A period of a little over seven months in 1872 and 1873 came to be known as the Pope County Militia War. However, there were no battles or skirmishes. There were no engagements between organized opponents of any kind. Instead, an unofficial militia, headed by four county officers, exerted excessive and harsh control over the county, including threats to burn Dover, the county seat. Note: West and Cox were members of John Williams' militia company. By the end of the period, three of the four officials were dead.
A period of. a little over seven months in 1872 and 1873 came to be known as the Pope County Militia War However, there were no battles or skirmishes. There were no engagements between organized opponents of any kind. Instead, an unofficial militia, headed by four county officers, exerted excessive and harsh control over the county, including threats to burn Dover, the county seat. Note: West and Cox were members of John Williams' militia company. By the end of the period, three of the four officials were dead.