DISCOVER Grainger CountyTennessee
VOLUME 9 — 2024
Grainger CountyTennessee
Discover Hancock County is published by
Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422
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Artie Wenhenkel
Regional Advertising Director
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EDITORIAL
Randy Ball
Discover Hancock County Contributor
Rita Dykes
Discover Hancock County Contributor
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4 w 7X’s Angus Cattle
A passion project for the Davis family
7 w Grainger County Tomato Festival
10 w Legacy of Hubert Williams Farm
12 w Tak a tour of Grainger County Through the lens of Randy Ball
14 w Two parks are great benefit to bean station residents
16 w Home town Restaurant
Taking community to the next level
19 w Grainger County Archives Our local history
22 w Mary Grainger Blount
Was a remarkable lady in Tennessee history
24 w Sunfresh Produce Tennessee homegrown tomatoes are Longmire’s labor of love
PHOTO BY WENDY DAVIS Uncle Bobby Gibbons feeds treats to the calves at 7x’s Angus Farm
is a passion project for DAVIS FAMILY 7X’S ANGUS CATTLE
By Rita Dykes
Review Correspondent
In the rolling hills of East Tennessee, nestled in the gorgeous pastures in Grainger County and the quiet hum of nature, Wendy and Phil Davis tend to their life’s passion: 7x’s Angus Cattle Co. The Davises’ journey into cattle farming began at a young age for both.
Wendy grew up in Flatwoods, Virginia, on a cattle farm owned by her family. Her mother and father were commercial cattle operators and also worked in the coal industry as owner operators. Wendy moved to East Tennessee in 1990.
Phil was born in Knoxville and raised in Rocky Valley in New Market.
“From age 9 until my mid-20s, I worked for two of the best mentors in the cattle industry, G.W. and Bill Loy at Loy Stock Farm,” Phil said. “I learned more from those two gentlemen than all of my years since combined.”
Phil also worked on a dairy farm for several years while he spent his weekends riding bulls at rodeos.
Bull riding led Phil to Wendy, and now they have been together for more than 30 years.
After much research and training, the couple’s farm became operational in 2022. Their determination to be as prepared as possible before launching the business speaks of their dedication to breeding top-quality registered Angus cattle.
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PHOTO BY KATLYN VAN WINGERDEN
The Davis family, from left: Phillip Davis, son-in law Stephen van Wingerden, Wendy Davis and daughter Katlyn van Wingerden, joined by 7xs bull Cash Money.
“We started with just seven cows,” Phil recalled, “selectively bred for superior genetics. That’s why we named our farm 7x’s.”
Phil and Wendy perform most of the daily farm chores themselves. When needed, however, they obtain help from neighbors Joe Williams and Abigail Reagan along with seasonal farmhands.
“Raised with Respect” is the farm’s slogan, but it’s not merely a catchphrase. It’s a philosophy that guides their daily interactions with their animals.
“When you raise cattle with respect, they are much calmer and easier to work,” Phil explained. “Our animals are like family. Each with their own personality, our cattle tend to want to be around us in the field and are no stranger to getting late night snacks on occasion.”
Their Angus cattle, known for their genetic purity and predictable traits, are a result of careful breeding and adherence to high standards set by the American Angus Association.
“We take great pride in our commitment to breeding topquality animals with excellent conformation, marbling and overall performance,” Phil said. “Our registered Angus cattle are also special for other reasons: quality assurance market value and performance recording.”
GENETIC PURITY
Registered Angus cattle are purebred, meaning they have a documented lineage tracing back to the original Angus bloodlines. This ensures consistency in traits such as size, conformation and color.
The Davises have several cows on the farm whose lineage can be traced back to the very first Angus cows that arrived in the United States in 1873.
PREDICTABLE TRAITS
Angus cattle are renowned for their meat quality, including marbling, tenderness and flavor. By breeding registered Angus cattle, the Davises can predictably pass on these desirable traits to offspring, leading to a consistent product desired by the commercial cattle industry as well as other seedstock operators.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Registration with organizations like the American Angus Association ensures the animal meets certain standards of quality, including adherence to breed standards and genetic health.
MARKET VALUE
Because of their reputation for high-quality meat, registered
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PHOTO BY WENDY DAVIS
A beautiful Grainger County sunset at 7x’s Angus Farm.
Angus cattle often command premium prices in the market. Many of 7x’s bulls are qualified as C.A.B. (Certified Angus Beef).
PERFORMANCE RECORDING
Performance recording programs track various metrics such as weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass quality. This data helps make informed breeding decisions to continually improve the quality of the herd.
“Data such as weights, measurements and even DNA samples are sent in to the American Angus Association on each of our animals,” Phil said. “By utilizing data collections on our cattle, we have been awarded the Maternal Plus designation for all of our breeding cows.”
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Phil and Wendy even halter-break each calf, which gives their customers a head start if they want to show cattle and also makes working calves much easier.
“We also focus on maintaining a healthy environment for our cattle, providing nutritious feed, clean water and proper shelter,” Phil said.
“Regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming, is essential to ensure the well-being of our cattle. Our farm follows the University of Tennessee Beef Quality Assurance guidelines for all vaccinations. In addition to day-to-day care, we also implement management practices to optimize growth and performance. This includes monitoring weight gain, adjusting feeding programs as needed, and ensuring proper herd health and reproductive management. The majority of the time, our cattle are on pasture and only receive a minimal amount of grain to supplement their pregnancy needs.”
The couple’s journey is marked by challenges and successes, earning the respect and support of their community in Rutledge.
7x’s Angus Cattle sells live cattle twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. The farm, with its commitment to quality and community, stands as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
7x’s Angus Cattle isn’t just a farm. It’s a labor of love, a legacy Phil and Wendy hope to pass on for generations to come.
PHOTO BY KATLYN VAN WINGERDEN
Phillip and Wendy Davis are shown at 7xs Angus Farm.
TOMATO FESTIVAL GRAINGER COUNTY
By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent
It’s that time of year when Grainger County tomatoes take center stage at what Parade Magazine has ranked as one of the top 10 free festivals in the United States.
On Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, Rutledge will be bustling with townfolk and visitors for one of the largest festivals in Tennessee: the 31st annual Grainger County Tomato Festival.
Held at Rutledge Middle School on Highway 11W, the festival is a celebration of all things tomato. Families gather to enjoy the festivities, taste delicious treats made from the county’s finest tomatoes, and stock up on freshly harvested produce.
The festival will kick off at noon on Friday and last until 6 p.m., just in time to enjoy a fun-filled evening at the Grainger County Opry. The sounds of country, bluegrass and gospel music will fill the air, accompanied by laughter from the comedy acts and audience participation.
Saturday festival revelry will begin at 9 a.m., and many in the crowd will be eager for the legendary Tomato Wars. Registration will open at 9 a.m. at a cost of $5 per person to participate.
The wars will begin at 10 a.m. when the youngest age group goes to battle — rotten tomatoes in hand, the warriors will aim for their targets and let the tomatoes fly. Each year participants and spectators embrace the chaos and fully immerse themselves in the tomato frenzy.
This year, all proceeds from the Tomato Wars will go to the Rutledge Middle School football team.
While the Tomato Wars are a highlight for many, the festival also offers a range of activities for everyone. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the Art Show, where they will marvel at the creativity displayed. Historians and curious minds will love the living history exhibit, which offers the chance to take a step back in time to experience the region’s rich heritage. Working artists, regional authors and historians will engage visitors in interactive sessions as they share their expertise and passion. Attendees will have the chance to embrace the extraordinary display of vintage farm machinery in action and get a glimpse into the county’s
farming history.
