Dreaming Of The Dead In Appalachia

We are going to do something a little bit different with this blog. Instead of a historic event, we are going to discuss Appalachian folklore as it pertains to dreaming of the dead.

In 1999 my Great-Uncle passed away. A couple of nights ago I dreamed that he came back to life - back from the dead. We were all wondering if he would be different having done so. We all gathered at his house. And much to our surprise, he was pretty much the same person as he was before he passed all those years ago. There were some little things that were different, but for the most part, he was the same Uncle that we remembered.

 Two weeks ago my younger brother was in a near-fatal accident. He was in the woods and a large tree uprooted and fell on him. He pulled through and was released from the hospital three days ago.

Last night I dreamed that my Mom "got tired" of my brother and had him killed. That was a nightmare. But in that nightmare there was a miracle-performing minister holding services in the area. So, we took my brothers body to this minister, and sure enough, he brought him back to life.

 Now I know that having very similar dreams two nights in a row had to have a meaning. What that meaning is, I don't know at this point. But it prompted me to do some searching on Appalachian folklore on the subject. This is what I found.

 Dreaming of the Dead in Appalachian Folklore: What It Means and How to Protect Yourself

 Have you ever dreamed of someone who has passed away coming back to life? In Appalachian folklore, such dreams are full of meaning and warnings. Let's dive deep into what these dreams mean, how to interpret them, and how to protect yourself afterward, all based on traditional Appalachian beliefs.

 What It Means When a Deceased Person Comes Back to Life in Dreams

According to Appalachian folklore, dreaming of the dead can mean several things:

1.) Unfinished Business: The dead may have something left undone, either for themselves or for you.

2.) Message or Warning: The dead could be bringing advice or a warning about future events.

3.) Guilt or Regret: Your own unresolved feelings or grief might be surfacing.

4.) Change or Renewal: It might symbolize something in your life being "revived" — hope, love, opportunity.

5.) Bad Omen: Sometimes, it can be a forewarning of sickness, death, or major misfortune.

 Appalachian Interpretations of Dreaming of the Dead

Old Appalachian beliefs say specific behaviors in dreams tell you even more:
If the dead are uneasy: Their spirit may not be at peace.
If the dead speak: Their words are important and should not be ignored.
If the dead are happy: It might mean blessings or peaceful closure.
If the dead offer you food or objects: You must refuse, or risk shortening your own life.

Protective Traditions After Dreaming of the Dead

After such dreams, Appalachian tradition advises several protective steps:

1) Tell the Dream Before Breakfast: Prevent it from coming true by telling someone the dream before your first meal.

2) Salt in the Corners: Sprinkle salt in the corners of your room or house to ward off bad spirits.

3) Turn Shoes Upside Down: Turn your shoes upside down by the door to turn away bad luck.

4) Burn Sage or Sweetgrass: Cleanse the home of any lingering spirits.

5) Say a Special Prayer: Face east and pray: _"God protect the living and give peace to the dead."

6) Visit the Grave: Leave flowers or stones to soothe restless spirits.

7) Carry Iron: A nail, iron key, or horseshoe nail in your pocket offers protection.

 

Final Thought: In Appalachia, dreams of the dead were not ignored. They were respected, feared, and sometimes acted upon quickly. Whether seen as warnings or messages of love, the wisdom of the mountains reminds us: "Dreams of the dead walk close behind us. Be wise, be ready, and walk in the light."

Sources and Authenticity 

Most of this information comes from Appalachian oral traditions, where folklore was passed down by word of mouth. Some key written collections include:

• The Silver Bullet and Other American Witch Stories (Hubert J. Davis)
• Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore (C. W. Sullivan III)
• Witches, Ghosts, and Signs: Folklore of the Southern Appalachians (Patrick W. Gainer) 

• The Foxfire Book Series (interviews with Appalachian elders) 

• University folklore archives (UNC, Berea College, Western Carolina University) 

These old beliefs blend influences from Scots-Irish, German, Cherokee, and African traditions that made up the culture of the Appalachian Mountains.

