Looking for my murdered relative _ Finding Boyd Hatfield -Hatfield and McCoy country

[@securityconsultant9036]

HATFIELD, Jeff Jeff Hatfield, who lived on the Kentucky side of Williamson, WV, and who died following an automobile wreck Friday night is the third member of his family to be claimed by violent death. He suffered a fractured skull when his automobile and truck driven by C. R. Ruckley, Maytag salesman of Pikeville, collided at Shafondale, KY and died later at Williamson. Rackley escaping with minor injuries. Hatfield’s brother, Boyd Hatfield, a deputy sheriff was shot and killed by a negro on Pond Creek a few months ago. Another brother, Anderson Hatfield was shot and killed at Matewan, WV in the mine strike there several years ago. Big Sandy News-Recorder, Friday, May 6, 1932

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you

[@securityconsultant9036]

I posted the guys name who shot them. A relative posted it in the comments on a genealogy site. So she may know the whole story. Also my searches pulled up 2 huge downloads mostly about coal wars so I suspect the incident may of been along those lines.

[@Fritzie73]

Wow fantastic information so very sad though 😢 thank you for telling us all of the brothers stories.

[@m988022]

It would totally suck a few short decades after walking in this world to be totally forgotten. You all are doing amazing things giving these people a voice.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much!

[@badgerattoadhall]

10s of billions of people have been forgotten.

[@amyhall8282]

Oh my gosh! I got goosebumps when you found Boyd's grave! You could write an incredible book with all the history and pictures you have uncovered on the Hatfield's and McCoy's families. You are doing exactly what I dream of doing: keeping the people alive with their stories. I love your channel! Keep up the great work! God bless you for what you are doing!

[@SnowLady_164]

I've heard it said, we die twice. The time, of our actual death, and again when your name is spoken, for the last time. Thank you, Leo.

[@sherrilee230]

I think it gives a feeling of restfulness and a tranquil when you visit a family members grave. Thank you Leo for sharing this story and yes I bet someone knows his story

[@securityconsultant9036]

I found the story in his bothers obituary. And another brother was killed in Matawan coal wars. Wow

[@michellevasquez2131]

It's absolutely amazing just how big the Hatfield family was, and to know that you're related to them. So very awesome.

[@amberhansen3806]

My great grandmother's sister married a Hatfield. She was Maude Hatfield from KY My husband's grandfather was murdered in an altercation as well. He was 46 when he was stabbed to death outside of a bar. In the 80s I believe

[@sandyg515]

Leo, we have numerous ancestors in common. I only have documents on my ancestors but visiting their graves with you has brought them and their stories into my heart.

[@jamesreiss8459]

That was a firefighter memorial flag on Drake's grave. Nice to keep history alive. You guys are doing a fine job

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 😊

[@cherylverhelst8245]

So happy you found Boyd’s grave. It made my heart happy to see that someone still comes to put flowers on the graves there. Thanks for sharing.

[@pamelawooten3251]

A great story. Thank you, Leo, for checking all possibilities and finally finding Boyd. Great job to you both!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Pamela!

[@sharons_here]

Thank you for your service, Boyd. 🙏

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Rest in peace Boyd, and thank you for your service. You are not forgotten. And rest in peace to all who are laid there.

[@dancinrain8307]

I found this on a site for fallen officers but I didn’t want to join the page. ‘Boyd Westin Hatfield. Deputy Hatfield was shot and killed by a suspect after responding to a disturbance call. He was survived by his wife.’

[@cynthiacarter514]

You two are proving there is more good history to the Hatfield name than the dreadful feud after the civil war.

