This story was originally published in 2007 and is being republished as part of the AP’s Today in History package.
The ongoing feud between the Hatfields and McCoys, the most notorious feud in American folklore, may be partially explained by a rare, inherited disease that can cause sudden rage and violent outbursts. Many McCoy descendants have inherited this disease, which is characterized by high blood pressure, racing hearts, severe headaches, and an excessive amount of stress hormones. While this condition does not entirely explain the feud, doctors believe it may contribute to some of the clan’s infamous behavior.
The Hatfields and McCoys have a long and deadly history dating back to the Civil War. Their feud, which revolves around disputes over land, timber rights, and even a pig, has been the subject of numerous books, songs, and jokes. Unfortunately, the feud has become a source of fame for the Appalachia region.
Genetic experts have been aware of the disease affecting some McCoys for decades, but they kept it a secret. The Associated Press discovered this after several family members shared their history with doctors at Vanderbilt University. These doctors are now trying to inform more McCoy relatives about the risks associated with the disease.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease, which afflicts many members of the McCoy family, can lead to the development of tumors in various parts of the body such as the eyes, ears, pancreas, kidney, brain, and spine. The majority of affected McCoys have tumors in the adrenal gland, called pheochromocytomas. This small orange gland produces adrenaline and other stress hormones. An excess of these hormones can result in high blood pressure, intense headaches, heart palpitations, facial flushing, nausea, and vomiting. While there is no cure for the disease, the removal of tumors before they become cancerous can improve survival rates.
It has long been recognized that affected McCoy family members are combative, even with their own relatives. For instance, Rita Reynolds, a McCoy descendant, recalls her grandfather “Smallwood” McCoy, who had a notorious temper.
Rita Reynolds, her adopted daughter, and various other family members have had adrenal tumors removed. The disease also affects McCoy descendants in Oregon, Michigan, and Indiana. Family members with tumors often experience heightened sensitivity and irritability due to their elevated blood pressure.
Many people are skeptical about this disease being a significant factor in the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Some believe the feud can be traced back to the Civil War, while others argue that disputes over timber rights and land primarily fueled the conflict. The disease’s role in the feud is questioned due to the presence of other feuds in the region unrelated to the disease. Nevertheless, some concede that the McCoys may have been the more aggressive side in the feud.
In recent years, the feud has become more civil and mostly disappeared. The last notable incident dates back to January 2003 when McCoy descendants sued Hatfield descendants over visitation rights to a small cemetery in eastern Kentucky. This cemetery is the final resting place of six McCoys, some allegedly killed by the Hatfields.