him with a pistol. He falls, but not dead. They then take the negro's own musket, and blow his brains out. The men ride off, and that is the end of it. It may be that the Governor will issue his proclamation offering a reward for the murderers, but no one will be arrested: no one will be tried or punished for the crime. What has become of the vigorous prosecution and suppression of these gangs of Kentucky outlaws be the Federal officers? is now impatiently asked. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. July 28, 1871. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[July 28, 1871] -

The course of the Kuklux inquiry has shown, if it has shown anything, that violence at the South, like violence everywhere, is the result of a purely criminal and by no means political process. The developments which recently appeared in these columns show the same thing. Kukluxism seems to have become a convenient name for all sorts of outlawry. Certainly the Kuklux are not organized, they do not move in concert, they have no party belonging or object, they are not confined to any class. That which is called murder in Massachusetts and burglary in Ohio becomes Kukluxism in Kentucky. That which is ascribed to viciousness in Illinois is ascribed to Democracy in Georgia. Had the late New York riots occurred in South Carolina they would have been set down to the account of the disloyal people of the South. []

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[] "Current Topics - The Pistol in Kentucky." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1874. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1874] -

Current Topics.

THE PISTOL IN KENTUCKY.

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[] "Crime." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-11-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 19, 1875] -

Crime.

We do not know it to be a fact ourself, as we were not in this section of the world at the time, but our information is that during the several years occupied in building the the Knoxville and Richmond branches of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, not one man, or scarcely one, was killed or wounded by violence, and but few, if any were killed in any way. This, too, just at the close of the late war, when crime was most rampant and the minds of men had not yet cooled from the heat and passion of the civil strife. How is it, then, that so many lives here have been maliciously taken, and so many people purposely wounded on the Cincinnati Southern railroad? We learn that not less than ten have been killed outright in open broils and secretly and as many wounded maliciously, on this new road. We learnt hat this state of things can be accounted for very easily. That is, there has been a grog-shop at nearly every crossing of the road, and at every prominent point along the line, where the traffic has been carried on, and liquid death dealt out to those who were laborious upon the work. Had the legal authorities done their duty in quelling this vile business, there would have been fewer lives lost, and their respective localities had earned a better name. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 5, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 5, 1877] -

Kentucky is the loveliest place in the world to run a newspaper. An ordinary sized sheet could be filled weekly with accounts of murder, &c., but murder has become so very common that people will take but little interest in it. We will, however, remark en passant that there have been 13 murders in Madison county within twelve months, with several of the back precincts to hear from.[]

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 19, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 19, 1877] -

Six or eight men were killed in Fayette and Madison counties on Saturday and Sunday last. If the desperadoes alone were killed in the carnival of murder now cursing the State, we would rejoice, but unfortunately they escape while the respectable man bites the dust. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lincoln County News -- Hustonville." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 15, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-02-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[February 15, 1878] -

NOTHING LIKE GETTING USED TO IT.

A Cincinnati paper states that a panic was created in that city one night last week, by the report of a pistol somewhere on the streets. Better move out this way awhile. We are unable to sleep without this gentle lulaby. If we don't hear a shot every hour in the night we conclude that something is out of joint. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 3, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-01-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 3, 1879] -

From criminal statistics published it appears that an average of at least one person a day met a violent death in Kentucky during the year 1878, and for all the crimes no one suffered the death penalty. But one execution occurred during the year, and that for a crime committed in 1877. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 18, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-04-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 18, 1879] -

Among the criminal cases are some of great importance, there being three or four charges of murder, and our juries will be called on to perform some very unpleasant duties, but relying on the reputation that this county is making, in desire to mete out justice and punishment to all classes of offenders, we have no doubt that those duties will be faithfully and unflinchingly performed. And when it is thoroughly understood that swift and commensurate punishment must always follow crime, its commission will continue to decrease till Lincoln will be entirely redeemed and placed on the high scale of morality and prominence that its many natural advantages entitle it. Our only hope is in the Courts and juries, and if they are faithful to their oaths and duties, all will be well for us. []

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[] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 25, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-04-25/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 25, 1879] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The Spring term of the Circuit Court will convene next Monday, 28th inst. The docket, which is quite a large one, is made up of 230 criminal cases, 51 Equity and 27 Common law. Of the criminal cases, 24 are felonies, 7 being for murder, and 3 for manslaughter. []

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REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] "Helleck on the Condition of Affairs in the South." The Sweetwater Enterprise, Sweetwater, TN. January 13, 1870. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn89058302/1870-01-13/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 13, 1870] -

Those who murder and rob do so simply as murderers and robbers, influenced by the motives which ordinary incite men to commit these crimes. One of the worst desperadoes in Kentucky served in the Union army during the war; but he and his band murder Rebels and loyalists alike, as may best suit their purposes, at one time claiming to be Ku-Klux, and at another to be anti-Ku-Klux. Although there may be special organizations of outlaws, in particular localities, under the name of Ku-Klux, I am of the opinion that no such general organization now exists in the Southern States. It is probable, however, that outlaws not unfrequently assume this name in order to intimidate the weak and credulous, especially when calculated to increase their own importance. []

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[] Excerpt from "Lawlessnesss in Kentucky." Cininnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. March 25, 1870. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[March 25, 1870] -

LAWLESSNESS IN KENTUCKY.

Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette.

LOUISVILLE, March 21.

In some parts of this State the Regulators, Ku-Klux, Lynchers, Vigilance Committees, or whatever the outlaws may be called, not only have full sway, committing depredations on the highway, whipping negroes, shooting white Union men and destroying property, but they seem to have taken possession of the Courts, and now sit on the bench and perform the functions of jurors, and clothed with the authority of the State, have exercised that authority by condemning the innocent and setting at liberty the murderer, the plunderer and house burner. []

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[] "Ku-Klux Operations in Kentucky." New York Tribune, New York, NY. December 31, 1870. Page 11. Genealogybank.com.

[December 31, 1870] -

KU-KLUX OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY.

To the Editor of The Tribune.

SIR: The following is a short history of the Ku-Klux operations in Kentucky, wherein is detailed a part of their doings, and is explained the mode of Democratic electioneering. In order to a complete understanding of the matter, I will give a history of things in Kentucky since the return of the men who rode and raided with the Morgans, Jessies, Dukes, and others of the Rebel partisan leaders. We had an election in August, 1865, a few months after the surrender of Lee, and at that election the Republicans carried the State, electing four of the Congressmn, and getting a majority upon the general ticket. By informality in the count this majority was lost. The Republicans that year polled 54,000 white votes. Then we had the Rebels disfranchised. That year Gen. Palmer was busy catching and hanging such Rebel guerrillas as Sue Mondy and one-armed Berry, and the Rebels were disheartened and rebellion unpopular. The next year the Legislature was elected, and the Conservative Union men (i.e., those who were, like Mr. Crittenden, in favor of the Union, if Slavery was not disturbed, and who remained Union men until 1863) bidding for the support of the pro-Rebel Democrats, secured their co-operation by promising to repeal the State laws which expatriated the men who had left the State to join the Rebel service. The result of the election was that the Kentucky Senate was a tie, and the House Democratic.

In that Assembly, in the Winter of 1865, commenced the first Ku Klux operations. To get the necessary control of the Senate, several Republicans were unseated in a summary manner. They were returned to their constituency, now enlarged by the repeal of all laws forbidding the suffrage to Rebel soldiers, and were, in every instance save one, succeeded by Democrats. Thus, Conservative Union men were connected with the inauguration of the scheme of persecution which has been put in practice so successfully since. Observe the result. The poll of white votes for Republican candidates went down from, say 50,000 in 1865, to 25,000 in 1867. At the first general election after the inauguration of, this policy, only about 34,000 were polled by the Republicans. This was raised to 39, 000 in 1868, and fell again to 25,000 in 1869. Not more than 25,000 white Republican votes were polled in 1870. So the Ku-Klux, as an electioneering means, became a success. By it not less than 15,000 white Republicans have been kept from polls every year. How was the thing dun?

During the part of the year 1866, and the most of 1867 and 1868, the Ku-Klux Democracy employed business and social motives. Republicans were "cut" in social life; were shunned in the house of God; were avoided in the streets. To deal with one who was at all a manly adherent to his principles, was a thing scarcely known. The result was that timid people surrendered their principles and preferred to stay away from the polls, or to go right over to the Deomcracy. Merchants began to compromise by employing Rebel clerks or taking in Rebel partners. Republicans were omitted when invitations to social gatherings were given. Rebel church members became aggressive and refused to listen to preachers who had sustained the Union. School teachers "tainted" with loyalty were dismissed from public and private schools. Northern printed or written school books were exchanged for trashy pro Rebel ones. Republican lawyers were briefless in the Court-House. Republican doctors got few patients. So far did this thing go and so high did this reactionary wave rise that some soldiers of the Union army, who were candidates for office, actually said in public speeches that they were ashamed of the uniforms they once wore. No doubt this humiliating confession was required of them. Then came, to encourage this, the defection of Andrew Jackson, and his tampering with the political virtue of once honored and true Republicans. Some Union soldiers were seduced and went after the gold calf of office. A few politicians of note were tempted by lust of patronage and fell. These were the dark days for white Republicans in Kentucky. The year 1868 was ended with these troubles. Stevenson, a Rebel who had sought a position in the Cabinet of Jeff. Davis, was Governor of the State, and of his kind were all its officers. Outrages were rife, and civil war was raging in a few counties. The State militia in the disturbed districts was called out, and the Rebel participants in the civil strife formed the State companies, and, with State officers in command, and State arms in their hands, took vengeance upon their old enemies, the Union men.

Here and there a Union man was hung; here and there one was whipped. After the outrage he was charged with some crime, generally that of horse-stealing. But it was more customary first to whip him, and then brand him. Just previous to the election in 1868, these outrages increased in number and violence. Poor, obscure men were now not the only victim of these disguised devils. Prominent Republicans were ordered out of the State and were threatened with direct vengeance if they did not go. The election of President Grant for a time quieted the Ku-Klux. He had promised to punish them, to put an end to their doings, and they for awhile feared that he would do so. But for some cause no vigorous policy against them in this State was inaugurated. Then came the prospect of negro suffrage and with it a violent outbreak of the Ku-Klux. The lull in their doings for 1869[?] has been succeeded by hundreds of outrages committed in 1870. I say hundreds, and speak advisedly. If the record of all the negroes who have been threatened, whipped, shot and hung could be gotten together it would be the roll of a full regiment. But, not to rest satisfied with these general statements, here are some particulars.

Some months ago the passengers between Richmond and Lexington, Ky., looked out of of the stage windows when six or eight miles from the latter place, and saw, hanging to a tree, two negroes who had been accused of hog-stealing. Not long afterward, the passengers in the stage from Lancaster to Nicholasville saw in the early morning a dead negro hanging from the limb of a tree. He also accused of stealing. Negro settlements were visited night after night and their houses searched. School-houses used by negroes were burned, negro churches were burned. As the time for the election approached, white Republicans were threatened. One of these suspected of advising these poor wretches was visited by the disguised gang, and a letter for him put under his door. This was his warning. Against this man's life, public or private, nothing could be said. He was a good Christian, good citizen, an industrious farmer, a good neighbor; but he was suspected of giving advise to negroes in their extremity. These Ku Klux seemed never to have any trouble in getting at their victims. Their organization was perfect and their movements rapid. They have been known to gather to their rendezvous in a few hours, though scattered widely over counties, and ride 12 or 15 miles for their victim, execute him, and be at their homes by the time the gray dawn appeared. Just previous to the election in this State last August, it was found that the Ku Klux organizations were not efficient enough. So at once the State Democratic press was seized with a sudden fear of violence to the white people from the new negro voters, and militia organizations were demanded to protect these poor white Democratic voters from the terrible negroes. These companies were organized and armed with muskets which belong in the United States Government. For a week or so prior to the election, drilling was the “duty of the hour.” Infantry and cavalry were organized. Rebel soldiers were in gray uniform once more, and Rebel officers were in command. Horsemen, armed, rode about the country at night, and the foot-soldiers were drilled in the towns and cities. Into these companies no Republicans went, and none were wanted. These men guarded the polls at some voting places in Kentucky on election day. Now the results of this was not exactly what was expected. The negroes, through all these months, had been under a system of discipline intended to intimidate them, but wherever these negroes were at all backed or led by white Republicans, they went to the polls and voted. The other result was that more white Republicans than black ones were intimidated. In some places, after the election for State officer in August, lists of those who voted the Republican ticket were printed and circulated. Of course such things were anticipated by those who had wares to sell to Democrats, and this was a kind of advertising they did not wish. It was boldly advised in newspapers that Republican merchants who voted the Republican ticket at that election should be given to understand that their Democratic customers had sought other places to make their purchases. But it was quickly observed that neither the previous actions of the Ku Klux, nor the sight of soldiers in gray uniforms with muskets on their shoulders, had so intimidated the negro as to destroy his usefulness as a Republican voter, and a new policy was inaugurated, which was at once put in force. The theory upon which this policy was based, as given in a Democratic newspaper, was, “that the negro preachers could control the action of the members of their flocks.” So several of these colored ministers were murdered in different portions of the State. In one instance, the executioners boldly rode into town and to the preacher’s house, and popped away at him with their pistols util he was killed. In another place the old man was taken from his cabin, whipped, shot, dragged to a tree, and hung. The authors of these villainies are a cruel set of fiends. They have been known to drag their victims at their horses’ heels for miles, lacerating the flesh of the unfortunates by the sharp abrasion of the rocks.

Among the most recent outrages have been the following: In Garrard County, since the election, prominent white Republicans have been threatened with violence unless they left the county. The cause of that is this: Previous to the election the Republicans organized well, met the Ku Klux on their own ground and whipped them. The county went Republican. The Democrats there are determined that such a result shall not again occur, and hence their vigorous persecutions of Republicans. A congregation of negroes in the county were holding, on Saturday night, a religious festival. This social reunion was broken in upon by a drunken white man, who fired into the crowded room of men, women, and children. The negroes defended themselves by returning the fire, and killed the white man. Five of the negroes who did the shooting were arrested; but the Ku Klux took several of them from the hands of the civil authorities and hung them. But why go on detailing these scenes of blood? They are of frequent occurrence, scarcely a week passing without their happening.

Now, strange as it may seem, this Ku-Klux business is justified by a Democratic paper printed at Lexington, Ky., called The Kentucky Gazette, edited by H. H. Gratz. He is a little bolder and more shameless than others, for they only receive the doings of these marauders without censure. One or two Democratic journals have ventured to denounce them, but without effect. Democratic editors known their patrons, and furnish the pabulum which pleases their palates. Republican journals have not failed to denounce these things. The Governor has been asked to suppress their authors: he pleads want to authority, and the Legislature refuses to pass the necessary law. Grand jurors will not indict in most instances; and, if they do, the Courts manage never to convict and punish. Who ever heard of a Ku-Klux being punished in a Kentucky State Court? Who ever heard a hearty denunciation of the Ku-Klux by an influential Democratic politician? The Governor has been asked to suppress the partisan militia organized all over the State. This he will not do; he says he has no authority.

Now does not all this demand interference by the National authorities? These Ku-Klux fellows are known in every neighborhood where they operate. The necessary affidavits for their arrest will be furnished whenever it is understood that they will be so severely punished as to stop their atrocities. But if they are to be arrested only to be turned loose again to persecute the witnesses agains them, it is asking too much of Union men in Kentucky to appear against them. We, here, hope that President Grant will succeed to making his subordinates understood their duty in this matter, and do it. It may be that it would be advisable for the National Government to take the quota of arms allowed this State way from the State authorities. There is no use for this State militia. They do not protect anybody against Ku-Klux. In conclusion, it is any great wonder that the Republican which votes in this State have decreased so largely? Is it any wonder that Democrats carry elections here by such tremendous majorities?

UNION.

*****, Ky., Nov. 29, 1870. []

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[] "Kuklux." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 30, 1872. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1872-08-30/ed-1/seq-3/

[August 30, 1872] -

Kuklux.

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 21, 1873. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1873] -

A correspondent writing from Lexington urges that the aid of the Federal Government be invoked to put down the Ku klux. Such suggestions are frequent, and the fact that they are frequent furnishes a sad commentary upon the dignity and power of the State. Of course we do not favor such a resort, but we do say that, if the State authorities can't arrest and punish the small bands of outlaws who are bringing such reproach upon Kentucky, the fact is a bitter shame and a disgrace. []

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[] "A Remedy." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 22, 1873. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 22, 1873] -

A Remedy.

It seems that Kuklux outrages can not be suppressed by the local constabulary and the perpetrators brought to justice and punished by the ordinary machinery of grand juries, sheriffs and courts. The Legislature demurs to the proposition that the Governor shall be authorized to pay large rewards for the detection of Kuklux on the ground that the adoption of such a system would fill the State with a corps of spies and informers like those who plagued her people during and just after the war -- a band of miscreants who violated the sanctity of domestic life, pried into the secrets of private business, and, after distilling an atmosphere of distrust, espionage and treachery into the common intercourse and every relation of society, ended by subjecting to the penalties which followed their denunciation the innocent far oftener than the offending. The militia even were it efficiently organized, which is not the case, would be unavailing to reach and check crimes like these.

In the first place it would be too unwieldy. It would be difficult to get it together in time, and to transport it to the scene of action. That being done, its effectiveness would be in inverse ratio to the zeal and care bestowed upon its employment, for the more certainly that the Governor meant business, and equipped and provided his militia accordingly, would the rascals take the alarm and hide or flit until the coast is clear again. Then the very composition of the militia unfits it for such service. It is composed of young men who are, as a general rule, engaged actively in business pursuits, whose time is valuable, and who would serve unwillingly if called out for a raid upon the Kuklux. They would make, as many of them have made, excellent soldiers if enlisted for sure-enough war, they would, in time, make first rate Kuklux catchers, if that were their business, but to be forced away from usual and profitable avocations, sent off to some back country and kept there just long enough to become heartily sick of the matter, without becoming habituated to the work required of them, or acquiring any special interest in it, would be as good a thing as the K. K. Ks. would want. Now, if regular United States soldiers were stationed in the infested counties, there might be some chance of practical results.But there are many and serious objections to this plan.

In the first place, we frankly admit that we feel the full force of the prejudice against that sort of interference in our State affairs, and would consent to it only after every other remedy had been exhausted. There are more real objections. Just as certainly as the soldiers were sent to the localities where the corrective discipline is needed would a false and unhealthy sympathy be gotten up for the criminals. It would be very senseless, very ridiculous, very wrong, but it would be sure to spring into existence. Men who now heartily pray for the suppression of this terrible grievance -- yea, who are its victims -- would, with that singular inconsistency and obliquity of both judgment and feeling which human nature displays nowhere so charmingly as in Kentucky, instantly lift up their voices in testimony against the soldiers and in lamentation for the martyred maskers and murderers.

Nor can we ever bring ourselves to advocate or even in this extremity excuse the application of lynch law. We deprecate therefore the formation of vigilance committees, although we believe in our soul that, as far as these scoundrels themselves are concerned, they ought to be killed wherever found, as a settler kills snakes. Then we are logically forced, after [?]ing shown the impropriety or impotency of all the others to present and urge our remedy. Let the Legislature, immediately upon its assemblage, pass a bill empowering the Governor to enlist into the service of the State, as a regular, standing police force, a company of cavalry, to consist of sixty privates, three lieutenants and one captain. Let them be sworn in for three years “or the war.” Let these men understand that their vocation is to be the hunting of K. K. Ks., and that they are to be always ready for that service to the exclusion of all other business. Let them be thoroughly drilled and instructed, perfectly armed and kept at Frankfort in barracks except when needed for the field. Let no man be admitted to this corps who is not a man of discretion, sobriety and tried courage and fidelity. Let the officers be selected with especial care, and let every precaution be adopted to insure in this body the strictest and best discipline. The advantages to be derived from this method are obvious: First—Secrecy and dispatch in the employment of the force to be used against the evil-doers — desiderata which, as we have shown, can never be obtained in the use of the militia, and which are guaranteed by this plan. Their importance and value can not be overestimated. At the first hint of disorder—immediately that the telegraph warns the Governor that the masked banditti are stirring or th pale courier spurs into Frankfort with the news and begs protection for the endangered community—the order may be issued to the commanding officer to take his entire company, or a detachment, as the exigencies of the case may require, and in twenty minutes the horsemen may be on the march, riding day and night until they reach the ground. Then when they are upon the scene of action they will know what to do. Their proceedings will be conducted with the systems and sagacity which experience teaches. They will go about the work professionally and con amore.

They will feel a pride in doing the work well, and they will be troubled with none of the disgust and impatience which assail men taken from their regular business and put at something so very unlike it. And there is another consideration of no little importance. Men living in the neighborhoods haunted by the Kuklux, and who, perhaps, know the scoundrels well — men who now, for prudential reasons easily appreciated, hold their tongues and give no information — who would fear to furnish information to a militia commander in whose discretion or efficiency they could feel no confidence — such men would readily and gladly give intelligence to an officer of such a police force as we have described. This plan will cost something, of course. Such a force ought to be well paid — the privates, say, fifty dollars; the officers seventy-five per month. Officers and men might be required to furnish their own horses, the State to pay for them, if lost in the service, upon a previous valuation. We may estimate the expense as follows: Pay of officers and men, ……… Now is $72,465 per annum too much money for Kentucky to pay for the suppression of an evil which is disgracing her people, branding her fair name with a stigma which will be ineffaceable if she does not act decisively and emphatically and promptly, and which is now working an incalculable injury to her best interests? []

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 26, 1873. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 26, 1873] -

It is a question of no little concern to the people of this State how men support themselves who spend their nights riding about the country on Kuklux expeditions. They have horses, saddles and bridles; they have clothes, and they must eat and drink. All these things require money. The question is, how they get it. It is evident they don't work. Men who for months have been playing Kuklux, putting on hideous disguises, wearing masks, committing murders and burning houses, and then retreating to some place of concealment to elude justice, have no time to earn their living, and they are not men who have incomes that enable them to live without work. But every now and then robberies are committed, sometimes on the highway, sometimes houses and stores are broken open and robbed, sometimes we hear of counterfeit money being put in circulation, and sometimes valuable horses and mules are stolen. In many instances these robberies, burglaries and thefts are evidently committed by experts. They are done in a skillful manner, that indicates the job is the work of a practiced hand, who had the aid of confederates. Here are various crimes, artistically perpetrated on the one hand, and on the other, evidence of the existence of organized outlaws in the State, who have no honest employment. Is it not probable that the Kuklux are also professional highway robbers, burglars, horse-thieves and passers of counterfeit money? It is not nearly a certainty. Society can not afford to give the Kuklux the benefit of a doubt as to their accumulated and various guilt. They are prima facie not only trespassers and murderers, but also house breakers, highwaymen, horse thieves and counterfeiters. They must be hunted to their dens and exterminated without mercy. The families that harbor the scoundrels are also guilty of a high crime, and should be marked out and branded with infamy. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 22, 1873. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-08-22/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 22, 1873] -

kuklux legislation

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. August 27, 1873. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 27, 1873] -

The Detroit Tribune is mistaken in attributing the Kuklux outrages in Kentucky to "political animosity against equal rights." These outrages have no political significance whatever. Democrats live in the same terror and are as often the victims of the assassins as Radicals. It is pretty well known, indeed, that the Radical party is well represented in the Klan, and that the entire organization is nothing more than a cowardly band of freebooters and highwaymen, bound together by the common purpose of plundering and of gratifying private revenge. It seems indeed to be entirely distinct from the Kuklux order which existed in the South some years since. Its members are masked, it is true, but their acts indicate that they are in no way controlled by political sentiment. They unite in a body to gratify a private rancor against their neighbors for some individual grievance, which they are too cowardly to avenge in a mere open and manly way. []

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[] Excerpt from "." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 29, 1873. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1873-08-29/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 29, 1873] -

kuklux legislation

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. Hartford Daily Courant, Hartford, CT. September 11, 1873. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[September 11, 1873] -

After all, the inventiveness of the enterprising newspaper man is not exhausted. The Louisville Courier-Journal proposes a plan which, if put in practice, will not merely be fruitful in notoriety but will result in appreciable good to two or three Kentucky counties. Commenting on its correspondent's latest accounts regarding the ku-klux outrages, it offers, if the governor has not means or power at his command, to equip a company of men to proceed against the outlaws, and will pay all expenses necessary in organizing an efficient company for that object. This proposition is very much to the purpose, and, if affairs are really in the condition in which they are represented to be, is credible to the newspaper an otherwise to the Kentucky state government. []

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[] Excerpt from "Wayne County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 30, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 30, 1877] -

Wayne county is in a state of insurrection at present and "times are squally" superinduced by the effort upon the part of the Government to bring to justice the "moonshiners" whose name is legion. On Thursday night last, a band of men armed to the teeth, forcibly entered the jail and released Frank Phipps and Reuben Ard, who were incarcerated the same day. There seems to be a compact organization, extending even into Tennessee, of men of this kind, for the purpose of resisting the law. Last night (Sunday,) a squad were on the street again, demanding John Lovelace, who was bailed a few hours before. Nothing would satisfy them until the Jailer showed them the inmates. Just before day three more appeared for the same purpose. This proves the extent and determination of the recalcitrants, and we are fully of the opinion that the end is not yet. Their hostility is all confined to the United States Government, and what Uncle Sam will do in the premises we shall not say. Yet, Nous Verrons -- Our good judgment compels us to say that the Government officials adopted a bad plan in clothing certain characters with authority in this business, which, in the nature of things, would breed unusual resentment. []

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ALCOHOL AND CRIME
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[] "The Source of Crime." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 16, 1872. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1872-08-16/ed-1/seq-3/

[August 16, 1872] -

editorial on crime caused by alcohol

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NEWSPAPER META

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[] The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 2, 1874. Page 3.

[January 2, 1874] -

The following is the list of our regular correspondents [and their pseudonyms]:

Somerset, Pulaski County, Will C. Curd; Monticello, Wayne county, Tom. McBeath, "Bion;" Monticello, Wayne county, Dr. J. B. S. Frisbbre, "Occasional;" Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle county, Dr. J. J. Brown, "U Know;" Shelby City, Boyle county, Dr. R. H. Grimstead, "Wide-Awake;" Middlesburg, Casey county, E. Tarrant, "Ethelbert;" Pine Hill, Rockcastle county, L. S. Jones, "Jinks."

In Lincoln county we have the following: Hustonville, Rev. J. A. Bogle, "Falstaff;" Crab Orchard, J. R. Pherigo, "P." North Side, Rev. J. W. Walters, "Rover;" Highland, J. D. Bastin, "B;" Waynesburg, L.G. Gooch, "G." []

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July 16, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-07-16/ed-1/seq-2/

[July 16, 1875] -

Somerset Weekly Reporter, owned and edited by J. B. Rucker & W. C. Owens, made its debut on Friday last. The neat appearance of the initial number, its newsy contents and attractive make-up should cause a feeling of pride in the breast of every Pulaski citizen for their county paper, and cause them to give it a most hearty support. We welcome it to our table and predict for it a long and prosperous career. []

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 16, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-07-16/ed-1/seq-3/

[July 16, 1875] -

Somerset Weekly Reporter

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 4, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-08-04/ed-1/seq-3/

[August 4, 1876] -

Somerset Republican

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 18, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-08-18/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 18, 1876] -

Hansford, Home What-Not

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[] Excerpt from "Pulaski County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 1, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-09-01/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 1, 1876] -

Somerset Republican

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 8, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-09-08/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 8, 1876] -

Somerset Reporter

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[] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 25, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-01-25/ed-1/seq-2/

[January 25, 1878] -

Somerset Republican

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 1, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-03-01/ed-1/seq-2/

[March 1, 1878] -

We can shut our eyes and tell that our old friend, W. B. Hansford, who used to furnish us with Somerset items over the nom de plume of “What Not,” has a finger in the Reporter pie. He is a clever gentleman, a good writer, and never shows his insanity unless a certain subject is broached; then he gets as crazy as a bed bug. It is hardly necessary to name the subject. []

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[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 9, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-08-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 9, 1878] -

Hansford, Pulaski Citizen

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 18, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-10-18/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 18, 1878] -

Somerset Reporter

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MISCELLANEOUS

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[] Excerpt from "." July 2, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-07-02/ed-1/seq-3/

James and Younger in Danville 1875?

[July 2, 1875] -

The citizens of Danville were greatly alarmed on yesterday, learning an attack on their Banks by the James and Younger brothers. The Banks were well defended. Many citizens had their arms in readiness, and had the robbers come, they would have had a warm reception. Our Stanford citizens are also prepared to receive them. []

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[] Excerpt from "." December 24, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-12-24/ed-1/seq-3/

fireworks

[December 24, 1875] -

The terrible conflagrations which have occurred in other towns during the Christmas holidays, by reason of the firing of sky rockets, fire-crackers, and other things of the kind, have admonished our town authorities to be on their guard. Hence, there has been a town ordinance enacted prohibiting the use of such things within their corporate limits. The law is right, and should be rigidly enforced. What is the little pleasure of a child, or man either, when compared to the safety of the houses and other property of our citizens? It is well-known that a single firecracker has been the means of burning up thousands of dollars worth of property. Therefore, let our town trustees see that these destructive things are not fired in places where they might cause great destruction of property. []

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http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-02-11/ed-1/seq-2/

[February 11, 1876] -

col 2, concurrent jurisdictions

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[] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-03-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[March 21, 1879] -

HOUSE BURNED. -- The house occupied by William Decker and family, near Highland, was burned this week. Nothing of consequence was saved, and as there was no insurance, the loss falls very heavily on Mr. Decker, who, besides being a poor man, has been confined to his bed by sickness for several months. A subscription paper is being circulated in his behalf, and we have no doubt that our citizens will respond liberally. []

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http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-14/ed-1/seq-2/

[December 14, 1877] -

custody over a grandchild of liberty langford

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Tangents, 1850 - 1869

2020-02-24T14:44:00.002-05:00

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

The topics within this particular tangent post are as follows:

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

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

[] Excerpt from "A Trip to East Tennessee." Louisville Daily Journal, Louisville, KY. August 4, 1866. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 4, 1866] -

BURNSIDE RAILROAD.

To one who has taken as many wearing jaunts by stage as I have, from Nicholasville to Stanford, the question recurs with twofold importance. Will Kentucky enterprise continue this road to the mountains, and catch from Cincinnati's grasp the commerce of that section? The mountain people of Kentucky and Tennessee want communication with Louisville or Cincinnati. They have iron, coal, zinc, saltpeter, lead, petroleum in abundance, and timber that is unsurpassed for variety and quantity. Who will make the effort? is the mooted question in the mountain counties. The people are not passive on the subject. Every county through which the road will pass will contribute largely in lands and money in aid of the enterprise. If the Burnside Road is constructed, the people of Pulaski, Wayne, and Whitley counties will contribute liberally. They want only an opportunity to prove their sincerity. Counties bordering on these will also subscribe in aid of the undertaking, and I feel confident, from an intercourse of eight months with them in the interests of a road, that in the counties lying along the line surveyed by the engineers sent out by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company, and in the counties contiguous to these, at least eight hundred thousand dollars, and two hundred and fifty thousand acres of land, can be procured as a donation.

The people are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to do something for the work. Let the right men take the matter in hand, and, in addition to the two millions bonus already raised and tendered by Cincinnati, will be the prize that is offered by the mountain counties.

Everybody in this section has lost confidence in Cincinnatians. Why not the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company take the matter in hand, and, deflecting from Stanford to the right, reap for Louisville the incalculable benefits accruing from the mountain trade?

SOMERSET

Like other war-battered towns, presents in the condition of its business houses rather a shabby and dilapidated aspect, compared to the neat and cleanly appearance it wore ere the disturbances of the war cast a blight on trade and ushered in the chaos and confusion of morals and socialisms. The dwelling-houses generally are comely on their appearance, and the revival of trade and travel, the resuscitation of the old-time civilities before prejudices estranged families, and the new life that religion begins to show, have lighted sad faces with new smiles, and the community seems to be happy in the hope that enterprise and energy have ins tore a success and prosperity to which that of the days before the war was only a foretaste.

The advantages of this village as a place of residence, with a railroad connection with the cities North and the mountain county South, are, in point of health of climate, beauty of site, proximity to haunts that are wild, and scenery that is beautiful and sublime, unsurpassed by those of any other village of the State.

WATERING PLACES.

These favorite places of resort in Southwestern Kentucky cannot offer the present year accommodations for their visitors. The patrons of Rock Castle, Sublimity and Crab Orchard Springs, find it difficult indeed to procure, at this time, anything like comfortable quarters during their stay. It is in contemplation by the proprietors, I learn; to so enlarge for the coming year, and attract by the inviting comforts and beauties of their rival resorts, that families and individuals, desiring retirement, with the advantages of rural scenery, healthy country air, and the benefits of the medicinal virtues of the water, may find in these resorts quite as inviting retreats from the cares of life, the heat of cities and the noise and bustle of the streets, as could be found in other States or on the seashore.

FOR THE MOUNTAINS.

From Somerset, the trip through the mountains must be prosecuted on horseback. I had for company, and my star was never luckier, an estimable lady friend, and a Welsh gentleman, who has been in this country several months as correspondent for the London Times. To find one of my craft from across the broad waters, on a note-hunting errand, was a freak of good fortune, the happier for being unexpected.

POINT BURNSIDE.

This place, just at the confluence of South Fork with the Cumberland, and formerly Point Isabel, takes it present title from having been made by Gen. Burnside his base of supplies for that remarkably arduous campaign of his for the occupation of Knoxville.

Of all that city of store-houses, boarding houses, work-shops, bakeries, granaries, dwellings, and offices, erected at such an immense cost by the Government, but two remain. The little valley that hides itself among the hills is checkered now with cornfields and meadows. In place of the busy hundreds and thousands that plied the work of war, we have now but the bare, grim earth-works, with their rotting abatis of felled timber, and a few lone chimneys.

The place is destined erelong, I think, to become a site of one of the busiest and most prosperous towns in the State. All the railroad surveys select this place as the crossing-point on the Cumberland. As the head of navigation on the main river, with the turbulent South Fork, which then will be made navigable, uniting with the main stream, to this point will tend the mineral, coal, and lumber riches of the up-country for barter and sale to the merchants from Nashville and from Cincinnati. The point is owned at present, I believe, by Gen. Wilder, of Indiana.

CROPS.

In these sheltered coves, corn will yield from fifty to sixty bushels per acre. On the plateau beyond, the land here corresponding with that in the vicinity of Somerset, the yield will be from twenty to fifty bushels. The average, however, will not be greater than thirty bushels. The average of Pulaski county in corn will not be greater than thirty-five bushels, if indeed it reaches that. Oats are unusually fine. []

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ABOLITIONISTS
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[] Fee, John G. Autobiography of John G. Fee. Chicago, IL: National Christian Association, 1891. Available on GoogleBooks. Accessed February 16, 2020. Excerpts from Chapter 5.

Excerpts from the Autobiography of John G. Fee:

Prior to my baptism, Mr. C[assius] M. Clay had returned from Mexico and had requested that I send to his care a box of my "Anti-slavery Manuals." I had done so. He distributed these largely in this part of Madison County. Friends of freedom here had united in a request that I visit them and preach to them. I did so early in the spring of 1853. After I had preached to the people some nine sermons, thirteen persons came out as professed followers of Christ. Most of these had been baptized and came from their former slaveholding fellowships. The others were baptized, and all united as a church and for a time worshiped in the old Glade meeting house. After some days, I left the little flock and returned to my home in Lewis County.

...

About this time Bro. George Candee came; and whilst he and I were chopping wood, then piled up in my yard, we talked up the idea of a more extended school - a college - in which to educate not merely in a knowledge of the sciences, so called, but also in the principles of love in religion, and liberty and justice in government; and thus permeate the minds of the youth with these sentiments.

With a purpose to survey the field and look out the best location, we took our horses and rode out into Rockcastle County, and visited a community in which I had preached a few discourses during the preceding year. We thought we had there found the place, and unfolded our plans to a friend. He entered with commendable zeal into the plan and was ready to deed lands for the enterprise.

As a preparatory step we induced friends to help in the erection of a house as a place for the school, and for public worship. The building was speedily enclosed, a few sermons preached, and Otis B. Waters, a student from Oberlin, Ohio, was introduced as teacher of the school. Soon some enemy of the movement reduced the building to ashes.

Friends there were intimidated and wholly unwilling to make any other effort at building. I kept up a monthly appointment in the community, in groves and private houses.

Brother Candee went into Pulaski County and started a school there. Speedily the house there was burned. From thence he went to McKee, the county seat of Jackson County. I kept headquarters at Berea, with regular appointments there, and in three other adjoining counties.

A Bro. Richardson, a man of excellent spirit, came. He went on to Williamsburg, the county seat of Whitley County, where Bro. Myers has successfully labored. Bro. Richardson there began a school, but soon felt the unfriendly embrace of a mob and left.

One of my appointments for regular preaching, at this time, was at Dripping Springs, in Garrard County, near to Crab Orchard. The slave power was, as ever, vigilant - called a meeting of citizens at Crab Orchard, and a venerable minister of the Gospel (?) presided over their deliberations. They gravely resolved that I should not further preach nor distribute Abolition documents in that county.

...

Soon after the mobbing at Dripping Springs, Garrard County, I went again eighteen miles distant, to my regular monthly appointment in Rockcastle County. My wife taking her babe in her arms, leaving our other little ones at home with a good friend, went with me. When we arrived, we found an orderly congregation of people, and larger than we had expected, assembled in the grove, according to previous arrangement.

Soon after I had commenced preaching, a band of men, about thirty in number, rode up, dismounted and posted themselves outside the congregation. Soon it was manifest that they were in doubt as to what was the better course to pursue. Unobserved by me, and without any previous knowledge of his intent, there stood behind me a strong, robust man; and, though it was now early summer, he had on a large overcoat, with large side pockets, evidently not empty. Under his overcoat, as I was afterward informed, there was seen the handle of a huge knife, evidently not made by Wostenholm & Sons. This man (Roberts) said not a word, nor moved a step. His known sympathy with liberty and free speech, bespoke to others his silent purpose. I followed the plan of my sermon, concluded, and knelt down, with many others, and called on a brother to lead in prayer - he was silent. I then called on a venerable minister of the Gospel, usually fervent in prayer, and he, too, remained silent. I prayed, and then, after further conversation with some three persons who had confessed sorrow for sin and trust in Jesus, we went with the congregation to a stream of water near by, and there, upon the repeated profession of their faith in Christ, I baptized the three, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Soon after the baptism and before we left the ground, my wife, other friends and myself, were warned not to return - that if we did, we would certainly meet a large force, and I not be allowed to speak. I replied, "The Lord willing, I will meet my appointment." My wife told them that, if living, I would come.

...

Mr. [Cassius] Clay himself came not to my house for thirteen months; and when the time came for me to go back to my next appointment in Rockcastle County, not only were the magistrates, alluded to previously, secure at home, but many others also remained. The prospect for a college, a living church, life itself, was waning. The "narrow way" still existed.

Soon after the celebration at Slate Lick, the time for my next appointment in Rockcastle County came. That the now drooping spirits of remaining friends might be cheered by my personal presence, and that all things might be in readiness for worship on Lord's Day, I mounted my horse the day previous, and rode out, some eighteen miles, to the place appointed for preaching. On my way I called at the house of one of the magistrates previously referred to. He could not be found. I then rode on to the house of the man who had been apparently most interested in our work. I saw in a moment that he, too, was utterly discouraged, - no spirit in him - afraid to go to the place appointed for preaching, though on his own premises. He was willing to shelter me for the night, - but that was all.

Then next morning the heavens themselves were overcast with clouds; and about the time for the gathering of the people, the rain commenced descending. The house provided for the expected congregation was small and soon filled, almost exclusively with women. The arbor, constructed as a shade for men, in front of the house, would not shield them from the falling rain. They dispersed to neighboring houses. This was the opportunity for the mob foretold at the time of the previous appointment.

As I was afterward informed, the mob was at this time lying in ambush, waiting to see if Mr. Clay and his personal friends would be present. They knew that immediately after the mob at Dripping Springs Mr. Clay had said, "Free speech shall be maintained, and Fee shall be heard"; and strong demonstrations for the maintenance of such had been made; but these men also knew that since that time Mr. Clay, as at the celebration at Slate Lick, had expressed disapproval of my radical sentiments in regard to the Higher Law. They were now waiting to see if Mr. Clay's difference of sentiment would neutralize his zeal for free speech, and cause his absence on this occasion. Finding him not present, and no armed forces ready to defend me, some forty or fifty men quickly surrounded the house in which I was preaching; and a portion of them, with show of previously-concealed weapons, rushed into the house, and with violence pulled me out of it, tearing my coat, and one man struck me a violent blow, but without inflicting lasting injury.

The mob had taken the precaution to have my horse in readiness, and demanded that I mount and be ready to march. I saw that this, under existing circumstances, was probably the best thing to do.

The leader of the mob said to me, "We will now take you out of this county; and if you return again it will be at the peril of your life." I calmly replied, "I am in your hands, but I will make no pledges to men, for the present or the future." The crowd started with me for Crab Orchard, nine miles distant.

The men having me in charge were not silent. Like all others conscious of guilt, they sought to justify themselves by criminating others. I was neither sullen nor silent. I vindicated my right as a native citizen, and as a Christian minister, to speak as occasion offered, and appealed to their own sense of honor and of right. One by one of the number dropped out of the crowd.

We had not proceeded many miles until suddenly there descended upon us a drenching rain; - like the dew on Nebuchadnezzar: as described by Milton, it "dipped us all over." By common consent we all took shelter in a farm house near to the roadside. The "man of the house" had a kind look and a pleasant manner. Seeing a large Bible on a small table, I said to him, "We can not travel whilst the rain is falling so heavily, and if you are willing we will read a portion of Scripture and pray." He assented pleasantly, and I turned to the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, and read, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, * * * Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? * * Then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer"; - and so to the end of that chapter, so full of instruction and precious promise. I knelt down and prayed. Soon the rain ceased. We all mounted our horses; but seven of the number turned back. Nine persevered in their purpose to take me out of the county, and brought me to Crab Orchard, where, much to my comfort, I saw no crowd of hostile men waiting to receive me, as was expected.

The mission of the nine to take me out of the county was now ended; but feeling that they must say something they asked me if I would "take something to drink," - they meant whisky.

These men, as their manner indicated, doubtless thought they were acting magnanimously to offer a "treat" - even to an Abolitionist. I, in a quiet manner, replied, "I drink nothing stronger than cold water; and if you will give me a cup of that I shall be much obliged." This they quickly brought to me, and after drinking it, I bade them good evening and started toward my home.

It was now near sunset. I rode on some two or three miles, and coming to the small log-house of a poor man, I asked the privilege of spending with him the night. This he kindly granted. Early the next morning I was again on my horse, and in a few minutes was in the well known road leading from Dripping Springs to Berea.

...

A crisis came to Berea. For weeks there was a reign of terror. The male members of the church, with others who were friends, held three formal councils, to which I was invited. These men entreated that I leave; saying, "There is an overwhelming feeling against you; your friends cannot protect you; the mob will kill you and destroy your property." I replied, "I came here to do my duty, and when the mob shall come they will find me at my post."

For weeks, not a man came through our little rustic gate, save Otis B. Waters, the teacher, and "Ham" Rawlings, the tried friend oft referred to. He would come "every few days," and on leaving, would say, "Quist (Christ) was a Wadical (Radical)," and drop large tears of affection over our little children as he was bidding them "good-by."

These were dark days, - days in which we could walk only by faith, not by sight, - taught to "endure as seeing Him who is invisible."

I kept up appointments for preaching in the school-house. For a time the congregation was composed of women, save one or two male members. Some men who were friends stood around in the forest, some with guns near by.

After a time fears subsided, a few men came in, some souls were converted, the little school went on until the close of the term. Then Bro. Waters returned to Oberlin, Ohio, to further prosecute his studies in preparation for the Gospel ministry.

It was notoriously true that sudden destruction came upon the leaders of these latter mobs, as had been true in Lewis, Mason and Bracken Counties. Here in Madison County, one of the violent men in the mob was stabbed six times and fell dead; another was shot in his yard; another shot whilst sitting in his house; another stabbed, and after lingering some days died.

So of the Dripping Spring mob: - two of the leading violent men were shot; a third cut to pieces with a bowie-knife. So in the Rockcastle mob the destruction came speedily and numerous. Men of that reckless class faintly saw a providence, and among themselves banded around the saying, "Old Master is against us." []

---

[] Clay, Cassius M. Life of Cassius Marcellus Clay: Memoirs, Writings, and Speeches. Vol. 1. Cincinnati, OH: J. Fletcher Brennan & Co., 1886. Available on GoogleBooks. Accessed February 16, 2020. Excerpts taken from Chapters 4 and 12.

Excerpt from Life of Cassius Marcellus Clay: Memoirs, Writings, and Speeches, Vol. 1:

From the Washington Republic.

* INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE.

We have received for publication the following correspondence. It will command the wide interest and attention with which every thing is received by the public from Cassius M. Clay, than whom a more gallant spirit does not live:

October 8, 1857.

To the Editor of the Republic:

The inclosed correspondence was not designed, when written, for publication; but as Mr. Davis's letter evidently was intended to elicit from me something for general explanation, I have thought it best, and no breach of confidence, to send his letter and this reply at once to the press. Your obedient servant,

C. M. Clay.

Cabin Creek, Lewis Co., Ky., Friday, October 2, 1857.

Dear Sir: — In common with multitudes of the friends of freedom, I learned with regret of the disturbances which have taken place in Rockcastle County; and I was also sorry to learn, through the Cincinnati Commercial, that you did not feel at liberty to interpose your powerful influence for the maintenance of that freedom of speech which has been enjoyed through the blessing of Providence on your exertions; and I fear that friends in the Northern States will misapprehend your withdrawal of aid from Brother Fee, and infer that your zeal is slackening in the cause of universal liberty.

I fear, too, that what you say about Brother Fee's position tending to revolution and insurrection may inflame the mob.

But, of course, my impressions come from reports received from that region, and I know not the state of things as well as one on the ground.

Would the determination on your part to secure to him the right of speech produce the impression that you indorsed the principles of the radical Abolitionists? I think not. The slaveholders and pro-slavery men who met a few weeks ago in Madison did not think so. Judge Reid, formerly of this Circuit Court, did not think he was sanctioning the course of Brother Fee when he here charged the grand-jury not to bring in a bill against him.

I wish, sir, you would use your influence in behalf of the unrestrained utterance of what this godly man honestly believes true. I am quite sure that the people of the free States would appreciate the action, and that your magnanimity in this respect would not be lost on the South.

I should be happy to hear from you soon. Respectfully,

James S. Davis.

Mr. C. M. Clay.

October 8, 1857.

Rev. And Dear Sir : — Your favor of the 2d instant is received. I have avoided writing any thing upon the subject of the late mobs in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, preferring to lie myself under misapprehension rather than do any thing which might seem calculated to increase the embarrassment of our mutal friend, the Rev. John G. Fee. But since you put direct questions to me, with regard to our relative position, I do not feel at liberty to refuse a reply, and to assume whatever responsibility may rightly rest upon me.

In the first place, then, I did not withdraw my influence from him, but he his from me. We acted together, from before 1848, upon the basis of Constitutional opposition to slavery. On the 4th of July, 1856, against my urgent advice and solemn protest, he publicly, from the stump, not in the capacity of a minister of the Gospel, but as a politician, made avowals in substance of the doctrines of the Radical Abolitionists. That is, as I understand him, slavery being contrary to the higher law — the law of Nature and of God — is "no law," unconstitutional, and void, and ought not to be enforced by judge or citizen. In consequence of this separation from the Republican Party, the Central Club of our State called a meeting, and elected another Corresponding Secretary in Mr. Fee's stead, he being present, and silent, at the meeting. In taking his position, then, he separated himself from me and my party; and now, when his own action brings him into trouble, to blame me is unjust and absurd.

You complain that I characterized "Radicalism" as "revolutionary and insurrectionary." I think it is. And, having induced some of our citizens to embark their fortunes in this move against slavery, I have felt it my highest duty to keep them upon safe and legal grounds. The Radicals propose a fundamental change in our Government, and in a way not prescribed by the Constitution, but in violation of it. The distinguished head and front of the Radical Abolitionists, the Hon. Gerrit Smith, in his late Chicago speech, expressly declares the move a "revolutionary" one. Now, looking upon Mr. Fee's position as such, I am against it; and, whilst I denounce all mobs, I can give him neither "aid nor comfort." To talk of maintaining the liberty of speech in such connection, without indorsing his doctrines, is absurd. Such a propagandism in a slave State is not a thing of "speech" or debate, but a state of revolution and insurrection against "the powers that be."

If there is "no law," moral, divine, nor human, to hold the slave, then the slave is as free as the master. If the slave is as free as the master, he has a right to resist the master. If he slays the master, he is acting under moral and legal self-defense, and not only does not deserve punishment by the courts or otherwise; but can demand, and ought to receive, "aid and comfort" from every Radical Abolitionist the world over. If all this is not "insurrectionary and revolutionary," and indictable, and punishable with death under our statutes, whenever an overt act on the part of the slave shall give fact to theory, then I know nothing of law or logic. To all this I am opposed — now, in the past, and in the future. First, because I am in favor of a peaceable and fraternal solution of the slave question. History teaches me that political institutions grow, and are not made; and sudden changes have always been the cause of a retrocession, and not progress. I am ready to make sacrifices, not for a coup de main, but for the gradual and stable advancement of civilization and humanity. Second, because my regard for the black race would lead me to deprecate an issue which, in my judgment, would drive them to the wall. Third, because, if such issue as extermination should ever threaten either race, I am for my own, the white race, against all other races on earth.

