THEY KEPT US FED AND A' WORKIN': 94-YEAR-OLD JANCER FRANKLIN is still tending his life's garden.

At 94 years old, Jancer Franklin is still farming. He’s rarely traveled more than a few miles from home and has spent his entire life farming to support himself, his wife, Roxie, and their three children. His farm is perched on top of a mountain in the remote and storied Shelton Laurel section of Madison County, NC.
We spend time with Jancer on two different occasions as he shares stories from his life, as a child working from dawn till dusk alongside four brothers, to buying his own farm on an adjoining piece of land he bought from his uncle and starting a family. You’ll really enjoy getting to know this wonderful fellow who is still going strong, and hearing stories from his daughter, Karen, about growing up on their mountaintop farm.
We have just passed the one-year mark since we started The Face of Appalachia! In the upcoming months we’ll continue to produce these documentary-style episodes as well as shorter ones highlighting interesting people, places, and ideas from our beloved Appalachian Mountains. We appreciate you joining us and hope you’ll stay tuned.

[@mycolorfulcottage]

Not him saying he didn’t need a job he likes dirt too much. Sir, you’ve worked harder than most of us ever will.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yeah that is funny. He works harder every day than most folks do on a "regular" job I imagine.

[@marshacharlton9208]

I'm in TC Dr​@@thefaceofappalachia

[@debrapaulino918]

And loved doing it ❤

[@user-qr6ep1rc4s]

And he’ll never see this

[@jameslipke354]

Indeed.❤ ~APRIL LIPKE

[@tristenfranklin73]

Crazy to say that is my great grandfather, best grandfather there is. Love this ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats so great. Thanks for letting us know!

[@kathycombs3844]

We are in the ozark hills and my Daddy taught me the trees and herbs that grow here. I hunted and fished. Grow a garden. And work cattle.I delivered my first calf at 10 years old.My Daddy was born in 1918.He wanted me to learn everything in case of hard.times.He is in heaven now but his legacy going on. I know I will see him in heaven. Love and miss him.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Kathy, we really appreciate you sharing your own story and sounds like you all had a great relationship with your dad. I am amazed at the depth of practical knowldge these folks have and love that they want to pass it on to the next generation.

[@user-be1pc2vr1d]

If we had people running our country now with this kind of integrity and vale’s wouldn’t it be a much better place!

[@mariacompton1416]

Totally agree…He and his generation and those like him is what made America great. his ancestors would be proud of him and his legacy. God bless him .

[@DGP653]

Yes! Instead we have a person who lacks basic morals and ethics who brags about abusing women 😊

[@davidb2206]

He's too honest, like me, a veteran and modest-living man who always did honest labor. D.C. attracts a den of thieves. Today, they have to do what Israel says.

[@Jason-VoluntaryDe-Occultist]

The word government literally means mind control. External government is slavery. External government is organized crime. The only acceptable form of government is self governance.

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

People are lazy and intitled. Turned 64 today and still bricklaying. You got to be tough on the Eastern Shore! We don't like lazy!

[@user-wc5ul5uk4p]

Mr. Jancer is a fine man, full of wisdom. I bought canning beans from him several times . He's so kind!!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats great to know. Everyone I have talked to that has met him, even briefly, feels the same warmth and appreciates the depth of his farming knowledge.

[@markhickey3254]

He still looks like he could put in a good days work. Those guys from that generation were tough.

[@mariacompton1416]

What a wonderful interview. Mr. Franklin is a national treasure. He is what America was made of, hard working man of the farm, wonderful son, amazing husband and father. I hope he lives another 30 years on his beautiful farm. His daughter is so blessed to have such amazing parents and an understanding husband who shares her with her father. That whole family and ancestors are what made America great.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree! Thanks for letting us know how you connected with them and appreciate how they live and work together. This kind of hard work and close-knit families are an inspiration.

[@wayne-tg1xh]

These old time mountain people are some of the best people on earth.these are people we should look up to and respect.God Bless and thanks for the interview.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are a special breed, for sure. They are so strong and yet loving and sharing folk.

[@DonMonaco]

Sad to see this caliber of folks disappearing from the country. A true community rooted in their heritage & soil

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Don, it is sad as that generation passes, but it great to see some of the younger folks adopting at least some of those ways, as there is a timeless truth to them that I think we all can understand and appreciate.

