Vanished in Appalachia
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- Опубліковано 18 жов 2024
- Vanished in Appalachia: The True Story of Hensley Settlement #cumberlandgap
PURCHASE the song HENSLEY SETTLEMENT here. justoffthewild.... ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE LEE COUNTY VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Video from The Appalachian Storyteller
Story written by The Appalachian Storyteller
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Note: This Video Represents History. The video has been uploaded for educational/editorial purposes and commentary and critique on the topic.
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I'm so shocked to see my own family heritage being featured on this channel. My mom is a Hensley! While she has never been up to the settlement, my uncles have went many times. I've told them they have to take me to see it someday.
I did my best to pay respect and honor their legacies, I hope you enjoyed
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I thought it was wonderful!
@@gotzBearhugzMy kin from Eastern Kentucky, Clay county n nearby. Havent caught any direct kin mentioned here yet. But maybe someday? My Ma n Pa told me stories,lol. 😊
What a wonderful story.
Well I ll be darned! You have to go now!! What an amazing legacy you have!
The crazier this world becomes the more I long for simplicity.
Me too my friend
I’m there with you.
Well Mr. Hensley, I came along in '63 but you would not believe how much in common we would have. My granddaddy was born in 1902 but died 2 months before I was born so I didn't get a chance to learn the old ways from him. We've gone a miss today, Mr. Hensley. Something has gone terribly wrong in our world today. How much better off we would be today if we took up the ole ways again and looked after one another. Mr. Hensley your rich life still speaks to some of us today.... Thank you,~ Debbie
❤️
Wow! He was only 16 when he made such mature decision! What a difference between today’s youth and those we admire from the past! Thanks for the story!
Thanks so much my friend
True! I think the young ones could learn a thing or two from these stories!
That was beautiful ✌️
My brother was only 16 when he got married, he made a good living for his family of 3 kids and his wife of 48 years until he passed 2 years ago.
How shiny, beautiful and tempting is the corruption we cynically call “progress”. It is always inspiring and tragic to know of those few who can see the modern world’s “civilization” for what it is: few actual benefits in a sea of rot, infinite luxuries at the expense of the soul, a comfortable, routine existence that strips us of the true human experience. Sherman Hensley as become one of a list of my heroes who have done what almost no one has the courage to do, inspiring a dream I believe many of us have had. The tragedy being it inevitable end as those unfamiliar with the world he left being unable to see why he left it. Great story as always! Thank you!
very poetically written my friend
What a fascinating true story! In reflecting on Mr. Hensley’s decision to live free from the harsh “prison” of “working for the man” the conclusion of his life was not sad to my thinking. During his life he achieved his goal to follow the independent Appalachian way of life. Although his kin & neighbors all left, alone he likely looked over his life and perhaps was very satisfied he gave to himself & others the freedom we all crave!
Completely agree ❤️
Well said 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Damn straight! 🙌🏻
I would love to live that life
That's how we're supposed to live
Simple and in tune with nature
Looking out for each other
Well said Stone
Welp you did it. Last week you were at 99k. Now you're sitting pretty at 101k. Congratulations Appalachian Story Teller!!!! You definitely deserve it sir.
Man, I really appreciate that, really unbelievable and humbling to me, it’s because of folks like you that it happened
@@TheAppalachianStorytellerJD, it's because you use your incredible gifts of research, writing, and storytelling. We,your faithful subscribers, are the byproduct of your wonderful work!! Congratulations, JD! You deserve it because you are fantastic at what you do for us. ❤🎉😊
Thanks for the wonderful video about my great grandfather (Big Pap) Sherman Hensley. So happy you are keeping his story alive. My grandmother, Adline, was his second oldest daughter. The oldest daughter Larell Ann died in infancy. Of the nineteen children only 11 reached adulthood. Two girls died in their late teens or early twenties. I think one died in child birth and one from tuberculosis. I have lost track of the youngest son, Sherman Jr. He would be almost 100. Big Pap love the settlement and I'm not sure he left because he was lonely. Thanks again J.D.
Thank you so much for sharing this information ❤️
So glad to see someone putting these old stories down before they're lost to time. Great work please continue. ❤❤
Thank you!
Whenever you walk through a graveyard, every stone you see is a story like this. Makes it much more meaningful. Thank you for another beautiful video, I know how much time and research you put into each one. ❤
Thank you , it’s a labor of love
This is the jewel in my family history. I am a Hamlin from Harlan and many of my cousins are Hensley's. Thanks for sharing this. I am in Los Angeles far removed from the mountains of Kentucky, but these brave strong people are in my blood and the memories of childhood family visits are dear to my heart. I hope to see the settlement in person rather than family photos in the near future.
