Discover Hancock County 2020 by Discover Hawkins County

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DISCOVER

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HANCOCK VOLUME 5 — 2020

County T EN N ESSEE

Bluegrass Legend

Doyle Lawson

A country boy at heart and proud Hancock County native • page 24

The Stewart Family

Six generations of coopers • page 6

Brad Brewer

Entrepreneur and Sheriff • page 16

Hancock County’s Veterans

honored with permanent photo exhibit • page 34

‘Than’l’s Parents Remember • page 44 A&A Stables • page 54

Serving Hancock County and Surrounding Areas Lisa McBride

Principal Broker Auctioneer

423-748-1081 clinchmtnrealty @gmail.com

Phyllis Reed

Kimberly Young

Affiliate Broker

865-748-3325

727-542-9733

phyllisreedrealestate @gmail.com

clinchmtnrealtykim @gmail.com

Joey Haun

Affiliate Broker Apprentice Auctioneer

423-748-7181

josephhaunrealtor @gmail.com

Sue King

Wilber Hite

Missy Seal

Tim Rutherford

423-736-8640

423-923-1097

423-300-2201

423-231-3176

Affiliate Broker sking505 @hotmail.com

Affiliate Broker

wilberhite @yahoo.com

missyseal @yahoo.com

Affiliate Broker

trutherford1272 @gmail.com

WE DO AUCTIONS! Kim Nedweski Affiliate Broker

865-898-3768

kimberlynedweski @gmail.com

Give us a call!

UNITED COUNTRY AUCTION SERVICES

Renowned as the most trusted and valued strategic real estate and asset auction organization in America.

3736 Highway 25-E â&#x20AC;˘ Bean Station, TN 37708

865-993-5263

Fax: 865-993-6447

TNFL #5167

Each office independently owned and operated

www.ucclinchmountainrealty.com

Discover Hancock County • 2020

The most advanced Subaru Legacy ever. ®

The 2020 Subaru Legacy is more than an elegant sedan. It’s technologically advanced. The available 11.6-inch touchscreen connects you. Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology* adds proven safety. The available DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System† helps prevent distracted or drowsy driving. Love, for all the right reasons.

8729 Kingston Pike | Knoxville, TN 37923

888-660-0184 www.graysonsubaru.com Subaru, Legacy, and EyeSight are registered trademarks. *EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather, and road conditions. See your owner’s manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. †DriverFocus is a driver-recognition technology designed to alert the driver if their attention to the road wavers or if the driver’s face appears to turn away. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness may be affected by articles of clothing worn on the head or face. See your owner’s manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.

4 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Hancock County Welcome to

Hancock County Officials

TENNESSEE

Hancock County Courthouse

1237 Main Street | P.O. Box 347 | Sneedville, TN 37869 | 423-733-4341

www.hancockcountytn.com

• Thomas J. Harrison County Mayor • Bradley Brewer Sheriff • Micah Wallen Circuit Court Clerk • Sue Greer Administrator of Elections • Leslie “Chuck” Johnson Trustee • Janie Lamb Register of Deeds • Judy Trent Chancery Court Clerk • William “Bill” Seal Assessor of Property • Jessie Royston County Clerk • Henry Shockley Road Superintendent • Tony H. Seal Director of Schools

“Come and Experience the Difference. It’s Just a Different Way of Doing Business”.

dde Chevrolet Company is a family owned and operated dealership located in the small town of Rutledge, TN, near Knoxville — serving you since 1959 with quality new and used cars, truck and SUVs. We are away from all the hustle and bustle of the big cities, so take that beautiful drive down to your local Chevrolet dealership in Rutledge today!

2020 Chevrolet Blazer

2020 Chevrolet Spark

2020 Chevrolet Camaro

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EDDE CHEVROLET COMPANY, INC. 8700 Rutledge Pike | Rutledge, Tennessee 37861 Sales and Service: 865-828-5233 | www.eddechevrolet.net

Discover Hancock County • 2020

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DISCOVER

Inside

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HANCOCK

County

Discover Hancock County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | 316 East Main Street Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422

MANAGEMENT

Tommy Campbell Editor & Publisher EDITORIAL

Randy Ball

Contributing Writer

Rita Dykes

Contributing Writer ADVERTISING

Abby Swearingen

Marketing Consultant

Brenda Weems

Marketing Consultant

Brandy Trent

Business Manager Circulation

Stewart Family 6 The Six generations of coopers

Brad Brewer 16 Entrepreneur and Sheriff 24 Bluegrass Legend

Doyle Lawson

A country boy at heart and proud Hancock County native

34 Hancock County Veterans

honored with permanent photo exhibit

44 ‘Than’l’s Parents Remember

54 A&A Stables

Freda Turbyfill

Graphic Designer

Discover Hancock County 2020 is a single-copy supplement to The Rogersville Review. Additional copies may be picked up at the Review office and are available at no cost. We will gladly mail at a cost of $4 per copy to cover the cost of postage and handling. Copyright: 2020, Discover Hancock County 2020, Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the newspaper’s management. Reproduction of advertising and design work is strictly prohibited due to the use of licensed art services and agency agreements.

ON THE COVER: Photo by David Bailey Photography, courtesy Doyle Lawson Management

6 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Rick in 1990

Rick’s favorite photo of his grandfather Alex Stewart.

The

Bucket made by Alex.