Holdin' Things Together: The Dunbar Faris Story

 Over the past couple of years, I have been collecting thoughts and information on this individual. My intentions were to write a book about him. It is a project that I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. And to be honest, it’s long overdue. I reached out to the family a few times to schedule an interview so that I could get some information, but they were never available. So reading between the lines, they apparently were not interested.

So instead of a book, I'll do the best I can with what information I have here in this blog.

When it comes to music artists, Kentucky has given birth to as many or maybe more than any other state.  Renowned artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Dwight Yocum, Noah Thompson, Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Bill Monroe, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Everly Brothers, Keith Whitley, Tom T. Hall, The Judds, Montgomery Gentry, Tyler Booth, Patty Lovelace, and many others are the products of Kentucky.

I’ve often said that there is more talent up in the hills and “hollers” of Kentucky than people realize, and sadly, most of it goes undiscovered.

Fleming County, Kentucky is a small county located in the Northeastern section of Kentucky.  The population in the latest U.S. Census was just over 15,000 people. The county seat is Flemingsburg.  The county was formed in 1798 from part of Mason County. The county was named for Col. John Fleming, an Indian fighter and early settler.

Fleming County is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, having more covered bridges than any county in the state.

The county has also produced such notable citizens as Jazz pianist Herman Chittizen, U.S. Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Edward Alvin Clary, Willis A. Gorman who was a Union Army General during the  Civil War and would later serve in the United States House of Representatives for Indiana and a territorial Governor for Minnesota.  Fleming County also produced other notable citizens such as Claiborne Fox Jackson, pro-Confederate Governor of Missouri during the early stages of the Civil War, Alvin Saunders, United States Senator for Nebraska, and Franklin Sousley, one of the Iwo Jima flag raisers.

But Fleming County was also the home of another notable figure- Colonel Dunbar D. Faris.

Now, you may be asking "just who was Dunbar Faris?"  Well, before we can tell you who he was, we must start the story from the beginning.

According to FamilySearch.org, Dunbar’s Great—Great Grandparents, William and Arenia Bravard Faris, came to Kentucky from Maryland.  The exact date of their arrival to Fleming County is unknown, but we know it was after 1791.

William and Arenia had two sons, John Faris, and Ephraim Faris.
 

Ephraim Faris, shown here, was Dunbar’s Great-Grandfather. He was born in Maryland in 1791. He came to Kentucky with his parents sometime in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s.  He married Kentucky native Rachel Elizabeth Kelley.  They settled in the Hillsboro community of Fleming County. Ephraim and Rachel had at least eight children, including James F. Faris.

James F. Faris, shown here, was Dunbar’s Grandfather. He was born in 1832 in Fleming County, Kentucky. He married Catharine Ann Knox, also of Fleming County. Together they had at least eight children, including James Monroe Faris.

James Monroe Faris (picture unavailable), a blacksmith, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky in 1860.  He married Sarah Alice Story, also of Fleming County. They had at least 8 children, including Dunbar D. Faris.

 Dunbar D. Faris was born in Fleming County, Kentucky on April 17, 1909, the son of James Monroe Faris and Sarah Alice Story.

Little is known about Dunbar's childhood, upbringing, or his family life. But that's okay.

So are you still wondering just who Dunbar Faris was? Dunbar Faris was a country and western entertainer and musician from Fleming County, Kentucky. He owned the Fox Valley Country Music Show & Barn Dance, a venue that showcased country music performances.

It was here that, at age 13, Debbie Wilson, another fairly successful music entertainer, began singing regularly on weekends, which helped launch her career in country music.

An enhanced newspaper ad for the Fox Valley Country Music Show featuring Col. Dunbar Faris

Growing up as a boy in Morehead, Kentucky, some of my childhood memories include our family going over to neighboring Fleming County to the Fox Valley Country Music Show and Barn Dance.  We didn’t go every weekend.  And, we didn’t go that often. But when we did go, I enjoyed it.

