Blood in West Virginia

“Kirk’s marvelous tale of one of the bloodiest Appalachian feuds is a rip-roaring page-turner! . . . a good spirited read.” —Homer Hickam, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

This riveting account is the first comprehensive examination of the Lincoln County feud, a quarrel so virulent it rivaled that of the infamous Hatfields and McCoys. The conflict began over personal grievances between Paris Brumfield, a local distiller and timber man, and Cain Adkins, a preacher, teacher, doctor, and justice of the peace. The dispute quickly overtook the small Appalachian community of Hart, West Virginia, leaving at least four dead and igniting a decade-long vendetta. Based on local and national newspaper articles and oral histories provided by descendants of the feudists, this powerful narrative features larger-than-life characters locked in deadly conflict.

“Not only does Blood in West Virginia present a compelling narrative of a little known feud in southern West Virginia, it provides valuable insights into the local politics, economy, timber industry and family life in Lincoln County during the late 1800s.” —Dr. Robert Maslowski, President of Council for West Virginia Archaeology and graduate instructor at the Marshall University Graduate College

“Tells a fascinating story that elevates the Lincoln County feud to its proper place in Appalachian and West Virginia History.” —Dr. Ivan Tribe, author of Mountaineer Jamboree

“This book brings a deadly story to life. Author Brandon Kirk has done remarkable work in untangling the complex web of kinship connections linking both friends and foes, while detailing the social and economic strains of changing times in the mountains.” —Ken Sullivan, executive director, West Virginia Humanities Council, and editor of West Virginia Encyclopedia