Stewart Family

Brendon in 2020

Six Generations of Coopers

he Stewart family of Hancock County is now on their sixth generations of coopers. Coopering is the craft of producing staved vessels held together only with wood bands. In 1976 Rick Stewart began learning the craft from his grandfather, Alex Stewart (Rick’s father never pursued coopering). Now Rick’s son, Brendon, has taken up coopering, the sixth generation of the Stewart family to do so. Rick and Brendon work out of their basement shop in the Panther Creek community. Rick started coopering with Alex in 1976. According to Rick, the coopers in his family by generation before himself were Alex, Joe, Boyd and Jim Stewart. Some of the Continued on page 9

Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;¢ 2020

From a chunk of wood to the final product.

Rick at work in the doorway of his shop.

8 Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

Above and top right: Brendon on the shaving horse using the drawing knife once used by his great-grandfather Alex Stewart.

Left: Brendon holds the dipper he made.

Below: The parts of a tankard laid out in the Stewart shop.

The apprentice, Brendon, and the master, Rick inspect some of their work.

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Some of the tools in the shop, many are generations old.

Joe Stewart and wife. Photo owned by Rick Stewart

From page 6

vessels a cooper can produce are churns, buckets, barrels, pitchers, canteens and piggins. Coopers were once an important part of many communities, but today it is largely a lost art.

Alex’s Story: Generation 4

Alex Stewart was the fourth generation Stewart cooper. He had learned coopering as a young man but had put it aside until late in his life when John Rice Irwin was combing Newman’s Ridge looking for mountain artifacts. Irwin saw a piggin that was made by Boyd Stewart. That item was not for sale. It was suggested that he contact Alex about making a few pieces. Irwin brought some material to Alex, hoping to get a nice item or two. To Irwin’s surprise, Alex produced several items, many more than he had expected, approximately two dozen items. The chance meeting with Irwin brought Alex back into the coopering craft and created a certain measure of fame late in Alex’s life. Alex was featured at the 1976 Festival of American Folklore in Washington DC. Irwin was so impressed with Alex he wrote a book, Alex Stewart, Portrait of a Pioneer.

Rick’s Story: Generation 5

Rick Stewart was 16 when he began coopering with his grandfather, Alex.

He remembers “Grandpa told me he was so happy that I took up coopering, it’s in your blood, not everybody can do it.” It was in 1976 that Rick began working with Alex every day. “It was amazing how much he could remember,” Rick says, adding that he learned how to make everything Alex could. Alex also taught Rick other pioneer skills, such as knowledge of trees and herbs. While most people judge trees by the leaves, Alex taught Rick to judge by the bark, including which white oak trees would make the best bands. Rick says that Alex had one skill he wouldn’t teach him … “He was a moonshiner, that’s how he fed his family.” Remembering his grandfather, Rick says, “It was amazing how much sense he had … he was one of the smartest men I’ve ever known.” Rick learned well from the master and soon he was traveling to craft shows as a cooper. Rick says that most of his tools are 200 years old and were used by his great-great-grandfather. Rick gained more and more notoriety as a cooper and has been to the Smithsonian twice as a demonstrator, in 1983 and 1986. One of the highlights of his career was a trip he made to Japan in 1988 as part of the US-Japan Creative Artist Exchange Program. He was in Japan for six months. During this time of traveling and doing shows, Rick discovered continued on page 11

10 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Above: Rick’s copy of John Rice Irwin’s book about Alex. At right: Alex and the items he made for John Rice Irwin.

Rick’s work in a Japanese publication. Above: A poster used in Alex’s display at the Smithsonian.

At right: Alex Stewart on the cover of The Craftsman in America from the National Geographic Society.

“ It starts as chunks of wood, we take it through all these steps, hand split, hand done … just the same techniques as our ancestors used.”

— Rick Stewart

Bucket made by by Rick.

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Randy Ball photographed Rick Stewart in the old shop in 1990.

From page 9

and developed communication skills that lead him into another career and away from coopering. At age 33 he began a successful career in car sales and did not get back into coopering until 2014.

Brendon’s Story: Generation 6

Brendon Stewart is a 15-year-old sophomore at Hancock County High School. Rick says that “Brendon played around in the shop making a few things for several years, but got serious about two years ago.” Brendon was making spoons, plates and trays and was selling some pieces of his work before he began coopering. Brendon was using the draw knife at five-years old. Today he prefers to use the draw knife that Alex used. Rick says that Brendon has always liked to use his old tools. Brendon says that he took up coopering because he just wanted to do it, seeing Rick do it for so long, and that he wanted to keep the tradition alive, “since there are so many coopers in the family.” A young man of few words, when

asked what it takes to be a cooper, Brendon answers “patience.” As for other activities, Brendon enjoys farming, hunting and four wheeling. Rick and Brendon were honored in 2018 when they were selected to be one of the teams to be part of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The program honors and funds teams who are preserving a traditional folklife art form that is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage.

The Future is the Past

With Rick as the master and Brendon as his apprentice, we can be sure that the Stewart family legacy of cooping is going to continue. Rick says that collectors who have an example of Alex’s work and/or his own work are buying Brendon’s work. He adds “it’s nice to make a bucket and sit beside one of Alex’s… all are different, one of a kind.” Brendon even got to speak about the craft at the Tennessee Arts Commission, although according to Rick he really didn’t want to; “he did a great job and his mom was really proud.” Brendon’s opinion of public speaking is “It ain’t easy.” Rick sums up the cooper’s craft; “ It starts as chunks of wood, we take it through all these steps, hand split, hand done … just the same techniques as our ancestors used.”

