This story first ran in the Dec. 19, 1996 issue of The Graham Star. It is being published again, at the requests of readers.
A section of West Buffalo was once known as “Rough,” and according to stories from past and present residents of that area, it was appropriately named.
“Rough” consisted of a store, post office and grist mill, and was located on West Buffalo Creek where two bridges cross the creek in close proximity. The area was near Cedar Cliff Baptist Church – which gets its name from nearby Cedar Top Mountain, with its rock cliffs and once a number of cedar trees.
Newt Crisp operated a country general store with groceries, clothing, footwear and horse gear available. The store was a favorite gathering place for folks in that area, especially on Saturdays. They would come to pick up needed supplies, get their corn ground into meal and catch up on the latest happenings. “Moonshine” was plentiful. Some referred to it as “horse-swapping juice” and there was usually some drinking going. The post office there – also named “Rough” – was probably in existence from the 1920’s until the 1930’s. The store is said to have operated until around 1940.
It was the drinking that most folks say led to a lot of fighting and killing and gave Rough its name. Other fights were said to be over women, politics and card-playing. Whatever reasons, several persons met their death through murders and accidents along a section of West Buffalo Road, not much more than a mile long.
Jealousy was said to be the motive when Dillard Farr was shot and killed. Gardey Waldroup was shot and killed, during a reported bout of drinking and fighting. Arthur Smith was found lying dead in the road from a shotgun blast and a cut throat. Osborne Martin was shot and killed; Homer Martin shot and killed his son Otis Martin after being wounded in a gunfight at their home.
Adam Reid was also found dead in West Buffalo Creek, but there seems to be conflicting reports as to whether his death was murder or an accident.
In addition to these killings, the area had its share of accidental deaths. Harley Waldroup and Reubelle “Reurie” Williams McKeldrey were killed when their vehicle plunged into West Buffalo Creek. A young boy was killed when a log rolled over him, and another young boy drowned in West Buffalo Creek near where the grist mill stood.
A visit to the area today will likely find it peaceful, with the sound of the creek and a passing vehicle, and nothing to indicate the violence that once took place there.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs@email.com.