I have thus answered you frankly and fully. I stand now, where I have always stood, upon Republican ground — the rule of the majority, and constitutional opposition to slavery. And, having spent fortune and lost friends and caste, and repeatedly risked my life in defense of the constitutional liberty of the whole human race, I feel that I can afford to look with contempt upon the idea that I am "slackening in my zeal," because I do not choose to follow the lead of every one who, however conscientious, may jeopard a good cause by fanaticism or folly. With regard to Mr. Fee, personally, I entertain toward him the most friendly feelings. I consider him honest and godly, as you say. He is a man of ability and pure mind. In the wide verge of life, destiny separates us; he, and those who act with him, must reap the good and evil of their deeds!

Your obedient servant,

C. M. Clay.

Rev. Jas. S. Davis, Cabin Creek, etc., Ky. []

When John G. Fee was maltreated and driven by violence from preaching near Crab Orchard, in Lincoln County, because he opposed slavery, I made an appointment to speak in the same place myself on the slavery issue. If we were not allowed to speak freely according to our constitutional rights, our whole scheme for emancipation failed. I therefore felt that it was necessary to set my life upon the cast of the die. And there, surrounded by armed followers, I took the ground which was much commented upon, and noted in the nation. The legend goes, and was so illustrated by an engraving, that I placed a pistol on the book-board, and a Bible by its side, saying: "For those who obey the rules of right, and the sacred truths of the Christian religion, I appeal to this Book; and to those who only recognize the law of force, here is my defense," laying my hand upon my pistol. Thus related, it would seem that I had made a prepared and threatened exhibition of my courage and prowess, when, in fact, I was exerting all my powers of appeal and argument to avoid a conflict; for 'such avoidance was victory. Had I laid my pistol on the bookboard, some enemy was most likely to seize it. I had my carpet-bag with my arms and notes, as usual, at my feet, unseen; and the Bible on the board was always left there in the country meeting-houses.

Again, as the slave-power of Lincoln, in meeting at the county capital, Stanford, had passed resolutions threatening with death the discussion of the slavery question — more in reference to myself than to Fee—I at once made an appointment to speak in Stanford. This, silly people thought, was useless bravado. But our strength was a moral strength, and must rest, like physical battles, upon successful defense. No body knew this better than the slave-holders. So, as they had made an issue with both Fee and myself, they saw that they had placed themselves in a fatal position; that if I spoke with safety, their policy of intimidation was broken forever; and the boldest of them feared the result, in a commonwealth where so small a portion of the voters were slave-holders, if I was put to death in the exercise of admitted constitutional rights. They, therefore, knowing that I would speak or die, sent a committee of their most prominent men from Lincoln to my house, thirty miles away, with instructions to approach me in a friendly spirit, and advise me of the dangers of my attempt. I received the committee with cordiality at my own house, where I now write; and, after hearing them with respectful attention, I said: "Gentlemen, say to your friends, that I appreciate their kindness in sending you to advise with me; but, God willing, I shall speak in Stanford on the day named." So, as I foresaw, there was a square division of opinion on the part of my opponents; whilst my friends were solid. The upshot was that the court-house, being one of the largest in the State, was crowded to overflowing. The excitement was intense, but I was heard without a single interruption. This was a signal victory to me and my cause; for, if I was victorious in the blue-grass region, the very stronghold of slavery, I might claim an easy triumph elsewhere.

It was in the same court-house, in 1872, that I made my speech in favor of the autonomy of the States, by the invitation of the same men, where I was received with unbounded enthusiasm. The Cincinnati Commercial, and other leading journals of all parties, sent their reporters; and my speech, like most of my efforts in oratory, as reported and unrevised, will be published in my "Writings and Speeches."

So long as my noble friend, Fee, stood on constitutional ground with myself, he shared my security; but, when he followed the Abolition idea of ignoring the Constitution, and was reinforced by adventurers using force also, he and, I believe, forty persons were driven by violence from Berea. It was claimed by Fee's enemies at the time, that I approved, or, at least, assented to, this course; all of which was untrue. Fee voluntarily took his own ground, and I took mine. To have followed him would have been disastrous to my life, and those of my followers. He was at first a non-resistant; but, further along, allowed his friends to use force. I had determined to stand and defend my position to the death. Time proved that I was right. []

---

[] "Claimed By Death is J. G. Fee." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 12, 1901. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[January 12, 1901] -

CLAIMED BY DEATH IS J. G. FEE

Noted Abolitionist Suddenly Expires at Berea.

Berea, KY., Jan. 11. -- (Special.) -- John G. Fee, the venerable founder of Berea College and the life-long adherent to the time-honored principles of abolition, has taken his leave for the great beyond. He passed quietly and very suddenly away this evening at 6:30 o'clock surrounded by his surviving daughter and grandchildren. He had been unusually well for the last few days, but after taking his supper he lay down and life ended almost instantly.

Moves to Madison County.

In the spring of 1853 he was invited to Madison county, where Cassius M. Clay had already been at work agitating the anti-slavery idea. He conducted a protracted meeting in the old Glade church and subsequently Mr. Clay offered to give him a far on the site of the present village of Berea if he would become the settled pastor. Mr. Fee accepted ten acres of ground and moved his family to the new location. The erection of a schoolhouse followed and the college idea followed as a natural consequence. Mr. Fee and a few friends whom he had interested in his work built schoolhouses in Rockcastle and Pulaski counties. These buildings were burned by mobs. A school at Williamsburg was broken up by violence. At Dripping Springs, where he made regular appointment to preach, a mob drove him out of the village. Similar treatment was encountered in Rockcastle and elsewhere. []

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THE CIVIL WAR
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[] "Letter from Crab Orchard." The Louisville Daily Courier, Bowling Green, KY. November 26, 1861. Page 1. Newspapers.com. (Bowling green not a typo)

[November 26, 1861] -

Letter from Crab Orchard.

(Special Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial.)

Retreat of the Wildcat Brigade from the Mountains of Kentucky -- Disgraceful Culmination and Termination of the Cumberland Gap Expedition.

CRAB ORCHARD, KY., Nov. 17.

My last letter was written from Coburn near Crab Orchard. The Wildcat brigade, or sorrowful fragments of it, had but just staggered into camp after its disastrous retreat from London, and its tattered remains were still straggling up the rugged road miles in the rear, animated by the hope of finally reaching a haven of rest. As that wretched struggle with the elements, over execrable roads, will be remembered by five thousand abused volunteers as long as they retain their faculty of memory, it deserves description.

You will remember that Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13th, Gen. Schoepf issued an order requiring all the troops to be ready to march at eight o'clock that evening. Commanders of corps were directed to carry with them all their sick, leaving such baggage and stores as could not be transported. Previously there had been rumors of an advance, and when the order to prepare to move was issued to the troops, it was received with exultation. The Tennesseeans were especially delighted, and prepared with alacrity to return to their firesides. It had been currently reported that letters had been received by prominent Tennesseans from friends at Louisville and Washington, assuring them that the Cumberland Gap expedition would soon be pushed to an issue. This order, therefore, confirmed the report, and I am told that Hon. Andy Johnson, Gen. Carter, Col. Byrd, Col. Spears, and others, were elated at the prospect of an immediate fruition of their hopes. They did not seem to comprehend that the order concerning the sick implied a retrograde movement. But when informed of the fact, they were overwhelmed with sorrow and indignation. Mr. Johnson turned from his informant, and entered into his hotel without one word, in utter despair.

The information was withheld from the troops until they were moving, when the fact flashed upon them, and they denounced it with the vehemence of disappointed soldiers. Many of the Tennesseans displayed a strong mutinous spirit. Some swore they would not a recede a foot of the ground which had been conquered; others expressed determination to desert and return to Tennessee at all hazards, and many wept with vexation and despair. Their officer appealed earnestly to their patriotism, announcing to them that Gen. Thomas has ordered them to countermarch in order to meet the rebels, who were reported moving toward Crab Orchard in strong force to cut them off, and that a retrograde movement was necessary to save the expedition. It was also stated by officers of various regiments, that Zollicoffer was reported marching up from Tennessee with a strong column to form a junction with Buckner, to penetrate the Blue Grass country. Such were the facts and statements prior to the hour of marching. The subsequent facts will appear in the following diary:

LONDON, KY., Nov. 13.

Long before 8 o'clock, P.M., most of the troops of the Wild Cat Brigade, with three days' rations in their haversacks, were prepared to march. The sick who could be removed -- and there were many too feeble to walk, yet able to ride -- were transferred to those wretched instruments of torture to the ill or the healthy -- two wheeled ambulances -- and to common army wagons, some of which were uncovered, thus exposing suffering men to the raw night air. But many poor bed ridden fellows who were necessarily left remained confined to the hospitals, a prey to harrowing apprehensions of captivity. Of course surgeons and guards were detailed to minister to their wants and protect them until they should be removed. -- But how many men were closely packed in ambulances and wagons I could not learn. Col. Steedman would not leave any, and he had over one hundred stowed away as comfortably as possible. The surgeon of the 33d Indiana, horrified at the order, protested vehemently, but he was informed decisively, the order from Headquarters is that all the sick must be removed, and orders must be obeyed. He still protested that removal would result in the death of some of his patients, and he was told to quarter them with private families at London. But the 33d Indiana brought away one hundred and eighty-nine sick. I did not inquire how many were removed by other regiments, but the number was large. Besides many feeble fellows just discharged from the hospitals, but yet unfit for duty, shouldered their muskets and donned their heavy knapsacks preferring the cruelties of a forced march to the hazards of captivity.

The 14th Ohio had the right of the column. Shortly before 8 o'clock, it marched solemnly by the camp of the 17th Ohio, its band mournfully playing the Dead March -- thus expressing the emotions of the troops. It was followed by Standart's and Kenney's batteries, with the baggage trains of each of the foregoing corps. The 17th Ohio fell in their rear, and its sarcastic lads, keenly appreciating the occasion, burst into a satirical paraphrase of their favorite regimental ditty, one strain of which runs somewhat thus:

"Old Zollicoffer can't take us,

Can't take us, can't take us,

On a long summer's day."

It was impromptu at the Wild Cat fight; so was the song as they retreated:

"Old Zollicoffer can't catch us,

Can't catch us, can't catch us,

Cause we're running away."

More forcible than elegant, and more expressive than poetical.

And so each regiment, followed by its baggage train and sad procession of invalids, moved up the road melancholy and mad. Most of the Tennesseans had fallen in behind the 14th Ohio, and moved on sullen and sorrowful, bitterly expressing their disappointment, and denouncing the frauds with which they had been deluded. Some were imbued with the idea that they were to march up the Somerset road, -- about three miles above London -- to meet the enemy, and agreed to go that far but not beyond. Upon reaching that point, the head of the column failed to halt. A few Tennesseeans madly broke from the ranks and moved back towards camp. Several threw themselves sullenly on the ground, and refused to march.

As we moved forward they continued to leave the ranks in pairs and squads. Then squads multiplied into sections, sections into platoons, and platoons almost into whole companies. A private came back from the front and appealed to an officer to stop the deserters. He said the regiment was disorganized -- the men were going back to Tennessee; their officers could do nothing with them. The poor fellows, with despairing exceptions, continued to proclaim their loyalty, but could not stand the disappointment. Occasionally a stout-hearted fellow would proclaim his determination to follow the flag wherever orders carried him -- "but it's hard on Tennesseeans boys," he would say to the Buckeyes. In a march of four miles we must have passed 200 stragglers. Some were lying prone on the ground, sobbing; some stood by the highway swearing defiantly; others leaned against the fence, sullenly, undetermined whether to move one way or the other. Here was the Adjutant of the regiment, addressing a squad, "For God's sake boys move on. Look at the Ohioans. Don't let them beat you. You are fighting for the Union. Let's keep Tennesseeans together. Come, boys." "Well, Adjutant," said one, "It will do for you who ride to talk, but we who do nothing but march up and down this infernal road, don't appreciate it." "Get on my horse and I'll walk," said the Adjutant, and the transfer was made. And so the column trudged onward heavily, and halted for jaded teams to dislodge a wagon from the mire, or pushed ahead, leaving vehicles to be extricated by whomsoever would do it. At midnight there was a long line of straggling Tennesseeans, from the head of their column clean back to their camp. It was marked by a lurid hue of the atmosphere, illumined by their blazing bivouac fires in the forests, around which they huddled in shivering groups. -- Hardly a nucleus for the regiment was left in column, though many stout fellows pushed on, determined to follow where orders commanded. But there were pitiful scenes, and heart touching.

Soon after midnight, the 14th Ohio and the artillery men, after scaling Wildcat heights, flung themselves headlong on the ground. None were covered that night -- or morning -- save by blankets and a veneering of cold, white frost. The sick, too, in the open wagons, lay shuddering and shivering and moaning in the sharp, cutting atmosphere of a November morning. The 17th Ohio halted and biovouacked at two o'clock, in the camp which Zollicoffer's rebels had occupied the night before their repulse. I have told you where the Tennesseans were, but I know not where was the remainder of the brigade. The Kentucky 3d, (Garrard's) I believe, did not move that night. I know not why. The 38th Ohio and the 33d Indiana pushed forward to the summit of Wildcat, and halted not long before day. The teams were also moving all night long.

The necessity to carry the sick obliged us to leave much stores and ammunition. I am told we left twenty-two tons of ammunition at London. And yet, readers, we were making a forced march to prevent the enemy from cutting us off, or to save Blue Grass.

Strange that soldiers should leave their ammunition and march to meet the enemy. At Pitman's we met thirteen wagons loaded with commissary stores, en route from Camp Dick Robinson for London. These were unloaded immediately, and proceeded to London for patients and stores. Some of the regiments had necessarily left their tents and camp equipage, so that even had fatigue permitted them to pitch tents they could not have enjoyed the luxury.

Nov. 14th -- A heavy storm of rain roused the bivouachers from sleep. Their blankets and clothing were saturated with water. -- The morning was most dismal. Wildcat Heights crowned with a heavy coronal of mist, frowned in dreary and discouraging attitude before us. The roads were already worked into a thick muck, and the pathway on the edges where the troops walked were slimy and slippery. Beyond was Rockcastle river, swift, and reported unfordable. -- But the word was en avant. The lads partook of their cold rations and hot coffee, and took up the toilsome march. Every step was laborious to the sturdy, agonizing to the feeble. Knapsacks almost too heavy under fairest auspices, were now doubly burdensome, and the pack horse load was increased by the aggravating weight of water which soaked blankets and heavy army overcoats, and the nasty slime which splashed and plastered each man's breeches as high as his knees in front and rear, and filled his shoes until they overflowed with slush.

During the first mile we passed one baggage wagon capsized in a creek. Its load of commissary stores and baggage were lost. The desolate teamster and jaded horses, bedaubed with mud, gazed at it dismally and hopeless as we moved forward. Further up the hill a half dozen wagons was stuck, and the poor animals could not move them. A few hundred yards further, barrels of bread were tossed out of wagons and left to destruction in the forests. A stranger to the facts, passing would have said, here is a terrified army fleeing from a pursuing enemy.

Going up the mountain, we pass Tennesseans; some are still pushing on desperately. Yonder is one prone on a bed of leaves. His head is bolstered on a rotten stump; -- Exhaustion is graphically pictured on his livid complexion and in his silent form. He is unconscious, while he sleeps the sleep of distress, that the driving rain is beating mercilessly upon him. My comrade startles me -- "Is he dead?" Oh no, he's only an exhausted soldier. He wears no shoulder straps with a silver star on each. But it is yet early in the day. Surely it is not time for soldiers to yield to fatigue. They have marched only one night, and have slept the whole of one or two hours on the damp, frosted soil.

At last the ascent is accomplished by a few. We look back with a sigh of relief, and turn away again with emotions of regret and disgust at the sorrowful and weary file of men, still toiling through the mire, and gazing wistfully to the top. But here is a picture. On the top of a rock on the crest of the hill, there sits a Toledo lad, writing a letter. He protects the precious page from the rain with his hat, and the big drops patter on his bare head. He looks care worn and way worn; but his eye is bright, his hand steady. From head to foot he is encased in a thick plastering of clay, and moisture drips from his sleeves. -- He replies to my comrade. "No Colonel, I've not given out; I'm a little tired though. I'll make it, Colonel -- I'll never give up.

Why in the name of humanity does not the commander send back messengers to halt this column? Is there imminent danger ahead? Cannot these failing men be halted for a day of rest? At least let messengers be dispatched to inspire them to march, march, march, to resist the foe. Anything to renew their spirit. But look at these wagon loads of sick soldiers. See them shivering in saturated blankets, seated in pools of water which drip from their clothing as it pours from the clouds. Hear their unceasing, discordant, and harrowing chorus of coughing. Here are candidates for the grave. But the order is stern -- "Bring all your sick." "Oh," said one of the Surgeons to me, "that was the cruelest order officer ever give. I protested in vain. I urged that it would kill my patients. But come they must. I shall lose perhaps thirty or forty of my regiment, and it will plant consumption in the lungs of two hundred more.

And here is another picture. We splash along tediously through the mire, and mounted officers encourage their men by kind words of sympathy. Nearly all relieve feeble soldiers by carrying their knapsacks and muskets. Col. Steedman, long racked with chills and fever, and scarce able to sit his horse, rides with his scattered columns. Col. Connell, suffering from illness, bears the burden of a sick soldier's knapsack. Col. Coburn dismounts, and pushes through the mud, while a feeble lad rides his charger. The Captains on foot emulate their superiors, and encourage them by example.

At Rockcastle river the column is victoriously over Wildcat. The dismal train halts at the ferry, in the mud and rain. The jaded men fall asleep on the sod of a neighboring meadow, waiting the slow process of crossing all that column in one small float. The teamsters stuff their worn out animals with corn. A few, in desperation, plunge into the ford where the water is swift, and some narrowly escape a watery grave. The 14th Ohio loses two wagons and contents including twenty-five or thirty thousand rounds of ammunition. The 17th loses a wagon and 26,000 rounds of ammunition at the ferry. The Tennesseans lose two wagons and contents, with three horses, and the 38th Ohio loses one wagon. How much more was lost I do not know.

This was morning, but the column was long after night in crossing. Afterwards through the day the scenes already feebly described, increased and assumed more aggravating forms. The road constantly became more wretched. Men flung away their knapsacks and stalked onward in utter desperation, their officers refusing to see insubordination. Some stumbled and fell by the wayside, where they lay, and slept the sleep of exhaustion. And the sick in the uncovered wagons, and those accursed ambulances, were racked and jounced over rocks and ruts until their weak bones ached, their countenances testifying to their utter wretchedness. And thus, hour after hour, through mud, and slime, and rain, over rocks and rails, and logs up the roughest and steepest grades, and down the ruggedest descents, our weary, footsore, exhausted soldiers and jaded teams struggled and toiled in pain all that miserable day and far into the night; for even at midnight feeble stragglers staggered into Mount Vernon, where the 14th and 17th rested, to find their comrades.

This night the poor lads went to bed supperless, for fatigue was overpowering, and sleep sweeter than meat. Some of them marched fourteen, some sixteen miles that day -- thirteen the night and morning before. This day's work was more disastrous than ordinary battles. God knows how many sturdy constitutions it wrecked; how many brave volunteers it will kill.

But I had almost forgot the episode of the day. The few Tennesseans who had manfully breasted the task with Ohio and Indiana, were mere stragglers. Their officers were scattered as badly as the men. The privates were huddled in shivering groups along the route. It seems as if they never could be collected. A hundred yards or so below a house where I halted for luncheon there was a party of perhaps a hundred or more. There were two or three with me, bitterly denouncing the countermarch. At that moment an officer rode down the highway, proclaiming joyfully, "Tennesseans and Kentuckians are ordered back to London!" The hundred below set up a great shout of joy as if they had attained the summit of their desires, and those with me started back almost running bidding a glad good-bye. Alas! poor fellows, you were twenty-four miles from London, exhausted, wet, muddy, almost out of provisions, without tents, and no houses or barns to shelter you from the storm. London will be another charnel house for patriot Tennesseans. If there was cause for a forced march of the entire brigade from London to Crab Orchard, why order back the Tennesseans and Kentuckians, before they had approached within fifteen miles of Crab Orchard? If there was no adequate cause for the march, why was not the whole column halted for rest, which it so sorely needed? If there was reason to apprehend that the brigade would be cut off unless it made the forced march, why send the Tennesseans and Kentuckians back to be sacrificed? Who will answer?

MT. VERNON, Nov. 15.

Thank God, the sun shines to-day. We learn, this morning, that the 38th Ohio encamped five miles below here late last night. During the night, a tree was blown down in the camp, and five men, including three Tennesseans, were seriously injured. Two have died, and two more are reported fatally hurt.

The 33d Indiana is moving forward slowly in the rear, somewhere. The 44th and 17th Ohio lads are bowling ahead cheerily by company, because the sun shines and the roads improve, besides the forced march must end to-day. The brigade can go no further until it gathers its scattered fragments.

An order from Headquarters meets us. -- The only one giving relief. The column goes late camp two miles below Crab Orchard. -- The lads, inspired, move briskly, and camp is at last in view.

In Camp. -- The 17th Ohio, excepting a few feeble stragglers, was first in camp. The 14th followed shortly after, but it had its stragglers two. Which regiment had not its large share? But Maney Richards, the enterprising teamster of the 17th, pushed in his wagons, and the Fairfield boys pitched their tents merrily. But the prospects for the other regiments was cheerless. -- Their wagons were far behind. Officers threatened to move where shelter could be found for the men, but orders must be all obeyed, and they prepared again to bivouack on the cold, cold ground, in the freezing atmosphere of drear November.

But now there is another order fresh from Headquarters at Crab Orchard. Exhausted as they are, soldiers are forbidden to burn rails. They must cut wood for bivouack fires, or sleep in the frosty atmosphere without fires. Orders must be obeyed. Twenty men are detailed to cut wood, and wagons are sent out. Sun set is approaching Headquarters, who forty hours ago knew the men were coming, knew they were suffering, had not provided axes. Yet the order was cut wood. Look at the field adjacent to camp, and see whether rails were burnt.

A member of the Fourteenth, coming in late, reports: -- "I saw a dead man of the Fourteenth, lying on the roadside beyond Mount Vernon." -- He died of exhaustion. Another says, "I saw another dead man on the roadside to-day." He died of exhaustion. A surgeon says: -- "I saw two men, yesterday, in the last stage of exhaustion. I gave them whisky to revive them. I could do nothing else. I was compelled to leave them with their comrades, and attend to the sick of my own regiment." They probably died of exhaustion.

Nov. 17th -- CRAB ORCHARD. -- The 38th Ohio and the 33d Indiana are coming in slowly. The former was more deliberate, but suffered its proportion. The latter are sleeping in the woods without tents. I know not whether the Tennesseans have got back safely to London.

There is not much beauty, or gaiety in a soldier's life, if it is like this. But the toil, and suffering, and sacrifices, and the manly efforts of brave men obeying orders under circumstances such as I have sketched, are very eloquent. Will soldiers respect, love, and cheerfully fight under officers who abuse them as slaves do brutes?

The amount of physical suffering caused by this march cannot be computed. None can tell how many sturdy frames will bend under disease contracted from this ruthless exposure. The mortality list of the regiments will shortly begin to make a record. Many of the sick who were dragged out of their beds in the London hospitals, to be tortured on the rugged roads, saturated with rain, and chilled with cold, must die. Many of the well must fall ill. Ah, well, there are only 250 sick in the 33d Indiana; only a couple of hundred or so sick in the 14th Ohio; only a hundred or so sick in the 38th Ohio; only several scores sick in the 17th Ohio; only a few hundreds altogether. If they die -- recruit the regiments.

The loss of property is nothing. The Government is rich. Only 30 horses belonging to the 17th Ohio were knocked up and rendered unfit for service, and one died; one wagon was lost and 26,000 pounds of ammunition; about the same report is made by the 14th Ohio; so with each of the regiments. But the moral effects of the countermarch is one of its worst features. The mountaineers of Kentucky regard it a retreat, and the prestige of the victory at Wildcat is turned against us. And so ended the great Cumberland Gap Expedition.

But I beg you to wait, readers, for an echo from the Wild Cat Brigade. If I mistake not, there will be a fierce growl ere long from the Tennessee camp, as vehement as the denunciation from "East Tennessee" which you read a day or two ago in the Commercial. And I am inclined to believe that if the indignant letters of the Ohio and Indiana boys are permitted to see the light of public print, none will think I have colored the foregoing picture.

W. D. B. []

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[] "Our Army Correspondence." Elyria Independent Democrat, Elyria, OH. January 1, 1862. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[January 1, 1862] -

Our Army Correspondence

CAMP SPALDING, Lebanon, Ky. }
Dec. 22, 1861. }

FRIEND WASHBURN: -- We have nearly all survived the march from London. The health of our Regiment is passably good. I was as you probably are away, left back at Crab Orchard with the sick of the 14th, and a gay time I had of it, I can assure you. I had 130 on my hands, all more or less disabled from their fatiguing march. At the little town, Mt. Vernon, I stopped before reaching Crab Orchard, and was there with all of the sick for nearly a week, at one time, having 100, the next day 75, the third day 25, and so on, sending them forward to C. O. as fast as they were able to be moved. It was at that place that I lost young Starr. He really fell a victim to that march. I attended him at London and did not think him at all dangerous, but when he arrived at Mt. Vernon, I saw at once that his case was hopeless. He was a young man that I thought much of from the short acquaintance I had with him, and I felt very badly when I saw I must lose him. I did all I could to save him, but all to no purpose; he fell early in the cause of his country, and my God comfort his afflicted friends. I lost one other man at that place, and two others at Crab Orchard, making four out of the whole number of sick and exhausted, in all nearly 200. The 130 were at Crab Orchard when I arrived there after a week had passed. We have a very well regulated Hospital in this place under charge of Dr. Daniels, containing about 50 men. He has lost only one man, and there are only two or three others that I think dangerous, who I think will die. The diseases so far in Camp have been Typhoid fever and Dysentery. We hear that the rebel army are very much reduced in efficiency by disease. Small Pox is making havoc in their ranks to a great extent. I believe every man in our Regiment has been re-vaccinated, and at this time there is many on arm in a sling; but I think all are proof against Small Pox, and can fight Buckner with all his Myrmidons. We are now encamped upon a most beautiful spot sparsely covered with large timber, and the beautiful weather that we have had for the past two weeks has made camp life remarkably pleasant. Last night a rain set in, one of the regular Kentucky style. We do not get any such rains in Ohio. When it rains here, it comes straight down, and I think it the wettest rain I ever saw. We begin to anticipate a move from this place soon. The weather at present shows itself favorable, but as yet the roads are not quite enough cut up, but think they will be by the latter part of the present week if it continues to rain. Our Line Officers have just passed through the ordeal of an examination, not dissimilar I judge from the "Green Room["] of a Medical College. I talked with Captain to-day who was examined yesterday, he speaks very highly of the Board of Examiners. He says they are very gentlemanly in their manners, far unlike many of the regular army officers who think and ever say that the Volunteers who came out so nobly to the call of their country "are no better than so many dogs," and in fact, they are in some instances treated worse than that, as you and others can testify, if you believe the reports which you are daily called upon to read. I think as for our Regiment, we are not destined to the rough fare that we have passed through on this pursuit of Zollicoffer over the Wildcat Mountains. I think that the commission of a majority of our officers are not worth enough to take another such march upon such a route, but we have no fears of being put upon such routes again. We hear all sorts of rumors about Camp, about Buckner and his forces, intrenchments, &c., but you are really as well posted in all matter pertaining to Buckner, as we are here. Col. Steedman came into Camp last Thursday, looking very much improved, and received the hearty congratulations of all officers and men. I believe if there is a Colonel in the service who enjoys the good wishes, and is really beloved by his men, ours is that man. He is a favorite also in this State wherever he goes. Lieut. Col. Geo. P. Este, is a gentleman of fine appearance, and is well liked. Maj. Paul Edwards, our jovial Irish Major, is the life of the Camp -- he has a heart that's always open, and if he has an enemy in Camp, he is yet to be found. -- I think all Regiments are not as well blessed with good whole-souled officers as the 14th. We expect to see their grit tired soon. If they fight well, we can feel that the old Fourteenth has not lost any of their laurels won in West Virginia. S. []

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[] Excerpt from "Official Report of Col. John H. Morgan." Fayetteville Weekly Observer, Fayetteville, NC. August 11, 1862. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 11, 1862] -

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COL. JOHN H. MORGAN.

HEADQUARTERS, MORGAN'S COMMAND,
Knoxville, Tenn., July 30, 1862.

To Major General E. Kirby Smith, Commanding Department of East Tennessee:

I arrived at Richmond at 12 o'clock that night, and remained until the next afternoon, when I proceeded to Crab Orchard. I had determined to make a stand at Richmond, and await reinforcements, as the whole people appeared ready to rise and join me, but I received information that large bodies of cavalry under Gen. Clay Smith, and Cols. Woolford, Metcalf, Mundy, and Wynkoop, were endeavoring to surround me at this place. So I moved on to Crab Orchard. There I attached my portable battery to the telegraph leading from Stanford to Louisville, and learned the exact position of the enemy's forces, and directed my movements accordingly.

Leaving Crab Orchard at 11 o'clock, I arrived at Somerset, distant 28 miles, at sundown. I took possession of the telegraph, and countermanded all the previous orders that had been given by Gen. Boyle to intercept me, and remained in perfect security all night. I found a very large supply of commissary stores, clothing, blankets, shoes, hats, &c, at this place, which were destroyed. I also found the arms that had been taken from Gen. Zollicoffer, together with large quantities of shell and ammunition, all of which were destroyed. I also burned at this place, and Crab Orchard, about 130 government wagons.

From Somerset I proceeded to Monticello; and I left Knoxville on the 4th day of this month with about 900 men, and returned to Livingston on the 28th instant with nearly 1200, having been absent just 24 days, during which time I traveled over 1000 miles, captured 17 towns, destroyed all the government supplies and arms in them, dispersed about 1500 Home Guards, and paroled nearly 1200 regular troops. I lost in killed, wounded and missing, of the number that I carried into Kentucky, about 90.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOHN H. MORGAN, Acting Brig. Gen. C.S.A., R.A. Alston, A.A.G.

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[] Excerpt from "From the West and Southwest." The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA. August 13, 1862. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 13, 1862] -

One of the papers copies the following from the Louisville Journal:

We are told that the Union men of Lexington, Paris, Winchester, Lancaster, Versailles, Richmond, and the whole interior of Kentucky, are deeply disgusted at the fact that Morgan and his fellows got out of the State without being caught. There was the most miserable inefficiency somewhere. But where?

At Paris our troops in sufficient numbers came up with the rebels and might have attacked them. Col. Metcalfe was anxious to attack them, but he was not permitted to do so. He proposed to throw a force across the Winchester road, that their escape might be prevented, but in this he was overruled. The guerrillas were permitted to get greatly the start in their escape from Paris.

They went to Winchester and remained there long enough to commit all sorts of depredations, instead of keeping up their flight, but not even a straggler or laggard was over taken. They passed through Lancaster, Richmond, Crab Orchard, and numerous other places very leisurely, throwing out their pickets, enjoying their ease, feasting, robbing, and committing whatever outrages they pleased, and even travelling slow enough to take a couple of brass cannons with them, but the pursuing force never overtook them.

At one point in the pursuit, the Federal officer in command went to bed in the morning, giving strict orders that he should on no account be waked till 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and although important intelligence arrived in the meantime, as to the position and movements of the rebels, and officers and men were anxious and impatient to go forward, the quiet snooze of the leader could not be disturbed, and when at length the marauders left Monticello, in Wayne county, to pass into Fontress county, Tennessee, our "avengers" that were to have been, were at Stanford, twelve or fourteen hours behind, having there given up the pursuit.

We have talked with no one from the interior at all familiar with the subject, who does not believe that the guerrillas could have been overtaken and either captured or dispersed. Now, after a free and easy trip of ten or twelve days through Kentucky, they have gone off with their spoils, to return again, no doubt, as soon as they can obtain the necessary information from their spies to guide them in their route. Our people are disappointed and indignant. They do not wish to do injustice, but they believe there has been a criminal neglect of duty, and they are out of all manner of patience. []

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[] "The Bandit Morgan in Kentucky." The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA. August 27, 1862. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 27, 1862] -

THE BANDIT MORGAN IN KENTUCKY.

Extraordinary Telegraphic Strategy.

A CURIOUS CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE WAR.

The Intercepted Despatches by G. A. Ellsworth, Telegraphic Operator, Attached to Morgan's Band.

HIS OFFICIAL REPORT, ETC.

From the Augusta (Ga.) Southern Confederacy.

KNOXVILLE, July 30, 1862. -- Capt. R. A. ALSTON, A.A.G.: -- On the 16th of July, General Morgan, with myself and a body-guard of fifteen men, arrived at a point one-half a mile below Horse Cave, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, where I took down the telegraphic wire and connected my pocket instrument, for the purpose of taking off all despatches as they passed through. Owing to a heavy storm prevailing south, the atmospheric electricity prevented me from communicating with Bowling Green or Nashville. The first I heard was Louisville calling Bowling Green. I immediately put on my ground wire southward, noticing particularly at the same time what change it would make in the circuit. It did make it stronger; but the storm mentioned affecting telegraphs more or less, Louisville did not suspicion anything wrong, and I answered for Bowling Green, when I received the following message: --

LOUISVILLE, July 10, 1862. -- To S. D. Brown, Bowling Green:-- You and Colonel Houghton move together. I fear the force of Col. Houghton is too small to venture to Glasgow. The whole force should move together, as the enemy are mounted. We cannot venture to leave the road too far, as they may pass round and ruin it.

J. T. Boyle, Brigadier General Commanding.

I returned the usual signal, "O. K.," after receiving the message.

Louisville immediately called Nashville: and I answered for Nashville, receiving business for two hours. This business was mostly of a private nature, and I took no copies. It could be plainly perceived from the tenor of the messages that Morgan was in the country, and all orders to send money or valuables by railroad were countermanded, as they supposed. Little did the operator at Louisville think all his work would have to be repeated the next day, and thus we were furnished with New York and Washington dates of that day. During the whole of this time it was raining heavily, and my situation was anything but an agreeable one, sitting in the mud with my feet in the water up to my knees. At eleven o'clock P.M., the General being satisfied that we had drained Louisville of news, concluded to close for the night, and gave me the following message, dating and signing: --

NASHVILLE, July 10, 1862. -- To HENRY DENT, Provost Marshal of Louisville: -- General Forrest, commanding a brigade, attacked Murfreesboro, routing our forces, and is now moving on Nashville. Morgan is reported to be between Scottsville and Gallatin, and will act in concert with Forrest, it is believed. Inform the General commanding.

Stanley Matthews, Provost Marshal.

I am not aware that General Morgan claims to be a prophet, or the son of a prophet; but Forrest did attack Murfreesboro and rout the enemy.

On arriving at Lebanon, July 12, I accompanied the advance guard into town, and took possession of the telegraph office immediately. This, as you know, was at half-past three, A.M. I adjusted the instrument and examined the circuit. No other operator on the line appeared to be on hand this early. I then examined all the despatches of the day previous. Among them I found the following:--

LEBANON, July 11th, 1862: -- General J. T. Boyle, Louisville, Ky.:-- I have positive information that there are 100 marauders in twenty miles of this place, on the old Lexington road, approaching Lebanon. Send reinforcements immediately. A. Y. Johnson, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding.

At half-past seven, an operator, signing "Z," commenced calling "B," which I had ascertained by the books in the office was the signal for the Lebanon office. I answered the call, when the following conversation between "Z" and myself ensued:--

To Lebanon:-- What news? Any more skirmishing after your last message? Z.

To Z:-- No. We drove what little cavalry there was away. B.

To B:-- Has the train arrived yet? Z.

To Z:-- No. About how many troops on train. B.

To B:-- Five hundred Sixtieth Indiana, commanded by Colonel Owens. Z.

My curiosity being excited as to what station Z was, and to ascertain without creating my suspicion, I adopted the following plan: --

To Z:-- A gentleman here in the office bets me the segars you cannot spell the name of your station correctly. B.

To B:-- Take the bet. L-e-b-a-n-o-n J-u-n-c-t-i-o-n. Is that not right? How did you think I would spell it? Z.

To Z:-- He gives it up. He thought you would put two-b's in Lebanon. B.

To B:-- Ha! ha! ha! He is a green one. Z.

To Z:-- Yes, that's so. B.

To Z:-- What time did the train with soldiers pass, Z?

To B:-- 8:30 last night. B.

To Z:--Very singular where the train is. B.

To B:--Yes it is. Let me know when it arrives. Z.

At 8:20 Lebanon Junction called me up and said: --

To B:-- The train has returned. They had a fight with the Rebels at New Hope. The commanding officer awaits orders here.

To Z: Give us the particulars of the fight. Col. Johnson is anxious to know all about it. B.

To B:--Here is Moore's message to General Boyle: --

LEBANON JUNCTION, July 12, 1862. -- To General J. T. Boyle, Louisville:-- At eleven o'clock last night, at New Hope Station, part of my command encountered a force of Rebel cavalry posted on the country road one-half mile south of the railroad. After a brisk fire of musketry for twenty minutes the enemy was routed and fled. Skirmishers were sent out in different directions, but were unable to find the enemy. At three this morning, apprehending that an effort might be made to destroy the bridges in our rear, we moved down to New Haven and remained until after daylight, when the train went back to the scene of the skirmish. A Mr. Foreman, of Owen county, was found mortally wounded. He reported the Rebel force at five hundred and fifty, under command of Captain Jack Allen, and that they had fallen back towards Greensburg. One horse was killed and three captured. The books of the company were found in the field. Blood was found at different places, showing that the enemy was severely punished. No casualties on our side. Here with a train awaiting orders.

O. F. Moore, Commanding.

Lebanon Junction being the repeating station for Louisville business, he forwarded the following telegrams just from Louisville -- nine o'clock A.M. :--

LOUISVILLE, July 12, 1862. -- To Colonel Johnson, Lebanon :-- Leave good guard and join Col. Owens. Pursue the enemy and drive him out. Be cautious and vigorous. Make no delay. J. T. BOYLE, Brig. General Commanding.

By the following it will appear that Colonel Owens must have been en route for Lebanon. :--

LOUISVILLE, July 2, 1862. -- Colonel Owens, Lebanon :-- You will move after the enemy and pursue him. J. T. BOYLE, Brigadier General Commanding.

Up to the time of our leaving Lebanon, which was about noon, Colonel Owens had not arrived. General Morgan told me I could close my office; and to allay for that evening all suspicion at Lebanon Junction at not being able to communicate with Lebanon, I dispatched the operator as follows: --

To Z. -- Have been up all night and am very sleepy. If you have no objections I will take a nap until two or three o'clock. B.

To B. -- All right. Don't oversleep yourself. Z.

Wonder if I did!

We arrived at Midway, between Frankfort and Lexington, on the Louisville and Lexington Railroad, about ten o'clock A. M., the next day. At this place I surprised the operator, who was quietly sitting on the platform at his depot, enjoying himself hugely. Little did he suspect that the much-dreaded Morgan was in his vicinity. I demanded of him to call Lexington, and inquire the time of day, which he did. This I did for the purpose of getting his style of handling the "key" in writing despatches. My first impression of his style, from noticing the paper in the instrument, were confirmed. He was, to use a telegraphic term, a "plug" operator. I adopted his style of writing, and commenced operations. In this office I found a signal book, which proved to be very useful. It contained the calls for all the offices. Despatch after despatch was going to and from Lexington, Georgetown, Paris and Frankfort, all containing something in reference to Morgan.

On commencing operations at this place I discovered that there were two wires on the line along the railroad. One was what we term a "through wire," running direct from Lexington to Frankfort, and not entering any of the way offices. I found that all military messages were sent over that wire. As it did not enter Midway office I ordered it cut, this forcing Lexington on to the wire that did run through the office.

I tested the line, and found that by applying my ground wire it made no difference with the circuit, and as Lexington was headquarters, I cut Frankfort off. Midway was called. I answered and received the following: --

"Lexington, July 15, 1862. -- To J. W. Woolums, Operator, Midway -- Will there be any danger in coming to Midway? Is everything right? Taylor, Conductor."

I inquired of my prisoner (the operator) if he knew a man by the name of Taylor. He said that Taylor was conductor. I immediately gave Taylor the following reply: --

Midway, July 15, 1862. -- To Taylor, Lexington: -- All right, come on. No signs of any Rebels here. Woolums.

The operator in Cincinnati then called Frankfort. I answered, and received about a dozen unimportant despatches. He had no sooner finished, when Lexington called Frankfort. Again I answered, and received the following message: --

Lexington, July 15, 1862. -- To General Finnell, Frankfort -- I wish you to move the forces at Frankfort on the line of the Lexington Railroad immediately, and have the cars follow and take them up as soon as possible. Further orders will await them at Midway. I will in three or four hours, move forward on the Georgetown pike; will have most of my men mounted. Morgan left Versailles this morning, at eight o'clock, with 850 men, on the Midway road, moving in the direction of Georgetown.

Brig-Gen Ward.

This being our position and intention exactly, it was thought it proper to throw General Ward on some other track. So in the course of half an hour I manufactured and sent the following despatch, which was approved by Gen. Morgan.

"Midway, July 15, 1862. -- To Brigadier General Ward, Lexington: -- Morgan, with upwards of one thousand men, came within a mile of here, and took the old Frankfort road, bound, as we suppose, for Frankfort. This is reliable.
Woolums, Operator.

In about ten minutes Lexington again called Frankfort, when I received the following: --

Lexington, July 15, 1862. -- To Gen. Finnell, Frankfort. -- Morgan, with more than one thousand men, came within a mile of here, and took the old Frankfort road.

This despatch received from Midway and is reliable. The regiment from Frankfort had better be recalled.

General Ward.

I receipted[?] for this message, and again manufactured a message to confirm the information General Ward had received from Midway, and not knowing the tariff from Frankfort to Lexington, I could not send a formal message, so, appearing greatly agitated, I waited until the current was occupied, and broke in, telling them to wait a minute, and commenced calling Lexington. He answered with as much gusto as I called him. I telegraphed as follows: --

Frankfort to Lexington. -- Tell General Ward our pickets are just driven in. Great excitement. Pickets say the force of enemy must be two thousand. Operator.

It was now two o'clock P.M., and General Morgan wished to be off for Georgetown. I ran a secret ground connection, and opened the circuit on the Lexington end. This was to leave the impression that the Frankfort operator was skedaddling, or that Morgan's men had destroyed the telegraph.

We arrived at Georgetown about the setting of the sun. I went to the telegraph office, found it locked, inquired for the operator, who was pointed out to me on the street. I halted him and demanded admission into his office. He [..] [court?]eously showed me in. Discovering that his instruments had been removed, I asked where they were. He said that he had sent them to Lexington. I asked him what time he [had?] Lexington last. He said "nine o'clock, and since that time the line had been down." I remarked that it must be an extraordinary line to be in working condition when it was down, as I heard him sending messages to Lexington when I was at Midway at one o'clock. This was a stunner; he had nothing to say. I immediately tested the line by applying the ends of the wires to my tongue, and found the line "O. K." I said nothing to him, but called for a guard of two men to take care of Mr. Smith until I got ready to leave town. I did not interrupt the lines till after [ten?], when I put in my own instruments, and after listening an hour or two to the Yankee talking, I opened the conversation as follows, signing myself Federal Operator: --

To Lexington -- Keep mum; I am in the office, reading by the sound of my magnet, in the dark. I crawled in when no one saw me. Morgan's men are here, camped on Dr. Gano's place. Georgetown.

To Georgetown -- Keep cool; don't be discovered. About how many Rebels are there? Lexington.

To Lexington -- I don't know. I did not notice. As Morgan's operator was asking me about my instruments, I told him I sent them to Lexington. He said d---d the luck, and went out. Georgetown.

To Georgetown -- Be on hand, and keep us posted. Lexington.

To Lexington -- I will do so. Tell General Ward I'll stay up all night, if he wishes. Georgetown.

To Georgetown -- Mr. Fuller wishes to know if the rebels are there. Cincinnati.

To Cincinnati -- Yes, Morgan's men are here. Georgetown.

To Georgetown -- How can you be in the office and not be arrested? Cincinnati.

To Cincinnati -- Oh! I am in the dark, and am reading by the sound of the magnet. Georgetown.

This settled "Cincinnati." Question after question was asked me about the Rebels, and I answered to suit myself.

Things had been going on this way about two hours, when Lexington asked me where my assistant was. I replied, "Don't know." He then asked me, "Have you seen him to-day?" I replied "No." This was the last telegraphic I could do in Georgetown.

I then called on Mr. Smith, the operator, who was under guard in my room, and informed him that I would furnish him with a mule in the morning, and should be pleased to have him accompany me to Dixie, as I understood he was in the employ of the United States Government. This was anything but agreeable to him. I thought I had struck the young man in the right place, and remarked that had he not sent his instruments to Lexington I should have taken them in preference to his person. His face brightened, and an idea struck him very forcibly, from which he made a proposition. It was to furnish me the instruments if I would release him.

This I agreed to, as such instruments were of much more value to the Confederacy than Yankee telegraphers. I accompanied him to the servant's room, and there, under the bed, in a chest, we found the instruments. Mr. Smith having given me his word on honor that he would not leave town for the next twenty-four hours, he was set at liberty to visit his wife and the young Smiths.

On arriving at Cynthiana, I found that the operator had skedaddled. I tested the wires and found no fluid from either Covington or Lexington, nor were the wires in working order when I left the office next day.

At Paris the operator had made a clean sweep. He left the night before, taking all his instruments.

At Crab Orchard there was no office, and I had to put in my pocket magnet, which I did at eleven A.M. The first message I received was the following: --

Louisville, July 21, 1862. -- To Colonel Woodford, Danville -- Pursue Morgan. He is at Crab Orchard, going to Somerset. Boyle.

No sooner had the Danville operator receipted for this than the operator at Lebanon suggested the following: --

To Lebanon Junction -- Would it not be well for Danville offices below here to put on their ground wires when they send or receive important messages, as George Ellsworth, the Rebel operator, may be on the line between here and Cumberland Gap? Lebanon.

The operator at the Junction agreed with him, and said it would be a good idea, but it was not carried into effect.

We arrived at Somerset that evening. I took charge of the office. I ascertained from citizens that it had been closed three weeks, up to the very hour that our advance guard arrived in town. It was just opened by the operator from London, who came to work the instruments for the purpose of catching Morgan; but, unfortunately for Uncle Sam, the operator and all concerned, he had no time to either send or receive a message, but he had it in fine working condition for me. I had been in the office for some time when Stanford called Somerset and said: --

I have just returned from Crab Orchard, where I have been to fix the line. The Rebels tore it down. I left there at eight o'clock. The Ninth Pennsylvania cavalry had not then arrived. What time did you get in from London? Stanford.

To Stanford -- Just arrived and got my office working finely.

To Somerset -- Any signs of Morgan yet? He left Crab Orchard at 11:30 to-day. Stanford.

To Stanford -- No signs of him as yet. Somerset.

To Somerset -- For fear they might take you by surprise, I would suggest we have a private signal. What say you? Stanford.

To Stanford -- Good. Before signing, we will make the figure 7. Somerset.

This was mutually agreed upon.

I asked when Woolford would be at Somerset. He said Woolford had telegraphed Boyle that his force was green and insufficient to attack Morgan.

Seeing there was no use in my losing a night's rest, I told Stanford I would retire; that I had made arrangements with the pickets to wake me up in the case Morgan came in. The operator at Lebanon Junction urged me to sit up, but I declined, on the ground of being unwell. This did not satisfy him, but after arguing with him for some time, I retired.

July 22. -- Opened the office at seven o'clock, A.M.; informed the Stanford operator that Morgan had not yet arrived; made inquiries about different things; and after everything in the town belonging to the United States was destroyed, the General gave me a few messages to send -- one to Prentice, one to General Boyle, and one to Dunlap. They are hereto annexed.

I then telegraphed home, informing my relatives of my whereabouts, what I was doing, &c. I then transmitted the General's despatches as follows: --

Somerset, July 22, 1862. -- George D. Prentice, Louisville: -- Good morning, George D. I am quietly watching the complete destruction of all Uncle Sam's property in this little burg. I regret exceedingly that this is the last that comes under my supervision on this route. I expect in a short time to pay you a visit, and wish to know if you will be at home. All well in Dixie. John H. Morgan, Commanding Brigade.

General J. T. Boyle, Louisville: -- Good morning, Jerry. This telegraph is a great institution. You should destroy it, as it keeps you too well posted. My friend, Ellsworth, has all of your despatches since the 10th of July on file. Do you wish copies? John H. Morgan, Commanding Brigade.

Hon. George W. Dunlap, Washington City: Just completed my tour through Kentucky; captured seventeen cities, destroyed millions of dollars' worth of United States property; passed through your county, but regret not seeing you. We paroled fifteen hundred Rebel prisoners. Your old friend, John H. Morgan, Commanding Brigade.

