About this Book

The Legend of John Wright, better known as "Bad John Wright" or "Devil John Wright," is one of the most enduring tales to come out of the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia. It is a tale of heroism without bounds, about a man of impeccable character serving as a U.S. Marshal in the late 1800s; and it is the true love story of a man and a woman who shared the hardships of living in the backwoods of Appalachia for over 50 years. Martha Hunphrey gave up a life of luxury as a Bluegrass aristocrat to marry the rugged, unpolished mountain man who chased outlaws. Her family had opposed the marriage; but after a few nmonths, they realized she had chosen wisely. When John became homesick for his old homeplace, Martha readily gave up the life she had known and went with him to the mountains of Letcher County, Kentucky. John's work brought the violence of outlaw gangs literally into their home and he was ofter away for extended periods of time. When peace finally came to the muntains after decades of turmoil, John and Martha settled into the life they had hoped for together.