The Hatfield-McCoy rivalry is one of the most notorious family conflicts in American history. Among the many personalities involved in this brutal struggle, William Anderson Hatfield II, sometimes known as “Cap” Hatfield, stands out. Cap, the second child of Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, was heavily involved in the events that established the war between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky. This article dives into Cap Hatfield’s life and his involvement in one of the most infamous family feuds in US history.
Early Life and Nickname
William Anderson Hatfield II was born on February 6, 1864, in Mingo County, West Virginia, the son of Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield and Levicy Hatfield. From an early age, he was lovingly known as “Little Captain,” a moniker drawn from his father’s leadership during the Civil War and his reputation as a formidable character in the continuing battle. As Cap grew older, his moniker was reduced to “Cap,” which he kept throughout his life. His nickname represented not just his familial ties to Devil Anse, but also his rising status in the Hatfield-McCoy feud.
William Anderson Hatfield II is the son of Devil Anse Hatfield.
William Anderson Hatfield II, also known as Devil Anse Hatfield’s son, had a strong connection to his father’s terrible heritage. Devil Anse Hatfield, born September 9, 1839, was the Hatfield family patriarch and a key role in the historic Hatfield-McCoy dispute. The violent and vicious struggle between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky lasted decades and became a watershed moment in American history. Devil Anse got his frightening reputation by leading the feud and commanding his family with power and cunning. His influence in the region was extensive, thanks not only to his engagement in the rivalry, but also to his involvement in local politics and commercial concerns.
His son, William Anderson Hatfield II, was born into this chaotic milieu, therefore he was immediately immersed in the family’s troubles. As the son of Devil Anse, William Anderson Hatfield II was directly related to the aftermath of the conflict and the shifting dynamics of the Hatfield family following his father’s death in 1921. He inherited not just the family name, but also the memory of his father’s life-defining fight. William’s connection with his father reflects the passage of an infamous heritage, with William navigating the difficulties of Hatfield family history decades after the feud was over.
Role in the Hatfield-McCoy feud
Cap Hatfield’s role in the Hatfield-McCoy dispute was characterized by brutality and a dedication to family devotion. Though many members of the Hatfield family were involved in the feud, Cap was likely one of the most belligerent and violent characters in the battle. He became a collaborator in some of the feud’s most notorious incidents, including the murder of McCoy family members. The Hatfields, commanded by Devil Anse, frequently battled with the McCoys over territory claims, theft allegations, and personal vendettas.
While Devil Anse was regarded as the Hatfields’ father and tactician, Cap was notorious for his physical presence and aggressive behavior. He took part in many of the renowned “feud battles” that erupted during the height of the conflict, either leading or personally engaging in the slaughter that marked the struggle between the two families. Cap’s devotion to his father and the Hatfield cause was unwavering, and he would go to tremendous measures to defend the family’s name and land.
Marriage & Family
Cap Hatfield married Nancy Elizabeth Smith on October 11, 1883, and together they produced several children. Their children included Coleman Anderson Hatfield, Sheppard “Captain S” Hatfield, Levicy Hatfield, Pinkie Hatfield, and Louise “Lou” Hatfield. The Hatfield family remained close, and Cap’s offspring continued the Hatfield heritage. Despite the bloodshed and suffering surrounding the Hatfield-McCoy conflict, Cap’s family life maintained some sense of normalcy despite the mayhem.
Late Life and Death
The Hatfield-McCoy rivalry came to an end over time. Though Cap remained heavily immersed in the family relationships and arguments, the general turmoil began to subside, particularly following both sides’ legal activities. Cap had a rather long life, witnessing the peak of the rivalry and the final cessation of violent hostilities.
William Anderson Hatfield II died on August 21, 1930, at age 66, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He was interred at Cap Hatfield Cemetery in Stirrat, Logan County, West Virginia, beside his wife and other family members. His death signaled the end of the Hatfield family’s direct involvement in the rivalry, since Cap was one of the last significant individuals on the Hatfield side to pass away.
Captain Hatfield’s Legacy
Cap Hatfield’s reputation is inextricably linked to the Hatfield-McCoy dispute, a watershed moment in Appalachian history. His violent activities during the dispute made him an infamous character, but he was also a devoted family man who played an important role in maintaining the Hatfield surname. The conflict, and Cap’s role in it, have been immortalized in novels, films, and television shows, solidifying his position in American legend.
Despite his role in violent events, Cap’s personal tale is about family, loyalty, and the complexity of living in the Appalachian area during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Hatfield-McCoy dispute was about more than simply land and riches; it was intensely personal, with centuries of animosity passed down from one family member to another. Cap Hatfield, a prominent player in the war, shows the rivalry’s long-term influence on the lives of people caught in the crossfire.
Conclusion
William Anderson Hatfield II, sometimes known as Cap Hatfield, was a key figure in one of the most famous family feuds in American history. As Devil Anse Hatfield’s second child, Cap’s childhood was formed by violence, loyalty, and the unwavering pursuit of family honor. While the Hatfield-McCoy dispute is now mostly forgotten, people like Cap Hatfield continue to captivate the imagination, reminding us of a violent era when carnage and familial connections dominated the Appalachian landscape.