[@kellyfostercash8026]

Boyd was also my late husband's 8th cousin's husband..Louisa's grandmother was Columbia Alice Hatfield & back to her mother who was Tabitha Taylor

[@joanneweislocher8540]

Hey Leo, did you ever go to a nursing home and talk to an older person who lived in Pensan Ft. ,Kentucky who might remember what happened? When my gma was in a Missouri nursing home there was a lady who remembered her folks in the county my gma was born ‼️ So cool! Just fyi! Bless you both for all your work❤️

[@jumpin4joync]

Looking at 1930 on Ancestry, it shows he owned his home valued at 2,000.00. That's interesting. And, his wife's brother and his family lived next door, they owned their home, it was valued at 2,000.00. That is very interesting, especially since the brother is listed as a laborer in the coal mines. And possibly another brother to his wife lived very close, owned his home valued at 2,000.00 and was a coal miner. I watched a video once that said when looking at Census look at entire page, plus page before it and after it, because families lived close to each other.

[@securityconsultant9036]

All 3 brother died young one before and one a few months after.

[@sherriekirby1585]

Congratulations on finding your family cemetery! So many familiar surnames, my grandmother was a Boyd. We have several that were deputies, a couple were shot on duty. I made a cemetery backpack that has a couple brushes, water, an old toothbrush to clean off the engravings & I always carry silk flowers to put on the graves so they know they aren't forgotten

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

I agree that Boyd's story deserves to be told at least what you know of it. I hope someone contacts you to tell the whole story. Your persistence paid off & you found him. Excellent work. I think it's so cool that you found even more relatives. it's a pretty little cemetery and is well kept

[@debraodonnell]

Kentucky looks beautiful thank U for the stories

[@ninah9955]

When you talk to your camera your talking to us and i thank you for your good work❤❤

[@Fritzie73]

So glad you found him, what a great video I enjoy them very much!❤

[@prusinwj1131]

My Mother was from Perry County not far from where you are at. I love your stories and the beautiful country. She was born in Dwarf Ky. In Perry county.

[@welcome_to_the_collapse]

Oh my gosh, what beautiful place.

[@julielifejusthappens1232]

I love the pictures you put on. Handsome family.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@michaelbedinger4121]

This was a very moving video. Thank you very much Leo, for telling Boyd's story. It was very tragic how he died and left a family. I am glad that you found his grave, finally. I read some of the comments below, at least you found out a little bit more about what happened to him. Thank you very much again, Leo and Heather, for another great video. Take care. P.S Good job fixing the gate.😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Michael!

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@thehillbillyfiles You are very much welcome!

[@kerrydennison7947]

Go to the sheriff's department that he worked for many departments maintain a file of all of their officers killed in the line of duty sorter like a memorial file.

[@Redricewilson]

Lot of young deaths in that cemetery. Very sad, thx for sharing

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

Leo, I cried seeing the graves of the young people who died. I remember my Mamaw telling me her sister Gertrude’s babies died from the Spanish flu at 2 years old in the 1920’s. She had two little boys. She never could have anymore children. 😢

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Its very sad

[@kayannahufford340]

​⁶@@thehillbillyfiles

[@indycharlie]

First off . That looks like a very peaceful place to rest . R.I.P. Boyd ... You know , as much younger than Julius, some of his brothers and sisters were in that picture . One or two of them might still be alive . Great video , with lots of research , so we the viewers would know who these people are .. TY ..

[@melindaschluter1669]

It is really beautiful there! Love ya Heather and Leo!!! ❤

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It really is! Thank you

[@swearenginlawanda]

One request Heather..... my old eyes can't read that fast. Can we keep the words up a tiny bit longer.😊

[@ROCK.ON.]

😊 THANKS LEO 😊 PEACE😊

[@45beetle]

This was a really fascinating one and you could tell someone keeps it up

[@terrilankford7984]

What a beautiful video thanks

[@mell682]

Handsome young man Julius, very sad

[@gayleloy7111]

Amazing video. Love from Australia. Stay safe. ❤❤

[@brianlykins6663]

Great story. Seems like ya'll had a time researching this one. Its a shame that there are so many unanswered questions about people in the past. Sure makes me wish i had spent more time, when i was younger, asking more questions of my relatives. Now that I have an interest in knowing more about my own history. Ya'll do a fantastic job of research and conveying the stories. Thank yall so much for all the hard work ya'll put into this. God bless ya'll, a cd hope you find more answers than questions. ❤

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 😊

[@karynsuepohlmeier2109]

Thank you for bringing us another awesome video! I have my brother watching you too. Have a great day!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks!