Fox Valley Country Music Show & Barn Dance barn as it looked a few years ago. It closed in the late 1980's.

In addition to his Barn Dance & Country Music Show, Dunbar became a fixture at regional events such as fairs and festivals.

 In 1957, Faris released the single "I Love You Till The End Of The World" backed with "You Have Forgotten Me."

His contributions to country music have been recognized in compilations such as "Country Music on the Excellent Label - Volume 2," which features tracks like "I Love You Till The End Of The World" and "You Have Forgotten Me."

He is also widely known for his cover of Merle Haggard's  "Holdin' Things Together", which was my Mom's favorite by Dunbar.

For those interested in his musical style, several of his songs are available on YouTube, including "You Have Forgotten Me," "Decisions," "I Love You Till The End Of The World," and "My Record & A Friend."

Dunbar was tragically killed in an automobile accident in  June 1993.  

Clipped from the Lexington Herald-Leader, June 22, 1993

While not widely known on the national stage, Dunbar Faris made significant contributions to the country music scene in Kentucky, both as a performer and as a promoter of local talent.

Donald Harvey: The Angel of Death

Donald Harvey, infamously known as the "Angel of Death," was an American serial killer who claimed to have murdered dozens of hospital patients during his career as a nurse's aide. His heinous crimes, which took place over a span of nearly two decades, have made him one of the most notorious medical murderers in history. His case shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about the oversight of medical professionals and the vulnerabilities of hospital patients.

 Harvey was born on April 15, 1952, in Butler County, Ohio. He grew up in a seemingly normal household but later exhibited disturbing behavioral patterns. Despite this, he was able to secure a job in the medical field, where he found himself in a position of power over vulnerable individuals. He started his killing spree in the early 1970s, using his role as a nurse’s aide to access and ultimately end the lives of his victims.

 His first known murder occurred in 1970 at the Marymount Hospital in London, Kentucky. He later confessed to suffocating a patient, an act he justified as a form of "mercy killing." This justification became a recurring theme throughout his killing spree. He convinced himself that he was alleviating suffering, though his methods were anything but humane.

Harvey’s methods of murder were varied and cruel. He poisoned patients with arsenic and cyanide, smothered them with pillows, tampered with their oxygen supplies, and administered lethal doses of medications. Despite the growing number of deaths under his watch, hospital officials failed to notice any clear patterns or raise suspicions about his activities for years.

 After leaving Marymount Hospital, Harvey moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he continued his killings at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and Drake Memorial Hospital. He took advantage of lapses in hospital regulations, targeting the elderly and terminally ill. His access to a variety of drugs and medical equipment enabled him to kill discreetly, avoiding detection for years.

 Harvey's crimes were not confined solely to hospitals. He also killed people in private homes, including his partner’s father. He was meticulous in covering his tracks, often selecting victims who were already seriously ill or near death, making it difficult to distinguish his murders from natural causes.

 In addition to his medical knowledge, Harvey was also fascinated with the occult and dark rituals. He kept meticulous records of his killings, maintaining a macabre list of victims. His intelligence and methodical nature allowed him to evade capture for a disturbingly long time.

 Authorities finally uncovered Harvey’s crimes in 1987 when a suspicious autopsy revealed cyanide poisoning in one of his victims. Further investigation led to his arrest, and during interrogation, he shockingly admitted to killing dozens of people. His confession included detailed accounts of his methods and motivations, leading to widespread horror and disbelief.

 At his trial, Harvey pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced to multiple life terms, ensuring he would never be free again. His sentencing brought some closure to the families of his victims, but many were left with the haunting realization that hospital patients had been at the mercy of a cold-blooded killer for years.

Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, KY, August 19, 1987

While Harvey initially claimed to have killed over 70 people, the exact number of his victims remains unknown. Some experts believe the true toll could be even higher, given the difficulty of linking deaths in hospital settings to foul play, especially when the victims were already in poor health. Eight of those killings were in Kentucky, according to newspaper accounts.

