Retracing the life and death of Cottontop Hatfield Mounts-Locations and graves -Executed in Kentucky

Ellison (Cottontop) Hatfield Mounts was the 25 year old executed in Pikeville Kentucky for his actions during the Hatfield McCoy feud. This video retraces those steps from birth to his final minutes on earth, also visiting some graves and the lost grave of Cottontop.
The Hatfield-McCoy Feud involved two American families of the West Virginia-Kentucky area along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River from 1863 to 1891. The Hatfields of West Virginia were led by William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, while the McCoys of Kentucky were under the leadership of Randolph "Ole Ran'l" McCoy.
Caused by: American Civil War, land disputes, revenge killings
Location: Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River, West Virginia-Kentucky
Rumored grave of Cottontops daughter www.findagrave.com/memorial/6...
Hatfield cemetery in Newtown www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2...
Locked cemetery where Cottontops mom is www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2...
clips are from Hatfield McCoy mini series
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[@bethgiesey9405]

Sometimes I feel heavy hearted for both families. No one can say that one family is to blame for the whole feud. My Dad always said "it takes two to fight". Great video❤

[@Jans77FAMBAM]

My Mother always said the same thing

[@brianlykins6663]

Hey guys, another interesting story. I know I've commented this before, but it is frustrating trying to get information on a story, and you end up with about as many questions as answers. I know it's got to be extremely frustrating for ya'll when you just get snippets of information and then have to try and piece together. I guess that's why historians are mostly bald and seldom smile. I suppose we should be grateful to be able to get what you got. Ya'll do a fantastic job of bringing these stories to us and providing all that you can. And it's great that you tell the story and show the locations, tying everything together. Thank ya'll so much for all that ya'll do to bring these stories to life. God bless ya'll for all you do and stay safe out on your travels to these locations.

[@drittenberry1]

This is Grandma from Texas. You have a great voice. I sure wish you would do some book reading on your channel. Your voice calms anxiety and sleeplessness.

[@elainebrown874]

Thank y’all for all you do. I love all the history. I’m doing my Ancestry and it so amazing. God bless and thank y’all again. 🇺🇸

[@normajeanhedlund7429]

Once again you two out do everyone else. My husband, Jim, said to tell you that you did an outstanding job of researching and reporting. You answered all of his questions. Cotton Top should never have stood trial. He wasnt competent. Devil Anse was a coward to hide behind some one with a disability of any kind. Jim is disabled due to a work injury so he is speaking on how he feels. Not everyone will agree. If you find Cotton Tops grave please mark it with one of your "special rocks."

[@Mary-du7up]

I agree what u say

[@user-wc2hh1mf3k]

Ok

[@rickmeisch643]

Leo, courtroom pre civil war is stunning to know. This is your best story told!

[@janupczak1643]

This is so fascinating and also such intensive work from you and Heather. I really hope you know how much these trips mean to us. This was an awesome one!❤

[@michaelbedinger4121]

A sad, but interesting story. Thank you very much Leo and Heather, for telling it. Cottontop might have been mentally challenged. If that is the case, He should never have gone on that raid on the McCoy cabin, he was put in a situation that he was not equipped to cope with. Perhaps one day, his grave will somehow be found. May he rest in peace 🙏 Thank you again, you two have a great day. 😊

[@burningsandsexploration3711]

You keep climbing those mountains, and you're gonna be in super good shape!

[@Lisamarieink]

This was a very intriguing story. Very sad actually, but you did a very good job at recreating and retracing the story. I appreciate your work and love your channel. Very educational!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@rebeccastreet5811]

Leo & Heather, Hey Guys, Another excellent story. I love the feeling you have in your voice when you tell these stories. I know you & Heather spend a lot of your time digging for the truth in these stories, instead of just copying what you found. You both go that extra mile to get the truth. Thanks again for these stories. I enjoy these the most! Love from the Coalfields of VA!

[@denisehibbs9576]

This is a great episode ! The way you presented it is so real. You made history come alive. Thank you so much Leo and Heather !

