The Hatfields and the McCoys: The Dramatic Story of a Mountain Feud

by John Randolph Spears

Originally published in the November 1888 issue of “Current Literature” magazine, THE HATFIELDS AND THE THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A MOUNTAIN FEUD chronicles the true events of the notorious Hatfield and McCoy feud of the late 1800s. Sample When the gang reached the Kentucky side they stopped, and by dashing water into Farmer’s face, revived him that he might suffer the more. Then they forced the prisoners along the grassy bank under the trees, until a slight depression was reached. Here were a number of pawpaw trees. The prisoners were there thrown to the ground, and then raised on their knees, and each one tied in that position to a pawpaw bush. Talbot, who had asked to be shot in the face, was tied with his back to his executioners; but Farmer, who was already nearly dead with fear, was tied facing them. The lad was tied facing his brothers, and then the gang formed in line, and Bad Anse shouted to Wall, who was on the other side of the river, for the word. As it came they all fired, and the two older brothers, Talbot and Farmer, fell dead. The crying of the lad had ceased through horror and fear. After a few shots had been fired into the dead bodies by Cap and Jonce Hatfield, Ellison Mounts, and Tom Mitchell, to gratify their innate thirst for the safe shedding of blood, the gang started down the river. But fear overcame one of their number, Alex Messer, and he “Dead men tell no tales.” He referred to the lad who had recognized them all.

44 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2012

About the author

John Randolph Spears was an American author and journalist.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books about the Hatfield and McCoy feud and while this doesn't have the depth of detail and interpretation as many of those, it is (I understand) the first account to be written. First published in 1888 it reads very much as you would expect, it's short and to the point, providing the core elements of the feud and the basis for most subsequent accounts. Ryan Hardesty states in the introduction that as Spears got his information from the McCoy faction, he has annotated the text to add clarifying points as he see's it in relation to statements Spears has made. Overall it's a quick read and interesting to get back to the earlier source material. Worth a look.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The feud at the current time.

This book was different because it was written as it was happening. You got better insight as the author was able to speak with the participants while they were alive. A much truer book since it was firsthand knowledge.