(The foregoing despatches were well calculated to dumfound these Yankee dignitaries, who, no doubt, were half inclined to pronounce them some spiritual treak; but for concentrated audacity the following is unequalled:--Eds. Confed)

General Orders, No. 1. -- Headquarters, Telegraph Department of Kentucky, Confederate States of America, Georgetown, Ky., July 16, 1862. -- When an operator is positively informed that the enemy is marching on his station, he will immediately proceed to destroy the telegraph instruments and all materials in his charge. Such instances of carelessness as were [--?] on the part of the operator at Lebanon, Midway and Georgetown, will be severely dealt with. By order of A. Ellsworth, General Military Sup. C. S. Telag. Departm't. []

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[] "Letter from the 90th Regiment." Lancaster Gazette, Lancaster, OH. November 13, 1862. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[November 7, 1862] -

Letter From the 99th Regiment.

Camp at Glasgow, Ky,

Nov. 7th, 1862.

EDITORS GAZETTE: -- I again embrace an opportunity of boring your readers with an account of the travels and adventure of "ye Ninetieth" since you last heard from me. I wrote you on the 13th ult; while camped at the beautiful town of Danville. We were then of the opinion that a terrific battle would be fought in that part of the State -- that Buell's "splendid strategy" would culminate and a finishing stroke given to rebellion in the Southwest. Such were our expectations up till the morning of the 14th, when news reached us that ubiquitous Bragg -- true to the instincts of Southern bravery and chivalry -- had evaluated his position and was then far on his way to a safe retreat to a more congenial clime, and, as a matter of necessity, we had to follow after. We had good roads till we passed through Crab Orchard, and then came the "tug of war." By the time we arrived at Mt. Vernon, we had again come up with the enemy, but he did not feel disposed to grant us a trial of our arms and prowess; but seemed more inclined to make better time in his Southward course, and to impede our progress by obstruction of roads, felling of trees, &c, at which time he chose the most dangerous portion of the road, at which the passage of our trains would be the most difficult, and which would not allow us to proceed until the obstructions were removed. On down to Wild Cat we went, clambering over highest hills, along the most declivitous passages found among the Rockcastle hights[sic]. We rested one night upon the battle ground of Wild Cat, made memorable just one year before. We saw the position occupied by the combatants in that engagement; off to the left being the position held by four companies of the 17th Ohio.

On Saturday, 18th ult, we left this place

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[] "From Kentucky." Daily True Delta, New Orleans, LA. October 27, 1864. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[October 27, 1864] -

From Kentucky.

GUERRILLA DEPREDATIONS -- DEFENCELESS CONDITION OF UNION MEN.

(From the Louisville Journal, Oct. 17.)

We are amazed at the extent and long continuance of the guerrilla operations in Kentucky and the almost perfect impunity with which they are carried on. Such things seem almost incredible. It is difficult to realize that they can be true. Owen county has for months been the headquarters of large numbers of the marauders. From that point they pursue their work of plunder in all directions through eight or ten of the neighboring counties and parts of counties, that is, Carroll, Trimble, Boone, part of Henry, part of Franklin, part of Scott, part of Gallatin, part of Grant, and parts of other counties. Throughout all this long and broad extent of territory, Jessee's band, sometimes going in a single body and sometimes seperating into a dozen of fifteen squads, neither retrain themselves in their depredations nor are restrained by anybody else. They take horses wherever they can find them; they seize merchants' goods, so that the merchants, in despair, have given up the attempt to keep anything; they rob houses and travelers of money, watches, jewelry, and clothing, sparing no Union man or family, and not even any rebel sympathizers except such as give them valuable help in the prosecution of their raids. There is a portion of Owen covered with woods and hills, and to the covert of these the guerrillas fly to hid themselves whenever a military expedition is set on foot against them; but, as soon as the expedition disappears, they sally forth again upon their atrocious enterprises. There is, therefore, no mode of keeping them down and preventing their ruinous predatory excursions, unless by having a Federal force stationed permanently in the vicinity. At present there is less security of life and property for the population of that region than there would be if they were living in a state of nature. And yet Owen county, we believe, is not more than fifty miles from either Louisville, Lexington, or the capital of Kentucky.

There is an equally bad condition of things in other parts of Kentucky We learn that the guerrillas have taken Owensboro, Lewisport and Hawesville, that they captured and sacked Brandenburg, in Meade county, on Thursday, and that, at the last accounts, a gang was on its way to Hardinsburg and other towns. For months three or four hundred of the 8th Kentucky rebel cavalry, organized as guerrillas, have been committing spoliations and all other kinds of outrages throughout Daviess, Henderson, Meade, Hardin, Union, Barren, and indeed all the surrounding countrythe people having no more protection than if the region they inhabit belonged to the rebel Confederacy. And in the counties further South, those on and near the Tennessee line, matters are, if possible, still worse, the guerrillas meeting with no resistance from either citizens or troops, but having their own will and way in their robberies, burnings and persecutions of every description. Men there do not dare, in one case in a hundred, avow themselves Union men or friends of the Government or to do an act or speak a word indicative of loyalty lest their lives should pay the penalty of their audacity. In the meanwhile, those who would gladly defend themselves if they had the least chance, are without arms, and consequently as powerless as infancy in the bloody and remorseless grasp of their and the country’s enemies.

One of the worst results of this wretched condition of things in Kentucky, is that the late draft is rendered nugatory if not worse than nugatory. Everybody knows that thousands of persons in Kentucky, who have desired to remain at home, but who, if compelled to fight at all, prefer fighting on the rebel side. Such persons in very large numbers have joined and are daily joining the guerrilla bands, the excursions of these bands throughout almost every portion of the State affording to the conscripts every facility they could desire for that purpose. Moreover, where the drafted men do not join the guerrillas of their own accord, they are diligently hunted up, seized, and compelled into the rebel service. We are informed, that, of all the men drafted in Owen for instance, scarcely one can now be found by the Federal authorities except in the guerrilla ranks. []

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[] Excerpt from Columns 1 and 2. Mount Vernon Signal, Mt. Vernon, KY. June 30, 1899. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069561/1899-06-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[June 30, 1899] -

mcclary letter, civil war rockcastle county (bottom of column 1, continued on top of column 2)

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FREEDMEN’S BUREAU IN KY / FEDERAL TROOPS
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[] "Freedmen's Bureau in Kentucky." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. January 1, 1866. Page 6. Genealogybank.com.

[January 1, 1866] -

Freedmen's Bureau in Kentucky -- Address of Gen. Fisk to the Freedmen -- Circular.

BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS, STATES OF KY. AND TENN.,

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.

NASHVILLE, Dec. 26, 1865.

Freedmen of Kentucky: The Constitution of the United States has been so amended that hereafter no one can be held as a slave anywhere in this country except as a punishment for crime. All the colored people, therefore, in the State of Kentucky are free; and your friend, the Assistant Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, desires to address you a few plain words.

I. First of all, you should be grateful to your Heavenly Father, who has broken your bonds, and conferred upon you the inestimable boon of freedom.

II. You should recognize your high obligations to the Federal Government, which, in its mighty struggle with the great rebellion and in its triumph, has been true to the interests of freedom, and has fulfilled its pledge to the oppressed.

III. You should love Kentucky, for it is a noble old State--your native State--your home and the home of your children, and now a free State!

IV. I advise you to remain in your old homes, and that you enter into good contracts with your former owners and masters. You have been associated with them for many years. You are bound to the old homes by many ties; and most of you, I trust, will be able to get on as well with your late masters as with as with any one else. But if your former masters will not make fair contracts with you, giving you good wages or a share of the crop, you will have a perfect right to go where you can do better.

V. Let me warn you specially against flocking into the towns and cities. There are too many people in the towns and cities already. Hundreds, unless they speedily remove to the country, will, I fear, fall victims to pestilence. The small pox is now prevalent, and in a few weeks the cholera may be among us. In the crowded cities you will wear your lives away in a constant struggle to pay high rent for miserable dwellings and scanty allowances of food. Many of your children, I greatly fear, will be found wandering through the streets as vagrants, plunging into the worst vices, and filling the workhouses and the jails. By all means seek healthy homes in the country.

VI. Now that you are free, and will enjoy the fruits of your own industry, enter upon your new life with a hearty will. You begin it with little besides your hands, but by patient industry and economy, you may soon earn and save enough money to purchase a home of your own, and furnish it with many of the comforts of life.

VII. Let each man turn his heart and his thoughts toward providing a good home for his wife and children, and to aid in the care of his aged parents. Carefully guard and keep sacred the marriage relation. Be lawfully wedded. "Taking up with each other" is an abominable practice, and must perish with the institution which gave it birth.

VIII. Every attention should be given to the education of your children. Purchase books for them, and employ good teachers. You have numerous friends in the country who will aid you in the establishment and support of schools. Be resolved that your children shall be taught reading, writing and arithmetic, at least.

IX. Let the past be forgotten. Trust all with respect. Avoid disputes. Demonstrate to the people of Kentucky, and to the world, by your faithful observance of the laws, by your sobriety and good morals, and by your thrift, that you are not only qualified for the precious blessing of freedom, but for the high and responsible duties of citizens of the Commonwealth.

X. Until the enactment and enforcement of State laws, giving you full protection in person and property, impartial justice will be secured to you by the strong arm of the National Government.

CLINTON B. FISK,

Brevet Major Gen. and Ass't Com'r.

CIRCULAR.

BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS, STATES OF KENTUCKY AND TENN., ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE,

NASHVILLE, TENN., Dec. 26, 1865.

Circular No. 10.

The ratification of the Constitutional Amendment forever abolishing and prohibiting slavery in the United States having been officially announced to the country by proclamation of the Secretary of State, dated Dec. 18th, 1865, this Bureau extends its supervision over persons recently held as slaves in the State of Kentucky.

On the basis of impartial justice this Bureau will promote industry and aid in permanently establishing peace and securing prosperity in the State.

Agencies of the Bureau will be established at points easy of access, and while Superintendents will be cautioned against supervising too much, the fair adjustment of the labor question will receive their earnest attention. They will see that contracts are equitable and their inviolability enforced upon both parties.No fixed rate of wages will be prescribed by the Bureau, nor will any community or combination of people be permitted to fix rates. Labor must be free to compete with other commodities in an open market.

Parties can make any trade or agreement that is satisfactory to themselves; and, so long as advantage is not taken of the ignorance of the freed people to deprive them of a fair and reasonable compensation for their labor, either in stipulated wages or a share of products, there will be no interference.

Until the enactment and enforcement of State laws guaranteeing to the freemen ample protection in person and property, Freedmen's Courts will be established for the adjudication of cases in which they are involved.

The Assistant Commissioner earnestly invites the cordial and hearty cooperation of the civil authorities, and of all good citizens of Kentucky, in the important work of adjusting the new relations arising from the total abolition of slavery.

CLINTON B. FISK,

Brevet Maj. Gen., Ass't Com'r.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KENTUCKY,

LOUISVILLE, Dec. 27, 1865.

The foregoing 'Circular' of Brevet Major Gen. C. B. Fisk, Assistant Commissioner, meets my cordial approval, both in its spirit and in its excellent suggestions.

JOHN M. PALMES.

Major General Commanding. []

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[] Excerpt from "From Washington." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. February 7, 1866. Page 3. Genealogybank.com.

[February 7, 1866] -

GEN. FISK.

Major General Fisk starts West to-night, and upon his arrival in Kentucky he will at once produce the evidence upon which the statements in his Cincinnati speech were made. The General has written a letter in reply to the action of the committee of investigation in his case, appointed by the rebel Legislature of Kentucky, which will appear in a few days. If anything can humiliate the rebels of that State, it will be the condition of affairs which Gen. Fisk will prove to exist there.

AMENDMENTS TO FREEDMEN'S BUREAU BILL.

The Freedmen's Bureau bill, as passed the House today, differs from the Senate bill in the following particulars: The salary of sub-district agents is fixed at $1,200, instead of $1,500. The number of clerks allowed the assistant commissioners is three instead of six. The operations of the Bureau are confined to States in which, on the 1st of July, 1866, the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus was suspended. It is provided that no person shall be deemed s destitute, suffering, or dependent on the Government for support, who, being able to find employment, could by proper industry and exertion avoid such destitution, suffering or dependence; and at the end of the Sea Island section, which confirms the negroes in their occupancy for three years, is a clause providing that whenever the former owners of lands occupied under Gen. Sherman's field order, make application for the restoration of said lands, the Commissioner is authorized upon the agreement, and with the written consent of said occupants, to procure by rent or purchase, or assign, under the provision of the bill, other lands for them, not exceeding forty acres for each occupant. It is believed these amendments will be agreed to by the Senate. []

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[] "Freedmen's Affairs in Kentucky." Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1866. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[August 28, 1866] -

Freedmen's Affairs in Kentucky.

Major General Howard has received the following report of the operations of the bureau and the condition of the freedmen in the State of Kentucky, from Brevet Brigadier General John Ely, chief superintendent and inspector of freedmen's affairs here:

Returns received from superintendents and agents in different parts of the State show that the colored people, with but few exceptions, are industriously at work. As among the whites, there are some who prefer a life of vagrancy and idleness, and these have been taken in charge by the bureau officers and compelled to labor for their support, instead of being dependents upon the more industrious of their race. The civil authorities refuse to co-operate with the bureau officers in their endeavors to properly care for vagrants, as they persistently ignore the constitutionality and legality of the bureau. The number of vagrants is, however, limited, and it is estimated that ninety-five per cent of the freedmen are self-supporting.

The colored people are making strong efforts to open and maintain schools but have met with strong and malignant opposition from a class of lawless whites self-styled "regulators," who have, in several cases, broken up the schools and driven the teachers from their posts of duty. At Glasgow, Barren county, the teacher and scholars were twice driven from the school building. Becoming discouraged, they concluded to abandon all further attempts to maintain the school, when an officer of the bureau took the matter in charge, and advised the older scholars to take arms with them for their protection. The sheriff of the county visited the school shortly afterward, for the evident purpose of again driving away the teacher and scholars; but seeing the preparations for defense he wisely concluded to make no further demonstration. Since that time the school has met with no further molestation from either the sheriff or his friends. The bureau officers have determined to aid the colored people in reopening and maintaining schools which have been closed by force, and it is deemed essential that a superintendent of schools be appointed, who will bring to the notice of benevolent associations the necessities of the colored people, and obtain assistance in money, books, and teachers.

We find the above in Forney's Chronicle, but doubt its authenticity. It is not probable that any such occurrence as is spoke of took place in Barren county, and it is still more improbable that Gen. Ely gave any such incendiary advice to the negroes as stated. []

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[] Excerpt from "Freedmen's Affairs." Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. October 17, 1866. Page 4. Genealogybank.com.

[October 17, 1866] -

KENTUCKY REGULATORS--OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. JEFF. C. DAVIS.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16. -- Brevet Major General Jeff C. Davis, Assistant Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau for the State of Kentucky, in his report to the Commissioner, dated October 8, gives an account of the outrages committed by a lawless organization lately sprung up in that State, known by the name of "Regulators." He states that there were sixty-six cases of violence towards the colored population reported during the month of August, for which only eight arrests were made. These outrages were generally robbing and whipping negroes, and were usually perpetrated at night by white men in disguise; styling themselves "Regulators." The small number arrested is owing to, first, the inability of the sufferers to identify by name, under oath, the persons who commit the crimes; second, the want of cavalry troops to make arrests, the "Regulators" being generally mounted and armed. In none of these cases has there been any action of the State civil authorities in arresting and punishing the offenders. Of the eight men arrested, one was released on account of the informality of the evidence, and one on a writ of habeas corpus, before being delivered to the General's headquarters. He was turned over by the United States Marshal for trial before the United States Circuit Court for this District.

In the latter part of August last reliable information was received at the office of the Chief Superintendent of the Bureau that over one hundred negroes were forced by the regulators to leave their homes in Gallatin county and fly to Indiana for safety. Five of the Gallatin county regulators have been identified and arrested, and the same action will be taken with the rest as soon as proper evidence of identify can be procured.

CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ELY ON FREEDMEN'S AFFAIRS IN KENTUCKY.

Washington, Oct. 16. -- Brevet Brigadier General Ely, Chief Superintendent and Inspector for the Freedmen's Bureau in Kentucky, has furnished the commissioner with a synopsis of the operations of the Bureau in that State during August. Gen. Ely reports that in the refugees' and freedmen's hospital for the whole State, at Louisville, Ky., there were remaining, on the 1st of September, 131 patients, to whom there were issued during August 3,180 rations.

The average rate of all wages paid to freedmen during the month was $4053[?], with rations, for field hands, house servants, &c. Fifteen schools were in session. []

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[] "Freedmen's Affairs." Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. October 24, 1866. Page 4. Genealogybank.com.

[October 24, 1866] -

FREEDMEN'S AFFAIRS.

FREEDMEN IN KENTUCKY -- REPORT OF GEN. JEFF C. DAVIS

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23. -- Brev. Maj. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, Assistant Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau for the State of Kentucky, has forwarded to Gen. Howard a report of the operations of the Bureau in that State for the month of September.

It is reported that the freedmen are generally of industrious habits. In some districts disagreements have arisen in regard to settlements between employers and the freedmen, where the latter have been interested in the share of the crop as payment for their labor, and as the season advances, cases of trouble will become more numerous, for the reason that the employer and the laborer can scarcely ever agree as to the quantity and value of the crop.

Another source of loss to the freedmen is their frequently being driven away by bands of men styling themselves Regulators.

There has been a marked decrease in the number of outrages committed by whites upon the freedmen.

The number of schools is increasing, there being now thirty-five, most of which have colored teachers, and they are supported by subscription from the parents of the freed children. []

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[] Excerpt from "Letter From Somerset." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. November 16, 1866. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[November 16, 1866] -

FROM SOMERSET.

...

There is a great need of a branch of the Freedmen's Bureau at this place, to minister to the necessities of our new branch of American citizens, or rather citizen-ized animals. Most of them are obliged to labor for their substance, though they do so under protest, expecting to be relieved from this burden as soon as the matter can be brought before their friends in Congress. []

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[] Excerpt from "From Crab Orchard." Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. January 24, 1868. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[January 24, 1868] -

The militia company of the county, Captain Sim Bryant, is assembled here today to be disbanded. The Casey and Marion militia, comprising Kentucky's entire military establishment, are also being mustered out of service at Lebanon and Liberty. These companies were organized some three months since to aid civil officers in making arrests and preserving the peace. Their campaigns have displayed a plentiful lack of discipline, due chiefly to our clumsy militia law, yet they have done very fair service, and have inspired the "bushwhacking" region hereabouts with the most edifying and salutary awe. []

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS / PENALTIES & SENTENCING
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[] Excerpt from "From Somerset." The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. October 5, 1866. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[October 5, 1866] -

FROM SOMERSET.

...

Every grade of crime from the highest known to the law, down to the slightest misdemeanors cognizable by a Grand Jury, is represented. By far the largest division is for violations of the liquor law, and the residue originating from violence engendered by the use of the aforesaid liquor.

There is a peculiar, benignant, charitable philanthropy about our laws concerning crimes perpetrated under the influence of whisky, modifying the offense to the conditions of the inebriate. In the case of murder, if the perpetrator is sober the crime loses none of its enormity; but if intoxicated, his offense will be manslaughter, justifiable or excusable homicide, as his condition may warrant. Whisky mitigates the punishment and robs the law of its vindicatory principle. If democratic doctrine can apply to ethics, and the will of the majority be allowed to control, whisky would be declared "king" and his divine right fully established that "the king can do no wrong." []

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POLITICAL FEELING / PUBLIC OPINION
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[] Excerpt from “From Pulaski County.” Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. September 27, 1866. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[September 27, 1866] -

POLITICS, &C.

Politics here [Pulaski], since the August election, is at a stand still. You are doubtless aware that this county is of a radical complexion. It is thought, however, if a test vote were taken that a majority would be for Andrew Johnson and his restoration policy, though not a few would be in favor of any course rather than to sustain him. His triumphant journey through the North is doing much to change opinion here, and the friends of order and justice are hopeful that at no distant day the people will come to their senses and work for the good of the whole country. []

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[] Excerpt from “From Pulaski.” Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. November 20, 1866. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[November 20, 1866] -

POLITICAL MATTERS here [Pulaski County] are dead. The Federal office-holders are rapidly forming their minds to the President's policy, and I hope none will be changed; they certainly cannot be bettered in this district. Conservative men think they can make a different showing of the vote here on the next occasion for a vote. []

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[] "Kentucky Politics." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. July 22, 1867. Page 3. Genealogybank.com.

[July 22, 1867] -

Kentucky Politics.

Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette.

SOMERSET, KY., July 16.

The redoubtable champhion of latter-day Democracy, John L. Helm, delivered one of his characteristic speeches here on Tuesday the 9th inst. At ten o'clock the night before, a beautiful flag, printed on both sides, with the names of Col. S. M. Barnes, for Governor, and Major Wm. N. Owens, for Representative to the State Legislature, was thrown across the main street from the store of C. B. Bachellu to Hail's Block, and as it swung out into the night air, was greeted with cheers and the firing of anvils--the nearest substitute for cannons afforded here since the war. This flag was designed by Miss Belle Caldwell, of this place, and is pronounced by all parties to be a beauty. From its position and size, it was the first thing observed by Mr. Helm, when he came in, about eleven o'clock on the 9th, on the Crab Orchard road. On being asked, during the day, what he thought of it, he observed, that "it was all he could expect of Pulaski county." He spoke about three hours, to a tolerably good house, with no opposition, and without exciting the least enthusiasm. His egotism, or, more properly speaking, self-conceit, was, of course, the most prominent portion of his address. He endeavored to explain his votes on the school tax and railroad schemes, in the Legislature last winter; but no person listening was able to discover the point. He voted for white scholars to get, per capita, eighty cents per year of the School Fund, and colored to receive two dollars and fifty cents. He did not mention the latter, however, nor institute any comparison between the two colors. His next point was his vote on the Enabling act, before the State Senate, authorizing Pulaski county to vote $200,000 to the great Southern Railroad projected by a Cincinnati company.

He said, among other things, that the projected road was to run parallel with the Kentucky Central Road; not attain at any point a departure of more than six miles from said road. Of course this was known by many present to be false, as the road is designed, except at the termini of Covington & Lexington, to pass through an entirely different tier of counties, and being distant from the Kentucky Central from twenty to thirty miles. From this point his remarks verged off into one of the ablest rebel efforts made in Kentucky, and fell like ice on the minds of his hearers.

This county, out of a voting population of about three thousand, have a strait out Union majority of one thousand. This being assumed, very little effort was made for Rice in the May election, as his prospect was considered a certainty. A few of the faithful, led by Capt. W. D. Carpenter, late of the well known Kentucky cavalry, are determined that rebel Democrats and thirty party men will have more to do in August than they did in May, and from the best calculations, it is estimated that the Union vote here will be the largest ever cast. With a view of showing Mr. Helm what effect his speech had on the populace, Capt. Carpenter, immediately after Helm had closed, called a crowd together under the flag, and mounting the steps of a store, made a short speech, which, owing to the crowd, I could not press near enough to catch, but which, from the applause, must have interested those who were fortunate in hearing. After his remarks, three cheers for the new flag and the Union ticket, led by Col. Barnes, were proposed, and given with a vengeance. If we had a few more of Capt. Carpenter's stripe distributed throughout the State, rebel Democratic rule would be of short duration in Kentucky.

TYROL. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Lawlessness." Albany Evening Journal, Albany, NY. December 26, 1868. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[December 26, 1868] -

The condition of affairs in Kentucky is but a repetition of that which has prevailed in other Slave States, but without the apologies presented for it elsewhere. In Kentucky, electors must be free, white and twenty-one -- hence the body of voters are pure as driven snow, or would be but for the weakness of human nature, so frequently displayed below Mason Dixon's line. []

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=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRIME STATISTICS / UBIQUITY OF CRIME

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] Excerpt from "From Somerset." The Courier Journal, Stanford, KY. October 5, 1866. Page 4. Newspaper.com.

[October 5, 1866] -

FROM SOMERSET

...

The time of the Court has thus been employed in the call of the docket, and continuance of cases. Our criminal calendar is full to repletion, there being some two or three hundred indictments, which appear to have gained a right by prescription to remain in Court, having remained there, "time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." The present Grand Jury has added over one hundred to the number, with flattering prospects of an augmentation of cases this week. Every grade of crime from the highest known to the law, down to the slightest misdemeanors cognizable by a Grand Jury, is represented. By far the largest division is for violations of the liquor law, and the residue originating from violence engendered by the use of the aforesaid liquor.

---

[] Excerpt from "Letter From Somerset." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. November 16, 1866. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[November 16, 1866] -

LETTER FROM SOMERSET

...

A succession of amusing incidents occurred in our Circuit Court, which has just closed its session here. Our criminal calendar numbered some two or three hundred indictments--a very large number for so small a community as ours (?)--including crimes of every grade, except murder, which, when committed under the influence of whisky--and it is seldom or never committed through any other--is by our local potvalient, chivalry code converted into an offense of a lighter grade. These several hundred cases engaged the attention of the court for several days in the call of the docket, and I should judge that a majority of these were continued for the reason that the defendants had absconded. The call and proceeding were as follows: Commonwealth vs. John Smith, indicted for stealing a horse, being called does not respond. Our vigilant guardian of the public weal, the able and indefatigable prosecutor, asks of the Sheriff, "Where is John Smith, and why process has not been served on him?" To which interrogatory the said Sheriff makes answer, "Gone to the Ellinois." Another, Ben. Butler; indictment for stealing spoons and obtaining goods under false pretences; to whose default Sheriff answers, "Gone to the Ingian." A third, "To the Ohio," and so on through the callendar, showing an exode of fugitives from justice to a purifying extent. If our courts of justice exert such a powerful influence in incouraging emigration to the States of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio as represented in the Pulaski Circuit Court, we may not look for any political regeneration of those States for years to come, unless they change their habits of life and become honest men.

---

[] Excerpt from Column 3. The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. February 12, 1867. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[February 12, 1867] -

The most cursory reader of the newspapers of the day must have noticed that of late crime has fearfully increased in the land. Like the Eastern scourge, it appears to visit us in an epidemic form. And what is more noticeable, its ravages are not confined to any one particular section, but appear to be universal in their sweep. It is true of the South, that, while nearly all the "outrages" with which she is accredited are political fictions, yet far too many tragedies actually occur to indicate a healthy state of society. But the East, the North, the West, all are far ahead of the South in that respect -- and especially the East, the land of moral ideas. Not a day but we are shocked with the details of some horrid cruelty practised toward children among our Puritan friends -- murder, so foul and unnatural as to strike down pour, old, and defenceless women in the dead hour of night -- ravishments, rapes, seductions, child-murder, elopments, robberies, murders, arsons, in short, every species and phase of crime, have become so common in America that scarcely any attention is paid to their details. We have become so callous as a people, and we are beginning to place no higher estimate upon the life of a human being than we do upon the existence of a hare.

Upon the floor beside us is a pile of papers through which we have just glanced, and it was the frequency with which narratives of crime in their columns greeted our eye that induced us to pen this article. Why, in a half hour's time, we have read the particulars of a dozen robberies planned and carried out on the most gigantic scale. Outrages upon women, violent assaults, burglaries, summary executions by Judge Lynch, and murders are reported as occurring everywhere. The atrocity of the rapidly succeeding instances is not so much a matter of note as their frequency. Every horror, almost before we get the full details, is supplemented by something still more horrible. It is lamentable, indeed, that the very frequency of these cases has made the public mind callous to crime; and it is remarkable, too, that the great majority of these crimes of late have not been committed in the large cities, but in quiet country towns and in the rural districts. Some of the lawlessness that obtains at present is due, no doubt, to the late war, which has returned to private life a restless population, which, when not actively employed in something good, is sure to stray into all manner of excesses. The war has certainly schooled the American mind to hold human life as something cheaper than it was considered six years ago. But the almost general indifference now to law and order, as well as to the consequences of the acts of lawlessness, is greatly due, in our opinion, to the example set in disregarding the fundamental law of the land as written in the Constitution; in setting at naught the decisions of the highest court in the land, unless those decisions chime with the edicts of a caucus; and in threats to depose the Chief Magistrate of the country, unless he consents to become the President of a party. With such examples before them, it is not unnatural that the people at large should feel at liberty to break lesser laws; and to commit, by comparison, lesser crimes. []

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=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REGULATORS / MOB VIOLENCE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] "Lynch Law." Louisville Daily Courier, Louisville, KY. May 24, 1866. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[May 24, 1866] -

Lynch Law.

We regret to see in our midst and in other parts of the State a disposition on the part of the people to take the law into their own hands, and mete out summary punishment against offenders, without appealing to the courts of justice, which afford ample protection to all whose rights are infringed upon by the reckless and the lawless.

This spirit is especially manifest in cases where the offenders are colored people. Whatever exasperating causes may exist, and foul soever as the deed of the offender, no apology exists for the summary lynching of the guilty party by an infuriated mob, guided by passion rather than by reason. In all such cases these acts are highly reprehensible, and detract from our dignity as a people, and cast, in one sense, odium upon our courts of justice, as being either unwilling or incompetent to protect our civil and social relationship, and mete our impartial and equal justice to the injured and the offender. Scarcely a day passes but horrible details reach us of some person or persons who, for the commission of some heinous crime, have been taken from the hands of the law, sometimes while on trial, and sometimes from jail or on the way to jail, and hung or otherwise killed. When such culprits are arrested for the purpose of being arraigned before the proper judiciary tribunals of the country for trial, how much better would it be for them to have their trial before a jury who would pronounce the proper penalty, thus giving restitution to the injured and vindicating the supremacy of the law, to which we must all look for the protection of our rights and the redress of our wrongs. We sincerely trust that people will act more calmly in this matter, and that each one will refrain from acts of violence, and labor for the just enforcement of the laws under which he lives. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Matters in Lebanon." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 24, 1866. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[December 24, 1866] -

MATTERS IN LEBANON

...

As I do not desire to insult "Judge Lynch's" active and industrious "court" by calling it a mob, I beg to say that the Judge has held another "session" since the publication of his proceedings in the Journal of the 18th inst. The "docket" published did not notify me to what point he adjourned on Nov. 24, 1866, but his actions since then have enlightened me. If the Judge expects his proceedings properly published he ought to notify newspaper men in order to secure their attendance. If he finds himself and friends misrepresented, he must remember that correspondents write what they hear, and not what they know. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Ku-Klux in Kentucky, Curious Bands of Regulators." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. July 31, 1868. Page 1. Genealogybank.com.

[July 31, 1868] -

LEXINGTON, KY., July 29.

The eccentricities of Kentuckians will never cease. The beauty of their women, the fatness of their cattle, fleetness of their horses, size and strength of their men, is only equaled by the personal habits of this grand and peculiar people. Not long since an organization was started near Crab Orchard for the suppression of laziness and drunkenness. The "Clan" as it was called, was said to be made up of both Union men and rebels, the Union men predominating, and their object was to regulate the labor and manners of their county. If a fellow was found loafing at a cross roads grocery too much, he was notified to stop it, or he would be flogged within an inch of life; if a fellow was drinking too much, he received notice to clew up, or take a threshing; if a man neglected his family, or run after other women, a threat of a rope or a rawhide generally brought him to a realizing sense of his duty. Those men, in the administration of their justice, were perfectly impartial, threshing rebels and Union men alike, and failing utterly to discriminate on account of color. When the doings of the band were reported to the military authorities at Lexington, they refused to interfere with them, and an officer expressed himself so highly pleased with the operations of the gang that he declared if he knew the chief he would invite him to Lexington, as there were several men in the town who might be larruped, with the best possible advantage to society.

[Baker?] One of the acts of the Clan is thus related: An old man who lived in the country, and was rich, was so miserly that he denied his family almost the necessaries of life. The band notified him that he must do better, but failing to properly notice the admonition given him, the gang seized him one night and took him out to the woods, where they tied him to a tree and then stripped him naked to the waist, after which, they proceeded to read to him certain charges. Among other things it was alleged that he was rich, yet he lived in a mean and beggarly manner, having no decent furniture, carpets, nor anything else in his house; that he had worn the same coat for a dozen years, until it was filthy and greasy; that he had compelled his daughter, almost a young woman, to go into the market town in her bare feet and with insufficient clothing on; that he had deprived his wife and daughter of hoops, tyrannically and brutally declaring they were of no use. The committee, therefore, after mature deliberation on all of his offenses, had awarded him a penalty of one hundred lashes on the bare skin. The old man begged hard to be let off, and promised to do better. The committee finally agreed to give him three days' grace on all the charges, except the last one, for which they gave him five rousing cuts. Next day the old fellow went to town and bought three hundred dollars worth of stuff, not forgetting the hoops for both wife and daughter. It is said that when the old fellow gets obstreperous a hint from his wife that perhaps the regulators will be round soon again subdues him in an instant, and he buys them what they want with astonishing will. The family profess themselves well satisfied with the operations of the Clan, and are now living in a decently furnished and well carpeted house, while daddy sports a brand new coat, for which he paid the (to him) enormous sum of twelve dollars, bu there was no help for it. This curing of a miser is certainly one of the most remarkable we ever heard of, and in itself not a bad thing. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Mob Law in Mercer--The Remedy." Louisville Courier, Louisville, KY. September 15, 1868. Page 2. Genealogybank.com.

[September 15, 1868] -

But, aside from those slanders, and disconnected with political feelings, it is true that in some localities in this State disturbances have been common, and have resulted in abuses which fill the rest of our people with shame and anxiety. It seems that a set of bad characters, some of the sediment of a long civil war, infested Mercer and some adjoining counties at the return of peace, and by their depredations afford an excuse for the formation of a band of Regulators. This, as usual, made matters worse, and now there is hardly a week passes but there is more or less of assassination and lynch law. Scoundrels turn out as Regulators, to pillage and murder, and then the real, Regulators murder them for doing such lawless things in their name. We hear one week that one set of Regulators have been abusing citizens in one locality, and the officers of the law seem unable to detect or arrest them; but the next week we hear that another set of Regulators have come from another county in the night time, discovered the perpetrators, and hung them. []

---

[] Excerpt from "Kentucky, A Model Democratic State." Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Cincinnati, OH. September 19, 1868. Page 4. Genealogybank.com.

[September 19, 1868] -

James Baker, killed by ten or twelve disguised men, in Pulaski county; no arrests made; "Baker was called out of his house in the latter part of the night, seized, dragged a short distance and shot to death--his body riddled;" so says the record. It continues, "Baker has the character of a law-abiding, peaceful and good citizen; Baker was a decided Union man, and was reputed to have some influence in his neighborhood; his father and several brothers, one of whom lost an entire arm in the war as a Federal soldier, have left the country since the murder (13th of June, 1868)--driven off." Is it not a singular circumstance that so many Union men are murdered by masked mobs? But this is the peace, good will and the kind spirit of fraternity that exists in this State, which Gov. Bramlette was so eager to proclaim to the Democrats of Indiana. Governor Bramlette will probably be refreshed by the following additional information from the neighborhood of Baker's murder. It will also explain to some extent why several more votes were not polled for the Union candidate for Governor. It is this: "Some three or more men have been taken from their houses and cruelly whipped in the same section; one of them, who was so abused a few days before the August election, was a soldier in the Mexican war, and who, in the late war, has been regarded as an honorable man, good citizen, and is now a Justice of the Peace. All these men who were whipped (one, at least, had his house burned also), were Union men." These outrages were committed in the night by masked men. These same regulators stuck up their mysterious K. K. K. signed notices threatening anyone who should talk about these affairs. But, thank God, the spirit of freemen was alive and strong in the Union men of Pulaski. They gave notice to the Democrats of that county that if any more such outrages occurred, that they would hold these innocent lambs of Democracy in the neighborhood of the outrages responsible therefor; and stranger still to say, from the time of that notice, those outrages ceased. A few words, fitly spoken, how wonderful is their power! But the Pulaski county Unionists are not the only ones that have given the "masked murderers" warning. The gallant boys of Jackson county have also sent a notice to them promising to take care not only of themselves, but to help the Madison county Unionists inflict summary punishment upon those who think themselves above the law. []

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=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISCELLANEOUS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[] "Old Times." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 14, 1872. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1872-06-14/ed-1/seq-1/

[June 14, 1872] -

stagecoaches to mount vernon in the 1820s

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"how grandfathers committed crime" contains specifics of some antebellum local murders

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-12-19/ed-1/seq-2/

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-12-21/ed-1/seq-3/

---

April 18, 1840. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025180/1840-04-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[April 18, 1840] -

---

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83016924/1840-05-09/ed-1/seq-1/ far right
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014968/1841-10-01/ed-1/seq-1/

---

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

2020-02-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

[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]

---

[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]

---

[March 2, 1877] -

The last week of Circuit Court is upon us and we are having both day and night sessions. An important will case has been settled by the will being put to record. Seven out of eight of the heirs of the late Thompson M. Arnold were the contestants. A colored boy was condemned to the Penitentiary for burglary. The case of G. C. Kennedy, Esq., has been deferred till the 13th day of the August Circuit Court, at which time Mr. Jacobs, of Danville, will preside as Judge. Owing to several considerations, a change of venue was demanded, and a proposition to remove the case to Boyle, under contemplation. The want of a proper jail building at that point, determined the authorities to make no change. The services of a nightly guard around the Lancaster jail indicates that fears are entertained for the prisoner's safety, either from his friends or his enemies; and justices is making an effort not to be defrauded. Meanwhile, those interested in the unhappy man do all in their power to cheer his weary hours. [3]

---

[March 9, 1877] -

We understand that G. C. Kennedy, now in Jail at Lancaster, for the killing of E. D. Kennedy, will, under a writ of habeas corpus apply for bail before the County Judge tomorrow. [4]

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[March 9, 1877] -

Nothing has been done with the case against G. C. Kennedy. R. P. Jacobs, of the Danville bar, (Judge Owsley not sitting for cause,) Was agreed upon as the Special Judge, but owing to a press of business matters declined to act. Being unable to elect a Special Judge, the Clerk has made out and transmitted to Gov. McCreary the required statement, and the case now awaits his action. It is understood that an application for bail will be made Friday. [5]

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[March 22, 1877] -

The attendance at the Danville court-day stock sales to-day was quite large, and the streets were crowded with mountain cattle and candidates, and to a pedestrian one was about as great annoyance as the other. A report was current upon the street there that Kennedy, while being taken from the courtroom where his examining trial was held, to the jail by the officers, made his escape by the aid of his wife and some friends. His wife was standing in the hotel door as the guards were passing with Kennedy, and requested them to permit her husband to speak to her, and on their assenting he stepped up to the door, darted in and through the house, while she held the force at bay. Several fire arms were at the same time thrust out of the doors and windows of the hotel at the guards, which checked their entrance until the prisoner had effected his escape. [6]

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[March 23, 1877] -

There were two funerals in town on the 22d. The remains of E. D. Kennedy were conducted to the tomb by the Royal Arch Masons, members of the bar, and friends. Court was adjourned pro tem. [7]

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[March 23, 1877] -

During the past week the Court-house was a scene of great interest, which culminated on Saturday afternoon in an extraordinary though not unexpected climax. The application of Mr. G. C. Kennedy for bail, accompanied by his strong aversion to return to prison, was the signal for vigorous but quiet movements upon the part of his friends for his rescue in the event of disappointment. The case was argued in an animated manner by Messrs. Bradley, Denny and Hardin; and Judge Duncan pronounced sentence against the prisoner. Attended by the Sheriff and a guard of twelve or fifteen young men, Mr. Kennedy started down the Stanford street en route for the jail. When opposite the door of the hotel heretofore known as the McKee, Miller, or Higgins House, the wife of the prisoner ran out and appealed for permission to exchange greetings with her husband. Thrown somewhat off watch by sympathy, the escort paused, when, with a dextrous movement, the prisoner threw his wife between himself and the guns, and darted into the hotel. A graphic picture might be drawn of the next ten minutes' work, but we forbear. Shots were fired both from and into the hotel, but the search that was made proved fruitless. We have heard the names of Messrs. Sam Peacock, Elijah Anderson, Singleton, and perhaps others constituting the guard, mentioned with outspoken commendation for prompt and courageous action. Lancaster is foremost in sensations if not in the hearts of her countrymen. [8]

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[March 23, 1877] -

LANCASTER'S LAST SENSATION. -- G. C. Kennedy, who has been for a month confined in the Lancaster jail for the murder of Mr. E. D. Kennedy, applied under a writ of habeas corpus for bail, before his honor Judge Duncan, on Saturday last, and was refused. He was ordered back to jail, and strange as it may appear, although attended by the Sheriff and some 12 or 15 guards, got away in the broad day time and effected his escape. Reports are current that armed men were at hand to release the prisoner if bail was refused, but as they made no demonstration to that effect, and as the prisoner got away without the assistance of any of them, a strong suspicion of collusion on the part of the Sheriff is manifested. This, however, in a private note, he stoutly denies, and asserts that every effort on his part was made to re-capture and secure to prisoner. In fact, he says he clung to him, till he pulled his over coat off, which threw him (the Sheriff) heavily to the ground, stunning him. Be this as it may, it is a burning, crying shame, that justice should thus be thwarted and the attitude to the public that the Sheriff and guards bear in this manner, is indeed, an unenviable one. Garrard county owes it to herself to thoroughly investigate the matter and fix the blame and punishment where it belongs or its unenviable name for murder and lawlessness will forever cling to it. [9]

---

[March 26, 1877] -

Kennedy's Escape.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., March 22, 1877. -- Kennedy's escape was indeed wonderful. Anticipated by the authorities, every precaution had been taken to prevent it, and yet it was effected easily and with but little danger to the prisoner or his friends. The trial for bail had been in progress three days; Kennedy's friends had collected to a considerable number. The judge, to prevent a scene in the court-house, stationed a guard of ten or fifteen at the door of the court-room, with instructions to allow no one to pass or repass without rigid examination for weapons. Everything passed in perfect quiet till the decision refusing bail was rendered, and the sheriff, assisted by seventeen guards, armed with needle guns, attempted to return the prisoner over to jail. The friends of Kennedy were all collected at the old Miller House, the hotel between the court-house and jail. When opposite this hotel Kennedy requested to be allowed to step to the door and see his wife for a moment, who was standing there, beseeching him to come to her. He was permitted to do so, and the sheriff accompanying him, the guards following immediately behind. Reaching the door, he made one leap and disappeared, his wife and friends immediately filling the passage-way and covering his retreat. A promiscuous firing immediately ensued, who by or what at it is impossible to say. Once out of sight and well armed, but little attempt was made to recapture him, and it is presumed that he remained in the hotel till nightfall, when he left without further molestation. The plan of escape, in case of refusal of bail, was doubtless all arranged beforehand, and, under the circumstances, remarkably well executed. Excitement was great, and strong feeling against the sheriff manifested, but presume nothing else will result. [10]

---

[March 28, 1877] -

G. C. KENNEDY.

He Makes a Statement, and Says he is Ready and Desires to Give Bond.

(Correspondence of the Courier-Journal.)

ON THE WING, March 24, 1877. -- The local papers of Central Kentucky have of late handled my name so freely that I venture to ask the charity, perhaps I might say the justice, of a brief hearing through your columns.

On the twentieth day of last month it was my misfortune to be compelled, I being the judge of the necessity, to shoot and kill E. D. Kennedy, of Lancaster -- a near kinsman and a man for whom, in my day, I have taken some risks and made some sacrifices. I at once surrendered to the sheriff and was lodged in jail at Lancaster. On the 15th inst., I applied to the county judge for bail, which, after an examination, lasting till Saturday the 17th, he refused. On the way from the court-house to the jail, guarded by some dozen men, I broke loose from them, took the chances of their fire (receiving, by the way, a bullet through my hat), and succeeded in making my escape.

It is not my purpose to recite the proof produced at this examination, further than to say that it was confessedly ample and conclusive upon three points: First, that because of a suit I had instituted against him, the deceased had repeatedly and continuously threatened to take my life during the period of three weeks before the killing, and he even so threatened on the very day of the killing and only three or four hours before. Second, that I was informed of these threats, and had on several occasions left town to avoid him. Third, that at the time I shot E. D. Kennedy, he, a man who feared nobody on earth, and who forgave nobody, who always bore arms about his person, and who never made an idle threat in his life, had just used menacing language in regard to me, and was advancing upon me with both hands thrust in his pockets. This last fact, by the way, was proven by a witness for the Commonwealth, a lawyer and a gentleman of the highest respectability. I think I was clearly entitled to bail. The court, however, thought differently, and I have no reflections to cast about it. I must admit that my position was not the most favorable one for a calm, judicial survey of the proof, and I must say that Judge Duncan presided with much dignity. But I am satisfied his mind was made up before he went into the trial.

I refer to it now merely to declare that with this testimony I am not and should not be afraid of a trial. I am willing and ready at any time to face a jury of my countrymen upon this charge.

Why risk your life then, it may be asked, by flying from an armed guard? I answer that a motion had already been made to remove me to the jail at Louisville. It is absolutely certain that by Monday night following I would have been taken to that jail, where I would have had no opportunity to see my wife or children, or to confer with friends or counsel, and where, as suited the convenience or caprice of the lawyers, I might have lain six months or rotted as many years. I didn't choose to undergo all this if I could avoid it; and this, I solemnly declare, was my only reason for taking such abrupt leave of the very clever gentlemen who composed my guard.

I desire to say now, and in all sincerity, to the people and officers of Garrard county, that when my case is called for trial I shall be there to answer. I have no desire to evade a fair trial. Still less do I wish to fly from the country, or to live the life of an outlaw in it, and as some proof of my sincerity, and to give a guarantee which will be more satisfactory than my bare word to the Commonwealth attorney, I hereby offer, at any time and place the authorities may designate, to execute a perfectly good bond for my appearance at final trial in any sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars. GROVE C. KENNEDY. [11]

---

[March 30, 1877] -

A communication signed Grove C. Kennedy, appears in the Courier-Journal of Wednesday. He explains that he only escaped from the officers to keep from being taken to the dreary prisons at Louisville, and asserts his willingness and ability to give bail for his appearance at final trial in any sum not exceeding $10,000. It is not likely that the officers will succeed in taking him nolens volens, so it would be the better plan to accept the terms that he is now in position to dictate. [12]

---

[April 13, 1877] -

Hand bills have been scattered broadcast announcing the fact that Judge Wickliffe has appointed Monday, the 16th of April, for the trial of Grove C. Kennedy, under indictment for murder. [13]

---

[April 20, 1877] -

KENNEDY. -- Judge Wickliffe, Special Judge for the Kennedy case, was at Lancaster Monday, ready to try Grove Kennedy, who had, through the columns of the Courier-Journal, made such fair promises about being present; &c. But Kennedy was not there, as his heart, it is said, failed him at the last moment. The Judge, after waiting as long as decency would admit, adjourned his Court sine die, and ordered a breach warrant to issue for the arrest of Kennedy. He is in no danger of arrest, however, and will, in all probability, come an go when he pleases, as heretofore. He was in Stanford on Sunday evening, and remained several hours, but no one said him "nay," and he departed as he came, in peace. [14]

---

[April 20, 1877] -

On Monday the interested, the curious and the revengeful were on the qui vive [lookout] from an early hour, for the entree of the expected prisoner, Mr. Grove C. Kennedy, whose trial for murder had been appointed, for that day. Rumors were afloat with reference to armed men, militia and other anticipated contributions to a street pageant. A message came to the effect that the prisoner would appear, but would not consent to give up his arms. Such an innovation upon criminal trials was of course not to be considered by the Court for a moment. These, and other floating stories, went from mouth to mouth, but we can vouch for nothing save the fact that the prisoner forfeited his published promise and failed to appear. Judge Wickliffe and the counsel from other towns, were on duty, and the jury in readiness. What the future will bring forth on the much-vexed subject, the future shall tell. [15]

---

[May 4, 1877] -

The proclamation of Governor McCrary, which will be found in another column offering a reward of $500 for the apprehension of Grove C. Kennedy, ought to induce our officers and others, to exert themselves in bringing him to justice. It is a crying shame on a country, where people are permitted to defy the law as this man has, and we hope that he, as well as all others who attempt to live outside of it, will yet have to acknowledge the supremacy of the law. [16]

---

[May 4, 1877] -

PROCLAMATION

---BY THE---

GOVERNOR.

------

$500 Reward !

------

Commonwealth of Kentucky. }

Executive Department }

WHEREAS, The Circuit Judge who was appointed to try the case, and the County Judge of Garrard County have, in accordanec with the law, petitioned me to offer a reward for the apprehension of G. C. Kennedy, who stands charged by indictment in the Garrard Circuit Court, with the murder of E. D. Kennedy, committed in Garrard County, on the 21st day of February, 1877, is now a fugitive from justice going at large. Therefore, I, JAMES B. McCREARY Governor of the Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby offer a reward of Five Hundred Dollars ($500,) for the apprehension of said G. C. Kennedy, and his delivery to the Jailer of Garrard County.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed. Done at Frankfort, the 19th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, and in the eighty-fifth year of the Commonwealth.

JAMES B. McCREARY.

By the Governor.

J. STODDARD JOHNSON, Secretary of State.

By THOS. S. BRONSTON, Assistant Secretary of State. [17]

---

[May 11, 1877] -

DIED. -- Mrs Eliza Yeakey, of Paint Lick, Garrard county, who had last week, an apparently successful operation performed on her in the removal of an ovarian tumor weighing fifty pounds, died on Friday, from the effects of it. She was in her 58th year, and although suffering more, mentally, than falls to the lot of most women, by the violent death of two sons, and most recent killing of her brother, Mr. E. D. Kennedy, she never wavered in her sincere trust in Him and died perfectly conscious in the hope of a blissful hereafter. [18]

---

[19] Excerpt from "Richmond." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY August 21, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[August 21, 1877] -

In conversation with a prominent citizen of Richmond to-day, who had lately returned from a visit to Crab Orchard, he stated that while there he had seen and talked to the outlaw G. Kennedy, (who murdered his uncle at Lancaster some time since, and for the capture of whom the Governor has offered a reward of $500), walking about in broad day light, as free and apparently as unconcerned as anybody, and that no one in that part of the country had the courage to undertake to arrest him. There is a report current that he is in Richmond to-night, though a brother of his who was here [Richmond] last night with Captain Saunders may have been mistaken for him. [19]

---

[20] "Five Hundred Dollars Reward." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 28, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[August 28, 1877] -

Five Hundred Dollars Reward.

