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Analytical Essay: The Death Of Ellison Hatfield

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It is believed that the death of Ellison Hatfield was the turning point between these families and the physical start of the 30 year long feud. Ellison Hatfield, the brother of Devil Anse Hatfield, was a farmer and former Lieutenant who served on the Confederate side during the Civil War. His death was caused by a verbal argument between three McCoy’s during a voting day in Kentucky; Preacher Anderson Hatfield was one of the election officials, his brother was Bad Lias(heavy drinker). Devil Hanse had a brother named Bad Elias. They were both at the Kentucky Election. (footnote for kentucky elections during 1870-80) to pass time during the day. Ellison Hatfield was present but not voting.( a lieutenant in Pickett’s Division- at charge at gettysburg …show more content…

He then proceeded to go after the Hatfield and physically harm him. Tolbert's brothers, Phamer and Randolph jr., jumped in to help. Ellison Hatfield walks into the situation drunk and then says some vulgar words leading to a bigger altercation that results in the death of Ellison. He was stabbed 26 times and then shot. He was taken back to a home and died Aug 9, 1882. This same night the 3 McCoy boys were taken away from “police” hands and were brought across the Tug River at Matewan where they were tied to a tree and shot to death. This incident Began open warfare between the families. As to why the murder of Anse McCoy isn’t said to be the cause of the feud goes back to how the incident ended. No one was ever accused or officially blamed for the death of Anse McCoy. Although the McCoy family had their suspicions on who it was, they didn’t have a way of acting out on their suspicions because it would just end up in cold blood. When Ellison Hatfield was killed, there were witnesses and a clear sight as to who was at fault; the three McCoy brothers. They were to be taken to trial and serve their consequences, but because it was publicly known that they were to blame, the Hatfield family took revenge into their own hands.

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