Entertainment, antique cars, arts and crafts booths, produce booths and more also will fill the festival grounds. Tantalizing aromas from food vendors will tempt the taste buds to partake in the culinary goodness. Baskets brimming with plump, ripe tomatoes will await eager buyers, ensuring that everyone can take home a taste of the festival’s essence.
The farmers’ area will leave festival-goers in awe at the showcase of the robust agriculture of Grainger County.
Beginning Saturday, the festival’s main stage will become a hub of entertainment, featuring live music sure to captivate the audience. A crowd favorite — author, columnist and humorist Sam Venable — will take to the stage at 1 p.m. to enchant and entertain the crowd with stories. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ten Penny Drive will perform in a special bluegrass concert sponsored by Red Barn Produce.
The festival isn’t just a celebration of tomatoes; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and tradition. The proceeds from the festival go toward supporting local nonprofit organizations, craftsmen and the hardworking tomato growers of the region.
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PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
The Mater Man is a fixture at the Grainger County Tomato Festival.
As the Grainger County Tomato Festival comes to a close Saturday evening, memories of laughter, music, family, friends and all things tomato will fill the hearts of those who experience the magic. Until next year, the folks Rutledge and beyond will eagerly await the return of the festival where they can once again come together to revel in the festivities.
THE MISSION
The Grainger County Tomato Festival’s mission is to promote the world-famous Grainger County tomato (as well
as other Grainger County agricultural products) and showcase local artists, authors, talent and craftsmen while offering a variety of food vendors.
KIM STRATTON
The community and festival lost one of their longtime friends, farmer Kim Stratton. Kim not only grew outstanding tomatoes, he also was an avid promoter of all things Grainger County and a friend to many. A memorial will be located at this year’s festival in his honor.
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PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Living history is on display at the Grainger County Tomato Festival.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Many types of booths will fill the grounds at the Grainger County Tomato Festival.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
The Tomato War is a Grainger County Tomato Festival favorite.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
The Tomato Wars are a favorite at the Grainger County Tomato Festival.
LEGACY OF HUBERT WILLIAMS FARMS CONTINUES
By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent
Brandon Williams — together with the help of wife Betsy, stepmother Jennifer and his children Blaine and Brenley — carries on his family’s tradition of farming, harvesting and selling fresh produce.
Brandon’s father, Hubert Williams, began tending to their family farm more than 40 years ago, continuing a legacy that stretches back throughout the generations.
“Generations ago, my great-grandfather raised produce and hauled it with horse and buggy to the farmers market in Morristown,” Brandon Williams said. “When I was growing up, my entire family, including my grandmother, pitched in on the farm to water plants, pack tomatoes or do whatever needed to be done.”
It is important to Brandon to carry on the tradition of teaching his children the value and satisfaction that comes from farming. Hard work, dedication and a tremendous love for the land are how the Williams family keeps their farm alive and thriving.
Hubert Williams Farms stands out among the agricultural excellence of Grainger County’s rich farming heritage. From their local farm store on Lakeshore Drive to supplying vendors and produce stands across East Tennessee, the Williams family offers a bounty of fresh produce to their community. Their produce
reflects the Williams’ commitment to quality while offering a hardy variety. From those infamous Grainger County tomatoes to crisp cucumbers, ruby-red strawberries and much more, every item is nurtured with care and pride.
While the focus remains on providing top-quality produce, the family is always on the lookout for new opportunities. This year, Brandon has dedicated efforts to expand the produce line and improve the beef cattle operations, both endeavors to help ensure a robust and sustainable future for the farm.
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Such commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2008, Brandon was recognized with the prestigious Tennessee State Star Farmer and Agribusiness Man of the Year awards.
What sets Hubert Williams Farms apart goes far deeper than the
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PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Brandon’s grandmother Martha
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Brandon, Betsy, Blaine and Brenley Williams enjoy the hard-working life on the farm.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Brandon Williams and his father, Hubert, keep a family legacy alive.
quality of its produce.
