Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-07
How a Lynching
Bee Was Averted

THE recent death OF Elias Hatfield.
the noted feudist, closed for all
time one Of the many cases In
which citizens OF various communities
have tried to take the law into their own
hands and administer the biblical injunc-
ton, IAN eye for an eye, tooth for a
tooth, life for life" Once before in
this notorious mans life he figured as the
leading character in an attempt on the
part of the citizens Of Cabell county, w
Va, to rid themselves Of his presence. but
the affair had an abrupt termination with
out the accomplishment of the object
Hatf1eld's neck was saved by the fore
sight Of Sheriff w. o. Walton of Cabell
county, and the reputation of his prisoner
as a desperate man. 1t was case IN
which there were no battering-rams used,
no angry bowls from the mob Haunted In
the face of the prisoner, and no shots hred:
glanced once within and Immediately
withdrew.
Much has been written about this great
family tragedy in which more than score
of McCoys and Hatfelds were killed, but
little Is known Of this particular case. 1t
was one of those side acts which went to
make up the great drama of the West
Virginia mountains. about which few par
Elephants care to speak. Those who formed
the crowd of angry. vengeance-seeklng
citizens were ashamed to acknowledge 1t;
Hatfield and his jailer were too modest to
talk Of 1t.
Immediately after the shooting OF H. E.
Ellis, June l, 1899, Elias Hatfield, fearing
the violence that he knew would break out
on all Sides took to the mountains in Mingo
county and remained in hiding until his
voluntary surrender to Gov. Atkinson
few weeks later. This took place in
secluded spot in the wilderness OF the
mountain regions the governor personally
placing Hatfield under arrest AS man,
the officials placed great confidence in Hat
field, and with a small escort, designed to
attract little attention as possible. he
was hurried at once to the Jail in Cabell
county.
Although the whole affair took place with
in a few hours and Hatfield was safely
landed in a strong county Jail some miles
from where the friends OF the murdered
man lived, 1t became generally known In a
short time. Talk Of mob violence at once
arose, and a day or SO later Sheriff Walton
received an unsigned message stating that
"necktie" party would be held that night
The sheriff. however, was not man TO
be Influenced by the crude ethics OF the
rougher element of Mingo county or any
him for official action, although the militia
could have been hurried to the scene soon
enough to prevent the capture OF the prls-
oner AS a precaution, however, he secured
TWO Colt 3 reviewers duu d "lHCHSStSA AAAS
and took them to cell facing the main
corridor Of the jail Then going TO Hat
fields cell. he fully explained the danger
that threatened.
said he would like to have chance for
his life. at least.
you shall have It," the sheriff told him,
as he unlocked his door and led him to the
other cell. Then motioning him inside, ne
added: I'VE are soon to be in tight
place, Elias. You know these people, and
unless I am mistaken they know you.
Therefore, I am giving you what think
ask. In return 1 want your word that not
a shot shall be fired unless It is absolutely
necessary" And the word was given.
That evening there was an unusual
silence about the town, SO unusual, In fact
that it was bit ominous. And one could
easily have seen that men were gathering
in a large crowd at point several blocks
away from the Jail with a determination
about their movements that gave an indt-
cation of something about to happen. over
in the Jail one guard sat near Hatfield S
cell and quietly talked with Its occupant,
while Sheriff Walton sat in his office read
ing, expectant and ready to act on the
slightest provocatlon.
| Eight o'clock came and went with no
| signs of trouble. They had almost begun
to think the affair had been abandoned
when the stiffness broken by the sound
of many feet and the hoarse murmur OF
gruff voices outside.
loud knock brought Sheriff Walton to
| his feet who is it?' he asked, slowly I'M
locking the door Of the main corridor.
What do you want?"
I'VE represent the citizens Of Mingo and
| Cabell counties, SIR, came the reply. I'VE
| want that prisoner"
The sheriff smiled at the angry faces be-
| fore him. Il hope. gentlemen you will fully
appreciate the situation before you make
| an attempt to take him. I believe you I'M
| derstand what / have done. This corridor
| is short, but l doubt If any man can reach
| the end under the present circumstances"
| The leaders stopped on the threshold and
gasped. Calmly sitting in his cell at the
| other end Hatfield faced them holding in