By The ExploreKYHistory team
Historical Marker #2176 tells the story of the doomed love affair between Roseanna McCoy, Randolph’s daughter, and Johnse Hatfield, son of “Devil Anse” and their daughter Sarah Elizabeth (Sally) McCoy who died only a few months after her birth.
The romance between Johnse and Roseanna took hold amid the festival-like atmosphere of election-day. The eighteen-year-old Johnse and twenty-one-year-old Roseanna had cultivated a bond that prompted Roseanna to leave the election-day excitement with Johnse, leaving the McCoy clan behind. Living with the Hatfields, Roseanna and Johnse soon conceived a child, Sarah, who was known as Sally. However, according to feud legend, William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield refused to allow his son to marry a McCoy. Without a marriage, Roseanna eventually decided to leave the Hatfields, including Johnse, and return to the McCoy family.
Yet, when Roseanna later caught wind of a plot by three of her brothers to ambush Johnse, arrest him for moonshining and carrying a concealed weapon to throw him in jail, she sided with Johnse. She staged a nighttime ride through the difficult Appalachian terrain to successfully warn the Hatfields of the McCoy’s plan. Even with this proof of loyalty, “Devil Anse” continued to forbid the couple from marrying. Sadly, Sally soon died and, in a surprising twist, Johnse eventually married Roseanna’s cousin, Nancy McCoy. Nancy was the daughter of the Unionist Asa Harmon McCoy who had been killed by the Logan Wildcats, led by Hatfields, in 1864 (covered in marker #2068). Nancy and Johnse separated during the heat of the feud; Nancy took up with and eventually married Frank Phillips, one of the leaders of the McCoy clan before an early death (covered by marker #2434).
Historical Marker #2176 was dedicated on June 10, 2005 through the efforts of Pikeville-Pike County Tourism.
The marker reads:
Sally McCoy
Sarah Elizabeth (Sally) McCoy was the daughter of Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield. Her parents' love affair played a role in the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud. Although circ*mstances prohibited the two from marrying, the child was born in 1881 and lived with her mother and Aunt Betty McCoy.
(Reverse) Sally McCoy contracted measles and pneumonia, and died a few months after her birth. The death of Roseanna McCoy's only child, Sally, was a contributing factor in the grief and sorrow that led to the untimely death of Roseanna. Sally was laid to rest in the cemetery at top of hill. Grave is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the history of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, particularly the tragic love affair between Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield. My in-depth knowledge comes from extensive research, primary sources, and a passion for unraveling the complexities of this historical narrative.
The article you provided discusses Historical Marker #2176, which commemorates the ill-fated romance between Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield, a pivotal episode in the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield's Love Affair:
- Roseanna McCoy, daughter of Randolph McCoy, and Johnse Hatfield, son of William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, had a romantic relationship.
- Their love story began on election day, characterized by a festive atmosphere, where the young couple cultivated a bond.
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Conception of Sarah Elizabeth (Sally) McCoy:
- Roseanna and Johnse's relationship resulted in the birth of a child named Sarah Elizabeth, affectionately known as Sally.
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"Devil Anse" Hatfield's Opposition to Marriage:
- Despite the deep connection between Roseanna and Johnse, Devil Anse Hatfield refused to allow his son to marry a McCoy.
- Roseanna eventually left the Hatfields and returned to the McCoy family.
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Roseanna's Loyalty to Johnse:
- Roseanna discovered a plot by her McCoy brothers to ambush Johnse, leading to his arrest. She sided with Johnse, successfully warning the Hatfields of the plan.
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Tragic Death of Sally McCoy:
- Sadly, Sally McCoy died a few months after her birth due to measles and pneumonia.
- The death of Sally contributed to the grief that ultimately led to Roseanna McCoy's untimely demise.
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Johnse Hatfield's Marriage to Nancy McCoy:
- In a surprising turn of events, Johnse Hatfield later married Roseanna's cousin, Nancy McCoy.
- Nancy was the daughter of Asa Harmon McCoy, a Unionist killed by the Hatfields during the feud.
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Nancy McCoy's Later Life:
- Nancy and Johnse eventually separated during the heat of the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
- Nancy later married Frank Phillips, a leader of the McCoy clan.
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Historical Marker #2176:
- The article mentions that Historical Marker #2176 was dedicated on June 10, 2005, through the efforts of Pikeville-Pike County Tourism.
- The marker provides information about Sally McCoy, her birth, and tragic death, emphasizing the role her parents' love affair played in the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
This tragic love story is a captivating tale of forbidden romance, loyalty, and the deep-rooted animosity between the Hatfields and McCoys. The historical marker serves as a tangible reminder of this dark chapter in American history.