Brandon and his family not just farmers. They are stewards of their community amplifying warmth and generosity, from supporting local nursing homes and classrooms to donating flowers and produce to various organizations.
The Williams family remains grounded in the valued tradition of kindness also passed down for generations.
“We always try to be friendly to everyone and treat our customers like family,” Brandon said.
Grainger County is filled with many farmers just as giving as the Williams family.
“We are blessed to work with some great farmers who are
equally willing to lend us a helping hand in times of need,” Brandon said.
As the Williamses look toward the future, their long-term goals are simple yet profound: to continue offering the best produce possible but, above all, remain steadfast in their commitment to their customers and community.
Hubert Williams Farms invites the community to be a part of its journey, one rooted in tradition and a testament to the enduring spirit of agriculture that creates a bond within families and communities. Stop by their produce market at 12248 Lakeshore Drive in Rutledge and see the bountiful, fresh array of vegetables that await you.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Brenley picks strawberries.
PHOTO BY RITA DYKES
Brandon Williams is continuing the legacy of Hubert Williams Farms.
TAKE A TOUR OF GRAINGER COUNTY THROUGH THE LENS OF
RANDY BALL
- see more photos on next page
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Two parks are great benefit to BEAN STATION RESIDENTS
By Randy Ball Review Correspondent
BEAN STATION — Bean Station is a small town.
Founded in 1776, the 2022 population was 3,027 residents. But this small Grainger County community has two parks it can be very proud of and that offer different types of recreation to local citizens.
THE TOWN
PARK
The Town Park is just a short distance from the Bean Station business district, at 240 Deadrick Drive.
The older of Bean Station’s parks covers 14.7 acres and features natural scenery, a bike path and children’s play area, along with a small covered bridge.
But the most popular features are the baseball/softball fields, complete with a concession stand. It’s a busy place in spring and summer when many leagues take to the fields.
HARRIS COURT PARK
Bean Station’s other park is next to City Hall. Harris Court Park, which opened in 2023, covers 2 acres.
Featured at Harris Court Park is the Blue Cross Healthy Place. The Blue Cross Foundation provided $1.8 million to build and maintain the park.
The Blue Cross Healthy Place has a splash pad, a ramped play area, a fitness area and swing sets. Picnic tables, benches and bike racks add to the allure. Nearby are a basketball court, the Steve Winstead Walking Trail, the Bean Station History Museum and the Bean Station Senior Center.
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Splash pad and play area.
Flags fly near Harris Court.
Picnic tables near the play area
The Bean Station History Museum is nearby.
St. John Paul II Catholic Mission
161 Bryan Rd. Rutledge, TN.
Service Times:
English - Sat. 4:00 PM
Spanish - Sun. 5:00 PM
Bible Study - Tues. 4:00 PM
We aim to be a place of acceptance and service to all. We greet many dear friends and visitors and welcome all God's children.
Basketball court.
Splash pad.
Fitness station.
Taking community to the NEXT LEVEL HOME TOWN RESTAURANT
By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent
Kevin Merritt’s love of talking with others while enjoying a meal led him to harbor a dream of creating a space where people could gather, share stories and enjoy delicious food. He partnered with Harold Weaver to help turn his dream into a reality.
Both men are not originally from Luttrell but fell in love with the community and made it their home.
Kevin was born in Kokomo, Indiana, to Bruce and May Merritt. His father was born and raised in Luttrell before moving to Indiana.
Kevin moved to Luttrell when he was 18
and fell in love with the small town, which is where he met his wife, Shonna Williams Merritt. The couple have two children and two grandchildren.
“I love the closeness of this community and the willingness people have to help their neighbors,” said Kevin, who also owns KB Merritt, a construction business he opened in 1999.
Harold was born and raised in the Bull Run community. He later met and married Angela McHone Weaver from Luttrell. They share three children and five grandchildren. Harold, who retired from West Knox Utility in 2016, has worked for the city of Luttrell for three years. He also spent years helping his brother with his - continued on next page
PHOTOS BY RITA DYKES
Home Town Restaurant homemade chicken and dumplings.
logging business.
