Aunt Sophie Documentary

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

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[@Bella1neverknows670]

I think mama bear was definitely watching over them. Oh I loved watching that mama bear nothing better than enjoying nature.

[@DallasTempleton-n5l]

Hi JD are you going to do? Wright and Templeton Gang

[@jannitanolen-bevers5672]

A momma bear seems a fitting tribute to such a strong woman! You did Uncle Tom and Aunt Sophie justice, JD, thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you! I sure wasn’t expecting that bear up above me 🤣

[@jannitanolen-bevers5672]

@TheAppalachianStoryteller stay safe out there, JD!

[@lightwarrior432]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I BET! 😆🤣🤣 Thank the Lord she was only hungry for tree nuts 😉

[@sherylmiessner7267]

I Agree, if she can't be laid to rest there, she should be laid where she could always have sight of her mountains.

[@alang.carter245]

A 70 yr old man comes to tears listening to the music and the story remembering my childhood in the Ozarks of arkansas , have a super good day JD thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Bless you, brother I’m so glad to hear this. Bless your heart.

[@donnielang2438]

This 73-year-old man feels the same. I grew up in Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

[@ambyburum2666]

I so enjoy this series I fall asleep each night listening to these beautiful stories. Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@jillbuttrey2326]

I understand

[@ms.krueger2660]

Beautiful sad story. What a shame that their cabin could not be preserved. ❤️🙏😢

[@theresaharrison8458]

I was thinking they could have moved it instead of destroying it

[@gilactico]

Ah it wasn't that sad,they got to live out their long lives in the place they loved, many are not so fortunate.

[@karentrimmer]

I would like to thank the bear for providing some comic relief. Thank you, JD for providing a sanity break from chaos. Thank you, Aunt Sophie and Uncle Tom for reminding us to adapt and keep moving forward.

[@dreed1058]

You are so right, his story did provide sanity from current chaos! Amazing to think 150-200 years ago how little government impacted our lives!🎉

[@baylorsailor]

​@@dreed1058 now the government steals at least half of what we make. We don't even outright own our properties after we pay for them. Taxes, taxes and more taxes 😞

[@marionbowler5440]

To many tears, sometimes I think the old ways were the best of times and the harshest thank you for your amazing gift my friend, hugs.❤🍁✨️

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much. Stay warm up there in Canada.

[@sorrycharlie5773]

Strength thru strife...❤

[@Nonniemaye]

Many thanks, JD, for sharing Sophie and Tom's story and the history of Gatlinburg. The black bear footage just made me remember all the others I saw on one of my visits to Gatlinburg. Stay safe and blessed.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Have a blessed day Nonnie ❤️

[@neeceeboo777]

I spent a many of nights sitting on the edge of the porch,listening to my elders talking,telling stories. I treasure everytime. This is an awesome story ,such good,strong woman. Rest In Heaven Aunt Sophie. Which was my Great Grandma's name. Thanks for sharing this. We absolutley love your channel. Lord bless my freind.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your support. It’s people like you and many others that give me the opportunity to keep these stories alive. Blessings to you, my friend.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Wouldn’t it be great if there were older generation still around and still telling the old stories of the mountains and the travels that came about. I can set and listen to them stories all day long now. That’s why I listen to your stories JD. I had some of them times and I loved every minute of them.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I completely agree

[@billywalker9223]

Fortunately, I grew up around older people in the mountains, and I listened to every story they told me.

[@tatianaflores1926]

Best creator and author ever. I love this channel!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you ❤️

[@tatianaflores1926]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller yvw

[@Happysewist]

So beautiful. Cathartic during these difficult times of division. These stories so beautifully told are a reminder of a time when living in harmony with nature was just a thing we did. I wish we had not left so much of this behind to such an extent that the very idea of working with nature instead of against it is vilified.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, my friend. I appreciate your thoughts.