[@chrisdoggett368]

I've always had an intestinal illness that me from being able to do much manual labor. I ts made me have a deep admiration for people who work with there back and hands!

[@davidb2206]

@@chrisdoggett368 So what would you have done in 1830 or 1881? = worked anyway

[@bobbyyeary9756]

Some of the finest, most honest people of integrity on earth. My kinda people..Love this.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are certainly right on that. Thanks for watching!

[@webrunner2407]

Good stock. Good friends. Good living. Good values.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are, for sure. Glad you appreciate them. Thanks for tuning in.

[@davidb2206]

That sounds like what we had in the Confederacy. Not D.C., Detroit, Chicago, and Philly.

[@jaspersknoll9013]

Dad will be 87 this year and he reminds me of him. Gentle souls who know nothing but work. Dad still gardens and climbs on the tractor occasionally to help my brother farm.😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That is awesome! So happy to hear he is able to get out and work if he wants.

[@dennisodle1923]

God bless this man for his hard work an dedication to his family an farm

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Dennis, so nice to know you enjoyed the video and appreciate Mr. Jancer. Hope you'll keep watching.

[@Joyce-id3dr]

He may not have much book learning but a very smart man. Happy with his life and rightly so

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes he seems very content with the life he has carved out on this mountain top. We appreeciate you tuning in.

[@shirleyashanti3031]

I so love salt of the earth people. My mama was a farm girl. Even though we lived in the city growing up, people always thought we had just arrived from the country. 😅 What a humble man he is, with so many survival skills and wisdom. Keeping up with the rhythm of life is the best way to live, and he's doing that. What a blessing he is. Did u see how proud he is of his daughter? Thank u so much for his story. ❤❤❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Shirley, Thanks you for getting in touch and for your thoughts. We really appreciate you watching and glad to hear you enjoyed meeting these great folk.

[@donitaharchar6525]

To me this man and those of his type are true backbone of America! Bless him and all who loves him! 🙏💕 Great hearing these stories. Much better than the news! 🥰

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, he is a true gem. We love finding interesting folks and showcasing the positive. Thanks for watching.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Great video Tim brangs back some great memories from my childhood. I miss them days so bad I’m not cut out for this run and gun lifestyle everyone is in now. I’m old school always will be till THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS JESUS CHRIST calls me Home Amen 🙏.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Randle, so great to know you are hanging in their with us and enjoying the videos!

[@jamesmolley8636]

This man is America!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So true. Thanks for watching and getting in touch.

[@davidb2206]

WAS. The values in his and my family line are gone now, especially the work ethic (and patriotism in our case, with 4 WWII vets, 1 Korean War vet, and then me following in the Rapid Deployment Force under Reagan). Ted Kennedy's Immigration Act of 1965 and Refugee Act of 1980, LBJ, and the Democrat conversion to communist and white-haters, destroyed the nation.

[@marlenepopos12]

God has bless this humble man with a peaceful life, health and family and it shows. A real example of a great son, husband and dad. Thank you sir for sharing a bit of your life with us.

[@jerryrolen9639]

He reminds me of my grandfather who was raised right over the mountain in East Tennessee. He farmed his whole life also. Raised ten children no electricity no indoor plumbing. They were a great family that all went on to have successful lives.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Jerry, thanks for sharing you memories. Its amazing to hear how many people lived such a hard life, by todays standards for sure, and yet remember it fondly . Obviously it built strong character for the children to go on to have such fullfilling lives.

[@LuvBritTV]

Amazing man, what I noticed was how strong he still is and his hands...no arthritic joints! This is what hard work does for the human body. Great video, wish the old ways were still here and the appreciation of the past. Current generation has been made soft like butter!

[@ShellyUpson-vv5js]

Love this were farmers raised are children ,on the farm . We are a close family. We love the land and Blessed to have the Freedom we've had . Things that are hard are worth having .,I wouldn't trade are life ,would love to have a conversation ,with him. So strong❤

[@dougdillard9006]

This is a TRUE AMERICAN ........ Sad to see what has become of our Country.

[@amyfaith2350]

Lucky daughter to have a dad like that.

[@u.s.militia7682]

You can always notice a true country boy by them putting on their good button up shirt and their good overalls. 🇺🇸

[@EuleneWages4644]

My dad to a tee.That is what he told us to bury him in.Thats what we did.😢

[@ScootinIsLife]

This younger generation wouldn't last a day with a man like this ! I'm in my early 60's and can remember a peddler coming around my great grand parents farm . Worked in the fields as young as 6 years old. Tobacco was our main crop. Work was hard, but you sure slept good at night !