Thank you Anita, ❤️
My momma's maiden name is Hensley from the Clan in Madisonville, Monroe County, Tennessee
Wow, amazing! What it must have been like❤
I want to visit it someday
I met Sherman years ago and I’ve been to Hensley Settlement many times. Great video
That’s awesome, how bout that
I could feel the ghosts as you told their tale. Truly excellent.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for a history lesson that isn't taught in school ! I really enjoy watching , listening and learning about the history of our Nation !
Thank you Steve, appreciate your kind words and support my friend
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You're welcome my friend
Love this story JD. Being born a 5th generation Floridian, who’s family came into America via North Carolina, long story short, I’ve come full circle. Back on top of Ol Smoky, NC, away from all the people I use to have to deal with. I’ve been living on this mountain, in the middle of a national forest, and love every minute of it. Life’s a whole lot simpler. Again, good story👍. As always, can’t wait until the next one❤
Thank you Denise, have a blessed day my friend
I’m so jealous. I think your mountain sounds like heaven on earth. God bless.
Enjoyed, J.D. ,you out did yourself again, This man was a visionary, R.I.P.
Thank you John
What a good story. Interesting and a little sad in a heartfelt way.
Thank you for another great story . Cheers from Australia .
Thank you Keith, greetings from East Tennessee
That was such a powerful story and the ending, so sad. Thank you for sharing these old-time values. I think the call for freedom still rings out and won't stop...whether it is answered is for each to decide. It was lovely to see how this Christian community lived and helped one another. What a blessing!
Well said honey bee, have a blessed day my friend
My family is from Lee County and big Stone gap in Virginia and I’ve been to Hensley settlement a couple different times. There’s one thing they did not mention that struck me as very very odd at the settlement is how tiny everything is the cabin, some selves, the tables, the chairs, the beds, the fireplaces I’m 5 foot seven and I tower over the fireplace and stuff. It’s like these people had to be on average maybe 5354 it’s really really strange very very small everything like it was made for children, but it’s still there and the cabins are well cared for and it’s it’s a really cool place to go. I’m glad to see this because it’s always been a memory and I never really knew the the entire story so it was very cool thank you.
Wow, thanks for sharing that
people WERE smaller yrs ago...6 ft tall would be almost considered a giant....
What a beautiful story and it's a true one❤
im so happy you enjoyed it Aimee
I loved this story and the old ways.
There is such peace in the ways of nature and its beauty, but lots of work that goes into each day .
This story is a reminder to each of us, to stop and enjoy the little things in life ,because life and the ways around us will soon pass away.
Thank you JD. God bless.
Well said Nonnie ❤️
Hi JD, Mr Hensley was sure a brave and smart man to follow his own dreams and make it happen. What a legacy
He was a man’s man
A beautiful story and song. Thank you, I really enjoyed this video.
Thank you, have a wonderful Saturday
Sometimes I think that I was born to late ! I love the old ways ! Love learning about all of the things that seems so far away now ! I live on a little farm here in Kansas part of the house was built in 1890 ! I have a small garden , chickens , 2 dogs and a horse mending fence so I can get a couple of calves to fatten up ! I learned that there's stuff growing wild that is just as good or better for you than store bought !
Amen, I agree!
Interesting. My GG Grandfather was Asher Hensley who lived on Black Mountain in Harlan County. (He was somewhat of a scoundrel by all accords) As my family is from Wallins Creek I suspect we are all related.
Probably so
I love this story .It mimics my somewhat growing up on my Papa farm .Even though the work was hard .I would not trade my faith and the way I grew up for nothing in this world .Living this way of life teaches you what truly matters in life and what doesn't .Thank you so much for sharing this story !😇
Thank you Stacy, ❤️
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Like I said before hearing these stories and keep them coming !😇
Thank you for telling the story of the Hensley Settlement. This sounds like something I would do. Sometimes this modern world is just too much. I miss the old days when people would talk to their neighbors & have get togethers. It’s not quite like that anymore.
Again, thank you JD! 😊
Thank you ❤️
Hi JD! Mr Hensley had a great idea for living a life the way he wanted. So many want to live a self sufficient life today and not depend on the government or a job that pays just enough to survive.
