Author Archives: sdbowling

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About sdbowling

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

Images from 2022 Sheltowee Challenge- Hike Four

Posted on May 9, 2022 by sdbowling

Hike Four of the 2022 Sheltowee Trace Challenge is in the books.

Here are a few images from the three weekends of hiking. Continue reading →

Posted in Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Kentucky River, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Breathitt County’s Chupacabra

Posted on May 5, 2022 by sdbowling

Something killed many dogs in Breathitt County in 1952. It sucked the blood from their bodies and ate their heads.

We still do not know what it was or where it is. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Unexplained | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Letter Showed the Power of the “Hargis Machine”

Posted on May 3, 2022 by sdbowling

James Henderson Hargis built a kingdom of power and influence in Eastern Kentucky that extended to Frankfort and beyond.

This letter showed his power over Kentucky’s “Boy Governor” in 1903. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kentucky Laws have changed since 1794

Posted on April 30, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at some of our first laws created during the transition from a Virginia county to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1792. Continue reading →

Posted in Laws | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Francis Allen Hill

Posted on April 29, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at the life of Francis Allen Hill- a Private in the 5th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army. Continue reading →

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

Joseph C. Fite, Jr.

Posted on April 25, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at the life of Joseph C. Fite, Jr.- a member of the 5th Kentucky Infantry, Confederate States Army. Continue reading →

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

Jackson’s “Mother” Died in 1938

Posted on April 22, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at one woman who was known as the “Mother of Jackson.”

The death of Ann Eliza (Cardwell) Short ended the public service of one of Jackson’s great leaders. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Jackson, Women | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Who Wants Hay?

Posted on April 19, 2022 by sdbowling

One juror did not need a meal- he needed a bale of hay according to the Foreman.

A bit of humor from a horrible murder trial in 1917. Continue reading →

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

Meredith G. Phillips

Posted on April 16, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at the life of Meredith G. Phillips- Fields’s Partisan Rangers, Confederate States Army. Continue reading →

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

Vandals Closed Jackson’s Rest Area

Posted on April 14, 2022 by sdbowling

Jackson once had a rest area just north of town to help travelers who passed through the area.

A series of attacks by vandals helped the state make its decision to close the facility in the 1980s. Continue reading →

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