Randolph “Ole Ran’l” McCoy was the head of the McCoy family during the Hatfield and McCoy feud; he and his wife Sarah produced 16 children. Randolph was a tall man with a stern and serious personality, befitting of a grudge. In 1878, it was Randolph McCoy who accused Floyd Hatfield, Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield’s cousin, of stealing his property, a hog which had wondered into the Hatfield’s territory. The McCoy clan claimed that the ownership was evident by the markings on the hog, so the case went before the Justice of the Peace, over which Anderson “Preacher Anse” Hatfield (not to be confused with Anderson “Devil” Anse”) presided. Due to the statement made by Bill Staton, who was related to both families, the case was decided in favor of the Hatfields. Later, Brothers Sam and Paris McCoy would be acquitted of murdering Staton, due to self-defense. The exchange of violence between the Hatfields and McCoys during the feud took its toll on Randolph McCoy. With his house being burnt to the ground and numerous family members slain, Randolph McCoy relocated to Pikeville, Kentucky, where he spent the remainder of his days as a ferryman, bitter and grievous for what had transpired.
Hatfields & McCoys Driving Tour Visit the actual locations of America’s most famous feud. The Hatfield-McCoy Driving Tour Guide provides you a detailed map of the feud sites, as well as historical background.Download | Request By Mail
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