Hatfields & McCoys

When Asa Harmon McCoy (a brother of Randall McCoy) was killed, it was said that it was because he fought against the Confederacy during the war between the states . . . nobody was convicted in his killing, but it was suspected that the Hatfields were involved . . .

In the fall of 1878, Randolph McCoy brought charges against Floyd Hatfield for stealing one of his hogs. The resulting trial occurred here and was presided over by the local justice of the peace, Preacher Anderson Hatfield. Preacher Anderson was Devil Anse Hatfield's cousin and did not want to appear biased so he gathered a jury of six Hatfields and six McCoys to hear the case. When the jury reached its verdict, Selkirk McCoy, nephew of Sarah McCoy and a veteran of the Virginia Confederacy, sided with the six Hatfields in favor of Floyd. The McCoys felt betrayed and open hostilities soon erupted between the Haftield and McCoy families. Later Bill Staton, who testified in favor of his brother-in-law Floyd Hatfield was killed by two of Randolph McCoy's nephews while he was hunting. They were tried and acquitted in a trial presided over by Valentine Hatfield, uncle of Devil Anse. After this, violence between the families continued and the resulting conflict eventually escalated into the most famous family feud in American history. [From the historical marker placed in remembrance of the trial.]

In June 1880 Staton was killed by two of "Ole Ran'l" McCoy's boys, Sam and Paris, who were later acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.

Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield meet. She leaves her father's home to live with him at Hatfield cabin. Roseanna later returns home, then moves to aunt's cabin where Johnse is captured by Roseanna's brothers. Roseanna's ride to Devil Anse's saves Johnse's life. Pregnant Roseanna returns to her father's home, catches measles, miscarries baby, then moves to Pikeville. Johnse marries her cousin, Nancy McCoy, on 14 May 1881.

Ellison Hatfield is fatally wounded (stabbed and shot) by three sons of "Ole Ran'l" McCoy -- Bud, Tolbert and Pharmer. After Hatfield dies, the trio is tied to pawpaw bushes and executed.

Jeff McCoy killed on banks of the Tug.

Ellison Hatfield fatally wounded by Bud, Tolbert and Pharmer McCoy on August 9. After Hatfield dies, the trio is tied to pawpaw bushes and executed.

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PawPaw Tree Incident. This episode is result of August 1882 election-day fight. Tolbert, a son of Randolph McCoy, exchanged heated words with Ellison Hatfield, which started a fight. Tolbert, Pharmer and Randolph McCoy Jr. stabbed Ellison to death. Later the three brothers were captured by Hatfield clan, tied to pawpaw trees, and shot in retaliation. [From a historical marker in Pike County]

New Year's Day raid on Ole Ran'l McCoy's cabin leaves Alifair and Calvin dead, home burned to ground.

Roseanna McCoy, less than 30 years old, dies in Pikeville.

Ellison Mounts executed for Alifair McCoy's murder.

Randolph McCoy died at the age of 88 after catching fire. He is buried in the Dils Cemetery in Pikeville, next to his wife who passed away in the 1890's.

aka Captain Anderson Hatfield