Jim Dan was the son of Andy and Fannie Plowman Hoover.

He was born 25 Feb 1888 in Estill County.  He died 01 Nov 1958 in S. Irvine.  He's buried in the S. Irvine Cemetery.

On 31 Dec 1908, he married Lucinda Lee Sparks, daughter of John G. and Barthena Parsons Sparks.

From my research, I've found Jim Dan was a good man to have as a friend, but a bad one to have as an enemy.  To quote my paternal grandfather, "He was the meanest so-and-so to come out of Estill County.  He'd give you the shirt off his back, but God help you if you crossed him."

Jim Dan is known to have committed at least 4 murders in Estill County and a reported one in Letcher County, KY.  This last one has not been researched as of yet. 

Jim Dan did 8 years in the state penitentary for the murder of John Cole in 1923.  John Cole was a prohibition officer who was arresting a friend of Jim Dan's.

At Homecoming 1999, I was asked if it was true that Jim Dan died with his shoes on, giving truth to the old adage that if you've killed someone you die with your shoes on.  Not only did Jim Dan have his shoes on, he was also dressed in his suit.  He got out of bed and got dressed.  He then sat in his favorite chair, listening to music.  He asked Lucinda if she wanted to dance.  She told him no and went on to bed.  Jim Dan was found in that chair the next morning.   He'd died during the night.