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Who Was Devil Anse Hatfield?
Devil Anse Hatfield, a prominent figure in the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, grew up in what is now Logan County, West Virginia. His leadership in the feud began in 1882 when his brother was murdered, prompting him to take revenge by killing three members of the McCoy family. Despite being indicted for his involvement, Hatfield was never brought to trial. He may have also played a role in the 1888 attack on Randall McCoy’s family.
Early Life
William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield was born in the Tug River Valley of Logan County, West Virginia, a region his family had settled in. The river separated West Virginia from Kentucky, and the majority of the Hatfields lived on the West Virginia side. Devil Anse, one of 18 children, was known for his strength and skill as a marksman, earning his nickname for his reputed toughness. In 1861, he married Levicy Chafin, but soon left to fight for the Confederacy during the Civil War, where he led a local militia known as the Logan Wildcats.
After the war, Hatfield became a successful timber businessman and landowner, known for aggressively protecting his interests. His conflict with Perry Cline, a relative by marriage to his future adversary Randolph “Randall” McCoy, over a land dispute contributed to rising tensions between the two families.
The Hatfield-McCoy Feud
The notorious feud between the Hatfields and McCoys began in 1878 when Hatfield’s cousin was accused of stealing a hog from Randall McCoy. A jury composed of both families acquitted the accused Hatfield, fueling resentment from the McCoys. The feud intensified in 1880 when Devil Anse’s son, Johnse, had a brief relationship with Randall McCoy’s daughter, Roseanna, further straining relations between the families.
The bloodshed began on August 7, 1882, when Devil Anse’s brother Ellison was brutally attacked by three of Randall McCoy’s sons. In retaliation, Devil Anse and his supporters captured the McCoy brothers, executing them after Ellison succumbed to his injuries. Although indicted, Hatfield and his men evaded justice for years.
In 1887, Perry Cline persuaded the governor of Kentucky to place a bounty on Hatfield and his men, leading to their pursuit by lawmen and bounty hunters. In a desperate attempt to end the pursuit, the Hatfields organized an attack on the McCoy family on New Year’s Day 1888. Though Randall McCoy survived, the incident garnered national attention and led to the eventual capture and trial of several Hatfields.
Later Years and Death
In his later years, Hatfield underwent a personal transformation, choosing to be baptized in 1911 after previously claiming no religious affiliation. He spent his remaining years peacefully on his Island Creek farm, where he raised hogs and continued to carry a rifle. Devil Anse Hatfield died of pneumonia on January 6, 1921, and was honored with a life-sized marble statue at his grave. His legacy, along with the story of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, continues to be remembered in popular culture, including the 2012 miniseries Hatfields & McCoys featuring Kevin Costner as Devil Anse.