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for sharing a bit of you story and great memories. Farming is a hard life but it can be rewarding to know you can support yourself and your family with your labors.

[@vanwelty8704]

Cherish your Dad, lost mine 2 year ago come October 16th. I miss him a great deal. Still got mother, feel blessed for that.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sorry to hear that, but happy to know you're mom is still with you. My mom just turned 96 and is doing well all things considered at that age, so hoepfully they'll have many more years.

[@EagleArrow]

He is a fine man. He is healthy and young looking. That's from his hard work and eating wholesome simple foods he grew himself. Not full of additives. God Bless him.

[@Warntator]

I couldn't finish watching as it made me too sad for what has been lost. Blood and soil!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There is a sense of loss for sure. But hopefully we can celebrate the ones still here and what they went though in their lives to shape a better world for us.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

It is sustenance living. Very difficult on the body. Technology helps out, though these days. To me these videos are a wonderful invitation to go back to the land, and to nature's God.

[@cedric9839]

Jancer is a wonderful man, everybody's grandpa.❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, a lot of people seem to share that sentiment. He is a great fellow.

[@JusticeServed713]

Sir you do a great job interviewing these genuine people. Thank you

[@TheDomVerde]

Thank you. Many fled his way of life for the industrial complex...thinking it was healthier, more reliable, and easier. We now know it is toxic, fragile, and in the long run destroying our mental health...due to its "ease." Im a wage slave seeking liberation to a subsistence life...i want the difficulties and struggles that are real, not the mind games of corporate politics and greed.

[@justa.american8303]

You have that right!

[@user-wv5fq8di2m]

Well said.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There is something to be said for the farm life, even though you are at the mercy of nature and the elements, but it is a satisfying way of life and one that definetly builds character.

[@julegate]

I hope you find your way there. This is the third video I have seen where the individual farming is over 90!

[@russellzigler2180]

Clean food,healthy life, great families.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, thank you. We appreciate you watching and getting in touch.

[@Pamela.B]

How kind of him to be willing to sit & share on this venue! Thank you for sharing his story ❤️🤍💜

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Our pleasure! We were fortunate to be able to share his story. We appreciate you watching and getting in touch.

[@user-cs3hi8zp7p]

Thats what we call an honest & hard-working American man! It was an honor to hear about his life & I look forward to his 100th birthday video! God bless this good man and his family🙏🙏

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Well said! Thanks for watching and we'll hope he has an even longer life.

[@gayleb9656]

He was HANDSOME as a young man! Married the pretty girl and lived happily ever after 🤍 Life has gotten too easy for most and we’ve become lazy, selfish and spoiled. I love their way of life.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They had a hard but happy life from all indications. Thanks for watching!

[@LLBP.]

What a sweet smile he has 😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He has a twinkle in his eye and is sucha gentle soul for sure.

[@jaredmyers4863]

I'm from Mississippi, my daddy was born in 1926. He was the oldest of 6 boys and 2 girls. He said growing up they always had several cousins and other kids living with they. My grandfather would take in other kids if their family could not take care of them. They would pay my grandfather so much a month and my grandfather would make sure they were clothed and feed and send them to school and they worked after school on his farm. They don't make people like that now.

[@beverlyboisa7908]

Social services says it's abuse to have your kids work on the farm. What horsepucky. It's really healthy to work.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats a fascinating story. Sounds like he had a good heart and was a caring felow. I know it made all the difference in those kids lives.

[@harvdog5669]

There are still people out there that live such lives today.. 😊😊😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes. Harder to find as each generation passes, but there are still folks who can share stories to those of us who are interested, thankfully.

[@eunicestone6532]

My daughter lives so much like this.

[@garyhammond2213]

I really like this gentleman. We need him for President. The country would be a better place.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree. We'll get the bumper stickers printed soon!

[@rangerbob42]

Looks like he’s ahead of mostly everyone else! He has peace, great food, and a very loving family! He already has a peace of heaven with him already!❤

[@sams568]

That farm is his whole world, but a world we should all be blessed with.

[@thomasgleaton685]

A credit to the human race. Backbone of what America was built on!