The Paducah Sun, Paducah, KY, August 21, 1987

 Harvey’s case raised serious concerns about hospital security and oversight in medical institutions. Many questioned how a single individual could have committed so many murders without drawing suspicion. As a result, hospitals began implementing stricter protocols to monitor patient deaths and the actions of medical staff.

 The concept of the "Angel of Death" killer—medical professionals who murder their patients—has since become a significant area of study for criminal profilers and forensic investigators. Harvey's case serves as a chilling example of how individuals in positions of trust can exploit their authority for sinister purposes.

 Even in prison, Harvey remained a disturbing figure. He showed little remorse for his crimes, often justifying his actions as acts of mercy. However, his methods and selection of victims suggested that he took pleasure in having control over life and death rather than acting out of compassion.

 On March 30, 2017, Harvey was attacked by another inmate in his prison cell at the Toledo Correctional Institution in Ohio. He was severely beaten and succumbed to his injuries two days later. His death was met with little sympathy from the public, with many viewing it as a form of poetic justice for the pain he had inflicted on so many.

The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, March 31, 2017

 The legacy of Donald Harvey remains one of horror and caution. His case highlighted the vulnerabilities in the medical system and the importance of vigilance in patient care. His story is a grim reminder that even those entrusted with the well-being of others can sometimes harbor the darkest intentions.

 Harvey's crimes also led to increased scrutiny of medical professionals who have access to lethal substances. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have since adopted more stringent checks and balances to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future. 

The psychological profile of Harvey has been widely studied, with experts attempting to understand what drove him to commit such atrocities. While he claimed to have started as a mercy killer, his continued killings suggested a deeper, more sinister compulsion.

 Ultimately, Donald Harvey's story is a terrifying example of how a single individual, when left unchecked, can wreak havoc on society. His case serves as both a warning and a call to action for medical institutions to remain ever-vigilant against those who seek to abuse their power. The scars left by his reign of terror remain a chilling testament to the dangers of misplaced trust in positions of authority.


UPDATE: Here is another list of just some of his victims:
Donald Harvey - Wikipedia

The Life and Legacy of Roy Conway: Pike County’s Reformist Sheriff

 Introduction

Roy Conway’s life and career represent a powerful story of dedication to justice, integrity, and the pursuit of a better future for Pike County, Kentucky. From his humble beginnings in rural Appalachia to his tragic assassination as sheriff, Conway’s legacy is one of courage and reform. This ebook explores his upbringing, political career, and the impact he left on his community.

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Chapter 1: Early Life and Upbringing

Sheriff Roy Conway

Roy Conway was born on March 26, 1906, in Pike County, Kentucky, to William and Louisa Kendrick Conway. His family was a very close-knit family. Growing up in rural Kentucky, Conway was immersed in Appalachian culture, characterized by its strong sense of community, reliance on the coal industry, and a deep-rooted commitment to family values.

Details about his early education are scarce, but Conway’s formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute to his community. As a young man, he ventured into business, gaining insights into the economic challenges of Pike County. This experience would later shape his vision for public service.

Conway married Esta Craft, a native of nearby Letcher County. Esta was well-educated, having attended Morehead State Teacher’s College. Together, they raised four daughters, including Judi Patton, who would go on to become the First Lady of Kentucky. Conway’s family life reflected his commitment to education, integrity, and public service.

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Chapter 2: Entering Public Service

Before becoming sheriff, Conway served as a state legislator in Kentucky. During his tenure, he worked to promote economic development and improve infrastructure in Pike County. His efforts focused on addressing the needs of a region heavily reliant on coal mining, where poverty and lack of opportunity were persistent issues.

Conway played a significant role in advocating for policies that supported the working-class population of Pike County. He pushed for improved labor conditions, particularly for coal miners, and sought to bring more educational resources to the region. Understanding the importance of infrastructure in economic growth, Conway supported road construction projects and other initiatives to improve connectivity in the rural county.

