KYHARLAN-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: [KYHARLAN-L] RE:Gordon Gilliam Killed Friday By Officers
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 22:15:22 EDT

Tri City News
Cumberland ,Ky.
April 24. 1941

Former Policeman Felled By Fusillade Of Bullets

An old grudge between Gordon Gilliam 28, and a Cumberland policeman was
concluded Friday when a fusillade of bullets fired at him as he stepped from
his car near his home, ended his life. The grudge which terminated in his
death and placing under $5000.00 bond each of Lily Coots, Clyde Halcomb and
Luther Price, began several months ago when Gilliam, a former policeman, was
dismissed from the police force. The fatal shooting was not the first time
that trouble had flared up between Gilliam and the members of the police
force.
Whether he resisted arrest Friday was not learned, as silence has cloaked
the motive for the killing. Although there were eye witnesses to the fatal
shooting, no two correspond enough to present a factual description.
Apparently Gilliam was on his way home in east Cumberland, when he saw
the auto driven by the law officers blocking the street. Stopping his car he
jumped out and them the shooting began.
Several shots rang out before Gilliam fell with his life-blood flowing
from over thirty wounds, many of which would have been fatal. According to
information released today, the three officers have been discontinued from
service. The death of Gilliam , who was an organizer for the United Mine
Workers of America, created considerable excitement in this town which is
daily filled by hundreds of idle miners. And not until it was known that
Gilliam had died because of the grudge, and not because of his union
activities, did the tension subside.Gilliam was well know in this community
where he spent most of his life. He was a member of one of the oldest
families in Harlan, County. Survivors: Wife Ona Dean Gilliam, one child
Charlotte, parents Mr and Mrs. Anthony Gilliam, three sisters, Mrs. Ollie
Morris, Mrs. Flora Bowling, and Mrs. Cordie Dizney, all of Cumberland. Four
brothers, Leonard, Lloyd, Josh, and Corbin all of Cumberland.

Researcher: Elva Nolan Morgan

This thread:

• [KYHARLAN-L] RE:Gordon Gilliam Killed Friday By Officers by <>