[@johnthomas3842]

Much of what he had to say struck a chord with me. I worked open quarry mining for 37 years. Working outside, in the dirt, was so much better than working in an office, which I did for 6 years. My dad sold his farm way before I was born, he got it from his Dad, never worked it and served 31 years in the Army. I believe I would have done well as a farmer. Hard work and most times, plenty to eat.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing your history and a bit about your family. There are many ways to live but farming, while hard, is a rewarding one.

[@ran44dolf]

These people are the blood and bone of America and a great part of our history.

[@williamjenkins3720]

Jancer, u bout the coolest Dude I’ve seen!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He is, for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@mjwallace8953]

Such a sweet video. His daughter is a good person for staying with him so he can stay in his home.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video. They are a fun and loving family, for sure.

[@atticuskilby515]

"You can take thean out of the mountains, but you can't take the mountains out of the man." Quite true. I grew up with people like this fine gentleman, the salt of the earth, kind and giving souls. Thanks for sharing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

And thank you fpr watching and letting us know you enjoyed the episode on Jancer.

[@andrewlisenby9693]

Maybe just an old farmer, Mr. Franklin, but the kind of man we should strive to be!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree! Thanks for reaching out.

[@connihudson1578]

What a content man. "You cant beat good frinds,"?😊. Their lives soundsnlike mine. We had beans, cornbread, and ffried potatos for many meals. 😋. His daughter is darling. Their love for one another makes me so happy.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are a loving and supportive family who have lived through some lean times but they seem happy and content with their life. Can't ask for much more than that.

[@YouHaveAIDS]

​@@thefaceofappalachiaIt's the freedom that makes them so content. They live life on their own terms. Toss in shelter, food, and family and you find a little slice of utopia.

[@regeniawilliams2965]

My Papaw was from Shelton Laural.He was a farmer an worked for the ASCS office in Erwin Tn until he retired.Even after he retired people would come to his house for his advice on farming.He farmed up till the day he passed away❤.

[@anns1014]

My father worked for the ASCS office in the 70’s. Working southwest Virginia and northeast Tn. He farmed until he became bedfast.

[@regeniawilliams2965]

@@anns1014 so sorry,we were lucky to have that knowledge an put it to use still to thus day.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for sharing his story. It sounds like he was well respected and loved to help people.

[@regeniawilliams2965]

@@thefaceofappalachia he was dearly beloved man,a real down home Christian man.I miss him everyday.This story brought back alot of memories growing up.

[@Renee-be9vl]

May the Lord bless this family. Hes always worked hard and now he dont even know what to do with his hands, he wants to be busy. Bless his heart ! I think I'll make Fried potatoes & onins and corn bread tomorrow with homemade butter they made me hungry enough i could almost smell it. Lol. Thank you Lord for giving him long years on this beautiful earth and may we listen up to our elders and do whats right! Amein.🙏 May more of todays men turn out more like him and know the value of hard work and providing for families.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed meeting Jancer. He is a fine man and I got hungry just listening to him as well.

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

My grandfather always told me the tractor ruined farming. Mules don't break down if you treat them right!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There is a beauty to wacthing horse and mules work, for sure and necessary of the steep hills where tractors turn over and kill people every year around here.

[@c.jakubowski6549]

My Paw Paw wore overalls all the time. Granny said he had a whole drawer full of new ones but would wear the same ones till they worn out. Looks like he put on a new pair for this video. What a treasure. He sounds just like my kin from Western NC. So sad about his brother. Family was so much closer back in those days. That must have been such a devastating time and that he found him. They depended on each other for survival. My other Grandaddy, on my mother’s side, helped my great aunt survive after she nursed her husband with TB until his death at a young age. Leaving her and a young son behind with no way to make a living. At that time two families were living off the salary of a mechanic at a small service station. I was so fortunate to grow up with all this love for one another. It has made me into the person I am today.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, what a fascinating story. It sounds like your folks and kin lived through some trying times but survied all the stronger. I knwow it must have been tough on Jancer loosing his briother and being the one to find him. I thought it was touching that his dog Timmy came up to nuzzle him right as he was telling that part of his story, even though he had been in the room the whole time. Thanks for sharing your family story!

[@reeceedwards2509]

Coveralls Sears and Roebuck

[@ClintWestVood]

an incredible life hes lived and seen

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He truly has lived thru interesting times and seems all the stronger for it!

[@HomeEF]

What a man, what a man , beautiful life !!! ♥️

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He is great, you are right. Glad you enjoyed meeting him

[@user-rk4jx4zc5d]

The man is real smart. He's intelligent, I know a good man when I see and hear him.