Great story of a community lifestyle of the old ways.
Have a blessed weekend with your family!
Thank you Willow, hope all is well with you and the ones you love
I feel like Sherman. His type of thinking is why I live in the middle of a national forest. If it wasn't for the information I get and listening to your stories I would have unplugged long ago. Unlike Sherman I had to see the world. Now I try to follow the trail men like him blazed before me.
❤️
This was a very touching story. Thank-you for presenting it.
Thank you Colleen
I really enjoyed that!
Thank you... 😊
Thank you!
Mornin' JD, You said it was a goodun and you ain't wrong friend! Great way to start a fine Saturday and I hope your weekend is grand! Take care and Lord willing, I'll be here for your next story!
Thanks so much Scott, preciate you brother, have a great Saturday!
It's a lovely story once again! No matter what century people live in, all are seeking their utopia. A place where harmony with nature can exist for all those who seek it. Yes, life can be hard, but that happens everywhere. I enjoy these little gems of history that you bring to us. Thank you again, JD, and I hope to hear another tale soon. ❤
Thank you homegrown, I always look forward to your comments
Sherman Hensley was my great grandfather. Thank you for this memorial.
Thanks so much ❤️
Good morning JD I pray everything is going great Amen
Same to you Brother
I have met so many amazing people through your stories. The grit and determination that came natually to them, seems to have faded, like mist in a morning sun. We could use some of that spit and wisdom today. Rest in peace. Thank you, again J. D. for shaking the dust off and sharing stories of Americas past heros.
So poetically said, thank you ❤️
I love these stories & Thanks JD❤
Thank you Lana ❤️
What an interesting man and community. I have mentioned doibg this with my group of friends. Buy some remote land and live like homesteaders, just upgraded a little bit! Great video and music!
Thanks David, have a great day my friend
Not sure how you find these stories, but don’t stop. My Saturdays can’t come fast enough. ❤
Thank you ❤️
Oh to live that hard life today! Sounds so good. I’m certain it was tough, but sure sounds satisfying in a world where nothing is enough for most folks. Wonderfully narrated, much respect to Mr Hensley and those who made a go of the freedoms of sophisticated society.
Thanks so much have a great day my friend
I'd be proud to be his neighbor.
There's a real true life lesson in this story!.....ATB
Amen my friend
That's the life for me... Thanks JD for another great true story of a time gone by.... You made chills run over me talking about Sherman at the end.... Thank again JD, I look forward to your stories from the mtns I love so much every week. Take care my friend...
Thank you Pinky, I did my best to see this story and tell it thru Shermans eyes, to imagine all he invested in this life and in the end to stand all alone.
Thank you so much for your hard work and time that you have to put into this story telling. I’ve been here in Appalachia all my days and I’m very proud of my life and community
Thank you so much, blessings
You are as good as the professional story tellers that I paid to view and listen to yesterday (at The Cave Run Story Telling festival). Better, because you are teaching us true history that was left out of our education. The Hensley Settlement sounded like a wonderful place to be and live. However, WWII helped end it. When the former soldiers return, they had developed a love for the outside world. It makes me wonder, if the government had left them alone, how many more years would they have stayed up there. The Amish live a lot like they did among us right now (off the grid).
Wow! I really appreciate that!
Cool! Thank you very much for this, I truly truly appreciate it! Most of those folks from down there are my ancestors, I know Sherman is/was, I read about him in a Hensley settlement book that we had. 👍👍🤘🤙✌️, I was always told there were two sets of Hensley's that were down there, one we were kin to and the other we wasn't.
Thanks for sharing that
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller no problem bud, you're mighty welcomed! Thank you for this story 🤟🤙✌️
Oh, I love it! I wish to live like that today! But most all dirt is owned by somebody. And that was a beautiful song! 🍁
Thank you Kimberly, I would love to have a chance to try and live this way- but alas I don’t own enough dirt as well
Another good one man......reminds me of the people of the LOST COVE in erwin tn./N.C. border who lived in there own little world on top of the mountain around the same time frame,till the 50,s.....still a few houses/buildings still there. Thanks for sharing J.D.
Never heard of this! I’m gonna look it up, thanks for sharing
Yep! I’ve been there. It’s quite fascinating…what little bit is left of it.
THAT WAS A GOOD ONE, MY WIFE AND I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS VIDEO - THE SONG WAS A SAD ONE, BUT WE ENJOYED THAT TOO - BRAVO TO ALL THE MOUNTAIN FOLK, A LOST BREED OF TOUGH, PRECIOUS PEOPLE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!
