Uncle Nick Grindstaff Monument, Appalachian NST, TN
Shady Valley, TN (Johnson County)
Nick Grindstaff was born in Johnson County on December 26, 1851 in the Doe Valley section of the county. His parents were Isaac Grindstaff and Mary Heaton Grindstaff. He at-tended nearby school and learned reading, writing and arithmetic. His mother died in 1853 and his father died a year later. He lived with relatives until he was 21 years old. He inherited a fourth of the family farm and lived there until 1877. He was a good citizen, and a hard worker. When he was 26 years old, he sold his farm, moved from the cabin he had build and went west. He came back to Johnson County and lived as a hermit for some 40 years. He came down from his mountain cabin infrequently and only then to pick up supplies that were necessary for his living.
Nick was found dead in his cabin July 21, 1923. He had died about four days earlier and “Panter” was standing guard over him. It was only after the dog was subdued and tied that Nick’s body could be re-moved.
R. B. Wilson, with the aid of Nick’s relatives and friends erected a monument built of cement and mountain granite and a nice slab of marble to mark his grave-site. On July 4, 1925, a host of people met at the monument for a memorial service. Many distinguished people were there for the occasion. (1)
References (1) The Tomahawk www.thetomahawk.com/Detail.php?Cat=THISTHAT&ID=58821
Uncle Nick Grindstaff Monument, Appalachian NST, TN
Shady Valley, TN (Johnson County)
Nick Grindstaff was born in Johnson County on December 26, 1851 in the Doe Valley section of the county. His parents were Isaac Grindstaff and Mary Heaton Grindstaff. He at-tended nearby school and learned reading, writing and arithmetic. His mother died in 1853 and his father died a year later. He lived with relatives until he was 21 years old. He inherited a fourth of the family farm and lived there until 1877. He was a good citizen, and a hard worker. When he was 26 years old, he sold his farm, moved from the cabin he had build and went west. He came back to Johnson County and lived as a hermit for some 40 years. He came down from his mountain cabin infrequently and only then to pick up supplies that were necessary for his living.
Nick was found dead in his cabin July 21, 1923. He had died about four days earlier and “Panter” was standing guard over him. It was only after the dog was subdued and tied that Nick’s body could be re-moved.
R. B. Wilson, with the aid of Nick’s relatives and friends erected a monument built of cement and mountain granite and a nice slab of marble to mark his grave-site. On July 4, 1925, a host of people met at the monument for a memorial service. Many distinguished people were there for the occasion. (1)
References (1) The Tomahawk www.thetomahawk.com/Detail.php?Cat=THISTHAT&ID=58821