Hey guys! We are aware now this is not the original courthouse, Leo told me this but I saw on a reputable site that it was remodeled not rebuilt, so its my fault for not believing Leo! Thanks for setting me straight, I do try to be accurate but its so hard sometimes.

He was a mean & hateful man. I'm glad my family or myself didn't have to deal with him. Thank you for taking us this journey

Yours and Leo’s stories never fail to teach me something!! I’m from Huntington, raised there, all my family is still there and I had NO CLUE who owned the Guarantee National Bank building, who lived in it and so on! It was just always a office building on 4th Ave to us! Much less who Don was!! But, once again you and Leo have dropped more knowledge on me!! 👊

Jusr a simply awesome video Leo. The story of Don Chapin staying in politics in Logan County sounds much like the story of the family that ran and still runs a well known county in KY. Thank you for such an interesting piece of WV history. Loved the music accompaniment. Sometimes watching your videos makes me homesick. I will be coming up to my hometown sometime soon. Take care.

I enjoyed this video. It did send me down the rabbit hole again. Everytime I here a name ( Chafin this time ) that is in my family's tree . I look it up. Yep . There he is. When my grandparents left Logan. Any connection to our people is lost to time. Just stories. So I appreciate the two of you making our people in Logan and other areas real to me. This story isn't a happy one . But welcomed all the same. He's actually connected to us through his wife Mary . Thank you both for everything you bring to us .

Couldn’t help but chuckle when you talked about the old building with a new Façade. In a world of tummy tucks and plastic surgery’s there’s quite a few folks running around with the same issue 😂

We all have a mean streak in us at times sad but true. Great story great adventure. Thanks.

Before they built the fourlane, Ellis holler was a popular holler when I was growing up to ride and hang out. There was a cemetery on the hill at the mouth of Ellis holler and it was moved for the construction of the fourlane. Where they moved it to, I’m not sure of, but I’d say it was the cemetery you are talking about.

What a story. Pretty scenery I love old towns & old architecture. My 8th grade teacher told the class there are only 2 things in life you have to do one is due & the other is live with the consequences of your choices Leo you are so right about making good decisions. Another great video. Leo I almost didn't recognize you without a hill or rain it or a briar patch😂. Don's house is quite the house. Too bad the shameful way he acquired it. See you next time

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

It's weird... but I swear I kind of miss the briars a little bit. I haven't been in any in a while. 😂 Thanks for the kind words, btw.

I wanted to thank y’all for the great stories I am from Jefferson County, Kentucky myself and I appreciate that you’re just folks like myself keep those good stories coming

Thanks for another great story. Love the old buildings, glad too see they're keeping them up.👍🇺🇸

@waynejones205

11 ай бұрын

We have towns like these here and there in NJ, but you'd have to go into Pennsylvania for a much closer resemblance. Regardless, I could live here vs. #Disturbia :p 21:50 -Lowe's, yadayada, now THAT I'm surrounded by!! 😩😩😩

Perfect I was looking for something to watch. This makes my evening guys.

Hi guys, I enjoyed watching. He was an interesting fellow indeed. I love the effort you guys put into your stories! 👍

I rode from man to bear wallow crossing over Blair mountain . I would like to see a really good video on the mine war. Another great video.

Very interesting story... Thank you for taking the time to bring it to us!!!!

This is why I love your channel. Stories that no one else covers. Thank you

Great, Great video. I drove down that hill from the dentice office across from the jail house. Love that curve. Chafin had to be on the take.

Hey guys you just passed my house in this video... this house is right down the street from my home! Love watching yalls videos... ❤

The second building in Huntington you mention that Chafin lived at wasn't a hotel. It had a bank on the first floor (still does, but a different one) and offices above, various coal companies and architects, etc. It's known as the Chafin building now. Used to be a plaque with the name on the building, don't know if it's still there or not. An excellent book on this is Bloodletting in Appalachia. It also mentions that Chapin bought that building for $600,000 cash. Not bad for someone who never made more that $3,000 a year as a piblic official. He built the penthouse on top where he lived with a seperate elevator for access and a guard 24/7. Pretty obvious why he would want that. These are the best history videos on KZread. I've been binge wathing them. Thank you for making them.

Thank You. You Guys do a great job.

