Appalachian History

Relatives of the gone-away families often visited if they owned a car or could get a ride with someone who did have one. Susan’s son Henry Hampton (by a former marriage) and wife Mint lived with their children in the Carcassonne community. Henry worked in the mines and owned a car of what age, make [...]

“I never spoke a word until I was nine years old. I only clucked and motioned for what I wanted. Lots of people thought I was an idiot because I could not talk. I may have looked like one, for I was a little old country boy that never cut my hair in those days [...]

The Mountain Eagle WHITESBURG, LETCHER COUNTY, KENTUCKY. THURSDAY JUNE 2 1927 “16 KNOWN DEAD IN FLOOD” The death list of the terrific storm which swept Letcher County Sunday night has mounted to sixteen, with reports coming in which indicate that it may reach twenty. Property damage cannot be estimated. Homes are destroyed, livestock and poultry [...]

Ira Mullins Family Massacre aka “Killing Rock Massacre,” Dr. Taylor Hanging and shoot-out with the Fleming Brothers Kentucky Explorer [Letcher County, KY], October 28, 1893 (part 1 of 2) Dr. Marshall B. Taylor was hanged at Wise Courthouse, Virginia, at 2:20 this afternoon, October 27, 1893, for the murder of the Mullins Family. Last night [...]

Jenkins, KY didn’t come into existence by steady settlement over a period of years. Jenkins was planned and built by Consolidation Coal Company [Consol] for men who came to mine its coal– what was to become known as the best coal in Kentucky. Mrs. G. C. Johnson: I came from Pikeville. My husband was here–he [...]