[@samanthalowe4222]

That’s my great grandfather 🩷🩷

[@thefaceofappalachia]

How neat. He's a wonderful man. I hope you enjoyed the video. We intend it to be a great tribute to him.

[@richarddetriquet9642]

You should be a very proud person. Your great grandfather is an example of a man who made this country great.

[@naraaway]

Exits another interview of Jancer? He is too adorable and we can learn a lot from our older people

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We have other parts we are going to use in other videos upcoming so stay tuned!

[@user-yv9vo4xq9m]

Very blessed family . Perfect example of what made America America hard working country folk . If only politicians had the heart these people do our country would be blessed .

[@countrysister700]

Oh how I miss my Daddy. A Texas depression farm boy, he'd be 94 also. He grew up in overalls and bare feet loving buttermilk and hot cornbreadm

[@carolgladney9890]

My daddy grew up helping his family sharecrop in Texas. He would be 97 this year. It's been almost 5 years, and I miss him every day

[@tracylawrence5258]

That was nice. I'm glad he is so self sufficient and he has a lovely daughter to spend time with. My friends mom just passed away last week. She was 100. People from that generation seemed to be healthier and living longer. She lived alone and was still active. She lived a long happy life. Thanks for sharing thier story.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Tracy; Sorry for you loss. We appreciate you getting in touch and sharing your thoughts.

[@baneverything5580]

People seem to think it`s "low class" to live in a very rural area and try to be as self-sufficient as possible. I asked one guy why he had a huge yard and no garden or fruit trees. "Not enough time (gaming) and fruit trees attract bugs." The first thing I did when I got back on a rural Louisiana lot is start building a vegetable garden, plant as many various fruits & berries as I could, and start getting the prepping tools & supplies I`ll need to survive if things keep going downhill. I made the mistake of living in the city limits of a town beside a major highway for over a decade. People stole my vegetables in my garden, my window air conditioners, copper wiring, my truck, lawnmower, tools, BBQ grill, tiller, pets...everything. Never again.

[@mikenorman4816]

Any of us fortunate enough to have grown up in a family of Appalachian people quickly recognize men such as Jancer. His stories of family and growing up are so familiar to us. Just listening to him takes me back to times in rural Eastern Kentucky, sitting on the porch on a summer afternoon, listening to stories, and waiting on that cornbread or biscuits to come out of the oven. Thank you for bringing us this treasure of a man.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are welcome. It is what we love to do and we were so fortunate to meet him and get to spend time with him and really appreciate his willingness to share his story.

[@allisonspeer649]

Wow, he is awesome. Still going at 92, good hardworking Christian living. Respect Sir, respect.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He is one amazing and inspiring gentleman. Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed meeting him.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Reminds me of my granny’s place I miss that place so bad it’s all been handed down and sold with houses on it now makes me sick to see it now knowing I run all over the many acres she had now not allowed to step on it. I can’t go there anymore it breaks my heart knowing that to.

[@scottallen6062]

Randle, so good to hear from you as always. All of that does sound tough. No one can ever take away your memories and the life experience you had growing up!

[@Sherlock067]

All I can say is thanks for sharing this wonderful man’s story!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening. We are so glad you enjoyed the story.

[@68paulak]

Sweet story, I’m so happy that his daughter is able to be with him as much as she is.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, she was there on both visits we made, and another daughter on the third visit, so he is lucky to have three supportive children to help out when needed.

[@nathanisenhour4420]

His real job..Was farming. His clock was the Sunrise and sunset..And reward was from his on labor . Great.

[@michaelbennett376]

These fine folks know what is truly valuable.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So true. Thanks for reaching out and for watching.

[@mephista55]

I miss my grandfather, Rufus and my nanny, AnnKatrin ... I thank them evey day for all they gave me❤ best people Ive ever known. Gentle humble and honest they were!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad this brought back good memories of your own grandparents and what they meant to you.

[@hyacinthbucket3281]

What a treasure.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you think so too. We appreciate you watching.

[@mpat100]

Blessings and good health for Jancer

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, he seems to be getting around pretty well. Climbing hills with just a tobacco stick for a prop.

