Feuding Between Families Hatfield-McCoy Feud Feuding Between Families

What is a feud? Denotation: Connotation: Also called a blood feud. A bitter, continuous hostility, especially between two familes, clans, etc., often lasting for many years or generations. Connotation: What connotative meanings do you have for “feud?”

Who? Captain William Anderson - “Devil Anse” Hatfield Former Confederate Officer Tall, gray-eyed, with a resemblance to Stonewall Jackson Lived with his wife Levicy and thirteen children in Logan County, West Virginia Renowned for his legendary marksmanship and feats Also known for his adventurous attitude, talent for tall tales, and love of pranks Devil Anse Photo Courtesy of BlueRidge Country

Randal, “Ole Ran’l” McCoy Served for the Confederacy Described as a “tall, broad-shouldered man with gray eyes, full beard and serious, almost morbid personality” Lived in Pike County, Kentucky with his wife Sarah and fifteen children. Photo Courtesy of BlueRidge Country

Where? Both families lived in isolated areas. The McCoys lived on the Kentucky side of the Tug Fork River, and the Hatfields lived on the West Virginia side of the river.

Reasons/Causes The Civil War Devil Anse was considered a war hero and adement Confederate. He served for the Logan Wildcats, which he created in defense of his home after West Virginia’s admittance to the Union. He also served for the 45th Battalion Infantry and Virginia State Line. Randal Also served in the Confederacy. Randal’s brother Asa is in the Union. Jim Vance kills Asa, but Devil Anse is suspected of the killing. Randal is upset, but no suspect is brought to trial. Anse receives many medals and much glory. Randal receives no glory.

The Hog In 1878, Randal McCoy claimed that Floyd Hatfield (Anse’s cousin) stole his hog. Floyd refuses to give the hog back, and Randal sues. Bill Staton testifies that it is Floyd’s hog. Floyd is granted custody and Randal has to pay for the trial. McCoy is humiliated.

Later, Bill Staton is killed by Sam and Paris (McCoy’s nephews) for testifying. They say they “accidentally” kill Bill while “squirrel hunting.” Sam and Paris are charged with murder and have to go before the Justice of the Peace in Logan County. Ellison Hatfield (Anse’s brother) testifies that he was in the woods at the time and saw it. He said they murdered him. Paris and Sam are sent to jail.

Timbering Anse makes a lot of money from the timbering industry. Randal is upset because he doesn’t succeed; he is jealous. Randal tries to claim that Anse stole some of his land.. He files papers but his claim doesn’t work.

Roseanna and Johnse Photo courtesy of West Virginia Encyclopedia

Family Pride Photo Courtesy of BlueRidge Country

This feud and “the sensationalized reporting of events--would forever change the image Americans have of West Virginia and the mountain region.” “The Hatfield-McCoy Feud” Encyclopedia of Appalachia What connotations does this feud have for the rest of America?

Historical Fiction: The Coffin Quilt A novel set among actual events or a specific period of history. The setting is usually real and drawn from history, and often contains actual historical figures; however, dialogue, emotions, and actions are supplied. Events are presented from the point of view of a fictional character or historical figure from that period.