[@milantoombs6696]

What a terrific story Leo and Heather. You did a fantastic job of explaining the full process. I’d love to visit there sometime!!!

[@scottytrent6085]

Love this video, Cotton Top mom is my great great grandmother sister. Malinda “Linda” Hatfield Ellis. The Bruno Sandlick Cemetery is open. All of my family is buried on that grave yard. They are a lot of graves, I buried my mom and dad on a different cemetery because they keep it clean.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

That is awesome! Thank you for the info!

[@sarahharvey7571]

Hello cousin, Harriet Hatfield is my 4th great grandmother. 🥹❤️‍🔥

[@sarahharvey7571]

@@thehillbillyfilesthank you for covering this topic with compassion and sensitivity. I love this. Thank you, so so much.

[@DJP6069]

I love ur channel! I'm originally from Dingess, but I live in Oklahoma now. I miss the mountains so much. Watching ur channel makes me feel like I'm a little closer to those mountains I love so dearly. I watch with my daughter, she loves learning about our hillbilly history. Keep up the good work! 💚

[@richardjarrell6393]

I have always wanted to hear about the Hatfield McCoy families and there feuds. Family history is always amazing!

[@tammydeboard6537]

I was born and raised in Kentucky. We had to learn about the feud in our history books. But I had a better teacher. My grandmother. She was kin to the McCoy's. She took us to many places when I was a kid. She had many newspapers and other things from the family. Pictures and even shells from fired guns. I've seen a lot of movies about this and none of them ever got it right. Even the one with Kevin Costner is wrong. They made Johnse Hatfield out to be a good guy. He was fair from it. They said Perry Cline loved Roseanne. He was married to Randalls brothers widow. Nancy married John when she was only 14. She did leave him for Bad Frank. The only one who really paid for the murderers was Cotton Top. He took the blame thinking the Hatfields would break him out. But to me the one who lost the most out of this was Randall McCoy. Several kids wife never the same his house burned. Devil Ans got away with murder and so did his son's. I hope they all have found peace at last.

[@sarahharvey7571]

Dear Hillbilly Files, Thank you for all the work you’re doing to shine a light on the Tug Fork region. I can’t even adequately articulate how much I appreciate these history lessons. Harriet Hatfield and her daughter Margaret Mounts are my 4th and 3rd great grandmothers respectively. That makes CottonTop my 3rd great uncle. I grew up in Logan County so of course I grew up hearing the legends and being told we were related to Hatfields a couple generations back. Many people in the area are related to Hatfield/McCoy feud in some way or another but until very recently I didn’t know who or what my connection was. It’s so hard to find accurate information that isn’t being sensationalized. Thank you from the bottom of my hillbilly heart, I appreciate you so much. ❤️‍🔥🙏🏻

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so very much!

[@user-ku3vq5bj8l]

Live in Kentucky and I found a old colt and a Bible with the name Hatfield in it in a hollow tree !

[@hatfieldmccoy0311]

Man it is crazy seeing all this, I am still friends with the Gibsons, Mounts, my dad's great great uncle was Johnse, he is from Logan county, mom is a McCoy. We found that blood line through paperwork, too. I know for both my mamaws they only got to go to second grade, but they both went back to school together and got their Highschool diplomas not just their GEDs. It does get confusing and one thing people have to realize, there was not a lot of choices for mates outside of those hollers, you were isolated, on moms side there was one other family in that holler and as one would have a boy the other would have a daughter, so we are married into this family 5 times because they were right there with us. You made as much sense of it all as could be done, thank you for the story

[@grumpybaztard4930]

It is truly sad that Cottons grave is lost to time and memory . His remaining family should have been allowed to take him home where he could be placed within family plots and giving a proper burial.

[@judypierce7028]

This video was awesome Leo and Heather. Loved every minute of it. Golly! Cottontop had quite a life, but so sad. It is truly a tragedy that the Hatfields and McCoys did not get along. Their story certainly was incredible. He died so young. Your research is as always impeccable. Stories passed down from on generation to another are prevalent in the Appalachian Mountains as well as Native Americans. Oh, my goodness Leo. WOW! It would have taken me forever to reach the top of those steps. There were so many. steps. Thank you Leo for the wonderful story. P.S. By the way, I truly enjoyed the live chat earlier in the evening.