The Evening News of this city seems to be under the impression that the Governor of the Commonwealth is a Sheriff and the Adjutant General a kind of Deputy Constable, and both should go about the State making arrests whenever and wherever the actual Sheriffs are too lazy or cowardly to perform their duties. Our contemporary does not seem[?] to be aware that the State authority has been exercised in the case of Grove Kennedy; so, for the benefit of that journal and those of its readers who have been missed by its statements, we will recall the facts. When Grove Kennedy killed his uncle last spring, in Garrard county, he was arrested and placed in jail, and was indicted for murder. The Circuit Judge of that district, Hon. M. H. Owsley, being a witness to the killing declined to sit in the trial of the case. No attorney at that bar could be obtained to act as special judge, and these circumstances being duly certified by the Circuit Clerk, governor McCreary commissioned Judge Wickliffe, of an adjoining district, as special judge to try the case. Before the day fixed for his trial Kennedy was brought from jail to the courthouse under a writ of habeas corpus. As the result of that inquiry he was remanded to jail by the court and denied bail. On his way back to the jail he escaped from the Sheriff. On application of Judge Wickliffe and the County Judge of Garrard, Governor McCreary offered a reward of five hundred dollars, the highest reward authorized by law, for the apprehension of the escaped prisoner. It was subsequently communicated to the Governor that Kennedy was in Lincoln county. Thereupon Governor McCreary notified the Sheriff of Lincoln that the reward had been offered, that it was his, the Sheriff's, duty to arrest the fugitive, and that if the civil authority was not sufficient, after a full exertion of its powers, to make the arrest, or to arrest any violator of the law, a sufficient force of the State militia would be furnished to maintain the constituted authorities. It is the business of the Sheriff of Lincoln county to arrest Kennedy if found in that county. But it does not appear that the Sheriff or any other peace officer or citizen of Lincoln has made any effort whatever to arrest him. In fact, the people of Lincoln county seem to think that the sensation of Mr. Grove Kennedy's presence at their famous watering place aids so much to the attractions of Crab Orchard Springs that he ought to be let alone. His capture is worth only five hundred dollars. As a card for Crab Orchard, and indirectly Lincoln county, he seems to be worth much more. The direct responsibility for this disgraceful exhibition of defiance of law rests, of course, upon the Sheriff of Lincoln county. But no official would dare to be so regardless of the duties of office if he thought that thereby he would incur public shame[?], so the responsibility spreads itself out over the people of Lincoln, and the invitation goes from Crab Orchard Springs that not only are the invalid and weary welcome, but the comforts of a first class home are extended to fugitives from justice. The suggestion of the Evening News that Gov. McCreary should at once send a small army under his Adjutant General to lay siege to Grove Kennedy's retreat loses sight of the important fact of military force may be employed only after the civil authority has exhausted its power. There is nothing yet to show that the Sheriff of Lincoln might not make the arrest singlehanded. There is certainly no reason to suppose that the Sheriff with a posse of citizens might not make the arrest. If troops were sent to Lincoln they would have to be placed under the orders of a civil peace officer and as the civil peace officer will not attempt the arrest, or summon a posse to make it, there is room to doubt their disturbing the tranquility of Mr. Kennedy by the very active employment of the military. The case just happens to be one in which the public sentiment of the locality to which the fugitive confines himself is in his favor. It is absurd to suppose that there is not a man in Lincoln county, with the incentive of five hundred dollars for his trouble, who dare arrest Grove Kennedy. If that is the present situation of Lincoln, her youths have gone West, leaving behind only the decrepid[sic] and the impotent to maintain the the majesty of law and the public decency. [20]

---

[21] "Grove Kennedy." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 31, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-08-31/ed-1/seq-2/

[August 31, 1877] -

GROVE KENNEDY.

The Evening News of this city seems to be under the impression that the Governor of the Commonwealth is a Sheriff and the Adjutant General a kind of Deputy Constable, and both should go about the State making arrests whenever and wherever the actual Sheriffs are too lazy or cowardly to perform their duties. Our contemporary does not seem to be aware that the State authority has been exercised in the case of Grove Kennedy; so, for the benefit of that journal and those of its readers who have been misled by its statements, we will recall the facts. When Grove Kennedy killed his uncle last spring, in Garrard county, he was arrested and placed in jail, and was indicted for murder. The Circuit Judge of that district, Hon. M. H. Owsley, being a witness to the killing, declined to sit in the trial of the case. No attorney at that bar could be obtained to act as special judge, and these circumstances being duly certified by the Circuit Clerk, Governor McCreary commissioner Judge Wickliffe, of an adjoining district, as special judge to try the case. before the day fixed for his trial Kennedy was brought from jail to the court-house under a writ of habeas corpus. As the result of that inquiry he was remanded to jail by the court and denied bail. On his way back to the jail he escaped from the Sheriff. On application of Judge Wickliffe and the County Judge of Garrard, Governor McCreary offered a reward of five hundred dollars, the highest reward authorized by law, for the apprehension of the escaped prisoner. It was subsequently communicated to the Governor that Kennedy was in Lincoln county. Thereupon Governor McCreary notified the Sheriff of Lincoln that the reward has been offered; that it was his, the Sheriff's duty to arrest the fugitive, and that if the civil authority was not sufficient, after a full exertion of its powers, to make the arrest, or to arrest any violator of the law, a sufficient force of the State militia would be furnished to maintain the constituted authorities. It is the business of the Sheriff of Lincoln county to arrest Kennedy if found in that county. But it does not appear that the Sheriff or any other peace officer or citizen of Lincoln has made any effort whatever to arrest him. In fact, the people of Lincoln county seem to think that the sensation of Mr. Grove Kennedy's presence at their famous watering place adds so much to the attractions of Crab Orchard Springs that he ought to be let alone. His capture is worth only five hundred dollars. As a card for Crab Orchard, and indirectly Lincoln county, he seems to be worth much more. The direct responsibility for this disgraceful exhibition of defiance of law rests, of course, upon the Sheriff of Lincoln county. But no official would dare to be so regardless of the duties of office if he thought that thereby he would incur public odium, so the responsibility spreads itself out over the people of Lincoln, and the invitation goes out from Crab Orchard Springs that not only are the invalid and weary welcome, but the comforts of a first-class home are extended to fugitives from justice. The suggestion of the Evening News that Governor McCreary should at once send a small army under his Adjutant General to lay siege to Grove Kennedy's retreat loses sight of the important fact that military force may be employed only after the civil authority has exhausted its power. There is nothing yet to show that the Sheriff of Lincoln might not make the arrest single-handed. There is certainly no reason to suppose that the sheriff with a posse of citizens might not make the arrest. If troops were sent to Lincoln they would have to be placed under the orders of a civil peace officer, and as the civil peace officer will not attempt the arrest, or summon a posse to make it, there is room to doubt their disturbing the tranquility of Mr. Kennedy by the very active employment of the military. The case just happens to be one in which the public sentiment of the locality to which the fugitive confines himself is in his favor. It is absurd to suppose that there is not a man in Lincoln county, with the incentive of five hundred dollars for his trouble, who dare arrest Grove Kennedy. If that is the present situation of Lincoln, her youths have gone West, leaving behind only decrepid and the impotent to maintain the majesty of law and the public decency.

We copy the above from the Courier-Journal and in the main indorse it. But the statement that the citizens are as law-abiding and honorable as any in the State. There is not one of her citizens, outside of Mr. Kennedy's circle of friends but what would be glad to see him brought to justice, and if summoned to form a posse to arrest him would go without hesitation, not from any malice toward him, for he is a good, clever fellow, but for the vindications of law and order. The trouble, as we have on sundry occasions had to remark, lies entirely with our officers. They are afraid of their own shadows and the sooner they resign to make room for competent men the better for the good name of the county. Mr. Kennedy's home is in the edge of Garrard, where he stays, no doubt more than he does at Crab Orchard, and the Sheriff over there, who was so distressed because he let him get loose, might also put in some valuable time in apprehending him, but like ours, he believes that a Sheriff has no other duties than to collect taxes and do other little duties which will bring no danger to him or cause him to hurt the tender feelings of a violator of the law. [21]

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[22] Excerpt from Column 5. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 7, 1877. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-07/ed-1/seq-1/

[September 7, 1877] -

A number of well-known ladies and gentlemen, who have been spending the summer at Crab Orchard Springs, have published a card highly commendatory of the hotel-keeper there. It gives us real pain to note the absence of Grove Kennedy's name to the advertisement. Perhaps Mr. Kennedy had just stepped down in the woods to kill another man. If so we excuse him. --(Evening News. [22]

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[23] "Waking 'Em Up." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 7, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 7, 1877] -

WAKING 'EM UP. -- The numerous newspaper articles in regard to Grove Kennedy and the negligent officials have had their effect in waking up the Commonwealth's Attorney, who moved the Court in session at Lancaster last week to issue rules against the Sheriffs of Lincoln and Garrard, to show cause why they should not be fined for permitting Mr. Kennedy to go at large, when they had Bench Warrants against him in their pockets. The rule so far as Mr. Feland was concerned, was issued and sent to the Jailer of this county for execution. But when Mr. Feland appeared to answer the rule on Saturday last, he swore, as did his deputy, that no warrant had ever been received by him, and it finally turned out, if ever issued at all, that the Clerk had failed to send it because it would cost three cents, which tremendous expense he was unwilling to incur. Now this is a pretty state of affairs, a man charged with murder is permitted to go at large and disport himself at Crab Orchard with as little apparent concern as the most innocent pleasure-seeker, and no warrant is sent out because the Circuit Clerk of Garrard becomes suddenly tired of paying postage. There is a good deal of rottenness connected with this case which we intend to show up before it is through with.

The Sheriffs of Garrard and Lincoln counties are without excuse for their negligence in the case of Grove Kennedy, and should be promptly displaced from office. Two bench warrants were issued to these officers by special Judge Wickliffe for the arrest of the fugitive from justice, but the warrants have not been executed, notwithstanding the fact that Kennedy has been known to be within only a few miles of the officers themselves. They should be taught a lesson that they will not soon forget. Their conduct has been absolutely disgraceful.--[Louisville Evening News.

Willing always to give even the devil his due, we are prepared to say upon the sworn statements of Sheriff Feland and his deputy that no bench warrant for the arrest of Grove Kennedy had ever reached their hands until they appeared at Lancaster last Saturday in answer to the rule against them. Perhaps it would have been all the same if they had, but we will not judge them harshly. We understand that the Sheriff of Garrard had a warrant, however, but why he has made no attempt to serve it, is perhaps best known to himself. A man serving in the humble capacity of a journalist has no right to inquire into the acts and short comings of officers. He might make some body mad. [23]

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[24] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 7, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 7, 1877] -

Sheriff Feland and his deputy replied to the article that we clipped from the Courier-Journal last week, denying that they had ever received a bench warrant for the arrest of Kennedy. They also took occasion to make a few "sarcastic" remarks about those little drams that Watterson took with the distinguished outlaw while they were both guests of Crab Orchard Springs. Their letter appeared in the Courier-Journal of last Saturday. [24]

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[25] "Garrard County Again." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. September 13, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[September 13, 1877] -

GARRARD COUNTY AGAIN.

A Statement from Col. John K. Faulkner, Clerk of the Circuit Court.

(To the Editor of the Courier-Journal.)

WAKING 'EM UP. -- The numerous newspaper articles in regard to Grove Kennedy and the negligent officials have had their effect in waking up the Commonwealth's Attorney, who moved the court in session at Lancaster last week to issue rules against the Sheriffs of Lincoln and Garrard, to show cause why they should not be fined for permitting Mr. Kennedy to go at large, when they had Bench Warrants against him in their pockets. The rule so far as Mr. Feland was concerned, was issued and sent to the Jailer of this county for execution. But when Mr. Feland appeared to answer the rule on Saturday last, he swore, as did his deputy, that no warrant had ever been received by him, and it finally turned out, if ever issued at all, that the Clerk had failed to send it because it would cost three cents, which tremendous expense he was unwilling to incur. Now this is a pretty state of affairs, a man charged with murder is permitted to go at large and disport himself at Crab Orchard with as little apparent concern as the most innocent pleasure-seeker, and no warrant is sent out because the Circuit Clerk of Garrard becomes suddenly tired of paying postage. There is a good deal of rottenness connected with this case which we intend to show up before it is through with.

The above is clipped from the Interior Journal of the 7th inst. In justice to myself as Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court, I ask you to publish the following statement: Upon the trial of the motion against the Sheriffs to show cause, etc., the Commonwealth's Attorney, my deputy and myself all testified that a warrant was issued to the Sheriff of Lincoln county and placed in a stamped official envelope in the Clerk's office, and my deputy swore to the best of his recollection that he mailed the same to the Sheriff of Lincoln county. In addition to this, not less than half a dozen other warrants were issued prior to this time and disposed of as follows: The Sheriff of Garrard county stated that he had received three of these warrants; another was placed in the hands of the constable of the precinct in Garrard county in which Grove Kennedy lived; another was placed in the hands of B. F. Slavin, son-in-law of E. D. Kennedy, deceased, and one was mailed by Commonwealth's Attorney Denny to the Marshal of Crab Orchard. All these facts were sworn upon the trial of the motion.

The postage-stamp could have had no weight with the clerk, since, by reference to section 4, article 6[?], page 578[?], of the General Statutes, the learned quill-driver of the I. J. will see that such "tremendous expense" is borne by the trustee of the jury fund.

In conclusion, I will say that the statements of the Interior Journal in regard to me are base lies made out of the whole cloth, and if the editor thereof desires to relieve himself from the odium of publishing a willful falsehood he can do so by giving the name of his informant. In reference to the rottenness connected with this matter I will say that I, and I believe the other official of Garrard county, are perfectly willing to have the bottom facts brought to light.

J. K. FAULKNER, Clerk Garrard Circuit Court. [25]

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[26] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-14/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 14, 1877] -

Last week we stated on the word of a gentleman, whose character for truthfulness, is, to say the least, as good as that of Col. Faulkner, that the Circuit Clerk of Garrard, had, because of his unwillingness to expend the amount of a postage stamp, failed to send the bench warrant to our Sheriff for the arrest of Kennedy. In doing this we had no malice in the matter, but Faulkner, like a craven coward, wrote a long letter to the Courier-Journal in regard to the matter, and took occasion to denounce our statements as "base lies manufactured out of whole cloth." Now, if Faulkner is the brave man that he imagines himself, he would not have sought the columns of the Courier-Journal to vent his spleen, but would have asked our author, denied the statement, and requested a retraction, which, being convinced of our error, we would have cheerfully made. We would further suggest to the imaginary brave and chivalrous Col., that it is but natural that he is offended with us for the interest we feel in the arrest of Grove Kennedy, his kinsman, but we are not disposed of to spare even his tender feelings, and "the rottenness connected with this matter" will be shown up long before he is ready for it, notwithstanding his defiant assertion that he is willing that it should be given. [26]

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[27] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 14, 1877] -

OUTRAGEOUS.-- Grove Kennedy not satisfied with defying the authority of the law, shot several times at the Engineer of the passenger train near Crab Orchard, on Wednesday evening because he had the effrontery to blow his whistle, thereby frightening Kennedy's horse. Even Kennedy's best friends are becoming disgusted with his behavior. [27]

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[28] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 14, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[September 14, 1877] -

A MISERABLE FARCE. -- Our gallant deputy Sheriff is a man after our own heart. Fearless and courageous, he adds to these noble qualities a coolness that is remarkable and his other superior traits are such that mother's should point their little ones to him as an example worthy of emulation. Like some of our Generals in the late war his movements are slow and he indignantly denies the old saying that "all is fair in war." Honorable to the core he would scorn to take the least advantage of his foe, but on the contrary is willing to give him a fair showing to either prepare himself or beat a hasty retreat. This much we say to show how greatly we admire this gallant man, but there are those, we regret to say, who condemn his movements in getting up his troops for yesterday's raid on Mr. Kennedy. They say that two days, during which every body in the county, including the outlaws, were apprised of his intentions, were too long to prepare for the onslaught. In fact there are those who foolishly assert that the posse should have been summoned to get ready in an hour, and should have consisted of some 10 or 15 picked men only. The attempt should have been made at night and not in the broad day-time with 40 men when Mr. Kennedy was apprized of their coming at least two days before and had flown to safety. Baily Withers while Sheriff would have done things quite differently from our present deputy. Taking two or three men, without noising abroad his intentions, he would have pounced down upon the criminal and secured his arrest. He generally meant business. The late futile and farcical attempt to arrest Kennedy was an effort to allay the public sentiment that was crying out for the enforcement of the laws of the land. What was done? Simply a party of some 40 or 50 men marched up the hill to Crab Orchard and then marched down again. Nothing was done after reaching there, the great bubble burst and force No. 1, was ended. We patiently await for part No. 2, and trust our deputy will yet redeem himself. His intentions are good, no doubt, but his execution is most abominable. [28]

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[29] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 28, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-09-28/ed-1/seq-2/

[September 28, 1877] -

COL. FAULKNER. -- Last Wednesday's Courier-Journal contained a card from Col. J. K. Faulkner, in which he publishes a number of affidavits, signed respectively, by Judge Owsley, Commonwealth's Attorney Denny, the members of the Lancaster Bar, and his Deputy Clerks, showing that we were in error in regard to our statement about the 3-cent stamp business. The affidavits say that the testimony was, that the warrant against Kennedy was issued, and put in a stamped envelope -- though no witness states positively that it was ever mailed. The only ground for our statements, according to the affidavits, is, that there were some jocular remarks made by Deputy Clark Mason in a conversation with Mr. Denny about the warrant, which was brought out in the evidence. Having no desire whatever to injure or misrepresent Col. Faulkner, we give him the benefit of the above, and will remark that our information in the first place, was obtained from a gentleman, in whose word we have confidence, and we gave the item as a matter of news, and to exhonorate our Sheriff, whom we had charged with having the warrant and was afraid to execute it. We will also remark that had Col. Faulkner's first card been as temperate as the last, there would have been no need for a second publication. It is our established rule to publish what we think reliable news, regardless of whom it may favor or hurt, but if we should occasionally find that we have been misinformed, no newspaper in the country is more willing to set matters straight than the Interior Journal. Neither are we disposed to be "belicose" -- on the contrary, we are exceedingly mild-mannered--but when a man attempts to call us a liar, he may always be sure of hearing from us, and that by the nearest means in our power. [29]

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[30] "Grove Kennedy." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 5, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 5, 1877] -

GROVE KENNEDY.--The Cincinnati Commercial has the following special telegram: "It is now an open secret that parties are in pursuit of Grove Kennedy, the Crab Orchard outlaw. The State offers a reward of $500 and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad $500 additional. The pursuit is conducted so secretly that Grove Kennedy is for once afraid. He had reason to believe that his trail was being followed last week and he abandoned his hitherto safe retreats in Garrard and Lincoln counties and sought refuge in that portion of Madison adjoining Garrard. The authorities of Madison county are on the alert. If Mr. Kennedy should meet the Sheriff of that bailiwick and a posse, he will meet a bad crowd." [30]

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[31] "Complimentary." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 26, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-26/ed-1/seq-2/

[October 26, 1877] -

COMPLIMENTARY. -- The Sunday Argue has never acquired much a reputation for saying complimentary things, but when it does attempt anything of the kind "it goes the whole hog," as witness the following: We salute the Interior Journal. It is making a hot, fearless fight against lawlessness in its section, and deserves the support of every good citizen in Stanford and vicinity." Then the Louisville Evening News, is writing up a number of the editorial fraternity, Polks us gently in the short ribs, or, in other words, tickles us by saying: "W. P. Walton, of the Stanford Interior Journal, is in favor of the immediate capture of Grove Kennedy, and does not propose to be frightened by any of Grove's friends, in office or out of it. He makes a newspaper worthy of being read by all." [31]

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[32] "At Last." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 27, 1877. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-10-27/ed-1/seq-1/
Also printed in "Capture of Grove Kennedy." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-02/ed-1/seq-1/

[October 27, 1877] -

AT LAST

Grove Kennedy is Taken in out of the Wet.

Marshal Hunter, and Posse of Bardstown, did the Job, and Will Walk off with the $1,000 Reward.

Kennedy Made no Resistance; but, Seeing that he was Overpowered, Handed over his Arms, and Surrendered.

He now Occupies his Old Quarters in is the Lancaster Jail.

B Y T E L E G R A P H.

News arrived by train this morning that Grove Kennedy had been captured. This naturally created considerable excitement, so we have taken the pains to get the particulars and given them to our readers in this form. This morning before day, Marshal Hunter and party having previously ascertained that Kennedy was at his father's, repaired to the house. They waited until 6 o'clock, when Grove came out to feed his horse, and then from the weeds and bushes, sprang with drawn arms upon him. Seeing that flight or resistance were alike useless, Grove threw up his hands and surrendered. He was then taken to Lancaster and lodged in Jail, where he is now under heavy guard.

The party that did their work so nobly and well, have been in the neighborhood over a week, and had thus gotten Grove's movements down to a fire point. All honor to them.

Kennedy has been at large since the 17th of last March, and in that time has gotten up a bigger reputation than any other man in Kentucky. Nearly every paper in the country has published the daring defiance that he has made to the laws of the land and the sympathy that was felt for him last Spring when he promised through the Courier-Journal to stand his trial has vanished into thin air.

Our feelings for Kennedy, personally, are a great deal more friendly than otherwise, but we glory in the supremacy of the law and in the suppression of crime and outlawry and hope Grove's capture is but the fore-runner of other captures just as important as his. [32]

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[33] "Grove Kennedy." The Hartford Herald, Hartford, KY. October 31, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84037890/1877-10-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[October 31, 1877] -

GROVE KENNEDY.

The Noted Outlaw Captured in Garrard County Last Friday.

Grove Kennedy, charged with the murder of Eb. Kennedy, his uncle, in Lancaster, sometime last year, and who has been at large defying the authorities of the entire State was captured at the residence of his father, in Garrard county. [33]

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[34] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 2, 1877] -

THE CAPTURE OF GROVE KENNEDY. -- On our outside will be found the particulars of the the capture of Grove Kennedy, which appeared in an EXTRA issued from this office on Saturday last. There are but few new developments since then and the statements made in it are in the main, correct, only that Kennedy was kept in jail at Lancaster but for a short time, his captors taking him on by turnpike, to Louisville where he is now in jail. It was rather unfortunate for Grove, that his arrest was accomplished at the time it was, for we learn from Cols. Hill and Welch, his Attorneys, that they had made positive arrangements with him to go with them to Lancaster immediately after the adjournment of our Court and deliver himself up to the authorities of that county, thereby getting the benefit of a voluntary surrender. It was the avowed determination of Kennedy to do so, and this, in a measure had thrown him somewhat off his guard and may have had something to do with his easy capture. From the daily papers we learn that his case will be transferred to Nelson county, and that his trial will take place at Bardstown early in December, before Judge Wickliffe, who was appointed by the Governor to try it. [34]

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[35] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-02/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 2, 1877] -

DISGRACEFUL. -- Some of the young men summoned to guard the jail on Monday night, got drunk and behaved in a disgraceful manner. They shouted, fired pistols and made night hideous generally, to those of our citizens who were trying to sleep. Mr. Al. Pendleton's house was fired into and he was awakened by the plastering that was knocked from the ceiling by the ball. Such conduct might do well enough for a set of avowed rowdies, but for a party of young men who claim to be respectable, it is a shame and the guilty parties should be severely punished. And the only way to find out who is guilty is to bring the whole party up for trial. [35]

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[36] Excerpt from "Kentucky News." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. November 3, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[November 3, 1877] -

The Nelson Record says the total reward offered for Kennedy's capture was $1,300 -- $500 by the State, $500 by the L. and N. road, and $300 by the aunt, whose husband he killed. Hunter made five trips to Garrard and Lincoln before effecting the capture. [36]

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[37] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 9, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-09/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 9, 1877] -

ACQUITTED. -- The Deputy Sheriff and all the men summoned to guard the jail, a mention of which was made in this paper last week, were arrested on the oath of Marshal S. D. Myers, charged with shooting an otherwise misbehaving on the night in question, and tried before his Honor, Judge Dennis yesterday morning. The Attorneys for the town dismissed the writ as to several gentlemen, who were known to be innocent, and tried the remainder on their evidence, which was insufficient to convict the prisoners, and they were discharged. Tom Dodds admitted that he fired one shot in the ground and one accidentally, but as the case against him had been dismissed he was not fined. We were greatly in hopes that the guilty parties would have been ferreted out and heavily fined, although we are sure that none of the shooting was done in malice, but by thoughtless young men, who imagined they were perpetuating a remarkably fine joke. Quiet citizens don't exactly take to those kind of jokes, hence our desire that they would have been taught a lesson not to be forgotten in all time to come. [37]

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[38] "Just Exactly What We Say." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 9, 1877. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-09/ed-1/seq-1/

[November 9, 1877] -

Just Exactly What We Say.

In the matter of Grove Kennedy the Louisville Evening News hits the nail on the head in this wise:

It is complained by some that the newspapers of the city are making a hero of Grove Kennedy, the complaints coming principally from those who know none of the particulars of the charges against him, and who brand him as a murderer before he has had a trial. There is no denying the fact that Grove Kennedy has killed a man, but it will be time enough to call him a murderer when a jury of his countrymen has found him guilty. The newspapers of the city have all sent members of their staff to interview the noted person who has gained some notoriety of late because he had a wholesome dislike to lying in a jail, preferring his freedom to confinement.

These newspaper men met him singly at different times, and it is a fact that they are all agreed that Kennedy has the air of a genteel farmer, and nothing of the desperado about his appearance, and this they have said. Only this and nothing more. If Grove Kennedy is a murderer, let him be punished, say all the newspapers, but let it be done in the name of Justice, and not to gratify a public outcry as senseless as it is uninformed. [38]

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[39] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 9, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 9, 1877] -

We had intended copying Mr. Jarman's denial of the Ci[n]cinnati Commercial's report of his version of the Saunders affair, which appeared in last week's Richmond Register, but have since learned from reliable authority that Mr. Jarman goes back on his card, and says he signed it without reading it, under the supposition that it was a correction of that part of the Commercial's report that made him say that Edwards ran as soon as Kennedy commenced firing, as he avows that he did not say that Edwards ran. We also learn that he was present and witnessed the whole affair, and that his statements as published by the Commercial and copied by this paper are substantially true. [39]

[Ed note: Richmond Register issues for the year 1877 are not available online and only a few issues from this time period appear to be available on microfilm, according to the Library of Congress directory. The Cincinnati Commercial Tribune is available on genealogybank.com for this year].

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[40] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 30, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[November 30, 1877] -

We have received for publication a lengthy article signed by the writer, purporting to give a history of the doings and misdoings of the Kennedy family for a couple of generations. The article contains very grave charges against other parties than the Kennedy's, some of whom are dead, and very grave reflections upon a number of gentlemen of Garrard county. Whether true or not, these charges are manifestly intended to prejudice the public mind against G. C. Kennedy. He is in jail and will shortly be tried upon the sworn testimony of witnesses. In the interest of law and order, we have been desirous that he should be captured and tried. We have no partisan views, however, one way or the other in his case, and cannot allow our columns to be made the vehicle of the partisan feelings of other people. We must decline publishing articles of this description pro or con while the matter is undergoing Judicial investigation. What we want, if any thing in the matter is reliable, testimony to show the rottenness of officers in this immediate case. [40]

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[41] "Grove Kennedy." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 30, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-11-30/ed-1/seq-3/

[November 30, 1877] -

Grove Kennedy.

To the Editor of the Interior Journal.

As a friend and old acquaintance of the much abused and maltreated Grove C. Kennedy, who is now confined in the jail at Louisville, for safe keeping. I thought it a duty of friendship -- being on business anyway -- to go to the jail, find how he was situated and how he was treated, and how he was looked upon by his keepers, and those who had favorable chances to become well acquainted with him since his confinement in jail in that city. To my regret I found that the genial-hearted and accomplished gentleman, Ambrose Camp, the jailer, was off on a "bar" hunt in Arkansas, so I had not the pleasure of meeting him. But when I announced my purpose at the jail, Mr. Jacob Graff, Mr. Gunsenhousen and Thos. Laws, his worthy and genial deputies, ushered me into the prison of my friend who I found surrounded by a number of the most prominent and distinguished citizens of the city of Louisville together with a number of lawyers, among whom were Judge Fontaine, Wm. G. Baird, Esq., Samuel Atchison, Esq., and others. I found that most of the gentlemen, until becoming personally acquainted with Grove looked upon him as a terrible, huge and prodigious monster in human garb, but since their better acquaintance with him, have come to look on him as the genial and clever gentleman that he is. I found my friend Mr. Kennedy provided with all the comforts and all the privileges of confinement consistent with the duties of his keeper. I desire, as a friend to Mr. Kennedy, to return my thanks and those of his friends to the jailer Camp and his assistants for their kind and gentlemanly treatment. W. S. MYERS. [41]

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[42] "Garrard County Notes." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 7, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 7, 1877] -

The trial of Mr. Grove C. Kennedy is set for the 3rd Monday in December. We imagine the impanelling of a jury will be more work than play. [42]

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[43] Excerpt from "Stanford." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 13, 1877. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[December 13, 1877] -

Grove Kennedy's trial is to begin at Lancaster next Monday; but the sickness of W. O. Bradley, counsel for the defense, may cause a continuance. [43]

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[44] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 21, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 21, 1877] -

Nine Jurors in the Kennedy case had been obtained up to the adjournment of Court yesterday. [44]

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[December 21, 1877] -

A special meeting of the Murphys was held in the Louisville Jail for the benefit of Grove Kennedy, who seemed very much impressed, and at the conclusion of the services signed the pledge and became a veritable Murphy. Strong drink has always been the bain of Kennedy's life. Sober, he is as clever and as gentlemanly a fellow as ever was; drunk, he's very demon. Should he get clear and stick to his pledge, Grove has yet a bright future before him. [ibid (44)]

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[45] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors - Garrard County." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. December 21, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[December 21, 1877] -

KENNEDY'S TRIAL. -- The all absorbing topic of the week has been, and will likely be until its termination, the trial of Grove C. Kennedy. Judge Wickliffe, Special Judge in his case, arrived last Monday evening, but Court was adjourned over until Tuesday. Upon assembling that day, Sheriff Kirby being a witness, Jas. N. Denny and Elijah Harris were appointed Elisors and ordered to summon 100 men from Lower Garrard to report yesterday, at 10 o'clock. Kennedy, under charge of Sam M. Peacock and the McCreary Guards of Frankfort, commanded by Capt. E. H. Taylor, arrived on Tuesday's train and were met at the depot by a curious and mixed multitude -- all anxious to catch a glimpse of the 'boys in grey' and to see if time had written any changes on Grove's familiar face. He is looking exceedingly well, and shows that he has fared on the 'fat of the lamb' during his stay at Louisville. The party were quartered at 'Castle Eason,' a place of [?] memory. When the case was called yesterday morning, the Commonwealth announced ready for trial. The defense made a similar response, upon condition that if, after the jury was selected, and they failed to get three important witnesses who had been subpoenaed, that the Court would not force them to try. The Commonwealth Attorney seriously objecting to this, the defense responded not ready. Grounds were filed for a continuance, which were overruled, the Court stating that it would give the defense ample opportunity to procure the three absent witnesses. The formation of the jury was proceeded with. Out of 99 jurors, the Commonwealth making a peremptory challenge to four and the defense to five, one juror, A. W. Long, was obtained. One Elisor was sent in the evening to the Upper End, and the other to Jessamine, to summon 100 more jurors to report this morning. This will prove one of the most interesting trials ever held in Kentucky. The prosecution is represented by Commonwealth Attorney, Denny, and Messrs. Hardin of the Mercer bar. The defense has the Messrs. Bradley of our bar, Cols. Hill and Welch, of Stanford, and W. O. Hansford, of Crab Orchard. What the verdict will be no one can tell, but both sides are equally confident. Our town has seen soldiers before, but never such an array of press representatives. There is Emmett Logan of the Courier Journal, standing 6 feet and 2 inches in his stocking feet, straight as Achilles, and presenting a picture of manly beauty. Dr. R. J. O'Mahoney, long and favorably known to the Kentucky press, now connected with the Cincinnati Commercial and Lexington Press. Last, but not the least in the trio, is F. W. Wooley, brother to the immortal Bob, who is noted for occasionally "straddling" the Court of Appeals. Mr. Wooley represents the Cincinnati Enquirer. These gentlemen are gifted writers, and in addition to thrilling articles on the trial, they are expected to say many good things of a goodly people. [45]

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[46] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. December 21, 1877. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[December 21, 1877] -

Grove Kennedy signed the Murphy pledge in jail, last Friday, and remarked that strong drink had involved him in all the calamities that had fallen upon his life, and for the future, be his fate what it might, he was determined to keep the pledge faithfully. [46]

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[47] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 21, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 21, 1877] -

Blessed is the bride whom the sun shines on, said the ancient augurs. If this were true of all classes then the hero of this week might well carry his head aloft; for no sweet May moon ever cast a brighter glow over the earth than does this December day. On Monday morning the Court House bell rang for the Special Term appointed for this week. The town filled rapidly and has continued in a state of quiet excitement up to the present. Tuesday afternoon found a crowd wending their way out to the depot ready to witness the all important arrival. Promptly upon the stoppage of the train the curiosity of the bystanders was gratified, and a file of the McCreary Guards, twenty-two in numbers, attired in grey uniform, and commanded by Capt. E. H. Taylor, descended to the platform with Mr. Grove C. Kennedy linked to Mr. Sam Peacock, who was deputized to escort the prisoner. The procession soon reached the jail where a halt was made for the night. On Wednesday morning the guard marched to the hall of justice with their prisoner and his trial for the killing of Mr. E. D. Kennedy last February, was installed. Judge Wickliffe is in attendance. For the prosecution there are Messrs. W. and C. Hardin, of Harrodsburg, and Judge Denny. For the defense, Messrs. R. M. and W. O. Bradley, W. G. Welch, W. O. Hansford and Col. T. P. Hill. Mr. James N. Denny was appointed Elisor to select a jury, and Mr. Elijah Harris, his deputy. This afternoon one hundred men were examined and only one juror obtained. He is a minster of the gospel, named Long, and seems to be an especial pet of the Sheriff. Tonight they have gone to Paint Lick and Nicholasville to select a new supply of intelligent, unprejudiced citizens. There are many strangers in town, and the grey uniforms stepping about the thoroughfare gives one a decidedly military feeling. Among our visitors are Mr. Emmett G. Logan, of the Courier-Journal; Dr. R. J. O'Mahoney, of the Cincinnati Commercial, and Mr. F. W. Wooley, of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The presence of city reporters makes us country correspondents hide our diminished heads. [47]

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[48] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 25, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[December 25, 1877] -

LANCASTER.

Twenty-eight Witnesses Examined Yesterday in the Defense of Grove Kennedy -- Probability that the Case May Go to the Jury Friday.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., Dec. 24. -- The defense examined twenty-eight witnesses to-day, the, the majority being used to establish the character of the deceased E. D. Kennedy as a dangerous, drunken, vindictive, weapon-wearing man. His reputation for all these unlovable characteristics is so notorious in all this section of the State, that the hearing of testimony to that effect was necessary only as a legal formula. Testimony was also adduced to show that he had been armed a short time prior to his death, and that he had threatened to kill the accused, Grove Kennedy, unless a certain suit was withdrawn. The Commonwealth will attempt to impeach the testimony of the more important witnesses. The court adjourned late this evening until Wednesday morning. Two or three more witnesses will complete the testimony in chief of the defense, and the case will be ready for argument Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. One day will suffice for that, and by Friday at the furthest the jury will take the cash. The only fear of the Commonwealth is a hung jury, and I am inclined to believe that that is the main hope of the defense. Although this has been County-court day, the first day of the second week of the most exciting trial ever held in Garrard county, and Christmas eve, there has been only a moderately large crowd in town, no undue excitement, and little or no drunkenness. Verily, things have changed here of late.

To show the character of some of the witnesses used by the defense to-day, it is only necessary to state that one had killed five men, seven had killed each his man, one had killed a woman, four are charged with malicious shooting, four had had shooting scrapes, and three or four were engaged in the riot of 1874.

There is only one of the State Guard in the Hospital, Lieut. Thompson. He has been quite sick all day, but not seriously so.

W. O. Bradley entertains to-night.

The Christian church has a Christmas tree to-night. [48]

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[49] "Grove Kennedy." Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, OH. December 25, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[December 25, 1877] -

GROVE KENNEDY.

Trial of the Kentucky Outlaw Drawing to a Close -- Testimony for the Defense -- Establishing the Bad Character of His Victim.

Special Dispatch to the Enquirer.

LANCASTER, KY., December 24. -- The trial of Grove Kennedy is approaching an end. Nearly all the witnesses for the defense have been heard. The following is the testimony taken to-day for the defense:

George Denny, senior, testified that he is President of the National Bank of Lancaster; is acquainted with Elbert Kennedy for forty years; knew his general reputation. (The Court limited the answer to his character for violence.) Witness said that by far the greater portion of the community considered him a very violent, desperate and dangerous man; he was considered as much so as any man in the county; he habitually carried concealed weapons; when a man was in his way he had no mercy about him; had the reputation of carrying out his threats; was much more violent when in liquor; his habit of drinking increased of late years.

Cross-examined -- His feelings were not kind toward him; they were on different political sides, and Kennedy had threatened his life; half a dozen men had notified him of Kennedy’s threats; he was going to have the killing done by his sons and himself; understood also that Grove Kennedy was to kill him; had heard that Grove had threatened to kill him.

W. L. Kavanaugh lives in Garrard County; knew E. B. Kennedy for thirty years; his general reputation was that of a dangerous, violent man; never saw him without deadly weapons; he was likely to carry out his threats.

Cross-examined -- He was a brave man and a man of true courage; could not say whether a fair man in a fight or not.

S. D. Carpenter lives near Paint Lick, ten miles from Lancaster; knew Elbert Kennedy for fifty-five years; the people of the county regarded him as a bad man, a violent man; he was considered as likely to carry out a threat.

Cross-examined -- At the time of Eb Kennedy’s death witness was unfriendly and prejudiced against him; did not like him, for his contact toward his (witness’) family.

Captain Jack Adams lives at Camp Dick Robinson; knew the deceased all his life; Eb Kennedy was a bold, desperate man when he was drinking -- very revengeful; people said he always carried deadly weapons; he drank a good deal of whisky in the latter years of his life.

Cross-examined -- He was regarded as a brave and courageous man, and afraid of nobody; always heard that he was a magnanimous man toward his foe.

John W. Walker knew Elbert Kennedy since 1840; his reputation was that of a bold, violent, fearless man; he was considered dangerous if he made a threat and knew what he was saying; he was very apt to carry it out; he was of late years much addicted to drink.

Cross-examined -- He was a brave and magnanimous man, and would take no unfair advantage.

John S. Tusk knew Eb Kennedy all his life; he was very violent and dangerous; if he had threatened witness, witness would think himself gone up; was present at the opening of the special term of Court in April; Grove Kennedy came to his house that day with the purpose of going into Court to stand his trial; witness told Grove not to go — that he would not have a fair trial.

Re-examined -- Grove Kennedy stopped at witnesses’ house; furnished him with arms after his escape; am a cousin of the prisoner by marriage.

J. G. Sweeney, Theodore Curry, Alex. Scott and Joseph McQuerry testified to the same effect.

H. C. Kauffman, a lawyer in practice -- Knew Eb Kennedy. He was regarded as a dangerous, desperate man; he generally carried concealed weapons; he was regarded more dangerous when drinking; was present at the February term of Court, when he was killed, and saw him with a pistol; it was the Friday before the Tuesday of his killing; was in the Court-room on the evening of the killing; was at a table writing; heard an oath from Esquire Eb Kennedy, short and quick; Eb advanced, and Grove backed and drew his pistol, and Sheriff Kerby caught the weapon; Eb told the Judge he was not armed, and asked to be searched, but he was not searched; Grove went away, and sat tot he right of the bar; afterward, he got up and went to the stove, where Eb Kennedy was standing; it was about five o’clock in the evening; Eb Kennedy stepped back form the stove; when Grove went up there was nobody on the other side of the room.

Cross-examined -- is distantly related to Grove and Eb Kennedy.

Sheriff Wm. Kerby -- Have been Sheriff of Garrard for tw[o?] terms; knew Elbert for sixte[en …] years; he was regarded as a [….] dangerous man; served a process upon Eb Kennedy on January 23d, in a suit of G. C. Kennedy against his uncle, Elbert Kennedy; said Grove would have to draw that suit -- he did not settle his difficulties in that way; he would settle as he did with Bill Sellers; Grove was in town, and witness informed him of the threat; Eb Kennedy had been drinking; witness served a process also on J. Y. Leavell, on learning which Eb Kennedy reiterated his threats against Grove, of which witness again informed Grove; the way he settled the difficulty with Sellers was by burning his house and driving him from town; in the court-room on the day of the killing Eb Kennedy said he would swear to his answer when Grove had sworn to his petition; Eb Kennedy proposed that he withdraw his suit and leave it to men outside; Grove refused, and said the Court must settle it; Eb Kennedy uttered a short oath, and Grove stepped back and drew his pistol, which witness took from him; at the sto[v]e Eb said that Grove was a damned coward, and if he had little Cooley and Eb Cooley there he would not try it on; he had tried to run over them, and now wanted to run over him; Sheriff Kerby then took Eb Kennedy out of the room; the old man did not like it much; it seemed to him that he was running away -- a man who had been kicked; it was about five or ten minutes from the time they left the Court-room before Grove Kennedy came out; Eb Kennedy had time to go to his office, where he kept arms; when witness and Eb Kennedy got out on the pavement witness talked to some one about summoning witnesses; he then told Eb Kennedy to go away, and he refused to go any further; just then he saw Grove Kennedy's pistol pointed; witness shouted and jumped toward the Court-house ra[il]ing; Eb had both hands in his pockets, and with his right hand was handling his keys; he was standing with his head slightly turned and face toward where Grove Kennedy was.

Cross-examined -- Grove Kennedy and Elbert Kennedy were standing near each other at the stove when witness took Elbert away. They were close together. He did not like to go. He said afterward that he was glad the Sheriff took him away, because he did not want to run. After leaving Elbert Kennedy on the street, and running round the corner of the Court-house fence, the next he saw of him he was on the ground. Did not tell the Grand Jury that Elbert Kennedy said he would go home. Did not say that Elbert could not see Grove Kennedy when he fired the shot. Did tell the Grand Jury he did not and could not have seen Grove Kennedy unless he turned his head; he repeated that no one was present when Grove Kennedy got away; was not in command of the guard; was taking him back to jail; did not assist him in escaping. (Witness agreed with Mr. Peacock in the main in his account of the escape.) Stood there a little bit; asked some of the guards to go in with him and help search the house, and they refused; he then went to his office to give a receipt for taxes; when Grove attempted to get away witness grabbed his cape-overcoat and tore it off his shoulders; he afterward searched every room in the house, and overlooked none purposely; he searched the stable, with William Dillion at the head; Dillion lives at Crab Orchard, and he is a friend of Grove Kennedy.

Re-examined -- Did not connive in any way at the escape of Grove Kennedy.

Ebenezer Best was acquainted with Elbert Kennedy; think him a stout, able-bodied man; met Eb. Kennedy on the pike once, and he asked witness to hunt up some witnesses. Witness said he could not do it. Eb said, "Are you going back on me?" Will Kennedy has gone back on me, Grove is trying to ruin me, and God damn you if you go back on me I'll kill you." Witness rode off; in the Clerk's office witness told Grove Kennedy that he was fixing to get a thrashing.

Cross-examined -- Never liked Elbert Kennedy.

James A. Anderson saw the killing of Elbert Kennedy; was standing almost in front of the Court-house door; Grove Kennedy came out took his position behind the pillar, and took aim at Eb Kennedy, who was in the act of turning around, his hands were in his pockets.

W. F. Kennedy had a conversation with uncle Eb about Grove; Eb said if Grove did not draw the suit, he would stop him from suing any body else; witness repeated this to his brother Grove; witness did not think that Robert Conn testified at the examining trial that Grove said he would raise hell; Conn said that Eb Kennedy had loaned John Burnam his pistol.

James Alexander lives in Lincoln County, on the farm of Peter Kennedy; Met Elbert Kennedy at Carterville; Elbert said Grove had gone back on him, and he was bound to kill him; witness told Grove Kennedy of the threat; have been at Peter Kennedy's about a year; it was in February when he met Elbert Kennedy.

Cross-examined -- Told Grove Kennedy of the threat, and Grove said that he was not the first that had told him so. Witness stated that he was from Tennessee, and he was at once requested to stand aside.

John Higgins kept hotel in Lancaster when Eb Kennedy was killed; on Friday evening before the killing met Squire Eb Kennedy, and said that the difficulty between Grove and himself could be settled out of Court; witness tried to get Eb away, and he said Grove had been trying to bull-doze him; Eb Kennedy had been drinking; he had his hand on a big pistol in his pocket; saw Grove Kennedy the next day, and told him what had occurred.

Cross-examined -- When Eb Kennedy had the conversation with witness he was staggering drunk; have no recollection of saying to Robert Conn that it was a cold-blooded murder; did not say to Dr. Huffman that Eb had made no threat or demonstration against Grove, and that it was a cold blooded murder. The same question having been asked by counsel of the witness as to his use of such words in the presence of certain others, the witness could not say positively yes or no; he was excited, and he might have said something which he does not recollect; he did not say to Ben Slavin that Grove Kennedy had no cause for killing his uncle.

Re-examined -- The witness did not see the killing, nor the difficulty in the Court-room; he knew only of the killing by a rumor; a couple of ladies had asked him to take Robert Conn out of the way, he was so drunk when the corpse was brought to the house.

Peter Kennedy, father of Grove Kennedy, lives in Lincoln; the reason did not come to trial in April was that he had gone out and met him and advised him not to come, and insisted upon his not coming, because witness thought he would be shot all to pieces; he entertained these fears because of the maneuvers he had witnessed.

A large number of witnesses testified as to the character of Eb Kennedy and the facts of the killing, eliciting no new points.

The defense then announced that they were through with the testimony, except that of two ladies, whose presence could not be had until Wednesday morning. The Court was therefore adjourned until that day. [49]

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[50] "Lancaster." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 26, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[December 26, 1877] -

LANCASTER.

Testimony in Grove Kennedy's Case Likely to be Concluded To-day -- Lieutenant Thompson Recovered.

[Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.]

LANCASTER, KY., Dec. 25. -- Lancaster has experienced the quietest Christmas day ever seen by the traditional "oldest inhabitant." Grove and the State Guard spent a quiet time in the court-room. Ten or a dozen of Grove's friends called to see him, lamented the good old time, and departed. To-morrow the testimony will continue and end. Should the jury hang, it is probable that Judge Wickliffe will summon a new one and fight it out on this lie if it takes all winter.

Lieutenant Thompson has recovered. [50]

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[51] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 28, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 28, 1877] -

THE KENNEDY TRIAL. -- Mr. Breck Jones arrived from Lancaster last night, and from him we learn that the whole of yesterday was occupied in the argument of the Kennedy murder case. Mr. W. O. Hansford opened the argument in a short but pointed speech of fifteen or twenty minutes; Judge Saufley followed in a very learned and telling argument of two hours and a half, and then the Commonwealth had her say in a speech by Watt Hardin, during which he greatly impressed the jury and won golden opinions from the people. Col. Hill spoke two hours, and as usual, made a most superior speech, and at its conclusion the Court adjourned till this morning. Hon. W. O. Bradley will speak for the defense to-day, and Charles Hardin, Esq., and Judge Denny will close for the prosecution and the case will be given to the jury. The general belief is, that a verdict of murder will not be returned but instead, one of manslaughter, for which the punishment will be a number of years in the Penitentiary. We understand that in case the jury hangs Judge Wickliffe will proceed to empannel another jury and try the case again, determined that it must be settled and stop the fearful expense to the Commonwealth now attending it. [51]

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[52] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 28, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-12-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[December 28, 1877] -

Mr. Kennedy is being guarded in the Court-house. As time progresses and the gloomy weather continues the trial seems to attain a darker hue. The testimony for the defense is concluded, and the Commonwealth is now summoning up rebutting testimony, and sifting the character of Ebbert G. Kennedy as well as that of the witnesses for the defense. The argument will begin tomorrow. The ladies of the town are invited to attend. Crowds collect daily and everything is on the que vive. will give farther news as matters advance. [52]

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[53] Excerpt from "The Kennedy's." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. December 29, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[December 29, 1877] -

The More Important Part of the Testimony Elicited at the Trial of Grove Kennedy.