Another great story guys. Does make you wonder how he got his money. And how many bodies had to pay his salary. Glad your able to get, and find enough information yo pit your stories together. Heather, young lady, you are a master of investigative talents. Leo, it is amazing how you can navigate around all these areas. You do know how to find beautiful sceneries. Really sounds like this is one person that would have been better if he had not been born. Great story again guys. God bless yall for all you do. God bless ya'll on your travels and keep ya'll safe on your travels.

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@waynejones205

11 ай бұрын

@@thehillbillyfiles I'm down for Fishing with ya! What lives in that beautiful river you featured? :)

@thehillbillyfiles

11 ай бұрын

@@waynejones205 Everything! It's known as one of the best smallmouth rivers in the country, and has tons of huge catfish and carp.

@waynejones205

11 ай бұрын

@thehillbillyfiles I need to sharpen my fresh water skills. I have fished Lakes Denmark and Picatinny here in NJ from a kayak. You get some largemouth there, but not like Tournament Lunker sized ones. I'd sure love to put in here!

Awesome video The scenery beautiful.Keep up the great work really enjoy the learning new things .🇨🇦❤

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏

First and last times I was in Logan it was for a funeral up at Wiley-Dalton cemetery. Next time I go to Logan it will be to visit my loved one up there. It's been decades and it has hardly changed. Just looks a bit sadder. I do recall porch talk of "That rotten snake, Don Chafin." Thank you for bringing it all back.

Wow, what a tough life he led. I often wonder about folks like this, if at the end they felt the pain they caused so many others.

Great video, love the history! Ty Heather for all your hard work! Leo it's so good to see you out and about again. Love touring, and the history.. You're sense of humor and great "hillbilly" accent makes it all the better! Ty you both 😊

Crazy seeing Princess Arocoma in your story. She's a cousin . Love your videos

Thank y'all for all you do!!! Keep up the good work and keep laughing!!! From The Natural State have a Great week and God Bless You All!!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲

Another good one ! ❤

Cold spring water is the best!! Thank you Leo & Heater for this video,

Wonderful!

Great segment here 👍

Great video. I have heard all kinds of things about Chafin. Good video, thanks.

Thank you very much I enjoyed your video y’all telling very well God Bless 😊🙏👍

I love watching these videos. I am from WV, up a holler off of Cedar Grove. The native American Indian woman you mentioned in this video made me wonder if she is the sister to a grave my mom told and shown me of a native American Indian woman that was supposed to have been a sister to a native American Indian Princess that is buried up Blue Creek in an unmarked grave? My mother said when she was young ( in the late 40s or early 50s) some news paper journalist was writing a story about her ( Indian Princess) and her sister and want to know where she was buried. They were told my grandmother, mom, and brothers knew where is was buried. But my mom's family refused to tell them because they had a feeling they would dig her up. I guess I am the only one now that knows where she is buried. But i would love to know more about her and would have asked my mom more about her

My Parents lived in a holler or community named Crites when I was born at the Logan Hospital. We moved to Beckley when I was a toddler. After the Buffalo Creek Disaster , I cannot find any thing about Crites as it was maybe washed away and never rebuilt. Can you find some information about that ? I would appreciate it as I have been living in Alabama for 36 years . I really enjoy your videos of my home State.

Well done!!!

Being a rumrunner during The Prohibition was an honorable profession...

enjoy the story Thank you for sharing ❣🚕

I enjoyed this video very much.

What an evil man Thank you Leo and Heather for another intriguing story

"How does an evil person get them to follow them?" Hitler dispensed rewards to his high-ranking officers, in secret. Cash and land, all tax exempt. Mafia bosses too numerous to mention. It happened a lot! Very interesting video! Thank you!

@John-uv7zp

Жыл бұрын

Look at the bidens. Never trust government officials

wow another brilliant story thanks for that

@thehillbillyfiles

9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Great video good story 👍

Dons office was not in that court house the old court house was demolished this court house was built in 1964. Leo you better get it straight before Fred Hatfield calls you out LOL. You and Heather dose a grate job I enjoy all your videos. keep them coming My friend.

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

I know. LOL One of us can say 1968 instead of 1868, and he'll make a 20 minute video about "keeping it real"... LMAO Thank you for the kind words, btw.

@duckscustomgarage9239

Жыл бұрын

@@thehillbillyfiles Yes I use to watch his videos until I see all he does is put people down He is a shit stirrer If you ask me LOL. I do love your all's videos .LOL oh yeah he pronounces William Willem He needs corrected on that because that's not the how its said lol . Take care .