[@shaundagubko3152]

Thank JD, for telling the story of Aunt Sophie & Uncle Tom! Times of a simpler life of strong Appalachian folks! Such wonderful souls, Sophie & Tom. Never thought that their mountain home over looked Gatlinburg. I’d like to visit Sophie when I go to Gatlinburg again 😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You should the cemetery is hidden in plain sight

[@gabrielwatson7721]

You can tell by the old, weathered skin that these 2 folks knew the meaning of hard work. Tough folks, indeed. I think the next time I visit Gatlinburg, I just might take a few seashells to Miss Sophie. I bet she'd like that. Thank you, J.D. 🙏

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I know she would appreciate that so would I much love to you

[@michaelstusiak5902]

After a hectic week it was really great to hear this story. And yes....best to leave the bears alone.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You got that right Michael! Im so glad it's the weekend, and I can't believe how warm it's been here in East Tennessee. I just heard on the radio there is snow on the west coast so it looks like cold weather is one the way. I hope you have a great weekend brother.

[@joycemarie1097]

What an amazing story JD. Also a bit sad that we have lost so much. The supposed gain of a tourist town and ski resort hardly seems worth it. 😢 Loved the Story!! Thank You!! 💖

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Joy. I hope you have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

[@pioneercynthia1]

This is such a beautiful story, even though it's sad. The resourcefulness of the pioneers, their joy in simple things, their respectful attitude toward nature. I love it.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Cynthia!

[@victoriatracey5919]

Thanks again JD for bringing to life the stories of these beautiful resourceful mountain folk. They certainly were hardy folk, that’s for sure. I’m glad Aunt Sophia and Uncle Tom are resting on the mountains they loved. I would have loved to have been blessed to sit and listen to their tales and buy their handmade goods. It’s always a shame when the government and big business come in and destroy peoples peaceful lives, paying no mind to the destruction. Bless you JD for your incredible work, 😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Victoria! I would have loved to have known them as well. Have a blessed day!

[@chesterharvey5425]

My friend I have been watching your stories for a while now and just wanted to say thank you for all of the beautiful stories. I grow up in Tennessee as a kid I now live in Michigan and your stories take my home every time I listen.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate that and it means a lot to me that other people out there care about this history as much as I do.

[@bmhtv2067]

That was a wonderful story about 2 people who loved the mountains. A beautiful mountain with trees, food, and animals. Oh!!! How I wish I was born in those times, especially today. I was raised on a farm until I was a teenager.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Me too, my friend, I was born in the wrong generation

[@charliepc56]

In my mind, I can still see my great grandmother sitting in front of a fireplace smoking an old clay pipe with a long stem. On my mom's side I watched them build sleds, plow with horses and mules, milk the cow and churn butter. It warms my heart to know I knew people like aunt Sophie. And, I can't forget the Moonshine.. Great story, JD Thanks

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Those are beautiful memories, Charlie, thank the good Lord that we have them

[@samuelschick8813]

DID SOMEONE SAY MOONSHINE? Where's my Mason jar?

[@lorimorris6520]

​@@samuelschick8813I want 2 jars!!

[@riddick7082]

A fantastic story of tenacity, strength and a never ending quest for freedom.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@JaniceMinnix-wn3iq]

Thank You for Such a Beautiful Story💖💖💖💖💖💖🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

Oh what a magnificent story JD! It’s a testament to the strength and perseverance that Uncle Tom & Aunt Sophie had and they were determined they would never be far from their cabin and their beginnings. I believe that bear was a “ guardian angel in a fur coat” watching over Tom & Sophie. The very sad thing today is a lot of us don’t know our heritage. You are amazing JD! Blessings always my dear friend! ✝️🙏😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much Betty!

[@starjunkie5328]

I live in the metropolitan space between NYC and Philadelphia - all over-crowded, snaking highways, strip malls, and noise. Whenever we visit E. Tennessee and W. North Carolina (each spring and autumn), I sleep like a drowsy baby. I love the peacefulness of Appalachia, where my Cherokee grandmother lived her entire life. I will be retiring down there in my grandmother's home in two years. Feels more like home in Appalachia than here. Great storytelling on this channel; I never miss a new episode. I love your unique delivery of the tales that are told. Never stop.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

It’s a beautiful place. I certainly feel blessed to call this area home and I’m so glad that you too see the beauty in it. Thank you so much, my friend.