Lancaster, KY., Dec 26. -- As telegraphed, the testimony in the cause celebre of the Commonwealth of Kentucky vs. Grove C. Kennedy, for the murder of Elbert D. Kennedy, now going on here, was completed to-day. That the readers of the Courier-Journal may judge of the quality of the final result, when it comes, the following summary of the testimony is presented. That the reader may understand the real issue, I give a short review of the cause of the killing:

In 1871, John Henderson Kennedy, a brother of the accused, made a deed of trust to Elbert D. Kennedy, the deceased, for the benefit of his creditors. The trustee qualified, with John Y. Leavell as surety. In February, 1877, Grove Kennedy filed a petition in a suit against E. D. Kennedy and J. Y. Leavell, setting forth that the estate of J. H. Kennedy paid a pro rata of forty-five cents, and that whereas the petitioner, Grove C. Kennedy, was entitled to receive that per cent, on $900 that he had paid as surety for J. H. Kennedy, the trustee had paid him only twenty per cent on that amount. The trustee, E. D. Kennedy, in his answer, alleged that he had paid the petitioner more than his due, and made other allegations that greatly incensed Grove Kennedy. As will appear in the proof, E. D. Kennedy threatened to kill Grove unless the suit was withdrawn, and Grove threatened to kill E. D. Kennedy if he swore to the allegations contained in the answer. The two men were distantly related by blood, and Eb. was an uncle of Grove by marriage. Both were hot-blooded and violent. Up to this time they had been warm friends, and had even backed each other in many dangerous and lawless difficulties and enterprises. During the last February term of the Garrard Circuit Court Judge Owsley granted a rule against Eb. Kennedy to cause him to swear to his answer in the suit, and on the 20th of the month Eb. came in to answer to that rule, but it was discovered that Grove had not sworn to his petition. Both men were somewhat in liquor, and a personal difficulty ensued in the court-room. Grove drew his pistol, but the parties separated, Eb. going down on the street, and Grove following soon after and killing Eb. from the courthouse portico. This much having been given by way of introduction, the reader is ready for

THE TESTIMONY FOR THE PROSECUTION.

Court met last Tuesday week, Hon. J. C. Wickliffe, special Judge, presiding, and on Friday evening a jury was sworn and the examination of witnesses began.

Jos. Patterson testified -- Was coming up the street about 5 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 20[?], 1877, and saw deceased, Eb. Kennedy, talking to Sheriff Kirby on pavement in front of and to east of the north portion of court-house. Saw the accused, Grove Kennedy, standing behind the last pillar towards the east of the court-house portico, aiming a pistol at Eb., who was about fifteen feet off standing with his back to Grove. The Sheriff saw Grove and jumped back. Eb. turned his head to the right, and as he did so Grove fired, striking Eb. ont he right side of the face near the nose. Eb. fell, and Grove fired three more shots. Eb. was 62 years old.

G. W. Hunter, Marshal of Bardstown, testified to his capture of Grove.

Dr. Huffman. -- Examined the body of Eb. Kennedy. There was a wound under the right eye, near the [nose?], the ball having passed straight in and striking the base of the brain; one in right thigh, one in left hip, and one in heel[?]. He lived five or ten minutes after the shooting, but did not speak. Found no arms but small pocket-knife on the body.

Jo.[?] Petty -- I was about twenty-five yards off, and saw Grove shoot from behind the pillar, holding his pistol in both hands.

N. D. Wumot[?] -- I am a lawyer, and live in Rockcastle County. On the 14th of February was at Grove’s house, and heard him say if Eb. swore to certain allegations contained in the answer to his (Grove’s) suit against him, G-d d—n him, he would kill him.

J. W. Alcorn — Came down court-house steps with Grove after the difficulty in the court-room. He appeared to be intoxicated, and swore he would not be imposed upon. On coming out of the portico Grove but his hands together and stepped briskly forward to the right-hand pillar, remarking as he did so that he would allow no man to swear to a damned [?] on him. Eb. was standing out on the pavement. Grove stepped to the pillar, leaned forward and fired. Col. Kennedy fell at the first fire. Grove fired two or three times more, and I said, “Quit Grove, you have killed him already.” While coming down the steps Grove spoke regretfully of what had occurred between him and Eb. in the court-room.

Squire Richard Boyle. — Was in court-room and saw Grove and Eb. Kennedy at the Clerk’s desk. They were talking over some legal matter between them, when Grove drew a small pistol from his pants pocket, but Sheriff took it from him, and prevented further difficulty. The Judge ordered both parties to be disarmed, and Eb. said he was not armed, and threw open his coat before the Judge and asked to be searched. Grove was wear he could see and hear Eb. Grove sat down, and Eb. joined a circle around the stove. Grove got up and pushed in between Eb. and the stove, scowling at him as he did so. Eb. drew away from the stove and Sheriff Kirby took him by the arm and walked out of the court-house with him. As Eb. went out of the door Grove started to follow, but was called back by some one. In a short time Grove went out and immediately I heard the firing.

Adjourned.

SATURDAY.

Richard Boyle, recalled. -- Grove and Eb. were right together at the Clerk's desk when Grove stepped back and drew his pistol. Don't think Eb. moved toward him. Court was still in session, and there were about two dozen persons in the house. I did say Judge Owsley should have sent Grove to jail or taken other efficient steps to prevent the bloodshed. It was not over two minutes from the time Grove was called back from what I thought was his pursuit of Eb. until he went out and did the killing. Uncle Eb. exhibited no fear in the courtroom difficulty, but seemed glad to get away. It required no effort for the Sheriff to take him out.

Captain Singleton. -- I am Town Marshal. In the courtroom difficulty I first took hold of Uncle Eb., and Sheriff Kirby hold of Grove. Upon the order of the court and his own request I searched Eb., and found no weapons on him. When Grove jumped up and started to follow Eb. out of the court-house, I told him not to follow that old man; that he was unarmed, and I would as soon follow a granny woman. Grove saw me search Eb., and heard him say he was unarmed. Grove somehow got out without my seeing him, and the first I knew that he had left the jury-room I heard the firing.

Henry Spainhower[?] -- My attention was attracted by the first shot, and I saw Uncle Eb. lying on the street. He was not flat down at first, but was so before Grove stopped firing. Grove said as he turned off, "I will kill any man, or anybody," or something of the sort.

R. K. Conn. -- On Friday before the killing I heard Eb. propose to Grove to withdraw the suit from the courts and have it arbitrated, but Grove said, "No; I am to for it now and intend to see it through; I don't ask that much (indicating on a switch in his hand) of any man." On the day of the killing Grove remarked to me, "I intend to raise h--l in Lancaster as soon as the grand jury adjourns." Grove is a friend of mine.

Col. Faulkner, Circuit Clerk. -- The record shows that the grand jury was discharged only a little while before the killing; I was at the bank paying the members when I heard the shooting.

W. H. Be[??] -- On morning of killing heard Grove say he would like to see old Eb. swear to his answer; saying at same time, "I am no fighting man."[?]

M. H. Owsley. -- Am judge of the Circuit Court. I witnessed both the courtroom difficulty and the shooting in front of the courthouse. Uncle Eb. called to swear to his answer, but found out Grove had not sworn to his petition, so I continued the case until the next day and adjourned the court. I was still on the bench, however, when I heard Eb. speak in a sharp, angry tone, and saw Grove step back and draw his pistol. As I was in range I changed my position rather suddenly and ordered the parties arrested and disarmed, which was done. I took a seat down in the bar. Eb. came up, threw open his coat, and showed me that he was disarmed. I told them I won't put them under heavy bonds to keep the peace. I anticipated no further trouble. As I went down I caught up with Grove on the steps, and told him not to have any trouble with his uncle Eb. He merely replied, "Judge, I love you [?] than anybody." I stopped a moment at the door. I heard Grove say something about telling a lie, and upon looking around saw him, with a large pistol in both hands, standing at the pillar, aiming at someone, I could not see. I then saw Kirby jump back, and Grove fired three or four shots in rapid succession. I saw Eb. fall to the pavement. The Sheriff arrested Grove on the spot the grand jury was convened, and Grove indicted and held without bail. Up to the beginning of the difficulty the feeling between Grove and Eb. was peculiarly friendly; so much so, that Grove's zeal was often an injury to Eb. in his contests for office. Elbert Kennedy was an industrious man, of fine business qualifications, and when excited and in liquor, a very dangerous one. He was unreasonable in his animosities, but generous to his foes. He was my warm personal friend.

W. B. Mason. -- Am Deputy of Circuit Court. Saw Grove shoot from behind the pillar with a large navy pistol. Also witnessed the attempt of Grove to shoot Eb. in the court-room.

S. M. Peacock. -- Was one of the guard at the trial of the writ of habeas corpus sued out by Grove Kennedy, and, after the refusal of bail, started with him to the jail. There were about fifteen guards beside Sheriff Kirby, who walked with them near the front of the column. When we reached a point on the street opposite of the Jones House, saw Grove's wife and several other persons standing on the porch. Grove asked to be allowed to cross over and speak with his wife. Several of the guard said, "No! no!" but the column was crossed over. Grove's wife stood in the hall door. Grove threw himself as if to embrace his wife, received a revolver from her hands, put her between himself and the guards and sprang into the hall. Several shots were fired from the hall and several from the guard into the house. The guard surrounded the house. The Sheriff left, and after standing some time in the cold, the guard left.

Walter Eason. -- Am jailer. Was on opposite side of street when Grove escaped. Some one in the house shot at me; I think it was Dave Payne, of Crab Orchard. A number of Grove's friends were in the hall. The Crab Orchard crowd were here in force, and they all stopped at the Jones House. I feared Grove would be rescued from jail, and I had applied to the County Judge to send him to Louisville. It was at five o'clock when he escaped, and I understood he was to have been taken to Louisville the next morning.

Here the Commonwealth announced the completion of its testimony in chief, and court adjourned until Monday. [53]

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[54] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 11, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-01-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 11, 1878] -

The Grove Kennedy trial ended as we predicted, in a hung jury. Our prophecy now, is, that at his second trial Grove will be acquitted. Those kind of cases never fail to run that way. [54]

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[January 11, 1878] -

Ten prisoners now view the snow clad street through the bars of our miserable jail. Three are charged with murder and the others with stealing. Besides these, Lincoln county is represented by two gentlemen charged with murder in the Louisville jail, and one with stealing in the Lebanon. Judge Owsley will have his hands full in April. [ibid (54)]

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[55] Excerpt from "Local Brevities." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 18, 1878. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[January 18, 1878] -

Grove Kennedy came to the city [Louisville] yesterday, and last night at the weekly benefit concert at Bascom church created quite a sensation by appearing on the platform in the role of a temperance speaker. Mr. Kennedy said he was not prepared to make a speech, but was glad to have an opportunity to assure the audience that his sympathy and service were in the cause. He regarded the demon strong drink as the greatest enemy to human happiness, and as an illustration did not hesitate to refer to a little of his personal history, remarking in the close that had it not been for whisky he would not have been involved in the troubles he has suffered during the past several months. [55]

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[56] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 25, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-01-25/ed-1/seq-3/

[January 25, 1878] -

AN ORATOR. -- Mr. Grove C. Kennedy lectured at a Murphy Meeting in Louisville last week before an audience of 4,000 people, and the newspapers speak of his speech in complimentary terms. We hope Grove will continue faithful to the end. [56]

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[57] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. February 1, 1878. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[February 1, 1878] -

We met Grove Kennedy at Lancaster, last Monday, and had a pleasant talk with him about his future. He assured us that he felt he was a thoroughly reformed man, and that he intended to lead a different life. He is warmly enlisted in the Murphy movement, and says he intends to use his influence on the side of [tempe]rance, and speak to the people whenever he think he can do any good. He expresses a grateful appreciation for the kind words of encouragement he has received from the moral and law abiding people wherever he goes. [57]

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[58] "Richmond." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. February 5, 1878. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[February 5, 1878] -

RICHMOND.

Three Thousand People in Attendance Yesterday -- Prices of Stock Unprecedentedly Low -- Grove Kennedy Among the Visitors.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

RICHMOND, Feb 4. -- This being the most important court day of the year, three thousand people were in attendance. There were many distinguished visitors, the famous Grove Kennedy among the number. There was a large amount of stock on the market. Cattle, mules and horses sold at unprecedentedly low prices. An immense banking business was done. Murphy principles prevailed, and consequently there was no drunkenness or disturbance. [58]

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[59] Excerpt from "Frankfort." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. February 18, 1878. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[February 18, 1878] -

GROVE KENNEDY'S CAPTOR.

The Senate has recognized the services of Marshal Hunter, of Nelson county, in capturing Grove Kennedy last summer, in a most sterling way. The reward offered at the time by the Governor was $500. This amount Hunter claimed was expended by him in bringing Kennedy to justice. A bill presented by Senator Blackburn, allowing Hunter nearly $400 additional as a proper recompense for his work, was passed this morning without a negative vote. This is certainly a large feather in Hunter's cap. [59]

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[60] "Stanford." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. April 17, 1878. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[April 17, 1878] -

STANFORD.

A Lively Time for the Circuit Court -- Six Murder Trials --- ...

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

STANFORD, KY., April 16. -- Circuit Court began here yesterday, Judge M. H. Owsley on the bench. There are thirteen prisoners in jail, and two more to be brought from Louisville to-day. Six of the number are charged with murder. The whole town is under arms, and twenty men with needle guns are constantly on guard. Although there was a circus in town this afternoon and night, there has been no disorder. Grove Kennedy is here as a quiet looker on. The mill is slowly grinding, and somebody is likely to swing. ... [60]

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[61] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 19, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 19, 1878] -

There is considerable indignation among the officers here at the refusal of Governor McCreary to furnish a company of Militia, when he was requested to do so by them. His response that he would send troops if any emergency should arise did not help the case much, as after the emergency had arisen there would be no time to wait for them to come from Frankfort and do any good here. There were much better grounds for Militia to be sent here than there were in the Grove Kennedy case. There then was only one man to try, against whom public sentiment was strong--here we have six murder cases. All have friends, and it happens that all who were friends of Kennedy; besides, legions of others, are interested in these cases. A negro, for the murder of Mr. John Engleman, a wealthy and influential citizen, and related to a majority of the people in the county, is on trial. His sons, relatives and friends feel very rightly a serious indignation against him, and there is considerable fear felt for his safety. A combination of the friends of the prisoners could be formed that would be a most formidable one, and one that strangers and well-drilled men could resist much better than men who know all the parties in the various cases. Besides the prisoners, the witnesses in some of the cases express great fears of their own safety,and a number of them are kept constantly under guard. We are not prepared to say that there will be any outburst, but there are sufficient grounds for the cautious to believe so, and, should any occur, and the majority of the law overthrown, Governor McCreary will stand in a most unenviable attitude. If troops were needed to guard Grove Kennedy, with one-tenth the number of friends and supporters that the prisoners here have, the Governor can give no reason whatever for not answering the call for assistance. [61]

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[62] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 26, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-04-26/ed-1/seq-2/

[April 26, 1878] -

We are in perfect harmony with the Frankfort Yeoman in regard to Governor McCreary's sending troops on every application, and that great discretion ought to be exercised in the premises. The only point we contended was, that if the troops were necessary to maintain the majesty of the law in the Grove Kennedy trial, they certainly were here, when the same men who were interested in his trial, and who were then feared, would be increased by scores of others, the murderers and the murdered being related to nearly half of the people of this county. It is true that Lincoln has shown a capacity to take care of herself, and we hope and believe she will, but there were grave doubts before the Court began whether she would be able to do so in the face of so strong a combination as could be formed. Many were of the opinion, our authorities among the number, that she could not, and this report was daily strengthened by rumors of attempt at rescue, threats and intimidation to officers and witnesses. We wanted to see the full vindication of the law, hence our earnestness in advocating the taking of every precautionary means to that end. [62]

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[63] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 7, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-06-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[June 7, 1878] -

TRIAL. -- The trial of Grove Kennedy for the murder of E. D. Kennedy, commences Monday, the 17th, at Lancaster. Judge Wickliffe will preside. [63]

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[64] Excerpt from "Garrard County News -- Lancaster." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 14, 1878. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[June 14, 1878] -

PERHAPS. Next Monday will begin the trial of G. C. Kennedy. [64]

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[65] Excerpt from "Garrard County News -- Lancaster." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 21, 1878. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[June 21, 1878] -

OF COURSE THE JURY WILL HANG.

Preliminaries for the trial of Mr. G. C. Kennedy have been disposed of, the Judge and Counsel being in place. It is said that the prisoner discusses is plans for the summer with all the ease of a pardoned man. He probably judges the future by the past, and foresees the end from the beginning. [65]

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[66] Excerpt from "Kentucky News." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. June 27, 1878. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[June 27, 1878] -

The Grove Kennedy jury is made up of five from Jessamine and seven from Lincoln. At the first trial there were eleven from Jessamine and one from Garrard. [66]

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[67] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 28, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[June 28, 1878] -

KENNEDY TRIAL.

An unusual degree of interest is manifested in the "rehash" of the Kennedy trial which is in the midst of the argument. Judge Saufley's speech has been widely complimented; also Mr. Charles Hardin's. Thursday, Messrs. Wat. Hardin, Bradley and Denny, concluded the argument. A telegram or message may yet give your paper the verdict in time for press. [67]

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[68] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 28, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[June 28, 1878] -

THE KENNEDY TRIAL. -- Out of the 130[?] men summoned from this county, the remaining jurors in the Kennedy case were obtained last Friday, viz: Alex. Williams, E. A. Terhune, Alex. B. Owens, Z. Shackelford, W. J. George, Sam Flint and --- McIntosh. A hung jury is knowingly predicted, but in the doubtful event that a verdict of guilty is found, the defense, we learn, can fall back on the fact that McIntosh, who is an unnaturalized foreigner, was not a competent juror. The great interest manifested in the case at its last trial has greatly subsided and the people seem to have settled down on the hope that if Grove is acquitted he will continue to be the sober, inoffending citizen that he has proved himself while under bonds. [68]

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[69] "Grove C. Kennedy." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. June 29, 1878. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[June 29, 1878] -

GROVE C. KENNEDY.

The Jury Find Him Guilty of Murder in the First Degree and Fix His Punishment at Confinement for Life in the Penitentiary.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

LANCASTER, KY., -- June 28. -- The jury in the case of Grove Kennedy, after consultation since three o'clock yesterday afternoon, this morning rendered a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree, and fixed the penalty at confinement in the penitentiary for life. The effect on the community was electrifying. Throughout the second trial there has been an absence of all excitement, or outward expression of feeling, either in the court-room or on the streets. The almost universal belief among the people that it would result as before, in a hung jury, kept down the interest felt, and rendered more startling the effect of the conviction. All day there has been a constant but quiet feeling of excitement manifested by the groups collected on the streets.

Nothing new was elicited in the testimony: the instructions were changed a little, it is alleged, in favor of the Commonwealth, from those given before. The trial was complete and exhaustive in its details. Nothing that could be done for the accused by his counsel was left undone. The arguments on bot sides were unusually eloquent and able.

The following are names of the jurors: W. B. Arnott, J. M. Hambrick, Joseph Shopman, Chas. W. Headley and James F. Metcalfe, from Jessamine; J. W. McIntosh, W. G. George, Z. B. Shakelford, Alex. Williams, A. B. Owens, John Flint and E. A. Terhune, from Lincoln.

Immediately after the reading of the verdict the prisoner was escorted to jail under a strong guard, summoned previously by order of the Judge, where he is now confined. Notice was given at once [...] application for a new trial would be made.

Court is still in session to allow time to prepare application. It is not known on what grounds it will be based. Kennedy and his friends were as entirely unprepared as the verdict as the public. Kennedy, however, received it without a murmur, a dead palor only indicating the integrity of his feelings. He followed the Sheriff to jail without a word or indication of resistance. Though there is but little apprehension of any attempt at a rescue, a strong guard will be placed in the jail to night and kept there till the prisoner is removed. [69]

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[70] Excerpt from "Harrodsburg." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. June 2, 1878. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[July 2, 1878] -

GROVE KENNEDY.

Messrs. C. A. & P. W. Hardin have just returned from Lancaster, where they have been prosecuting Grove Kennedy. All efforts have failed to obtain a new trial the case will go to the Court of Appeals. Many of the leading citizens of Garrard sought and personally thanked the Messrs. Hardin for the valuable aid rendered in the prosecution of Kennedy. To their efforts belong in a great measure the credit of the verdict which was such a terrible surprise to Kennedy and his friends. [70]

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[71] Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 5, 1878. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-07-05/ed-1/seq-2/

[July 5, 1878] -

The verdict in the Grove Kennedy case, which fixes his punishment for the killing of his uncle, E. D. Kennedy, at confinement in the Penitentiary during his natural life, took nearly every one by surprise, as it seemed a foregone conclusion that the jury would fail to agree. His attorneys had bouyed him up with assurances of acquittal, and when the verdict was read out by Mr. Metcalfe, the foreman of the jury, it fell like a thunderbolt on the ears of Grove Kennedy, whose face bleached to an ashen hue, as, perhaps, for the first time in his life he realized the terrible consequences that should, in all cases, follow murder. Outside of those immediately interested, and among those who love and reverse the laws of the land, there exists a general approval of the verdict, while deploring the terrible circumstances that led to its necessity. They feel for Kennedy and his family, but when the law has been outraged and twelve honest men name the way it shall be vindicated, they have no grounds to believe that their decision was otherwise than right and proper. It is not our province to sit in judgment on Grove Kennedy, but we are sure that red-handed murder has long enough held high carnival in this portion of Kentucky, and the sooner that class of individuals awake to the fact that the juries of the land intend that each crime shall meet its just punishment, just so soon will we be blessed with a stay of bloodshed, and our country return to the bright and glorious days of law and order. We want to see such days, therefore we hail with pleasure the signs which the action of this jury opens to our view. It shows that the people have at last awakened to the importance of the proper execution of the laws of the land, and we should honor that noble jury who did their duty, as they conceived it, unhesitatingly and in accordance with their oaths! We understand that Mr. Kennedy's attorney offered his Honor, Judge Wickliffe, eight or ten grounds for a new trial in the case, but he refused each one, whereupon they presented bills of exception covering some one hundred and twenty pages of foolscap, which were signed by the Judge, and the case will occupy the attention of the Court of Appeals, so soon as it convenes in September. [71]

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[72] Excerpt from Column 5. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 5, 1878. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-07-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[July 5, 1878] -

The long-drawn-agony has culminated in a yet greater calamnity for those most concerned, and Mr. Grove C. Kennedy is found guilty of murder. Little thought any on the mild February afternoon in '77, so memorable in our judicial annals, that the daring shots that sent a human soul unprepared on its final journey would convert the aggressor into a criminal, instead of a hero. Far be it from my obscure pen to move in judgment on an unfortunate fellow-creature, or assign causes for a perverted popular taste. But certain it is that at the time of the killing of Elbert D. Kennedy, few, if any believed that the crime would ever be punished. Bloodshed had seemed so easy and pardon so sure that the man who took another's life was involuntarily dubbed a hero. Unexpectedly to himself,Mr. G. C. Kennedy was, upon the occasion of the killing, refused bail and committed to the Lancaster jail. For safety a guard was placed about the jail, the reputation of the Kennedy clansmen being such that a mob of rescue was as much feared as a mob of vengeance. After a few weeks confinement, the prisoner again applied for bail, and a trial was granted for the purpose of deciding the question. Then came the startling and heroic rescue by his wife when, bail being refused, the prisoner was escorted back to the jail. The particulars of this episode were familiar to the public eye at the time. A few months of outlaw life, hunted and driven, were scarcely more comforting than imprisonment; and finally the Governor's reward tempted a man who was bold enough and persistent enough to arrest the prisoner. Then followed the weeks of durance in the Louisville jail, where he was treated with marked leniency and favor. His name was so often prominent in the Courier-Journal that the getting of a Kentucky jury was but a proof that at least twelve men do not read the papers. February came on in due time and brought the period of trial at Lancaster, Judge Wickliffe, of Bardstown, being appointed to the bench. Our own Judge happened to be a witness to the killing, and could not preside. The trial was invested with a decided tinge of romance, as the ladies filed into the Courtroom and the bayonets of the McCreary Guards surrounded them. Lancaster wore a gala dress in private circles, and the grey coats and reporters were feasted and toasted. The same favoritism that had honored the prisoner thus far continued here, and he was permitted to sleep int he Courtroom instead of the narrow cell at the jail. At length, after much learned arguing, the jury failed to make a verdict. Another trial was set for June, and during the probation Mr. Kennedy has walked the earth without fetters. He identified himself with the Murphy Movement, and has mingled with his fellow men in social and public life. So firm was the almost universal conviction that the new jury would also hang, that very little interest was manifested in the late proceedings. Several of the speeches were not so good as the former efforts, while the remainder were very fine, and indicated at once that the case was much stronger for the Commonwealth than before. The family of the prisoner were with him, and he maintained a composed demeanor throughout. He evinced no uneasiness or apprehension, but was buoyed up by his counsel. On Thursday at 4 o'clock the case was committed to the jury, with the injunction to report at once if the verdict should be of acquittal, or if no verdict were rendered. Otherwise, to withhold it till Friday morning at the ringing of the bell. The prisoner begged hard to be spared confinement in jail, and when told such was the law and it must be obeyed, he exclaimed with an oath, "That will put me to drinking again." Still lenient, the Judge allowed him to come forth two hours before the ringing of the bell next morning. The verdict of Penitentiary, for life electrified the community and fell with shock upon the stout nerves of the prisoner. A bystander reported that his only words were, "My poor family!" Others that the color receded from his cheeks. For three days he was strongly guarded, although no positive apprehensions of rescue were entertained. The lamentations of his devoted wife was most painful to hear, and altho' there is a feeling of relief that at last Garrard is trying to retrieve her character for crime and lawlessness, still a gloom hangs over the spirit when mercy, however sentimental, steps into the chair of justice. Mr. Kennedy was conveyed to Richmond on Monday afternoon after his sentence was pronounced. The latter has been adversely criticised as lacking dignity, pathos and length. It was expected that the Judge would say something rather more impressive upon such an occasion. At Richmond the Lancaster guard took leave of their prisoner, whose entree into town was greeted by crowd of the curious. He was affected at the parting. Thus he is left, a prey, doubtless, to desperate thoughts and bootless resolves. If his name has been too freely handled, his -- not ours -- the blame. The minor incidents of the trial are numerous, and would make a graphic letter. SAPPHO. [72]
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[73] "Advance in Kentucky Sentiment." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. July 8, 1878. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[July 8, 1878] -

"Advance in Kentucky Sentiment."

(Springfield (Mass.) Republican.)

The conviction of Grove Kennedy, one of the most notorious cut-throats in the State, marks a real advance in Kentucky sentiment. Though guilty of several murders, this criminal long defied the authorities to arrest him, and his sympathizers were so strong and open that on his first trial a few months a go a military company had to remain on duty at the court-house to prevent a threatened rescue. But the interval has worked a great change in public feeling. At the second trial, to which some errors in the first entitled him, the community stood ready to support the authorities, there was no need of military force, and Kennedy was found guilty. The Courier-Journal is justified in taking heart at so gratifying a revolution in public sentiment, for which it has earnestly labored. [73]

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[July 12, 1878] -

One of the handsome things that the Somerset Convention can, and ought to do, will be to endorse and recommend P. W. Hardin, Esq., of Mercer, for Attorney General. He is admirably fitted to fill the office, for, as a prosecuting attorney he has but few equals. His able speeches in the Grove Kennedy case won for him a great number of friends in this vicinity. [74]

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[July 19, 1878] -

PRISON WALLS IRKSOME.

During a recent visit of a few hours to Richmond, on the occasion of the funeral of Mr. W. Jason Hawkins, I heard the prison life of Mr. G. C. Kennedy freely discussed. Many seem to regard this unexpected confinement as the "straw that breaks the camel's back." [75]

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[July 26, 1878] -

"Kentucky has had a tardy and singular triumph of justice. Grove Kennedy, a desperado, committed murder, and defied any body to interfere with him. He appeared at one of the most fashionable watering places in the State, so inert was the sense of justice in the community. The Governor, after his attention had bee called to the case by the newspapers, resolved to see whether the law could be enforced. He sent a detective officer, who, by a stratagem, arrested Kennedy, and hurried him to Louisville. There being no assurance that the local officers would prevent a rescue, the Governor returned the prisoner to Court having jurisdiction to try him escorted by a company of the State guard. This militia company had to remain on duty during the trial, and maintain the majesty of the law at the point of the bayonet. The trial miscarried so that a new trial was ordered. This time Kennedy was convicted an[d] sentenced to imprisonment for life."

We copy the above from the New York Christian Observer, to show the notoriety of the Kennedy case. It is safe to say that no other case has created a greater or wider interest than his, and there is a general expression of congratulation to Kentucky at his conviction. [76]

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[July 26, 1878] -

TO THE PUBLIC

W. F. Kennedy Speaks a Word for his Brother Grove.

In justice to humanity I ask the people to read a short article concerning my brother Grove Kennedy. He is powerless, his enemies are at work constantly, and not satisfied with the result of his trial recently, they now try to traduce him by slander, by misrepresentation and lies. Grove Kennedy is my brother, reared by the same parents, who are now broken-hearted at the sentence pronounced on him. We have loved each other from boyhood; not as hyenas - as the Kennedy family has been spoken of, but as men who have souls, and are willing to do for each other as much as any brothers who ever lived. There are many guests at Crab Orchard Springs, and it is natural that they ask questions concerning a man whose name has been before the public as much as my brother's. They get answers to these questions that are not complimentary to my brother, nor are they any ways relating to truth. One says Grove Kennedy instructed his children to kill Judge Denny -- the prosecuting attorney, as soon as they could shoot true to a mark; this is a base falsehood, and hardened would be the heart of a person who could fabricate such, had that person witnessed the parting scene when my brother bade farewell to his devoted wife and six little children. He made his will in a few words: "I want Eliza to have my horse, Willie to have my watch, and to his wife he gave his money," telling his children to be good children, and his whole being was almost convulsed with grief, but he never made a single threat against any one.

Some say my brother has gone to hard drinking; another falsehood; he is perfectly at himself, but the most dejected man, the saddest man to be found. I have not been able to leave home long enough to visit him as yet, but I hear from him every day or two, and every one says Grove is well, has many friends, but a very said man. Another falsehood now in circulation, is this: Grove Kennedy dared Judge Denny to prosecute him, saying to his face, "you are a coward and dare not prosecute me." This is given as the reason why that Attorney was so bitter in his invectives, and went outside of the record and the testimony to reflect upon the character of the defendant, and of his family and friends. Nothing of the kind ever occurred. Not one unpleasant word was ever spoken by Grove to, or about the prosecuting attorney. Whatever may be his faults, my brother is not an idiot, and his conduct since the first trial has been so prudent, circumspect and irreproachable in every regard, as to have excited the favorable comment of an entire country.

Respectfully, W. F. Kennedy. [77]

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[July 26, 1878] -

At the request of Mr. W. M. Kennedy, we publish a card in another column denying some of the reports that are current in regard to his brother Grove. So far as the card relates to Judge George Denny, Jr., we are confident from our knowledge of the man, that he attempted to serve no private ends in his prosecution of Grove Kennedy, but was actuated by a high sense of the interests of the Commonwealth, which he had sworn to protect. He is an honest and fearless Attorney, and as such, deserves the praise of the people of his District. [78]

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[September 27, 1878] -

The Grove Kennedy case was argued before the Court of Appeals on Tuesday by C. A. Hardin, Esq., for the Commonwealth, and on Wednesday by Hon. W. O. Bradley, and submitted, but the decision has not yet been announced. [79]

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[October 4, 1878] -

The Kentucky press eloquently applauded the recent effort of W. O. Bradley before the Court of Appeals to set aside the verdict against Grove C. Kennedy. [80]

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[October 11, 1878] -

GROVE HOPEFUL.

Sheriff Joplin informs us that he talked with Grove Kennedy, at Richmond, last Saturday, and he was in good spirits, expressing himself confident of a reversal of his case by the Court of Appeals. [81]

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[October 16, 1878] -

Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 77 Ky. 340, 14 Bush 340 (1878). [82]

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[October 18, 1878] -

REVERSED. -- The Court of Appeals has reversed the decision of the lower court, and Grove Kennedy gets a new trial. This will cause considerable surprise to those not acquainted with the facts in this case, but the reasons offered by the defense were of such a nature that the Court could hardly do otherwise than reverse, notwithstanding the justice of the sentence to the Penitentiary for life. The question decided by the Court was not as to Kennedy's guilt, but as to whether he got a fair and impartial trial by an unbiased Court and jury. It is very unfortunate for the Commonwealth that the defense got the grounds it did, for the reversal offers but little encouragement to juries who are disposed to do their sworn duty. It is almost as easy, however, for a camel to go through the eye of a needle as to punish a man with money and influential friends to back him. If it is not a hung jury it is something just as bad, and it is a shame that it is so. Kennedy will remain in jail till the time of his trial can be fixed, which will probably not be sooner than next Spring. [83]

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[October 29, 1878] -

Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 10 Ky. Op. 95 (1878). [84]

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[November 1, 1878] -

The Court of Appeals has done itself no credit by reversing the decision of the Garrard County Circuit Court, sentencing Grove Kennedy, the "eminent murderer and distinguished outlaw" (as Artemus Ward would call him) to the Penitentiary for life, and remanding the case back for another trial. Right or wrong, almost the entire body of the law-abiding people of Central Kentucky believe that the sentence of the Garrard Court was, if any difference, a rather lighter punishment than so flagrant, insolent and atrocious a criminal deserved. The whole State will be shocked by the intelligence, for, as a general rule, a new trial in such cases means absolute impunity for the criminal by acquittal, pardon, breaking jail, forfeiture of bail or escape in some one or other of the many forms possible to the ingenuity of lawyers, favored by the lapse of time and the gradual dying out of public interest in the case. --(Dollar Democrat. [85]

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[November 15, 1878] -

Comments on the Grove Kennedy Case.

The judges and lawyers say that criminals escape punishment because the juries clear them in spite of damning testimony against them. Unfortunately, this is too frequently the case, but the skirts of the courts themselves are not clear. Grove Kennedy, a notorious murderer, of whose guilt not even a driveling idiot can have a doubt, was sentenced to the Penitentiary by a jury which ought to have sentenced him to the gallows, and the Court of Appeals has granted him a new trial on technical grounds, and he will be cleared next time. This is not the only case of the kind by a good many, either. --(Winchester Sun. [86]

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[November 15, 1878] -

The trial of Grove Kennedy in the Garrard Circuit Court last Summer for the murder of his uncle excited no little interest throughout the Commonwealth. Grove was regarded as a representative man of the outlaws who have brought such disgrace upon that region during the past few years, and all men interested in law and order were anxious to see him punished if really guilty. He was sentenced to the Penitentiary for life, but the Court of Appeals some two weeks ago reversed the judgment of the Circuit Court and gave him a new trial. We have heard many comments on this action of our appellate court, but in very few instances has the blame been laid at the right door. The Commonwealth's Attorney was so anxious to convict that he went beyond the law, and the judge of the lower court allowed him a latitude which if sustained would jeopardize the life and liberty of innocent men. Much as we desire to see crime punished, it is better than ninety and nine guilty men should escape than that one innocent man should be convicted. The law, to be worthy of respect, must be fixed and certain, and it is the highest duty of the courts to see that it is applied to every case alike, without reference to popular feeling. Grove Kennedy may escape by staving off a trial until witnesses die or move away, and lawlessness may be encouraged by the fact that he is not punished, but it would not be the fault of the law, and good citizens will have no cause to be distressed because a vicious precedent has been established that might at any time be used to ruin an innocent man. --(Winchester Democrat. [ibid (86)]

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[December 6, 1878] -

GROVE KENNEDY. -- The third trial of Grove Kennedy for the murder of his uncle, E. B. Kennedy, will be called by Judge Wickliffe, at Lancaster, some time during the latter part of this month; but we understand that his counsel will apply for a change of venue to some neighboring county, not including Lincoln or Boyle, to both of which objections will be made. It is not probable, in the event that the case goes to another county, that it will be tried much earlier than Spring. [87]

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[December 13, 1878] -

KENNEDY. -- The third trial of Mr. Grove C. Kennedy has been appointed for Thursday of the present week. The progress of the affairs can not be incorporated in this report because of the absence of the writer from the scene of action. A change of venue is being discussed. [88]

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[December 13, 1878] -

GARRARD COURT MATTERS. -- Your correspondent paid Lancaster a visit this week. Matters were quiet in that historic town. The approaching trial of Grove Kennedy excites no interest whatever, as it is expected that a change of venue will be obtained. [89]

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[December 13, 1878] -

An officer and guard went up to Richmond yesterday to escort Grove Kennedy to Lancaster, where he will appear before Judge Wickliffe to-day to apply for a change of venue. By-the-way, the Police Gazette has an excellent picture of "Kentucky's Distinguished Outlaw." [90]

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[December 18, 1878] -

Grove Kennedy's case will be taken to Rockcastle county on cha[n]ge of venue. [91]

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[December 20, 1878] -

COURT MATTERS. -- Quarterly Court last Monday. The day was cold and dark and dreary. Mr. Grove C. Kennedy's counsel made application for a change of venue, whereupon an animated discussion ensued as to the counties under consideration. Rockcastle was at length decided upon, and Tuesday after the third Monday in June, '79, will see the beginning of the third trial of this somewhat remarkable case. Application was then made for bail, which was granted in the sum of $6,000, and the prisoner released. [92]

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[February 21, 1879] -

Will Saunders and others, for assisting Grove Kennedy to escape a year or two ago, obtained a change of venue to Rockcastle. [93]

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[April 25, 1879] -

NOT TRUE. -- The report that Grove Kennedy had fled, arose, perhaps, from two reasons, the hope that he had, and the general impression that his bail bond as taken, was worthless. As to Judge Wickliffe's right to call a Special Court outside of the District to which he had been appointed, the lawyers all agree that he had none, and that the Court that he fixed for June, will not be held; but there is no question that he had the right to take the bond, and the Court of Appeals has decided that a bond is good till the regular term of Court, if there was no law for the holding of a special term. It is passing strange, that Judge Wickliffe did not take the time, if he was ignorant of the law, to inform himself on the subject, so that there could be no doubt or illegal proceedings in this important case. The ability of Grove's bondsmen to pony up the $6,000 bail, if it should be forfeited, is, we learn upon investigation, almost unquestionable, as one of them alone, is good for the full amount. [94]

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[June 20, 1879] -

PRESENT, BUT NO COURT. -- Grove C. Kennedy was in town [Mt. Vernon] Tuesday, read for a trial of the case of the Commonwealth against him, which, it will be remembered, was brought here by change of venue from the Garrard Circuit Court. Judge Wickliffe, of the 7th District, who sent the case here and ordered it to be tried at the time stated, the 17th, did not put in an appearance. It seems that he was only commissioned a Special Judge of the Garrard Circuit Court, and hence could not follow the case to this county. No order was ever made in this court calling a special term, and no notice was ever given of such term. Finding that there would be no trial, Mr. Kennedy returned home, announcing it his intention to appear here again at the regular September term. [95]

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[September 5, 1879] -

There are several cases of murder on the Criminal docket, the most important of which is the well-worn case of the Commonwealth vs. G. C. Kennedy. [96]

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[September 26, 1879] -

The case against Grove C. Kennedy is set for the 9th day of the term. [97]

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[October 3, 1879] -

Hon. Chas. A. Hardin, candidate for the Circuit Judgship in the Mercer district, passed through town [Danville] on Tuesday, en route to Mt. Vernon, to prosecute Grove Kennedy. [98]

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[October 3, 1879] -

On Wednesday the case of the Commonwealth vs. Grove C. Kennedy, was called, and continued by consent of parties. An order was made calling a special term of the Court to begin the 3rd Monday in January next, said term to be held for the trial of the Kennedy case. [99]

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[October 3, 1879] -

CONTINUED. -- It is exceedingly hard to bring a man to trial when he is out on bail, especially if the crime charged is murder. Grove Kennedy has gotten another continuance, and will get as many more before the case goes before another jury. [100]

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[January 16, 1880] -

We expect an influx of visitors, attorneys and witnesses in the Grove Kennedy case next week. It will be a good time for the hotel-keepers and the quinine vendors. [101]

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[January 16, 1880] -

Next Monday the Special Term of the Rockcastle Circuit Court, called for the trial of the celebrated case of the Commonwealth vs. Grove C. Kennedy, will begin at this place [Mt. Vernon]. It is thought that both sides will be ready for trial, and it is hoped for the good, both of the Commonwealth and of Mr. Kennedy that the result of the approaching trial will finally determine the prosecution. [ibid (101)]

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[January 23, 1880] -

Besides his local counsel, the following gentlemen were here, this week, defending Grove Kennedy in the case of the Commonwealth against him: Messrs. R. M. & W. O. Bradley, of Lancaster, and Cols. T. P. Hill and W. G. Welch, of Stanford. The attorneys present were: Geo. W. Dunlap, Judge M. H. Owsley, Geo. W. Dunlap, Jr., W. D. Hopper, B. M. Burdett, J. T. McQuerry, H. C. Kauffman and Jas. A. Anderson, of Lancaster, and Jas. W. Alcorn, of Stanford. [102]

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[January 23, 1880] -

On Monday morning a special term of the Rockcastle Circuit Court called for the trial of the case of the Commonwealth against Grove C. Kennedy, convened at this place [Mt. Vernon]. His Honor, Judge W. H. Randall, and Mr. J. H. Tinsley, Commonwealth's Attorney, were both promptly on hand. At the calling of the case both sides announced themselves ready for trial. Thereupon the attorney for the Commonwealth produced and filed the affidavit of Ben F. Slavin, stating that "owing to the undue influence of the defendant over W. H. Albright, Sheriff of the county, said Sheriff would not summon a fair jury in the case." The Sheriff was removed by the Court, and after much discussion and wrangling by the attorneys pro and con, H. H. Baker and G. H. Albright were selected to summon one hundred men from whom a jury was to be selected to try the case. The special Sheriffs were sworn and were sent forth to perform their duties, and the further consideration of the case was postponed until Wednesday morning. Wednesday came, and with it came the one hundred jurors. The lists containing the names of the jurors summoned were examined by the attorneys for the defendant, and the examination disclosed the fact that while Mr. Albright had summoned impartial men, Mr. Baker had secured a crowd, a majority of whom were well known to be unfriendly to Mr. Kennedy or any other man who voted the Democratic ticket. Defendant's counsel then offered to discharge the panel summoned and to order a new panel. This was refused by the Commonwealth. Defendant's counsel then offered to dismiss the panel summoned and to have a jury brought from Laurel or Pulaski, which offer was also refused. They also offered to change the venue of the case to any other county, which was refused. It had leaked out that there are two factions in the county, one of which is friendly to and the other very much prejudiced against Mr. Kennedy. Counsel for the Commonwealth stated that there had been a scramble for one or the other of these factions to control the jury, ad that as they held a "pat hand" in the lively game of chance, they refused to make any agreements. After a long and earnest consultation among the attorneys, resulting in no satisfactory arrangement, the defendant filed affidavits disqualifying his Honor, W. H. Randall, from presiding as Judge in the case. Judge Randall vacated the bench, and no election for special Judge was held. The Clerk certified the facts to the Governor and asked for the appointment of a special Judge. Judge Randall then, against the objections of the defendant, adjourned the further consideration of the case until Monday morning next at 11 o'clock, and discharged the witnesses and jurors until that time. The dead lock caused considerable comment but no excitement. It is generally conceded that the removal of the Sheriff was without any cause whatever, except to secure a jury who would be packed to convict, and it is also further conceded that the removal of Judge Randall was not made because of any real complaint against him, but simply that the defendant might escape conviction by a packed jury. Thus endeth the first chapter in the history of the prosecution in Rockcastle county which might well be called the bad beginning of a second book. I have endeavored to narrate the facts, and am in full sympathy with the expression: "Let Justice be done through the Heavens fall." [ibid (102)]

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[January 23, 1880] -

The K. K. K.'s. -- We learn from a gentleman that just returned from Mt. Vernon that there does not exit so much of a Democratic feeling for or a Republican feeling against Grove Kennedy as there is of a Ku-Klux and anti-Ku-Klux sentiment. If a Ku-Klux jury is obtained an acquittal is assured, while if an anti-Ku-Klux tries the case they will convict, no matter what the evidence. Can't the Governor step in, stop the foolishness and cut off the tremendous expense? [103]

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[January 30, 1880] -

Judge Samuel DeHaven, of LaGrange, Judge of the 17th Judicial District, and who was commissioned by the Governor as special Judge to try the case of the Commonwealth vs. Grove C.. Kennedy, in place of Judge Randall sworn of, arrived in town Saturday evening. He opened his Court Monday morning. The prosecution having announced "ready," defendant asked till Tuesday morning to respond, which was granted him. On Tuesday the defendant filed affidavits for a continuance because of the absence of several important witnesses in his behalf. A continuance until next Monday was granted him, the Court announcing that he must try at that time. Judge Randall and Commonwealth's Attorney Tinsley left for home Tuesday evening. Mr. Tinsley will return Monday. [104]

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[January 30, 1880] -

SCARED. -- It is said that Grove Kennedy and his counsel are alarmed at the course that matters have taken in regard to the trial, and seem to think they have swapped the devil for the which in the matter of Judges. Judge DeHaven says that the case must be tried at this term of his Court and he looks like a man who means what he says. We wish Mr. Kennedy a fair trial, and whether the result be an acquittal or a conviction, we will rejoice to know that this expense case is ended. [105]

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[February 6, 1880] -

Mrs. W. F. Kennedy, of Crab Orchard, was here Thursday during the argument in the Grove Kennedy case. [106]

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[February 6, 1880] -

On Monday, the special Court, Judge Samuel DeHaven, of LaGrange, presiding, called for the trial of the case of the Commonwealth against Grove C. Kennedy, convened at this place. Both sides being ready the selection of a jury was begun, which resulted in the acceptance of the following persons as jurors: John Melvin, Flem. Jones, Osborn Coffee, John McCollum, Elisha Mullins, Colby Hays, John Sowder, John Pennington, J. J. Bloomer, John A. Anylin, Dan'l Bloomer, Fried Spiers. On Tuesday morning the jury being complete the taking of testimony begun. Both sides concluded their evidence Wednesday evening, and the argument of counsel began Thursday morning. It is expected that the case will be given to the jury by noon to-day (Friday.) The street talk is that the result will be a hung jury or an acquittal, with the probabilities in favor of the latter. [107]

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[February 6, 1880] -

CHANCES OF A HUNG JURY. -- It is said about the same case has been made against Grove Kennedy this time as at the other trials, and knowing ones predict a hung jury. It is thought that the end will be reached to-day. [108]

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[February 6, 1880] -

The railroad employees came out on Monday in full-dress uniform looking gay. There was a large crowd on the platform, including a number of the witnesses in the Grove Kennedy trial. An old darkey in the crowd stood eyeing the boys in blue, and remarked. "Does dey hab to carry sojers to Mt. Vernon to 'fend Mr. Kennedy?" "You's a fool," says darkey No. 2, "dem's no sojers, de..'s whats left of a busted up band dat blonged to a circus." [109]

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[February 6, 1880] -

Mt. Vernon.

THE CASE OF GROVE KENNEDY IN THE HANDS OF THE JURY.

(Special to the Courier-Journal.)

MT. VERNON, Feb. 5. -- The evidence pro and con. in the case of the Commonwealth against Grove C. Kennedy was closed yesterday, and the arguments of the counsel concluded at a late hour this evening. The lawyers who made arguments were Glen. P. W. Hardin and J. P. Tinsley for the prosecution, Col. T. P. Hill and Hon. W. O. Bradley for the defense. While all the speeches are pronounced good, that of Mr. Bradley had created unusual comment. It is generally conceded that he made to-day the finest speech of his life. He completely electrified the large audiences in the court room and brought the jury to tears in his remarks on the law of self-defense. From the street talk to-night, I am convinced that the result will be a hung jury, or an acquittal. [110]

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[February 13, 1880] -

TWENTY-ONE YEARS. -- The jury in the Grove Kennedy case, at Mt. Vernon, brought in a verdict of "guilty of manslaughter" and fixed his punishment at twenty-one years in the Penitentiary. Kennedy's counsel made motion for a new trial which was overruled. They then prepared a bill of exception and the case was taken to the Court of Appeals. On Saturday, Kennedy, in charge of a strong guard, was taken, via this place [Stanford], to Richmond, where he will be confined until the decision of the higher Court. [111]

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[February 13, 1880] -

After the worry, bustle and confusion of the Kennedy trial, our citizens have enjoyed a few days of peace and quiet that have been wonderfully refreshing.

The jury in the case of the Commonwealth vs. Grove Kennedy, retired for deliberation last Thursday evening. At an early hour Friday morning Judge DeHaven was notified that they had agreed to a verdict. The prisoner was brought to the bar of the Court and the verdict was read. It was as follows: "We of the jury find the defendant guilty of manslaughter, and fix his punishment at confinement in the penitentiary for 21 years." A motion for a new trial was made by Mr. Kennedy's counsel, which was over-ruled. A bill of exceptions was then prepared and the Appellate Court will again inspect the papers in this celebrated case. The prisoner was removed to Richmond where he will remain until the decision of the Court of Appeals is obtained. Judge DeHaven left for home Saturday morning. He impressed every one favorably by the dignity and ability with which he presided. He is prompt in his rulings and the manner of his decision is impressive. [112]

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[February 27, 1880] -

The Somerset Reporter thinks it probable that Grove Kennedy is laughing in his sleeve over the verdict of the jury with a pardon in his pocket. And why not? Our good-hearted old Governor pardoned Grove's brother and brother-in-law before conviction of two murders as bad as that of which Grove has been twice pronounced guilty, and we see no good reason for showing partiality in the distribution of pardons among the members of a family that is credited with fourteen murders and suspected of several more. What says the mercy committee, "composed of all the physicians in the House and Senate?" Grove is said to be the only Kennedy that ever went to jail, and there is no justice in making him the scape goat for all the sins committed by the tribe. Let those who once listened to his teachings on temperance and mercy circulate the potent petition and have Grove pardoned in time to lead the German at the next Crab Orchard ball. -(Bowling Green Intelligencer. [113]

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[April 9, 1880] -

Kennedy v. The Commonwealth, 78 Ky. 447 (1880). [114]

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[April 21, 1880] -

A Very Hard Case.

