"The Larkin Liles Saga" Part Two

 Henry (Jay-Bird) Liles, in contrast to his brother, Larkin, seemed to be a jovial and happy person.  Several versions are given as to how he got the name Jay-Bird.  A descendant tells us that he had protruding heel bones., which during the summer months, when all the boys went barefoot, the other boys said looked like a jay bird’s foot and began calling him Jay-Bird for  a nickname.  Another descendant says that a favorite ditty which he was constantly singing had words to the effect: “A Jaybird sat on a swinging limb; I cocked my bow and split his shin.”

This most happy fellow lived to be almost one hundred years old and was buried on the top of a high hill near the church building at Armstrong.  The cemetery is known as The Armstrong Cemetery.  Amos Howard has erected a stone to his memory, but the dates of his birth and death are lost to oblivion.  We again wish to reiterate that Larkin Liles was not known as Jay-Bird, but was a brother.

So far as documentary evidence shows and information handed down by members of the family, Larkie Liles apparently lived a normal and carefree life, devoid of any trouble.  His greatest passion was hunting and the woods on Kinniconick at that time abounded in all kinds of game, including bears and deer and wild turkeys.  Among his hunting companions was the high sheriff of Lewis County, William B. (Red Buck) Parker.

Older residents will remember the “hunter’s home” just outside of Vanceburg on old Highway 10.  As a young man, Parker, who was a native of Mason County, built this hunting lodge overlooking the salt licks and where he was joined by many famous hunters.  He was a frequent visitor to the Larkin Liles home and like his host was not above enjoying the festive bowl before a      roaring fire upon their return from a long hunt; and there sprang up between the two men a warm friendship which lasted until their deaths.

Larkin Liles’ reputation for sterling honesty was well known.  Descendants say that he hated a liar worse than any other fault.  The phrase, “his word is his bond” was proverbial with him, and none knew it better than the high sheriff.

But, it was evidently written in the stars that he was not to continue this peaceful existence.  On May 21, 1836, Larkin Liles came to Vanceburg and proceeded to the tavern which was operated, according to some people, by one James Redden, while others say it was operated by James Carr.  This tavern stood on the river bank at the food of Main Street, where the present building known as the Old Mill stands (1962).  The site of the tavern itself long ago slipped into the river, but there is yet in use a well of excellent water, which was in the back yard of the old tavern.

While in the tavern, Liles became involved in a controversy with one Edward Campbell, and being ordered off the premises by the landlord, a rough-and-tumble, bite-and-gouge fight ensued.  The writer was shown the spot by A.H. Parker, father of Atty Harvey Parker, Jr., who in turn was shown it by his father, Seth Parker, a former Lewis County Sheriff, and a witness to the fight.  It was what is now the middle of Main Street, just in front of where the old well is today.