[@amyhall197]

Once again, a great story! And good to see Pikeville where my Hall's lived at this time during the feud makes me wonder if my Great Grandfather would of been there. Once again Great job you two.

[@janicewhite1113]

I watched the video twice because I got confused, but I got it in the end! The courtroom is beautiful. Its a very involved story but ended the way most violent lives do. Thanks Leo and Heather . I'm sorry you're loosing subscribers I love your videos

[@genniejefferson6588]

There are a lot of Hatfields and graves of them. It’s so beautiful, with sun shining a little. Courthouse is so well kept.

[@Rigdawg]

Just found y’all from the Hank Williams video. Wow y’all…thank y’all for your research and bringing it to us interested in this history.

[@jimsimpson8169]

Such a fascinating but sad story. It all makes since. Thanks for a great story.

[@jackieronning352]

Well done! You gave a great presentation. Thanks, from New England!

[@scottlambert2949]

I didn't know that Ellison had any children thanks for sharing another interesting history and genealogy is so interesting

[@user-uz9gc5tk1h]

Thank you for doing these videos my family is from the Pikeville area and I am related to one of the families ( Hatfield and or McCoy) I know that but I am not privileged to know witch one ( black sheep of the family) and I am glad for the history lessons.

[@jeffadams9807]

Which & Not Witch...

[@corinnerichardson9093]

Well done guys - GREAT research and summary. BEST on KZbin by far!!!!

[@kwslife116]

Only 4 minutes in and I love this channel!! Great intro.

[@Teresia12]

You've done some great research. Thank you for this. I've always been interested to this story. I just found your channel yesterday and I subscribed today. I love anything to do with the Smokey/Blue Ridge Mountains.

[@jamielieberg7053]

it is sad what happen back then Great Video and I love the court house how they took the old and added the new to blend in thank again

[@csiboo]

Love this channel and your other one too! I love hearing and learning what information you have found. Keep up the great work!

[@sandramariesolander]

What a wild ride this has been~ That had to be the most compelling moment of your recording career, to be sitting in the spot, in the exact same space as Cottontop. 😢 If those walls could talk....

[@barbaramai7610]

All of the research you did, Leo and Heather, in putting this story together paid off as it was well presented! The story held my attention from beginning to end, as I found it fascinating, but it haunts me as well. My heart goes out to Cottontop because he seems to have possibly been a scapegoat, as you stated in relating the story. Was it proven that he did the actual killing? Anyway, a great video, thank you!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It was proven enough to hang him, but not in real life.

[@reenarichmond9395]

Thank you for this documentary! I've always wanted too have the truth between the Hatfield's and the McCoys.Well done. 23:58

[@monicalynn7187]

This channel is incredible! You both tell the best stories! I can't get enough. ❤

[@ira1ish]

You can potentially find the grave with Ground Penetrating Radar, a common instrument to find historical graves. It is also used on Civil War battlefields to locate bodies to ensure the integrity of hallowed ground.

[@sherrilee230]

It does take a lot of research and we really appreciate the work you have both done. Thank you.

[@uronlyhope]

❤❤ Thank you so very much for telling his story.. God bless you on these journals of the past.. R.I.P cotton top..

[@davidroberts5577]

Absolutely awesome presentation of a most amazing time in our history. Thank you for sharing your passion with us all.

[@christinedelman887]

Another great, fascinating story y'all! The courtroom was beautiful, the scenery as well.

[@jeremytuggle6424]

Amazing episode you guys! Thanks for all the hard work put into this one.

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

I loved this video the complete story is so interesting you both do such excellent work. Thank you for bringing us this story

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for listening

[@rosevrabel7210]

Awesome, thank you. I have goosebumps!