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision of the Rockcastle Circuit Court, sentencing Grove Kennedy to confinement in the penitentiary for twenty-one years, for the murder of his cousin and his wife's uncle, Elbert Kennedy, Master Commissioner and ex-Clerk of the Garrard Circuit Court. Kennedy has had three trials, the first resulting in a hung jury, the second in a life sentence to the penitentiary, and the third in a sentence for twenty-one years. -- Intelligencer. [115]

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[April 23, 1880] -

NO PARDON. -- Cols. T. P. Hill and W. G. Welch, of counsel for Grove Kennedy, went to Frankfort last Friday to intercede with Gov. Blackburn for the pardon of their client, but we understand that after patiently hearing them through, he told them that it was always painful to refuse a plea of mercy and that he was sorry for those upon whom Grove's punishment would fall the heaviest, but being pretty well acquainted with the facts in the case, he could not and would not pardon him. This settles the matter as there is no further hope from the Courts, and Grove must pay the penalty for his sin. [116]

---

[May 7, 1880] -

Governor Blackburn has refused to pardon Grove Kennedy. [117]

---

[May 28, 1880] -

Is Grove Kennedy too nice a man to go the Penitentiary? and is Blackburn fixing to pardon him? He joined the church last week, and was a Murphy before. Will these attone for all his sins? [118]

---

[June 4, 1880] -

FOR TWENTY-ONE YEARS. -- Grove Kennedy was taken to the Penitentiary Friday last, by Deputy Sheriff Albright, of Rockcastle, and one guard. His proud spirit must be broken when two men can handle him. He once got away from twenty-five men and a Sheriff, all armed to the teeth. [119]

---

[August 5, 1883] -

FRANKFORT, Aug. 4. -- Grove Kennedy, who was pardoned by the Governor this morning, left immediately for his home at Lancaster. During his stay in the penitentiary he has not done laborious work, having been appointed chef of the kitchen. In this capacity he has always been faithful and obedient and has made an excellent prisoner. It is thought that he will hereafter prove a good and useful citizen of his county. [120]

---

[August 6, 1883] -

Before Grove Kennedy left the prison he told a gentleman that after he received his pardon he intended to go to his former home in Lancaster and sell out, lock, stock and barrel, and remove to a country where the people were more disposed to encourage him in his efforts to reform rather than provoke him to despair and desperation. He said that since his imprisonment he had been brought to repentance for his crime, which were altogether the effects of liquor, and that if the people would only take his word for it now, and give him a chance to redeem himself in their estimation, they would fine his future blameless of intoxication or a violation of the laws, and solely devoted to the joys and comforts of his home and family. [121]

---

[August 7, 1883] -

PARDONED. -- Grove Kennedy, after a sojourn of about 3 years in the Penitentiary for killing his uncle, Eb. Kennedy at Lancaster in 1876, passed up Saturday to his home, a free man, Gov. Blackburm having pardoned him. He is looking well and has aged by little during his confinement.

It may be generally known, but it appears to be a fact that Blackburn made Grove Kennedy a Colonel at the same time he set him free. It is now "Col. Kennedy, be Gawd, sir." [122]

---

[August 10, 1883] -

HISTORY. -- The Advocate is away off in the Grove Kennedy business when it says he was sent to the penitentiary in 1876. The fact is the crime for which he was partially punished, was not committed till Feb. 20th 1877, when he show down his uncle Eb. Kennedy as he was coming out of the Garrard Court-house. For the benefit of those who have forgotten the facts and for those who are not acquainted with them we give the subsequent history of this noted case. Immediately after the killing referred to, Kennedy was arrested and lodged in jail. A short time afterwards he applied for bail and on it being refused he escaped from 25 guards and for months played very successfully the role of the bold outlaw, enjoying himself at Crab Orchard Springs and other places of amusement and pleasure, till October 27th following when Marshall Hunter and posse took him in as he was coming out of his father's stable. He was immediately taken to the Louisville jail, where he remained till Dec. 18th, when Judge Owsley being disqualified by reason of his being a witness of the killing, Judge Wickliffe, having been appointed special judge, called the case at Lancaster. Grove was guarded by a detachment of the State troops and after a somewhat lengthy trial the jury reported that it was unable to agree and was discharged. The prisoner was then admitted to a bail int he sum of $6,000. In June 1878, another trial was had before Judge Wickliffe in Lancaster and to the surprise of Grove and his friends a verdict of confinement in the penitentiary for life was brought in. The court of Appeals reversed this verdict and Kennedy was again allowed bail. In the following December, the third trial of the case was called but a change of venue was sought and obtained to Rockcastle county and the trial set for June 1879, but there was no judge to try it and it went over till the September term. Then Judge Randall was sworn off and the Governor having appointed Judge DeHaven, a special judge, the case was finally called on the 3d Monday in January 1880 and on the 6th of February a verdict of 21 years in the State prison, was brought in. His counsel again appealed and Grove was sent to the Richmond Jail for safe keeping. The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the Rockcastle Court April 9th and on May 28th, 1880, he was taken to Frankfort and lodged in the penitentiary, where he conducted himself in a very becoming manner, for three years, two months, and nine days, when Gov. Blackburn on the 4th August 1883 pardoned him. [123]

--------------- SOURCES -------------------

[1] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 23, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[2] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 23, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-02-23/ed-1/seq-3/

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

[4] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 9, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-09/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from "Garrard County." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 9, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[6] Excerpt from "Harrodsburg." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 22, 1877. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[7] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 23, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[8] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 23, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[9] "Lancaster's Last Sensation." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 23, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] "Kennedy's Escape." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 26, 1877. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[11] "G. C. Kennedy." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. March 28, 1877. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[12] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 30, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-03-30/ed-1/seq-3/

[13] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 13, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-04-13/ed-1/seq-2/

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

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

[16] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 4, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-05-04/ed-1/seq-2/

[17] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 4, 1877. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-05-04/ed-1/seq-2/

[18] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 11, 1877. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1877-05-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[74] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 12, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[75] Excerpt from Column 6. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 19, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[76] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 26, 1878. Page 1. LOC.

[77] "To the Public." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 26, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[78] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 26, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[79] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 27, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[80] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 4, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[81] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 11, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[82] Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 77 Ky. 340, 14 Bush 340 (1878).

[83] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 18, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[84] Kennedy v. Commonwealth, 10 Ky. Op. 95 (1878).

[85] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 1, 1878. Page 1. LOC.

[86] Excerpt from "Comments on the Grove Kennedy Case." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 15, 1878. Page 4. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1878-11-15/ed-1/seq-4/

[87] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 6, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[88] Excerpt from "Garrard County News -- Lancaster." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 13, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[89] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County News -- Mt. Vernon." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 13, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[90] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 13, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[91] Excerpt from "State News." The Breckenridge News, Cloverport, Ky. December 18, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[92] Excerpt from "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. December 20, 1878. Page 2. LOC.

[93] Excerpt from "Garrard County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 21, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-02-21/ed-1/seq-2/

[94] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 25, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-04-25/ed-1/seq-3/

[95] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 20, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-06-20/ed-1/seq-2/

[96] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 5, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-09-05/ed-1/seq-3/

[97] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 26, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-09-26/ed-1/seq-3/

[98] Excerpt from "Boyle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 3, 1879. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[99] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 3, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-03/ed-1/seq-2/

[100] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 3, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-03/ed-1/seq-3/

[101] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County -- Mt. Vernon." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 16, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-16/ed-1/seq-2/

[102] Excerpts from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 23, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[103] Excerpts from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 23, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-23/ed-1/seq-2/

[104] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 30, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[105] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 30, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-01-30/ed-1/seq-2/

[106] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 6, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-06/ed-1/seq-2/

[107] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 6, 1880. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-06/ed-1/seq-2/

[108] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 6, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-06/ed-1/seq-3/

[109] Excerpt from "Lincoln County - Richmond Junction." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 6, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-06/ed-1/seq-3/

[110] Excerpt from "Home News." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. February 6, 1880. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[111] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 13, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[112] Excerpt from "Rockcastle County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 13, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[113] "A Subject for Executive Clemency." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 27, 1880. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-02-27/ed-1/seq-1/

[114] Kennedy v. The Commonwealth, 78 Ky. 447 (1880).

[115] "A Very Hard Case." The Hartford Herald, Hartford, KY. April 21, 1880. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84037890/1880-04-21/ed-1/seq-1/

[116] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 23, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-04-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[117] Excerpt from Column 3. The Hickman Courier, Hickman, KY. May 7, 1880. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[118] Excerpt from Column 1. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 28, 1880. Page 2. LOC.

[119] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 4, 1880. Page 3. LOC.

[120] Excerpt from "Frankfort." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 5, 1883. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[121] Excerpt from "Frankfort." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. August 6, 1883. Page 5. Newspapers.com.

[122] Excerpts from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 7, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-08-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[123] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 10, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-08-10/ed-1/seq-3/

S. Boone Conn Kills Monroe McCoy, Garrard, 1876

2020-02-20T13:28:00.002-05:00

[June 16, 1876] -

Boone Conn, a brother of Andy Conn, who was killed recently, by old man Arnold, shot three times and killed a man named Monroe McCoy, at Hyattsville, in Garrard county, last Friday. The man killed was the same one who was at the house of Arnold the night Andy Conn was shot. The accused, who has been arrested, will have an examining trial at Lancaster, next Wednesday. [1]

---

[June 23, 1876] -

The case of Boon Conn for killing McCoy, set for trial at Lancaster on Wednesday last, was postponed until to-morrow. [2]

---

[July 7, 1876] -

The man, Boone Conn, who murdered McCoy, in Garrard county, recently, waived an examination, and was allowed to give bail in the sum of $5,000, for his appearance to answer the charge at the next term of the Garrard Circuit Court. From what we can learn, the case was not bailable, and he should have been sent to prison without the right to give bail. The proof, as we heard it, showed that the crime was murder in the first degree. If our laws are not strictly enforced, we can never hope to put a stop to its fearful and frequent violation. [3]

---

[August 15, 1879] -

The case of the Commonwealth vs. Sweeney Morgan for the alleged murder of ---- McCoy, is under trial. [4]

---

[October 17, 1879] -

GARRARD CRIMINALS. -- The Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision of the lower Court in the case of Sweeney Morgan who was convicted in Garrard last June, for the murder of Monroe McCoy, and sentenced to the Penitentiary for six years. It also affirmed the decision of the lower Court in the case of Wm. Mayfield, who was sent up for one year for shooting Franklin Neil. The case against D. Smith alias D. Prather, for forgery was reversed. [5]

---

[October 17, 1879] -

The Boone Conn case was continued. Several other cases were considered. [6]

---

[July 23, 1880] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The summer term of this Court will convene next Monday with 53 Commonwealth cases on the docket. Four of them are for murder: Ansel and Gillis Frederick for the murder of Thomas Hatfield, Ben Ferrell for the murder of Ely, and Boone Conn for the murder of Morgan. With these exceptions the cases are mostly minor offenses. [7]

---

[October 29, 1880] -

The case of Boone Conn, for manslaughter, brought from Garrard to this [Lincoln] county, was continued for the sixth or eighth time. [8]

---

[March 25, 1881] -

S. B. Conn, charged with murder, will be called up for trial on the 13th day of the term, Monday April 4th. [9]

---

[April 15, 1881] -

After many continuances and a change of venue, the trial of Boone Conn, for the murder of Monroe McCoy, in Garrard county, on the 9th of June, 1876, was commenced here on Monday last. Some fifty men were examined before a jury was obtained, and on Tuesday the testimony began. The prosecution proved that on the day named young McCoy, with his aunt, was driving home from Lancaster when Riley Renfro, Sweeney Morgan and Boone Conn overtook them. Some words passed, and Conn, drawing his pistol, fired at McCoy, killing him instantly. It was further proved that the murdered man was unarmed. The defense, on the contrary, showed that McCoy had fired the first shot, striking Conn's horse in the shoulder. It will be remembered that Sweeney Morgan, who happened to be with Conn at the killing, was afterwards sent to the penitentiary for six years, although the old lady with McCoy swore that he took no part in the affray. Renfro, the other man with Conn, skipped out and has not showed his face here since. R. C. Warren played a lone hand for the Commonwealth in this case, while Welch & Saufley, W. O. Bradley and Geo. Denny appeared for the defense. Of course the jury hung -- they always do when they can't acquit. Judge Owsley is hanging to them, however, and intends to get a verdict, if possible. [10]

---

[October 28, 1881] -

The trial of S. B. Conn, for the murder of McCoy, was set for the 8th day of the term, November 1st. [11]

---

[November 4, 1881] -

The trial of S. B. Conn, for murder, was again continued. It is evident that there is an effort being made to wear this case out. [12]

---

[March 17, 1882] -

four are for murder: S. B. Conn, for killing McCoy, in Garrard county; Gresham and Reid, for killing Cam Rowsey; J. W. Gooch for killing Constable Killion, and James Mullins for killing another negro. [13]

---

[March 21, 1882] -

The trial of John W. Gooch for the murder of Constable Killion, was set for the 13th day of the term, April 3d, and that of S. B. Conn, for the 8th day, March 28th. [14]

---

[March 28, 1882] -

To-day is set for the trial of S. B. Conn. [15]

---

[March 31, 1882] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The case of S. Boone Conn for the murder of Monroe McCoy, in Garrard county, June 1876, was called promptly on the convening of the Court, Tuesday, and the Commonwealth's Attorney having agreed to admit the affidavits of several of the absent witnesses, both sides announced themselves ready, and the examination of jurors began. Twenty-one were questioned, three were excused by defendant, one by the Commonwealth and five were discharged for cause. The names of the gentleman into whose hands the life of the defendant was placed are as follows, all having been obtained from the regular panel: Jno. Anderson, Wm. Perkins, E. P. Woods, Adam Pence, J. D. Bastin, W. B. Hawkins, Brent Barnett, J. M. Hail, D. W. Caldwell, Jno. Cowan, Larkin Wells, Michael Cloyd. Mr. R. C. Warren, unassisted, managed the case for the Commonwealth, and stated the facts he expected to prove in a very short metre. The prisoner was represented by Col. W. O. Bradley, Judge Geo. Denny, Jr., H. C. Kauffman, G. W. Dunlap, Judge M. C. Saufley and Col. W. G. Welch; the latter stating she, case for the defense. The Commonwealth proved by Mrs. Lydia Palmer, that the Monroe McCoy, the deceased, and John McCoy were riding from Lancaster in a spring wagon. When near Hyattsville Monroe McCoy was shot in the back, and on looking around she saw Boone Conn, Riley Renfro and Morgan Sweeney, the former with his pistol out firing at McCoy. A negro man also swore that he saw McCoy shoot. The defense on the other hand produced testimony to the effect that McCoy fired at Conn first, and that he was shot while in the act of firing. They endeavored to break down Mrs. Palmer's story with some effect by witnesses who swore she had made different statements. They also proved a good character for the prisoner, and succeeded in establishing a very bad one for the deceased. At the conclusion of the evidence Judge Saufley made the only argument for the defense after which Mr. Warren closed in a very forcible and strong appeal for conviction. That the reader, unfamiliar with the circumstances connected with the case, may understand the grounds for enmity between the prisoner and the dead man, we will state that McCoy was charged with the murder of Andy Conn, a brother of Boone. The jury retired at 5 P.M. Wednesday, and after less than ten minutes deliberation returned with a verdict of acquittal. This is the second time the case has been tried, and in the former trial the jury standing 11 to 1 for conviction. [16]

---------SOURCES------------

[1] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 16, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-06-16/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. June 23, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-06-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[3] Excerpt from "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 7, 1876. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-07-07/ed-1/seq-2/

[4] Excerpt from "Garrard County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 15, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-08-15/ed-1/seq-2/

[5] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1879. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Garrard County." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1879. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1879-10-17/ed-1/seq-2/

[7] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. July 23, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-07-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 29, 1880. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1880-10-29/ed-1/seq-3/

[9] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 25, 1881. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-03-25/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 15, 1881. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[11] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. Oct 28, 1881. Page 3. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-10-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[12] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 4, 1881. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-11-04/ed-1/seq-3/

[13] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[14] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[15] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 28, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[16] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 31, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-31/ed-1/seq-3/

Andy Conn Kills John Arnold / Andy Arnold Kills Andy Conn, Madison/Garrard, 1876

2020-02-18T14:33:00.000-05:00

Previously:

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

-----------

[October 15, 1875] -

On Monday evening at Ed. Todd's grocery in Madison county, Andy Conn shot and killed John Arnold. We have not heard the particulars of the killing. [1]

---

[October 22, 1875] -

Mr. Andy Conn's trial for the killing of Arnold, on the 11 inst, was held at ---- Chapel, in Madison county, Saturday, Oct. 16th, resulting in his acquittal from the evidence of the Commonwealth's witnesses, (the defence introducing none) the following facts were adduced -- that Conn and Arnold came to Ed Todds grocery together, Arnold riding one of Conn's horses. After their arrival at the grocery Mr. Smith, who was there, asked Arnold where his mother-in-law was at, and on Arnold telling him she was at home, Smith said he was going over to see or court her, that he was out of a house-keeper, and wanted one. It seems as if Arnold took this as an insult, and he and Smith had some words -- Smith apologizing, and saying he meant no insult. Smith left the grocery and went up to Todds house, about fifty yards from the grocery, and Arnold followed him there, and as the lady of the house opened the door for the latter to enter, Smith attempted to pass out but Arnold stopped him, said something to him and slapped him in the face. Smith came on back to the grocery and asked for a pistol saying that Arnold had followed him to the house and slapped him in the face. No one giving him a pistol, he reached Andy Conn's coat and jerked his pistol out of the scabbard. Several then stopped Smith and took the pistol from him, and gave it back to Conn, who put it back in his scabbard. Conn then told Smith to remain there in the grocery and he would go and get John (Arnold,) and take him home. Conn then started from the grocery and met Arnold about ten or twenty steps from the grocery coming from the house -- as he met him said to him -- "what is the matter with you and old man Smith; you ought to let that old man alone and get on your horse and let's go home," whereupon, Arnold said -- "Damn you, do you take it up," and at the same time commenced drawing and did draw his pistol -- Conn grasped at Arnold's pistol and succeeded in catching hold of it and turned the muzzle from the direction of his body -- both parties still hold of the pistol and trying to wrench it from the others hands. Conn then with his other hand drew his own pistol and fired, the ball taking effect in the abdomen. Arnold fell, and his pistol dropped at his feet. Conn helped remove him home.

These are the facts as detailed by the Commonwealth's witnesses and on which facts the Court found their verdict of "not guilty" and discharged the defendant. Mrs. Arnold, mother of the dec'd, said that Andy stayed with John and waited on him until he died, and then had him nicely buried at his (Conn's) own expense. [2]

---

[March 31, 1876] -

Last Wednesday night, 23d inst., about 8 o'clock, Andrew Conn, who resides in the upper portion of Garrard county, about seven miles from this place [East End Lincoln], while intoxicated, in company with one of his friends, went to the house of old man Arnold, an humble, quiet old man, (the father of the young man that Conn killed only a few months ago,) and demanded entrance with the threat that he came to kill the old man and his wife. On being refused Conn broke the door in, and, with pistol in hand, shot at the old man as soon as he entered. Arnold's wife and daughter rushed towards Conn to prevent him shooting the second time, but in this attempt Conn choked the old lady and struck her over the head several times with his pistol. During this struggle Conn shot at Arnold the second time, but both shots missed their aim. About this time Conn's friend had taken a rifle out of Arnold's hands (who was trying to shoot Conn,) and threw it out of the door, and went to the assistance of the two women. In the meantime, Arnold seized an old army musket, went out of a door opposite the one Conn entered, and hastening around to the other door, placed the muzzle of the gun against Conn's neck and fired. Conn fell to the floor and rolled out of the door, expiring without a struggle. Arnold then fled to the woods, bare-footed, remaining several hours before returning to his house, where he found Conn dead, his friend gone, and his wife suffering intensely from fright and the wounds she had received. She is quite feeble, and being between 60 and 70 years old, it is doubtful whether she will survive the terrible shock. Arnold, fearing Conn's friend would come and attack him, left immediately, and walked through snow, waded the river and two creeks, and reached this place Thursday morning, tired, weary, hungry and sick, and gave himself up to Deputy Sheriff Myers. He fears an attack from Conn's friends, as he saw three of them Thursday morning going in the direction of his house. Mr. Arnold has the sympathy of this entire community, as what he did was purely in self-defense. Conn has killed several men, and has lived in defiance of law in the neighborhood where he was killed all his life. In justice to the man who was with him, it is proper to say that he seemed trying to prevent any trouble, but nevertheless he went with him. Conn was said to be a very clever and honorable man when not drinking, but whisky seemed to instill in him the most revengeful and blood-thirsty spirit. [3]

---

[March 31, 1876] -

MANSLAUGHTER. -- We had been promised a full account of the trial of Arnold before the Examining Court, at Lancaster for the killing of Andy Conn, but as the trial was postponed until yesterday, it was too late for our present issue, and we can only give the facts as reported. One night last week, Conn went to Arnold's house and demanded admittance, which was refused, and he forced his way in. A scuffle ensued between the man Conn, and the wife and daughter of Arnold, whereupon, Arnold drew an old musket and shot Conn in the neck, killing him instantly. It is also said that an Irishman was with Conn, who took a rifle from Arnold and threw it out into the yard and then went off. Conn killed a son of Arnold some time ago, and of course there had been a bad feeling between the parties ever since. We abstain from giving further particulars until after the trial. [4]

---

[April 7, 1876] -

Andy Arnold, who killed Andy Conn, in Garrard county, was tried last week and acquitted, as it was clearly proven to be a case of killing in self-defense. Arnold has removed to a place near Crab Orchard, in this [Lincoln] county, as he fears to reside on his little place. We trust that this terrible tragedy is at an end, and that the people in our neighboring county, will have peace in the future. [5]

---

[April 14, 1876] -

The Arnold-Conn Tragedy.

We publish, by request, the following [?] of the late tragedy in Garrard, made by the friends of the late Andrew Conn. We have already printed an account of the trouble, as detailed to a correspondent, by old man Arnold. It is fair that both sides should be heard. — Ed. Advocate.

Much has been said and written about the late tragedy resulting in the death of Andrew J. Conn, and the various reports having been, in many instances, inaccurate, we thought that the cause of truth and justice demands that a correct version of the affair should be given.

In the early part of last Fall, Conn shot and killed John Arnold, in Madison county, this State. For this he manifested great sorrow and begged the father and mother of the deceased to forgive him for having deprived them of their son. The mother responded, “We forgive you, as he forgave you on his dying bed, for he said, ‘you was bound to do what you did.’ Conn, after this, furnished the old people with meal, and they visited back and forth, and it was supposed that the whole matter had been fully reconciled. In the mean time, Conn was tried and acquitted on the evidence of the Commonwealth.

Nothing more was heard of the matter until the night of the killing. On that day Conn passed the home of the old people on his way to Berea to attend a suit pending before one of the Justices of that precinct, and while there he was told by the Sheriff of Madison that an attempt was then being made to indict him in the Madison Circuit Court for the killing of John Arnold. He ascertained that Ed. Todd had been summoned before the Grand Jury. Upon learning this fact, he asked John Burnam and Pat McMahan to accompany him to Todd’s house, to which they agreed, and all started, leaving Conn’s brother and cousin, (who would have accompanied him home, or near there,) behind. After they reached Todd’s and had talked with him, Conn insisted upon McMahan to accompany him home, which, after much persuasion, he consented to do. On their road nothing was said about the Arnold affair, but Conn was telling jokes which occurred while he was in the army. After going some distance Conn turned off to one side of the road and started to a house unknown to McMahan at that time, and reaching the fence, dismounting and hitching their horses advanced to the door. When they reached the door Conn commenced to kick the snow from his feet, and some one from within asked, “Who’s there?” Conn responded, “It’s me.” “Who is me?” was the next questions, to which Conn responded, “Andy Conn.” The old lady then said that “he must not come in; she was afraid he would kill them.” Conn responded, “Why, I have been here before and have not killed you. I only want to come in and warm my feet, and talk to the old man about going to Richmond Monday.” The daughter, (Miss Arnold) then said: “Mother, let him come in. He will not hurt us.” Conn then pushed the door open and walked in. As he stepped in the house the old lady was standing by the side of the door, with something in her hand, (the witness could not tell what,) at which Conn grabbed and missed, pushing or slapping the old woman aside. She and the girl then grabbed Conn and threw him to the floor, the old gentlemen springing to his rifle, but was caught by McMahan. While they were struggling over the gun, Conn called to McMahan to get his pistol, which was lying on the floor. McMahan saw the pistol upon the floor, but was unable to pick it up, on account of the struggle for the rifle, and he kicked it towards Conn who picked it up.

McMahan and the old man, in their scuffle, got out of the house when the gun was taken from the old man and thrown down the hill. He ran after it and returned with it, when McMahan drew his pistol and compelled him to drop it, again picking the gun up and throwing it down the hill. The old man then ran around to the back of the house, McMahan returning around the back side also, but in the opposite way, and found Conn, the old lady, and the girl struggling over an ax. He asked the old lady "to let go," and she responded, "if she did Conn would kill her." McMahan then remarked that "Conn would do no such thing; that he could have killed her long ago with his pistol if he had wanted to." (Con had hold of the ax with his left hand, and held his pistol with the right.) She then gave up the ax, and McMahan threw it to one side, and started off with Conn to their horses, when the old lady again got the ax, and the girl the corn knife. Conn was walking with McMahan, who said, "Let's leave here," to which Conn consented to and was then doing. He was looking back over his shoulder, telling the old lady and the girl that he did not come there for a difficulty, but only to see the old man on business, then a gun was fired from behind them, powder-burning the neck of McMahan, and at the crack of which Conn jumped up as if struck. McMahan then ran, half-bent, until he reached his mule and mounting it rode around to the front part of the house, and asked for his hat, which, after some trouble he got. He asked where Conn was, and the old lady replied, "He shot me and ran off down the hill." The girl said, "No stranger, he is lying around there dead."

We forgot to mention that when Conn first entered the house, he saw McCoy sitting by the fire and asked him what he was doing there, to which he made some common-place reply, and quickly walked out of the back door.

After the affair had ended as detailed, McMahan went after some neighbors, among whom was Conn's brother and they all returned in about an hour after the killing. When they reached there they found the house deserted, the door taken off the hinges, but the hinges not broken, and Conn lying dead upon the ground near the spot where the shot had been fired. His pistol was near him, and also a musket with the barrel bent, and the stock broken off. Near by, also, lay the ax, corn-knife and a large stick of wood. The barrel and stock of the musket, the ax and the stick of wood were covered with human brains, hair and blood and the head of the deceased was beaten almost to a jelly, some large pieces of the skull lying near. There were also some cuts on his legs, from which no blood had flowed, having evidently been made after the crimson life tide had ceased to run. The old gentleman and McCoy reached Crab Orchard the next morning, and the old man surrendered himself to the Deputy Sheriff. Mrs. Arnold and daughter were arrested near home. They were also subsequently brought to Lancaster, and a trial had, upon which the Commonwealth elicited substantially the foregoing testimony. The gun, ax and corn-knife were exhibited on the trial. McMahan, the chief Commonwealth's witness, was an acquaintance of Conn's, but they were not intimate, and is said to be as truthful and honorable gentleman as lives in Madison county.

It was proven that the musket had been borrowed on the day Conn went to Berea, McCoy stating that he wanted to go rabbit hunting. Upon the testimony stated, on motion of Defendants, McCoy was released and placed upon the [?]. His testimony was very unsatisfactory and contradictory. He stated, however, that in the evening of the day he borrowed[?] the gun and loaded it with buckshot that old Mrs. Arnold gave him, telling him to load the gun to go out hunting with the next day. That Arnold's house was about seventy yards from the road, and that night about eight o'clock he said: "I think I hear somebody talking." He went to the door, saw men on the road, and afterwards returned. He stated that he saw the whole fight, and that he did not [?] the gun broken, or Conn struck in any way with the ax, corn-knife or stick of wood. He also stated that Conn, who he first came in the house, shot at old man Arnold, who was sitting on the bed, and that Conn was standing at the food of the bed; that the old man was not hit. Defendants proved, by one witness that Conn, when drunk, was a dangerous man. Upon this testimony, after argument of counsel, Defendants were discharged.

We have no comments to make upon the matter, but simply given the facts to the reading public as they occurred on the trial. McMahan states that there was but one shot fired in the fight and that was the shot near his neck; and that Conn was not drunk.

JUSTICE.

LANCASTER, April 10th, '76. [6]

---

SEE RELATED: S. Boone Conn Kills Monroe McCoy, Garrard, 1876

---------------SOURCES-------------------

[1] "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 15, 1875. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] "Garrard County News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 22, 1875. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1875-10-22/ed-1/seq-2/

[3] Excerpt from "East End of Lincoln." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 31, 1876. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[4] Excerpt from Column 4. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 31, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-03-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 7, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-04-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Communications." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. April 14, 1876. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

Bill Gresham and John Read/Reid Kill Cam Rowsey, Lincoln, 1881

2020-02-17T20:22:00.000-05:00

[February 18, 1881] -

Murder.

Let us look at the facts in the murders of one week. J. K. McCormack, a native of the county and a Cincinnati drummer by occupation, visits Hustonville on business. He arrives somewhat under the influence of liquor, and in a short tie has a dispute with one of his brothers-in-law. Later in the evening, W. I. Moore, Jr., arms himself with a pistol as if intent on murder, and passes Mr. McCormack and G. W. Drye, who were talking on the street. McCormack made some remark which Drye did not catch, but which others testify was "I'll cut your heart out;" whereupon Moore, although he could see that McCormack was unarmed, turned and fired at him twice, one ball passing through his heart and killing him instantly. This so far as the examining court could ascertain, was the sole cause that lead one brother-in-law to take the life of another.

The second killing is the cowardly assassination of Cam Rowsie by Bill Gresham and John Read. Rowsie was passing along the road from Moreland Station to his home at Milledgeville, when these two fiends, afraid to give their victim a fighting chance, emerge from a thicket and shoot three loads of buckshot into his body before he is hardly aware of their presence. He dies instantly, and the assassins, confident that they will be acquitted because Rowsie had the reputation of a dangerous man, surrender themselves to an officer.

The third murder is by a negro, who, seeing his white brethren so handy in taking the law into their own hands and receiving no punishment therefor, stabs another negro to death. This is the startling record of one week in one precinct! Can the law-loving man contemplate such carnage without shuddering to see to what we are drifting? True, McCormack had killed two men and was considered desperate when drinking. It is equally true that Rowsie was a desperado and had shot one or more men, but these are no reasons that they should be killed like dogs; and but for the law enforcement, or rather no enforcement of the laws, their murderers would not have dared to spill their blood. The Courts, the juries, and last, but at no means least, the Governor, are to blame. The people too should come in for no small part of the responsibility. A maudlin sentiment in regard to murderers, entertained by a majority of the masses, and the hero worship which some men give to such cattle is primarily the cause that induces many to dabble in gore. The Courts have lost their prestige, and the juries, which are not often made up of the best men, are swayed either by a fellow-feeling or a bribe, and in nine out of ten cases, they turn loose the human hyena without sense or reason to prey again on unsuspecting humanity. And, if in the tenth case, a jury is found that is faithful to their oaths, our dear old Governor stands with pardon in hand, ready to thwart both law and justice. This is a plain and unvarnished statement of our condition, and we grieve to know that it is so fearfully true. A gentleman, who has been keeping the count, says that in the six years and six months that he has lived in this county, there have been fifty-four murders! No one has been hanged, and only one (a poor devil who confessed) sent to the penitentiary for life. We hope that the murders of this week will awake our people to the enormity of the crimes committed right under their noses, and that a revulsion in sentiment will follow. A few legal hangings would put an end to this reign of the assassin and lift the "dark and bloody ground" to the position of a law-abiding State, which her education and advantages entitle her. [1]

---

[February 18, 1881] -

I suppose you have the facts of the Rowsey tragedy, which came off near Moreland's Station on Saturday afternoon. Cam Rowsey came up on the train, and soon started down the turnpike toward Milledgeville. Wm. Gresham and John Read went down the Railroad in a direction nearly parallel to his, and getting a little in advance, posted themselves near the pike and at a little distance from each other. When Rowsey had reached a point about equally distant from the two, they opened fire upon him simultaneously from a couple of shot guns. They fired across each other making Rowsey the point in which their lines of fire intersected. Of course he was killed instantly. The aggressive parties are under arrest and to be tried on Thursday. I presume the investigation will bring out a delicate fact or two, throwing light on the question of a motive for the act. [2]

---

[March 25, 1881] -

Gresham and Read have been indicted for the murder of Cam Rowzie, and their trials set for Monday next at 2 oclock. [3]

---

[April 1, 1881] -

Owing to the length of a civil case, the trials of Bill Gresham and John Read, for the murder of Cam Rowzie on the 12th of February last, was not called until Tuesday morning. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting a jury, and it was not till after 10 o'clock Wednesday that a panel was obtained. About a hundred and twenty-five persons were examined, and both sides had about exhausted their challenges when the last man was accepted. Over a hundred witnesses were sworn in the case, and a rule requiring them to neither hear the testimony nor to converse with themselves about it was granted. Commonwealth's Attorney, R. C. Warren, then delivered a plain, unvarnished statement of the case, and the examination of witnesses began after noon. George Hughes, who was with Rowzie at the time of the killing, was the first witness, and his testimony was in effect about the same as before the examining court, that he and Rowzie were walking from Moreland to Milledgeville, when he looked up to see Gresham and Read with pointed guns that he heard some mumbling sound and in an instant two shots were fire, Rowzie falling riddled with buckshot. Coroner J. P. Goode testified as to the appearance of the man after death. He was shot in the face, head and breast, most of the wounds being singly enough to produce death. Four other witnesses were examined without eliciting any thing new, and the Commonwealth rested in chief. Col. W. G. Welch then made one of the best worded and most telling statements for the defense that we ever heard, and at 5 o'clock the Court adjourned till yesterday at 9. A half a dozen or so of witnesses were introduced to prove the character of Rowzie, and two to prove that the night before the killing, Rowzie and a young woman (Miss Bettie Braxdale) had occupied a room at a Lebanon Hotel as man and wife. The deposition of Mrs. Braxdale was then read, after Judge Owsley had excluded certain portions of it. It was in substance: "I am the mother-in-law of Gresham. The Monday before Christmas Cam Rowzie came to my house yelling and cursing Gresham, and said that he had had a fuss with Gresham, and that Gresham might thank John Read when he got up in the morning that he saved his life, for if it had not been for him he would have blown every brain out of Gresham's d--n head. He would get them yet, though, if it took forty years. He then made an indecent display, cursing and gritting his teeth the while. Gresham's house is but half a mile from mine, and my daughter staid with me most of the time for fear of Rowzie. Rowzie came again before Christmas and said something about dogs and men, did not hear well. He went around the house with something in his breast, and when he saw me dodged around a cabin. My daughter, Bettie, about 19 years of age, is in a delicate condition, and from appearance must be six or seven months gone. I did not discover this state of affairs until about two months before Rowzie was killed. She left home a few days before the killing, saying she was going to Belmont Station. Tried to prevent her, but could not. Don't know personally with whom she went." Miss Matilda Bowman, a rosy-cheeked blonde of 18, (a domestic in the Braxdale family) was the next witness. She corroborated the first statement of Mrs. Braxdale about Gresham owing his life to the intervention of Read, and said that a few days before Christmas she was at Gresham's house sewing, when Rowzie came there ripping and cursing with a drawn pistol. He went into the house where Mrs. Gresham was in bed and Gresham holding his little child in his lap, and acted in a most outrageous manner, calling Gresham everything mean he could think of, defying him to move, and threatening if he did, to blow his brains out. He said something to her and she replied in a curt manner, whereupon he pulled her in his lap, at the same time making a remark of the most offensive nature, and to cap the climax he got up and acted as a beast. Monday before his death he told John Read, who it appears had killed a dog, that a man who would do such a thing as meaner than the dog he killed, and that if he were to kill one of his, he would kill him as dead as h--l. Before he went away he left word with her to tell Gresham and Read that he intended to see them Saturday, and that they had better prepare to defend themselves as he always went prepared. In the cross examination she said that Rowzie was at Gresham's the Monday before the killing, when they talked together peaceably. Every effort was made by the Commonwealth to break her down, but without avail. She stood the fiery ordeal for fully an hour and a half. Several witnesses afterwards swore that they had seen Rowzie fire three shots from a pistol, while standing on the rear of the train, just before getting to Moreland. Adjourned till this morning. The theory of the defense seems to be that Rowzie had seduced Miss Bettie Braxdale, a sister-in-law of Gresham, and that the latter, not liking such a state of affairs, showed his disapprobation, whereat Rowzie began a system of intimidation which continued until Gresham could endure it no longer. The prosecution, on the other hand, contends that it was a wilful murder, done when the men were in no immediate danger from Rowzie, and done after a reconciliation between the parties. We forbear comment. Judge George Denny, Jr., is rendering able assistance to Mr. Warren. Hill & Alcorn and Welch & Saufly are conducting the defense. The case is creating great interest, and standing-room is at a premium in the court-house. It will probably be brought to a close to-day. [4]

---

[April 8, 1881] -

This Court continues to drag its weary length along. The evidence in the case against Gresham and Read, for the murder of Rowzie, was concluded at noon Saturday. Nothing particularly new was advanced over our report of last week. The principal effort by the prosecution after that was to invalidate Miss Bowman's testimony by proving her a woman of loose virtue, but it was abortive and reacted in favor of the defense. Judge Denny, W. H. Miller and R. C. Warren each made arguments for the Commonwealth, the latter especially acquitting himself well. Mess. T. P. Hill, M. C. Saufley and J. W. Alcorn were the speakers for the defense. At the conclusion of Judge Saufley's speech a burst of applause filled the Courtroom, when the Judge ordered the Sheriff to arrest any and all parties engaged in it, but not one could be identified, at any rate no one was. About 8 o'clock Saturday night the case was given to the Jury, which failed to agree that night. In fact, it did not agree at all, although it was held till Tuesday, when, on being discharged, it was found that six were for acquittal, two for murder; the others for manslaughter, and thus the work of eight days was set at naught. We confess that we are ourselves a little hung on the case, but it seems that the instructions that unless the accused were at the time in great bodily danger from Rowzie, they should be found guilty of murder, ought to have enabled the jury to make a verdict. [5]

---

[October 28, 1881] -

The case against Wm. Gresham and John Reid, for the murder of Cam Roswey, was called, but owing to the absence of an important witness, was continued by the Commonwealth till the Spring term. [6]

---

[March 17, 1882] -

four are for murder: S. B. Conn, for killing McCoy, in Garrard county; Gresham and Reid, for killing Cam Rowsey; J. W. Gooch for killing Constable Killion, and James Mullins for killing another negro. [7]

---

[March 21, 1882] -

The case of Gresham and Reed for the killing of Cam Rowsey, was continued for the defense on account of the absence of some of its witnesses. [8]

---

[October 17, 1882] -

Circuit Court will convene here next Monday, and not yesterday, as many witnesses and others seemed to think, who came only to be disappointed. There are 337 cases on the docket, of which 118 are criminal. Of that number there are seven murder cases, as follows: Gresham and Reid for killing Rowsey; John W. Gooch for killing Constable Killion; Tate and McManama for causing the railroad accident, whereby five persons were killed; James Mullins for killing another negro, at the Crab Orchard circus; Froman Miner for killing John Ferrell; Mock and Faulkner for killing Policeman Simpson, of Danville, and one other case for indictment. The equity appearances number 33; motions, 7; common law, 30, and old equity, 107. [9]

---

[October 31, 1882] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The jury in the case of William Gresham and John Reed for the murder of Cam. Rowsey returned a verdict of acquittal, after less than ten minutes consultation. [10]

------------ SOURCES ------------

[1] "Murder." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 2. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-18/ed-1/seq-2/

[2] Excerpt from "Lincoln County - Hustonville." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[3] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 25, 1881. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-03-25/ed-1/seq-5/

[4] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 1, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-01/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 8, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. Oct 28, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-10-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[7] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[9] Excerpt from "Local Matters." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1882. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-10-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 31, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-10-31/ed-1/seq-3/

W. I. Moore, Jr. Kills his Brother-in-law J. K. McCormack, Lincoln, 1881

2020-02-15T14:44:00.001-05:00

[February 18, 1881] -

Murder.

A carnival of murder seems to be in progress in the West end of this county, as reference to our Hustonville letter will show. Three men have been killed in one week within two miles of each other, making six in less than a year in one voting precinct! Such a state of affairs is terrible to contemplate, and a sober thought only is necessary to convince any one that a radical change, both in public sentiment and in the administration of the laws, is absolutely needed and at once.

Let us look at the facts in the murders of one week. J. K. McCormack, a native of the county and a Cincinnati drummer by occupation, visits Hustonville on business. He arrives somewhat under the influence of liquor, and in a short tie has a dispute with one of his brothers-in-law. Later in the evening, W. I. Moore, Jr., arms himself with a pistol as if intent on murder, and passes Mr. McCormack and G. W. Drye, who were talking on the street. McCormack made some remark which Drye did not catch, but which others testify was "I'll cut your heart out;" whereupon Moore, although he could see that McCormack was unarmed, turned and fired at him twice, one ball passing through his heart and killing him instantly. This so far as the examining court could ascertain, was the sole cause that lead one brother-in-law to take the life of another.

The second killing is the cowardly assassination of Cam Rowsie by Bill Gresham and John Read. Rowsie was passing along the road from Moreland Station to his home at Milledgeville, when these two fiends, afraid to give their victim a fighting chance, emerge from a thicket and shoot three loads of buckshot into his body before he is hardly aware of their presence. He dies instantly, and the assassins, confident that they will be acquitted because Rowsie had the reputation of a dangerous man, surrender themselves to an officer.

The third murder is by a negro, who, seeing his white brethren so handy in taking the law into their own hands and receiving no punishment therefor, stabs another negro to death. This is the startling record of one week in one precinct! Can the law-loving man contemplate such carnage without shuddering to see to what we are drifting? True, McCormack had killed two men and was considered desperate when drinking. It is equally true that Rowsie was a desperado and had shot one or more men, but these are no reasons that they should be killed like dogs; and but for the law enforcement, or rather no enforcement of the laws, their murderers would not have dared to spill their blood. The Courts, the juries, and last, but at no means least, the Governor, are to blame. The people too should come in for no small part of the responsibility. A maudlin sentiment in regard to murderers, entertained by a majority of the masses, and the hero worship which some men give to such cattle is primarily the cause that induces many to dabble in gore. The Courts have lost their prestige, and the juries, which are not often made up of the best men, are swayed either by a fellow-feeling or a bribe, and in nine out of ten cases, they turn loose the human hyena without sense or reason to prey again on unsuspecting humanity. And, if in the tenth case, a jury is found that is faithful to their oaths, our dear old Governor stands with pardon in hand, ready to thwart both law and justice. This is a plain and unvarnished statement of our condition, and we grieve to know that it is so fearfully true. A gentleman, who has been keeping the count, says that in the six years and six months that he has lived in this county, there have been fifty-four murders! No one has been hanged, and only one (a poor devil who confessed) sent to the penitentiary for life. We hope that the murders of this week will awake our people to the enormity of the crimes committed right under their noses, and that a revulsion in sentiment will follow. A few legal hangings would put an end to this reign of the assassin and lift the "dark and bloody ground" to the position of a law-abiding State, which her education and advantages entitle her. [1]

---

[February 18, 1881] -

Of the six recent murders in the West End [of Lincoln county], three were by brothers-in-law. The first two received no punishment whatever; neither will Mr. Moore, unless he is jailed and fined for carrying concealed weapons. The latter, however, is very likely, as Mr. W. H. Miller, the County Attorney, had him bound to the Circuit Court for that offense. This is what you might call striking directly at the root. [2]

---

[February 18, 1881] -

The examining trial of W. I. Moore, Jr., for the killing of J. K. McCormack, was had on Saturday before 'Squires Peyton and Hughes. W. H. Miller represented the Commonwealth; Welch & Saufley appeared for the defense. The case thus far is wrapped in mystery. No one seems able to account for it. Mrs. McCormack, who, with her daughter Maggie, reached here on Saturday, says she knows of no difficulty between her husband and Mr. Moore -- that Moore visited them in Cincinnati on terms of the most perfect cordiality; that McC[ormack], had recently received a letter from Moore urging him to assist him in getting a situation in the city, and that she knows her husband was actively engaged up to the time of his leaving, in prosecuting a search for such a position. She states that Mr. McC[ormack]. left home entirely without arms; that at the time of Moore's last visit, McC[ormack]. presented him with a very fine knife, alleging that he himself, would never carry it. A search of his body revealed no weapon upon or about him, except an ordinary Barlow knife, which he purchased after reaching this place, and which was found closed and in his pocket. The testimony before the examining court proved little more than the fact of the killing. Mr. Moore was held to bail in $1,000 to answer at the next term of the Circuit Court. [3]

---

[March 25, 1881] -

An indictment for murder was found against W. I. Moore for the killing of McCormack, and his trial set for Tuesday, April 5th. The examining court only held Moore for manslaughter. [4]

---

[April 8, 1881] -

The trial of Wm. I. Moore, for the murder of J. K. McCormack, commenced Wednesday. Some forty odd men were examined as to their qualifications before a [j]ury was gotten and the evidence proceeded, both sides about concluding in chief by adjournment last evening. The speaking will begin this morning. The impression seems to prevail that Mr. Moore has a worse case on hand than he appears to [t]hink. [5]

---

[April 15, 1881] -

DISREGARDING THE LAWS. -- There is a special Act of the Legislature saying that no whisky shall be sold in the town of Hustonville, and yet there is at least one place there which, it is said, is kept constantly open in defiance of all law, and every witness in the Moore McCormack murder trial had something to say about "Clay Powell's bar-room." The good people of that town beg of those in authority to see that the nefarious business is stopped by visiting the severest penalty of the law on dealers in the drug that leads more people to the commission of crime than all other causes combined. It is bad enough to break the laws secretly, but such open defiance as is show[n] in Hustonville is a shame and a reproach that ought not to be tolerated. [6]

---

[April 15, 1881] -

Contrary to the expectation of nearly all, except the jury, who heard the evidence, Wm. I. Moore was acquitted of the murder of James K. McCormack, his peers hardly leaving their seats. Several times during the trial Moore was forced to tears, a fact which shows that he is a better man than most of those who take human life in their hands. [7]

---

[January 2, 1883] -

Owing to the loss of our notes, we neglected last Friday to announce the death of Mr. Wm. I. Moore, Jr., whose serious illness has been noted several times of late. He was a resident for a long time of Hustonville and was in his 35th year. Consumption was the cause of his death and he had suffered with it for over a year. [8]

-------------SOURCES-------------

[1] "Murder." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 2. LOC.