[@MrFuzzy1953]

This was my favorite episode of those you've shared with us. Thank you.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Well thank you 🙏

[@redrooster1908]

Interesting seeing Leo's family history! A detail that diverticulitis ended a young man's life at age 25 ...got to me. I've had 3 episodes myself.

[@hyacinth4368]

Such a beautiful place. Are they all facing East, to rise on that great getting up morning? It's nice to know they are resting in that lovely peaceful place.

[@denisehibbs9576]

I'm glad you found Boyd ! That is a nice cemetery well kept . Thanks for sharing !

[@lonnielingerfelt1401]

Thank you for all you do

[@junglejane2824]

Dang, Leo your family tree keeps growin'. Great stories! Love your videos! Ty Heather and Leo!

[@rubypayton4539]

I love this channel. You have so much to teach us about your family. Leo and Heather, God bless you both.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much

[@lisacooper3991]

This was a beautiful story, you on the search of a family member.. and ending up with so much more family members and their history. It was a lovely homey feel cemetery.

[@cynthiacarter514]

The boxed wreath is the first time I saw one. That is interesting.

[@annemarielovejoy8577]

I'm glad you were able to find him Leo. I am sorry you don't know much about him. I hope someone out there can help you with more of his story. He deserves fir his story to be told. Keep it up Heather and Leo you guys are wonderful.❤

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much!

[@eddbrown5498]

I live just a few counties away in Leslie county Kentucky and I love these stories.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

Thank You for your Service Boyd! This is why we do genealogy.

[@terrybarnhill6144]

Leo really enjoyed this video you and Heather do one heck of a fantastic job

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome thank you!

[@SandyD2022]

I have asthma, and I can't tell you it will work for you. Before I climb stairs or go up hill. I stop, and take very deep breath. I noticed that when I'm climbing I do hold my breath too. Had to stop and make sure I breathe. Before I couldn't make it up the basement steps without needing to catch my breathe or starting to wheeze. Now I'm doing just fine with the steps.

[@kitchiesmom]

Edna Hatfields maiden name was Justice. She remarried November 1933 Pilgrim, Martin, Kentucky, United States to Betrem Farkey. Her death date is unknown but she's supposed to be buried in Georgia W Hatfield cemetery

[@riandraegon556]

Columbia! My mother’s name. Never heard of anyone else with that name. Wish she were still here so I could share that with her. I must say, these were some really nice gravestones in this little cemetery.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Its a beautiful name!

[@julielifejusthappens1232]

Thanks for showing this beautiful cemetery. A very nice peaceful place. It look very well kept too. I liked the buzz if the flies. I had one here in the house annoying me at the same time.

[@normajeanhedlund7429]

Catching up with you all. Your videos are so informative but easy to learn from. Thank you both

[@thehillbillyfiles]

thank you!!

[@sadielevens1144]

You always find the most interesting bits of History. Thank you so much for sharing.❤❤❤❤😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@purplehaze5977]

Hope you find out more good luck

[@GeorgiaPelfrey]

I lived in Dials branch for around 18 years… all the way up. There is an old cemetery up in there.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Floyd Hatfield is up there. We have a video on it, here in our library. :-)

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Beautiful Remembrance ❤

[@jamielieberg7053]

great history thanks for doing this story

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I have two different police officers that are my ancestors who were killed in the line of duty, 30 years apart. One was on my Dads side and he was killed in the 1890's, and the other which was on my Mom's side, died in the 1920's. Strange thing is, they worked for the same department, Dallas Police. I had always heard about Officer Crain, on my Mom's side but until I accidentally uncovered the other Officer's story (on my Dads side), I hadn't known he was a cop or killed on duty... It's reasons such as this that I started my own channel. I have buried way too many Family and Friends and their stories are lost when we lost them. I have had quite a bit of serious strangeness occur to me in my life, and I didn't want to have those stories die along with me. Plus, I wanted to provide an avenue in which others could anonymously share their own stories. I always enjoy your videos and hearing stories of those who have passed and are no longer with us. And I'm sure they do as well. I mean think about it, who wouldn't appreciate hearing that infectious laugh of yours....be they dead or otherwise. LOL

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks! And that's a very interesting story

[@donnajones-od9qs]

I wonder if those Webbs are related to Lorretta Lynns kin?

