Author Archives: sdbowling

About sdbowling

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

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 Back Family, Family Diner, Hurst Family, Jackson, Jackson Fire Department, Mini-Burger, Restaurants, Watkins Family | 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 13th Kentucky Cavalry, Breathitt County, Civil War, Col. Ben Caudill, confederate, Confederate Army, Grigsby Family, History, Lost Creek, Military, Smith Family, Strong Cemetery | 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 5th Kentucky Infantry, Confederate Army, Wolfe County | 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 14th Kentucky Cavalry, Breathitt County, Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Civil War, Jackson, Military, Union Army | Leave a comment

Ibzan Dudley McGuire

Posted on January 28, 2025 by sdbowling

Solider of the Week
Ibzan Dudley McGuire
Three Forks Battalion
Kentucky State Troops Continue reading →

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

“Bad” Bill’s Homecoming

Posted on January 21, 2025 by sdbowling

Bill Bailey was a well-known “bad man” along the banks of Frozen Creek. He met his match in December 1910. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Murder, Tragedy | Tagged Bailey Family, Breathitt County, Frozen Creek, Shepherd Family, Wilhurst | Leave a comment

Golden Spicer

Posted on January 20, 2025 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
Golden Spicer
25th Infantry
United States Army Continue reading →

Posted in African-American, Breathitt County, Military, United States Army, United States Army | Tagged Breathitt County, Jackson, King's Branch Cemetery, Spicer Family, Strong Family, United States Army | Leave a comment

What To See On Hike One- 2025

Posted on January 15, 2025 by sdbowling

A look at sites hikers will see on Hike 1 as we head north from Burnt Mill Bridge. Continue reading →

Posted in Big South Fork, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged Angel Falls Overlook, Bandy Creek, Burnt Mill Bridge, Charit Creek Lodge Trailhead, Devil's Den, Honey Creek, Leatherwood Ford, O&W Bridge, Scott State Forest, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge | Leave a comment

What is the STA Challenge? – 2025

Posted on January 14, 2025 by sdbowling

A quick look at the history of the STA Hiker Challenge as we prepare to start a new hike in 2025. Continue reading →

Posted in Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged adventure, Big South Fork, Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiking, outdoors, Red River Gorge, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge, Steve Barbour, Vern Orndorff | 1 Comment

The 1110 Dip

Posted on January 11, 2025 by sdbowling

Highwater caused by flooding in January 1974 washed away a section of Highway 1110. What remains today as a reminder of this event is “The Dip.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Disasters, Flood, Kentucky River | Tagged 1957 Flood, 1974 Flood, Dry Bread, Haddix, Haddix Bridge, Highway 1110, roads, The Dip | 1 Comment