[@terrylynch9266]

I absolutely love this video

[@debdewitt4779]

Thank you Leo im sure you and Heather had to do alot of research what a terrible time in history and you are right we will never know forsure if cottontop had any learning problems thank you for always being honest and climbing those mountains to take us along with you be safe tell Heather hello and she did some awesome research

[@billbeard4740]

Thank you for your research. You did a great job telling it, I could almost picture it all in my mind

[@billparker987]

This was one of your best videos ever. 👌👍

[@crusader4273]

Excellent presentation Leo and I believe it is the most plausible theory on the cotton top history. May he rest in peace 🕊️ Keep up the good work. A+

[@NavyCWO3]

Thanks for all of the work you do. I’m an ENORMOUS history buff and greatly enjoy your videos!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank You!

[@happycappy-jn6jc]

Cotton Top is a haunting character

[@Tee-cl6dc]

The old workmanship is astounding..the time the respect that people once had is remarkable without the modern tools . I really appreciate your hard work and research you do . I love listening to you . God Bless & Be safe sweetheart . Love American Nana ❤

[@victoriarobinson4978]

I love your stories.they are history to me.keep up the good work.

[@sandyhawks5240]

I wonder if he was married and how many children did he have before he passed. Thanks for doing this. Love the story of Hatfield's and McCoy's. I don't think he got a fair shake anyhow going down for Hatfield's deal that night.

[@Skunkape74]

Darn KZbin glitches... Good stuff Leo and Heather...Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@choppermorgan9946]

This is totally fascinating first time watcher this is great thank you God bless you and your family

[@starri9103]

Nice! Truth is always best. Keep it up. 👍

[@williammatzek4660]

Lots of unanswered questions!!

[@heidiwolf1793]

You have the best storytelling voice Leo. Thank you ❤

[@heidiwolf1793]

Do we know what the weather was like the day he died? May he rest in peace.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

No.

[@jg25705]

Hi Leo! Thanks for another great video!

[@CutThroatah]

How in the hell did this channel pop up on my feed? I clicked on this video by mistake while my phone was in my pocket while I was cooking. I’m glad I found this channel, I know about the Hatfield and McCoy story but not like this before. You got a subscriber 👍🏾

[@russellmania79]

Very fascinating, thank you for sharing sir.

[@debdewitt4779]

Oh Leo loved the live chat earlier you did awesome and yes dogs are our little kids 😊

[@mufasah888]

Heathers talent with editing improves more & more. Well done, this was a great piece! 😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@williamguillIII]

I'm curious as Cotton Top is my 6th cousin. One of the newspaper articles you showed, says the date he was hung is 1889, but his death is listed as February 18th, 1890. Also. Cotton Top and his wife Clara New, had a daughter named Harriet Hatfield(1888-1967), born in 1888. Harriet married a man named Michael Mitchell Mounts. Cotton Tops mother was Harriet Hatfield(1843-1916) So, I assume Cotton Top and Clara named their daughter after Cotton Tops Mother. Thanks for sharing!

[@jojoelf1]

Another excellent video, as always! Thank you so much for bringing this story to life. I'm glad you mentioned checking the subscriptions. I had been unsubscribed. I definitely did not do it. Thanks again y'all.

[@bobberguy1]

Thanks, Leo, for climbing the mountains for history.

[@dontaylor3039]

Thank you Leo and Heather.For all of your research.For our family's history.Love your channel.keep up the great work

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you! Will do!

[@chrisnichols4228]

AWESOME VIDEO!!! Love the time period pictures ! Y’all never disappoint!!!!

[@b.rocket]

Y'all do such a great job. I love history. Your channel is so unique. I had to join. Best wishes from South Carolina, another hillbilly.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@debpalm8667]

Thanks for your content. Enjoyed the live.

[@kelliedawn4745]

May cottontop R.I.P. yal did a very good job with this story. I hope to go to pikeville this summer. Rest assured im stopping there

[@possumbuddy]

Thank you Leo for all your research and driving to find these places. I really appreciate it. Great story.

