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This is the long-awaited story of Captain
Bill Strong of Civil War fame and the feudal era of "Bloody"
Breathitt County, Kentucky, history. Written by Kentucky Explorer
Assistant Editor David W. Strong and his father, Sam Strong,
Jr., the book was finally published earlier this year (2001)
and is now available (in limited quantity) by mail. Sales have gone very well and a second
printing is anticipated.
This
book tells the story of Captain Bill from an angle different
than tradition. For the first time, the disclaimer "it has
been said" (when speaking of the Captain and his alleged
exploits) takes a back seat to a different version; one based
upon Strong Family oral history, military records or pension
files, and old newspaper accounts from the late 1800s.
The
authors are direct descendants of the Captain Bill, as follows:
- Capt. Bill Strong
- Edward "Neddy" Strong
- Samuel Strong
- Samuel Strong, Jr.
- David W. Strong
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NOTE: This
book is NOT a genealogy collection of the Strong family,
although some data is included on Captain Bill's immediate family.
The genealogy project is in the works and will be published soon
under separate cover.
Captain
Bill summed up the conditions of his own fate, like a fortune-teller,
through the words of this rare newspaper interview:
"I
do not intend to run, and I know as well as I am now alive that
nothing will satisfy them until they kill me, and several other
citizens. I do not intend to seek a fight, but will do as I have
done, heretofore; defend myself when I am attacked and give them
all I've got. There is no use for me to be backward about it.
They are thirsting for my blood and will shed it as soon as they
can."
(Courier-Journal, January 6, 1879)
Get your copy of AT
REST AMONG THORNS today. Send a $20.00
check or money order to:
David W. Strong, 76 Beattyville
Road, Lot 6, Jackson, KY 41339
Questions or comments via Internet,
e-mail: dwstrong@kih.net
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