@caligirlmisplaced9831

Жыл бұрын

I'm from Logan. That's the new Court house you showed.

You have done a good job telling this story 👍

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏

When my oldest son lived in nacotish Louisiana, it took me to one of those open springs like you were showin they are very cool that's for sure.

Old TC LACKEY want you to know that what you are doing is showing true life history, and that I want y'all to keep doing the great work together that you are doing I will keep the two of you in my prayers.

Same old excuses, " I was drinking, I can't remember, I never would have done anything like that. Blah, blah, blah." Always like your videos, giving us stories that many of us wouldn't know. You are correct, live your life so that others will remember you in a good light. Know the Lord, that is the most important part. Thank you for sharing the Scripture.

Logan looks so lovely! I don't really know the town. I grew up in Welch, a bit further south and east... the county seat of McDowell county. I haven't been back there in decades. I don't have any family there anymore.

I remember hearing the name Don Chaffin but didn’t know much about him. Interesting story!

Don Chapin had a brother named Bill aka Blind Bill who lived and took his meals at my uncle's home in Kermit WV. I often wondered why his brother had so little to do with his brother

When i traveled and lived in the east I always had an uneasy feeling always ! But you mentioned all the battles that were fought for many reasons since the first settlers came to the states! The biggest battles and the most deaths caused by these battles would be all over the east cost ! I bet thats why I was so unsettled being all the unsettled souls still lingering in all those eastern states ! How nasty our ancestors truly were back then in the name of their own progress!!

@rebeccawilliams7452

Жыл бұрын

Happening in Biden's administration today!

@naomihensley4828

11 ай бұрын

This is not the origin court house this court house in the middle 60 We have had several court house it this is our newest if you looked on one side of the courthouse the date wil tell you it was built from the ground up

I really enjoy your Chamel My parents were from Mingo County, My cousin is Sheriff there.

@thehillbillyfiles

11 ай бұрын

thanks for watching!

This happens more often than most people think it would. Where I was raised we had our Cheif of police get charged with racketeering we also had 2 sheriffs get the same charges. I won't go back home, not even to see family.

I love Mother Jones

Understand missed yall😊

Very interesting video. My parents always told me, that no one is totally good, or totally bad. Everyone has their good points, and everyone has their bad points. Don probably had some good points, but you probably had to look real hard for them. Interesting information about that " killing ground " I like your fishing 🎣 spot Leo, what do you fish 🐟 for, trout? Thank you very much for another fine video Leo and Heather. Have a great weekend. 😊

Before interstate 64 was finished & I was little.We used to travel back & forth from Northern VA back WV & we used to stip all the time at places like this & drink and eat.

This is another great video you know you were talking about bottled spring water hate to be a party pooper but I worked for 7UP and we bottle Nicolet Spring water but the water really right out of the tap right it is tap water is hooked up to the reverse osmosis system so the next time you buy that spring water Just remember my words it really tap water. Have a great day

Truly Home Sweet Home for me, Heather and Leo. Made me cry. 😢

John Ellis is my great grandfather and I dont even know where he is thanks

Well, you know I know who this is and that house ❤ I’m kin to the Chafin, Curry, Browning and Robinson families from Logan and Mingo Counties. I sure miss my people and hope to go down next month and drive over to Williamson and down to Louisa, KY, where mommy’s family is from.

my mother was born in Logan 1942 I.m pretty sure my grandparents knew him. My grandfather was a miner

I'd like to metal detect around Dons old house

Amen.

It amazes me how the miners didn't take the initiative to get rid of the corrupt public officials who played a major role in their misery.

@moorek1967

Жыл бұрын

Well they did, that is why there were mine wars.

@truracer20

8 ай бұрын

@@moorek1967 no they didn't, that's why there were mine wars. The mine wars were the result of the mine companies breaking the unions. The corrupt public officials that I refer to are the local government officials who turned a blind eye to what the mine owners were doing to break the unions.

I wonder how chafin would have handled the Hatfield/McCoy situation had he been sheriff at the time!

I wonder how he treated his wife and kids.

It is John B Ellis also known as JB Ellis was my dads uncle who raised my dad he own all that property was passed down. to his grand son

@thehillbillyfiles

11 ай бұрын

Ok thanks

We have water spring off the road close too my home.. Over on Big Run in Boyd co Kentucky.. Made me think of ours here..Evil I don't know maybe he had so many people scared of him.. Maybe not Evil just afraid of a man who had a lot of power..we talk about this.. Someone love them some fear them and some just ride on another man coat tail..

