Personal Histories of Blount County/title> <META Name="description" Content="Everything you ever wanted to know about Blount County Tennessee Genealogy"> <META Name="keywords" Content="Blount County Tennessee Genealogy society history gedcom query queries maps county census names books courthouse"> </head> <script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> _uacct = "UA-272244-2"; urchinTracker(); </script> <body> <center><table> <tr> <td width="20%"><center><a href="http://www.usgenweb.org/"><img src="images/gw-logo2.gif" border="0"></a></center></td> <td width="20%"><center><img src="images/countylogo.jpg" width="550" height="59"></center></td> <td width="20%"><center><a href="http://www.tngenweb.org/"><img src="images/trillium2.gif" border="0"></a></center></td> </tr> </table></center>  <center> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="90%"> <tr bgcolor="009900"> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="index.html" STYLE="text-decoration: none"><font color="white">Home</font></a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="history.htm" STYLE="text-decoration:none"><font color="white">History</font></a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="search.htm" STYLE="text-decoration: none"><font color="white">Search</font></a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="look_up.html" STYLE="text-decoration: none"><font color="white">Lookups</a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="library.htm" STYLE="text-decoration:none"><font color="white"> Resources</a></center></font></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="queries/blouqry.htm" STYLE="text-decoration: none"><font color="white">Queries</a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="http://www.blountcountytngenealogy.org/" STYLE="text-decoration: none"><font color="white">Gen. Society</font></a></center></b></td> <td width="11%"><b><center><a href="http://tngenwebblount.wordpress.com/" STYLE="text-decoration:none"><font color="white">What's New</font></a></center></font></b></td> </tr> </table> </center>  <p> <center> <table width="90%"> <tr><td> <center>Return to <a href="history.htm">History links</a></center> <p><hr> The following items represent personal accounts of life in Blount County. <ul> <li><a href="#JOB">Letter from Blount County, Tennessee in 1899</a> <li><a href="#WOOD">The Republican, Saturday, March 6, 1875</a> <li><a href="#HUTTON">The Independent, Wednesday, May 17, 1876</a> <li><a href="#HUNT">Maryville Times, 1 Nov 1893</a> <li><a href="#PRATER">Maryville Times, Wednesday, June 6, 1894</a> <li><a href="#KENN">Maryville Times, Thursday, December 19, 1895</a> <li><a href="#CLEMMER1">Maryville Times, Saturday, November 13, 1897</a> <li><a href="#CLEMMER2">Maryville Times, Saturday, January 1, 1898</a> <li><a href="#BAKER">Maryville Times, Saturday, May 17, 1902</a> <li><a href="#BEST">Maryville Times, Friday, April 14, 1905</a> <li><a href="#COVING">Maryville Times, Friday, August 17, 1906</a> <li><a href="#DALE">Maryville Times, Friday, January 3, 1908</a> <li><a href="#MILLSAPS">Maryville Times, Friday, April 28, 1911</a> <li><a href="#WTHD">Maryville Times, 4 Jan 1932</a> <li><a href="#1923">Maryville in the 1860's</a> <li><a href="#Cora">Memories of Cora Muckleroy b. 1904</a> <li><a href="blouhart.htm">Joseph Hart and his Family</a> <li><a href="johnston.htm">The Johnston's of Blount County</a> <hr> <p> <b><font size="+2" font color="black"><a name="JOB"><blockquote><blockquote>Letter from Blount County, Tennessee in 1899</a></font></b> <font size="-1" font color="black"><br><br>The following letter was taken from the Amarillo, Texas Daily News. It was written to Sarah Caroline Davis who had moved from Blount County to Mansfield, Texas and tells of one side of life in Eusebia, Blount County in 1899. It was said that the letter contained more woes than "anything, since the Book of Job." <p><blockquote>Dear cousin,<br> <br>I was made glad once more, as always to get a letter from a friend and this one from you cheered me up so much, It had some good spiritual words in it worth talking about. <p>I visit the sick five miles around and I have never met a person that has visited the sick as much as I have. Just got home from the McKenrys. Nancy Is In bad health. </p> <p>The Jack McMurray family has four sisters living In the same house. Mary, the oldest, married John Finley, You know he died in our war. Martha never married. Tennessee married Col. James Davis. They lived at the Alex McClain place on Little River. Very unusual for four sisters to live together and three of them widows. Hannah married a Davis. He is not living. </p> <p>Betsy married John Pickens and they had two children, both dead. And here Is another sad case to tell you. Not long ago Betsy was staying with the Crawford Davises and she cut her throat, piercing her windpipe. The doctor was called and sewed up her throat. So she got well. Still living with Mary Finley, who said that Betsy had been wanting to cut her throat for a long time. Betsy's daughter met with a terrible accident. She fell in the molasses vat and died. I was out to see Mary Finley a few years ago and her son had a cancer on his tongue and it killed him. </p> <p>You wanted to know how many of Uncle Arch McMurray's family was living. There were three girls I think. I don't know where they are. One you know is your sister-in-law Suerilda who married Calvin Davis. She is living close to Ellijoy Church. You remember what a little woman she was but she saved the life of a man who weighed nearly 250 pounds. Near Suerilda's home a horse fell on this man and she pulled him out from under the horse.