[@sherriekirby1585]

Leo mayne try old police records, there has to be a record. Ive got a couple stories just like this one

[@tonynorris6157]

Thank you Boyd. Are there any police investigation reports. It’ll be a challenge, but someone wrote something. Just a suggestion, Brother.

[@aprilingram1655]

Very beautiful country ❤

[@traciroberts3048]

How do they even get the caskets up those hills?! Love to wander around with you! Thank you for doing this.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@purplehaze5977]

Lovely looking man

[@Nora_Anderson]

My dad side of the family started in Virginia but some move to Tennessee, Kentucky,Arkansas, Oklahoma the last name is Anderson. I see some Anderson’s on the name on the graves that you have been showing with the Hatfields is the Anderson part of the last name?

[@kitchiesmom]

Louisa Runyan would be my 9th cousin on my mother's side

[@kitchiesmom]

Elbert Lee Vipperman was my 9th cousin on ky mother's sidre. He was married to Martha Dotson. She remarried a man named Dewy Hager and she died at the age of 90. She is buried in the Dotson Cemetery along eith some of their children.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I couldn't find much information thank you!

[@kitchiesmom]

@@thehillbillyfiles you're welcome. He in my family tree records

[@melaniew4354]

All those Webbs make me wonder if those are relatives of Loretta Lynn, who was Loretta Webb

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Possible

[@cathymcglasson6947]

It is very peaceful out there.

[@rema_1729]

Wonderful Video..Mr. Hatfield is a mystery. Can you imagine being a census taker back then? Amongest the Hatfields and McCoys? That could've been dangerous! LOL

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I cant imagine lol

[@airbubble.]

@@thehillbillyfiles 1900 census. Hatfields lived at Blackberry crescent. Numbers 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 29, 36, 39, 41, 42, 48, 52, 55, 56, 57, 62, 64, 65, 75, 78, 85, 87, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, and 114. Boyd, his "parents" and 4 brothers and 3 sisters lived at 19. On the census, George W is 39 years old, his wife Missouri is 23 (born 1876). The oldest child (Ira, son) was 19. Under years married (George and Missouri) it states one year. With ONE child born, still living, in 1900, listed as a son, Taylor aged 4 months. This will be where the differences in names comes from for Boyd's mother. Missouri was his second wife. Martha, is the first wife, mother of the oldest 7 children, including Boyd. Martha died 21st May 1898, when her youngest child Polly was 18 months old. She is buried in the Anderson Hatfield cemetery. I believe Missouri had 2 children with George, Taylor in 1900 and Cash in 1908. The grave you read out for Missouri, died 1913, born 1870 (its actually 1876) is the grave for Boyd's stepmother. Next to the grave for Anderson, I think, was one for Runyon which was the maiden name of Boyd's wife Louisa, one of the grandmothers (George's mother?) AND Boyd's youngest sister Polly's husband. Other families living on the same street include several McCoys, Ratliffs, Blankenships, Ferrils, Farleys/Varleys/Varneys, Staffords, Dotsons, Wolfords, Scotts, Youngs, Smiths, and Harmans and one or two other possibly unrelated families out of 14 pages. One listing also has one sister in law and her son - Staceys - living with one family) www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/records/35311936

[@michaellockard2561]

That's my family's graveyard my grandfather owns it it's the Adkins and Rattliff graveyard

[@gayhendrie84]

Aren't there archives for the Williamson daily news? maybe details could be found there

[@jenb.4720]

Leo and Heather, I found several newspaper articles dealing with Boyd’s death. If you’re interested, please let me know and I’ll be glad to send everything to you

[@dontaylor3039]

I'm not sure if it's the same George hatfield.but my 4 the great grandpa was George Hatfield he was the father of constable Floyd Hatfield

[@thehillbillyfiles]

There's a lot of Georges so its hard to keep up, but they are all related. Im not sure if its the same George honestly

[@mikalpechota770]

Boyd’s wife passed on my birthday. I don’t know why I always find that interesting.