Well said my friend
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
THANKS, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOOD VIDEOS!!!!!!!
What a great story! With the way of the world these days, taking off for the top of the mountain and starting a new life seems like the way to go just as it did in their days! I've mentioned it before, but listening to you takes me back to better days and I thank you!
Well said Lanny
I think this is exactly why so many young families are leaving the big cities & finding peace in the quiet of distant lands. Today we call them homesteaders & they are try to do things partly the way of the old days. Thank you for a great story of history 🌟. 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
I'm WV there are a few small towns that where created in the mid to late 30's (one of them is called Eleanor, after Eleanor Roosevelt). The families there helped build the homes they lived in,and everyone was responsible for growing a garden, the harvest was taken to a cannery in the town and the food was distributed..of course there were local schools and churches..that's the closest thing to what Mr. Hensley had going on that I had heard of. I'd like to live that way. I may not be able to handle it, but I'd try. Great job kind sir. I appreciate you hard work.
Wow, thanks for sharing those bits of history Id never heard before. Very interesting. Like you, I would have liked to tried to live this way, but im pretty sure the men I talk about in these videos were much more resilient.
Another interesting story! Your hard work and dedication really shines through with every video.
Thank you Catherine ❤️
What has this world come to that life looks so much more appealing than the one we live today
Amen
Good evening JD, another great story that reminds me of my grandparents and the way we lived. Y'all stay safe out there my friends 🙏
Thank you Big Iron, so good to hear from you my brother, y’all racing this week?
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
No we aren't racing this weekend however we will be at the track in Beautiful Byron Illinois for The World Championship Wheel Stand Contest
( wheelie) It is wild to see.....
Stay safe my brother 🙏
❤❤❤❤ Amazing individual indeed!
Thanks Jay, I hope you enjoyed this video, Ive been wanting to tell Mr. Hensleys story for a couple years now
That song was beautiful 🥹
❤️
I heard turpentine was used for medicinal purposes,i recall my grandfather kept a tiny bottle of refined or some type on mantle,it was used on dogs for copperhead bites and us kids would get a couple drops on sugar every time caster oil didn’t persuade us to get to school,great story well told.
Thanks for sharing that
Thank you for this amazing part of history
Thank you Terry, appreciate you
Great story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sir!
Loved this story. Outstanding job JD.
Thanks James, I been meaning to tell Mr. Hensley story for a while now- he was a throw back from a long time ago
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller loved it. I think many a people have thought about doing this very thing.
I know I have, and still find myself pondering it, I could never do it, but its a romantic idea in my spirit. @@jamesholbrook7785
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller amen brother 😊👍
Awesome Story and Song.💯👏
I agree with Mr. Hensley,
a simple life is better and
more rewarding.
Being close to God and nature.
Amen well said
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
Thank You,
I Appreciate Your Channel.
What a wonderful story... Yes, all good things do come to an end. Seems to me, that was a more natural way to live a contented life. Thanks JD 😎👍
Thank you Kathy have a blessed day
Truly a life well lived
Agreed
Thank you JD for your contribution towards preserving history.
Thank you Charlotte ❤️
JD ya did it again. Fabulous. It was as tho I was sittin right there with Mr. Hensley and his kin. I know it broke his heart to leave the settlement but he did live to a ripe ole age. Makes ya kinda want to just say BYE and join him up on the mountain. But folks today couldn't make it one day up on the mountain. Thanks JD
Thank you Dr Tom, I’d love to had been up on the mountain too
Amazing story again!! Loved it!! Thank You so Much!! ✨💖✨
Thank you Joyce ❤️
Thank you! A beautiful story of a wise man. WWII - when I heard it I remember the family stories. That’s what took our family to the flatlands. Except the one they couldn’t drag down.
Thank you Janelle
What a wonderful bit of history! ❣ Thank you for bringing this story to the attention of us all.
Thank you Irene, have a wonderful day my friend
That was a wonderfully told story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be incredible to visit the settlement. Thanks JD!
Thanks so much Joy, im so happy you enjoyed it
What an exciting and challenging story! Absolutely amazing and so well told I could picture it all as it happened!
Thank you !
I’d have to say that that was a wonderful story, and a wonderful life for all the folks that live there for as long as they did. I would’ve loved to have been able to live my life that way.
Thank you, JD.
