Jas. McCoy, Old Feudist Leader, Dies

At Four Score Years Old, Warrior Dies with Boots Off at Pikeville Home

Last of McCoy Clan who Long Fought the Hatfields

“James McCoy, 80, the last of the men who were actively engaged in the Hatfield-McCoy feud about forty years ago, passed away last Friday in Pikeville at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stoney Amick. But one other member of the older family survives him, Mrs. Fannie Charles of Williamson.

“The Hatfield-McCoy feud was one of the most noted struggles of the mountains in the last century. And of all the men on the McCoy side one could scarcely pick a more picturesque one than James McCoy.

“Soon after the fighting started and the two families became warring factions, all over an election dispute, James McCoy was made deputy sheriff of Pike county. Acting in this capacity he, at one time, arrested some of the Hatfield family and brought them to Pikeville for trial. In most every encounter he was usually found fighting for his family, and the Hatfields learned to fear the name of James McCoy.

“But the years have wiped out the hatred that once existed, the warring families having been induced to settle their differences some twenty-five years ago by a mountain preacher.

“For a long time Mr. McCoy has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Stoney Amick in Pikeville. About a year ago he became ill with a sickness that, at his age, proved too serious and he died last Friday. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church last Saturday afternoon and the body was taken to Catlettsburg where he is now sleeping beside his wife, who passed away a number of years ago.

“A number of children survive him; Mrs. Stoney Amick of Pikeville, Mrs. Crit Weddington of Mossy Bottom, Byrd Gilliam of Huntington, Mrs. Raymond Daugherty of Detroit, Mich., Miss Dollie McCoy of Huntington, W.Va., Mrs. M.A. Dunlap of New York City, and Mr. Finnie McCoy of Douglas. Three other children have preceded Jim in death.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner reprinted from the Pike County (KY) News, 20 September 1929.

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‘Cap’ Hatfield Speaks Kindly of Late Jim McCoy

Denies, However, That Decedent was Formidable Figure in the Feud, Thus Taking Issue with Obituary Writers

“‘Neither fear nor hatred ever ran strong in the Hatfields for the late Jim McCoy,’ declared ‘Cap’ Hatfield while here Wednesday. His statement was made to a Banner reporter when the subject of the recent death of the McCoy feudist was mentioned.

“According to Cap, who is credited with knowing more about the Hatfield-McCoy troubles than anyone else, living or dead, by reason of his leading part therein and of his amazing memory, Jim McCoy was among the least active of the recognized adherents of that clan. It is not believed that he killed any of the Hatfields or their supporters.

“Cap further stated that those of the Hatfield clan never felt particularly hostile to Jim McCoy and he mentioned the fact that when Tennis Hatfield had occasion to visit Pikeville, Ky., a year or more ago, he and Jim fraternized and even posed together for a picture. ‘I had long intended,’ continued Cap, ‘to ask and urge Jim McCoy to come over and visit me. Had he come I would have done my best to be considerate and hospitable. Jim did nothing against us that caused us to harbor hatred for him; he did only what was natural for him to do under the circumstances. But I insist the Hatfields did not fear him, nor did they consider him among the more dangerous men on the McCoy side. Frank Phillips, of course, was the outstanding gunfighter of the McCoy side.’

“Jim McCoy, son of Randall, who was commonly credited with leadership of the McCoy forces, died at his home in Pikeville, August 30. He was 80 years old.

“Perhaps it should be added that contrary to the statement widely published immediately after his death, Jim was not the last survivor of his clan’s feud fighters. Lark McCoy, who was more active as a feudist, is still living. It is said that both he and Jim were in the attacking party when Jim Vance was killed on Thacker mountain and when ‘Cap’ narrowly escaped death or capture.”

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 20 September 1929.