Direct Descendants & Kin of David Crockett
"Be Always Sure You Are Right – Then Go Ahead."
East Tennessee Historical Society – Davy Crockett’s Rifle: Virtual Visit with Joe Swann
If you would like to know more about Davy Crockett’s rifle in the Museum of East Tennessee History, join us for a “virtual visit” with Joe Swann, airing tomorrow, July 9, at 1 p.m. Swann, the owner of the rifle, which has been passed down through his family since Crockett was a neighbor on Long Creek in Jefferson County in 1806, has recently written a book about Crockett’s East Tennessee years (1786-1812) and will be answering pre-submitted questions, from viewers like you, in the recorded segment. The program will be available via the Society’s Facebook page and our YouTube channel. This “virtual visit,” recorded in June, will not include a Zoom option.
Patriot. Hunter. Legislator. Legend in his time and now. David Crockett was born in Greene County near the Nolichucky River and moved to Middle Tennessee in 1811. His wit brought him political office and fame. Yet at the height of his popularity, he defied President Andrew Jackson and opposed popular issues, such as Indian removal. In the 1830s, Crockett migrated to Texas, leaving his family in Tennessee behind. Crockett joined in the fight for Texas independence and died at the Alamo in 1836 at 50 years of age.
In 1803, 17-year-old David Crockett bought his first gun, “Betsy,” a Pennsylvania rifle that he described as “a capital one.” Three years later, in love with a local girl, Crockett traded it, along with labor, to neighbor John Canaday for a “courting horse.” Canaday later sold the gun to James McCuistion, whose descendants still own it.
A native of Maryville, Joe Swann is the owner of Workshop Tools, Inc., in Pigeon Forge. He was co-owner of Cherokee Lumber Co. in Maryville for almost 30 years and currently serves on the Maryville City Council. Swann is a past chair of the Blount County Industrial Development Board, the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. He served as president of the East Tennessee Historical Society from 1999-2002 and as past president of the Blount County Historic Trust. Swann’s brother, Art, is a former County Commissioner and State Legislator.
Airs: Thursday,
July 9, 2020,
at 1:00 p.m.
Watch via our Facebook Page or on our YouTube Channel!
601 S. Gay Street | Knoxville, TN | (865) 215-8824
http://www.eastTNhistory.org
Harley Glenn Flowers, 2nd Great Grandson of David Crockett Dies
Harley Glenn Flowers, 82, of Russellville passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020 in his residence. Harley was born on September 4, 1937 in Gainesville, Texas, the son of Charlie and Hallie (Clarke) Flowers. He married his wife Martha (Jobe) Flowers on July 2, 1960 and they have shared 59 years of marriage. Harley is a veteran of the US Army. Harley moved his family from Gainesville to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1965. There he lived and worked for many years until his retirement as a Tool & Die maker for AT&T. He was held in high regard by his managers and co-workers, often being tasked with difficult or priority jobs. Following his retirement, he and Martha relocated to Russellville Arkansas and lived there until his passing. Harley loved to fish, both for fun and competitively. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. He and Martha took many trips to Hawaii and enjoyed their travels. Harley is the great- great- grandson of David Crockett of the Alamo.
Harley leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Martha of Russellville, Son Ronnie Flowers and his wife Carla of Sherwood, grandsons Shawn Flowers and his wife Cherie of McKinney, Texas, Eric Flowers and his wife Lauren of Sherwood, four great grandchildren McKenzie, Haleigh, Kennedy, and Brady, his three sisters Charlene King of Euless, Texas, Lila Beth Davis of Lake Kiowa, Texas, and Nancy Hellman and her husband Jimmy of Krugerville, Texas. Harley was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Warren and David Flowers, and his granddaughter Breanna Flowers in 2000.
He is buried in Rest Hills Memorial Park, North Little Rock, AR.
2020 David Crockett Reunion Postponed to July 22-24, 2021 in Greeneville, TN
Our Board decided to make this decision due to the unpredictable nature of the corona virus and it’s impact on attendance this year in Greeneville, TN.