Our wild adventure getting to Bad Frank Phillips and Nancy McCoy Phillips grave site.

Join us as we go in search of Bad Frank and Nancy McCoy's final resting place in Kentucky. The adventure ends up being wild, which is fitting for who the video is about. Leo is related to Nancy McCoy which makes it even more interesting for us.
"Bad" Frank Phillips was born July 27, 1861 and Died July 12, 1898. His body lies in a grave on a hillside in a small hollow not far from the area where the infamous gun fight in the Historic feud between the Hatfields and McCoys took place.
Frank married Nancy McCoy, the daughter of Asa Harmon McCoy, after she was divorced from Johnse the son of "Devil Anse" Hatfield. Her body is laid to rest on this cemetery next to Phillips.
Phillip's ties to the Hatfield & McCoy families ran deep. He had early dealings with "Devil Anse" that went bad and he sought out revenge on the Hatfield Family in retaliation.
Shot in the leg during another battle at the early age of 37 his leg had to be amputated in an effort to save his life. That attempt failed and he died within weeks. The small hand cut stone grave where his leg was buried is only 10 feet from where he and Nancy are buried today.
Please help support us to do more! patreon.com/user?u=83008657

[@0220HUNTER]

My wife and I have been to this cemetery before and man it sure has changed. The road wasn’t that bad. Hope to go back one day. Awesome video and the history you all share with those who can’t visit places like this, just AWESOME!!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you Daniel! Yes it really needs some attention. I was there before and took a normal car. It's a mess

[@LibertyBelleVA2]

Hope you had your 4-wheelin' tires on.

[@teresaclontz3574]

Thanks for a great video. I give you so much credit for not giving up to show the burial place of Frank and Nancy. I'm enjoy every video you've provided on the Hatfield and McCoy story. Keep up the good work you two.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much Teresa!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Amazing how a feud between two families has fueled the tourism in that depressed area. My wife has kin on both sides ,mostly McCoys. Was there in May for a family reunion. Great time ,good people.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes it's been a major saving grace to a lot of people financially

[@rebeccalott8625]

Kudos to you both for literally going many extra miles to tell the story of these ppl. You go above and beyond! 😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@punipuk8507]

Thank you, I'm in awe of the whole thing- a walking history as you do, the landscape -how it has changed so much in 2 months! ; and seeing the land is really fascinating. In Alaska we have mountains you'd probably be amazed at, but nothing like these hills and hollers. I've read about them over the years and to see them here is nearly like being there. Someday I wish to visit and travel around a bit, respectfully and as allowed. This and your other vids I've seen this far are a treasure. The saying 'never forget' rings true with you two, quyana.(Eskimo for thank you)❄️🤍

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Such a great comment, thank you 🙏

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

Nothing like seeing another kool & interresting video that we can learn from & seems like we're doing it with good friends. Plus you learn a new word 'guyanna' = "thank you'.😎👍😙

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

I know those plants are real that are up there in that cemetery, but a few of them are so bright green they look fake or out of place...how strange. Thanks again for your hard work and taking us to places that are hidden and almost forgotten. Stay safe!

[@judypierce7028]

My goodness! Your trip reminds me so much of the time I was searching for Nancy Hart's (Confederate spy)grave in Summerville, WV. It took me up this dirt road full of pot holes, but I finally found her grave next to a swamp. I didn't think that I was going to be able to turn around, but I finally got out. This is a great video. Gosh, I am not only learning more about the Hatfield-Mcoys, but Kentucky's history. It sure looks much like WV in some area.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

That sounds like fun Judy! So many people have lost the sense of adventure, thanks as always ☺️

[@judypierce7028]

@@thehillbillyfiles Oh, it was, but my mother didn't think so.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

@@judypierce7028 they never do 😂

[@lynnlamb219]

I've been enjoying your all's videos for a while now. I had a brother-in-law that was from Matewan, he and some of his family moved to southern Indiana back in the 1960s. that's when he met my sister and were married. Watching your all's videos is making me want to visit the Pikeville, and Matewan areas. Thanks for sharing the history, and scenery of West Virgina, and Kentucky.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It's a great place to visit! Thank you for supporting us 🙏

[@theresalund5132]

I think these stories are awesome the way you get out and find them and show us that definitely amazing. I sure appreciate y’all telling the story and actually going to where they live and died. Keep the wonderful videos coming. I’m surely a big fan of y’all. I was raising the country too. I loved it. It was an adventure every day. Oh God bless both of you and thank you.

