Category Archives: Murder

James Hargis- the Victim?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by sdbowling

The power of newspapers through a look at Judge James Henderson Hargis- feud leader or victim? Continue reading →

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Martin Van Buren South

Posted on September 11, 2022 by sdbowling

A brief look at the short life of Martin Van Buren South. Continue reading →

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Dial Sanford Williams

Posted on September 2, 2022 by sdbowling

A look at the short life of Lieut. Dial S. Williams. Continue reading →

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The Militia Invades Jackson

Posted on August 31, 2022 by sdbowling

There were so many troops at Jackson in 1903 that Governor Beckham decided it was cheaper to have summer drill here.

Learn about one of Jackson’s visits from the State Militia. Continue reading →

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Store Shootout Kills One

Posted on August 30, 2022 by sdbowling

A fight over an election broke out in George Spencer’s store at Oakdale. When the smoke cleared, one was dead, one wounded, and many lives changed forever.

And then they worked it all out. Continue reading →

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Jackson’s First Legal Saloon

Posted on June 20, 2022 by sdbowling

Matt Crawford opened a legal saloon in Jackson in 1904 and the world was shocked. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Jackson, Murder | 1 Comment

Murder on Puncheon Creek

Posted on June 14, 2022 by sdbowling

Two men were murdered on Puncheon Creek in 1862. The family stories gave some details, but no verification was known to exist until recently. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Civil War, Feuds, Murder | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Brother Kills Brother in 1892

Posted on May 16, 2022 by sdbowling

A dispute over property led two brothers into an argument at Barwick. When the smoke cleared- one brother was dying and the other accused of manslaughter.

The sad tale of brother against brother in 1892. Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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