The Hatfields of West Virginia were led by William Anderson `` Devil Anse '' Hatfield while the McCoys of Kentucky were under the leadership of Randolph `` Ole Ran ' l '' McCoy .

The Hatfields , led by William Anderson `` Devil Anse '' Hatfield , son of Ephraim and Nancy ( Vance ) Hatfield , lived mostly on the West Virginia side .

Devil Anse Hatfield was a suspect at first , but was later confirmed Check to have been sick at home at the time of the murder .

Devil Anse Hatfield 's timbering operation was a source of wealth for his family , while the McCoys were more of a lower-middle-class family .