[@AShroudOfTruth]

Here's what it says on Frank Phillips tombstone: "If my friends would call to mind with loving thoughts, Some kinder day my icy hands have wrought, Some gentle word the frozen lips have said, Errands on which the willing feet have sped, Their memory of my selfishness and pride, My hasty words would all be put aside."

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome thanks

[@brianwalter7387]

Awesome, Hollywood and kevin costner hopefully gives you guys credits

[@doberman1ism]

My father was from Panther, West Virginia. His name was Jesse James Walker. My dad named me Bonnie Lee Walker. That was 71 years ago.

[@neeceeboo777]

I've always been interested in the history of the McCoy and Hatfield fued. Yall are way more interesting than reading about it. Thanks.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much!

[@nancyprice5148]

Love it when you take us to places like this. I would never be able to go if not for you guys. Stay safe out there.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 😊 it's so nice to hear that 💝

[@neeceeboo777]

Love yalls videos. I love sight seeing and seeing different people and places. Always interesting yall. Please keep it up. Thank yall. Lord bless.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Betru2u60]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 I have just come across your channel & I so enjoy it. Thank you for your hard work to bring History alive once more.

[@playsball]

I just LOVE your videos!! So much history!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 😊

[@marlenataylor8758]

Thank you, another great adventure

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Aww thank you 😊

[@markking6184]

Why were they buried here in such a out of the way place? Did they live up this hollow?

[@sixoaksfarm1556]

Nice journey.. Thank you!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 😊

[@wendyburnett4086]

I just really love you too. I love your videos. I have to tell you I wish I could support your show. I just don't have anything extra. But I do love what you do.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 😊, watching our videos is a great support, we appreciate it ❤️

[@steveball1339]

You all are fearless when it comes to exploration adventures, I really love the old mine and the sarcastic side of that long rough road comment, (18 hours later), (not really) lol. That was a rough ride with a high risk of getting stuck. Loved the old town scenery with the narrow roads. Thanks for sharing this amazing adventure !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks! Im glad you enjoyed it =) Happy Thanksgiving!

[@indycharlie]

Wow ! Pretty crazy that they both died at 36 . Great video .

[@Kachunk673]

As bad as the fued was with all the killings, I have always had a keen interest in this part of American history. I will make it to to that area and visit all the sights and walk through the history as it is on my bucket list I sincerely appreciate these videos and you keeping history alive and true. This feed was like no other Thank you

[@kristahilla9754]

I am William Baisdens 4th great granddaughter. Doc Harrison Baisden is my 3rd great uncle. And through my reaserch I have found connections to the Hatfields and the McCoys and the James and Billy the kid and Doc holliday. So I am your cousin Leo. Hi from Middle Tennesse

[@Mr_badjoke]

..& Asa was the one i liked most! A man that can stand in the face of ignorance & peer pressure on moral with his head high & not a follower🇺🇲 ...hamilton country boy remember 😉

[@bubbadump8676]

He was a idiot and died because he fought for a dumbass Abe Lincoln

[@jerryhoschouer5131]

Was wondering about your vocabulary lol I was going to guess Ohio 😊that’s where I am from. Thank you for the adventure and all your vids. Love the story and history of the feud . Beautiful country.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes my accent has become a hybrid of sorts lol. I did live in Ohio about a year. My dad is still there. Thanks for the compliment 😊 we love making the videos ❤️

[@aprilmartin3195]

@@thehillbillyfiles I live in Ohio now. My late husband is from Nicholas County, WV. Where Elliott Rutherford Hatfield became a doctor and married the postmaster's daughter. Lol. My husband's grandfather's arm is buried in the family cemetery with just a rock. We all know where it is. How exactly are you related to the Hatfield's?