[2] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[3] Excerpt from "Lincoln County - Hustonville." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. February 18, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-02-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[4] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 25, 1881. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-03-25/ed-1/seq-5/

[5] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 8, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 15, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[7] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 15, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-15/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from "Deaths." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 2, 1883. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1883-01-02/ed-1/seq-3/

John Wesley Gooch Kills Constable Alex J. Killion, Lincoln, 1881

2020-02-09T13:54:00.000-05:00

[January 7, 1881] -

SHOOTING AT KING'S MOUNTAIN. -- Wednesday John Wesley Gooch and George Mitchell got into a fisticuff in which it appears that A. J. Killion, Constable, took a hand. Gooch then turned against Killian, shooting him twice and knocking him down, when Henderson Gooch, father of Wesley, ran up and hit him on the head with a rock. A half a dozen or more Gooches came to the front and then Killian and Mitchell had to fall back. Killion is seriously wounded in the bowels, and strange to say nobody has been arrested. Judge E. W. Brown and W. E. Varnon, pro tem County Attorney because of the illness of Mr. Miller, will go out to the scene this morning and see that the law is perfectly respected. There seems to be but little attention paid it there at present. [1]

---

[January 21, 1881] -

HELD FOR MANSLAUGHTER. -- The examining trial of Henderson and John W. Gooch for the murder of Constable Killion, occupied two days of this week and resulted in their being held for manslaughter in the sum of only $250 each. We were not able to attend the trial in person but the result surprises me. The bail would indicate that the Judge thinks there is but little in the case, while there are those who say it was far too low for the offense. Others say that they should have been acquitted. Killion's friends consider the trial an outrage on justice and virtually means an acquittal. [2]

---

[April 8, 1881] -

The Grand Jury adjourned Monday, after having found 52 indictments, the smallest number for many courts. For some reason or other no indictment was found against J. W. Gooch, held by the examining Court for the manslaughter of A. J. Killion. [3]

---

[November 11, 1881] -

The bondsmen of J. W. Gooch, charged with the murder of Constable Killion, delivered him to the Court and renewed their bond for his appearance at the next term of the Court. [4]

---

[March 17, 1882] -

four are for murder: S. B. Conn, for killing McCoy, in Garrard county; Gresham and Reid, for killing Cam Rowsey; J. W. Gooch for killing Constable Killion, and James Mullins for killing another negro. [5]

---

[March 21, 1882] -

The trial of John W. Gooch for the murder of Constable Killion, was set for the 13th day of the term, April 3d, and that of S. B. Conn, for the 8th day, March 28th. [6]

---

[April 4, 1882] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The trial of J. Wesley Gooch, charged with the murder of Constable Killion, January 5, 1881, was called yesterday, when the following jurors were obtained from the regular panel after the Commonwealth had exhausted all its challenges and the defense one: Liberty Green, Michael Cloyd, M. B. Lytle, M. Elmore, John Anderson, W. B. Hawkins, G. S. McKinney, L. Wells, G. W. King, E. P. Woods, Alex. Traylor and D. S. Jones. Judge George Denny is assisting Mr. Warren in the prosecution, while Welch and Saufley, represented the defense. The case is familiar to our readers, who remember it as quite an aggravated one. The Commonwealth concluded her testimony by 3 P.M. and at adjournment last night, three witnesses for the defense had been examined. The case of Froman Minor was continued Saturday, till Wednesday. [7]

---

[October 17, 1882] -

Circuit Court will convene here next Monday, and not yesterday, as many witnesses and others seemed to think, who came only to be disappointed. There are 337 cases on the docket, of which 118 are criminal. Of that number there are seven murder cases, as follows: Gresham and Reid for killing Rowsey; John W. Gooch for killing Constable Killion; Tate and McManama for causing the railroad accident, whereby five persons were killed; James Mullins for killing another negro, at the Crab Orchard circus; Froman Miner for killing John Ferrell; Mock and Faulkner for killing Policeman Simpson, of Danville, and one other case for indictment. The equity appearances number 33; motions, 7; common law, 30, and old equity, 107. [8]

---

[October 24, 1882] -

The trial of J. W. Gooch was set for the 5th day of the term and Mock and Faulkner's for the 13th day, Nov. 6th. [9]

---

[October 31, 1882] -

The cases of Froman Minor and Jas. W. Gooch, for murder, were continued till the next court. [10]

---

[April 10, 1883] -

The case of the Commonwealth vs. J. W. Gooch was called yesterday about 11 o'clock and both sides answering ready, a jury was obtained in a short while. Gooch is charged with the murder of Alex. Killion, a constable at Kings Mountain, in January, 188[1]. This is the second trial of the case, the former resulting in a hung jury. [11]

---

[April 13, 1883] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The trial of John Wesley Gooch for the killing of Killion, resulting Tuesday in his acquittal, it having been clearly proof, it is said, that the deed was done in necessary self-defense. The jury was in their room only after fifteen minutes. [12]

---

[May 1, 1891] -

FATALLY SHOT. -- In a difficulty at Kingsville this week John Wesley Gooch was shot in the right side by a fellow named Lasley from Pulaski, the ball going clear through him. The origin of the difficulty is rather obscure. Mr. Gooch, it will be remembered, killed Constable Killion at Highland 10 years ago, but was acquitted on the ground that he acted under a misapprehension of the part Mr. Killion took in a fight he was having with another man. [13]

----------SOURCES----------

[1] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 7, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-01-07/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 21, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-01-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[3] Excerpt from "Circuit Court." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 8, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-04-08/ed-1/seq-3/

[4] Excerpt from Column 2. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 11, 1881. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1881-11-11/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 17, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 21, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-03-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[7] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 4, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-04-04/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 17, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-10-17/ed-1/seq-3/

[9] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 24, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-10-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[10] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 31, 1882. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1882-10-31/ed-1/seq-3/

[11] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 10, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-04-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[12] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 13, 1883. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1883-04-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[13] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 1, 1891. Page 5. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-05-01/ed-1/seq-5/

.

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

2020-02-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Previously:

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

-----------

[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]

---

[July 15, 1876] -

DANVILLE.

Examining Trial of Albert G. Cosby, Accused of the Killing of Frank Jackson.

(Special Dispatch to the Courier-Journal.)

DANVILLE, July 14. -- The examining trial of Albert G. Cosby, for the killing of Frank Jackson, took place at Mitchellsburg to-day before Justices Caldwell and Mitchell, and resulted in the accused being held to bail in the sum of two thousand dollars, one of the justices being in favor of commitment without bail. [2]

---

[July 21, 1876] -

THE COSBY JACKSON HOMICIDE -- The examining trial of A. G. Cosby, for the killing of Frank Jackson, at Michellsburg, some two weeks since, took place, on Friday last, before Esquires Caldwell and Mitchell, at Mitchellsburg. Messrs. R. P. Jacobs and P. B. Thompson, Sr., appeared for the defense, and Jno. S. Van Winkle and Sam. Harding for the prosecution. The evidence brought out was very plain, the witnesses corroborating each other. It was in substance about as follows: Jackson, a blacksmith, was in his shop at work. Cosby passed several times, armed with a pistol. Late in the evening he approached Jackson, in front of his shop, accusing him of saying something disrespectful of himself and wife. Jackson replied, "I have said no more than what others have said, and I never take back anything I say," at the same time demanding proof. Cosby pointed across the pike to Jno. Webb's shop. They started across, Cosby, in the mean time, denouncing Jackson in very severe terms. When they reached Webb's shop, Jackson said to Cosby, "See what a miserable coward you are; I am not afraid of you or your pistol." (Cosby, as this time, had his pistol about half-drawn and cocked, he and Jackson being about six feet apart.) Cosby then denounced him as a "d--n s-n of a b---h," when Jackson sprang at him with open hands. Cosby fired, the shot striking Jackson in the left side, just below the ribs, and ranging downward to the back-bone, from the effects of which he died the next day. Jackson is said to have been a most worthy citizen, being a Good Templar, Odd Fellow, Free Mason, and member of the Christian Church. After hearing the testimony, the Court granted Cosby bail in the sum of $2,000, which was given. One of the Court was in favor of commitment without bail. [3]

---

[September 15, 1876] -

The case of Cosby charged with the recent killing of Jackson, at Mitchellsburg, has been transferred to the Lincoln court. [4]

---

[November 3, 1876] -

The last case tried by the court of the present term, was the Commonwealth against A. G. Cosby, charged with the murder of Frank Jackson, in Boyle county, last July. The case was sent here for trial on a charge of venue. The proof developed the facts that the difficulty arose between the two men on account of some disrespectful talk which the man Jackson had said about the wife of Cosby. The difficulty was terminated on the 10th of July, last, at Mitchellsburg, in Boyle county, by Cosby shooting and killing Jackson. Both sides were ably represented by counsel, and after a full argument for and against the prisoner, the jury retired, and after deliberating for some hours, returned in the court room and announced that they were not able to agree, and were discharged. It seems that one juries cannot agree upon a verdict in a criminal case. [5]

---

[November 3, 1876] -

The case of the Commonwealth vs. A. G. Cosby for the murder of Frank Jackson, transferred from the Boyle Circuit Court, was tried in the Lincoln Circuit Court, at Stanford, this week. The trial and argument lasted three days, and the case was given [to] the jury on Wednesday night, at 10 o'clock, and on Thursday morning they reported they could not agree and were discharged. Cosby's bail of $5,000 was continued, and the case will doubtless be called at the next term of the Court. [6]

---

[April 20, 1877] -

The case of A. G. Cosby, for murder, was continued for defendant. [7]

---

[October 19, 1877] -

The case of A. G. Cosby for murder was called and continued till 10th day of term. [8]

---

[October 26, 1877] -

The murder case of A. G. Cosby has been transferred to the Boyle Circuit Court. [9]

---

[November 2, 1877] -

The case of A. G. Cosby has been sent back to Boyle. [10]

---

[September 29, 1878] -

DANVILLE CIRCUIT COURT. -- Two whites and two negroes were sent to the Penitentiary during the Circuit Court -- A. G. Cosby, manslaughter, two years; J. T. Hunter, horse stealing, two years; Amos Guest, obtaining goods under false pretenses, one year; John Yerkees, hog stealing, two years. [11]

---

[September 1878 through August 1879] -

Pardon No. 24.

To HON. J. B. MCCREARY, Governor of Kentucky:

Your petitioner, A. G. Cosby, respectfully states that he was indicted in the Boyle Circuit Court for the alleged murder of Frank Jackson; that he was tried for said offense at the present term of said court, and the jury returned a verdict for manslaughter against him, and assessed his punishment at two years confinement in State penitentiary. He will now state the prominent facts proven in the case:

By witness Stephens the Commonwealth proved that on the day of the killing your petitioner passed Jackson’s blacksmith-shop two or three times, and later in the day went up to Jackson, in the turnpike, opposite his shop, and asked him what kind of talk that was he had been saying about your petitioner and his wife, to which Jackson replied, "I have said nothing but what is in the mouth pf everybody in Mitchellsburg, and I take back nothing I have said,” laying his hand on petitioner’s shoulder, and asked where is your proof, and your petitioner pointed to Webb's shop, and they started in that direction, Jackson a little in front. They reached the platform in front of Webb's shop, an Jackson approached the door, your petitioner remaining behind, when Jackson turned around and said to your petitioner, “See what a coward will do. I am not afraid of you and your pistol," and your petitioner replied, “I am not afraid of any scoundrel that walks the streets of Mitchellsburg," and also said he (Jackson) had acted the traitor with him last fall. Each party used oaths and hard expressions. They were but a few feet apart. Your petitioner attempted to get out his pistol, when Jackson jumped towards your petitioner, and the pistol fired. It was hard to tell which was done first, the jumping of Jackson or presenting the pistol. There was but one shot, of which Jackson died next day about noon. Witness saw the pistol of your petitioner. It was silver mounted, and that he kept his hand on it all the time the parties were talking.

John Riley, for the Commonwealth, said your petitioner asked Jackson, " What is that you have been saying about me and my wife?" He answered, “Nothing more than others have said. and had nothing to take back.” Your petitioner said he could prove what he (Jackson) had said, and they started towards Webb’s shop, and got on the platform. Words passed which witness could not hear. He was sitting on his mule about 30 yards off. Jackson advanced towards your petitioner with a quick step, and your petitioner stepped back, and about half drew his pistol, and when the pistol fired Jackson had his hands on your petitioner, or about the time it fired.

Dr. Prewitt, for Commonwealth, said: Jackson was shot between the first and second ribs, and the ball ranged downwards, cutting the colon, and was cut out in the rear. Jackson must have been stooping, or your petitioner must have been higher up than Jackson. The wound was powder burnt.

Nimrod Mullinax, for the Commonwealth: Heard your petitioner, along in the spring of the year, say he could or would kill Jackson if he ever treated him as he had done about some whisky. Jackson had

gotten your petitioner to buy some whisky from a darkey for Jackson’s family, and then made a witness of your petitioner. Saw Jackson and your petitioner often afterwards—your petitioner at Jackson’s shop, and Jackson at the house of your petitioner. On Sunday before the killing

(or Monday) they were together.

This was the testimony of the Commonwealth.

Your petitioner then proved by Joshua England that on Friday before the killing Jackson said in his shop “that Carpenter (a young man who attended at the depot) had a soft thing of it; that Mrs. Cosby (your petitioner's wife) said Carpenter had the prettiest eyes and teeth of any young man in Mitchellsburg, and had the sweetest root.” Your petitioner came to see witness about it on the day of the killing, and asked him what Jackson had said about his wife, and witness did not tell him the words, but said to your petitioner that he would not like any man to talk about his wife in that way, and said your petitioner remarked that he would go and see Jackson about it; that he intended to have a settlement with him and have the thing right; that he was going to have satisfaction. Your petitioner asked him (witness) where his pistol was. Your petitioner was not armed at that time.

George Broaddus was asked by your petitioner what it was Jackson was saying about his wife, and witness said, " Go and ask other persons and he would find out; that he was in a hurry to hitch his horses to the stage; the train was in.” He was stage driver from Mitchellsburg to Harrodsburg; it was 3 o'clock in the evening.

John H. Webb, witness for your petitioner, stated that Jackson and your petitioner were friendly; saw your petitioner in Jackson’s shop talking; your petitioner's horse was hitched to Jackson's spring wagon, and your petitioner and wife and Jackson’s wife rode together in the wagon to Danville; saw Jackson on witness's platform make a break towards your petitioner; saw no pistol at the time; Jackson advanced 10 or ll feet before pistol fired; your petitioner threw his arm around when he shot like it was stiff. Jackson had hold of your petitioner, who had been forced back on the pike. Witness said Jackson, in his shop on Friday before the killing, said Mrs. Cosby (your petitioner‘s wife) said that "Carpenter had the prettiest eyes and teeth, and the nicest man in Mitchellsburg, and had the sweetest cock, and she ought to know, as she had tried it often enough.”

R. C. Mitchell, witness for defense, said Jackson and your petitioner were friendly; that he saw them together every day or so; that they had made friends in his presence about a difficulty they had over some whisky got from a darkey; Jackson said to witness that Mrs. Cosby had what Carpenter wanted, and he was getting it.

D. H. Hill, witness for defense, said he saw Jackson and your petitioner talking before Jackson’s shop; went to doctor shop, and when he came out saw Jackson make at; your petitioner, who was at the edge of the platform. Jackson caught your petitioner and pushed him back into the pike, when the pistol fired; witness was about 30 yards off; could not say where the right hand of your petitioner was before the shooting, as his left side was to witness.

Sam'l Vanderrife, for defense, said he was 13 years old, and was about 60 yards off when the difficulty occurred; saw Jackson have his hands on your petitioner and push him back, and then heard the report of the pistol.

R. H. C. Mitchell was recalled, and said Jackson was a blacksmith, and was fifty or sixty pounds heaver than your petitioner.

This was about all the testimony of a material nature had in the trial. Now your petitioner submits his case to your Honor's consideration. He feels that the sanctity of his household has been cruelly invaded; that his honor has been trampled in the dust; that all that makes life a joy and a pleasure by wicked acts has been attempted to be crushed. His wife is young, and when he took the marriage vow to love, support, protect, and defend her, the obligation was too sacred to be looked at idly, and before heaven he feels that justice and mercy should unite in restoring him to the arms of her whose good name he defended at the peril of his own life. With the fond hope that his appeal may be favorably considered, he will ever pray.

He appends the petition of a sympathetic jury for his pardon; that while they discharged their whole duty as conscientious good citizens, their hearts have prompted them to address the only tribunal under the Constitution and laws that can grant your humble petitioner relief.

The sentence of the court awaits your action.

A. G. Cosby.

Subscribed and sworn to by A. G. Cosby this 10th September, 1878.

D. T. FACKLER, Examiner for Boyle County.

To His Excellency, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

The undersigned, members of the jury which tried the case of Commonwealth against A. G. Cosby, on charge of murder of Frank Jackson, in Boyle Circuit Court, earnestly request your Excellency to pardon said Cosby. The proof in the case showed great provocation on part of said Jackson in the circulation of slanderous reports as to the wife of the defendant; and while under the instructions of the court we felt compelled by our oaths as jurors to find defendant guilty of manslaughter, and fix his punishment at the lowest penalty permitted by the laws, we think it is a case calling for the interference of the Executive, and the exercise of Executive clemency, this 9th September. 1878.

The within is a correct statement of the material facts as developed in the case of the Commonwealth vs. Cosby.

Geo. DENNY, JR, Attorney for Commonwealth.

Sam. F. Maguire, Eugene McGoodwin, W. F. Davis, R. P. McGoodwin, J. M. Spoonamore, F. M. Shumate, Hugh M. Cowherd, Joseph S. Kenny, A. G. Ramey, S. B. Davis, Joseph Maxwell.

HARRODSBURG, KY., September 12, 1878.

To His Excellency, Gov. J. B. McCREARY:

Your petitioners, undersigned, understand that the facts in the case of A. G Cosby, lately sentenced from Boyle to the State Prison for two years, have been laid before your Excellency.

We would most respectfully represent that Mr. Cosby is a citizen of our county, a gentleman of honest, peaceable, and law-abiding character, and we believe only violated the law under the strongest provocation that can assault the nature of a man, viz: an outrageous and unjustifiable attack upon the character of his wife for virtue.

The jury, under the law given, could not but condemn, but we believe that Executive clemency is intended to meet and remove cases of condemnation, which justice in its blind and indiscriminate action cannot reach. We hope your Excellency will so see it and act.

Ben. C. Allin, Clerk Mercer County Court.

Boone Davis, C. D. Thompson, Taylor Terhune, C. M. Dedman, Wm. A. Vandivere, R. T. Latham, W. T. Poteet, J. T. Bohon, M. D., Stanford, J. K. Prather, E V. Ferguson, B. Mills, Lexington, R. A. Pullam, J. L. Neal, A. C. Stagg, Samuel Daviess, G. D. Sign, Robert Forsythe, W. H. Davis, S. R. Vanarsdall, A. Smith McCown, B. F. Poteet, J. H. Finnell, Zed. H. Bryant, T. M. Cardwell, P. J. H., J. N. Shewmaker, Jno. H. Ewing, W. K. Cardwell, W. T. Davis, Jno. S. Harris, John T. Spillman, A. Jones, J. J. McAfee, C. R. Acrans, Robt. D. Brewer, G. M. Forsythe, A. S Adams, Ben. C. Hardin, W. D. James, Deputy Sheriff, J. H. Kirby, G. J. Johnson, John K. Wilson, A. Whiteneck, Larkin Chumley, J. M. Wright, E. W. Haydon, S. T. Smith, Thos. Kyle, M. D., D. M. Thompson, M. D., D. A. McAfee, W. O. Walter, J. S. Hightower, C. Vandavier, J. R. Morgan, Alexander McCrer, John Henry, Jas. Vandivier, B. F. Vanarsdall, W. F. Trimble, Thos. S. Rose, R. O. McDonald, C. P. Springer, George Woods, T. Ransdell, H. A. Woods, Felix M. Owen, J. H. Graves, J. C. Wilson, F. P. James, S. Morgan, R. P. McGrath, Wm. B. Allin, James T. Yates, S. E. Cardwell, L. C. Vandivier, Sam. Farnsworth, E. Magoffin, A. O. Robards, R. B. Gibbs, Geo. W. Robards. Peter Vanarsdall, Wm. Adkinson, L. C. Peter, Washington County, Micheal McCristal, Elijah Hale, A. Terhune, J. H. Adams, John A. Vanarsdall, Jackson Vanarsdall, J. T. Semones, H. C. Smith, N. D. Finnell, P. Cloyd, O. H. Tewney,

HARRODSBURG, Kv., September 14, 1878.

To His Excellency, JAMES B. MCCREARY,

Governor of the Commonwealth:

Your petitioners, undersigned, would most respectfully represent to your Excellency that our fellow-citizen, A. G. Cosby, has been sentenced to a term of two years in the State Penitentiary. We are reliaby in formed that a true statement of the facts as detailed in the evidence has been laid before your Excellency. We take pleasure in testifying to the law-abiding, peaceable, and hard-working character of Mr. Cosby. We believe that the circumstances which compelled him to commit the act

for which the law has condemned him, to be one of those involving the most unsufferable outrage upon the honor and nature of man, viz: an outrage upon the honor and virtuous character of Cosby’s wife, though the cold letter of the law, weighing upon the jury, deprived them of any right to do other than they did. yet we believe the case demands Executive clemency, and hope your Excellency will so see it and act.

Vance Wilson, County Judge., J. M. Graves, Deputy Sheriff Mercer County., Jno. B. T. Daviess, Master Commissioner., Phil. T. Allin, Clerk Mercer County., Richard Board, Clerk Mercer Circuit Court., Bush W. Allin, Deputy Clerk., S. S. McFatridge, Sheriff., J. W. Pulliam, Assessor., J. B. Thompson, H. H. Davis, George Bohon, W. Daviess, L. D. Cardwell, H. C. Bohon, J. B. Williams, Dan. V. Bohon, Smith Hansford, W. J. Bohon, B. T. Yoste, S. P. Debaun, H. McFatridge, W. S. McFatridge, W. A. Owings, William Daviess, H. Plummer, M. D., C. A. Finnell, Dr. M. Tabler., G. N. Davis, J. L. Smedley, Chas. A. Hardin, M. H. Cecil, A. B. Bonta, Isaac Pearson, G. A. Curry. Jno. Charles Thompson, W. H. Morgan, James M. Forsythe, Thomas W. Reed, S. F. Moore, J. W. Moore, James Burke, John M. Tilford, G. R. Yeast, P. A. Vanarsdall, P. W. Hardin, Frank Kirby, John T. Hutchinson, James Tomlinson, H. C. Terhune, J. D. Sweeney, C. S. Vanarsdall, C. D. Vandivier, H. L. McElroy, Dallas Chinn, W. H. Terhune, Thos. McMining, R. K. Graves, C. Gorote, W. J. Hanna,

HARRODSBURG, Ky, October 7, 1878.

To his Excellency, Gov. JAMES B. MCCREARY:

Your petitioners understand that the facts in the case of A. G. Cosby, lately sentenced from Boyle county to the State Prison for two years, have been laid before your Excellency. We would most respectfully represent that Mr. Cosby is a citizen of our county, a gentleman of honest, peaceable, and law-abiding character, and we believe only violated the law under the strongest provocation that can assault the nature of a man, viz: an outrageous and unjustifiable attack upon the character of his wife for virtue.

The jury, under the law given, could not but condemn, but we believe that Executive clemency is intended to meet and remove Cosby of condemnation, which justice, in its blind and indiscriminate action, cannot reach.

We hope your Excellency will so see it, &c.

C. W. Gentry, Surveyor of Mercer county., Elijah E. Reed, J. J. Jenkins, W. H. Benson, T. Brown, W. T. Sanford, W. B. Ransdell, B. F. Parson, D. C Terhune, F. B. Grilley, F. W. Smedley, J. M. Curd, Thos. H. Hardin, James A. Davis, Wm. E. Holsclaw, L. Marsley, D. O. Flaherty, Will. W. Alexander, T. W. Foster, O. N. Vanarsdell, J. W. Wheeler, J. W. Terhune, S. T. Ransdell, David Vanarsdell, James Chambliss, B. T. Ransdell, Dan. Warner, G. S. Taylor, W. H. Cloyd, J. W. Cloyd, P. P. Dedman, J. D. Terhune, Robert Hudson, C. C. Ransdell, A. C. P. Whitenack, E. F. Godfrey, C. S. Abell, G. M. Neff, Garett Daniel, W. F. Robards, W. Robards, L. H. Lancaster.

DANVILLE, KY., October 21, 1878.

To his Excellency, Gov. J. B. McCREARY:

Your petitioners, undersigned, understand that the facts in the case of A. G. Cosby, lately sentenced from Boyle county to the State Prison for two years, have been laid before your Excellency. We would most respectfully represent that Mr. Cosby has been lately a citizen in our county, a gentleman of honest, peaceable, and law-abiding character; and we believe that he only violated the law under the strongest provocation that can assault the nature of a man, viz: an outrageous and unjustifiable attack upon the character of his wife for virtue.

We hope your Excellency will so see it.

Wm. Brewer, C. W. Metcalfe, Peter T. Gentry, H. P. Bosley, D. M. Harber, Teumey, D. S. Gentry, T. D. English, E. P. Faulconer, D. W. Jones, J. W. Rigney, W. Brady, C. C. Huguely, L. Haukla, Ed. McCarty, George Crame, W. B. Evans, A. H. Sneed, Thomas E. Wood, J. M. Withers, W. S. Brewer, G. H. Withers, C. H. McDowell, J. Wesley Durham, R. D. Logan, John A. Huguely, R. P. Jacob, J. T. Huguely, A. E. Logan, Wm. M.'Rue, C. W. Watson, J. N. McFerran, L. R. Wharton, Jo. McDowell, H. C. Murray, J. B. McFerran, J. H. Webb, S. B. McFerran, B. H. Helm, W. O. Robards, George M. Dunn, Charles Vanedriff, James H. Rochester, R. H C. Mitchell, B. J. Durham, Dock Dunlap, Thos. McRoberts, John W. Bailey, Geo. Denton, J. A. Fishburn, J. H. Vanderiffe, D W. Vanderiffe, N. Mullinix, A. Anderson, W. J Ferrell, J. Wigham, C. R. Preuitt, J. J. Ryan, J. G. Bailey, Josh. Jones, Lorena Denton, John A. Wolford, N. A. Johnston, J. H. Hill, W. B. Watson, R. C. Wade, Charles Burchill, T. M. Lewis, W. R. Orear, Alex. Anderson, P., A. S. McGrorty, S. S. Fry, L. S. McMurtry, W. O. W. Smiley, W. O. Goodloe, Attorney., John S. Fackler, R. H. Mugs, J. R. Nichols, G. S. Caldwell, J. S. Shindelbower, Frank J. Cheek, J. Heron, Jno. W. Yerkes, James Taylor, S. V. Rowland, Edward Flaig, Joseph Flaig, J. R. Carrigan, J. S. Gordan, G. Pendygraft, David Westerfold, Jacob Cazott, Austin Cosby, C. E. Bowman, L. H. Durham, R. Saley Gracenes, Chas. E. Kincaid, R. W. Dunlap, W. B. Harlan, M. D., W. D. Smith, H. T. Craig,

To His Excellency, JAS. B. MCCREARY, Governor of the Commonwealth:

Your petitioners, undersigned, are reliably informed that the facts in the case of A. G. Cosby, sentenced to two years in the State Prison, have been laid before your Excellency. He is our fellow-citizen. We take pleasure in testifying to his character for honesty, peaceableness, and good citizenship.

We believe that though the jury, under the instructions, were bound to find the least punishment, yet we consider the outrageous and unjustifiable attack upon the character for virtue of Cosby’s wife the most in sufferable assault upon the very social life and honor of a human being, and think that though law, in its indiscriminate generality, could not temper justice with equity, yet such is the province of Executive clemency, and we hope your Excellency will so see and act.

Jas. T. Wilson, K. C. Smith, M. P. H., W. A. Bronough, R. S. Mullins, W. J. McMinning, Thos. E. Miller, W. S. Taylor, J. P., J. A. Dean, C. B. Vanarsdale, J. J. Vanpleet, Speed Divine, James Orear, Lud. Shackelford, Thos. Freeman, Wm. C. McClure, W. S. McClure, H. L. Wigham, C. C. Rose, W. C. Vandivier, C. C. Vandivier, J. B. Vandivier, I Buckner Hale, James H. Terhune, C. W. Gentry, S. M. C., S. K. Gentry.

STATE OF KENTUCKY, MERCER COUNTY.

We, the undersigned, your Excellency’s most humble petitioners, would represent that we are apprised of the fact that eleven of the jury who tried the case of A. G. Cosby, together with numbers of citizens (the very best) of this and adjoining counties familiar with the aggravated circumstances of the case, and the evidence as detailed in the trial before the jury, have united in a petition for the pardon of said A. G. Cosby, do hereby unite with said jury and former petitioners in stating to your Excellency that we do believe said Cosby's case comes up to the full measure of that state of case which was contemplated by the framers of our Constitution and laws when they invested the Executive with the pardoning power, and we do earnestly pray that your Excellency will so exercise the power so invested in you as our Chief Executive.

VANCE WILSON, Presiding Judge Mercer County Court.

I know Cosby. He is a man. He comes from your locality, and if I was Governor I would pardon him. I have always been your friend, and his pardon would make you more dear to me, because it is right that mercy should season justice. May your own prayers be answered, and the golden rule never fail in its application to one of our best Governors, is the supplication of your petitioner.

NAT. GAITHER.

J. C. Mack, Sheriff Mercer County., Ben. C. Allin, Clerk County Court., J. W. Cardwell, Notary Public., Thos. M. Cardwell, Police Judge Harrodsburg., J. B. Thompson, S. S. McFatridge, W. D. Finnell, Sam. Daviess, J. C. McIntire, John G. Kyle, Richard Board, Clerk, J. M. Owen, Deputy Sheriff, J. M. Graves, Deputy Sheriff, J. M. Board, W. D. James, J. W. Pulliam, Assessor, Bush W. Allin, H. S. McFatridge, J. E. Elmore, H. Plummer, M. D., B. S. Hardin, Thos. C. Bell, A. M. Vanarsdall, . Geo. C. Keller, James T. Wilson, R. W. Gra, Thos. Edwards, John B. T. Daviess, J. Newton Prather, James L. Neal, John T. Spillman, J. H. Finnell, A. C. Stagg, Wm. Daviess, A. S McCann, J. A. Foster, T. W. Foster, . John N. Foster, Samuel Huff.

MADISON COUNTY, KY., November 1, 1878.

To his Excellency Gov. JAMES B. McCREARY:

Your petitioners understand that the facts in the case of A. G. Cosby, lately sentenced from Boyle county to the State Prison for two years, have been laid before your Excellency. We would most respectfully represent that Mr. Cosby was several years ago a citizen of our county, a gentleman of honest, peaceable, and law-abiding character, and we believe only violated the law under the strongest provocation that can assault the nature of a man, viz: an outrageous and unjustifiable attack upon the character of his wife for virtue.

We hope your Excellency will so see it.

John C. Hagan, W. Crutcher, Wm. Willis, , James Shearr, R. M. Hagan, W. Wallace, Ed. Herter, M. L. Duerson, John A. Duerson, Wm. L. Hockaway, T. Curtis. D. W. Pribble, S. L. Huguely, James M. Smith, T. D. Chenault, Alex. Tribble, D. Chenault, Geo. DeJarnett, S. P. Ross. C. M. Taylor, James Cosby, R. P. Hockaday, Wm. Smith Collins, Dr. Michael Faris, John C. Tribble, N. Jones, Anderson Chenault, Dudley Tribble, R. G. Tribble, F. H. Tribble, Jake S. White, Jo. R. Simmons, Jr., C. C. Cloisman, H. J. Bennett, C. D. Chenault, John Hill, Esq.

To His Excellency, James B. MCCREARY, Governor of the Commonwealth:

Your petitioners would most respectfully ask you to extend the benefit of Executive clemency to A. G. Cosby, for the peculiar reasons which appear from the nature of the case, as shown by the evidence which, we understand, has been laid before you.

James Taylor, Justice of the Peace., John R. Elliott, Justice of the Peace Mercer County. J. W. Powell, ex-Member Legislature., F. P. Demaree, Ben. Darland, John L. Powell, W. W. Cloar, John Kane, W. D. Reveler, Jas. S. Sutherland, F. M. McAfee, M. C. Darland, R. B. Forsythe, Minor Vanarsdall, D. B. Vanarsdall, J. C. McIntir, J. S. Burrus, Joseph Morgan, W. G. Massie, A. W. Whitenack.

HARRODSBURG, Ky, Aug. 11, 1879.

To His Excellency, J. B. MCCREARY, Governor of Kentucky:

The undersigned would state that he was one of the attorneys of A. G. Cosby in the examining trial and trials in Lincoln Circuit Court and Boyle Circuit Court. He heard the evidence in each of the cases, and, while under the law he may not have been justified, he was excusable.

The act he did was done in defense of his wife’s honor. I recommend his case to the favorable consideration of your Excellency.

I am, respectfully,

PHIL. B. THOMPSON, SR.

WASHINGTON, D. C., August 17, I879.

HON. JAMES B. MCCREARY, Governor, &c, &c:

SIR: Mr. Al. Cosby, late of this county, is now confined in the Penitentiary on a charge of manslaughter. I am satisfied that it would be right and proper for him to be pardoned. I was told by George Borders, a responsible man, recently, that he was in Mitchellsburg at or about the time the man was killed by Cosby; that he heard the deceased scandalize Cosby's wife in a most disgraceful manner; spoke of her as a whore, &c., &c.; that he told Cosby that this man was talking about his wife, but did not tell him what he said; but told him who would tell him. That Cosby had applied to the other parties named, and shortly afterwards the killing was done. Now, while the law does not justify or excuse a killing under these circumstances, they ought at least to be heard in mitigation by the Executive. I believe he ought to be pardoned, and that an enlightened public sentiment everywhere will justify the defense of the name and fame of a man’s wife, even resulting in death. If such a chivalric sentiment can not be found elsewhere, I know it exists in the Christian neighborhood in which this unfortunate affair occurred.

With high regard, I remain yours truly,

PHIL. B. THOMPSON, JR.

HARRODSBURG, Ky., August 27, 1879.

Gov. JAMES B. MCCREARY:

DEAR SIR: In order to meet the reason you assigned for not acting favorably immediately on the Cosby application for pardon, viz.: that the large number of petitioners were not from the immediate vicinity of the killing, I most earnestly ask your attention to the inclosed letters.

It (the one to your Excellency) is signed by 12 of the best and most influential citizens of Mitchellsburg and the immediate vicinity, the leading men in morals, politics, &c.

The letter is their language and their sentiments. I have neither been there nor had anything to do with the letter. The sentiment every where for the pardon of Cosby is strong and unanimous. I have never seen a man dissent from the opinion that you ought to pardon him. I am reliably informed that there are no names on the remonstrance within four miles of Mitchellsburg, and that the only two near there are Woods and Stephens, enemies of Cosby on account of a cow they bought and failed to pay for. The former got up the remonstrance, and most of it in Washington county, a number of the names signed in the same handwriting.

Judge Durham was in Mitchellsburg while these gentlemen were, signing the inclosed letter, and promised them to write you by to-day's mail. I say to you on the honor of a gentleman that public opinion demands the pardon of Cosby. He is a gentleman; his friends and relatives and associates at home are gentlemen; he was a good citizen until this unfortunate calamity, which he could not avert, befell him. I do hope your Excellency will give close and immediate attention to this case, and, if possible, let him return to his family and his friends.

Yours truly, JNO. CHARLES THOMPSON.

MITCHELLSBURG, August 26, 1879.

MR. JOHN CHARLES THOMPSON:

Inclosed you will find a petition, with a few names of our citizens. If I had time I could have quite a number. I got about thirty names on a previous petition in Mitchellsburg and vicinity. The remonstrance got no names, or very few, here. The two thirds of the citizens were for Cosby. I hope you may succeed. If the Governor knew the facts in the case as I do, he would not hesitate. If there was a case deserved Executive clemency, this is one.

Yours in haste,

JOHN L. BAILY.

MITCHELLSBURG, KY., August 26, 1879.
Gov. MCCREARY:

DEAR SIRS We hope you will excuse us for making one more appeal to you for the pardon of Mr. Cosby. \Ve feel so thoroughly impressed with the belief that he should be released from further punishment is our reason for this, the last appeal we can make to you before the expiration of your term of office.

Mr. Cosby's case is a peculiar one. Although tried and convicted, yet we dare say that there is scarcely an honorable man in Kentucky who would not have done as he did, viz: defend himself when attacked by the traducer of his wife, and even slay him when not in defense.

We will not reason the case, but in view of the fact that he has served nearly one year at hard labor, has cheerfully submitted to all the rules of the Prison, can you not now exercise that clemency which we think he justly merits?

We, his old neighbors and friends, earnestly ask you to pardon him. No worthier act than this could characterize the last days of your splendid administration.

Yours respectfully,

R. H. C. Mitchell, G. S. Caldwell, John L. Baily, J. E. Ryan, H. C. Murray, Charles Burchell, C. W. Watson, John M. Bailey, Jas. H. Rochester, L. R. Wharton, J. H. Webb, B. H. Helm. [12]

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[October 30, 1879] -

(from a list of pardons)

SEPT. 22 [1879] -- A. G. Cosby, Boyle, [convicted in] Sept., 1878; [sentenced to] two years for manslaughter. [Pardoned] On petition of a large number of citizens. [13]

------------------SOURCES--------------------

[1] Excerpt from Column 1. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. July 14, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[2] "Danville." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. July 15, 1876. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from Column 2. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. July 21, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[4] Excerpt from Column 3. The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 15, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[5] Excerpt "Local News." The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 3, 1876. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84038328/1876-11-03/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Local and Personal." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 3, 1876. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

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

[8] 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/

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

[10] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 2, 1877. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[11] Excerpt from Column 3. The Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 20, 1878. Page 3. LOC.

[12] Excerpt from "Petitions for Pardons." List of pardons granted by Governor Luke P. Blackburn, from September 3, 1879 to March 23, 1881. Kentucky Legislative Documents, Volumes 2 and 3. Pages 45-60. Googlebooks.

[13] Excerpt from "Lenient Luke." The Courier Journal, Stanford, KY. October 30, 1879. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

NOTE: Most 1878 issues of the Danville Kentucky Advocate are unavailable online (as of the time this post was made, February 2020).

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Crab Orchard Town Marshal Kills Crab Orchard Police Judge, Lincoln, 1891

2020-02-04T21:27:00.000-05:00

[August 21, 1891] -

THE MARSHAL KILLS THE POLICE JUDGE. -- Crab Orchard is the scene of another killing, and Judge A. M. Egbert is the victim. The circumstances as we gather them from Marshal W. T. Saunders, who shot the fatal shot, and others, are as follows: Nath Woodcock, Jim Gilkerson and others were taking a drink in Lee's saloon, when Nath asked Saunders to join them. While they were drinking Woodcock and Gilkerson got to quarreling, when Woodcock struck Gilkerson. Marshal Saunders interferred and telling Woodcock that he would have to arrest him unless the matter was amicably settled, Woodcock apologized and they were talking it over when Judge Egbert came running in and said he had been disturbed for an hour by the row, which he intended should be stopped right then, at the same time telling the men to consider themselves under arrest, to report at his office next morning. Saunder remarked, "If you are going to assume my duties, I'll go home." What's that you say?" said Egbert. Saunders repeated and added that this was not the first time the judge had usurped his authority. "You are a d--n liar," said the judge, and started towards Saunders, who told him not to follow him. Egbert continued to advance and Saunders drew his pistol and firing sent a ball into the judge's throat at the left, which ranged downward and out at the back. The second shot entered the shoulder.

One of the witnesses say that Judge Egbert did not approach the men in an excited way, but gently told them the noise must cease, that Saunders went out and Egbert following shortly afterwards he heard the shots and ran to find that the judge had been shot.

Judge Egbert was conveyed to his home, where he died in a few minutes. To some one he said he did not know why he was shot. An examination of his person showed that he had no weapon but a small pocket-knife. He was a very excitable and high-tempered man, but withal a clever and courteous one. He leaves a wife and one son, W. C. Egbert, of Bacon & Sons, Louisville, for whom much sympathy is felt.

Saunders made no attempt to get away, and quietly came to Stanford with Deputy Sheriff Dick Newland, who happened to be there. He is now here and his examining trial will likely be held to-day. A bad feeling had existed between the two men for some time, growing out of some business connected with their offices, but they and no one else doubtless had any idea that it would result in so fearful a tragedy.

Saunders had been in bad health for some time and had but recently recovered from a severe illness. This makes the second man he killed, the other when he was quite a young man. Since the first killing he has been quiet and peaceable and had repeatedly been honored with the office of marshal by his townsmen.

LATER. -- In the absence of Judge Varnon, Judge Carson continued the examining trial till next Tuesday and allowed Saunders to return to Crab Orchard under guard. [1]

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[August 21, 1891] -

Andrew Egbert, the Police Judge of Crab Orchard, was shot and killed Wednesday night by William Saunders, the town marshal. The two men became involved in a difficulty because of Egbert's interferring with the marshal in the discharge of his duty. The dead man leaves a family. Saunders is a brother of the late Walter Saunders. [2]

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[August 25, 1891] -

The remains of the late Judge Egbert, whose bloody and untimely taking off was graphically told in your last issue, were interred at the Old Cemetery, Friday, after a few brief consolatory words by the Rev. W. T. B. White. A large concourse, numbering perhaps every man, woman and child in this vicinity, followed the corpse to its last resting place. While he had faults -- and who of us has not? -- Judge Egbert was one of the best, noblest, most highly-esteemed citizens that Crab Orchard has ever boasted. He was as typically Southern as was his illustrious chieftain, Gen. John H. Morgan, under whom he served during the momentous period between '61 and '65. Aristocratic, yet courteous and sociable; generous and impulsive, yet not familiar; brave and heroic, yet kind and gentle, he made friends among all classes, who deeply lament his fate. The sympathy of the community to an extent that has never been shown here before, is felt for the wife and son in this their sorrowful hour. [3]

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[August 25, 1891] -

A BAD CASE. -- From all we could gather from witnesses and others at Crab Orchard, a much worse case will be made out to-day against Marshall Will Saunders for killing Judge A. M. Egbert than was at first supposed. In fact we were told that unless the plea of insanity was made and sustained, and no one ever thought of it before, the marshal will have a hard time getting out of a very bad scrape. That the killing was unnecessary to say the least, seems to be shown by the prisoner's own statement. As usual, however, in such cases the man who saw the dead man put his hand on his hip pocket, will be on hand to testify. There was a good deal of quiet indignation felt by the better class of citizens over the fact that Mr. Saunders was permitted to return home practically without a guard and under no bond, and Friday evening, Sheriff Menefee fearing trouble went up and brought him here, where he lies quite sick with the flux. Those who witnessed the terrible shock which the killing had on Mrs. Egbert say it was most heart-rending. Her screams could be heard half a mile, and they aroused the whole town. Poor woman! She has certainly had more than her share of sorrow. Her first husband was shot in the arm by Reuben Engleman before the war, in front of what is now the Opera House block here, from which he died a horrible death, lockjaw supervening. [4]

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[August 28, 1891] -

Owing to the continued illness of Marshal W. T. Saunders his examining trial for the killing of Police Judge A. M. Egbert, was continued till to-morrow, 29th, at 10 o'clock. Miller & Owsley will defend and R. C. Warren will assist J. B. Paxton in the prosecution. [5]

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[September 1, 1891] -

Gov. Buckner has been petitioned to appoint J. F. Holdam police judge here in place of A. M. Egbert deceased. Mr. Holdam has not yet received his commission, but will doubtless before S. B. Buckner & Co. surrender their baton of authority to John Young Brown and his pompous cavalcade. [6]

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[September 1, 1891] -

Owing to the absence of important witnesses on both sides, the examining trial of W. T. Saunders for the killing of Judge Egbert was continued till 9 a.m. to-day. Hon. F. F. Bobbitt was added to the counsel for the defense and W. B. Hansford will assist the prosecution. [7]

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[September 4, 1891] -

The examining trial of William Saunders for the killing of Judge Egbert at Crab Orchard took place Tuesday. The prosecution proved it a pretty bad case and held Saunders over till Circuit Court in $6,000 bond, which he failed to give. [8]

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[September 4, 1891] -

SAUNDERS HELD.

The Examining Court Does Not Think the Killing of Judge Egbert Justifiable.

And Holds the Prisoner in Heavy Bond.

The Testimony as Presented by Both Sides.

HELD IN $6000. -- Thirteen days after the killing of Judge Egbert, the examining trial of Marshal W. T. Saunders was at last had Tuesday, and resulted in his being held in $6,000 bail, Judge Varnon remarking that if he did not know the prisoner's financial condition he would have placed it at $10,000. Not being able at the time to present bondsmen, Saunders was lodged in jail. It is said that his friends will make the bond in a few days. We believe that if he had been sent to jail in the first place, instead of being permitted to go practically free, it would have been much better for him. There is nothing more exasperating to the friends of the slain man than to see the one who has done the bloody work, allowed his freedom, and nothing so quickly induces sympathy as his immediate incarceration and a show of at least of helplessness and sorrow for the act.

G. W. Lee was the first witness called for the Commonwealth. He is barkeeper for Curtis Gover, whose saloon occupies one side of the entrance to his livery stable at Crab Orchard. On the night of the killing Nath Woodcock, Jim Gilkerson, Mr. Fife, Tom Pettus and the prisoner were in the saloon. The two first named, who were drinking, quarreled and Woodcock slapped Gilkerson's face. Woodcock then went to the rear of the stable, followed by Saunders, who said something witness did not understand. They soon came back together and Saunders said Woodcock ought to apologize. Gilkerson refused to accept an apology and talked in a loud and angry tone. At this juncture Judge Egbert came in and said: "Gentlemen, this noise must be stopped. I have been disturbed by it for an hour. You can consider yourselves under arrest and report at 9 o'clock to-morrow." Saunders, who was standing near, remarked: "If you are going to run this business I'll go home." Egbert asked him what he said and he repeated, adding, "this is not the first time you have tried to interfere in my duties." Egbert responded: "You are a d--n liar," and Saunders replied, "If you come out I'll shoot you." All the parties were in the driveway of the stable. Saunders started out and Egbert following said, "Saunders, you are a d--n fool; you don't want to hurt me." Both men had turned up the street to the left, when Saunders fired two shots in quick succession, one entering Egbert's throat on the left and ranging down came out at his back, the other entered his left shoulder. The men were about three steps apart. Egbert had up his right hand gesticulating at the time he was shot, the left hung at his side. After he was shot he walked back in drive way and said "Send for doctor." He then began to gurgle and throw up blood. Starting home he faltered and said, "If I have any friends come to me now, he has killed me." Everybody had gotten out of sight except witness, who went to him, when he said, "I don't see why he shot me, I did nothing." I helped to undress him and found no weapon on his person but a very small pen knife. Egbert was not excited when he came in. Did not hear Saunders tell the men he was marshal.

Tom Pettus: Was sitting on bench in drive way. Woodcock and Gilkerson were talking loud when Judge Egbert came in. Told them the noise had to be stopped and to consider themselves under arrest. Saunders said, If you are going to run this I'll quit, and added, this isn't the first time you have tried it. Egbert called him a d--n liar and Saunders said, if you will come out here I'll shoot you. Egbert said, you are a d--n fool and followed. Two shots were fired, but I didn't see them. Afterwards told Saunders he had shot Egbert and he said I don't care a dog gone if I have.

J. B. Gilkerson: Several of us were at Curtis's bar taking a drink when Nath Woodcock became excited and slapped my face. Some loud talking followed. Andy Egbert came in and said this must be stopped and I warn you to appear before me in the morning. Saunders said if you are going to run this thing I'll quit. Didn't hear what Egbert said, heard shots, but did not see them. Woodcock and myself took three drinks. I was not a competent judge of Woodcock's condition. Egbert spoke in loud tones when he told us to keep quiet. He was excited, but his manners were not offensive.

Walker Edmiston saw the shots fired, but heard no talk. He ran back in stable; saw several men hiding in stalls and got in one himself.

Dave Payne: Saw Egbert 15 minutes after he was shot. He had no weapons on his person. Helped to dress him.

Dr. Pettus: Saw Egbert before he died. Fatal wound in neck. Saw no weapons on his person. Heard Egbert make no statement. Had heard Saunders complain of Egbert as trying to usurp his authority. Said Egbert had taken up two or three men and fined them and knocked him out of his fees. Said it in quiet manner, however. I have stated that I feared trouble between the two, as each had complained of the other in my presence. Egbert was an excitable man and very plain spoken when drinking. Don't know whether he was drinking at the time of killing. Saunders is a feeble man, nervous temperament, has suffered from enlarged liver and has bad indications of paralysis, also heart trouble. Egbert was active man and too much for Saunders.

Mrs. Egbert: Was home night of the shooting. Heard the noise at the stable. We could not sleep and the fuss continued for an hour before my husband went over to see what the trouble was. My husband was not drinking and had not been for some time.

J. R. Bailey: Never heard Saunders complain of Egbert, but did hear him say he (Egbert) had given writs to others to serve when they should have been given to him, which cut him out of the fees. Never knew that ill feeling existed. Egbert clerked for me 6 or 7 months. Have heard of his being quarrelsome when drinking. Never heard of his carrying a pistol. He did buy one from me when he clerked, which was several years ago, but when he quit he sold it back to me.

I. A. Stephenson: Heard Saunders say Egbert did not like him about three months ago. I am a distant relative of Egbert.

The prosecution here announced its close in chief and the defense introduced the prisoner, who stated: Have been marshal of Crab Orchard 10 or 12 years, Egbert police judge about two years. I was sick from February to June with something like paralysis, also suffered with heart, liver and spinal troubles. Weight when in health 175 to 180 pounds, now 143. After supper on the night of shooting I went down town and after going in several stores stopped at Gover's livery stable. Woodcock and Gilkerson with two or three others were there. I began to talk to Woodcock, who invited me and the crowd to drink. I took bitters. Woodcock spoke of Gilkerson being a friend. I then went out. Woodcock and Gilkerson followed. We talked about the war and G. laughed and told W. you were never in the war. Gilkerson made fun of Woodcock and he struck him. I told W. I was marshal and he musn't do that. I insisted on his begging Gilkerson's pardon. He did and Gilkerson accepted. About that time Egbert came in and going around me said, "What in the h--l is the matter? I have been kept awake for an hour. Consider yourselves under arrest and report at 9 o'clock to-morrow." I said, excuse me gentlemen. Egbert came to take charge. Egbert said, you are a d--n liar. I said, you have tried to take my duties before. He called me a God d--n liar and a God d--n fool. I started out and he followed me. It was dark, but I could see that he had his left hand up and the other on or in his hip pocket. I was not physically able to cope with him, so I shot. Afterwards I asked Gilkerson about Egbert and Tom Pettus answered that he was shot in the arm. I then went towards home. I had Woodcock in charge when Egbert came in. Had seen Egbert that morning when I went to return some papers that he had asked for Monday. Went up stairs and found him with bottle in hand. He asked me to drink saying, you aren't used to such as this. I didn't drink as I was out of breath from walking up steps and feared it would strangle me. He asked me about some papers. I did not understand what to do with him and had asked chairman of trustees and he said hold them up. Egbert said, by God somebody's got to pay for them. When I shot him I believed he was going to assault me and I was not in physical condition to defend myself. Am unable to do anything that requires physical strength. I asked Egbert not to follow me and did not say I would shoot if he did. Have known Egbert for years and regarded him as a fearless, high tempered man, insulting when drinking. Knew that he carried weapons and considered him a dangerous man. He was generally so considered. Didn't know anybody was in bar-room when I went in, but Gilkerson and Woodcock began to talk rather loudly. As soon as Egbert came in I went out. Don't remember to have said I didn't like Egbert and he did not like me.