[@donnamays24]

I’m from the neighboring county of Haywood…this gentleman reminds me so much of my granddad…it’s a beautiful life he’s lived for sure…blessings to him his family and to you for capturing him and his amazing story to share with us❤🙏🏻

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Donna; Thank you for watching and sharing with us. We are trying hard to find interesting folk and tell their stories so its great when folks like you let us know how much they are enjoying getting to know the people. All the best.

[@juliahelland6488]

Thank you, Jancer for sharing your story. I'm 66yo and grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. 💯❣️

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We appreciate you watching and so glad you enjoyed the story. You live in a beautiful area of the country!

[@traciebecker6669]

A good story from good people. God bless them ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for tuning in to meet Jancer and his family.

[@DanielLehan]

A great interview. I knew 10 years ago that I too would evolve back onto a farm,where Peace of mind and good hard work are the beginnings. I am praying now for a successful garden this season,and for timely rains.Soon, I'll be living on a farm, and to hell with all of the cheats, liars, and thieves in this world. God and Country are all I need!

[@randybeard6040]

Amen!!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Best of luck on the farm. I know it will be hard but rewarding.

[@bradlafferty]

That was wonderful. God bless Jancey and his daughter, and her understanding husband.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed getting to know the. They are great folks for sure.

[@julegate]

Thank you for the wonderful video of a terrific Father and daughter.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are so kind. Glad to know you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.

[@julegate]

@@thefaceofappalachia Thank you.

[@jeffs5093]

This is an amazing video, please do more of this gentleman. He reminds me of my great grandpa.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video. We had so much material from time spent with him that I'm sure we'll include segments in other upcoming videos, so stay tuned!

[@EuleneWages4644]

It is such a treat to see a caliber of a man.not many of these people left anymore with these types of morals.💯🙏🏼

[@johnskinner5206]

True

[@Fortnitekidfortniteki]

What a handsome guy he was

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, a great old photo of him when he was a young man.

[@user-rk4jx4zc5d]

IS. What a handsome man he is.

[@ruthiecooper2446]

He eeminds me of my grandparents, they formed all of their lives. They were married 76 years , this old fellow was neat to listening to. People worked really hard back then. And respectful to. I really enjoyed him so much.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Ruthie, Thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed getting to know them. We appreciate you watching.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Book learning can’t compare with learning from work on a farm like that. I miss that lifestyle growing up on a farm

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You and me both!

[@scottallen6062]

there is all kinds of "smarts" right?

[@bettyhudson979]

AMEN 🙏🏾 NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO LEARNING FROM THE LAND THAT TEACHES LIFE SKILLS AND SURVIVING FROM PLANTING SEEDS IN THE EARTH 🥬🍆🥔🫛🍅🫑🧅

[@EagleArrow]

True. He made it to 5th grade which taught him reading, math and writing. Which is all you need in most things.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

With the chance that our nation may change drastically in the near future, his life may be how most are living. . . Out of school, and on the homestead!

[@ohgrammy48]

I was born in Williamson, WVa. My mother’s family was all from there. When I was 9 mos old we moved to southern Ohio in a rural area. We lived from our garden year around and I’m so thankful I grew up with the information of self sustainability. What a blessing. I Romberg the truck coming once a week with items we needed from the store. My mom and grandmother canned 1500 qts of food to get us through the winter and my uncle would get a deer every year. We bought eggs from our neighbor for .25 a dozen when we stopped raising our chickens. We didn’t have an electric washer for years. My mom and grandma dug a pit in the back yard, lined it with large rock they got from the creek, put a grid on top, built a fire, and would use two galvanized tubs over the fire, hauled water to fill them. One tub was for washing clothes, the second was for hot rinse, and a third was for cold rinse, then the clothes were hung on the line. We did this year around. We also used the pit for canning outside because it was too hot to use the wood cooking stove in the house. We knew how to survive. It’s nice to see so many young families going back to the old ways of sustainable living.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, thats a wonderful collection of memeries. Sounds like you grew up in a household who worked hard and knew how to grow what they needed to support themselves. It takes a lot of produce and canned goods for just an average sized family and many of these old families had lots of kids to feed.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Yes, they are aren't they? They were raised soft, but now want a challenge. The distractions of city life, of entertainment are a hard lesson to get over. It takes character.

[@eunicestone6532]

I was born there too. Jan 26, 1958. The old hospital bon the hill. It's still there but it's closed. My family is from Crum, WV. Wayne county.