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

@@aprilmartin3195 his arm is buried? Where is the rest of him?

[@cathymcglasson6947]

Have a good one thanks for the ride through history.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Cathy! You too

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Love the history you shared..thanks

[@GaryJustice-wl3oy]

thanks for the video, I've watched a few of your videos now and the more I hear the more I know I'm related to Leo. I am a descendant from Sarah McCoy's side. I was born in the same hospital as Leo. We live in Michigan and are going to come down this summer. Hope I can look you up and maybe take a trail ride or something.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Sounds good 👍

[@barbaraharshman9460]

Watched a couple of videos this morning at work came home and subscribed!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Welcome, and Thank You

[@sandramariesolander]

Pretty cool to be able to go back in the backcountry to find these remote cemeteries. I totally get how close it is just standing next to historical figures, you can almost feel them there. Nothing much has changed since then, I suppose. Except there's no Starbucks out there LOL Thanks again!

[@ashleygodfrey9624]

We just tried to visit and could not make the road in our SUV once it turned to gravel. We got stuck honestly and almost didn’t get out lol. I’m so disappointed we didn’t make it to the cemetery! Hopefully next time we can bring our truck or see if a side by side can get through.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Sorry to hear that, they really need to do better on that road

[@beverlydixon5921]

Dang you could get lost in there and never be seen again!!! But the secenary is so lush green and beautiful landscapes...

[@musiknbooks]

Thouroughly enjoyed this trip,,,,,,stay safe!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you 🙏

[@mariamjehn7071]

This is awesome!! I’m now binge watching!! 😮😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Hope you enjoy!

[@MarkGrago]

Ya'll you need to go to Point Pleasant and make a Moth man vlog. 🧟‍♂

[@jimmyharris2204]

Bad Frank Phillips' first wife was his first cousin Matilda J Phillips. They were married in 1878. I believe they were married less than a year and they had no children that I know of. Matilda was living with her parents in 1880 and she is listed as widowed. She died in 1888. She filed a law suit against Frank for abandoning her while she was sick and confined to bed. He allegedly came and moved things from the house including the mattress from the bed she was confined to and left her lying on the floor. Frank's second wife was Mary Rowe. She is listed in the 1900 census in Pike County with her children. Nancy is also listed in Pike County with her children. It would have been his and Mary's last two children, Pearl and Lee Roy Phillips, he asked about. But he did include those last two children in his will. He left 4191 acres of land in Buchanan County Virginia: "Also I will and bequeath to Pearl and Lee Roy Phillips (also heirs of my first wife Mary Philips) 419 1 acres of land laying on lower Elk creak a tributary of Knox creak, and in Buchanan county Virginia, and Pattened to Frank Phillips by the State of Virginia which is to be all they are to have of my estate."

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm glad to hear Mary's children got something, thanks for the interesting info

[@jimmyharris2204]

