Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-07-30
A KENTUCKY TApuLx WAR.
The Turner's and Howards Make the
Town Of Harlan n battle-ground on
Court Day.

Town of Harlan n battle-ground on
Court Day.
from The LouisgiUs Courier -Joaraat
From citizen OF Harlan county, who
arrived In the city yesterday, the particu-
lars OF bloody affair which took place
last week between two families Of the
county, between whom feud has for
long time existed, were learned. The
families involved are headed by George
b. Turner, ST., and Henderson Howard.
The former lives with his family IN the
town Of Harlan, and the Hendersons 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 every one AZ the representative
leaders Of the opposite political parties.
Their trouble has no political signlu-
canoe. but arose about five years ago in
consequence OF u difficulty between w tck-
life Howard. son OF Henderson Howard,
and Robert Turner, son Of George Is. Iur-
ner. They had been fast friends ana boon
companions, and were out on q lark to-
gether. Both had been drinking and
quarrel ensued over "A trivial matter.
They separated and left Tor their homes.
into town with the aV0Wed intention Of
making Turner bite the dust before re-
turning. He came across Turner ON the
street, called 10 him, and, AS he turned
and faced him, presented his musket and
shot HIM dead. For this crime Wickliffe
Howard was tried for his life. Large sums
OF money we're spent by both sides trying
to gain their point. The Towards were
finally triumphant, and mountain justice
acquitted the slayer.
The dispute bad in the meantime drawn
the members Of each family INTO the teud,
and as both were largely connected near
~ one-half of the community was ar
rayed against the other. Last winter
VIM. Turner, Jr., swOre to aYenge his
brothers. death. Wickliife Howard had
in the meantime married, and was living
alone with his wife. In the dead OF night,
some time in December, VIM. Turner
stealthily approached his house and
forced an entrance into his sleeping room
with the intention OF killing Howard.
Howard, fortunately, had been aroused
short time before by "A disturbance among
mis- stock, and had gone out TO see what
was the matter. Turner's presence in the
room awoke Mrs. Howard. and she saw
him standing in the middle of the room
ia his stocking feet, his pistol cooked in
his hand Notwithstanding Turner's
TO come In, that Turner WAS there and
would kill him. Howard, however, came
to the door. There was no light in the
room, except glow made by embers in
the fireplace. IL was enough to show
Turner standing in the centre 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
q 4v.fs,
to grapple with his enemy. In the dark
ness Howard eluded him, secured his pis-
toll, and shot him In the shoulder. Turner
escaped from the house, and went home.
AS soon as he recovered from the effect of
his wound be fled to Texas. Both sides
seemed satisfied to permit things to re-
main as they were during VIM. Turner's
absence, but on the night of the Fourth
OF July he returned. 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, how
ever, the Turner's deny, and say that
they wanted no further trouble. Sunday,
July 5, intervening, all Was quiet between
the two factions, as far as outside appear
ances went, although it was said that
both sides busted themselves in prepara-
tions and plans for what was regarded as
inevitable.
Monday was court day, and early in the
day the Towards came into town. They
soon learned that VIM. Turner was on
the street. and posted themselves in sew
eral 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 court house and
stood by the side Of an open window over
| looking the yard. They mad not long to
wait. Very soon VIM. Turner came along
the graded walk leading into the court
house. AS soon as he got within 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 stag
/ gered and turned and ran about twenty
| yards. The first shots were a signal for
the rest Of the Towards, and by this time
"A regular fusilade had opened on Turner.
/ He drew 45-calibre pistol and returned
/ the shots, retreating as he tired into a
| corn field near by.
| Two Of Turner's brothers heard Of the
attack, and FASTENED to the rescue in time
\ to take part in the affair, and soon brought
! the matter to halt. They formed a
4 guard for their brother, and he was taken
/ home, his wounds properly dressed, and
/ he is now doing as well as could be eX.
pected Five OF the Howards surrendered
| themselves to the Sheriff, and were each
| put under $1,000 bonds to appear at the
! fall term.
Sentiment is about equally divided be
tween the two families. Thus far their
sanguinary troubles have not involved
any of their friends who are not related,
but II is feared by the conservative, law
abiding people of Harlan that the feud
will be continued until one or the other
/ of the two factions is eXterminated or
/ driven out of the country.
ROSS RAYMOND ON DECK AGAIN
/ The Notorious ex- CorrsRpoDdent Turns