With the combination of their skills, planning, hard work, dedication, help from friends and family, and the restaurant business expertise of Kevin’s life-long friend, Dottie Salsbery, Home Town Restaurant opened for business on May 9. The restaurant quickly became a hub for the tight-knit Luttrell community. Its corner location, near Luttrell Park and City Hall, makes it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike.
The menu includes comfort food classics along with dishes not found at all diners. The Home Town Burger and fries served with a
fantastic homemade fry sauce is gaining momentum as a customer favorite. Daily specials also offer up dishes guests hope stay on the menu such as shrimp and grits, chicken and dumplings, and the pimento cheese and applewood bacon burger.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of nearly 40 employees, including kitchen manager Ronda Thayer, assistant kitchen manager Ashley Cochran and front-of-house manager Ashley Berry, work tirelessly to ensure every guest has a wonderful - continued on next page
Harold and Angela Weaver of Home Town Restaurant.
Kevin and Shonna Merritt of Home Town Restaurant.
experience. Many of the staff were new to the workforce, finding their first jobs at Home Town Restaurant — a testament to Kevin and Harold’s commitment to providing employment opportunities within the community.
The owners’ families play a huge role in the business, providing support and assistance whenever needed. Their spouses and children are also familiar faces within the restaurant, adding to its family-style atmosphere.
Home Town Restaurant has received overwhelming support from the community. From prayers and well wishes to practical help with cleaning and organizing, the outpouring of support affects the owners deeply. In return, they make it a priority to
give back, offering discounts to police officers, veterans and first responders.
Looking to the future, the long-term goal is clear: to establish Home Town Restaurant as a beloved fixture in Luttrell for generations to come. With their unwavering dedication, the warm embrace of the community and their shared vision, it is a dream Kevin and Harold are determined to see flourish.
The restaurant’s Facebook page is another way to connect with their patrons and keep the Home Town spirit alive. Take a break from your busy day and stop in to meet some of the friendly staff while you treat yourself to a delicious meal ... just make sure you save room for a homemade dessert!
Home Town Restaurant banana split.
Home Town Restaurant beef philly.
Grainger County Archives: OUR LOCAL HISTORY
By Randy Ball Review Correspondent
RUTLEDGE — The Grainger County Archives in downtown Rutledge holds a treasure trove of information.
Housed in the Education Building — known to many as the old Rutledge High School — the archives is the repository for permanent-value records of the Grainger County government and serves as the county research center for history and genealogy.
How the archives came into being is an interesting story.
HISTORY
Mary Lynn Gilmore has been involved with the Grainger County Archives since its beginnings and has worked in the archives since 2002. Then-Mayor Nicky Hammer called her about the project, Gilmore recalled.
“I had been retired from teaching for about two years,” she said.
Records previously were stored in a vault at the courthouse but when the vault flooded, the salvaged records were moved to the old high school auditorium on a temporary basis.
The State Library and Archives initiated a project to help establish and preserve county records.
“Five counties were included: Hawkins, Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock and Union,” Gilmore said. “Dr. Vernon Coffey arranged for two rooms in the school building to be used for the archives. The State Library and Archives sent four people, including Dr. Moore, here in 2002, and with the help of three
county commissioners and some trustees, spent three days moving stuff out of the auditorium. James and Stevvi Cook were big assets. We had a big job!
“The state had a contract with the Mormon Church, and they came in and microfilmed some of the records. Later, boxes of records were taken to Nashville for digitizing.”
All those working to establish the archives were volunteers. Gilmore said the new archives attracted a lot of interest and that she told Mayor Mark Hipshire an archives director was needed. Stevvi Cook began serving in that capacity.
“Stevvi, James and I went to class to be certified over a period of three years,” Gilmore said.