— By Randy Ball

Readers who would like more information may check out their website at

rickstewart.20m.com

12 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Th e Shepherd’s Corner op h S Save money while helping your local community. We have many items to choose from including:

Name Brand Clothing Shoes Accessories What-nots • Toiletries Through your support we average serving over 20,000 people with good and services valued at over $1 million dollars!

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Jail Street • PO Box 393, Sneedville, TN 37869

423-733-1505

The money made here goes back to help local needy people.

Convenience Store • Discount Smoke Shop • ATM • Ammunition Car Wash • Laundromat

CORNER MART Monday - Friday: 6 am - 11 pm Saturday: 7 am - 11 pm • Sunday: 8 am - 11 pm 120 North Jockey Street • Sneedville, TN 37869 • 423-733-4283

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217 East Main St., Rogersville, TN

423-272-2521 • 800-247-7317

A newly made dipper and tankard.

14 Discover Hancock County • 2020

City of

Sneedville

William Pat Riley, Mayor Matthew Waddell, Vice-Mayor Gail Collins, City Recorder COUNCILMEN Janet Cose • Janet Collins •Troy Collins • Michael Gibson

P.O. Box 377 | Sneedville, TN 37869 423-733-2254 | Fax 423-733-4112 Email: sneedvillecityhall@yahoo.com

Putting Customers First to Build Relationships that Last.

161 Main Street Sneedville, Tennessee 423.733.2212 www.civisbank.com

Gary W. Hicks, Jr.

Hancock County Ambulance Service employees appreciate the support of the wonderful residents of Hancock County.

Emergency Dial

911

1517 Main St. • P.O. Box 409 Sneedville, TN 37869

423-733-2222 • 423-733-4454

State Representative It is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Hancock and Hawkins Counties. 301 6th Avenue North, Suite 206A, War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 Phone 615-741-7480 • Fax 615-253-0307

rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov Paid for by Rep. Gary W. Hicks, Jr.

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Gibsons Tax Service

ALL CREATURES

MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICES Serving Hancock County and Surrounding Areas

FAST, RELIABLE, SECURE Mike Gibson Owner

www.gibsonstaxservice.com

Overhome Cabins Hancock County, Tennessee

The River Bluff

For more information, or to make a reservation call 423-300-9283 Or check us out on the web at: www.overhomecabins.com

Convenient - We come to you! Quality, Personalized Care re Less Stress on your Pet No Waiting or Exposure To Other Sick Animals

Phone: 423-733-1040 Cell: 423-300-9283

1498 Newman’s Ridge Rd • P.O. Box 202 Sneedville, TN 37869

The River Bluff Lodge features seven bedrooms, six baths and is perched on a bluff overlooking Clinch River, in rural Sneedville, TN. Located in Historic Hancock County in Northeast Tennessee, we have some of the most beautiful views and abundant wildlife in the state. From our wrap-around porch, you can see for miles. This is a a great place to bring your family! Directions: From Morristown or Rogersville, turn on Hwy. 31 from 11W. Go about 17 miles and turn right onto Duck Creek Road. Go 1/2 mile and turn onto River Bluff Drive. From Sneedville, go South across the River Bridge on Hwy. 31. Go past the boat ramp and turn left onto Duck Creek Road. Continue 1/2 mile and turn left on River Bluff Drive.

556 River Bluff Drive • Sneedville TN 37869 • 423-300-9283

Call 423-733-1912 or 423-327-7962 to set up a house call appointment.

Sounds purr-fect to me!

email: drdave@all-creatures-vet.com

The Hancock County Sheriff asks all citizens to work with local the Police Department and Sheriff’s Department in fighting crime. Report violations. Information will be kept confidential. Either call 911 or the Sheriff’s Department

423-733-2250 or 733-4475 or 733-2249.

We urge everyone to be safe in your daily activities and especially safe when driving.

Thank you, Sheriff Brad Brewer

265 New Jail Street • Sneedville, Tennessee 37869

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16 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Brad on the first tractor they restored 1936 John Deere B.

BRAD BREWER ENTREPRENEUR SHERIFF AND

In 1998, Brad Brewer, owner of Brad’s Auto Repair and Sales (Brad’s Auto), decided to turn his passion for working on automobiles into a business. “My father taught me how to fix things, and I really enjoyed working vehicles. With the help of my dad, I was able to open a business in my hometown,” he said. Brad was only 21 years old when he ventured into the automobile repair and sales industry. Later, he added towing services, and for the past 23 years, Brad and his crew have been serving the folks of Sneedville and Hancock County with quality work and service.

Brad’s father, Larry, his mother, Sherry, and his brother, Landon, have all been invaluable sources of support in helping make the business a success. Customers have also played an important role in helping the business thrive. “Hancock County is a small, little county, and everyone knows each other,” Thomas Harrison said. “But the folks at his place are top notch and very talented in what they do … You’ll not find any better folks to accommodate you in any way they can, whether it is for a tow or a repair.”

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Brantley, Kasey, Brad, Reagan, Lanna Brewer. — Photo provided. Brad’s Auto employs five people to tackle the most challenging of repairs and more. Landon Brewer has been working at the shop since it opened. Joseph Swiney and Scott Sutton have both have worked there for many years. For the last four years, Rosanne Johnson has kept the office afloat while Kasey (Brad’s wife) has tackled the bookkeeping. Darren Jones is the newest addition to the crew and handles all repair estimates. Horace Helton, Jr. was a long-term crew member from the beginning until he retired in 2018. Previously, Brad and the guys had spare time to restore some old family tractors and perform mechanical repairs, but now, they barely have time to do all of the collision repairs, sales, and towing. More than 200 vehicles come in and out of the six-bay shop in a year’s time. Not only does Brad’s Auto provide service to individuals, it is also an express collision repair shop for Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Brad has also worked with the Hancock Co. Sheriff’s office for 25 years, beginning when he was only 18 years old. “I turned 18 on November 4, 1994 and went to work on November 11th,” he recalled. I was a patrolman for 16 years. continued on page 21 Brad’s parents, Larry and Sherry Brewer. — Photo provided.

18 Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

Rosanne Johnson, secretary

Darren Jones handles repair estimates.

Scott Sutton in the spray booth

Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;¢ 2020

Doug Roark, parts delivery

Landon Brewer and employee, Joseph Swiney

20 Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

Above: Brad, Larry, Landon Brewer and Horace Helton, Jr.

Discover Hancock County • 2020

“I have been down to Brad’s Auto a number of times. They are the most honest and kind people you will find. They are very helpful and I appreciate their work, I would recommend them to anyone. They are good people, it’s that simple.” — Robert Adamo “I have been taking vehicles to them since I was a kid and they have always done an exceptionally great job. The service is also quick and reasonably priced. “ — Josh Nichols

from page 17

Then, I became a detective and worked on investigations for the next eight years.“ In 2018, Brad ran for Sheriff and, thanks to the voters of Hancock County, won that position. Brad and Kasey are proud parents of three children: Brantley, Lanna, and Reagan. So far, the children are interested in other things outside of following in their father’s footsteps repairing vehicles, but perhaps some day, one or all of them will continue the family business. Brad and his family would like to thank all of the customers over the years for making their business a success. “We want to continue to provide quality, dependable service to the community,” Brad said.

Brad’s Auto Repair and Sales

2004 Cool Branch Road • Sneedville, Tennessee 37869 423-733-2300 • Towing 24/7

— By Rita Dykes

22 Discover Hancock County • 2020

2 20 SERIES

SURGOINSVILLE 10 MILER

WOLF RUN

Saturday, March 14, 8:00AM Surgoinsville Middle School

Tuesday, July 14, 6:30PM 7 mile trail race Bays Mountain Park – Kingsport

SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC King & Queen Competition RRCA TN State 10 Mile Championship

Kingsport Fun Fest Event SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

LAUREL RUN ASCENT

THE RIVER MILE

Saturday, April 11, 8:00AM 11 mile trail race Laurel Run Park – Church Hill

Tuesday, August 25, 6:00PM Laurel Run Park – Church Hill

SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

SFTC Kids’ Festival of Miles SFTC Mile Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

AMIS MILL 10K

BAYS MOUNTAIN TRAIL RACE Saturday, September 19, 8:00AM 15 mile trail race Bays Mountain Park – Kingsport

Saturday, May 2, 8:00AM Amis Mill Eatery – Rogersville SFTC King & Queen Competition

SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition

FIRECRACKER 4 MILER

Saturday, June 27, 8:00AM Phipps Bend TCAT – Surgoinsville SFTC King & Queen Competition RRCA TN State 4 Mile Championship

For information, contact…

Race Director Mark Skelton 423.272.4812 (office) markskelton@markskelton.com

PHIPPS BEND RIVER RUN

Saturday, October 10, 8:00AM 10 mile trail race Phipps Bend TCAT – Surgoinsville SFTC Long Distance Series SFTC Trail Series Competition SFTC King & Queen Competition RRCA TN State Cross Country Championship

SFTC Race of the Year Awards:

2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 & 2019

SFTC Shirt of the Year Awards:

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2019

www.RunTriCities.org

SKELTON LAW RACING

CELEBRATING 19 YEARS

Law Office of Mark A. Skelton Serving East Tennessee since 1983

Consumer Bankruptcy • Social Security Disability Adoption, Divorce & Family Law • Estate Planning & Probate

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Come see what Senior Living can be like! Morristown’s Best Kept Secret! Not just Assisted Living and Memory Care Don’t wash windows • Don’t cook your meals • Don’t do maintenance • Don’t clean your house • Don’t pay taxes • Don’t mow the lawn

APARTMENTS STARTING AT ONLY $2,200 A MONTH! Includes utilities, cable, weekly housekeeping, free transportation two days per week, and over 240 activities to keep you moving and social!

739 E. 2nd North Street Morristown TN 37814

423-581-7075

regencymorristown.com

Mark Albert Skelton Amy Kathleen Skelton Attorneys At Law

Serving East Tennessee Since 1983

Consumer Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Adoption, Divorce & Family Law Estate Planning & Probate The Law Office of Mark A. Skelton is a debt relief agency. We have helped people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code since 1983.

423.272.4812

121 South Depot Street • Rogersville, TN 37857

www.MarkSkeltonLawOffice.com

Celebrating

Years of Service

to Hancock County

Customer Service is our TOP PRIORITY! Cu

Pictured left to right are Matthew Seal, Pharmacist, Donna Ramsey, Heather Shockley, Jacob Seal, Pharmacist, Marilyn Wallen, Gail Lamb, and Ken Smith, Owner/ Pharmacist.

S Smith-Turner 140423-733-2322 T DRUG STORE Church Street • Sneedville, TN Mon. - Fri.: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

24 Discover Hancock County • 2020

A country boy at heart and proud Hancock County native

BLUEGRASS LEGEND

Doyle Lawson

luegrass and gospel music legend Doyle Lawson began his spectacular career as a lad in Hancock County. His love of music began by listening to his father’s gospel quartet. “Old-fashioned and spirit-filled (just like it should be), gospel music was and will always be my first love,” Doyle told Discover Hancock County magazine. Doyle wanted to try his hand at playing an instrument, and one of his father’s quartet members, Willis Byrd, had just the instrument: a mandolin. Doyle asked his father to borrow it from Mr. Byrd so that he could try and play it. Mr. Byrd agreed, and at the young age of 11, Doyle picked up his first mandolin and taught himself how to play. “I kept that mandolin for a long, long time until I was able to buy one of my own,” he recalled. In later years, Jimmy Martin, another famous bluegrass musician from Sneedville, was home visiting family for Christmas. At age 14, Doyle got the opportunity to meet Martin, but little did he know that he was meeting the person who would begin developing his professional bluegrass career. Doyle left Hancock County when he was 18 and moved to Morristown to work in a furniture factory for seven short months. “On Friday, January 31, 1963, they let me go because they said it was clear to them that I liked to sing and pick more than I liked to work,” he laughed. “In just a few days, Monday, February 3rd, to be exact, Jimmy Martin offered me a spot with his band playing the banjo. That was when my professional career began. Jimmy gave me pointers on how to execute my rhythm in the proper way and gave me a leg-up on my musical career. I played the banjo with him until early 1967.”

Doyle was living in Louisville, Kentucky when he left Martin’s band. Banjo player and bluegrass bandleader, J.D. Crowe, lived nearby in Lexington. Doyle decided to visit Crowe and the two instantly became friends. Shortly thereafter, Doyle joined Crowe’s band as a guitar player. Later, the band needed a mandolin player, and Doyle eagerly put down his guitar and traded roles. The mandolin became his primary instrument at that moment and continues to be his instrument of choice today. continued on page 26

Doyle with his mother and father, Minnie and Leonard Lawson. — Photo courtesy Doyle Lawson Management

“My faith is in God. He has never let me down. Everything I have needed, he has provided and as long as I hold onto that, I know I will be ok.” — Doyle Lawson

Photo by David Bailey Photography, courtesy Doyle Lawson Management

26 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Bluegrass legends Jimmy Martin and Doyle Lawson. — Photos courtesy of Doyle Lawson Management From page 24

In 1971, Doyle moved to Washington, DC where he joined The Country Gentlemen. After five or six years, he was done with big-city living, so he moved back to the country. “I’m a small-town country boy at heart,” he admitted. Doyle married his wife of nearly 42-years, Suzanne, in June of 1978. Doyle had a son, Robert, by his first marriage, and the couple later had two daughters, Suzi and Kristi. Doyle is proud of all of his children and gives Suzanne credit for doing a great job raising their daughters while he was on tour. All three children are musically talented. “Robert can tear up a guitar, and both girls play the piano,” he said. “Robert didn’t want to play bluegrass; he wanted to play rock ‘n roll. I always encouraged my children to play what they wanted to play, but I had one requirement, which was to play the best they could. When Robert was a teen, he traveled with me selling our merchandise. Once, he filled in for our baritone singer for two weeks. It’s 30 years later, and people still remember him singing and tell me what a great job he did.” In 1979, Doyle started his own band: Quicksilver. The band is still going strong 41 years later with nearly 100 performances per year. Many bands go through hundreds of members over the years, but less than 40 band members have made their way through Summertime in Hancock County! Doyle is in the middle. The boy Quicksilver. “I told people I wanted to have as many people run through on the left is Loda Ward, Doyle’s best buddy growing up. The boy on the right is Doyle’s brother, Les Lawson. my band as Bill Monroe,” he joked. “Then I realized he had about

Discover Hancock County • 2020

NEWEST CD RELEASE

Live in Prague, Czech Republic 1. Driving It Home 2. Back In My Baby’s Arms Again 3. Jealous 4. Living Like There’s No Tomorrow 5. I’ll Be True While You’re Gone 6. Shenandoah Breakdown 7. I’m Going To Heaven 8. On The Sea Of Life 9. Little Girl 10. Leaving On Her Mind 11. Out In The Cold World 12. She’s Walking Through My Memory 13. Clinch Mountain Backstep 14. Julie Ann For a tour schedule and to learn more about Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, visit

www.doylelawson.com Doyle Lawson on stage. — Photos courtesy of Doyle Lawson Management 500 members run through, and I didn’t want to deal with that.” Later that same year, Doyle came back to Hancock County to perform at a fall festival at the old Sneedville High School. During his performance, Willis Byrd came up on stage to present Doyle with the same mandolin that he had loaned him as a child. It was the first one that Doyle ever played. He had a friend restore the mandolin, and now, it looks great and is fully playable. Today, that mandolin hangs on the wall in the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame. The Mayor of Sneedville presented Doyle Lawson with a “Key to the City” in 1979. Over the course of Doyle’s career, he has met and played with many of the greats, such as: Jimmy Martin, J.D. Crowe, Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, and many more. Surprisingly, he said that he has never met Dolly Parton, but he heard her sing on Cas Walker’s television show when she was only nine years old. “I have always been a fan of Dolly Parton. She could sing like an angel when she was a little girl, and she still can,” he said. When asked to reflect on Bill Monroe, Doyle’s first response

was a solemn, “He was my hero”. “I was so honored to get to know him,” he continued. “I knew him for 30 years or so and was just so honored to get to know him like that. Occasionally throughout the years, I would take my guitar up on stage and sing lead with Bill. I would sing some songs he hadn’t heard in years, and he liked that ... he liked a challenge.” Doyle laughed as he said, “I told Bill one time that whatever happened to me in music, good or bad, was his fault”. Doyle has received an abundance of awards and honors throughout his amazing career. In 2006, he was the recipient of the United States’ highest honor in folk and traditional arts: the National Heritage Fellowship Award. He also became an inductee to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2012. Although he stays very busy, Doyle returns to Hancock County on occasion to visit his parents’ graves on Chestnut Ridge. While there, he reminisces about his wonderful parents, his childhood, and the mountains where his musical career began.

— By Rita Dykes

Doyle Lawson

& Quicksilver

Left to right, Stephen Burwell, Joe Dean, Doyle Lawson, Jake Vanover, and Jerry Cole. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photo by David Bailey Photography

www.DoyleLawson.com

30 Discover Hancock County • 2020

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Discover Hancock County • 2020

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423-353-4230

Hancock County Schools Proudly Serving Hancock County’s Students in Grades PreK-12. Tony Seal, Director BOARD MEMBERS Jack Mullins, Chairman David Jones, Vice Chairman Dennis Holt Kyle Livesay Freddie Mullins Carl Reed Jeﬀ Stapleton 418 Harrison Street | Sneedville, TN 37869 | Oﬃce • 423-733-2591 | Fax • 423-733-8757

www.hancockcountyschools.com

HANCOCK

32 Discover Hancock County • 2020

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Thomas J. Harrison, County Mayor 1237 Main Street • Sneedville,TN 37869 423-733-4341 thomasharrison15@hotmail.com

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ANNUAL EVENTS

Spring Fest Last Saturday in April Jimmy Martin Memorial Bluegrass Festival Last Friday and Saturday in May Vardy Days First Saturday in June Hope Walk First Friday in August

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Chestnut C G ro ve

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Livesay Mill

1237 Main St., 423-733-2954

Clerk & Master

1237 Main St., 423-733-4524

County Attorney

1237 Main St., 423-733-2954

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Hawkins County

373 Newman’s Ridge Rd., 423-733-1423

EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency Medical Services Hancock Co. Emergency 911 District

Circuit Court Clerk

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Guidance Department

1517 Main St., 423-733-2222

HANCOCK COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Fall Festival First Saturday and Sunday in October Hancock Co. Elementary School Ice Cream Social First Friday in November Overhome Christmas Parade First Saturday in December

VIRGINIA

Rock Crawl Saturday before Labor Day at Ferguson Farm Labor Day Celebration First Monday in September Hancock Co. High/Middle School Ice Cream Social First Friday in October

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Discover Hancock County • 2020

190 Willow St., 423-733-8453

Hancock Co. Rescue Squad 265 New Jail St., 423-733-8833

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT 265 New Jail St., 423-733-2249 Jail Secretary: 423-733-2250 If no answer, dial: 423-733-4475

CITY OF SNEEDVILLE

Bus Garage

410-B Harrison St., 423-733-8149

Hancock Co. Middle/High School Base Health Center 2700 Main St., 423-733-2819

Hancock Co. Elementary School Base Health Center 391 Court St., 423-733-2121

Hancock Co. School Nutrition 418 Harrison St., 423-733-1188

MEDICAL SERVICES Hancock Co. Hospital

3519 Main St., 423-733-5030

County Clerk

City Hall

Sneedville Medical Center

County Mayor

Fire Department

Hancock Co. Disability Center

County Extension Agent

Sneedville Community Center

Hancock Co. Home Health Agency

418 Harrison St., 423-733-2519 1237 Main St., 423-733-4341 122 Campbell Dr., 423-733-2526

County Tax Assessor

1237 Main St., 423-733-2332

County Trustee

292 Jail St., 423-733-2254 265 New Jail St., 423-733-2622 253 Obie St., 424-733-4253

SCHOOLS Hancock Co. Public Schools 418 Harrison St., 423-733-2591

1861 Main St., 423-733-2131 1246 Main St., 423-733-8453 1246 Main St., 423-733-4032

Hancock Co. Mental Health Clinic 333 Campbell Dr., 423-733-2216

County Transportation

Hancock Co. Early Learning Center

Sneedville Mental Health Center — 24 Hour Emergency

Election Commission

Head Start

Hancock Co. Health Department

Highway Department

Hancock Co. Special Day Care

Hancock Co. Elementary School

1237 Main St., 423-733-4545

373 Newman’s Ridge Rd., 423-733-2534

Hancock Co. Solid Waste

Hancock Co. Middle/High School

Hancock Co. Library

High School Vocational Department

1237 Main St., 423-733-2939 423-733-2183

1237 Main St., 423-733-4549 1064 Main St., 423-733-2201

1064 Campbell Dr., 423-733-9658 1138 Willow St., 423-733-2020

418 Harrison St., 423-733-1762 1197 Main St., 423-733-2594 418 Harrison St., 423-733-8094

2700 Main St., 423-733-4611

472 Harrison St., 423-733-4616

423-639-1104

178 Willow St., 423-733-2228

UTILITIES: ELECTRIC, GAS, WATER, SEWER Powell Valley Electric 340 Jail St., 423-733-2207

Powell Valley Gas Utility District 418 Harrison St., 423-733-8800

Sneedville Utility District 187 Campbell Dr., 423-733-4382

34 Discover Hancock County • 2020

An emotional Diane Johnson receives a special plaque from Mike Gibson, prior to the 2019 Christmas Parade, thanking her for her efforts in establishing the Veterans Wall of Honor.

“As long as this Courthouse stands, you will not be forgotten.” – Diane Johnson

Visitors spent time browsing through the hundreds of photos, and this plaque in memory of veteran Talmadge Gibson who was instrumental in its early development and setting up of the displays.

Talmadge Gibson

Discover Hancock County • 2020

Hancock County’s Veterans honored with permanent photo exhibit

hile there are no organized events to honor Hancock County’s military heroes on Veterans Day, thanks to the effort of a local woman and other volunteers, a permanent memorial inside the local Courthouse will forever stand as a testament to their valor, service and sacrifice. The Hancock Co. Veterans Wall of Honor, the brainchild of founder Diane Johnson, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and to recognize that milestone, an open house was held at the Courthouse on the afternoon of the 2019 Christmas Parade (Dec. 7) so that people could come in and spend time browsing the more than 600 photos of the county’s military heroes. During the Christmas Parade that evening, Johnson was presented with a plaque thanking her for her efforts to make the Memorial a reality. Johnson recently sat down with the Hancock Co. Eagle and Discover Hancock County magazine to share how her dream began in May of 2010. “I wanted to create a Veterans display in the storefront window at The Shepherd’s Center,” she said. Initially, her thought was to honor two Vietnam veterans, her brother, Talmadge “Weasel” Gibson, and the late James Ramsey, the father of her daughters, Jackie Royston and Jennifer Reed, and others who wanted to display photos of their own veteran family members. Word quickly spread throughout the county and soon photographs of soldiers, both living and deceased, began to pour in, in such numbers that the display – which was originally to be on display from Memorial Day until the Fourth of July – quickly outgrew the storefront window. “I was drawn in by the eyes of each individual that seemed to tell a story of the places they had been, the sacrifices they had made and the sufferings they had endured for all of our freedom,” she said of the photographs, that range from soldiers of the Civil War / War Between the States, to veterans of the current War on Terror in the Middle East. Veterans of the Spanish-American War, World Wars One and Two, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and peacetime continued on page 36

Keith Godfriaux, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, and the Veteran Service Officer for Hancock County, pointed out his own photo which is on display on the Veterans Wall of Honor during the Christmas open house.

36 Discover Hancock County • 2020 From page 35

soldiers of the National Guard and Reserves are all represented, as are all branches of the U.S. Military. Some of them veterans of more than one armed conflict, as well as some who served during the tense years of the 1960s “Cold War” with the Soviet Union. It was then that Diane realized that more had to be done; that a permanent place had to be found to create a memorial that would stand the test of time. She and the staff at The Shepherd’s Corner began to share ideas and think of a permanent home for the exhibit. After approaching her brothers, Talmadge and Ike Gibson and the Hancock Co. American Legion Post, it was agreed that a wall inside the Courthouse might be the most appropriate place. There, she said, the display would be seen by visitors in a safe, secure environment, and preserved for current and future generations to enjoy. “I wanted people to be able to see these people and realize what they gave up for us,” she said, walking through the first floor of the Courthouse and pointing out to the Eagle the walls that are literally covered with custom-built display cases that now contain 657 photographs (as of last week), along with a number of war-related artifacts. Those artifacts range from an authentic Civil War “minie ball” found on a southern battlefield, to a framed U.S. flag that hangs above the office door of Trustee Chuck Johnson which was taken off a communist Viet Cong guerrilla during Operation Attleboro in 1966 by Staff Sgt. Pete Malone of the 1st Infantry Division. Once approved by the County Mayor and members of the Hancock Co. Commission, the “dream” for a permanent memorial began to take shape as a “reality”. A “Wall of Honor” committee was assembled, she said, and work began to copy and print the hundreds of photos into standardized four-by-six-inch size prints. Donations also began to come in, and a number of fundraisers were held to pay for constructing the specially-designed, locked, cabinets where the photos are now displayed. The Commission donated to the cause, as did Modern Woodmen of America, former State Rep. Mike Harrison, Congressman Phil Roe, County Mayor Thomas Harrison, the Hancock Co. Elementary Chimes Choir, dozens of family members of local Veterans, citizens of the county, and many, many others.

Discover Hancock County • 2020 “It cost a good bit of money to have those pictures copied and printed, but we did it,” she said. In addition to the cost of copying, frames to display and protect the pictures also had to be purchased. “My brother, ‘Weasel’ (Talmadge), and his wife, Barb, really helped me a lot with getting the photos and artifacts organized and ready for display,” she said. Talmadge Gibson passed away in March, 2019, due to complications from exposure in Vietnam to Agent Orange, but not before seeing his sister’s dream become a reality. “The names of families represented on these walls really show the lineage of the generations of family members who were dedicated to the service of our country,” Diane added. Several families with significant military lineages include Collins, Greene, Johnson, Livesay, Trent, and Seal. “The Greene family has members represented in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam,” she said. Two men who are thought to be the oldest living WWII veterans in Hancock County, Dr. T.H. Pierce (age 92) and Lyde Ramsey (age 97) are also honored. A dedication service for the Veterans Memorial Wall was held on Jan. 29, 2011 to, as a plaque that hangs on a Courthouse wall reads, “not only to thank Diane and all the people of Hancock County who made this display possible, but also to support the words that Diane made in dedication to the display: “As long as this Courthouse stands, you will not be forgotten”.