Curtis Gover: Was in C. O. [Crab Orchard] and saw part of the trouble. I live about 50 feet form the entrance of stable. Saw Egbert coming out front gate. He said, gentlemen, I have heard enough of this. Saunders said, by God if you are going to run this I will go home. Egbert said, you are a d--n fool. Saunders stepped several steps back and fired two shots. Before this Saunders said if you don't go away I will either shoot or hit you. Don't recall which. Couldn't see attitude of Egbert's hands. Saunders came out first and Egbert followed. Two shots fired close together. Saw Egbert when S. shot close together. Known Saunders four years and known Egbert several years. Think Egbert an irritable man, drank at times. Saw him under influence many times. More irritable when drinking. Heard he was the [?] man in C. O. I considered him a dangerous man. Don't know that he was drinking day of killing.

Nath Woodcock: Was in C. O. at Gover's stable. In social conversation Gilkerson gave me the like. I struck him. Saunders told me that he would have to arrest me. I told him about going to Lancaster to testify next day and to arrest would keep me away. I apologized to Gilkerson and we compromised. Egbert came over and said he wanted racket stopped. He told me to appear at his office. Saunders remarked, if you are going to runt his thing I'll leave. Egbert said, yes I'm going to run it and ain't afraid of you. Saunders went out and Egbert followed. I then went back in the stable office. In a few seconds the shots were fired. I was in the office with Lee, but could not see the shooting. I had Lee by the arm and remarked this is a terrible thing. I was drinking, but not drunk. That day I had drank blackberry cordial mostly. I did not see Walter Edmiston. Lee was in the room and I had hold of his arm. We were not talking unusually loud. Gilkerson said if I said I was in the war I was a d--n liar. Didn't think we were disturbing any one.

Dr. Carpenter: Knew Saunders; visited him last spring--in May. In bed and did not recognize me; I examined him, finally recognized me. Mind was wandering; thought he wasn't at home. He had brain trouble, enlarged liver, paralysis of nerves of side and heart trouble. Saw him again when he was better, but weak; frail man now, poverty of blood, prostration, heart disease. Judge Egbert was rather active and strong. Saunders was not able to cope with Egbert.

This closed the testimony for defense.

Lee was called in rebuttal. He said, Woodcock did not have hold of me. I was in the door. Egbert had right hand up, talking. Tom Pettus, recalled, said, Woodcock was in driveway when shooting took place and then ran back to stall 2.

The above is as fair and impartial a presentation of the testimony as is possible for us to give in long hand. We do not wish to prejudice the case in any particular, and only desire that justice alone shall be meted out to the prisoner. The public can judge for itself whether or not Saunders was justifiable in resorting to the fearful extremity of killing a fellow being.

Only two speeches were made, W. H. Miller, for the defense, and J. B. Paxton, for the prosecution, after which the case was submitted with the result as given above. [9]

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[September 15, 1891] -

Marshal Saunders has not given bail yet, but his friends claim that he will be able to do so in a day or two. [10]

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[September 22, 1891] -

It is said the friends of Marshal W. T. Saunders will make his $6,000 bond to-day and take him out of jail. [11]

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[September 29, 1891] -

The governor has appointed J. H. Stephens police judge at Crab Orchard, to fill the vacancy caused by the killing of Judge Egbert. [12]

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[October 13, 1891] -

The grand jury will doubtless add to the above the case of Marshal W. T. Saunders for killing Judge Egbert, but it is not probable that it will be tried this court. [13]

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[October 23, 1891] -

Marshal W. T. Saunders, who killed Judge Egbert, was indicted for murder and his trial set for next Tuesday, the 8th day. [14]

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[October 23, 1891] -

Wm. Saunders, ex-Marshal of Crab Orchard, who shot and killed City Judge A. M. Egbert, of the same place, was indicted for murder by the grand jury now in session at Stanford, and his trial set for next Tuesday. [15]

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[October 27, 1891] -

Will Saunders, whose trial for murder is set for to-day, gave notice that he would make application for a reduction of bail, so it is pretty certain the trial will not occur this court. [16]

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[October 30, 1891] -

Everybody in town is interested in some way in the Saunders and Egbert case and all are anxious to know what will be the fate of Saunders. [17]

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[October 30, 1891] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The grand jury adjourned Tuesday, after being in session seven days and returning 29 indictments. With the exception of Saunders for murder, Martin Brown, Henry and Joe Norton for burning a residence belonging to W. C. Lewis and two others for malicious wounding, the indictments were all for minor offenses, mostly for carrying concealed weapons. The jury cost the State $168, about $100 less than last term. Cicero Singleton, who shot Dutch Gooch, executed his reduced bail bond of $500 and was released. George Welch, for shooting Henry Ross, another negro, was acquitted, the jury believing that, notwithstanding Ross was, according to Dr. Estes, the worst shot man he ever saw to get well, he deserved what he got.

Contrary to predictions, the counsel for Marshal W. T. Saunders announced "ready" when his case for the murder of Judge A. M. Egbert was called Tuesday. The effort to secure a jury was at once begun and but two could be obtained out of the regular panel and by-standers. The sheriff was ordered to summon 40 men to appear Wednesday and these were mostly brought from the West End. Nearly all of them had formed an expressed an opinion and were excused. Another batch was brought in from Lillard's sale and other points and by the end of the second day nine men, to whom neither side made objection, had been secured. Twenty more were ordered summoned to appear yesterday morning. Saunders is apparently in a wretched physical condition. His eyes and face are a bright yellow from the jaundice, he is afflicted with boils and otherwise in bad shape. No one can look at him, and not feel a sympathy and his counsel were wise in trying the case now. He has nothing to lose, at any rate, since he was in jail unable to give the $6,000 bail fixed by the county judge. The Commonwealth is assisted by Messrs. R. C. Warren, J. B. Paxton and W. B. Hansford, while Saunders has entrusted his case to Miller & Owsley, Col. W. O. Bradley, Font F. Bobbitt and J. Mort Rothwell.

The remaining three were secured by 10 o'clock yesterday and the jury complete is as follows: Tilford Messer, J. P. McDougald, Henry Parker, Eugene Kelley, W. A. Coffey, Wm. Aiken, John Phillips, J. F. Walls, Wm. Burk, G. A. Peyton, T. W. Hutchinson, W. H. Vanhook.

The examination of witnesses began about 11 a.m. and the Commonwealth was expected to close in chief last evening. The testimony for the defense and the speaking will occupy all of to-day and a verdict is not looked for till tomorrow, if, peradventure, one will be found. Both the widow of the murdered man and the wife of his slayer, together with a number of other ladies, occupy seats within the bar and the building is kept pretty well filled with people. The testimony is about the same as adduced at the examining trial, which we published in full. [18]

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[November 3, 1891] -

The trial of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert, after occupying the court from Tuesday till 10:30 Saturday, was given to the jury at that hour, which wrestled with it till 5 that evening and reported that it could not agree. Judge Morrow, who make sit a rule to hold the jury in plain cases as long as possible, turned it over to the sheriff with orders for him to report with it at 9 o'clock yesterday.

The testimony as adduced, while not quite so strong as at the examining trial, was still of such a nature as to leave little room for doubt and it seems as if a verdict should have been easily arrived at. With three or four exceptions the members of the jury were not up to the average of Lincoln county juries and their brains were perhaps set in a whirl by the conflicting statements and arguments of the counsel. Speaking of the case a lawyer who sat through it all remarked that it had been badly managed and badly argued on the part of the Commonwealth, which failed to cope with the pugnacious Miller, the eloquent Bradley and the sky scraping Bobbitt.

Finding that there was no chance for the jury to agree, Judge Morrow discharged it yesterday evening. It is understood that six were for acquittal and 6 for manslaughter. Counsel will at once apply for bail, which under the circumstances the judge will probably lower from the former sum.

Judge Morrow says that it looks now like court will last till the last hour Saturday, when he will ahve to leave by the noon train to reach his Wayne appointment. [19]

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[November 6, 1891] -

The bail of W. T. Saunders has been reduced to $2,000, but he has not given it yet, though his friends claim he can easily do so. One of the jury who tried the case, tells us that on the first ballot six were for acquittal, one for the highest penalty for murder, three for 10 years, one for four and one for two years, but all of the six for conviction agreed to two years provided the six for acquittal would unite on that punishment. [20]

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[November 10, 1891] -

The circuit court after a full term of 18 judicial days, did not adjourn till 11 p.m. Saturday. Though there were no unusually important cases, save the Saunders case, and no convictions to the penitentiary and but one to the county jail, a great deal of work was done, especially in civil business. [21]

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[November 10, 1891] -

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[November 13, 1891] -

Owing to the misplacing of the copy, the fact that W. T. Saunders gave the $2,000 bail was not stated in the last issue. Messrs. C. M. Jones, R. L. Salter and W. R. Dillion are his sureties. [23]

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[November 24, 1891] -

The G. A. R. met here Friday and erected tomb stones to the following: J. F. Carson, Geo. Dollins, Theodore Egbert and Lieut. Abner H. Hoairn. J. F. Carson belonged to the 3d Ky. Inf. Co. F., was a son of Judge J. E. Carson and was quite well known in this vicinity. Geo. Dollins was a son of James Dollins. Theodore Egbert was a son of Dr. Egbert and a brother to the late Judge A. M. Egbert. He belonged to the 19th Ky. Inf. Co. F. As a soldier, a braver [man] never faced the smoke of battle. His untimely death was lamented by all. Lieut. Abner F. Hoairn came to this place some time previous to the war from Lynchburg, Va. He was one of the kindest hearted men that ever lived, always first at the bedside of the sick and last at the grave. When our town was scourged with cholera in the year 1872 he stood bravely by the sick, which required more true courage than facing leaden ball. Long will he be remembered by the people of Crab Orchard. [24]

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[March 25, 1892] -

LINCOLN CIRCUIT COURT. -- A special from Stanford says: "Circuit Court begins here next Monday with forty-seven Commonwealth cases on the docket, two of which are for murder. The case of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert, of Crab Orchard, is set for the first day. Saunders has lived in Louisville since his release from jail, after the jury failed to agree. [25]

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[April 1, 1892] -

W. T. Saunders, for the murder of Judge Egbert, was fixed for the 9th day, next Wednesday. [26]

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[April 8, 1892] -

The second trial of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert was set for to-day, and the sheriff ordered to summon 100 men from the county to be examined for jurors. This seems to be a waste for time and labor, since it is almost certain that there is scarcely a dozen intelligent men in the county who have not made themselves incompetent to try the case. [27]

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[April 12, 1892] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- Not being able to secure a jury in the Saunders case Friday, from the men summoned in this [Lincoln] county, Judge Morrow ordered the sheriff to have 60 from Garrard here by 9 a.m. Saturday.

Out of the 60 men summoned from Garrard, the rest of the jury to try W. T. Saunders, for the murder of Judge Egbert, was secured by 11 a.m. Saturday, and the trial began afternoon. The jurors are as follows: J. J. McKinney, Milford Hall, J. H. Wheeler, J. C. Peeples, Reuben Naylor, James Underwood, M. E. Eason, G. W. Myers, Nick Perkins, J. C. Bryant, George Lawson and B. F. Jennings. The first four are from this [Lincoln] county and the others from Garrard. The prosecution is assisted by R. C. Warren and W. B. Hansford, while Messrs. W. O. Bradley, Miller and Owsley. J. Mort Rothwell and F. F. Bobbitt represent the accused.

Mrs. A. M. Egbert, Mrs. W. M. Higgins and Mrs. W. T. Stephenson sit with the prosecution all the time. Mr. W. C. Egbert, son of the murdered man, is also present. Mrs. Saunders is not here but a number of other ladies sit on that side. Mr. Saunders is in a much better physical condition than before and his appearance does not create the sympathy that it did when he last stood trial for his life.

It took until 10:30 yesterday for the prosecution to finish in chief, when Mr. Saunders was put upon the stand and detained the occurrence about as he did before and which with the other testimony we published at the time.

The testimony was all in by 4:30 yesterday evening and the instructions given to the jury. Court was to hold at night and listen to the arguments. Eight speeches will be made and the case will not get to the jury before noon to-day.

Prosecuting Attorneys Wm. Herndon and J. B. Paxton say the case for the Commonwealth has been considerably strengthened this time, but the consensus of opinion expressed by the attorneys for the defense is that it is about the same case as made out before, possibly better for their client. [28]

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[April 15, 1892] -

CIRCUIT COURT. -- The case of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert, was not submitted to the jury till 2 p.m. Tuesday, after speeches, more or less able and convincing, had been made for the prosecution by W. B. Hansford, Paxton, Warren and Herndon, and for the defense by Bobbitt, J. Mort Rothwell, Bradley, Miller and John Sam Owsley, Jr. The speech of Mr. Hansford was not near so bitter as before. He confined himself to the record this time and while pretty severe was not unreasonably so. Mr. Rothwell evidently thought he would make about the same speech as at the September court and prepared himself to answer it, but he failed to fit in many instances. He ridiculed Hansford ad libitum and to some extent ad nauseam, without disconcerting the young man to a great degree or especially helping his cause. The court-room was filled for the most of time during the argument, quite a number of ladies adding their presence.

After wrestling with the issue till noon yesterday, the jury finally reported that there was no chance for them to agree and Judge Morrow discharged them. It was then found that they stood six for 21 years, two for 15, one for 10, one for six, one for two and one for nothing. That one was Reuben Nailor, who distinguished himself the first day of the trial by getting drunk and while sitting in the jury-box, making a loon of himself. This makes an average of about 14 years, though the others would have come to a verdict for the lightest term, but Mr. Nailor would hear to nothing but acquittal. This is the second trial of this costly case, the jury standing before six for acquittal and six for manslaughter.

A NICE JUROR. -- After five of the witnesses had testified old man Nailor, who hung the jury, remarked, when Judge Morrow told them not to talk about the case until it was finished, "I ain't heard anything to talk about yet." He was probably in too much of a stupor from the effects of his over supply of whisky to understand what was going on. A nice juror, to be sure. [29]

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[April 15, 1892] -

Mr. Sanders was granted bail again in the same sum, $2,000, and his former sureties signed the bond. Mr. B. G. Alford tells us that the jury fees in this case alone were $350. Judge Morrow discharged the standing juries Wednesday and will finally adjourn to-day in time to leave on the noon train for Somerset, where his next court convenes Monday. [ibid (29)]

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[April 19, 1892] -

The trustee of the jury fund, Mr. B. G. Alford, tells us that the cost of jurors at the late term of the circuit court was $870, and that it would not have greatly exceeded $500, but for sending to Garrard for the Saunders jury and the reconvening of the grand jury. [30]

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[May 24, 1892] -

ROW AT LANCASTER. -- Reuben Nailor, the drunken juror, who made an ass of himself while on the Saunders jury, which he hung and to which this paper referred to in moderate terms, attacked our business manager, Mr. E. C. Walton, at Lancaster yesterday. He was drunk, and Mr. Walton tried to avoid him, but he grew more insulting and when he rushed at him Mr. Walton promptly knocked him down. Nailor then got out a knife, but friends interferred and further trouble was averted. Marshal Hamilton, in arresting Mr. Walton, made use of some unbecoming words, but as he apologized afterwards, we will let him off on account of former friendship. Mr. Nailor is a relative of his wife. In this connection we wish it distinctly understood that the editor is alone responsible for what appears in this paper. He tries always to state facts and is willing to correct mistakes. Those aggrieved can usually find him at his office and the man who attacks his business manager for any utterance is both a fool and a coward, who will generally get the worst of it. [31]

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[October 14, 1892] -

IN SORRY BUSINESS.

Special to THE LEADER.

LOUISVILLE, Oct. 14. -- The police are looking for Curtis Egbert, a young man heretofore employed at J. Bacon & Sons. He slept at the store, and during the night attempted to blow the safe, but failed.

He was found missing when the store was opened this morning. He is the only son of the late Judge Egbert, who was killed at Crab Orchard last August by William Saunders. [32]

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[October 14, 1892] -

Commonwealth's Docket.

Below is the entire commonwealth's docket for the circuit court, which begins Monday. It is the shortest for 30 years. They are all for minor offenses except the case against W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert. [33]

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[October 18, 1892] -

It is not likely the trial of Ex-Marshal W. T. Saunders, for the murder of Judge Egbert, will occur this court. Col. W. O. Bradley, one of his lawyers, is in New York, and the case having occupied much of the time of the last two courts, may have to give away this time. [34]

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[October 21, 1892] -

On account of the absence of Col. W. O. Bradley and the illness of Hon. W. H. Miller, the case of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert was continued for the defense. [35]

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[March 2, 1893] -

The case of W. T. Saunders for the killing of Judge Egbert is likely to be tried again this court, and as Commonwealth's Attorney John Sam Owsley Jr. is of counsel for the defense, the court will have to appoint a special prosecutor. -- Interior Journal. [36]

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[March 3, 1893] -

The case of W. T. Saunders for the murder of Judge Egbert at Crab Orchard, was called Tuesday afternoon, and both sides announcing ready, an effort to get a jury began. Judge Saufley appointed P. M. McRoberts, Esq., Commonwealth's attorney pro tem, swing to the fact that Mr. J. S. Owsley, Jr., was of counsel for the defense. The petit jurors were examined and all the bystanders as to their qualifications for jurors in the case, and but little headway being made, the sheriff was ordered to summon 75 men from parts of the county remote from Crab Orchard. Out of these the jury was easily obtained and by noon the panel was completed, as follows: Wm. Burton, J. B. Myers, Milford Cox, W. R. Meeks, C. C. Snow, C. Brown, W. H. Dobbins, W. M. Smith, Sam M. Spoonamore, J. W. Bailey, B. G. Lane, and G. H. Hughes. The commonwealth rested in chief at 4 o'clock, when court adjourned till yesterday at 9 A. M., when Mr. Saunders was put upon the stand. His testimony was about the same as given in previous issues of this paper. In fact, there is no material difference in the case as presented this term over the two other trials of it, in which there were hung juries.

The interest in the case seems to have died entirely out, but few people being present to hear the testimony or the arguments. The defense concluded its proof at 11 yesterday and the speeches began. Each side was given 2 1/2 hours and speeches for the prosecution were made by Messrs. Hansford Warren and McRoberts and for the defense by Owsley, Miller and Bradley and at 5 o'clock the case was given to the jury.

After a half an hour's consideration the jury returned a verdict for two years in the penitentiary.

Judge Saufley is gratifying his friends and disappointing his enemies in the excellent manner in which he conducts his court. He is quick and ready to his decisions and his dispatch of business is remarkable. An order, which prohibits all persons but lawyers, litigants, jurors and officers from occupying the rostrum, prevents confusion and gives the courtroom an air of dignity not otherwise obtainable. [37]

---

[March 7, 1893] -

Sixteen men from the Waynesburg neighborhood who failed to respond to the summons to come here [Stanford] and be examined for jurors in the Saunders case were before the judge on rules yesterday when the following were fined $1 and costs, each: C. A. Fox, W. D. Dye, G. W. Leach, S. T. Blankenship, G. L. Murphy. These caught it for $10 and costs: C. C. Leach, D. W. Caldwell, W. H. Padgett, C. F. Shoffstall, C. F. Baker, J. B. Walls, M. D. Walls and W. C. Alford. G. W. Padgett was fined $5 and W. H. Clore, Ed Murphy and W. H. Padgett were excused. All sorts of reasons were given but none were accepted as excuses but sickness of the man or his family.

W. T. Saunders, who was given two years for the murder of Judge Egbert, decided not to apply for a new trial or take an appeal. An effort will be made to secure a pardon, and if it fail, he will serve his term, which is generally considered very light. [38]

--------------SOURCES--------------------

[1] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 21, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-08-21/ed-1/seq-3/

[2] Excerpt from "Our State." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 21, 1891. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from "Crab Orchard." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 25, 1891. Page 1. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-08-25/ed-1/seq-1/

[4] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 25, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-08-25/ed-1/seq-3/

[5] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. August 28, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-08-28/ed-1/seq-3/

[6] Excerpt from "Crab Orchard." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 1, 1891. Page 1. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-09-01/ed-1/seq-1/

[7] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 1, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-09-01/ed-1/seq-3/

[8] Excerpt from "Our State." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 4, 1891. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[9] "Saunders Held." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 4, 1891. Page 1. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-09-04/ed-1/seq-1/

[10] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. September 15, 1891. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[11] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 22, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-09-22/ed-1/seq-3/

[12] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. September 29, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-09-29/ed-1/seq-3/

[13] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 13, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-10-13/ed-1/seq-3/

[14] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 23, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-10-23/ed-1/seq-3/

[15] Excerpt from "Danville and Vicinity." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. October 23, 1891. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[16] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 27, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-10-27/ed-1/seq-3/

[17] Excerpt from "Crab Orchard." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 30, 1891. Page 1. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-10-30/ed-1/seq-1/

[18] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 30, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-10-30/ed-1/seq-3/

[19] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 3, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-11-03/ed-1/seq-3/

[20] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 6, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-11-06/ed-1/seq-3/

[21] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 10, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-11-10/ed-1/seq-3/

[22] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 10, 1891. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[23] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 13, 1891. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-11-13/ed-1/seq-5/

[24] Excerpt from "Crab Orchard." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 24, 1891. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1891-11-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[25] Excerpt from "Danville and Vicinity." Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 25, 1892. Page 5. Newspapers.com.

[26] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 1, 1892. Page 7. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-01/ed-1/seq-7/

[27] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 8, 1892. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-08/ed-1/seq-5/

[28] Excerpts from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 12, 1892. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-12/ed-1/seq-3/

[29] Excerpt from "City and Vicinity." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 15, 1892. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-15/ed-1/seq-5/

[30] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. April 19, 1892. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-04-19/ed-1/seq-3/

[31] Excerpt from Column 3. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. May 24, 1892. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-05-24/ed-1/seq-3/

[32] "In Sorry Business." The Daily Leader, Lexington, KY. October 14, 1892. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[33] Excerpt from "Commonwealth's Docket." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 14, 1892. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-10-14/ed-1/seq-5/

[34] Excerpt from Column 2. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 18, 1892. Page 3. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-10-18/ed-1/seq-3/

[35] Excerpt from Column 4. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. October 21, 1892. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1892-10-21/ed-1/seq-5/

[36] Excerpt from "Current Topics." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. March 2, 1893. Newspapers.com.

[37] Excerpt from "Saunders Gets Two Years for the Murder of Egbert." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 3, 1893. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-03-03/ed-1/seq-5/

[38] Excerpt from Column 3. Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. March 7, 1893. Page 5. LOC. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1893-03-07/ed-1/seq-5/

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

2018-09-20T22:41:00.001-04:00

Previously:

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

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[June 22, 1880] -

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

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

---

[October 31, 1886] -

TWO HORRIBLE MURDERS.

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

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

(Special to the Courier Journal.)

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

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

SEVERED FROM THE BODY.

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

PREWITT'S CONFESSION.

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

JELLY OUT OF HER HEAD

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

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

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

VILLAINOUS LOOKING MOUNTAINEERS,

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

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

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

---

[November 2, 1886] -

Saturday, October 30th.

Jarvis Buck and his sister were murdered near Monticello, Ky. Three men, who have confessed the crime, are under arrest. [3]

---

[November 2, 1886] -

Gran Prewitt murdered Jarvis Buck and a sister, in Wayne county, to rob them of $60. He was captured, along with his accomplices, Jim Jones and Bill Simpson, and subsequently confessed. Strong talk of lynching is being indulged in by the excited people of the section. [4]

---

[November 5, 1886] -

Further Particulars of the Murder of Jarvis Buck and Sister in Wayne.

(To the Editor of the Interior Journal.)

MONTICELLO, Nov. 2, 1886. These are some of the facts as to the villainous murder committed near Mt. Salem post office on the Little South Fork, in this county, last Tuesday night: Jarvis Buck, a bachelor, 30 years old, and his sister, 35 years of age, living with him, had their throat cut from ear to ear by one Granville Prewitt, aged 24 years. Prewitt has confessed his crime, and say he was sent by a moonshine distiller to sell some whisky, got drunk and killed them. He first said that William Jones, 25 years old, planned the murder, the object being to secure $150 that they supposed Buck to possess. He also stated that Jones promised him a sow and seven pigs and some of the money to do the killing. He said that Jones told him that one James Simpson would go with them. Simpson is 20 years old. All the parties are married. Simpson married Jones' sister. He is cousin to Wolford Slagle, who was hung at Somerset for killing three men a few years ago. Jones is a bastard and is the hardest looking of the party. If there is a spark of honesty in the whole party, Simpson has it. Prewitt is a stepson of Wes Lawrence, a bastard son of Lizzie Lawrence, who was drowned in the South Fork about 20 years ago, when returning from this place one night with one Kennedy. Buck was induced to leave the house with the promise of whisky, and was then killed. The women was killed in the house in the presence of her nine year-old bastard son, who saved himself by flight. He was the only eye witness. Prewitt said Jones was to kill the boy. Prewitt now denies that Jones or Simpson know anything about the killing. The trial was set for today, but was continued till Wednesday to allow Jones and Simpson to get some witnesses here. Jones and Simpson will likely be sworn out. B. J. [5]

---

[November 5, 1886] -

WAYNE. -- News of a horrible crime comes from the neighborhood of Monticello, where a brother and sister were brutally murdered. Grant Prewitt went to the house where Jarvis Buck, his sister and her little son lived. After supper on Tuesday night last he enticed Buck into the mountains where he and two men named Jim Jones and Bill Simpson killed Buck, whose head was almost severed from his lacerated body. Prewitt and Jones then went to the house, and seizing the woman, cut her throat from ear to ear and crushed the skull with a washboard. The boy escaped and gave the alarm. A posse pursued and caught Prewitt, who confessed the crime and said he had been hired to do the murder by Jones. Buck had sold a horse and the object was robbery. [6]

---

[November 9, 1886] -

Gran Prewitt was held without bail for the murder of Jarvis Buck and sister in Wayne, and Jones and Simpson were discharged. [7]

---

[November 19, 1886] -

The trial of Granville Prewitt for the murder of James and Ellen Buck is set for the 4th day of the term of this [Wayne county] court. It is thought that Prewitt's attorneys will argue for life in the penitentiary, as Prewitt has confessed that he did the killing. The universal opinion is that he should hang. [8]

---

[November 23, 1886] -

TO HANG. -- Mr. R. C. Warren returned from Monticello yesterday and from him we learn that, Granville Prewitt, the man who murdered James and Ellen Buck for their money a few weeks ago in Wayne county, the brutal circumstances of which we gave at the time, was found guilty of the murder of Miss Buck, the Commonwealth electing to try him for killing of her first. He put in a plea of not guilty at the start, but afterwards confessed his guilt and threw himself upon the mercy of the jury. He claimed that the act was committed while he was drunk and that he did not realize what he had done till several hours later and knew no object that he had in the deed. His attorney, Messrs. M. C. Saufley, O. H. Waddle and Lem Parker pleaded hard for a life sentence, instead of capital punishment, but the jury very properly brought in a verdict of death, and Judge Morrow sentenced him to be hung January 12. Mr. Warren was emplo[y]ed by the citizens to assist in the prosecution and he tells us that the verdict gives entire satisfaction. Prewitt evinced no emotion whatever on the verdict being read, neither did his wife, who was present with a young child. His first wife, from whom he was divorced, was also present. There was one other conviction, Tom Wells for forgery, who got 2 1/2 years in the penitentiary. The court adjourned yesterday. [9]

---

[November 26, 1886] -

WAYNE. -- The particulars of the horrible murder of James and Ellen Buck, in Wayne, have been published. It is gratifying to know that the perpetrator of the horrible deed, Granville Prewitt, has just been convicted at the recent term of the Circuit Court, and was sentenced to be hung on the 12th of January. The brutal wretch attempted to palliate the crime by the plea of drunkenness, but it did not avail. [10]

---

[November 26, 1886] -

From Commonwealth Attorney Herndon we learn that Granville Prewitt was found guilty of the murder of Ellen Buck in the Wayne Circuit Court, Friday, and was sentenced to be hung January 12. [11]

---

[January 13, 1887] -

EXPIATED.

Gran Prewitt Hanged at Monticello, Wayne County, for a Brutal Double Murder.

Scenes in the Town and About the Scaffold -- The Crime Confessed and Penalty Paid.

(Special to the Courier-Journal.)

MONTICELLO, VIA SOMERSET. Jan. 12. -- The hanging of Gran Prewitt brought the largest crowd to town to-day that has been here for many years. It was estimated that 4,000 persons were present, and probably this was too small. They began to come in last night until the hotels and livery stables were crowded, and this morning strange faces were seen upon the streets by sunrise. They came from all over this and adjoining counties, and from neighboring counties in Tennessee. A more excited and anxious throng was never seen. They were surging and pushing each other from one side of the town to the other all day. Whenever any little commotion arose the whole mas[s] of surging humanity rushed thither with the eager expectation of seeing the doomed Prewitt.

THE GALLOWS

was erected in the rear of the court-house yard, around which was an inclosure rising two feet above the platform. Everything was visible to the eager spectators until after the drop was sprung, and there was scarcely a standing place unoccupied for 150 feet around; every tree, house-top and fence was thickly crowded. One barn-roof was completely crushed in. Only sixty persons were permitted to enter the inclosure, tickets for which were at a premium, selling for $5.

AN AWFUL PARTING.

Prewitt was visited early this morning by his wife, with whom he held a private consultation. From a sentence overheard in the conversation, it is thought be told her of some one else who was implicated in the crime. Prewitt, it is said, some time since became resigned to his fate, and has been very quiet ever since. He never made any attempt to escape except at one time he was suspected of a design to knock the jailer in the head and obtain his freedom. He has received many kindnesses from the people here. The Sunday-schools have gone several times and sung for him, and Rev. Milt Smith spent much time in administering spiritual comfort to him, and the best ladies of the town have frequently visited his cell. At his own request he was received into the church and baptized this morning, and his spiritual adviser expresses a hope that he has received pardon for his sins, as he gave many indications of that fact.

A COOL MURDERER.

After he had dressed himself, he said to one of his fellow prisoners: I am one of the best looking men that ever went to the gallows." His appetite never failed him, he ate dinner at 12:30 with a relish. When offered a cigar just as the officers were preparing to start to the gallows, he replied: "I havn't got time to smoke." When the guard entered his cell he showed no special excitement, and talked freely, he walked to the gallows with a firm, elastic step, and mounted the scaffold without any hesitation. He said to the guard as they were walking along: "Isn't this hard to stand?" After ascending the scaffold, he looked all around with a fierce and wise countenance, and spoke to some of his acquaintances. He scanned the gallows closely, the sight of which seemed to send a shiver over his whole being. He calmly put on a pair of black gloves, and as the straps were being fastened he frequently complained that they were too tight. The little eight-year-old boy of the woman he killed was asked to shake hands with him, but he drew back and refused to do so. Every thing was soon adjusted, during which time he became much agitated.

PREWITT'S LAST WORDS

Sheriff Ramsey told Prewitt if he had anything to say to speak. The tumultuous throng hushed as still as death, and every ear was strained, eager to catch his last words. He spoke as follows: "Gentlemen, you see where I am. I must hang for a terrible deed. Take warning by my example. Whisky and bad company brought me where I am. Let my last words to you be 'let whisky alone, and keep out of bad company; do right and meet me in heaven. It is awful to hang. Do not kill.' I did the murder for which I am about to hang, and there was no one with me."

LAST SCENE OF ALL.

He talked brokenly and showed great agi[t]ation. He continually kept looking around as if he expected some one to rescue him. By request, two songs were sung. Rev. Milt Smith offered an earnest invocation to God to save him. The black cap was adjusted, and he said: "I hate for you to do this." The noose was drawn around his neck, and just as he fell he said: "Lord, have mercy on me."

It was exactly 1 o'clock when Gran Prewett swung out of this world into eternity. For twenty seconds after the drop fell the body was perfectly motionless; then it began to shiver and jerk in terrible convulsions, which lasted nearly one minute. His death was hard and long. His neck was not broken, and death came by strangulation. It was nine minutes before he was pronounced dead by the attending physicians, Drs. Costello and Cook. Just seventeen minutes after the drop fell he was down and put in his coffin. When the guard began to cut the rope from around his neck, the little Buck boy said: "Let it stay on." The corpse was given to his friends, who hauled it away in a two-horse wagon, and will bury it near his former home. The crowd began to disperse immediately, expressing sympathy for the poor wretch, but congratulating each other that law and justice rule in Wayne county.

THE HISTORY OF THE CRIME

is briefly as follows: On Thursday night, Oct. 26, 1886, Jarvis Buck and his sister were brutally murdered at their home, eighteen miles from this place. Prewitt had gone to their house and enticed Buck into the woods to get whisky, and while there cut his throat with a case knife, which was very sharp. He then returned to the house and cut the woman's head almost off, and also split a washboard to splinters over her head. He then robbed them, obtaining a pair of boots, some of the clothing of each, and $5.30 in money. This account is that of Prewitt himself. The perpetrator of this terrible deed was found out by the woman's little boy, who lived with her, and who saw Prewitt and knew him. When Prewitt came to kill his mother the little boy escaped and told what had happened. He says Prewitt attempted to kill him, and was prevented by a big dog. As soon as this was known Prewitt was arrested, and immediately confessed the whole matter, implicating two others, however, who were immediately put under arrest. When the examining trial took place the other two were released, and Prewitt held over for final trial. During the next term of the Circuit Court the trial was called, and two of the best lawyers in the State defended him, but the jury found him guilty of murder in the first degree, and in accordance with their verdict, Judge Morrow passed sentence of death, which was executed to-day. [12]

---

[January 13, 1887] -

A DEMON MEETS HIS DUES.

EXECUTION OF A DOUBLE MURDERER.

Granville Pruit, Who Cut the Throat of Jarvis Buck and His Sister Allowed to Look Up a String.

Special Dispatch to the Messenger.

SOMERSET, KY., Jan. 12. Granville Pruit was hanged at Monticello, Wayne county, at 1 o'clock this afternoon for the murder of Jarvis Buck last October. Although he had previously confessed his guilt, privately and on trial, he protested his innocence on the gallows dying with the lie on his lips.

STORY OF HIS CRIME.

Jarvis Buck, a poor but hard working and honest man lived in the eastern part of Wayne county, Ky., a wild, mountainous district. His family consisted of himself, his sister and a little boy eight or ten years old.

About the 26th of October last an ignorant and shiftless fellow named William Pruit who lived some four or five miles from Buck's, but who was known to them and had once or twice done some work for them, came to their house just after dark and asked for some supper, which was set for him. After he had eaten he told Buck he had some whisky in a keg out on the road near by, and if he would get a bottle and go out with him he would give him some. Buck got a bottle and the two went out together.

After a few minutes Pruit returned to the house alone. The woman was sitting by the fire picking wool. She asked where Buck was, and Pruitt said he would be in directly. He then walked about the floor a time or two, and then made an attack on the woman, striking her over the head.

The little boy took alarm and ran out of the house, and made his way to a neighbor's and told them what was going on at home.

This neighbor gathered up two or three others and went to Buck's house. The woman was found on the floor with her throat cut. In fact her head was almost severed from he[r] body. Buck was found near the house with his throat cut. Both were dead.

Pruit was arrested two days afterward near his own home. He had carried away a pair of Buck's boots and some other articles of clothing and five or six dollars in money. He admitted the crime and said two other men assisted him. But after he was put in jail he said he was alone in the killing, and had implicated the others to prevent the people from hanging him on the spot, which they would have done but for that statement. [13]

---

[January 14, 1887] -

HUNG. -- Granville Prewitt, the Wayne county fiend who cut the throats of Jarvis Buck and his sister and then robbed them, getting a little over $5 in money and some articles of clothing, paid the extreme penalty of the law at Monticello Wednesday. No more heinous crime was ever committed, yet the fellow seemed to reflect upon it with indifference and regard his fate with no concern whatever. He was an ignorant, poor mortal, who apparently knew nothing of the plan of salvation and admitted to the minister, who called to administer spiritual consolation, that he had never prayed in his life. In a letter which was prepared since his sentence, he says that he remembers going to the house of his victims, but did not know till several hour afterwards that he had committed the crime as he was drank at the time. The deed was committed on the night of the 26th of October and his execution occurring for it in less than two months shows that justice can occasionally take its proper course, especially when the condemned is poor and has no influential friends. The lawyers who were appointed to defend Prewitt wrote to the governor that they did not think him morally responsible and for that reason asked a commutation of the sentence, but it was not granted and should not have been, we are told. The execution was witnessed by 4,000 people but was orderly and well performed. Prewitt ate a hearty dinner half an hour before his death and in answer to an invitation to have a cigar ha said "I haven't got time to smoke now." While dressing himself for the last act he said, "I am one of the beat looking men that ever went to the gallows." The sight of the instrument of death staggered him, however, and he quivered as if an ague affected him. After the rope had been adjusted he made a rambling speech, confessing the deed, exhonorating everybody else, laying his trouble to whisky and exhorting all to shut it and bad company, do right and meet him in heaven. When the black cap was drawn over his face he said, "I hate for you to do this," and as the drop fell, "Lord have mercy on me" was heard to escape his lips. Death resulted from strangulation and after being permitted to hang 17 minutes he was cut down. [14]

---

[January 21, 1887] -

WAYNE. -- It is estimated that fully 4,000 people were in Monticello on the day Gran. Prewitt was hung. Just before his execution he weakened and confessed that he committed the crime in all its terrible details. He was taken to the scaffold in the rear of the Court House, and after prayer by a minister present shook hands with every one upon the scaffold. Sheriff Ramsey then adjusted the rope and placed the cap over his face, and he was told to stand on the trap. At one o'clock the trap was sprung, and Prewitt dropped four feet. His neck was not broken by the fall, but death ensued from strangulation. At 1:09 he was pronounced dead, but was allowed to hang until 1:17, when he was cut down and his remains given to his relatives for burial. Thus was one of the most brutal crimes ever committed in the State expiated on the gallows. -- News. [15]

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Thank you to Linda R. Ashley for helping track down what happened to Elias, son of Ellen Buck. She was able to figure out that Elias' full name was likely Elias Lowden/Louden Buck, and that he went by his middle name as an adult. Below are some census records and newspaper articles about E. Lowden Buck and his family.

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[June 1, 1900] -

1900 census page for ED 100 Magisterial District 1, South Somerset Precinct Somerset Ward 4-6, Pulaski County, Kentucky, shows:

On Monticello Street in Somerset, in the household/hotel of James Wynn, Hotel Keeper, is a Boarder named Louden Buck, age 23, born January 1877, white male, single, employed as a Railroad Brakeman, able to read and write, born in Kentucky with parents born in Kentucky. [16]

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[May 5, 1910] -

1910 census page for ED 52, Civil District No. 10, Morgan County, Tennessee, shows:

By 1910, Louden has been married three years with one child in a house described as not on a farm. The household occupants are:

1. Lowden Buck, Head of Household, age 33, white male, married (first marriage), married for three years, employed as a Conductor with the Steam Railroad, able to read and write, born in Kentucky with both parents born in Kentucky;
2. Bessie Buck, Wife, age 23, white female, married (first marriage), married for three years, mother of one child during her lifetime / one child living, able to read and write, born in Tennessee with father born in Tennessee and mother born in Kentucky; and
3. Audrey Buck, Daughter, age 2, white female, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee. [17]

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[September 5, 1911] -

The pictures of Eugene Buck and Audrey Buck, pretty children of Mr. and Mrs. Louden Buck, of this city [Danville], appeared in Saturday's Louisville Times. [18]

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[July 19, 1919] -

BUCK

Howard Eugene Buck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lowden Buck on College street, died at 8 o'clock last night with cerebro-spinal meningitis. He was nine years old on the sixth of July.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at four o'clock at the Bellevue cemetery. [19]

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[January 7, 1920] -

1920 census page for ED 40, Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky, shows:

At 316 College Street in Danville, the family is living in a home described as owned free of mortgage. The occupants are:

1. Lowden Buck, Head of Household, age 42, white male, married, employed as a Conductor for the Railroad, born in Kentucky with parents born in Kentucky;
2. Bessie Buck, Wife, age 32, white female, married, born in Tennessee with both parents born in Tennessee;
3. Audrey Buck, Daughter, age 12, white female, attended school within the year, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee; and
4. Gertrude Buck, Daughter, age 7, white female, attended school within the year, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee. [20]

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[August 30, 1926] -

Mrs. Lowden Buck and daughters, Misses Audrey, Gertrude and Irene, have returned from a pleasant visit with relatives at Harriman, Tenn. [21]

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[April 17, 1930] -

1930 census page for ED 16, Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky, shows:

At 306 North 3rd Street in Danville, the family is living in a house valued at $6500, the house is not on a farm, and they do not own a radio set. The occupants are:

1. Louden Buck, Head of Household, age 54, white male, married, was age 30 at time of marriage, able to read and write, employed as Conductor with the Southern Railroad, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in North Carolina (this matches the 1880 census which states Ellen Buck was born in N.C.);
2. Bessie Buck, Wife, age 42 or 44, white female, married, was age 20 at time of marriage, able to read and write, born in Tennessee with both parents born in Tennessee;
3. Audrey O. Buck, Daughter, age 22, white female, single, able to read and write, employed as a Teacher at City School, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee;
4. Gertrude Buck, Daughter, age 18, white female, single, able to read and write, attended school within the year, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee; and
5. Irene Buck, Daughter, age 6, born in Kentucky with father born in Kentucky and mother born in Tennessee. [22]

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[August 17, 1931] -

BUCK -- OWENS

Miss Audrey Buck and Mr. Robert T. Owens were united in marriage yesterday morning at 8:30 o'clock by Dr. C. C. Warren, pastor of the Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. The wedding took place at the home of the bride on North Third street. The only witnesses to the beautiful and impressive ring ceremony were members of the bride's family. Immediately after the ceremony the happy young couple left for a brief bridal tour after which they will make their home in Perryville.

The bride is the attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lowden Buck, and one of Danville's finest young women. Mr. Owens, better known as "Bob," who graduated at Centre in June, was one of the most popular fellows on the campus and will long be remembered for his splendid work in the old Centre football line.

Both of these young people by their genuine character and happy disposition have won a host of friends who are extending congratulations and wishing for them much of happiness and success. [23]

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[August 14, 1936] -

MRS. SARAH, JOHNSON DIES AT HARRIMAN, TENN.

Mrs. Sarah Johnson passed away at her home at 305 Morgan street Sunday morning, August 2, at three o'clock at Harriman, Tenn. She had been in declining health for over a year, but her illness had not been serious until a few days before her death.

Mrs. Johnson was born August 24, 1864 at Monticello, Ky., but had been a resident of this city for over twenty years. She had an unusual zest for life and found much pleasure in the events of each day, even toward the last when poor health rendered her less active than in former years. She possessed a kindly and thoughtful nature, which endeared her to all who knew her.

Mrs. Johnson was a faithful member of the Christian church and took a deep interest in its welfare and was active in its societies.

She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. H. R. Lafon, of this city; Mrs. E. A. Williams, of Huntington, W. Va.; Mrs. Loudon Buck of Danville, Ky.; Mrs. H. R. Clayton, of Versailles, Ky., and Mrs. Hugo Gernt, of Allardt, Tenn.

Funeral services were conducted from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lafon, on Morgan street, Monday at 2:30 p. m., with the Rev. R. M. Bell pastor of the Christian church, assisted by the Rev. C. G. Johnstone, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating.

Casket bearers were Charles Hill, George Adkisson, Luther Mee, John R. Davis and C. R. Thornton.

Interment in Harriman cemetery. -- The Harriman Record. [24]

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[October 24, 1938] -

LOUDEN BUCK, 63, DIED HERE TODAY

Death Comes To Retired Railroad Conductor After A Short Illness.

Louden Buck, 63, retired Southern Railroad conductor, died at his home on North Third street at 5:30 a.m. today after an illness of several days.

Born in Monticello, Ky., August 3, 1875, Mr. Buck had served the Southern Railroad Company as a conductor from 1898 until July, 1838. He was a member of the Lexington Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Louden Buck; and three daughters, Mrs. Robert Owens, Forkland; Mrs. Forrest Minor, and Miss Irene Buck, both of Danville.

Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. F. W. Eberhardt at the Lexington Avenue Baptist Church at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with burial following in Bellevue cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frank Evans, Hugh Reed, John Wheeldon, Robert Kelly, J. L. Fetterman, and Walter Griffith. [25]

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[1941 (+)]

From other articles following this one, it appears that in 1941, Forrest T. Minor, son-in-law of Elias Lowden Buck, ran as candidate in the race for Boyle County Representative to the Kentucky Legislature. He did not win. He was a WWI and WWII veteran, died in 1958, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

In May 1960, The Advocate Messenger reported that Audrey Buck's daughter, Audrey May Owen, had been named a National Merit Scholar and had won a scholarship to study chemistry at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburg, PA. That article indicates that her grandmother, Mrs. Louden Buck, is alive and continuing to live at 306 North 3rd Street, Danville, KY.

In May 1963, The Advocate Messenger society column has an article about a birthday party for Miss Terry and Miss Mary Beth Botkin, daughters of Irene Botkin, granddaughters of Mrs. Bessie Buck. It states Mrs. Buck assisted with the party.

On Sept. 11, 1963, The Advocate Messenger included in a report of recent property transfers: "Bessie Buck to Henry L. Cardwell, house and lot at 306. N. Third street."

Mrs. Bessie Buck died on or about June 21, 1974 in Tampa, Florida. She is buried in Bellevue Cemetery, Danville, KY, the same cemetery as her husband and son Howard. Ms. Buck's obituary was printed on page 5 of the June 24, 1974 issue of The Advocate Messenger. It states that she was born in Robbins, TN and that her three daughters survive her.

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[1] "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YB6-WMN?cc=1417683&wc=QZ2W-61N%3A1589403276%2C1589394747%2C1589404682%2C1589394865 : 24 December 2015), Kentucky > Wayne > Magisterial District 4 > ED 109 > image 26 of 30; citing NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[2] "Two Horrible Murders." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. October 31, 1886. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[3] Excerpt from "News of the Week." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 2, 1886. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[4] Excerpt from "Notes Of Current Events." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-11-02/ed-1/seq-2/

[5] "Full Particulars of the Murder of Jarvis Buck and Sister in Wayne." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal Stanford, KY. November 5, 1886. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-11-05/ed-1/seq-1/

[6] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 5, 1886. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[7] Excerpt from "Notes of Current Events." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 9, 1886. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-11-09/ed-1/seq-2/

[8] Excerpt from "A Letter from the Business Manager." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 19, 1886. Page 2. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-11-19/ed-1/seq-2/

[9] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. November 23, 1886. Page 1. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1886-11-23/ed-1/seq-1/

[10] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 26, 1886. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[11] Excerpt from "Danville and Vicinity." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. November 26, 1886. Page 5. Newspapers.com.

[12] "Expiated." The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. January 13, 1887. Page 5. Newspapers.com.

[13] "A Demon Meets His Dues." Messenger and Examiner, Owensboro, KY. January 13, 1887. Page 1. Newspapers.com.

[14] Excerpt from "Local Matters." Semi-Weekly Interior Journal, Stanford, KY. January 14, 1887. Page 3. LOC. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85052020/1887-01-14/ed-1/seq-3/

[15] Excerpt from "Our Neighbors." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. January 21, 1887. Page 3. Newspapers.com.

[16] "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-67F9-SLV?cc=1325221&wc=9BWS-K6V%3A1030552701%2C1031337301%2C1035013001 : 5 August 2014), Kentucky > Pulaski > ED 100 Magisterial District 1, South Somerset Precinct Somerset city Ward 4-6 > image 3 of 35; citing NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[17] "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T8P-GM7?cc=1727033&wc=QZZH-CQ8%3A133640301%2C134306401%2C133699501%2C1589089035 : 24 June 2017), Tennessee > Morgan > Civil District 10 > ED 52 > image 3 of 25; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[18] Excerpt from "Personal Mention." The Advocate Messenger, Danville, KY. September 5, 1911. Newspapers.com.

[19] "Buck." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. July 18, 1919. Page 2. Newspapers.com. Also reported in: Excerpt from Column 1. The Courier Journal, Louisville, KY. July 19, 1919. Page 8. Newspapers.com.

[20] "United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRXC-3NS?cc=1488411&wc=QZJ5-53C%3A1036472601%2C1036779101%2C1036802501%2C1589332423 : 14 December 2015), Kentucky > Boyle > Danville > ED 40 > image 12 of 30; citing NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

[21] Excerpt from "Society Notes." The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, KY. August 30, 1926. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[22] "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRH3-9P1?cc=1810731&wc=QZF3-H2M%3A648805301%2C649277201%2C648963201%2C1589282372 : 8 December 2015), Kentucky > Boyle > Danville > ED 16 > image 3 of 21; citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002).

[23] "Buck - Owens." The Advocate Messenger, Danville, KY. August 17, 1931. Page 4. Newspapers.com.

[24] "Mrs. Sarah Johnson Dies At Harriman, Tenn." The Advocate Messenger, Danville, KY. August 14, 1936. Page 2. Newspapers.com.

[25] "Louden Buck, 63, Died Here Today." The Advocate Messenger, Danville, KY. October 24, 1938. Page 1. Newspapers.com.