Additionally, Conway was a vocal advocate for government accountability. He worked to expose and address corruption at both the local and state levels, emphasizing transparency and fairness in governance. These efforts earned him a reputation as a reformist, setting the stage for his later campaign for sheriff.

Conway’s reputation for honesty and approachability made him a respected figure in local politics. He was known for his ability to connect with his constituents and his determination to tackle corruption—a quality that would define his later career as sheriff.

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Chapter 3: The Campaign for Sheriff

In 1950, Roy Conway launched his campaign for sheriff of Pike County. At the time, the county was plagued by bootlegging, organized crime, and corruption. Public trust in law enforcement was at an all-time low, and citizens were eager for change.

Conway ran on a platform of reform and justice, emphasizing:

• Eradicating Bootlegging: Pledging to dismantle the illegal alcohol trade that fueled crime and corruption.

• Restoring Integrity: Promising a transparent and fair sheriff’s office.

• Promoting Public Safety: Committing to reducing crime and creating a safer environment for families.

• Accountability: Vowing to serve the people, not special interests or criminal enterprises.

Conway’s grassroots campaign relied on personal connections with voters. He traveled throughout Pike County, holding town hall meetings and listening to the concerns of residents. His message of hope and change resonated with the electorate, leading to a decisive victory in January 1950.

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Chapter 4: Tenure as Sheriff

Roy Conway took office in January 1950 and immediately began fulfilling his campaign promises. His administration focused on cracking down on bootlegging and organized crime, targeting operations that had long operated with impunity. He also worked to eliminate corruption within the sheriff’s office, ensuring law enforcement served the people fairly.

Conway’s actions earned him praise from law-abiding citizens but also made him powerful enemies. Criminal enterprises and corrupt officials saw his reforms as a threat to their influence. Despite mounting opposition, Conway’s resolve never wavered.

Conway’s fight against bootlegging and corruption bears significant similarities to that of Sheriff Buford Pusser of McNairy County, Tennessee. Like Conway, Pusser became known for his fearless efforts to eradicate organized crime and illegal activities in his jurisdiction during the 1960s. Both sheriffs targeted moonshiners, bootleggers, and criminal syndicates that wielded considerable power in their respective regions. Additionally, both men faced significant personal risk, earning the admiration of their communities while simultaneously becoming targets of violent retaliation. Tragically, both Conway and Pusser paid a heavy price for their commitment to justice: Conway through his assassination and Pusser through multiple violent attacks, including the car crash that ultimately took his life. These parallels highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement officials who dare to confront entrenched corruption.

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Chapter 5: The Tragic Assassination

On July 28, 1950, just six months into his term, Roy Conway was assassinated outside his home in Pikeville. A false call for help lured him from his house, and as he stepped outside, he was ambushed and shot by two brothers whose family’s illegal bootlegging operations had been disrupted by Conway’s enforcement efforts. The sheriff was struck by multiple gunshots and collapsed in his front yard, where his family witnessed the horrific scene.

The investigation into Conway’s murder was swift, with local law enforcement and state authorities working together to apprehend the culprits. The two brothers, identified as members of a prominent bootlegging family in Pike County, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The trial became a landmark case in Pike County, drawing widespread attention due to Conway’s high-profile status and the public’s demand for justice.

During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking the brothers to the crime, including testimony from witnesses and forensic evidence from the scene. The defense attempted to argue that the brothers acted out of fear of retaliation from Conway, but the jury was unconvinced. After a lengthy deliberation, the brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The trial and conviction sent a strong message to the criminal underworld in Pike County, underscoring the consequences of targeting law enforcement officials. However, Conway’s assassination also highlighted the deep-rooted challenges of combating organized crime and corruption in the region.

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Chapter 6: Legacy and Impact

Although his tenure was tragically brief, Roy Conway’s impact on Pike County was profound. His assassination highlighted the dangers of confronting corruption but also inspired a renewed commitment to justice and reform in the community.

