b&w sketch of pharmacist with blood splatter background

A Hatfield shoots a non-McCoy

Posted by

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

New Victim Falls by Hatfield Pistol:
Son of “Devil Arise” Kills Physician Who Would Not Prescribe Whisky.

Dr. Edwin O. Thornhill, aged 35, a well-known physician and business man of the southern section of West Virginia, was shot dead today in a drug store at Mullens by Willis Hatfield, son of the noted feudist, “Devil Anse” Hatfield.

The physician was attending an injured person when the shooting occurred. Hatfield, it is said, asked Dr. Thornhill to issue a prescription for a pint of whiskey. The doctor refused, and when Hatfield used abusive language the physician slapped him.

Hatfield, it is alleged, immediately drew a revolver and fired two bullets into Dr. Thornhill’s body. Stepping close, Hatfield fired two more shots, each taking effect in the head of the prostrate man.

Hatfield then ran from the drug store, but was captured in a few minutes by persons who witnessed the shooting. Fearing that he would be lynched, Hatfield pleaded with the officers to protect him, and he was taken to Pineville, the county seat, where Deputy Sheriffs tonight are guarding the frail prison.

The Railroad and Miners Pharmacy in downtown Mullens, WV in 1914. Willis Hatfield in undated photo from about this period.
The Railroad and Miners Pharmacy in downtown Mullens, WV in 1914. Willis Hatfield in undated photo from about this period.

“When the case went to trial,” says historian F. Keith Davis, “Willis’ brother Cap assisted in his defense (Devil Anse Hatfield attended each day of the trial, and sat in the courtroom with his shotgun resting across his lap).

“After deliberation, the jury eventually charged Willis with murdering Dr. Thornhill, returning a verdict of voluntary manslaughter. However, Judge Miller only sentenced Hatfield to serve four years in the penitentiary. Willis served his time peacefully and returned home, living the rest of his life in a private manner.”

sources: “Images of America: Logan County, WV,” by F. Keith Davis, (Arcadia Publishing)

NY Times, Jan 2, 1912

More articles on gun lawlessness:

That was the last time Dad ever accepted an appointment as a Deputy Policeman(Opens in a new browser tab)

Old Man Wright rides into exile(Opens in a new browser tab)

He jumped on the bed, held his wife down and shot her through the head(Opens in a new browser tab)

Leave a Reply