</p> <p>Boyd and Jim were Calvin and Suerlida's boys. Boyd died. He had a son, Sam, who went to Texas. He left home before he was of age. I hear he Is worth about ten thousand dollars. </p> <p>Jim McMurray is living on Ellejoy Creek. He Is worth a great deal of money. He did own all of the land on the left side of the road as you go to Eusebia Church. He has given it to his daughter. </p> <p>Jim McMurray had two girls and two boys. One of the girls lives at the old Drake place in Eusebia . One of Jim's boys is an invalid ever since he was born. Jim's other son left home at the age of 18 years and went to California. Then went on a fishing trip on a ship to a cold region and was frozen up for a long time. The poor boy died on the ship. </p> <p>About the McCall's, Will died. He married Rachal Shadden. They had two boys and two girls. One of them lives below Maryville on the old Charles Shadden farm. </p> <p>There isn't any of the Blackburn family living around here. Old Llza married Alex Gillespie. She died. Isabell is dead. Lucinda married a man by the name of Taylor, and lived down near Louisville. She was 40 years old and he was 8l.I saw them married. He was well off and lived seven years after marriage and she lived at the homestead. </p> <p>Changes have taken I place since you have gone. The Blackburn farm, Is now the McCammon place. I helped to clear the land above the house. It is now grown up in pines. The same old kitchen and house are still there. </p> <p>There are two of the McCroskey family living. Will the youngest, is living at the homeplace. Mary Keener is still living at the X road. Harve Keener died. They have one girl who married Lank Johnson, living In Texas. </p> <p>Can't get all in this letter that I would wish. More sadness than joy. Tell me whether you appreciate It or not. May the Lord bless you and your family. </p> <p>S.N. Malcomb </p></blockquote> <a href="#top">Return to top of page</a> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="WOOD">The Republican, Saturday, March 6, 1875</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p>We are pained to learn Thursday last that Mr. Benjamin F. Woodside, a merchant at Chilhowee, this county, was drowned in Abram’s Creek about noon last Wednesday. We got the following particulars of this unfortunate occurrence from Dr. James Martin:</p> <p>Mr. Woodside and a young son of Mr. Boyd McMurray’s were crossing Abram’s Creek, a short distance above where it empties into Little Tennessee River, using a rope, stretched across, to pull the canoe over. The canoe upset, Mr. Woodside becoming entangled in the rope was swept under the water and was drowned, his body remaining fastened to the rope until rescued. Young McMurray reached the bank in safety.</p> <p>The bereaved family and friends have our heart felt sympathies.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="HUTTON">The Independent, Wednesday, May 17, 1876</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p> A sad affair accured in the lower end of this county last Wednesday. George D. Hutton who has for some time past been deranged, got hold of a double barreled shot gun and getting into the woods alone, committed suicide. When found he was lying dead on one side of a fallen tree and the gun was lying with one barrel empty on the other side. The contents had been discharged and taken effect below the chest about the point of ribs ranging to the left shoulder while the shirt across his breast was burnt. There was mud on both triggers from which it appears that he had placed the muzzle to his body and with his toes forced the gun either aiming to fire both barrels, and one failed, or that he had attempted to fire one barrel and it failing had placed his toe on the other trigger discharging that barrel. Coroner H.O. Wilson was called and summoning a jury held the inquest over the body required by law, the jury returning a verdict that the deceased “came to his death by a shot gun wound froma double barreled shot gun in his own hands on the 10th day of May, 1876”. </p> <p>The deceased was a brother of Mr. J.C. Hutton, our county Register .