[@terryfreeman1018]

Maybe you can come sooner. I'm looking forward to you being here even if I never meet ya. Come on home and relax now.

[@RobertaReal7980]

What an amazing life they had, bless them. Thanks JD ❤

[@alexandraayeone1470]

That was a definite sign when you saw the black bear! I cried loud with this wonderful story. How "progress" and greed is eating up the planet 😢 Thank you- beautiful story x

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you ❤️

[@ktswandering]

What a beautiful story of resilience and loyalty!

[@denisestrickland2976]

What a heartwarming story JD👍. One thing I don’t understand, how can the government claim eminent domain for the park, then investors buy land to build all the hotels, stores, etc.? If I could travel over the mountains like Uncle Tom and Aunt Sophie did, we’d have been neighbors. Now going by the roads it takes about 1 to 2 hours. Thanks JD Have a great weekend

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Gatlinburg rests on the boarder of the national park

[@dreed1058]

Very nice to hear the history of Gatlinburg and the Campbell's family! I love the Smoky Mountain park, but looking back it was stolen from these amazing families. My heart goes out to all the victims of the recent flooding & mudslides. Peace be in the valley, and all the families residing there😢❤!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank You!

[@dreed1058]

@TheAppalachianStoryteller Most welcome, new sub here!

[@shazza160]

Who in turn had stolen it from the natives

[@debbiecooper1677]

my granny smoked a pipe. she ws 107 years old when she passed, she had a brother that fight for the north and a brother that fight fot the south.

[@DebyMorgan]

Such a beautiful story! I think this is probably my favorite. Going back to a time where people worked hard, lived a simple life and knew what was really important. I could listen to you all day JD. Thank you!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you, I appreciate it

[@vickismith3052]

What beautiful story ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you! 🙂 have a blessed weekend Vicki

[@RighteousJudgement911]

Love listening and learning about the wonderful folks who built this Country of ours. Thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@steveshoemaker6347]

The story of Aunt Sophie Documentary......Some how this story touched my old heart more than most + the black Bear so high in that tree over Aunt Sophie grave....... Thank you brother JD...... Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you brother!

[@marka6719]

JD. What an amazing story. Thank YOU for telling the world about these amazing people that without you would be forgotten forever.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@ddt5164]

Going to Gatlinburg since I was a child, and it holding a special place in my heart, this is one of my favorite stories so far. Even as child my heart was heavy for all the people who had to leave their homes and comfort & provision of the beautiful mountains and would imagine as we visited historic sites what life was like for them. Appreciate your channel

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@pamelaboyle9108]

Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

thank you!

[@kelseynelson7809]

I love Gatlinburg ❤ Took our family a few times. I love your channel too, your stories are wonderful!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@250493tdb]

You truly have no idea how truly enjoy these stories!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@likhound]

That is such a great story. Thank you, JD,.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad you found it interesting. 😊

[@R2WD2]

Wonderful story..

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, it was my honor to share Uncle Tom and Sophie's story. I would have loved to have sat on their porch and just listened. I did my best to honor them.

[@BamaMomUSA]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Adam-nv9zo]

What a sad and beautiful story. Thank you, JD. Now, whenever I'm in Gatlinburg, when I look up at Ober Gatlinburg, I'll always remember who called that mountain home.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@marilynhale1359]

Wonderful account of strong pioneers; thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You are most welcome!

[@peppercat8718]

Thank You Appalachian Storyteller ♥

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@samuelburleigh1895]

What a very beautiful story about a beautiful existence.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@thislittlelightofmine8776]

Wow, JD! Great drone work there at the end bud, really enjoyed the history too, thanks as always!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@patricialong5767]

The valley where they settled looked like paradise! Beaufiful!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@ryanlemley4866]

I haven't had a disappointing Saturday morning since I found this channel. Thanks.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much Ryan so glad to have you here

[@1bryanestes]

Mama bear watching over Sophie ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I like to think so too ❤️

[@ahmedm6041]

JD Phillips, you are not just another story teller but you also take your viewers into the scence of your stories whenever possible! You are a gem to your viewers and to the apalachian communities at large. Because you are diong a great service by keeping the history, stories, and memories of bygone era alive! Please keep up the good work. Thank you for your dedication and all the hard work that you put in to bring us the stories!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I'm honored to tell these stories!

[@hikerx9366]

Wow, I loved it ....I wish I could live a solitary life like that back in the day. Peaceful quiet, and so beautiful. Thanks for sharing my friend. 🎻🙏

[@opybrook7766]

Dear J. D. Your books arrived this afternoon. As soon as I put the groceries away I headed to my recliner. I opened Vol 1 and can barely put it down. Although I live in north central Indiana near the Michigan line its a tiny village of Wakarusa, In. I moved here from Mena, Ark 35+ years ago. I often miss Mena and I am a deep southern girl yet my youngins are settled here with their adult children and my beloved church (Conservative Mennonite) is near me. So, at least for now I feel God wants me to stay put in my 200 yr old farm house. Widowed and nearing 70 yrs myself I can not see myself remarrying but if I were to he'd need to be a true southern country boy 🤗. You bring memories back for me. Thank you!❤ Blessings Brook.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Amazing! Thanks you so much! I hope you enjoy!

[@BamaMomUSA]

Have you ever been to the Appalachian center at Berea college in Kentucky? They have a great Appalachian center and students learn about our history there in the hills .

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I sure have, such a wonderful place with rich history

[@BamaMomUSA]

My daughter is in her 3rd year there now and I keep telling her if you come there to speak that she has to get me an autographed book lol ​@@TheAppalachianStoryteller

[@007modmom]

Thank you for your beautiful stories and photos. I am in Texas and my ancestors migrated from Virginia and Kentucky to Arkansas to Texas. Your stories help me understand where I came from.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving

[@RobinStiern]

Wonderful story, thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@donnielang2438]

This channel deserves a bigger audience. Growing up in Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains I can relate to the stories and the History. Great job Sir.

[@jillbuttrey2326]

Oh my gosh! This made me cry! You are very good at this!!!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@trashpanda6032]

How fitting for one of the wild animals to be guardian of the wild spirit we know as Sophie ...so incredibly fitting...I'm not crying you're crying...

[@Juju1212012]

I loved this !! Thank you for sharing the story of Aunt Sophie and Uncle Tom! 🤗

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@amygross5396]

I could listen to you all day long sir !!! Thank you so very much !

[@kindness-p1w]

Hi JD and Sarah, we are fairly new to your channel about 3 months or so. We subscribed instantly because your stories are so heartwarming and we especially love the historical stories such as this one. We are very familiar with the Ogles and their history and admire all those pioneers of East Tennessee. It was a simple life but a hard life at the same time, for these Appalachian people. There's another Gatlinburg resident that we so admire and have read his books and tried finding out as much information as we could and that is The Roaming Man of the Mountains, Wiley Oakley. He is also buried at White Oak Flats Cemetery with his wife Rebecca Ann who's father is Noah Ogle.Don't know if you heard of him or not? There's so much history about Wiley.Him and Rebecca lived on a mountain I think in the 30's or early 40's called Scratch Britches Mountain near where Le Comte Creek is. We tried finding out info about that but never came up with anything. All I can think of is the mountains name has changed? In Gatlinburg the history is found behind the tourist attractions.We camped alot in Cades Cove and Elkmont, alot of history of course in those two places.Quit going because it got to crowded. Sorry this is so long, but we were wondering if you could do a mini documentary on Wiley Oakley one day, that is if you have heard of him? We thank you for all the hardwork that goes into these stories, we love them all. From the Northeast Georgia Mountains,USA ❤❤ PS. The bear in the tree was priceless, really enjoyed seeing White Oak Flats Cemetery again, been there a few times to see Wiley Oakley's and Rebecca Ann's gravesites and cleaning them up a bit.Also liked reading the familiar names on grave markers.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes, I have Wiley’s book and he is buried a few few from Sophie

[@tracyb5660]

I was so disappointed to hear what happened to their homestead. I would have loved to take a hike up to see it. What a great story. Thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yeah, I hated it but when you look at that picture that ski resort it gives you a true sense of how high up in the clouds they lived

[@terrymcnamee]

What an incredible story. Thanks for sharing, God bless them all. Best wishes from Terry in Wexford Ireland.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chrisgibson6960]

Great story JD. I had never heard the history of Gatlinburg. Very interesting.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad you enjoyed it Chris. Have a great weekend, brother.

[@joanndallas4683]

What a beautiful story. I am enjoying your channel very much and looking forward to your next story.

[@Moose-man]

A great story, very well done; enjoyed stepping back in time. Talk about salt of the earth!! I believe, in a sort of instinctive way, many of the folks who come their to see the park sort of yearn for those roots in history & a much simpler way of life; work was tough but Peace was plentiful🙏🏻☺️. 🫎

[@sarahmoller9716]

An awesome story. The bear really added something special to this beautiful story. Thank you very much. 😊

[@diamondpaintingwithsweett]

I just love that term "spliced"!!❤❤❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad somebody else appreciates that word

[@brianpulstsr8680]

Great story JD!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Brian! It's the weekend brother! Hope you have a great one!

[@brianpulstsr8680]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I'll try to do that without getting my name in the paper!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

haha! Good luck!

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

JD, thank you for sharing this with us. It was a amazing life story of Aunt Sofie and

[@theoneandonly2421]

This video,particularly, is very special to me. You see, i was born and raised here, our family names are everywhere. Businesses,roads,creeks structures, you name it. Ive never lived anywhere else, and when my days have come and gone, this is where i will rest. Life is better here, although its forever changing, Im still proud to be from The Great Smoky Mountains.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad you enjoyed it, I’m also happy to call the Smokey Mountains home! 😊

[@erinikeuchi6447]

This is another great and interesting story! You tell it so well! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You're welcome! 😊

[@charlottebelieves285]

Just when you think a video is the best you've ever done, you come along with yet another JD. I absolutely love this channel! I literally dropped my jaw when I learned they took their cabin down. What a tragedy. 😢

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@gilbertcammarn874]

What an awesome couple. Strong very strong. love the pipe too.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you kindly!

[@KathysTube]

A million thanks for keeping these stories alive.. I can't imagine one man carrying an iron cook stove anywhere, much less that steep mountain! I think you're right about the bear 😊👍 Thanks JD ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Kathy!

[@momabthatsme7888]

And yet once again another great story.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m so happy you enjoyed this story. Have a blessed day.

[@tomroberts9794]

One of the best pieces JD.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Tom! Hope you’re having a great week

[@billywalker9223]

Another great episode! I had no idea about the history of Gatlinburg. What a shame for the native inhabitants. Thank you for what you bring to us.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@vjones6500]

So enjoyable and peaceful to watch! Thank you!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@needsaride15126]

Thank you for sharing this story. Thank you for showing the bear feeding in the tree. To me thats amazing to watch as where I live there are no black bears in the wild. Wishing you the best.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@MsDebbyWebby]

Love your stories , J.D. I Love to listen to how people lived off the land. As a Native woman from Canada , who has lived in the city all of her life { I have never been up North where my parents were from.} I often imagine what life would have been like living in the bush. Learning my language , to know the forest like the streets of a city.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m glad you enjoy these stories and it blesses my heart to know that people from all over the world relate to them. It makes it all worthwhile.

