The Appalachian “Bat-Man”The Appalachian “Bat-Man”
In 1892 a West Virginia hermit living high above the Cheat River announced to the world that he had an invention: a suit that would allow him to fly above
Category: People of Appalachia
Orlean Hawks Puckett, Appalachian Granny WomanOrlean Hawks Puckett, Appalachian Granny Woman
Granny women were the healers and caretakers of folks in Appalachia, dispensing folk remedies, serving as midwives, and even dousing for water. These women were essential in rural Appalachia, where
Good TroubleGood Trouble
In 1965 a Kentucky widow managed to drive the coal company from her land with what was called a “sit-in,” an early use of peaceful civil disobedience in Appalachia. Today
Dr. Ralph StanleyDr. Ralph Stanley
Today we tell the story of one of the most successful musicians to come from Southwest Virginia: Dr. Ralph Stanley, from Dickenson County. Please be sure to click that “Subscribe”
Jenny Wiley’s EscapeJenny Wiley’s Escape
In the area of Bland and Tazewell Counties in Virginia in the late 1780’s a pregnant young woman and her child were captured by a band of renegade Indians consisting
Moonshiner Sentenced To Five Years In The Federal Penitentiary – January 20, 1932Moonshiner Sentenced To Five Years In The Federal Penitentiary – January 20, 1932
On this day in 1932 75-year-old Pete Settles, of Campbell County, Tennessee, was sentenced to five years in the Federal penitentiary in Atlanta for manufacturing moonshine, a violation of prohibition.
John Sevier’s Birthday – September 23, 1745John Sevier’s Birthday – September 23, 1745
On this day in 1745 John Sevier was born near the town of New Market, Virginia, the oldest of seven children born to Valentine and Joanna Sevier. Valentine Sevier owned
Appalachian TravellersAppalachian Travellers
At one time it was a common sight to see a traveling group of Roma, known then as gypsies, come through Appalachia. Folks would barter with them for livestock, utensils
William FayssouxWilliam Fayssoux
William Irvine Fayssoux was a psychic and illusionist in the south early in the 20th century. He traveled throughout Appalachia, performing feats that would seem incredible even today. There’s little
June 26th, 1937 – Annulment Denied In Child Bride CaseJune 26th, 1937 – Annulment Denied In Child Bride Case
On this day in 1937 Chancellor A. T. Stewart of the Monroe County Chancery Court in Madisonville, Tennessee, denied a petition for annulment. 32 year old Homer Peel of Epperson,