Ellison Hatfield “Cotton Top” Mounts was an infamous figure in the history of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud, and was the only person ever legally executed for his part in the conflict. Born in 1872, Cotton Top was believed to be the illegitimate son of Ellison Hatfield—the brother of Hatfield family patriarch, “Devil”Anse. Nicknamed Cottontop, Mounts was known to be mentally challenged.
He found himself on the wrong side of the law when he and a group of other Hatfields ambushed and killed Bill Staton; a former Confederate soldier who had sided with the McCoys during the feud. On February 18th 1890 Cotton Top was hanged by a crowd of thousands in Pikeville, Kentucky – despite public executions being against the law in Kentucky.
Many viewed Cotton Top as a scapegoat for his confessed act and even today many historians continue to debate whether or not he should have been held accountable for his actions given his mental condition. His execution serves as a reminder of how far apart two families can become when hatred is allowed to fester unchecked.
The story of Cotton Top has also been made into several films and documentaries over the years, including “Devil’s Own” which featured Tom Cruise as Cotton Top’s father. A monument stands in Pikeville today dedicated to him and other victims of violence related to the feud.
While foolish decisions are sometimes made during times of conflict, we must always remember that no one should be punished for their mental disabilities or lack thereof. The legacy left behind by Ellison Hatfield “Cotton Top” Mounts is one that will never be forgotten – both as a reminder of how quickly things can turn sour between two families and as an example that we should always question what justice really means befre punishing someone for their actions.
Was Cotton Top a Member of the Hatfield Family?
Yes, Ellison “Cotton Top” Mounts was a Hatfield. He was believed to be the illegitimate son of Ellison Hatfield—the brother of the Hatfield family patriarch, “Devil” Anse. Mounts was an active participant in the famous Hatfield-McCoy Feud and due to his involvement, he was legally hanged in Pikeville, Kentucky in 1890—the only legal execution of the feud. The feud between the Hatfields and McCoys had been going on for decades and Cotton Top’s execution served as a warning to both sides that continued violence would not be tolerated.
Source: today.uconn.edu
Mental Capacity of Ellison Cotton Top Mounts
Yes, Ellison Cotton Top Mounts was mentally challenged. He was known to have intellectual disabilities, and his condition impacted his ability to reason and understand the consequences of his actions. Although he confessed to the crime for which he was accused, many people saw him as an easy target due to his mental state. Reports from the time indicated that he was unable to comprehend the gravity of his situation or the fact that he would be executed for it.
The Final Resting Place of Cotton Top Mounts
Ellison Hatfield “Cotton Top” Mounts is buried in Dils Cemetery, located in Pikeville, Kentucky in Pike County. He was born on October 16, 1864 and passed away on August 1, 1921. He is remembered as a loyal son of the Appalachian Mountains who fought to bring peace to the area during the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud that took place between the two families. He was an important figure in the community and his burial site is a testament to his legacy.
The Marriage of Hatfields and McCoys
Yes, Johnse Hatfield and Nancy McCoy married on October 6, 1880. Their wedding took place in Tazewell County, Virginia and was attended by members of both families. The marriage between the two families was seen as a sign of peace between the Hatfields and McCoys. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last and the couple eventually divorced in 1882. Despite their separation, their union is remembered as a symbol of reconciliation for the two clans.
The Death Toll of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud
The Hatfield-McCoy feud lasted for nearly 48 years and resulted in the deaths of 60 people. This violent dispute began over a pig that swam across the Tug River, which separated Kentucky and West Virginia. The last victim was Tom Hatfield, who was found tied to a tree. During the feud, both governors of Kentucky and West Virginia were involved in trying to end this mountain war. In the end, it was finally resolved by the courts rather than with weapons.
Source: history.com
Distance Between the Hatfields and McCoys
The Hatfield and McCoy families lived about 55 miles apart at the peak of their feud. The two families were situated on either side of the Tug Fork River, which runs along the border between West Virginia and Kentucky. The exact distance between their homes varied depending on their location within their respective states, but it was generally accepted that they lived roughly 55 miles apart. This distance has been memorialized in the Hatfield-McCoy Feudin’ Trail, a serpentine route that connects the gravesites of both Devil Anse Hatfield and Randolph McCoy.
The Hatfield-McCoy Baby: Fact or Fiction?
Yes, a Hatfield and McCoy did have a baby. The parents of the child were Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield, who had an illicit love affair during the time of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud. The baby was born in 1881 and was named Sarah Elizabeth (Sally) McCoy. Although the two could not marry due to the circumstances, Sally lived with her mother, Roseanna, and her Aunt Betty McCoy.