After his death, Conway’s wife, Esta Craft Conway, was appointed to serve out the remainder of his term as sheriff. She became the first female sheriff in Pike County and continued her husband’s mission to uphold the law and combat corruption.

Conway’s legacy also lives on through his daughter, Judi Patton, who has often spoken about the influence of her father’s courage and integrity on her own dedication to public service.

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Conclusion

Roy Conway’s life is a testament to the power of integrity, courage, and a commitment to justice. From his humble beginnings in Pike County to his transformative but tragically short tenure as sheriff, Conway’s story is one of resilience and hope. His legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dare to stand up for what is right and the enduring impact of true public service.



Editor's Note:  There is not much information available online about Sheriff Conway. I used what information was available , along with A.I. to create this blog. If anyone sees any incorrect information here, please send me an email to djc351@yahoo.com and I will research it , and if need be, correct it.

A Red-Hot Time in Lewis County, Kentucky: Blood and Fun Just Ahead!

 

Thanks to my cousin Raymond Hobbs for his help with this blog!



PREFACE: In presenting this blog, we present it based on the information provided by the newspapers of the day. We certainly do not mean any disrespect to the family involved.

In 1856, James M. English and Sarah Jane McGowan English of Robertson County, KY, gave birth to a daughter named Elizabeth A. "May" English.

Little is known about the English Family other than they had "become notorious all over this portion of the state."

Her brother, John English was once shot by his brother George English. An older brother Bill English was killed by a Vaughn man.  And George also lodged in the Carlisle, KY jail on burglary charges.

Elizabeth married John J. Crow on March 2, 1873 in Fleming County, Kentucky and had at least two sons and two daughters.

The family moved to Lewis County July 1897 after they were allegedly forced to leave Robertson County.

On February 11, 1898, Lewis County Constable Charles Cooper along with a posse made up of William Thacker, John Pollitt, and two Brewer young men went to the Crow residence located between Foxport and Petersville, to serve warrants on the family for trespassing and chicken stealing.

The entire Crow Family were "armed to the teeth", and a pitched battle broke out between the Crow family and the officers. Sources vary as to the details of the battle, but allegedly   Elizabeth shot William Thacker in the temple and one of the daughters allegedly began stabbing him and trying to cut his throat. Once source stated that John Crow, the patriarch of the family, was using an axe as a weapon and cut Mr. Thacker during the fight.

The officers returned fire, killing Elizabeth almost instantly and shot one of the daughters in the side.

After the battle, the family had a fight over the body of Mrs. Crow and the possession of her money, totaling $160, that she had in her jacket.

John Crow would not permit any postmortem examination and declared that he would kill the Coroner should he attempt it.

The next day, Saturday, February 12, 1898, Mrs. Elizabeth Crow was taken by a rickety wagon to Mt. Tabor in Fleming County for burial, with John, his daughters, and a child all sitting on top of the coffin, all armed to the teeth.

As for the charges for the rest of the family - they were arrested and were fined $7.00 each for the chicken thievery and trespassing.

The death of Mrs. Crow brought the passing of "one of the most desperate women that ever inhabited the mountains in this section of Kentucky."

By the end of February, the family left Lewis County and relocated to Nicholas County near the Robertson County line.

Oddly enough, William Thacker, who was shot, stabbed, and cut in the battle would be hanged by a mob in Flemingsburg just five years later for the killing of young John Gordon. Sources state that he had also killed Jeff Fields of Fleming County prior to the killing of Mrs. Crow.

King Of The Covers

 I've often said, perhaps even on one of these blogs, that the amount of hidden talent that lives in the hills and "hollers" of Appalachia is mind boggling. There are people in the hills and "hollers" that are as good or even better than anyone you will find on the world's grandest stages.