“Out of the five counties involved in 2002, we were the one that followed through,” Gilmore continued. “We were the state’s success story. I wrote around $50,000.00 in grants over time. The officials have been a great help. I couldn’t ask for better people. The county officials have been supportive (I had most of them in school!).”
County historian Ken Coffey does a good job, she noted.
“The courts were crowded with material. When we started, the building had windows broken out, leaks, birds, bats, mold and mildew. I’m very proud of how far we’ve come,” Gilmore said.
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PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Education Building, home of the Grainger County Archives.
COURTESY OF MARY LYNN GILMORE
Composite photos of the condition of Grainger County records before the archives were established.
Cook.
“I still donate my time. I have enjoyed it. I don’t go as much as I used to, but I need to. We’re getting ready to send another load to Nashville.”
Ken Coffey singled out two other men who’ve contributed to the success of the archives.
“Dr. Vernon Coffey moved his office here and helped to put a new roof on the building. Edwin Jarnigan was the director of schools. He stepped up and found (grants) to get the building back in good hands,” he said.
Ken Coffey’s fingerprints are on all things historical in Grainger County. Just down the hall from the archives are the Sports Hall of Fame, the Grainger County Education Archives and the Grainger County History Museum, all his projects and wonderful collections of the county’s history.
HOLDINGS OF THE ARCHIVES
Today the archives holds and maintains a vast amount of documents and records. Most of the oldest existing Grainger County records are held in the archives, including hundreds of bound volumes of records as well as thousands of loose papers. A collection of historical and genealogy books was donated by the Rutledge Public Library in 2005. Since then, the book collection has continued to grow.
The archives has a huge collection of records on microfilm,
including the Rutledge Public Library’s collection. Among the archives’ other records on microfilm are birth records (1908-1912), Buffalo Springs Bird Farm & C.C.C. Scrapbook (1937-1938), Chris Livesay Papers, Death Records (1908-1912, 1914-1925), Early
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
James and Stevvi
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Stevvi and James Cook and Mary Lynn Gilmore.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL Bound books of records.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL Records stored at the archives.
Tennessee Tax Lists (1797, 1799, 1805, 1810, 1826,1836), East Tennessee Land Grants and Index, Federal Census (1830-1930), Grainger County News (1922-2007), Grainger Today (2004-2019), Military Discharges (1943-1982), Paul Gronse Papers, Shields Ferry Logbook (1908-1909) and Smith Funeral Home Records (1933-1988).
Volunteers at the archives have created indexes of the following loose records collections:
• Marriage records (1796-1950)
• Estate and guardianship settlements (1796-1915)
• County Court documents and cases (1796-1915)
• Circuit Court Cases (mostly criminal cases) (1810-1915)
• Chancery Court cases (civil) (1830-1925)
THE ARCHIVES TODAY
Those visiting the archives today will be greeted by Linda Alred, the director.
“I showed up in 2022. Stevvi retired and I took her place,” said Alred, who loves her job.
“This is my happy place. I’ve never had a bad day here. ... The archives are important to people. It makes me happy to help people find what they need. If I can’t find something that someone is looking for, I try to steer them in the right direction. Ken and Mary Lynn help a lot.
“I love working here, I love helping people.”
The Grainger County Archives is remarkable, not only for the amount of information it has preserved but also that it’s the result of a labor of love, created by people who care about saving our history.
The archives’ hours are Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Archives Director Linda Alred.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Books at the archives.
MARY GRAINGER BLOUNT
a remarkable lady in TENNESSEE HISTORY
By Randy Ball Review Correspondent
Of the 95 counties in the state of Tennessee, 89 are named after men, including Greene (Nathanael), Hamblen (Hezekiah) and Hawkins (Benjamin). Three — Cumberland, Lake and Obion — are named for landmarks, two — Sequatchie and Unicoi — draw their names from Native American words, and one — Union County — is named for historical circumstance. Only one is named for a woman: Grainger County, which honors Mary Grainger Blount.
