Author Archives: sdbowling

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About sdbowling

Director of the Breathitt County Public Library and Heritage Center in Jackson, Kentucky.

Fire Destroys Riverside Dorm

Posted on December 26, 2025 by sdbowling

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

Posted on December 25, 2025 by sdbowling

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?

Posted on December 21, 2025 by sdbowling

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

The Red Masque Murder Hoax

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sdbowling

The people of Jackson were excited about a high-profile case that was transferred to the Breathitt Circuit Court. They were very satisfied when they learned the truth behind the headlines. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Entertainment, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Alpine Restaraunt

Posted on November 9, 2025 by sdbowling

The Alpine Restaurant opened in 1968 and operated only a short time, but its legacy lives on in the name it left behind. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Xavier 132 – Lees 0

Posted on October 18, 2025 by sdbowling

Lees College fell to the Musketeers of St. Xavier University in 1927. The unfortunate record stood for some time as the worst defeat in college football history. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Football, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Schools, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Family Diner

Posted on September 16, 2025 by sdbowling

A history of the Family Diner, a beloved Jackson landmark that is today only a memory. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Entertainment, Industry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

William W. Smith

Posted on May 23, 2025 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
William W. Smith
Captain, Company I
13th Kentucky Cavalry
Confederate States Army Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War, Confederate Army, Military | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Henry Chapman Swango

Posted on May 7, 2025 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
Henry Chapman Swango
Captain, 5th Kentucky Infantry
Confederate States Army Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War, Confederate Army, Military | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

James Akemon

Posted on February 20, 2025 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
James Akemon
14th Kentucky Cavalry
United States Army Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Civil War, Military, Union Army | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment