Discover Hancock County 2024

SNEEDVILLE

Hancock CountyTennessee

Discover Hancock County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com

423-272-7422

MANAGEMENT

Artie Wenhenkel

Regional Advertising Director

Jeff Bobo Editor

EDITORIAL

Randy Ball

Discover Hancock County Contributor

Rita Dykes

Discover Hancock County Contributor

ADVERTISING

Abby Swearingen Marketing Consultant

Darla Allen Creative Services/Production

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Story suggestions, inquiries

be made to Jeff Bobo at jeff.bobo@therogersvillereview.com

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CUSTOM LEATHER THORN HILL

TURNING YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS

By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent

Hancock County natives Wendy and Calvin Mullins are the creators and owners of Thorn Hill Custom Leather.

The couple enjoys the challenge of creating unique personalized leather jewelry and accessories in the comfort of their home. They manage to find time to create their works of art while spending time with their children, working full-time jobs, and completing their farm chores.

Wendy is a kindergarten teacher and Calvin is a mechanic and woodworker. The couple have been married for 15 years and have three beautiful

children, Sofie, Lane, and Boone.

Wendy, Calvin, and the children live on a gorgeous farm in Thorn Hill where they raise cattle and own horses. As if they don’t have enough to do, they spend the majority of their time running to ballgames with Sofie, and to rodeos with Lane.

Wendy never thought of turning her hobby into a business until her friend, Emily who is also an entrepreneur, encouraged her to turn her love for leather crafting into a business.

Wendy said, “I would have never taken the leap if not for her. I was doubtful that anything would come from it but she kept encouraging me to give it a try.

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Although most of their clientele thus far has been local, they do offer shipping for their custommade creations for an extra fee. To place an order or view their amazing artwork, go to Thorn Hill Custom Leather on Facebook.

Be sure to keep them in mind when you are searching for a gift for those special people in your life. What’s better than gifting a one-of-akind wearable piece of art?

Stamped leather claw clip

Custom initial claw clip

Personalized leather bracelet with snap closure

IT STARTED WITH A

Andy

OUT ON THE CREEK CAMPGROUND, RV PARK, AND EVENT VENUE

of Hancock County, Andy and Lisa Johnson embarked on adventure that is creating lasting memories for them and their community.

It all began with a dream Lisa had about a creek front property; a dream that inspired the establishment of the campground and RV park.

Andy being a seasoned entrepreneur, soon began transforming the quartermile creek front property into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Soon after the property across the road was also transformed into what is now a RV park for permanent residents. The couple completed the

The campground features two lots for primitive camping and a third lot for residents at the RV park to enjoy. The park offers 11 lots, with 10 providing full hookups and one designed for a more primitive experience Both properties have many great amenities such as campfire grills, firepits, a gazebo with porch swings, picnic tables, electricity, and a playset for kids.

Leaving Andy to manage the campground and park, Lisa wanted to embark on another venture, an event venue. She values family and community

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Cozy up to a campfire.

For reservations and information on the campground and park call Andy at 423-300-4252 and for the venue call Lisa at 423-327-4763.

You can also look up their Facebook pages:

Out On The Creek Campground, Out On The Creek RV Park, and Out On The Creek Venue.

THE ADDRESS TO THEIR THREE LOCATIONS ARE:

Out On The Creek Campground: 120 Caney Valley Rd, Sneedville 37869

2968 Tazewell Hwy, Sneedville, TN 37869

Out On The Creek Venue: 274 Obie Street, Sneedville, TN 37896

so establishing an event venue was right up her alley. The venue building Lisa chose holds nostalgic memories for many elders in the area.

Many recalled playing there as children and working there as they got older. Lisa saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space and make it a comfortable and unique place for celebrations, including birthdays, showers, reunions, weddings, and more. With hard work and dedication, the Out On The Creek Venue opened its doors to the public in August 2023.

Community member and fellow business

Oustide of the Out On The Creek Venue

Playing in the creek at the Campground

movie atmosphere at an affordable rate. The heartfelt touches of décor express the love and effort that went into this venue. We’ve had the pleasure of attending a dance there and look forward to utilizing this space in the future.”

Lisa said, “Our most popular community event that so far was our Christmas event. We enjoyed hot chocolate, apple cider, cookie decorating, made ornaments, and everyone got their picture taken with Santa. This year, we plan to add more things like a train ride & a few more surprises.” Loretta Mills,

they donate prizes that are given out at the Town’s appreciation event. They also volunteer their time with Sneedville Mercy by helping with things such as

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Wide open spaces at the campground

community Thanksgiving dinners and providing a blessing box at their campground on Caney Valley Road.

The couple would like to thank all of their customers and campers for their unwavering support. They plan to keep adding new features and events as they embody an amazing event venue and awe-inspiring creek side camping spots. Places where families and friends can enjoy time together or people can just enjoy getting away from their daily routine to enjoy some of the best things that nature has to offer.

All photos courtesy of the Johnson family.

Always something going on at the campground

Tire swing near the creek at the campground

THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN GIRLS SWEET MOUNTAIN

MUSIC

The Clinch Mount Girls pose on the Kyles Ford Bridge over the Clinch River

By Randy Ball Review Correspondent

The Clinch Mountain Girls features Cassie Seal, Cheyenne Hurd, Ashley Smith and Laree McMurray, which may be a new musical group, but each member brings substantial musical experience and a love of music to the band.

Cassie, Cheyenne, and Ashley all grew up knowing each other. Laree is the newcomer to the group. Cheyenne recalls, “We all knew each other. We sung together after church one night.”

The group began working together with the present lineup in August of 2023.

The Clinch Mountain girls have played several local venues. They sang at a sunrise service.

They also played at the “Hurd Shindig”, Washburn Fall Festival, two shows at the Kyles Ford firehall, Riverplace on the Clinch, and the Farmers Daughter Restaurant.

They have played several local parties. Cheyenne said “We play local barbecues, it seems to be our continued to page 16

Mountain songbirds, the Clinch Mountain Girls

For more information about the Clinch Mountain Girls you can email

clinchmountaingirls4@gmail.com or visit

“Clinch Mountain Girls” in Facebook.

‘ ’

forte’.” Cassie added “We hope to do a CD in the near future.”

Each young lady in the group brings a strong musical background to the group.

Cassie Seal is from Eidson. She graduated from Hancock County High School. She sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar.

She said, “I always loved music. I started in the 6th grade. I played at church. Me and Ashley sung at school. I took my guitar to school and played with Brian Collins and Sam Tabler. I sang in church with my mom. She taught me how to sing harmony.”

Cheyenne Hurd is from Eidson. She is a member of the legendary Hurd musical family.

She remembers, “My dad held me up to the microphone when I was too little to walk. I grew up singing with the family band. We had a talent

show in high school and I sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and won! People started asking me to sing in churches. Then I fell in with Cassie and Ashley.”

Ashley Smith is from Kyles Ford.

She said, “I’ve known Cassie forever, our moms are best friends, we grew up together.” She remembers singing in the seventh grade and then joining the youth choir at church. She started playing piano at church as a high school sophomore.

Laree McMurray is the newest member of the group. She recalled meeting the group at a barbecue in July, 2023 and joining them in August. She came to the group as an established fiddle player.

She said, “I began taking lesson at five years

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The Clinch Mountain Girls featuring Cassie, Cheyenne, Ashley and Laree

old. I hated it for a while, but started back again at 14. I played at church with my family just about every week. She played with High Lonesome Senate at Walters State Community College. She added “When everyone in the group graduated in 2020, we became Ten Penny Drive.” She still plays with that group.

Laree said that everybody sings. “We all sing lead and harmony.”

Cassie added “We’re content playing locally, but I would like to travel someday.”

Laree added “There are so many good people in this area, it’s a good place to play.”

With the vocal versatility the group has, they can perform a wide variety of material. Cheyenne said “We cover about every genre’, but add our own twist.”

Some of the cover songs the Clinch Mountain girls perform include:

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CHEYENNE HURD

LAREE MCMURRAY

Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine

Seven Bridges Road

Jolene

Deeper than the Holler

Sounds of Silence

You’ll Never Leave Harlen Alive

They have also begun to write some of their own material. Cheyenne and Cassie wrote a song titled “My Company”. Cassie, Cheyenne and Ashley wrote “My Old Man.” Cassie and Ashley wrote “Out the Door”, which is a tribute to firefighters. Cheyenne and Cassie wrote “Another Tear Falls Down.”

The Clinch Mountain Girls already have a strong local following. They are working to get even better. Cheyenne is learning to play bass and Cassie adds “I’d like to learn another instrument.”

If you get a chance to see a Clinch Mountain Girls’ performance, you won’t be disappointed. It’s clear that they love the music.

CASSIE SEAL

ASHLEY SMITH

THE HANCOCK COUNTY

JAIL

Katherine has a wealth of information to share with visitors. She said “The building was constructed in 1860.

The bricks were handmade in Sneedville. The building was used as a jail until 1989.” It was mandatory that the sheriff’s wife cook meals for the prisoners. The sheriff and his family lived on the ground floor and the jail cells were upstairs. There have been many children who spent part of their youth living at the jail.

There are two cells upstairs. The “men’s’ side” has six cots and men served their time together in the same cell. The “women’s’ side” was across the room from the men’s’ cell. The women’s area was a solid room with a barred door.

The only way in or out of the cell room is to climb a narrow wooden staircase. There is a hook, or o-ring, in the floor of the space between the cells. Katherine explained that the hook was used to attach to the prisoners’ shekels to secure them when the cells were cleaned.

She added “In the early days, there wasn’t any bathroom facilities and it was often the job of one of

Over 30 years of experience ... atradition of trust and hard work!

Display of wanted posters.

The o-ring between the cells, used to se- cure prisoners while the cells were cleaned

Displays in the Taylor room.

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of two deputies, Alex Morris and Lon Tyler and serious injuries to Sheriff Verlin Maxey. Two other deputies died while performing their duties; John Lamb (1900) and James Nelson Singleton (1913).

Hancock County has even had a female sheriff; Sheriff Kyle Seal passed away in 1971. His wife, Ora, was appointed to finish his term and she served from 1971-1972.

HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFFS

1846-1848 William Wilder

1848-1849 James Fritts

1849-1850 Z. G. Trent

1850-1856 N. Baldwin

1856-1858 M. H. Bray

1858-1860 Anderson Campbell

1860-1865 J. M. Rains

1866-1870 M. H. Bray

1870-1872 Jesse P. Nichols

1874-1876 W. P. Testerman

1876-1878 Jesse P. Nichols

1878-1880 N. Leagear

1882-1884 G. W. Edds

Items found during the 2008 renovation of the building

The womens’ cell was less intimidating.

A room with a jail door

The museum includes a cardboard image of Jimmy Martin

1990-1994 Tony Seal

1994-2010 Ralph Douglas Seal

2010-2014 George Leamon Maxey

2014-2018 Ralph Douglas Seal

2018-Present Brad Brewer

By the 1960s the jail was the oldest jail in use in the state of Tennessee. In the 1980s Sheriff Doug Seal became the first Hancock County to not live in the jail. Katherine added that the jail had “got to where it didn’t pass state inspections.” The new jail was opened in 1989.

The old building has taken on important new life. The Hancock County Historical and Genealogical Society is located there and it is often visited by people researching their ancestry. Katherine said “We have had visitors from as far away as California and Oregon.” Katherine’s office is in the room that was the jail’s kitchen. The “Taylor Room” is named in honor of Sheriff George Taylor and it displays photos of some former sheriffs and a collection of regional books. The museum has a cardboard standup of Bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin, a photo

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The men’s cell.

of Maired Hatfield, a photo of Mahala Mullins and other Hancock County items. A selection of local-interest books is also available.

Katherine added that while they do have many visitors, she would love to see local young people become interested in history. She said “There was one local history teacher who would bring a class in, have them find their family name in the books, and write a one-page report.”

If a person has traced their family to Hancock County, or if they just want to learn some of the area’s history, or if they want to see how a small-town jail looked a few decades ago, the old Hancock County is the place to visit. Local people have done a wonderful job of giving new purpose to a historic building.

The narrow staircase leading to the cells on the second floor

The door to the jail area on the second floor

KEVIN COLLINS

THE ALMOST FAMOUS MOUNTAIN MAN FROM HANCOCK COUNTY

Kevin

By Randy Ball Review Correspondent

Every small town has some people that everyone seems to know; a person who always has a smile for everyone and makes others smile back. These people usually have several talents that they are known for.

Some might call this type of person “a local character.” Sneedville has such a person in Kevin Collins. Kevin is a musician, songwriter, preacher and writer.

Kevin has played gospel and Bluegrass music in several bands. He is active in the Sneedville Masonic Lodge. He currently doesn’t pastor a church, but still preaches occasionally. Friends encouraged him to write about his life experiences, so he has written two autobiographical books; The Unforgettable Kevin Collins: The Mountain Man from Hancock County, TN and Almost Famous Kevin Collins from Sneedville, Tennessee, Down Through the Years.

EARLY LIFE

jam sessions. He said “I learned to play guitar at 8 ½ years old. The neighbors’ kids taught me to play “Bad Moon Rising.” My dad showed me three chords and I went from there.” He recalls “I always loved going to town on Friday and Saturday nights. Me and Michael Gibson, Brotey Johnson and Jimmy Joe Johnson would sit at the car wash in the back of my dad’s pickup truck and play our guitars and entertain the local teenagers.”

Another life-changing event happened for Kevin when he was 11 ½ years old. He remembers “I met the Lord Jesus at Mt. Pisgah Church in Sneedville. That was the best thing that ever happened to me.” He said that his mom and dad took the family to church every Sunday. He began singing with his family in

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Kevin was raised in Sneedville. He was raised in a loving family. His dad drove a Coca-Cola truck. He had several family members nearby, including grandparents. He remembered “getting into mischief and taking vacation trips to Pigeon Forge.” He also recalls “We had to entertain ourselves, we listened to the radio, watched tv and listened to eight-track tapes.”

Kevin had an interesting school career. He said “I was picked on in school, by the boys and the girls, but mostly by the boys!” He remembers “In the fourth grade I was called to the principal’s office. I thought I was in trouble. He told me to go with the janitor.” Kevin was shown how to stoke the furnace and he performed that task from 6:30am until 2:30pm. He also cleaned the lunch room and helped take care of the rest rooms. He worked at the school instead of going to class and graduated in 1994.

Kevin’s interest in music began as a youth, his family would visit neighbors and there would be

A very young Kevin

I love to play music and I’ve written over 300 songs.

”

CD single cover for “I Wouldn’t Have it Any Other Way

John Anderson signs Kevin’s guitar

church. his career. He recalls that he and his mother counted all of the jobs he has had; “Between 1994 and 2007 I had 205 public jobs. I’ve been everything except a doctor and a lawyer.”

MUSIC

Music has been a big part of Kevin’s life. Early on he sang gospel music in local churches and developed an interest in Bluegrass music. He plays guitar, sings and writes songs.

He first sang gospel with a quartet call The Harvesters when he was ten years old. Kevin also got to sing with his father in the group The Gospel Messengers.

In high school he formed Midnight Fire and later The Foggy Mountain Ridge Runners. That band included Wesley Seal, Josh Petticord, Stet Ellis and Kevin. He played with Grassy continued to page 32

Ridge, a band which toured and opened for John Anderson, Rascal Flatts , The Lewis Family and others.

Kevin said “I love to play music and I’ve written over 300 songs.” His daughter Ashley says her favorite is “I Wouldn’t Have it Any Other Way.” His son Brian likes “Heaven on High” and “Homesick”. Kevin and Tina’s favorite is “Higherground.”

TODAY

At the urging of friends, Kevin has written two

books about his life experiences and what it has been like growing up and living in Sneedville. He is starting on a third book.

He continues to sing, play and record music. He currently performs with Brian in The Small Town Bluegrass Band. He often plays at the Clinch Mountain Lookout Restaurant in Grainger County and at Music Junction in Rogersville.

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A Gospel Messengers CD cover

Kevin with Jimmy Martin sign

Midnight Fire

The Foggy Mountain Ridge Runners

A PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR OF

DOWNTOWN SNEEDVILLE

By Randy Ball Review Correspondent

Small town Main Streets have been romanticized in literature, film and songs. Main Streets have historically been the center of the town’s activities.

Generations of children have grown up on Main

Streets in America, and likewise, generations have passed on. Businesses come and go. History and memories are made.

Sneedville’s Main Street is typical of Main Streets throughout our region, but the buildings, names and businesses are unique to Hancock County. I made a few trips down Main Street in December, and here’s what I saw.

EMILY SOUTHERN PHOTOGRAPHY

By Rita Dykes Review Correspondent

Emily Southern lives with her husband Jordan and their two adorable daughters, Layne and Reese in Hancock County where the natural scenery is stunning and the community is tight-knit.

Emily is an academic coach for Hancock County Schools and a professional photographer. She began snapping pictures for her friends and family as a hobby. Her love for the art form grew and after a short year passed, she turned her hobby into a business, Emily Southern Photography. She has been fulfilling clients’ dreams of capturing special moments for thirteen years.