[@Nora_Anderson]

On one of your ancestors it says Anderson Hatfield was Anderson his first name or a secondary last name because I have a lot of Anderson ancestors that have been berried in Tennessee,Kentucky, Arkansas, and Oklahoma

[@kerrydennison7947]

How about do a story on River Alan Hatfield? He is one of the Lost Hatfield clan members.😊

[@BellesDreams]

So sad, Emerson died 26 days before his son Wm Emerson was born💔

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Very sad

[@TheMryphipps]

the census people weren't from the area they were documenting. One of my grandmothers name was Georgia, but in a census of that area of Tennessee it is spelled Georgie which is how it is pronounced.

[@securityconsultant9036]

That's very common the spelling of names was left up to the auditor. Took me a while to track mine down because of spelling. Now I have the history of 3 of 4 great grand parents to the 1600s. My grandma's on my moms side were gangsters from west Virginia. The Palmers I been stuck I'm the late 1800s trying to work it out.

[@karlakozik1686]

Have you looked at the library to see if there is some article about a shooting of a sheriff?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

There was some info in comments about it, so we figured it out thanks to you guys!

[@lindaneuman4801]

Where & how does she find & get a copy of death cert does she have to buy them.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes. We have several subscriptions to different data bases.

[@adamsheets6872]

Do you happen to know if these Webbs are any relation to Loretta Lynn?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I don't know sorry

[@Redricewilson]

That’s who I was thinking of also

[@rickclark4112]

This video touched me in the old clunkr....lol.... for some reason....im not sure why but i sense a connection with Boyd.... well... And by the way, Leo.... somehow, you and i are cousins....😂 i am a descendant of Ephraim Hatfied... (big Eaph), and i know i heard you say that you were....

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Well hello cousin! So Boyds your relative as well!

[@rickclark4112]

@The Hillbilly Files - Legends and Locations I am not real familiar with Boyd. However, if he is descended from Ephraim (big Eaf) Hatfield, then we would be cousins. It's been at least 2 years since I was in research mode, so I'm a little fuzzy. But my liniage comes from Lucinda Hatfield and Joseph Propes

[@christopherball7937]

You are only remembered as long as your friends and close family are alive. Only the Evil Famous and Famous are Remembered over history

[@christopherball7937]

You should find what police department he worked for. Most police departments have a wall of falling police officers They would still know what happened to your cousin. Him being a Hatfield. Then go to the towns News paper office And the local library

[@kellyfostercash8026]

You need to go to the police logs their books that they kept a record of every arrest every altercation every call if they had them in 1931

[@michellekellogg9943]

Sorry about ur relative

[@debsirica1839]

Not in the paper?

[@reneekronsperger5046]

I notice a lot of Hatfield use the name Anderson, wonder if there is a particular reason for that.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm not sure who the original Anderson is, but they recycle many family names such as that, Floyd, George etc

[@brendabrown5341]

Do you happen to remember the first name of the Ratliff in this cemetery? I haven't been able to locate my great grandparents William Jefferson and Tempa.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Freddy , Joshua and Larry were 3 . I don't recall any more names I'm sorry. I will keep a eye for Ratliff's from now on

[@kerrydennison7947]

I have seen un name before on a grave marker. From what I was told with man it was possibly a premature baby.

[@cathymcglasson6947]

Because everything is unknown I bet it was a setup very sad rest in peace Boyd.

[@earlpauley1379]

Hackney"s and Mullins are my relatives .

[@timlackey5996]

I would most definitely be proud to be buried in A graveyard such as that one very pretty.

[@JamesHarris-wo3um]

A lot of people died young