If you, or a loved one, is a Hancock County native and served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Veterans Memorial Wall would love to feature a photo. There is no cost for this, although free-will donations are always appreciated to help with the cost of making prints, buying frames, and installing new cabinets as the collection grows. For more information, readers may call Diane at 423-526-7205. — By Tommy Campbell

At left: Veteran markers on the Courthouse lawn. Top and bottom right: One of the many walls that are literally covered with custom-made cases containing photos of local veterans. Persons who have photos of Hancock County veterans that they would like to contribute to the Memorial may contact Diane Johnson at The Shepherd’s Corner, in Sneedville. Photos will be scanned and the original print returned to the owner. Cash donations are always welcome because as the collection grows, more custom-made display cabinets will be needed to house the photos.

Kinsler, John Adrion U.S. Army, WWII

Ramsey, Charles Henry U.S. Army WWII Purple Heart

Roper, Jamie E. U.S. Army, Gulf War

Greene, Otis U.S. Army, WWII

Johnson, Claude E. Volunteer Air Force Cold War

Pridemore, Allen H. U.S. Army Killed in Action 5-6-45

Trent, Robert T. U.S. Army - WWII First man killed from Hancock Co. in WWII

Ramsey, Lyde Edwin U.S. Navy, WWII

Stapleton, Arley Jr. U.S. Army, Korea

If you, or a loved one, is a Hancock County native a the Veterans Memorial Wall would like to feature a photo.

Reed, Lon Earl U.S. Navy, Korea

Mabe, Clyde N. U.S. Navy Korean War

Stapleton, Daniel U.S. Army

Roberts, Steven U.S. Army

Greer, Thomas R. Civil War Confederate

Seal, David D. U.S. Army, Iraq National Guard

Byrd, Harold U.S. Army, Vietnam Purple Heart

Lawson, Bryan U.S. Air Force Desert Storm

Reed, Michelle Rhea U.S. Army, Desert Storm

Williams, Laura U.S. Army

Ramsey, Steven Everette U.S. Army, Iraq

and served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, . For more information, please call Diane at 423-526-7205.

40 Discover Hancock County • 2020

U.S. Flag removed from Viet-cong Gurerrilla, Operation Attleboro in 1966 by Staff Sgt. Pete Malone, 1st Infantry Div.

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Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

World War I soldiers. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photos by Tommy Campbell

Civil War minie ball, 18611865 used by the Union and Confederate forces.

The Bronze Star Medal certificate presented to Specialist Four Larry L. Coldiron, United States Army, for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces in The Republic of Vietnam from May 1970 to May 1971, presented to him in April, 1971.

42 Discover Hancock County • 2020

Photo by Randy Ball

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44 Discover Hancock County • 2020

t’s been more than three years since Nathanael Joseph Seal passed away as a result of an auto accident on Halloween afternoon. He was fifteen years old. The 2019 football season would have been his senior year. Judging by the banners in the stadium, the “green-out” game from October, 2019, and especially comments from players, coaches and fans, “’Than’l” has had a lasting influence on the Sneedville community.

‘Than’l’s parents, Dale and Angie Seal, graciously agreed to share some of their favorite memories. ‘Than’l was the middle child of his family, his brother Zachary is two years older and his sister Cassidy is two years younger. Dale remembers that ‘Than’l was liked by everybody; he’d do anything he could to make you laugh.” Angie added “he did what he thought was fun, no matter what the consequences.” continued on page 45

‘Than’l’s Parents

Remember

Discover Hancock County • 2020

From page 44

Football

‘Than’l was the starting kicker as freshman for the Hancock County Indians football team. The tragic accident happened after a Monday afternoon practice for a playoff game against Coalfield High. Angie remembers “it was just an ordinary day, they had stopped for gas and were on the way home.” ‘Than’l longed to run the ball, but his contribution as a freshman was as a kicker. He was a huge fan of the Oregon Ducks college football team. Dale said “he was athletic, and played basketball for a while; he could have played anything he wanted.” Angie remembers that “sports were just a way to help him get through school.” Dale also said that “he struggled in school because it didn’t interest him, but he had more common Farming sense than most his age.” ‘Than’l didn’t like school, but did enjoy Angie says “He was just a country boy; he loved dirty boots, agriculture and mechanic classes and the FFA. Football also helped tractors, cows and pigs. Dirty boots were like a merit badge.” She build relationships for “Than’l. Angie remembers teammate Preston added “he loved farming. He helped his papaw farm. He could hook Hatfield helping him with algebra. “Than’l also got to play football with Ethan Short, his best friend since the third grade. continued on page 47

46 Discover Hancock County â&#x20AC;¢ 2020

Discover Hancock County • 2020

From page 45

up all the equipment, he bailed hay. His papaw trusted him.” His papaw, Jerry Livesay, was his hero, Angie said “’Than’l loved his granny, but he thought papaw was the stuff”. Dale stated that ‘Than’l loved chainsaws and tractors, and that he wanted to be a logger, and had actually done some logging. “Than’l loved diesel trucks. His papaw had a Dodge truck with a Cummings diesel engine and “Than’l “could hear a Cummings diesel from a mile away.” Angie remembers that he downloaded an app on her phone that played engine sounds. Angie also remembers ‘Than’l driving tractors at a young age, and when he finished driving a real tractor, he would play with his toy tractors. Dale remembers when the family went on vacation out west, ‘Than’l wanted to come home and bail hay.” He did cheer up some when they stopped at a dealership and he saw tractors “with tires taller than he was.” Dale added that ‘Than’l loved hog-killing time on the farm, usually on Thanksgiving; “it was his favorite day of the year.”

Church

Church life was important to ‘Than’l. The family attends Kyles Ford Baptist Church, and Angie said that church led ‘Than’l into playing guitar and singing. He participated in youth Sundays and would do whatever he was asked to do.