</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="HUNT">Maryville Times, 1 Nov 1893</a></font></b> <br><br>A week in the mountains, the following composed a crowd that spent a week hunting in the mountains: Dr. James MARTIN, Alex GAMBLE, James HARMON, David POLAND, Bud HITCH, Andy WHITEHEAD and sons, Harvey and Will, Able CARPENTER, James McCOY, Lee Razor, and the publisher of this paper and son, Clyde. <p>The crowd landed in the place known as Jeffrey's Hell after a two-day journey, about 15 or 20 miles of which had to be traveled on foot as a team could not be taken into the mountains. A deer drive was the program for the first day and this resulted in the killing of two deer and quite an assortment of squirrel and mountain "boomers." (chipmunks/ground squirrels) Some of the boomers were dressed and some were put in the pot whole. After everyone had satisfied their hunger, Mr. HARMON concluded he would have some more of the mess and happened to pull out one of the whole ones. When he saw its condition he concluded he didn't care for anymore boomer and remarked that he was glad he hadn't eaten any of the meat. The old saying "Good beginning, bad ending" proved true in this case, for no more deer were killed during the hunt. Several bears were heard, but as there were no bear dogs along, none of the crowd felt disposed to investigate very closely. </p> <p>There is an immense amount of valuable timber in these mountains. There are cherry trees--so the crowd says--six feet through and from sixty to seventy-five feet to the first limb. Any amount of yellow poplar, spruce pine and ash. One curly ash was seen that was estimated as being worth five hundred dollars, if it could be gotten out of there. </p> <p>GAMBLE killed a rattler which had swallowed a full grown grey squirrel, and that about ended the excitement. When one gets to the bottom of Jeffrey's Hell, it looks like it would be impossible to get out again. But after staying there and breathing good pure mountain air for six days, it made the crowd able to climb almost as well as do the little boomers and they were able to easily walk the distance back to the teams. It can be sworn to however that some of them were rather sore for several days after reaching home. </p> <p>Question: Where would Jeffrey's Hell be located? </p> <p>Between Tellico Plains, TN and Citico, TN, in the Smoky Mountains. I am not sure, but think it is on the NC side of the mountains, Probably very near the road from Tellico Plains to Robbins, NC. </p> </dd> </dl> <!dl> <!dd><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="PRATER">Maryville Times, Wednesday, June 6, 1894</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p>James Prater, an old citizen of this county, who has lived in the 5th district of Blount County since 1833, was in town Monday and had in his possession an old Indian pipe which he found near where the celebrated Cherokee Indian Chief, Choto, was buried. The pipe is carved out of one solid piece of stone of some kind. The pipe bowl sits on a base having four rectangular sides about two inches long, and at the other end is what is thought to be a place for the finger in holding the pipe. The highest part of this is about half an inch and on top it has thirteen nicks, and on the ends where the stem is inserted and sides of the base are thirteen small dots. On one side of the base is scratched the image of a gun, and on the other what appears to be a stake-and-rider fence. The bowl is about an inch high. Mr. Prater dug up the remains of Choto in the year 1867, but found the pipe the 21st of last month. It is a curious relic. We have seen pictures of such pipes, but never saw one before.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="KENN">Maryville Times, Thursday, December 19, 1895</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd>SHOT HIM DEAD <P>Walter Kennedy Avenges His Father’s Death in Texas</p> <p>Several years ago, William Kennedy, a son of Alex Kennedy who died several months ago at his home near Rockford at the advanced age of 94, moved to Texas with his family and settled near Paris. He bought some land joining that of a man named Amos Wright. A dispute later arose over the dividing line between the farms. Kennedy had a civil engineer to survey it off. Kennedy and Wright were present when the dispute was decided, the surveyor locating the line several yards over on the ground claimed by Wright. When it was finished, Kennedy was standing near by with his little son, Walter, then six years old. Wright came at him for a fight, but Kennedy only attempted to ward off his blows. Suddenly, Wright drew from his pocket a bowie knife and plunged it into Kennedy’s side. The blood spurted forth and Kennedy only lived a few minutes.</p> <p>Before he died he called his son to his side and spoke to him, telling him what to do with his mother and little brother and sisters. The lad, though only six years old, took his father’s hand, and as the last spark of life left him said: ”I’ll be a man some day, father, and when I am I’ll kill Amos Wright”.</p> <p>Nothing more was ever thought of the matter and eleven years had gone quietly by, but the boy’s resolution and promise to his dying father were still within him</p> <p>On the morning of the 7th of December, he went to the home of Wright and waited for him to come out. As the murderer of eleven years made his appearance, the young man raised his gun and shot him dead. After the tradgedy the young man went to his grandfather’s home and sent word to the sheriff what he had done.</p> <p>The affair caused intense excitement but it is not thought that Kennedy will be punished under the circumstances. The boy who did the killing is a grandson of Alex Kennedy, spoken of above and he has several aunts and uncles living in this county. The above facts were learned from a letter to relatives.