A couple of nights ago I was helping the Menifee County, Kentucky Tourism department locate a song from decades ago. In my search I discovered an artist of whom I'd never heard, but he had moderate success in the music industry. And he was from Menifee County (Frenchburg), Kentucky.   His name: Delbert Barker.  

Delbert Barker in the 1950's.

Delbert was born December 3, 1932, in Frenchburg, a son of the late Alvin & Sarah (Langworthy) Barker.  In 1943 he moved with his parents to Middletown, Ohio, where at the age of 14, he took part in a talent competition hosted by a local dance school. 

With a regional win in this competition, Delbert received a show on a local television station.

In 1951, WCPO-TV accepted Delbert as a member of its midday Barn Dance Show, Mid-Day Merry-Go Round.  Record label owner and producer Carl Burckhardt saw Barker during one of these shows and signed him to his Gateway record label. Burckhardt and his labels specialized in releasing cheaper cover versions of current hits. Over the next five years, Barker recorded numerous versions of country hits.  He was considered the "man with the five voices," as he was primarily responsible for the repertoire of Hank Williams, Carl Smith, Hank Thompson, Faron Young, and Lefty Frizzell.  He also covered hits by Jim Reeves, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Bill Carlisle.

Delbert's band consisted of his cousin Ralph Barker on guitar, Bill Thomas on fiddle, Bill Apple on bass, Bob McCoy on steel guitar and sometimes a drummer and pianist.

Burkhardts' pressing plant often used poor material, so the quality of the records was often poor, in contrast to the good musical quality of the recordings by Barker and his band.

Burkhardt's marketing strategy was to focus on the song and not the artist, so many of his artists, including Delbert, did not receive the recognition they deserved, despite the excellent recordings.

In 1954 Barker released a single "Building Castles / Yearning In My Heart" after being noticed by Ben Garnett. However the song only received an average rating from Billboard.

In 1955 and 1956, Barker recorded numerous rockabilly songs including Johnny Cash's hit "So Doggone Lonesome", Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" and Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel."

"King Of The Covers" album cover

In June of 1956, Delbert moved from Gateway Records to King Records. Louis Innis, manager for King Records, heard Delbert's version of "Blue Suede Shoes" and was so impressed that he offered Delbert a contract.  Barker accepted and held his first session for King on June 19, 1956. Four rockabilly songs were recorded. "No Good-Robinhood / That's A Sin" were released as singles. The record received very little marketing and therefore received very little success.

In November 1956, Delbert recorded his second session with King Records. That session produced two country singles. But they too received very little success. thus, allowing King to expire the contract and not renew it.

After the King Records failure, Delbert moved to New Jersey where he worked for some time as a backing musician for country stars such as Justin Tubb, Jimmy Dean, George Morgan, the Warren Brothers, Jimmie Skinner, and others. He had enough work, but the money was not enough for he and his family to survive.

Delbert moved back to Middletown, Ohio in 1959 where he went to work as a police officer.  In his 26-year law enforcement career, he rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant.

In 1966 he tried the music industry again -- again with King Records. He recorded the single "It Can't Last Long / Color Me Gone" which received little public attention. In 1981 Delbert was finally able to achieve success as a songwriter when Charley Pride took the song "You Almost Slipped My Mind" all the way to number one on the charts.

Delbert continued to be involved in the music industry until old age. He owned a small recording studio and label (Center Records). He performed as a guitarist and a singer. He was a member of the Delbert Barker Gospel Trio. And he was inducted to the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame.

In his lengthy musical career, he recorded over 100 songs.  And he had his beginnings in rural Frenchburg, Kentucky.

The Ghost Upstairs

As we are in the early days of Halloween season, I thought I'd share a ghost story for everyone.

This story involves my own family.

Between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. on February 22, 1974, Ivan Verner Via was murdered in his Rowan County, KY home by his wife Vesta Wilson Via.

Now the story that was reported by the local newspaper varies just a bit from those who were actually present.  Knowing the people that were actually present, I'm going to go with what they said.