@@thehillbillyfiles Here is the entire will that I transcribed from a photocopy: Be it known that I Frank Philips of Pike county and state of Kentucky and of lawful age and sound in mind and memory make this my last will and testament to wit: and after all my first debts are paid I will and bequeath to my wife, Nancy L Philips, the farm (home farm) that I now live on and known as the Henry D????s and Wm R Frances land included all the land I own on said branch to have and to hold during her natural life and after her death it is to decend equally to her four children, Elsie, Jessie, Flora and Goldie, in fee simple. I will and bequeath my Johns creak farm known as the N ? Part of the Jessie Philips farm equally to John Epison, Robert Lee, Elizabeth, and Frank, all heirs of my first wife Mary F Philips, except Robert Lee, who is a son of Eva McCoy, who are to take when they are 21 years of age to hold in fee simple. Also I will and bequeath to Pearl and Lee Roy Phillips (also heirs of my first wife Mary Philips) 419 1 acres of land laying on lower Elk creak a tributary of Knox creak, and in Buchanan county Virginia, and Pattened to Frank Phillips by the State of Virginia which is to be all they are to have of my estate. The (2200) twenty two hundred acres of land I own in Buchanan County, Virginia known as the S L Graham and Michel B Davis land Pattented to them by the State of Virginia I direct my administrator to sell to the best advantage and at private sale and out of the proceeds my debts are to be paid and the remainder to be divided between my wife Nancy L Philips and her four children, and John A, Robert L, Elizabeth and Frank, children of my first wife except Robert L who is a son of Eva McCoy. I also will and bequeath to my wife Nancy L Phillips of my personal property all my house hold and kitchen furniture and all the ?????? now on the home farm ? mules and one horse (she is to have her choice of all my horses and mules) She is also to have all the cattle and hogs I own, also all the bees and fowls, my debts and ? are to be collected and my wife and her children are to have ($1000.00) one thousand dollars in cash to make her and her children equal to my other heirs, And my property personal or real not heretofore divided is to decend equaly to my heirs. I hereby appoint my wife Nancy L Phillips , Samuel M King and John Philips my executors to carry out the provisions of this will. This July 6th 1898 Frank Phillips attest: J E Gray G H Dotson Jas L Dotson State of Kentucky County of Pike I W T Philips Clerk of the County Court for the county and state aforesaid certify that the foregoing will was on 15 Aug lodged for record whereupon the same with the foregoing and this certificatehas been duly recorded in my office. Given under my hands this 18 day of Aug. W T Phillips clerk

[@joycecampbell876]

I know in Lincoln county wva there are also graves of the hatfields and mccoys grave yards with the families

[@musiknbooks]

Ya'll sure are BRAVE!

[@lindabewick5267]

Thanks!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank You! Very much appreciated!

[@pookysmom6712]

So Pretty and green, Can't wait to get there. 😍

[@jennyames6532]

Thanks wanted Bad Frank

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We need to remake it, we have better cameras now

[@larry1824]

Bad Frank earned the name

[@markstevens38]

My mother was born in Phelps. Dad, Walter Blain Bolling. . Mother Maude Ellen McCoy

[@elayneplanche4031]

I love all that greenery it’s so pretty

[@roymarksberry4152]

But that's so cool you went there thank you for sharing what a beautiful seventor They lived hard lives back then

[@roymarksberry4152]

Man that's way back there

[@b.rocket]

I think those lawyers should have went to prison.

[@michaelbedinger4121]

A most interesting video. You two deserve a lot of credit for not giving up on finding those graves. For some reason, I was surprised to see a junk yard, right in the middle of no where. Just how long did it take you to get to the cemetery from the junk yard? It makes me think, that transporting those coffins up there was not an easy task. Thank you again, for a very interesting video. Have a great day.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much! It was about a 5 minute ride give or take. The floods have messed the road up, it didn't used to be like that.

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@thehillbillyfiles You are more than welcome, thank you very much for getting back to me. I hope cleaning up the cemetery will not be too big a job for you. And I hope you find the site of that battle one day. Thank you again.

[@dorascott8286]

WOW, that was a lot of work; good job.

[@david_bmx1148]

Great channel new sub here thanks yall

[@marklandroche1706]

I enjoy your videos, but I am not a fan of the computer voice. The voice makes me zone out. Please keep up the great work.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

The computer voice is temporary, until we get a new microphone for voiceovers, ours broke. Thanks for the honesty, we don't like it either actually

[@mrliberty8468]

What you don't know is all those vehicles probably belonged to lost tourist.......😟

[@thehillbillyfiles]

haha scary thought!