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="CLEMMER1">Maryville Times, Saturday, November 13, 1897</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <P>There is an old bee man by the name of Clemmer lives above Chilhowee who has been missing for several days. He went off with another man, who says that the old man fell off a raft of logs while crossing the river and was drowned. Nobody has yet been found. It is suspicioned that the old man has met with foul play.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="CLEMMER2">Maryville Times, Saturday, January 1, 1898</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <P>About a month ago, Wiley Clemmer known as the “Old Bee Man of the mountains” drowned in trying to cross the Tennessee river, near Chilhowee on a raft. Only one man witnessed the drowning and the old man’s body could not be found. Monday of this week, someone in passing saw his body lodged in a drift just above what is known as the “Big Eddy.” An inquest was held and as there were no marks of violence about the body, it was decided that there had been no foul play.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="BAKER">Maryville Times, Saturday, May 17, 1902</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p>A very disgraceful scene was enacted at the decoration at Baker’s Creek last Saturday. Three young men, Wess and Gus Steele and Esq. King’s son were drunk, and very boisterous, disturbing the people who had gathered to lay flowers upon the graves of departed loved ones. They were arrested by Sheriff J.H. Pickens and gave bond for their appearance at Court. They resisted the officer but were soon taken in tow. It is a shame that such things occur.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="BEST">Maryville Times, Friday, April 14, 1905</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p> Maryville was shocked on last Saturday morning when word was received at this place telling of the death by suicide of C.L. Best who left Monday morning for Grand Junction, Col.</p> <p>From the news gathered from a letter written by Dave Giffin to W.J. Huffstetler, brother-in-law of the deceased, the particulars are as follows: Mr. Best had arrived at Grand Junction Thursday and spent the day in that city and had taken the train Friday morning for Clifton and while in the car fired the fatal shot which ended his life. He did not die until the next day, the 8th.</p> <p>Mr. Best was one of Blount’s highly esteemed young men but has been in poor health for several years and went to that country to see if his health would not improve. It is said that he was temporarily unbalanced which caused him to do the rash deed. He leaves a wife and three small children. Friends at this place deeply regret his death and the sincere sympathy of the town and community are extended to the bereaved widow.</p> <p>Burial took place at Grand Junction.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="COVING">Maryville Times, Friday, April 14, 1905</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p>Another man has lost his life in Blount County. Frank Covington, white, was killed at Kries & Co. camp near town on Wednesday by James Evans, colored. The men had a difficulty, and Evans slipped up behind Covington and struck him on the head with a pick. He died about four o’clock. The negro is still at large. Evans is a Sevier Co. man and formerly worked for A.C. Atchley, who lives near town. Something should be done to stop the killing in our county. Too many are losing their lives at the hands of others. </p> <p>Later the negro was captured at Knoxville and lodged in jail at this place. </p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="DALE">Maryville Times, Friday, January 3, 1908</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd> <p>At McMurry’s Ferry on the Little Tennessee River about 22 miles from this place on Tuesday, December 21st., occured a very sad accident. Harley Dale and Tom Correll started across the river in a ferry boat, and got about half way across when the boat sunk, and drowned Harley Dale aged about 19 years. Correll being a fine swimmer succeeded in reaching the shore and gave the alarm. McMurry’s have a very fine ferry which is run on a cable. The boys started across to ferry a man and he is across the river with the above result. The body had not yet been found at Wednesday noon, as the river is high at this season of the year. Friends extend sympathy to the bereaved parents.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="MILLSAPS">Maryville Times, Friday, April 28, 1911 </a></font></b> <dl> <!dd>Blew Off Top of His Head <p>Hamp Millsaps, about 28 years of age, who lived in the lower end of this county--committed suicide Saturday by blowing off the top of his head with a shot gun, causing instant death. No cause is known for his rash act except that he had been in poor health. He leaves a wife and three children.