The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-05-29
ARKlex OF rERRoR
In Knott County, Ksntaelg-Dsspsradoss
Rale the Rooat.

In hnott Gouh9t AentoekyPbsspSradoe
Rals the Roost.
Mr. sTERINe, KY, May 2s.-Knot
county comes to the front, and though III,
youngest county in Kentucty, has to hel
credit the darkest crimes along the side o
those which have given the State an un
enviable name abroad. There Is in thai
county q band Of lawless despetadoes
who are always armed ard seeking tc
bathe their hands in human blood. Ith
estimated that the band number forty.fiye,
and are backed ana hGye the sympathy
of the lower and drinking class. They
make their home in the bush, and when
ever In camp have pickets on duty. The
good people have grown weary OF this
lawlessness, and have 10 some extent
taken the law into their own hands. Since
the organization OF this county this band
Of men have murdered outright some
twelve or fifteen men. Not that there
were existing ieuds, but because they
wanted money. They are properly termed
as thieves, cut-throats and highway
robbers. On March last this party,
believing that Frank Salyers, q
prominent man of that section, had money,
made Q dash ON his home, and would
have Immediately murdered him but for
the timely interference Of ]. O. Jones, an
old and respected citizen Of that county,
who persuaded them TO go away and spare
his life. They left at that hour, but re-
turned later In the evening and murdered
salyers and then robbed him Of what
money he had. Atan inquest on the day
following this party, believing It better for
them to put Jones out OF the way for fear
he would testify against them, made sew
eral attempts 10 murder him. Mr.. Jones
began to rally his friends about him until
the western part OF the county 70 q man is |
affared against the eastern. On the 18th
81 this month Ave Of the friends OF Jones',
armed for . death struggle with their foes.I
met them at Fl. Gibson, where bloody
struggle ensued.
The numbering band, headed by
Bowling hall, numbered sir. When the
smoke OF battle bad cleared away It was
discovered that three Of the desperadoesii !
we're n.ortally wounded, and one Of Jones'
iriends. Things then assumed more
dreadful aspect, and Jones and the others
engaged in trouble lett the county. Then
L was that the civil authorities deter
mined to Try what virtue there Is In the
aw, and with warrants sworn ont against
Jones and his party for shooting with In
.ent 10 kill, the Sheriff went in search OF /
hem. He came upon Jones, Richard
Vance and Cubb 1saacs, near Coyington
.o-day, where he arrested them, and |
.tarted with them for Knott county, where
hey vill have their examining trial. The
sheriff, II A. L. nranghn, made the above
statement tonight, and further says that |,
syery good citizen lives in terror.
At some points the mails have been
stopped and robbed, and postmasters
have been forced to abandon their posts
II duty. The captain OF the desperadoes, |.
Bowling Hall, is living With the widow OF
salYers, whom he murdered list March.
The Sheriff says he himself Is afraid, but
will do his duty towards the county, al
hou2h he die in the attempt. There Is
IN intense feeling in the country, and It
believed on the retnrn OF these persons
he two arrayed parties will come together,
md much hood will be shed. Should
here be another engagement there will
be hundred. or more to the side. All
peaceful citizens who can get away are
their homes to the mercy OF |
hese cutthroats. Anybody whom they
Inspect has money; y in danger Of losing
lis life. The Sheriff says the county, in
Ter present state ct affairs, will discount
Rowan IN her darkest hours.