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 Tolbert Hatfield’s deposition regarding the affair:

COMMONWEALTH VS DOC MAYHORN &C

Bill of Exceptions

FILED Sept. 1889

G.W. Pinson, Clk

Tolbert Hatfield testified that he was one of the Justices that had charge of the McCoy Boys. They were in our custody until about 12 o’clock next day. They were in the crowd that moved to Pikeville with the Prisoners. We were stoped (sic) by Wall. I Don’t remember where I first saw the Defts. Seen them some where between Anderson Hatfield and where we turned back Down Blackbery. One of them had arms. Don’t know which. The McCoy Boys were given up by the authoritys because they could not help themselvs (sic). It is not far from where the McCoy Boys was killed to the road on on the Virginia shore opposite the place where they was killed. Some 200 to 250 yards. The Defs. Were not Present when the McCoy Boys were Turned Back Down Blackbery. Theire were a grate many People theire.

For more information about this incident, follow these links:

http://explorekyhistory.ky.gov/items/show/785?tour=55&index=3

http://wvpublic.org/post/three-mccoys-killed-hatfields-kentucky-august-8-1882#stream/0

http://hatfield-mccoytruth.com/2017/04/22/in-hatfield-country-blackberry-creek-in-the-1880s/