[@ohgrammy48]

@@eunicestone6532 I was born in that same hospital in 1948 in January. The snow was so bad that night my parents weren’t sure they would make it up the mountain to the hospital but they did! The hospital and the airport are both on mountain tops! 😊

[@ompaloompa4970]

What a sweetheart, God bless him and his family.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He is. So much fun to be around and talk to. Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed the video.

[@turtlebarnessr0248]

I noticed his 2nd Amendment sitting in the corner. He a patriot to be reckoned with.🇺🇸🚒🐄

[@mikeholden3854]

Great video and fantastic people. I wish everyone saw the real beauty in these old farms and the sweat that has been put into them. Sadly most only see dollar signs these days.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Mike. It does seem that a lot of the land gets sold off as more people choose not to farm. Its a hard life. As you can tell we love the old farms and how peole molded them to fit their needs with clearing and planting and building structures.

[@scottallen6062]

Mike, these old places are truly amazing. My wife's grandpa cleared 30 acres by hand with a cross-cut saw, a mule and a rope. I can remember him still using a sled and a mule in his garden. It is a gift to get to go and see farms like Jancer's. Thanks for spending some time with our channel.

[@justmejustme1245]

I sat and listen to my old mamaw and papaw talk many an hour about old stories just like this. They would name names of folks just like he did and what these people did to help them. My father and law was the most colorful. He was a rowdy young man funny older man. His stories were hilarious. Sad this life is over. We have lost a hard working honest generation.

[@rhondadavis1483]

Yes we have lost so much of the values and work ethic of this generation. This made me miss my grandma and granddaddy so much. They were farmers also. 8th grade education for my granddad and 11th for my grandmama. And always said she was lucky to go that far. They farmed but also had huge chicken houses and sold those. We as kids loved it when they had biddies. During the depression my granddad worked in the mountains with the CC program putting in roads up there in NC and TN. Your dad probably remembers that. My grandmama had a huge garden up in her 80s. She canned and froze food once she had a freezer. Her meals were fried chicken, (a lot lol)potatoes in some form, sometimes rice, green bean, butter beans and/or corn that she raised, tomatoes always and biscuits and gravy. And sweet tea! She did cook desserts esp when we came. Pies or a cake. But we always had biscuits and butter and molasses. She and my aunts would always take food to different people when they were sick and for deaths. Me and my adult daughters still do the same and we learned it from my 84 year old mom and my grandma and aunts. We always had a garden growing up, and I do the same every year. My great grandmama and great granddad, and later my granddad and his brothers helped establish the local little country church. My great grandmama used her egg money to pay the itinerant preacher before they got the church. We went to church on Wed and Sunday and VBS with my cousins in the summer. They both sang in the choir. I attribute them both and their role model as to why I love the Lord myself. They both loved the Lord, and all my aunts were prayer warriors and prayed us kids through life’s challenges. I still remember her telling me and my brother stories and scripture from the Bible. She loved to read her Bible. I miss them so much and can’t wait to be reunited in heaven. Just subbed to your channel. Thanks for sharing your life. God bless y’all from NC.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Rhonda; Thanks so much for sharing your story and all the wonderful details. Seem like you have some great memories to draw on. Glad you found us and hope you'll check out our other stories and stay tuned for more.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Happy to hear this brings back good times for you. We appreciate you watching and letting us know you enjoyed the story.

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Jancer Franklin ❤ the stories and the cooking made my mouth water makes me miss my Grandma ✌️❤️

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So gald you liked the video and that it brought back good memories!

[@coolmoodee]

What a blessed family, dad is a happy and humble man. We should be so lucky ! 😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes we should. We agree.

[@clintjohnson7023]

I grew up that way in Arkansas. Our every day meal was pinto beans, fried potatoes and cornbread or biscuits. Most of the time it was 1 meal a day. Now on weekends and depending on what time of the tear. The meat would come from a steer and a hog we butchered or game & fish. . I rem😢1st time I had goulash when that hit my taste buds I think feet did the happy dance.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Clint. Sounds like great memories. Thanks for sharing. You can see in the video how important eating good was to the, when they worked as hard as they did!

[@user-wr1yh2zw6l]

What is goulash?

[@clintjohnson7023]

@@user-wr1yh2zw6l well hamburger, noodles. Onions and tomatoes with tomato paste sorta like a hearty stew but thicker

[@user-wr1yh2zw6l]

@@clintjohnson7023 sounds good.

