War In Breathitt

The Courthouse A Fort For A Mob

The County Judge Shot Down By The Mob & Buried By The Guard

Special Correspondence of the Mt. Sterling Democrat

Jackson, Breathitt County, November 27, 1878

Jackson, the county seat of Breathitt County, is located on the north fork of the Kentucky River. Owing to feuds growing out of the late war Breathitt County has suffered from an internecine war, with Jackson as headquarters, where many bloody and dreadful tragedies have been enacted.

Among the many causes of irritation that are influencing the people today is a feeling of bitterness and hatred that sprang up last August between the friends of the two contestants for county judge. This race resulted in the election of Judge J. L. Burnett, a promising young lawyer of Jackson, defeating ex-Judge Ned Strong, of the Lost Creek precinct.

Following this was the hotly, bitterly contested election for school commissioner, in which principally the same parties, that is, the mutual friends of the candidates for judge, were the contestants. Chief among the causes, however, that have added fuel to the flame that has gradually consumed the morals, the industry, the business and prosperity of the county are the action of Captain Bill Strong.

Captain Bill Strong

Captain Bill Strong, of home-guard fame, who has been sustained and supported by the Freemans and others, comprising a clan of some 12 or 15 men, who are notorious in their defiance of civil law, and mixed with all these are the actions and conduct of the Littles, Allens, and others, who, each in turn, sought revenge for any and all imaginary wrongs, and never resorted to the strong arm of the law for protection. All of these different influences and forces have finally culminated in one of the bloodiest dramas that any civilized community ever witnessed. The town today is under control of a mob.

Fleeing For Their Lives

Good citizens are fleeing for their lives. Women and children are seeking shelter from any who will protect them. The officers of the law are defied, and wild havoc and desolation prevail in all quarters. Men, drunk and wild with frenzy, armed to the teeth with pistols and guns, are walking the streets, yelling at the top of their voices, proclaiming whom they intend to kill.

As Much As Your Life Is Worth

In fact, it is as much as your life is worth to appear upon the streets, for you are liable to be attacked by either or both parties at any moment. This is the third day of this dreadful regime, and while gloomy and dark days like a great incubus have settled down in the past on these people, of lawlessness, outrageous and blood-thirsty acts and designs, none will compare with the terrible crimes of this week. As usual his honor, Judge William Randall, convened the Breathitt Circuit Court, on Monday morning instructed the Grand Jury, and adjourned until the afternoon.

During the afternoon John Aikman, leading about a dozen men, dashed into town on horseback armed with pistols and guns, dismounted, and furiously attacked Captain Bill Strong's clan, who were standing on the street in front of Breeding's store.

Thirty or Forty Shots

Thirty or 40 shots were discharged, two taking effect on William and Daniel Freeman; the former shot through the body, the latter through the head. They were removed late in the evening to their homes several miles up the river, and it is reported today that Daniel Freeman is recovering, but William is dead. Strong and his followers received no injuries, but barricaded themselves in a little log cabin about 100 yards from the courthouse, where they had previously stacked their arms. Aikman and his party sought shelter in the courthouse, and a regular interchange of shots was kept up during the whole afternoon.

One of the Freemans who fell in the middle of the street when shot, was forced to lie there for two hours, his friends fearing to attempt his removal.

Hideous Yells

During the strife hideous yells and shouts of defiance could be heard from both parties. The court was paralyzed; the officers of the law dumbfounded; the citizens watched from a distance, and not a single effort was made to quell the bloody riot. At last, with night came hope, and all was quiet save the Bedlam whoop of the drunken rabble. There was no sleep nor rest; everybody lived in dreading expectancy of the morrow; and slowly next morning (Tuesday) as light was thrown upon the scene, it was discovered that Aikman and party had quartered themselves near the river bank, while Strong and his clan held their fort untaken. One by one citizens made their appearance on the streets congratulating themselves that the war was over.

Straggling Men Armed

About ten o'clock Strong retired, and soon thereafter straggling, drunken men, well armed, began to parade the streets in defiance of all law and order. It was soon whispered that the guard which had been sent to Lexington under charge of the sheriff to bring back Jason Little, charged with wife murder, would soon return, and an effort would be made to release the prisoner. To the credit, however, of John Aikman, be it said, he refused to participate in this crime and left for home. A willing leader was soon found in a justice of the peace named J. C. B. Allen, supported by the Littles, Crawfords, and others, numbering about 40, who loitered about the streets impatiently waiting for the guard to appear. Judge Randall, to defeat the aim of this mob, had the deputy sheriff and county judge to detail an extra guard of 15 men, who went under the leadership of County Judge John W. Burnett. About eight o'clock p. m., they returned with the prisoner and safely confined him in jail, the guard numbering about 25 well-armed men. No effort at a release was made, but immediately after the guard returned from the jail to the street and began to dispense, thinking the danger was over, Crawford and Little began an attack on Judge Burnett, threatening to take his life.

Excitement began to run high. Yell after yell rent the air, and suddenly a volley was poured in on the guard, who, taken by surprise, sought shelter in every quarter. During the discharge of this volley, Judge Burnett was shot and instantly killed.

Judge Burnett Killed

Judge Burnett was shot and killed. Then a constant fire began and was kept up during the whole evening, and diabolical yells were kept up by the victorious mob as it gained a vantage point.

Allen and his men being in the courthouse yard sought shelter behind the Clerk's office, and in the courtroom, while the guard retreated up the street to the point where Strong and his clan were barricaded. The forces numbered some 30 or 40 on each side. The men were all well-armed with the latest improved Colt's Navy repeaters, Spencer and Ballard rifles, and, being good shots, could kill their man from 100 to 200 yards, wherever he might appear.

During the picket shooting, a posse of Allen's clan with axes attempt to burst open the jail door and rescue the prisoner. At this point Tom Little, of Campton, a brother of Jerry Little, appeared upon the scene of the conflict, and made an effort to quell the riot, but was suddenly shot through the body, which caused the jail-breakers to desist. Great feeling was manifested at the fall of Mr. Tom Little, and many voices were heard to swear vengeance for that shot.

Little today (Wednesday) at noon is lying at the point of death, and his physicians say he will not live till the sun goes down. The Allen party deserted the courthouse last night, and the sheriff and posse took possession, thus commanding the door to the jail.

No Court

No court has been held, and the circuit court judge suddenly disappeared this morning before seven o'clock, leaving no orders as to the disposition of the prisoner, Little; the county court judge is dead; efforts are being made, however, in vain, to secure the services of some magistrate who will assume the responsibility of ordering Little to be returned to Lexington or some other jail for safe keeping.

The court has left without making any provision for the keeping of county paupers and idiots, or allowing any of the thousands of claims, which leaves hundreds of persons in almost destitute circumstances, without the means of support.

A guard was detailed to dig the grave for the interment of Judge Burnett, and the spot selected was by the side of his sweetheart, who died one year ago. Ladies and citizens who came to town today to attend the funeral have beaten a hasty retreat.