Leo, Have you covered Princess Aracoma in your Files? Or plan to? :) I guess you'll always remember climbing that brush-infested place, huh? I admire how determined you are btw. About that spring...I never had problems getting a sip from a hose and I don't want to sound like the sterilized Present Day we live in. But with a steady flow like that, what are the chances of more-harmful bacteria building up? :)

@thehillbillyfiles

11 ай бұрын

Not yet, but we will

i think the old court house was over around the post office i know the jail was out there

Logan has always been known for its violence

I have a great-great grandfather who died in the Eccles, West Virginia mine disaster. But if the miners from McDowell interacted with Don Chafin, then most likely my great and great-greats were involved.

@dianayount2122

6 ай бұрын

Hard to know. May not have agreed but felt they needed to keep their heads down, quiet, try not to make waves. There were no other options for work, couldn't afford to move. Rest of their coworkers were supporting the sheriff and they could not look like they were against him.

Just started watching your channel and very much enjoying your stories. I live in the southern tip of ohio and my roots run along route 23 in kentucky and i am a huge fan of local history. Thanks!

@thehillbillyfiles

8 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard! thanks

Leo, my Mamaw Dixie Curry Bailey had my Papaw Hudie collect spring water from the mountain for her to cook her beans in every day. He would get up and go collect the water out of the mountain pipe for 2 days.

My grandpa didn’t like don he wouldn’t let Chaplin funeral home take his body when he passed. He said don was a thug and crook

Don was not so different than what we have today.

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

no he wasnt

I live on Marrowbone creek in Pike Co Kentucky what a coincidence

Very surprised. With as corrupt and arrogant as he was, I'm awestruck that he didn't have some large mausoleum or memorial marker....interesting.

2 times the courthouse in Logan has burned down this is all new I'm from Logan originally

Yup take a row boat in a shaded area and throw my line in would be great right now ! What types of fish have you caught there?

Like Al Capone went down on far lesser charges than he should have, so did this man. Then again, no one with so much blood on their hands could be adequately punished in This life. In NJ at that time, we had Nucky Johnson(Thompson in the "Boardwalk Empire" series), actual county Administrator of Atlantic Cty. I believe his father was a sheriff, he was in cahoots with Rothstein, Capone et als, and also died wealthy after a long life. uggghhhh! *smh* If it weren't for you guys, my knowledge of your area would have ended at the Hatfields and McCoys' Feud Years , and not their ongoing presence and history! You Rule! :)

Hmmmm....say guys, how does one go from humble public servant to millionaire ?

@ijazmailbox7082

Жыл бұрын

....and nothing really changes. So many present day politicians end their careers much richer than when they started.

Evil puts fear and anger in their hearts, then they are easy to control, specially living in a vacuum. Is one of the reasons those types hate outsiders, even more, outsiders with their own money.

The courthouse was built in the ‘60’s. The old courthouse was beautiful but was torn down for the atrocious building we now see

No Leo that is not the orignal , maybe the one befor it burned sometime in the early 60 I think, could be wrong

One bad man..

Well , keeping your honey do list done probably helps keep you healthy!! I myself hate having to use my iron skillet to adjust my man's attitude 😁

I've always heard he ended up a lobbyist for the coal companys and got filthy rich. In my opinion he should have been left on Blair Mountain

Hey, HEY!!! What was the headstone or monument back there behind that natural spring, with the American flags on either side? Inquiring minds want to know...

@thehillbillyfiles

Жыл бұрын

A marker placed by a church.

He was a insane man period

That guy was making half a million a year in todays money!

Thank you for your videos. We can't find hope and peace in this world but there is one that can give us true hope and peace. Because he Loved us: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Because of his Grace: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Because of Hope: Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Was the guy that had chiefin funeral home related to Don chiefin?

The real question is how does a god-fearing Christian community standby and allow this to happen?? Perhaps you should referenced a bully of Skidmore... He got what was coming to him,

No that's not the original courthouse

I’ve drink water from that spring all my life.

History tells us some people will do anything for money.

He may of gotten away with murder as well as other crimes here on earth, but I believe my Bible and I know he didn’t get away from it when he stood before god. He is paying a worse price now.