[@oliviajayneslucas6779]

We moved off marbleton mountain in Unicoi when I was 14 I'm 44 and I still grieve for that place and prob always will. The old house built by my grandparents.... Still standing although nature reclaim most of the farm

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

Thank you for sharing this story with us! ✌🏼😊 That was so sweet to see the bear in the tree! 👍🏻😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

It was a beautiful sight! 😊

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

@ Truly a beautiful sight! 😊

[@ryvirkelley5047]

That was a beautiful story. 🥲 Completely heartbreaking at the same time. What an inspirational couple.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

💜

[@vickipillars9628]

Such a beautiful life they had. We should all be that lucky. I love the way you told their story.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I did my best to show ultimate respect and tribute to them

[@dormiacrouch1905]

Howdy! Here I am again. Another great heartwarming story in history!! Love learning about the past!! You have such a soothing voice.Thanks for caring about this history and people to write books about them also. God bless.❤🙏

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate it.

[@tracyH1250]

💜 So happy I found this channel!! What a beautiful story, had me all teary eyed! You definitely have a beautiful way of telling a story! 🎉 much love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@monicaw5036]

Love to hear old stories, especially ones near my home. It does make me sad that they bulldozed the old log cabin. And sad that they weren't laid to rest on their land. But at least they are together in heaven❤❤

[@olskool3967]

my wife and i look forward to your stories every sat. JD, thanks for all the work you do. we are from the lowcountry of SC, my grandmama was an old lady when she died, she never saw the ocean either, and she lived about 60 miles from it. Tom reminds me of my grandaddy. he worked at the same sawmill all his life; it was the only job he ever had, but he could do just about anything, i don't think he ever saw the ocean either,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I appreciate you watching and sharing your family's story, I have a lot of respect for folks like your grandaddy.

[@dennisgrubbs1929]

Great video what a good day to be putting it together and seeing the bear Great story Thanks ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

That was definitely an unexpected surprise

[@detective29]

The saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul is very true. The picture used for Sophie as a child illustrates that. I don't know who that young girl is but you can see in her face that rock ribbed independence and self sufficiency that was crucial to living in those mountain communities of long ago. Its not just your ability to tell a story Mr. JD. You also have a sense of exactly what picture to use at certain points that always conveys exactly who or what you are describing. Thanks for putting these videos out. I have known some of the last of those you talk about who are long passed to history. Great memories.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@CarolLee-mq8er]

JD I never knew the history of Gatlinburg Thank you for that. And that bear. I would have loved to see that in person. This was a fantastic story to tell. ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I felt like i was telling two separate stories but weaved them together at the same time.

[@CarolLee-mq8er]

@ well you did a fantastic job

[@Pro-Gunn1952]

This is a story that touches my soul. White Oak Flats is where my ancestors came from and lived, some still live there today. Ya see my last name is Huskey. The Huskey linage in these parts goes back to and along side the Ogles. And yes theirs a place called Huskey's Gap still right there in the Smokey's.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I saw the last name husky many times in that cemetery as I was looking.

[@CrystalHogan-c7y]

I been to Gatlinburg Tennessee few times I love it 😊😊😊

[@homegrown1015]

This was a very heartwarming story..thank you❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@alannagilmore8982]

Been there and dang.. I was to scared to care, I won’t be going back to the mountains but I do love the stories!

[@shirleygardner5483]

You sir are blessed with great story tellin'. I have been binge watching for a week now and love how you use the words of old, and your voice is as smooth as silk. The music goes with the story and is beautiful. Thank you for your hard work! Know that you are appreciated!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much, Shirley. I really appreciate that. The world needs more positivity and appreciation for where we came from.

[@amyhall8282]

New sub here. I'm so glad your channel popped up in my feed! I love the stories and pictures of history and times gone by. What a beautiful way to keep the memories and spirits alive! My friend and I were just in Gatlinburg a couple of months ago. I wish I had known about your channel then. That would have added a lot more history stops to our trip. We're going to have to make a list and go back next year! Thank you for all you do!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you 😊

[@unconka-rebeltruth9336]

Enjoyed youre channel from first findin ya near a yr now. Coming from WV serial killer (that lived briefly in iowa) to hearing this story . U evoke something truly awesom sir. Thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you! I do my best to tell all stories. Stories of faith, family, history, outlaws, everything.