Bloody Williamson (2014)
“Chicago Tribune, August 9, 1875.
IN NEWSPAPER accounts of the Herrin Massacre the phrase, “Bloody Williamson,” occurred repeatedly. Most readers assumed that it originated in the killings that took place on June 22, 1922, but to residents of southern Illinois the words reached far into the past. They brought to mind, first of all, the days of the “Bloody Vendetta” half a century earlier, and after that, mine wars and riots that kept alive the county’s reputation for lawlessness and bloodshed. In such a background many a thoughtful observer found an explanation, if not a cause, of the savagery that had shocked the entire nation.
Like most of southern Illinois, Williamson County was settled by immigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Many of them came from the hill regions, and they were slow to lose the peculiar characteristics of mountain folk. They were generous, hospitable, hardy, independent, brave, and intelligent, but undisciplined by education. Their sup...erstitions were many and strong, their prejudices deep and unyielding.MoreLess
IN NEWSPAPER accounts of the Herrin Massacre the phrase, “Bloody Williamson,” occurred repeatedly. Most readers assumed that it originated in the killings that took place on June 22, 1922, but to residents of southern Illinois the words reached far into the past. They brought to mind, first of all, the days of the “Bloody Vendetta” half a century earlier, and after that, mine wars and riots that kept alive the county’s reputation for lawlessness and bloodshed. In such a background many a thoughtful observer found an explanation, if not a cause, of the savagery that had shocked the entire nation.
Like most of southern Illinois, Williamson County was settled by immigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Many of them came from the hill regions, and they were slow to lose the peculiar characteristics of mountain folk. They were generous, hospitable, hardy, independent, brave, and intelligent, but undisciplined by education. Their sup...erstitions were many and strong, their prejudices deep and unyielding.MoreLess
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