[@charliepc56]

Great video, so well put together and so enjoyable to watch! Thank you, Heather and Leo!

[@marvinjohnson424]

Great video and story. Heck I had a couple of first cousins I would have married 🤫😁🇺🇸

[@T-Man252]

Great video & story Leo ! You spoke of cousins marrying back in the day I had cousins,first cousins ,that married and you're right it was very common & accepted back then. Keep up the good work !

[@snooks5624]

My mother was a Blair from West Virginia. Grew up in a girls home that Ms Hedricks ran until she moved to Blackey Ky around 1954. Went to Stuart Robinson School in Blackey. Betty Marie Blair

[@barbarascofield6683]

Great job on all he research and presentation. Thanks for an interesting story. one of my favorite videos.

[@randyjoerussell6326]

I am a mcCoy in illinois.my father is Paul Russell from Birch River,west virginia.i was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico

[@jodiehuber7273]

I think judging how people lived during a different time period I love your videos so inspiring to be able to see how people lived 😊❤

[@dink182j4]

I would love to hear more about the Lost Boys of the Alleghenies. All I know is that there is a memorial but Im not sure where and Ive heard that some people think its a story made up to tell children at the time to keep them close when playing and Ive heard that some say its a true story. I know that Alison Krauss sings a song called Jacobs Dream that is based on the story and that at the time many believed that the parents had done something bad to the boys. Thank you for sharing your videos! I really enjoy watching them!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I never heard of lost boys, Ill look it up

[@aaronrodriquez3815]

Thanks Leo Iv’e always enjoyed your videos …very informative and thanks for what you and wife do .

[@wondergirl367]

Wow, you did a terrific job! Very comprehensive. As always, thank you for your tremendous efforts.

[@angelahorne867]

Thank you so much ❤

[@Jans77FAMBAM]

I came back to rewatch for the 2 time too kinda to get it in my stubborn head of mine! I've been interested in Hatfield and McCoys from an earlier age! Thank you Leo & Heather all you do! Keep up the great work . Jan

[@kodie4337]

Love watching your videos. I love history especially since my momma family is from those mountains in Eastern Kentucky & West Virginia

[@sharrontaylor4744]

Hello there folks, enjoyed this vid., very interesting. ??? I wonder if there are any McCoys and/or Hatfields located in anyother counties in Wv. ??? As a kid, we always visited my Dads people in Webster county. So ya might say I consider myself a lil hillbilly - somewhat !!! TFS, have a great week !!!

[@raypursley3639]

Love yalls videos, i wanna come up and meet yall one day. I live in n.c And just love the history in yalls videos, and the history of the south. Great job Leo and Heather!!!

[@RayBrown-hs1ub]

Where ever the grave is right there I'm sure there's someway of finding out to where they can't put another person in.the same spot I love the work you put into this

[@Blessard23]

Great History Leo Thank you God bless

[@brendaz9222]

Great story!

[@user-ct4im4nd6r]

Its kinda easy to see how the stories get mixed up over time just like some of our stories do but I would think one the most important grave sites of the whole story would be kept up with better I guess there are many like that Great story Love your videos Best ones of this particular famous history

[@duchessstudioband7896]

To help you out Leo, I subscribed. I often listen to your stories on my graveyard shift to pass time. Here's a thought my ancestor was Francis Eppes Manson out of Virginia. Might be cool to do a video on him. His plantation was destroyed on Sherman's march. Not exactly a hillbilly tale,but intetesting

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

Great video! ❤

[@johnharmon1403]

You two are national treasures.

[@amberwinnell1473]

Every time I think that you guys just cannot top the last video posted, there y'all go BLOWING MY EVER-LOVIN' MIND!!!??? 🤯😵‍💫🥰😍 On one hand, this young man's story seems much more full to me now... BUUUT on the other hand, I am now trying to keep myself from going into a research frenzy to find out WAS he married?!? Did he REALLY have children!?! Like, WHAAAAAATTT!!!???

[@thehillbillyfiles]

You're the best!

[@seagoingcook]

I know this took intensive research, well done!