Thank you Richard, I’ve always dreamed of what it would be like to do what Mr Hensley did
rolling dough on the kitchen table, sounded like you said 'rolling dope' had me cracking up.
😂
Good story, that lifestyle would even be nice nowadays. Your photos and descriptions are so well done.
🙋♂️🐈🐈
Thank you so much ❤️
Amazing Story! Thanks for your time and effort in putting these videos together, there heartwarming and very interesting!
Thank you ❤️
Congrats on your silver status,.. haven’t watched all your videos but quite a few,… you definitely have a gift my friend. Thanks and keep em coming… oh how I wish to have lived during that time, especially up in NC mountains , although I love all of our eastern mountains!!! God Bless …
Thank you so much my friend, I too would have loved to lived back then
This is definitely one of my favorites.. Great video. I've added this place to a must visit list..
I’m gonna reach out to the park and try to get permission to professionally film it in 2024
Beautiful homestead.
yes indeed
What a heritage treasure!
❤️
Who all here noticed the Clabber Girl sign in the store? 01: 13 min. My grandma baked cakes with it. Now, that's a memory for me when she would show me her recipe. Some things haven't changed. We just have to look closer. ❤
thank you for sharing that!
My mother was born in living quarters over my grandfather's mill. I remember Clabber Girl well.
Fantastic video. If I was younger I would love to do the same thing. At my age I need to be a little closer to doctors. 😂
I’ve dreamed of a life like this too
Paid a teacher 78 dollars per month. The highest paid, most re
spected," hmm... a far cry from todays world".
That's sad but true. Another sad fact; 100 dollars in 1900 hundred is worth 3,488.93 in 2023 a funny fact; all the city folks are trying to get back to the country. Some of us never left. This story left me in deep thought. Thanks JD. Enjoyed.
When I wrote that phrase I wrote it thru my experience as a 23 years public school teacher
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller yes, you've stated that somewhere before. I found how you inserted it in this story comical. Then it made me curious if there were a pay increase so I looked it up. Some things never change. 🤔💯❤️
Sounds like heaven
Ain’t it tho!
Wonderful narrative!! Loved this story!
Thank you so much
Thank you! As an elderly lady I enjoy your stories so much. It reminds me of the old stomping grounds I grew up in. I can smell the air!
You are so welcome
What a wonderful story. I wish we could have lived like that. Just a simple life! with love the respect for each other.
I agree!
Thank you so very much! Your videos just make me happy.
Peace and roses,
Deb the TN Scary Lady
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I am from Kenya but only God knows how much I love this channel...Keep enlightening us Sir
Thank you so much, my friend so glad to have you here and greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
Hey my friend...there you are...have a great day!! Thank you for these interesting tellins'
Thank you! Have a blessed day!
It sounds nice as long as you are in good health. Thank God for modern meds! I would live that way if i could.
Agreed
A Lovely story about true companionship and brotherhood👏👏
Thank you!
Wonderful video and great story!
Thank you !
Wow JD thank you for another fantastic story! I often wonder to myself if we could cut it in this day and age like these generations of the past. Probably not lol. Sooner or later we'll hit into another depression. Thank God i learned from my grandparents which were born in the 1910's. Dirt floors and all in the great State of Tennessee.
Thank you Shawn, lots of wisdom in your words
Beautiful story ❤️ beautiful people and beautiful life. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
I’d love to go see that place Jd. Have you ever been there brother and if so I’d say it was the most breathtaking site to behold now. Great story Storyteller as always. I’m setting and waiting on the next one my friend GOD BLESS y’all Amen 🙏. I get this cancer treatment over i got 42 weeks at 6 months apart then I’m going to pack up my wife and little dog and go visiting people be safe out GOD BLESS
Stay strong brother , you can and will beat cancer- we are praying for you
My gg-grandmother was a Hensley. Her son, my grandfather recalled visiting his mother’s people at Hensley settlement. He described the buildings and how many were built from one year to the next. “You need to see it.” This was in the early 60’s, and I’ve yet to go. My grandfather first worked in the mines at Cawood, KY. He then became a very skilled carpenter, with a shop in Cincinnati.
Thanks for Sharing this
Hello JD. It’s a nice night in Alabama. I hope you and your families are doing great. As usual top tier. It’s like you’re my little cousin or something. Love fro Pam Moon.
I’m just over from you tonight on the Georgia side
Excellent 👍🏿
Thank you Whisper