Author Archives: sdbowling

About sdbowling

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

Constable Killed, Shooter Executed

Posted on January 13, 2023 by sdbowling

Three shots rang out from the dark corner of the room. Constable Hiram Smith died instantly.

A year and 12 days later, his shooter was executed by the state for the murder. Continue reading →

What To See On Hike One – 2023

Posted on January 12, 2023 by sdbowling

A quick overview of the sites along the first section hike for the 2023 Sheltowee Trace Challenge- from the 192 Trailhead to the 49er Diner. Continue reading →

Posted in Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged 49er Diner, Bunch Kentucky, Camp Barbour, Cane Creek, Hawk Creek, Highway 192, Highway 80, Hiking, McFadden Family, Pine Creek Church, Pounder Branch, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge, Sinking Creek, Vanhook Falls | 1 Comment

Goodyear Blimp Crashes on Breathitt-Wolfe Line

Posted on January 11, 2023 by sdbowling

The Goodyear blimp Puritan dropped low in the sky trying to avoid a blinding storm and heavy sleet.

The ice-bound airship slammed into the trees and crashed on the Breathitt-Wolfe County line. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County | Tagged Blimp, Breathitt County, Crash, Goodyear, Lee City, Wolfe County | Leave a comment

Breathitt’s Health in 1915

Posted on January 10, 2023 by sdbowling

In 1915, Breathitt County had a serious health crisis. Not enough doctors and too many serious illnesses led to poor conditions listed in state newspapers. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Health, Jackson, Medicine | Tagged Breathitt County, Cancer, Doctor, Dr. F. C. Lewis, Dr. M. E. Hoge, Dr. Wilgus Back, Health, Hospital, Jackson, Murder, Tuberculosis | Leave a comment

Jackson’s L&N Water Tower

Posted on January 7, 2023 by sdbowling

One of the icons of Breathitt County is the L & N water Tower which stands silently in South Jackson watching over the city. Learn more about this important structure. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Industry, Jackson, Railroad | Tagged Breathitt County, Jackson, Railroad, Water Tower | Leave a comment

Fowl Stories From 1954

Posted on January 4, 2023 by sdbowling

Two unusual stories from Breathitt County fowl in 1854.

Did they get down or did he complete his necklace? Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Unexplained | Tagged Breathitt County, Chickens, Eggs, Noble Family, Wilson Family | Leave a comment

Deputy Clemons Emptied Gun Before Dying

Posted on January 3, 2023 by sdbowling

George W. Clemons and several men went to serve an arrest warrant in 1929. Two men were killed and one wounded in the gun battle that followed. A dying Deputy Clemons emptied his gun before he died. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Murder | Tagged Breathitt County, Clemons Family, Howard Family, Murder, Noble Family, Quicksand Creek | 2 Comments

Oil Found In Breathitt

Posted on January 1, 2023 by sdbowling

The first commercial oil well started producing oil on New Year’s Day 1903. Since then, Breathitt County has experienced numerous oil booms. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Frozen Creek, Industry, Oil | Tagged Breathitt County, Frozen Creek, Highland, Oil | Leave a comment

New Year’s Eve Dance Turns Deadly

Posted on December 31, 2022 by sdbowling

A 1915 New Year’s Eve celebration turned to violence and Hannibal Hurst died as the result. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Murder | Tagged Breathitt County, Forbes Family, Hurst Family, Masonic Lodge, Murder, New Year's Eve | Leave a comment

William N. Wells

Posted on December 30, 2022 by sdbowling

William Wells was the last veteran of the Civil War to live in Perry County. He died in 1934. Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War, Military, Union Army | Tagged Civil War, Kentucky State Troops, Perry County, Three Forks Battalion, Union Army | Leave a comment