As Emily launched her business website and social media platforms, she started to get more bookings and referrals, and soon she had a steady stream of clients. Her photography business continues to grow and flourish.

She is always looking for new ways to challenge herself and express her creativity. She also maintains high standards of quality and customer service. She listens to her clients’ needs and preferences, and customizes her sessions to suit their vision. She strives to make every client happy and satisfied with their photos.

Emily is not alone in her work; her family plays a large part in her success.

She said, “My family is so supportive of my work and they have all been involved in some capacity. My husband often helps with “setups” I might be using for a session and he also comes along to help with all equine sessions. He grew up around horses and knows them well, so I couldn’t ask for a better assistant when it comes to equine photography than him. He understands how they should look and the poses that showcase the horses in the best way.”

Their daughters ”work” as models in shoots. “They love getting to dress in rodeo attire and have fun at the barn with their horses while I take the photos. We have a really good time getting to do it together.”

One of the highlights of her photography career is working with Fallon Taylor, a world champion barrel racer and business owner. She admires Fallon’s achievements, and was thrilled when she contacted her to provide images for her youth product line for Ranch Dress’n western clothing. Emily’s daughters are also models for the clothing

line. They had a blast dressing up in rodeo attire and posing with the horses. The girls love it so much that they have grown an immense interest in horses and rodeo.

Emily also loves photographing families and the connection they have with each other. “I love being able to deliver photos to a mother that truly show the bond she has with her family. It’s special!” The area’s scenery is also a favorite of Emily’s to capture, whether as a stand-alone shot or as a backdrop to someone’s special photos.

LeAnne Anderson, a client of Emily’s said, “Emily is so talented, kind, and fun to work with. We have family pictures taken once a year and we always book with her. When we had sickness in out extended family, she scheduled special sessions so we could capture precious memories with our loved ones. We always have a wonderful experience and absolutely love all of our photos.”

Rachael Pruette also sang Emily’s praises, “I have used Emily for multiple sessions ranging from headshots, couples’, family, and birthday photos. Her Christmas sessions photos are always a staple on our Christmas cards. Everytime she has always used her creativity to make each session special and leaves us with not only a great time but with exceptional photos that we will cherish for a lifetime.”

Another client, Tara Marion said, “Emily has perfectly captured my family’s milestones for years. From special moments, birthdays, holidays, and everything in between - we could not love our photos more. Her attention to finding the perfect angle, lighting, and capturing priceless expressions is truly amazing. If you are looking for a customized experience for any occasion, Emily will not disappoint you. Her work is absolutely stunning.”

When asked about who influenced her as a photographer Emily quickly replied, “I follow many photographers and have lots of friends in the industry that have influenced me along the way. I love Breanne Weston’s work and how she photographs families. For equine photography, I really love Kirstie Marie’s style.”

Each year Emily sets goals for her business. “I want to improve my client’s experience, whether that would be turning their photos around faster, adding more information to the client experience guide, or adapting my process during the shoot to make the client more comfortable. I would also love

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to add more commercial clients to my books and expand even further in the equine photography market.”

Many of her clients are local or want to come to her so she can capture the beauty of the vast natural beauty that surrounds Hancock County in their photos. From the gorgeous mountains that surround the valleys to breathtaking waterfalls and waterways, you can’t find a much

more special place to spend an afternoon with Emily as she captures memories for you and your family to cherish for years to come.

Be sure to reach out to Emily in plenty of time to schedule your session and if you travel to her, you will not be disappointed. Visit her website at Emilysouthern.com or find her on Facebook and Instagram under Emily Southern Photography.

All photos by Emily Southern

BOARD MEMBERS

Jack Mullins

David Jones, Chairman

Dennis Holt

Jerry Hopkins, Vice Chairman

Adam Trent

Adam Nichols

Jamie Stanifer

10 Things To AskARealtor Before Selling Your Land

1. Do youown apair of boots?

2. Do you owna4WD and are you afraid of getting it scratched?

3. Do you understand Greenbelt classification?

4.Can youreadasurvey?

5. Do you knowwhat a1031 Exchangeis?

6. Are you experienced in subdividing proper ty?

7. Do youknow the difference between aperk test and asoil map?

8. Do youknow how to adver tise farms differently than ahouse?

9. Do you knowthe difference between aRight of Wayand a Deeded Access?

10. Are you familiar with our area?