Category Archives: Murder

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

“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 →

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The End of Cood

Posted on October 3, 2024 by sdbowling

Cood Bowling took a lethal dose of morphine in the Breathitt County Jail allegedly to stop the ghost of his victim from visiting. Learn more about this little remembered Breathitt County tragedy. Continue reading →

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

The TeePee Burger

Posted on August 22, 2024 by sdbowling

The TeePee Burger was a Breathitt County landmark from its opening day in 1968 until 2019. Continue reading →

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Feudist’s Catfish Killing

Posted on May 23, 2024 by sdbowling

Jerry South gained a reputation as a “Bad Man.” Linked to several killings during the feud era, “Bad” Jerry” met his end during a fight over catfish in 1896. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Civil War, Confederate Army, Feuds, Frozen Creek, Military, Murder, Politics, Tragedy, Union Army | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Harmon (Bush) Colley

Posted on April 24, 2024 by sdbowling

Soldier of the Week
Harmon (Bush) Colley
6th Kentucky Cavalry
United States Army Continue reading →

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Mrs. Hargis Dies at 64

Posted on March 31, 2023 by sdbowling

Louellen Day Hargis was thrust into the spotlight at the turn of the last century because of the national attention given to the Breathitt County feuds. She died in 1929 at the age of 64. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Jackson, Murder, Religion, Tragedy, Women | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Snake Valley

Posted on March 13, 2023 by sdbowling

Snake Valley was a wild and often dangerous place. Learn more about one of its most notorious places. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Feuds, Murder | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment