Hatfield Tragedy

 

The sources describe the Hatfield Tragedy, which involved a violent confrontation in which several young men were killed. Here's a breakdown of the event based on the sources:

• Location and Time: The incident occurred at Chaud's Gap, which is about ten miles from the town of Frankford on the West Virginia line. The event took place on a Saturday.
• Participants: The main individuals involved were:
  • James Felts and Caleb Hatfield, who were engaged in a dispute that led to the violence.
  • A group of young men, including Mallard, who was with Hatfield, as well as a number of others who were either with Felts or also became involved.
• The Dispute: The conflict began when Felts and Hatfield had an argument. It appears that alcohol played a significant role in the escalation of the conflict.
  • The men had been drinking moonshine whiskey prior to the incident.
• The Violence: The situation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation:
  • Felts shot at Hatfield, and then Mallard joined the fight.
  • Hatfield was shot multiple times, including in the head, and died at the scene.
  • Mallard was also shot and killed.
  • Another man, Jim, was also shot and killed. The source indicates that Felts helped kill him.
  • Several other individuals were wounded.
  • The source indicates that it was thought all three of the young men involved may have died.
• Aftermath:
  • Felts was captured and surrendered.
  • The incident was described as a "horrid tragedy".
  • The source reports the men were "young fellows" who had "never been in any open row".
  • The source also notes that, at one point, they had all been enjoying themselves and playing cards together.

The Hatfield Tragedy highlights the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence and the tragic loss of young lives due to a dispute that escalated quickly. The incident also underscores how quickly social interactions can turn violent, especially when alcohol and weapons are involved.