Category Archives: Breathitt County

The Marcum Family

Posted on January 19, 2023 by sdbowling

The Marcums were once a large and prominent family in Breathitt County, and then the feuds started. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Jackson, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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 →

Posted in Breathitt County, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 , , , , , | 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 →

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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 →

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Mountains Changed Young Missionary

Posted on December 28, 2022 by sdbowling

Martha Kendall answered the call for workers in the mountains of Breathitt County in 1909. She learned far more than she taught in her time there. Continue reading →

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