The feud fable is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is the cavalier way it distorts the character of the people involved. Lore and legend are repeated and given the stamp of “history,” leaving reputations in shambles with absolutely no real foundation.
Selkirk McCoy is branded a traitor to his McCoy family as a result of his vote on the jury in the hog trial.
Consider the presentation of Selkirk McCoy in two books, both published by the University of Kentucky Press, giving them the stamp of legitimacy.
This essay, in its entirety, can be read in my book, “Lies, Damned Lies, and Feud Tales.” https://www.amazon.com/dp/1977716814/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511238586&sr=1-1&keywords=Lies%2C+Damned+Lies%2C+and+Feud+Tales