EARLY LIFE
Mary Grainger was the daughter of Caleb Grainger and Mary Walters Grainger. Their fourth child, Mary was born in 1760 in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. She was called “Molsey” from a young age.
Caleb, a successful plantation owner and businessman, died when Mary was about 5 years old. He left his only daughter well off for the time period and Mary was an attractive catch for any young man.
MARRIAGE AND ADULT LIFE
William Blount, 12 years older than Mary, was a successful businessman, involved in plantations, mills, distilleries and land speculation. They were married in 1778 in Wilmington.
William was active in the American Revolution at the time of their marriage and served as a purchasing agent.
They lived at Piney Grove, William’s plantation near modern Greenville, North Carolina. Their first child, a son named Cornelius, died in infancy. They had eight more children, seven of whom outlived their parents.
William’s business and political interests often kept him away from home. He was a representative to the Continental Congress from North Carolina, which required much of his time to be spent in New York. In 1787, William attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and he was one of 39 men to sign the U.S. Constitution.
In 1790, President George Washington appointed William to serve as governor of the Territory South of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Southwest Territory. William was simultaneously appointed superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southwest. William held about 1 million acres in the territory, so he saw the appointments as a boost to his business interests.
He was required to move across the Appalachian Mountains and live in the territory, but Mary did not like the idea of leaving the comfortable life of Piney Grove. William promised to build a mansion in the territory, and he moved to Rocky Mount in 1790 while his family stayed in North Carolina. In 1791, Mary, their three sons and some enslaved persons made the move to Rocky Mount. They left their two daughters with family in North Carolina.
In 1792, the Blounts moved to a log cabin in Knoxville, where they lived until the promised mansion was built. It was in this cabin the Blounts’ eighth child, a daughter named Barbara, was born.
The family maintained a 200-acre farm on a hill where the cabin stood, and this site would eventually become part of the University of Tennessee.
The mansion was completed in Knoxville in 1793. Knoxville was the capital of the territory, and Mary became hostess to visiting
There are no known paintings of Mary Grainger Blount. This is the image is used on genealogy websites.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
The Grainger name lives on in East Tennessee.
dignitaries. In 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state and William became a U.S. senator. Mary had their last child, another daughter.
William was away for long periods and Mary sometimes returned to North Carolina to visit family.
In 1797, things changed. William was expelled from the senate
and impeached, and his national political career came to an end. Mary was seriously injured in a carriage accident, and she returned to Blount Mansion in 1798.
William suffered financial troubles from his land speculation endeavors, and he died at the mansion in 1800. Mary lived until 1802, when she also died at the mansion. They are buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Knoxville.
LEGACY
Despite the scandals late in his career, William Blount’s contributions to our nation’s early days are still recognized. Blountville and Blount County are named in his honor.
Mary Grainger Blount led an interesting and very full life. She is remembered for her time as a gracious hostess at Blount Mansion and is often referred to as “The First Lady of the Territory South of the River Ohio.” Maryville is named in her honor.
In 1796, a new county was formed from parts of Knox and Hawkins counties. It was named Grainger County in honor of Mary, a remarkable lady in Tennessee history.
REPUTATION
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PHOTO BY RANDY BALL Grainger is the only Tennessee county named for a woman.
PHOTO BY RANDY BALL
Maryville is named for Mary Grainger Blount and Blount County is named for William Blount.
By Randy Ball
Review Correspondent
RUTLEDGE — Grainger County is widely known as a farming community, and Steve and Kim Longmire have owned Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes in Rutledge for years.
In 2020, the Longmires opened a new produce store, Sunfresh Produce, on Rutledge Pike in Rutledge.
Steve has been involved in agriculture his whole life.
“Steve’s grandpa, Charlie Greenlee, was a farmer,” Kim said. “Steve’s mother was the only girl in the family. Steve had 10 uncles and they all helped raise him. When he was 7, Steve raised his first crop of tomatoes. His mother helped him pack them. He’s been farming ever since.”
