The killing of Tolbert, Pharmer, and Bud McCoy by a Hatfield-led gang on August 8, 1882 represented one of the most sensational events of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. What follows is James Hatfield’s deposition regarding the affair:

COMMONWEALTH VS DOC MAYHORN &C

Bill of Exceptions

FILED Sept. 1889

G.W. Pinson, Clk

The Commonwealth then introduced Jas. Hatfield who testified. Am double cousin of defts. father in law. After the line had been formed at Rev. Anderson’s & just after it had started down the creek with the boys I heard Ance Hatfield say to Randal McCoy we understand we are to be bush whacked down the creek and if we are we will kill the boys first. The defts. were then commanded(?) in the line.