</p> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> </dd> </dl> <p><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="WTHD">Maryville Times, 4 Jan 1932</a></font></b> <dl> <!dd>The body of Harvey WHITEHEAD, who it was feared had been slain in the mountains the past week, was found late Thursday (New Years Eve) afternoon by Doug BORING, one of more than 50 men who were searching for the body. Death was from natural causes. The funeral was held in Happy Valley Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. Z. BUCHANAN. <p>The deceased is survived by his widow and 10 children, also 5 brothers, D.L.WHITEHEAD of TX; R.B.WHITEHEAD of Six Mile; W.E. WHITEHEAD of Mint; W.M.WHITEHEAD of Chilhowee; and Jeff WHITEHEAD of Rasar; also 3 sisters, Mrs. Martha HENDRIX of Oliver Springs; Mrs. Mary McKINLEY of Knoxville, and Mrs. Lula PAYNE of Rasar. </p> <p>Harvey WHITEHEAD and his brother, Jeff, went hunting last Tuesday (Dec 29), and were returning home Wednesday (12/30) morning before daylight. Harvey's dog started off on the trail of an animal, and Harvey told his brother he would go with the dog and for him to wait where he was. In about an hour after Harvey left, Jeff heard a gun fire, and when Harvey did not return in a few hours, Jeff started in search of him, fearing he had been slain. After an all day hunt Wednesday by a large company of men, news was sent to Sheriff PATE Thursday (12/31), and he and his deputies assisted in organizing other men for the search. More than 50 went on the hunt for WHITEHEAD's body. WHITEHEAD's dog finally led them to Wildcat Branch where the body was found. There was no mark upon the body, and it was believed he had died from natural causes. </p> <p>The WHITEHEAD brothers had run into still operators on Tuesday afternoon, and were returning to Chilhowee to get other men to help them pull the still. It was feared some of the operators had killed him, as many threats had been made against WHITEHEAD, who had done more than any other man in that section, said residents, in trying to break up moonshining. </p> <p>WHITEHEAD had served many years as forest ranger, and on fire protection signs which he posted in the mountains, threats against his life had been written by those who feared he might be responsible for capturing their stills, said neighbors. He had also served as a deputy sheriff. </p> <p>Harvey WHITEHEAD was the first of a family of 9 children to die, the youngest of the 9 being 47 years old. </p> </font> <font font color="black"> <p><a href="#top">Return to top of page</a></p> <font size="-1" font color="black"> <hr> </font> <p> </p> <p><a href="maryville1860.html" name="1923"><b>1923 article about the city of Maryville as remembered in the 1860s by Will E. Parham, Blount Co. Historian.</b> </a></p> </font> <font size="-1" font color="black"> </dd> </dl> </font> <font font color="black"> <p>Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller</font><font size="-1" font color="black"><br> </p> <hr> <p><br> <b><font size="+2"><a name="Cora">Transcription of a Tape by Cora Muckleroy</a></font></b> <em> <br>Severely edited, contact <a href="mailto:claudia-michael@worldnet.att.net">Claudia Carson</a> for the complete transcript.</em><br> <dl> <!dd>I'm Cora Alberta Whitehead. I was born the third of February 1904 at Rasar, Blount County, Tennessee. I was born in an old mule (?) log cabin house. We had a big old fire place and the kitchen and the dining room was all our living room together. We gathered around the big old fireplace and we would read at night or tell jokes or something pass the time of the day and the happenings of the day. We didn't have our neighbor's children coming in to play every day. Our only companions were each other. We had good times together and our community life centered around our school. <p>Our neighbors were far apart and one highlight of the day would be for us to have the pack peddler come by. And by a pack peddler I mean the man would have a lot of things tied up in a sheet like materials and needles and threads and buttons and little things that mother would need that they didn't have at the stores and this man would carry his load of merchandise all over the pass end of the mountains to peddle the people that lived way out in the mountains. We would stand around and watch as he unpacked his goods. That was really something to talk about for several days. It was nice to see someone come by. We didn't have callers very often so we enjoyed our neighbors. </p> <p>Now I'll pass on just a few words about my mother. (Begins crying) My mother was always so sweet and kind and patient with us. When I was a small girl my mother had a large family and had lots to do. She did a lot of tatching and quilting. She taught me how to quilt. Her hands were nearly always busy. She'd knit our stockings and socks and I could remember helping her spin her yarn to knit with. She had a spinning wheel and she had some cards that she carded her wool and then spin it and knit it. Knit our stockings. Mother could cook good food. I always enjoyed her cooking. She used to cook over the fireplace a lot. </p> <p>Now I'll tell you a little something about my first schooling. I went to school in a school house that had just one room, one teacher. She taught from the first grade to the eighth grade. There must have been about 20-25 students in the school lot. I can't remember that but anyway the first way we learned to read or A-B-Cs the teacher had a big chart that had the A-B-Cs on it. She had a big