Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1885-07-17
MURDER IN THE MOUNTAINS.
Bloody Feud Between the Towards
and Turner's in Har-
Ian County


which took place last week between
two families of the county, among
whom feud has for long time ex-
listed, were learned. The families in
involved are headed by George b.
Turner, ST., and Henderson Howard.
The former lives with his family i'll
the town of Harlan, and the How
ards live about three miles below the
county seat. The two factions were
until late years the wealthiest people
in that part of the country. The two
heads were looked upon by everyone
as the representative leaders of the
two opposite political parties. Their
trouble has no political significance,
but arose about five years ago in con-
sequence of a difficulty between
Wickliffe Howard, son of Henderson
Howard, and Robert Turner, son of
George b. Turner. They had been
fast friends and boon companions,
and were out on a lark together.
Both had been drinking and quar-
rel ensued over trivial matter.
They separated and left for their
homes. Howard procured musket
and went into town with the avowed
intention of making Turner bite the
dust before returning. lie came
across Turner on the street. lie call
ed to him, and as he turned and faced
him he presented his musket and
shot him dead. For this crime
Wicklfe Howard was tried for his
life. Vast sums of money were spent
by both sides trying to gain their
point. The Towards were finally
triumphant,a and mountain justice ac-
quilted the slayer. The dispute had in
the meantime drawn the members of
each family into the feud, and as they
both were largely connected nearly
one-half of the community was ar
rayed against the other. Last winter
VIM. Turner, Jr., son of George b.
Turner, ST., swore to avenge his
brothers death. Wickliffe Howard
had in the meantime married and
was living along with his wife. In
the dead of night sometime in De-
cember VIM. Turner stealthily APP
preached his house and forced an
entrance into his sleeping-roOm with
the intention of killing Howard.
Howard, fortunately had been arous-
ed short time before by disturb
ance among his stock, and had gone
out to see what was the matter.
Turner's presence in the room dis
turbed Mrs. Howard, and she awak-
ened and saw him standing in the
middle of the room in his stocking
feet, his pistol cooked in his hand.
Notwithstanding Turner's threats
she screamed to her husband not to
come i'll, that Turner was there and
would kill him. Howard, however,
came to the door. There was no
light in the room, except a glow made
by the dying embers in the fireplace.
1t was enough to show Turner stand
ing in the center Of the room, and
between Howard and the place
where he kept his pistol.
AS soon as Howard stepped into
the room Turner began to shoot. He
emptied his revolver without effect,
and then tried to grapple with his
enemy. In the darkness Howard
eluded him and secured his pistol
and shot him in the shoulder. Tur-
ner escaped from the house and went
home. AS soon as he recovered from
the effect of his wound he fled the
country and went to Texas. Both
sides seemed satisfied TO permit things
to remain as they were during Will
liam Turner's absence, but on the
night of the Fourth of July he re-
turned. The Towards claim that on
his return the Turner's sent word TO
them, now that he was here, they
were ready to renew the conflict
This, however, the Turner's deny, and
say they wanted no further trouble.
Sunday, July 5, intervening, all was
quiet between the two factions, as
far as outside appearances went,
although it was said that both sides
busted themselves in preparations
and plans for what was regarded as
inevitable.
Monday morning, July 6, was
court day, and early IN the day the
Towards came into town. They
soon learned that Will Turner was on
the street. and they posted themselves
in several places so as to get the drop
on him. Wilson Howard, a cousin,
and james Howard, a brother of
Wickliffe, went into the second story
of the courthouse and stood by the
side of an open window overlooking
the yard. They had not long to wait
Very soon William Turner came
along the graded walk leading into
the courthouse. AS soon as he got
into range the two Towards, who
were above him, opened fire, and one
of the shots struck him in the breast
near the nipple, and went clear
through his body. He staggered and
turned and ran about twenty yards.
The first shots were signal for the
rest of the Towards, and by this time
a regular fusilade had opened on Tur-
ner. He drew a 45-caliber pistol and
returned the shots retreating as he
fired into a corn-field near by.