Mr. Hatfield and the Hatfields

The Hatfield and McCoy incident was a very bloody fight between the Hatfields and the McCoys. According to New York Daily News, the incident began in 1865 and lasted till 1888 when nine Hatfields were arrested and jailed as one was hung for burning Old Ran’l’s home. In total during the incident there were seven casualties between the Hatfields and McCoys. After a recent case, the new theory for the reason all this happened is that a genetic defect caused tumors on the adrenal glands causing fits of adrenaline and rage. This was discovered thanks to Winnter Reynolds and her relation to the McCoys since she was diagnosed with this mutation.

I recently realized that my journalism teacher Mr. Hatfield could be related to this incident. I emphasize could be because it is not fully confirmed that he is related to the Hatfields of old. When asked about his feelings if he is related to this he responded, “I don’t feel a massive amount of pride potentially being related to a family nationally known for being involved in the biggest hillbilly fight ever. But I do think it’s interesting.” I feel that a valid question that I could could ask him would be why him and his family are not completely sure about their relation. When questioned he said, “ My grandad left West Virginia when he was about fourteen, pretty much cut off contact with his family, and hasn’t liked to talk about them since.”

The Hatfields and McCoys fought over what is believed to be a prize-winning pig and many had died in the incident. I have been fairly interested in the Hatfield and McCoy incident since my English class covered it, and I found it highly interesting that my journalism teacher Mr. Hatfield could be related to the incident.