The End of the Feud Between the Hatfields and McCoys
No, the Hatfields and McCoys are not feuding. The historic feud between the two families has been over for more than a century. It began in 1863 when Randolph McCoy accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing one of his pigs, and escalated to full-scale violence that lasted for several years. The two sides finally made peace with each other in 1891, and the families have since reconciled and moved on with their lives. While generations of descendants still hold strong opinions about what happened during the feud, there is no animosity between them today.
The Reality of the Hatfield and McCoy Feud
Yes, the Hatfield and McCoy feud was very real. The feud began in 1863 and continued for nearly tree decades, as members of both families became embroiled in violent disputes. It all started when a dispute over a stolen pig led to retaliatory attacks from both sides. In the years that followed, the Hatfields and McCoys accused each other of stealing horses, cattle and other livestock. They were also accused of arson, murder and kidnapping. This violence escalated until 1891 when the two families finally agreed to a peace treaty. Although the root cause of the feud was never officially determined, it is clear that it was very real and caused much destruction to both sides.
Source: dispatch.com
The Outcome of the Hatfields and McCoys Feud
The Kentucky court ultimately won in the Hatfields and McCoys case. In a 7-2 ruling, the court allowed for the trials and subsequent convictions of all the Hatfield men involved in the feud. Seven of the men were given life sentences, and one, Ellison “Cotton Top” Mounts, was executed for his crimes. While it was a victory for Kentucky, it was a devastating loss for both families involved in what has become one of America’s most famous feuds.
Desertion of the Army by Hatfield
Yes, Hatfield did desert the army. He served in both the Logan Wildcats, an irregular group, and in the regular Virginia infantry during the Civil War. In 1863, he chose to desert from the infantry, leaving his post and abandoning his duties.
Number of Children of Sally McCoy
Sally McCoy had 17 children with her husband, Randolph McCoy. They were married on December 9, 1849, in Pike County, Kentucky and remained together until Sally’s death sometime around 1890. Their children included: Calvin (born 1850), Tolbert (born 1852), Sarah “Sallie” (born 1854), Pharmer (born 1856), Paris (born 1858), Elizabeth (born 1860), Nancy “Nannie” (born 1861), Joseph “Joe” (born 1863), Johnse (born 1865), Roseanna “Annie” (1867–1920s?), Anderson “Freck” (1869–1911?), Larkin “Lark” or Dink (1872–1913?), Martha “Patsy” or Mattie?(1874–1923?), Selkirk (“Bud”) or William?(1876–1956?), Alifair (“Allie”)(1878–1910s?), Margaret (“Maggie”)(1881) and Elias (“Eli”)(1884–1960). All of the children lived to adulthood, except for Anderson/Freck who died in his twenties.
End of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud
The Hatfield-McCoy feud, a long-standing and bitter rivalry between two families in the Appalachian Mountains, officially ended when Reo Hatfield and Bo McCoy drafted a treaty. The treaty declared an “official end to all hostilities” between the two families, and was signed by both families in 2003. This treaty put an end to decades of violence and hostility between the two families who had been in conflict since the late 19th century. The treaty has been credited with bringing peace and reconciliation to the two families, as well as to their individual members.
The Number of Children of Hatfield and McCoy
The Hatfield and McCoy families both had large families, with Randolph “Rand’l” McCoy reportedly fathering 16 children and Anse Hatfield fathering 13. Both of these figures are based on sources, though some dispute the exact number of McCoy’s children. Regardless, both families had a significant number of offspring.
The End of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud
The Hatfield-McCoy feud, which spanned the latter half of the 19th century, eventually came to an end after at least 20 and possibly up to 100 men and women had lost their lives in the conflict. The final act of violence occurred when three McCoys were captured by Hatfields under the command of Ellison’s brother Devil Anse and shot to death. After this incident, both sides agreed that further retaliations would not be beneficial for either party and chose to put an end to the hostilities. This decision was likey influenced by a number of factors including public opinion, fear of further violence, and a shift in attitudes towards peaceful resolution. Ultimately, it was this collective understanding that ultimately brought an end to one of America’s most notorious feuds.
Conclusion
Ellison “Cotton Top” Hatfield was a victim of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, and he was legally executed in Pikeville, Kentucky on February 18, 1890. He was an illegitimate son of Ellison Hatfield and believed to be mentally challenged. His execution sparked much controversy at the time, as public executions were illegal in Kentucky. Despite his confession of guilt, many viewed him as a scapegoat for the violence between the two families. It is believed that his death ultimately led to the end of the feud, whch had been raging since 1863. While his death may have helped bring peace between the two families, it also serves as a reminder that violence should not be used to settle disputes and that all people should be treated equally regardless of their mental or physical capabilities.