[@prestonthacker1215]

I live in Phelps all that’s shown Ik we’re it is ive been there to that cemetery when I was little with my dad few there home places are near here to

[@LibertyBelleVA2]

It sounds like you all were driving through water. Those roads must have been a wet mud hole.

[@mygrammieis]

Sending you Christmas Blessing 🎄❤️

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Merry Christmas ⛄

[@bobpratt5625]

do bad talt hall he was family and a crazy bunch of events and hung in pound va. even tho he was from jenkins mcroberts neon area around flemming ky,

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We plan to do him soon, a descendant of him reached out to us. Looking forward to it

[@CottageCupcake]

Who is Talt Hall? I’m a Hall descendant. Thank you

[@thejourneymen7722]

My grandfather is John Franklin phillips and my grandmother is a Emma Hatfield. What are the chances that I’m related to bad Frank Phillips or the feuding Hatfields my guess is slim to none but you never know.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Following a GPS is just not very reliable imo

[@thehillbillyfiles]

True

[@TinaSmith-of2dz]

I really enjoy these videos, is there a video of the area where Devil Anse lived when the fend was going on?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We are working on it now, hopefully we can show something

[@annajohnson3309]

A lot of that area got flooded out last year . And a school and some trailer home it was on the news Biden came down to hazard KY and Rand Paul it was pretty bad . A lot of coal towns that died out in hazard and Harlem and those towns .

[@ZooZoo293]

Sometimes the best reward requires the hardest fight. If anyone was not going to give up, it was you two!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Aww thank you 😌

[@faronl33]

I wonder how bad the feud would have been if people like Perry Cline, Frank Phillips and others would have stayed out of it.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Just did a video on that very subject yesterday.

[@neeceeboo777]

I was raised up around them gamecocks. My daddy and uncles used to breed em and sale em. Hogs too.

[@virgettadrinnen9957]

If you have never been blessed enough to visit this part of the country oh what a sweet and fresh smell your missing. I can smell it as I watch

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Awesome thanks

[@shirleydenton4747]

Oh. so much braver than. I am. I go on excursions like that, but turn around before it gets that bad.

[@charlespruett9066]

Great great great!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@firstmedtech]

Do y’all have a drone?

[@dixiestrong]

Wish could have got a better shot of the historical marker. Maybe straight on.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It's easily googled if you need it better

[@Mycorabel]

How far is Matewan from Welch Welch is my Birth place

[@thehillbillyfiles]

About 60 miles, just over an hour.

[@wvmontani]

Can you post the GPS coordinates of that cemetery?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I don't have general gps, we just used gps by road 899 Phillips branch Phelps KY is the address

[@brianwalter7387]

Thanks for this video..by any chance, do you know how far or miles from grave sites from Frank and devil ance?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

45 mins about 35 miles, but you need a 4 wheel drive to get to franks, its Phelps KY to Sarah ann wv

[@ironbutterfly6835]

How in heavens name did these women give birth so often. It seems like the must been pregnant constantly. I realize children in this family accumulated from previous marriage plus theirs together. My Dad came from a family of 15 as did my mother. Dirt poor, my paternal gf died if appendicitis in a wagon bed his oldest son trying get him to doctor. My father was the youngest and was 6 mo old. My maternal gm had 16 kids raised on a dairy farm. My gf was alcoholic man who was always drunk and never helped a lick on farm . Mom has such stories of his mean drunk escapes but my gm never ever said anything that didn’t depict him as anything but a saint. How did they raise 15 kids and farm as well .My maternal grand mother gave birth to two of the 15 as a 15 year old bride traveling in a covered wagon. They were going from California to Texas . My grandmother told us such stories. I loved sitting on a low stool as she sat in her favorite chair and talked with far away look in her eyes. She died at 93 . She had long waist length hair I loved brushing and putting up in bun, she also wore a corset till the day she died. My mother was her youngest, my granny stayed with me when my first child was born and she was full of practical baby advice! Shocker! You guys need a 4 wheel drive! I was biting my fingers watch you drive up to the cemetery . I believe you both are a gift from God to keep us informed of history that would be limited to few family member but you bring to entire world ❤️❤️

