User:SRFerg/Blue Bills

Blue Bills is... A term used in Southern Appalachian English to describe any good citizen who denounced white-capism An organization founded by Doctor J.A. Henderson that was a foe to theWhite Caps.

Blue Bill A member of an officially sanctioned quasi-vigilante group formed in Sevier County TN in the late-19th century to counter activities of the White Caps, a group carrying out night-time attacks on private citizens.

1899 Crozier White-Caps 186 Shortly after this occurrence an organization sprang up known as “Blue Bill’s,” so called by the White-caps, the purpose of which was to defeat the plan of the White-caps ... they took no oath and wore no masks. They did not care to cover their faces to put down a crime like that of white-capping.

The term “Blue Bill” applied not only to those who joined that organization, but any good citizen who had courage enough to denounce white-capism, was by the White-caps called a “Blue Bill.” 1939 Hall Coll (Copeland Creek TN) The White Caps was done put out, the Blue Bills cut them out.

1985 Sevier Settler 4:16 The Blue Bills were organized to impede White-Capping. They differed very much from the White Caps. They had no by-laws or constitutions, no officers, no oath or obligations, and the members never wore masks. The purpose of the Blue Bills was to find out what particular night the White-Caps were to make a raid and the persons to be attacked. After this, the Blue Bills notified their members who were thoroughly armed against their enemy at the designated time and place. There were from six hundred to fifteen hundred White-Caps in Sevier County, but there were only approximately two hundred Blue Bills.

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