e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

The Feud Ignites: 1878-1880

Hatfield-McCoy Feud Section 2 of 9

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The next big event in the feud happened in 1878 when Randolph McCoy accused Floyd Hatfield, a relative of Devil Anse and also from Pike County, of stealing a hog. Floyd Hatfield was found not guilty partly because Randolph’s nephew, Bill Staton, testified in his favor. In response, members of the McCoy family took revenge by murdering Bill Staton.

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