long pointer and we all had to sit up in front of the chart and she would take the pointer and point to A-B C on all through the alphabet and all the class would read the each letter as she pointed out. That's how we learned our A-B-Cs. And we learned to count the same way. </p> <p>I remember one of the special pictures and little verse in the chart that we learned together was a picture of a man and a little boy. They were walking along and this sun was coming up and it says on the picture "Charles and his son watched the sun rise" that was always kind of special to me. That was the first thing I learned to read and then my first book was a pretty little book that had some pictures in it. The first picture in the little reading in the book was about a little girl sitting in a big rocking chair with her doll and it said "see me, see my doll," and that's the way we learned to read in our first grade. I learned to read fast and spell fast. We'd have spelling bees and at school the class spelling would ask each other. </p> <p>We didn't do much visiting after school hours. We had lots of work to do around the farm. We picked peas and clipped the tops off of corn for feed, digged the potatoes, gathered everything in at the harvest. We had work to do. </p> <p>You may not believe this, but we didn't even have a toilet at our school. But there were lots of woods around our school house. It was just understood that boys went on one side of the school and the girls went on the other side of the school. </p> <p>I finally graduated from 8th grade and one teacher that we had was willing to help us (with High School) if we furnished our books. We got ancient history, latin, algebra book, and civics so she taught us one year, first year in high school. I worked hard to learn what I did and I'm not sorry yet that I studied hard. I just wish I could have continued my education. </p> <p>I'll tell you a little something about my father now. He was a great story teller. He could tell facts and make it sound like a story but it would be from facts. We would sit around our big fireplace at night and ask him to tell us. We called them "Grandfather's"(stories), as they're stories that his grandfather told him. He would have us read from the Bible. He'd delegate one to read and of course we'd all sit quietly while the reading was going on. We didn't have good light then. We had light from the fireplace and that kind of lights (that's) within. He was a great man for nature too. We'd be out in the field with him, we're working too, and he'd tell us the different kinds of trees, the different kinds of flowers, the different kinds of birds. My father was an industrious man. Everybody honored him because his honesty. </p> <p>We kept our milk in a spring house, we had a trough that we set our crocks of milk down in the water which kept the milk nice and cool. We'd go down there to churn. When I'd go down to churn I'd take a book or paper down with me so I could sit and read while I churn and of course it took a long time for the butter to come (starts giggling). If someone came, boy I'd sit down on that book or paper and start to churn for life to make the butter (laughs). We had butter molds that we would mold our butter in. It was a pound mold but in the mold was a picture of a acorn in it with a leaf or two. I'll never forget how I learned how to mold butter. </p> <p>One thing I remember was the old Sears Roebuck catalog. We'd used to get one or two year, and it was so much fun to get the new catalog. We'd wish for things and pick out things we'd like to have and I remember how I used to look through the catalog and we used to wear those old high top button shoes when we were children. Oh, they were fancy in those days. I'd look through that you know and I'd find a pair of shoes that I wanted something like. My Dad he carried the mail on horseback. I'd go way down the road to meet him to show him what I wanted and what I wanted it like. He'd usually get it for me. </p> <p>Usually one thing I remember as a child my father would nearly always get a wild turkey for Thanksgiving. There's lots of wild turkeys back there. Sometimes we'd have squirrel. My oldest brother he'd go squirrel hunting and one day he'd hunting and he was on the porch talking about how he killed the squirrel and he had the gun standing on the floor and his hand was up over the gun barrel and my little brother he must have been four or five years old. He's down looking around fooling with the gun and he pulled the trigger. It shot right through my brother's hand but it wasn't serious so he didn't go to the doctor with it. But we were all scared. <b>Had something to talk about.</b> <center>Return to <a href="history.htm">History links</a></center> </td> </tr> </table> </center>  <table width="90%"> <tr><td><hr> <font size="-1"> <center>This page was last updated <b>May 25, 2009</b> by your host, <a href="mailto:taneya@gmail.com?subject=BlountCountyTNGenWeb">Taneya Koonce</a>. (See more history <a href="coord.htm">about this site</a>) </center> <p> The TNGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. These must be considered in the era that they were written. 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