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PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
The farm is located on the lake.
Kim and Steve Longmire.
Greenhouse tomatoes.
Steve, also a cattle farmer, managed tobacco warehouses in Rogersville “for about 25 years,” he said. Today, he runs the farm on 220 Chahokia Drive near Rutledge.
Kim is a nurse and teaches health occupation at Grainger County High School.
“Steve grows the produce; I manage the stores. It’s a lot of work,” Kim said. “Steve loves to farm. He’s also an outdoorsman; he likes to hunt. He’s been lucky, getting to do the work he loves.”
The Longmires are aided in their efforts by a host of seasonal employees and some help from their three daughters. The farming operation grows tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash, zucchini and vegetable plants, and hanging baskets also are a staple. The produce from the two stores the Longmires operate is sold to the public as well as to large chain stores.
SUNFRESH PRODUCE
Sunfresh Produce is located at 7405 Rutledge Pike, on the “main drag” in Rutledge. The large store carries a wide variety of products.
“We have fresh produce, pantry items, frozen foods, milk, bread, canned goods and Amish products,” Kim noted.
Of course, there are lots of tomatoes at Sunfresh, which also sells watermelons, corn, cucumbers, potatoes and just about any other vegetable one can think of.
There’s also a huge selection of canned products, including relishes, chow-chow, sauces, fruit and pickled eggs, plus a large display of old-fashioned candy.
“We have restaurant-quality frozen foods,” Kim added, including chicken, beef, chicken livers, shrimp and other products.
There is one greenhouse at Sunfresh Produce, which in the springtime is filled with huge hanging baskets of petunias and ferns.
In the four years since its opening, Sunfresh has become a Rutledge staple.
“We’re pleased with the success,” Kim said. “We try to keep specialty items that you can’t find in chain stores.”
TENNESSEE HOMEGROWN TOMATOES
A short drive from Sunfresh Produce is the farm and original store, the home of Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes. Steve started the farm in 1982.
“The farm is about 250 acres,” he noted, and the 37 greenhouses on the property are a striking feature.
Tomatoes are grown all year — early, middle and late season — and the plants fill the greenhouses. But all kinds of vegetable plants,
started from seed, and flowers, especially huge hanging baskets, occupy the greenhouses as well.
Cattle and fields of crops are also on the farm. Steve likes to see to the watering of the greenhouse plants himself.
Steve and Kim also make their home on the farm, down near the lake.
The store at the farm has a similar selection to the products carried by Sunfresh Produce, but in a smaller space.
The stores stay busy with customers and the farm is always
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
The store at the Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes farm.
Some of the products at the first store.
buzzing with activity.
CONTINUING FORWARD
Successful business endeavors know how to adapt.
“We have started growing herbs, like cilantro and rosemary,” Kim said. “We’re always open to trying new things that our customers would enjoy.”
The quality of what they sell is important to the Longmires.
“We have a GlobalGAP audit (part of a farm assurance program), which helps ensure food quality,” Kim explained.
The Longmires have many long-time customers, and the new Rutledge store has gained them many new ones.
“We meet a lot of people, including visitors to area campgrounds,” said Kim, who added that there seems to be a revival in interest in gardening and preserving food.
“People ask me about gardening and canning. It’s been a lost art but after COVID there seems to be an interest in it again,” she said. “Growing up, farming, gardening and preserving food was family time. I wouldn’t trade those memories.”
Steve and Kim are both lifelong Grainger County residents.
“We like to give back as much as we can,” Kim said. “We’re thankful that we could open a second location.
“We pride ourselves on good, high-quality produce. It’s a nonstop thing. One thing is finishing up and another one begins.”
PHOTOS BY RANDY BALL
Sunfresh Produce on Rutledge Pike.
Hanging baskets are a popular product.
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