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Shew I don't know how they did it! And thanks 🙏

[@terryrosendahl3173]

I actually have cousins with the last name of Phillips. I wonder if in a round about way I might be related to the family.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Possible

[@mrssweetiecooper4041]

I have Phillips as well and Holcomb from Pikeville and whitesburg KY

[@roymarksberry4152]

My family's got a murder in its history Mark sperry murder and Brooksville kentucky

[@kerrydennison7947]

Heather you should really get you a small gun and carry it with you considering the off-the-grid places you visit on your own, it is much better to have it and never need it but come into the situation that you really need one and you ain't got it, all three of my daughters and my two granddaughters all have their concealed Carry license, it is just an extra layer security in this crazy world we have,

[@leikilimaile2565]

boy that makes me hot them lawyers stole her land and she had to struggle with her babies

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It's terrible

[@terryrosendahl3173]

Is it true that some parts of the families are still attempting to keep the feud going? If so,can you please explain why that is.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Not that I'm aware of

[@bubbadump8676]

No we are all friendly with each other now. No hard feelings whatsoever

[@shawnhanns4893]

Maybe it’s Jim Vance is buried up there on Mark grave put them up there for a trophy

[@timholcomb9926]

LOL I got fighting roosters I ain't no wrong turn

[@thehillbillyfiles]

😂

[@cowboy6591]

You guys desperately need an SUV.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We have a truck, why a SUV?

[@bobbynelson2481]

Why the hell would they buryi people way back in the hills don't they have normal cemeteries Hatfields and McCoy's are all buried on hills and mountains all over the place.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Because they didn't use good land to bury dead. They needed it for farming and animals

[@chistinecox368]

Great Video,I also love History!!! Went to Pikesville and West Virginia a few years back and did some of The Hatfields/McCoy's places, Paw Paw trees, Old cabin that was used for the Court House. Very interesting stuff. But Man I think I would be a little nervous going that far back 😬 😅, What was the name of that Bed and Breakfast you stopped at and what town was that in, Love staying in places like that. Great Job 👍

[@thehillbillyfiles]

The bed and breakfast is in matewan wv it's called historic matewan house , and thanks for the support!

[@robertbowers9856]

Forget GPS. Get USGS Topographic maps, or even maps for pilots. These kinds of maps show everything such as structures elevation, etc. etc. And they do make good cleaning agents for tombstones. You do know, if you bury a lawyer 12 feet, deep down, they are really good people

[@thehillbillyfiles]

We have cleaning stuff for markers, you need permission at historical sites, especially if it's on video. We plan to ask and start doing some of those videos 🙂 thanks for the map tip!

[@donnawhiting2757]

Love what you do. Im a history nut to the core from WV.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@petegregory517]

Not sure what I detest the most, iPhone or GPS. When I'm pulling my car dolly behind our motor home there's no room for error--can't back up. When they're wrong, you're screwed.

[@randymcadoo8977]

The Lord works in mysterious ways!

[@kevinbode6483]

I love your videos. I love the history . My ex wife is blood to the Hatfield family and the McCoy's by marriage.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Very cool, thanks for the support 😊

[@Mr_badjoke]

She's shacked up a bit & none of them men played out well 😂 ...now THAT'S american! ✊🇺🇲

[@scottlambert2949]

I was wondering if one of y'all were related to Hatfield or McCoy family but now I know thanks for sharing history

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Leo is related to both sides

[@scottlambert2949]

@@thehillbillyfiles family genealogy is so cool

[@disco07]

The saga goes on.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It never ends hopefully

[@patches4470]

Thanks for getting there.

[@tanetteallen7655]

Wow who were the lawyers