The Via's house was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Cooper. I'm omitting their first names because I don't want people flocking to the house in hopes of getting a scare.

Anyway, according to the Coopers', Vesta came to their house for a visit that morning. As they were sitting there talking Vesta jumps up and says "I just heard a gunshot! I bet Ivan has shot himself!"  In reality, what she was trying to do was create an alibi. 

The Coopers, who apparently never heard the shot, responded, "maybe we should go see!" or something close to that.  So they, accompanied by Mrs. Via, arrive at the Via home. Sure enough, they find Ivan dead of a gunshot wound.

Ivan Via, taken years before his death.

Kentucky State Police officers Jack Evans, Alonzo Hensley, and Marvin Jennings responded to the scene, where it was determined that Ivan was killed with a single shot to the head from a .22 caliber pistol. The incident apparently stemmed from a family dispute.

Mrs. Via was taken into custody and charged with murder and lodged in the Bath County Jail. The following Monday she appeared before Rowan County Judge Ott Caldwell, where she was advised of her rights and an attorney was appointed for her. 

After appearing before Judge Caldwell, Mrs. Via was taken to Eastern State Hospital in Lexington where she underwent treatment.

At the trial, Mrs. Via was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. But in March 1975, that conviction was reversed on the fact that the lower court failed to conduct a hearing on whether she was mentally competent to stand trial.  

The high court noted testimony by a psychiatrist that three days after the killing, Mrs. Via was behaving in a "bizarre and aggressive manner" and thought the psychiatrist was trying to kill her.

Little is known about Mrs. Via between 1975 and 1977. But on October 16, 1977, she jumped to her death from a seventh-floor window of the YWCA in Louisville, Kentucky. She died instantly of multiple injuries and the death was ruled a suicide.

Sometime after the Via murder, a Stacy woman moved into the old house where the murder happened. And she discovered that an upstairs bedroom had been completely sealed off . When she got into the room, she found all of Mr. Via's belongings still there, just as he had left them.   I don't know much more than that about her time in the house.

In 1977, my Great-Aunt and Great-Uncle moved into the house.  The first couple of years, nothing out of the ordinary happened.  But in 1979, that would all change.

My Aunt & Uncle came home from work one evening. And as they opened the door of the house, they said that a noise came from upstairs that sounded like someone had lifted the iron bed they had and dropped it onto the floor.  Thinking they had a burglar, they ran upstairs and all through the house but found no one. They were the only ones there.

A few days later my Grandmother and her fiancé were found dead.

The "iron bed dropping" occurred numerous times after that. And each time it did, there would be a death in our family within the next few days. It was as if it was a warning of some type.

But that was not the only strange activity that occurred in that house. Numerous guests who spent the night upstairs in Mr. Via's old room reported having an old man come to their bed and try to pull the covers off them.  This was reported by members of My Aunt's side of the family as well as by members of my Uncle's side of the family - and these were folks that did not even know one another, so there was no way of it being made up.

My Uncle was terrified of the house right up until he died several years ago. If my Aunt had to be gone overnight for any reason, he made sure I came and spent the night with him.  Just for the record, I have spent several nights in that house and in Mr.Via's old bedroom and I never once experienced anything other than the feeling of being watched in that bedroom. When you were in that bedroom, you knew that you were not alone.  But I never once felt threatened by whatever was there.

My aunt passed away seven years ago.  Just a few months before she passed, she was home alone, lying on the sofa watching TV. And a picture that she had hanging on the stairway came off the wall and flew out into the middle of her living room floor. It didn't just fall. It was lifted and thrown probably 7 or 8 feet out into the floor. I'm not sure if anything else ever happened in the house after that or not.

The old house is vacant now and is tied up in probate court, or at least was the last I heard. It may be vacated by humans, but I'd almost bet that whatever was haunting it, whether it be one of the Vias or someone else, is still hanging around. 

The House

As a side note, the Vias' only son committed suicide in 1983; so tragedy seemed to plague that family.