[@lynngoforth9272]

Oh how I love this. This man is one of the finest you will ever met.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree. We've been by to visit several times and always are welcomed and love our time with him and his family. Thanks you for watching and letting us know youu enjoyed the video.

[@michaelpriest6242]

You've built a fitting tribute to a very worthy man. I thank you for it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you think so. We appreciate knowing that you enjoyed it and value what we are trying to do.

[@presston5presston445]

what a sweet old man, still that twinkle in his eyes, bet he was a handsome man at one time, I to am 94 years old and still getting around also, life is great,

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to hear you are doing well and enjoyed the episode. We appreciate you getting in touch.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

This is really interesting! I think it's great too that his daughter takes the time to help him out. More families should do that because having to rely on paid aids is not consistent and alot of times they don't show up, or they come late, and leave early, or they are picky about helping you with the things you need help with. Many are afraid of animals too. It took an act of Congress to get help with my vegetable garden that I need in order to afford to eat for the whole month. Putting up a cattle panel arch trellis and metal stakes in the ground is a two person job and when you are aging it's not easy even with two people! Agencies don't understand that people's lives are different and they don't make accommodations for that. I live in a semi-rural area and with food prices going up a fair amount of peope here do grow their own food and at least 2 of my neighbors have chickens. I think not traveling has a functional reason; it allows families to pull together. When people move to other states they aren't able to do that and it often disconnects people on an emotional level. Family members who move away begin to view their lives as separate and don't feel the same commitment to their relatives back home. We have become a society that puts peope in nursing homes when caring for elders no longer fits into our work schedule and I think that is sad, and it shortens people's lives. The people that work in those places and even aids that come to peope's homes often hate their jobs and resent taking care of somebody else's relatives. It often results in abuse and nelect. This is why family leave should be a right; not a privilege. My son hasn't seen me in 3 years because his job held his request and never approved it. This happens way too much in this country. This man's story just proves that in many respects it would be better to go back to the basics. I personally hate cell phones, as I see it as a constant distraction from real in-person interaction. It annoys the hell out of me when I'm spending time with someone and having a conversation and they are constantly looking at their phone. While I do like eating restaurant food once in awhile I don't like alot of those delivery services that prepackage food and send customers what amounts to TV dinners. People who are aging and have medical conditions need real fresh food. I like small farms because they don't cut corners and you know you are getting something healthy without all those additives, and the food tastes better. I am hoping this year to get a really good harvest from my own vegetable and fruit plants. The up-front work and cost are steep, but I know once I make the initial investment it will be easier to maintain year after year. It is the first year I am using significant space in my yard so I can produce alot of food and variety. Meanwhile I go to outdoor Farmer's Markets which support small farms and I buy only what I can't buy there at the grocery store.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for sharing your story and your thoughful ideas. My mother has caretakers that come in for 9 or so hours a day and help her, as she is 96. One is a wonder, and she works three days a week, and cleans, shops, cooks, gardens, does it all. The rest are hit or miss and many just sit and play on their phones the whole time unless she asks them for something. One is from the north and doesn't cook like my mother likes but thats OK, she is sweet and really tries. We love farmers markets as well. Thanks for getting in touch.

[@gasdieselgrease5746]

Please do more on this man and his family. It really intrigued me that his last name is Franklin. My mother’s maiden name is Franklin. We live in Illinois

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, there's a Franklin Mountain Road just across the way thats always one of my favorite rural drives. I'm sure it was named for his family back at some point. We'll certainly have more videos with Jancer in them coming up so keep watching!

[@jamesanderson849]

That father daughter hug at the end❤

[@gillisBR549]

Great episode, purely enjoyed every minute, …. Mr Jancer is a pure gem

[@thefaceofappalachia]

He certainly is and so gald you are finding value in the stories we produce. Hope you'll check out some of the others and stay tuned for more!

[@randlerichardson5826]

I miss my granny so bad to. She could do or fix anything to

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That was a great generation with so many practical skills. Food is always a binding thing in families.

[@bobralph5072]

I'm lucky to remember staying at my granddads little farm. stayed often enough to learn some of old ways. Gardening, raising and processing hogs. Hand milking cows, two times a day. Papa still worked his garden with a mule. He churned up arrowheads all the time. Great memories

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, thanks for sharing your memories. Glad you can remember those times.

[@diannawilliams761]

Sweet man, and sweet daughter, thankyou for sharing your life it's encouraging. Off grid in Oklahoma Mt Momma

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for watching and for getting in touch!