Monthly Archives: December 2025

Fire Destroys Riverside Dorm

A fast-moving fire destroyed the boys’ dorm and the home of Doran Hosteler on the campus of Riverside. The community and organizations played a crucial role in the recovery.
Discover one of the many challenges that Riverside Christian School faced and overcame. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Disasters, Education, Fire, Flood, Religion, Riverside Christian School, Schools, Tragedy, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Christmas Lynching

A long-running feud between two families led to a bloody jail raid and murder on Christmas Day. Learn about the events from this spectacular trial from 1929. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Breathitt High School, Feuds, Jackson, Murder, Politics, Tragedy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wife Shoots Husband – Murder or Suicide?

Peter Combs was shot on the steps leading to his apartment in 1948 by his wife. She was acquitted of the “suicide” by a Breathitt County jury. Learn about this unusual case, often cited as an example of “mountain justice.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Murder, Tragedy, United States Army | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment