Help support the preservation of Appalachian History by LIKING, COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBING to this channel. Support the costs of research by clicking the THANKS or JOIN button or by visiting www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thank you!
@@TheAppalachianStorytellerI'm from Germany, and since my youth i do blackpowder shooting as a hobby. I love to listen to your stories. Keep up the great work and thank you for the great stories.
@@theappalachiachannel Thank you, next week i want to go to my favourite bookstore and ask them to order your book. Normally that's no problem since i ordered a couple of books from the US so i think they can get that for me.
Oh my!!! I sure wished there were more Champ Fergusons around nowadays!!! Never trust the Government to keep their word. Sobs. And we do know who Champ is thanks to you JB!!!! Another wonderful Appalachian story!!!! Thank you ❤
I have a feeling that there are still many more just like him today, throughout the south, especially, that the government could push to the limit if political proposals made by the recent and current democratic administrations were to come to fruition.
Thanks for bringing us this story. As a retired history teacher, and avid reader I had never heard of him. You are doing a public service by bringing these stories to our attention! Have a great new year!
@@focus2521 just imagine what he would have thought about the world today and the fact we no longer comprehend something as basic as gender. Then ask yourself who’s the lunatic… just a thought.
Considering what happened to his family I feel that he was an avenging father who didn't go far enough. The man was a hero who deserves to be remembered.
I understand getting revenge on the ones involved in what happened to his family...but i dont know, it just seems a bit extreme to set out to murder everyone that had nothing to do with what happened to his family. I'm trying to justify it though, I'm guessing that all the people he killed would've done the same things that happened to his family to others as well, I don't know though. Different times back then, that's for sure.
@@wesleyAlan9179 The War Between the States was a time like no other in this country. Atrocities like what those Yankees did happened across the South resulting in generational distrust of government and Northerners. My g-grandfather fought in that war and taught my daddy to never ever forget what they did to us. I passed that along to my children.
Wow!!! I was sittin at the edge of my seat for this one JD! In my opinion, Champ was only seeking justice for his family’s son’s murder & violating his wife & teenage girl. Now, grief can make you do strange things & Champ had gone mad with the murder & violation that he grieve. Thanks JD for an amazing story ! Blessings always my dear friend! Hey ya’ll…..don’t forget to order JD’s fantastic stories like this one!! ❤️😊✝️
I watched another video a while back that covered Champ. He certainly was ruthless, but the treatment of his family had a profound effect on him. Thanks for filling in a few gaps in the story, JD.
I watched several other videos about champ as well. Everyone of them left out what was done to his family. That is a big piece of information to leave out. Helps explain why he did what he did.
Every human has a breaking point. That point is only known by each of us . The way we treat others will forever affect the rest of our lives. What we see and hear we can not unsee or unhear . Many thanks, JD . Have a blessed Saturday.
I am a Kentucky Civil War storyteller. As a result, I have visited with many people in many schools and organizations including Clinton County, KY. The descendants of Champ Ferguson do not believe that he did anything wrong. Strangers to Clinton County must be very careful what they say regarding the Civil War. You would be amazed at how many descendants of Ferguson live in Clinton County. Another area to be careful in while traveling to Kentucky is Guthrie, which is located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. This town is still fighting the Civil War. The majority of the people living in the area were sympathizers of the South.
@@based.lifeenjoyer I am a historian and taught at a well known university not far from Albany, KY. I worked with student teachers and am a Kentucky storyteller. I have personally met some direct descendants of Champ Ferguson in Albany. from those experiences. Yes, I know there are several people who claim to be his descendants.
As you tell the stories, you bring everything to life once again. It reminds me of when I was younger and listened to stories on the radio. What a much simpler time to live than now. I miss the days of much less technology. ❤
Thank you so much for that. I honestly tell these stories the same way I learned storytelling from my grandma and papaw. They were masters and they put you in the story, right along side of the action. I do my best to carry on that old style storytelling. Im thankful of folks like you who still listen and appreciate the ways of the past. Have a blessed weekend my friend.
You do it brilliantly. I truly appreciate the research, thought and heart you put into each story. Thank you for helping to keep true Appalachian culture alive.
Im a Cookeville native and have visted this cemetary often. Ive even got pictures of his grave, I had no idea! I would consider him a hero, and as a mother, I would burn the entire world to the ground had this been my family and children. He had every right. He was wronged so many times and what wouldnt cause someone to take such revenge. Thank you so much for sharing this!
It's a story worth to be told. He was a true father and husband and a brave soldier who stood his ground. He was by no means a murderer. May he rest in peace.✝️
He was no hero.Killing unarmed civilians and injured/captured enemy forces is murder.What was done to his family was unconscionable but he was a murderer.
Thank you for the history lessons. I’m 73, live in the northern Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian mountains. I can sit for hrs listening to your stories.
Champ Ferguson was a first, a family man, a warrior, protector, a man on a mission. Men like this only God can raise. Say when the state thinks it knows what’s best. The original folks of Appalachia had their own run in with corporation, media & the nanny state. No one is safe from the machine that eats up anything on its way. God help us!! May there always be men like Champ who fight against evil, pride & stupidity. 🙏
I'm from Dawson springs Kentucky I was raised by my uncle's from the Appalachian mountains and trails and I swear it's nice to hear these stories again since they've been gone. Our history is in serious danger with this gay agenda men don't understand what real men lived and died for these days
Does that include the massacre of black Union soldiers for being black?? Sounds like a monstrous racist atrocity to me. Don’t bother giving me your bullshit man of his time claim.
A father defending the honor of his family. Some may call him many things. But to me He's a freakin stud Didn't stop till the job was done The legend lives on
He is a great man and true hero of the cause. Being Missouri born and bred and the great grand son of a fighter for the cause Cpt. Ferguson was just doing what was right by avenging his own!
We traveled to North bend State Park in WV this weekend. Enough cell service to know theres a video, but not enough to watch.. Im sure its great. I'll watch it Monday. Y'all have a great weekend!!
Thrilling JD! This story did not disappoint! I thought I knew a lot about Champ, but your research added so much more. Your dedication to keeping history alive preserves it for all. PS You have an amazing talent for storytelling.
Thank you Betty, I spent 3 months researching, reading and traveling to put this documentary on Champs life together. I even spent a half hour in silence at Champ's grave one day as I prepared to tell his story.
Hi JD! Champ Ferguson lived in a time when an eye for an eye was the ways people lived by. Even though you’re supposed to turn the other cheek, Jesus also commanded his followers to sell their garments for swords. I would dare say he was bitter with revenge over his family. Thank you for another great story. I hope you and your family have a very blessed weekend!
@@captainkirk4271so I’m going to guess you have only studied what they told you in high school about the civil war. Even if this story isn’t true it happened. We’re living in a time where(once again) people can be killed for a trump or Binden sticker in a certain neighborhood but you don’t think it didn’t happen then?!?
Well i have been in one war and have seen terrible thing.....That still haunt me in my sleep cause i have PTSD even in my 80's...l do know how things can change a man like Champ Ferguson......Thank you JD..... Old F-4 pilot Shoe 🇺🇸
I have been binge-watching your videos for 2 days I am so engrossed in the way you tell these stories I can't even leave a comment but I am now and I'm telling you it is absolutely the best storytelling. I'm actually speechless and believe me that's huge. The past two days have been so fulfilling I can't even find the words to say it that's incredible I'm actually laughing right now because it's just....... It's actually blowing my mind that I'm so......... This is crazy. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible stories of the way you tell them & the writing is incredible. Hugs 🤗 from Woobie in Massachusetts USA ❣️
My daddy was from that area, his name was Champ, after Ferguson. There is a book out about Champ Fergusons, it is actual court records of his trial. It is out of print, but goes into more detail than you gave. He actually deserted the confederate army and became a renegade. He was like a Robin Hood, stealing from the union army and giving the goods back to the confederate friends. He was such a burr in the union armies side that everyone was pardoned after the civil war was over except Ferguson, he was hung, after a lengthy trial.I was always proud that my daddy was named after such a hero and a man of his word.
Another great story JD. And well narrated as always. I have also done extensive research on Ferguson. Being from and still live in Clinton County. My great-grandfather was deeply affected by Champ's terror. My great-grandfather and his mother were able to escape Ferguson. But other ancestors were not so fortunate. As many other families in this area. Not only have read all the books, court records and Harper Weekly newspaper articles. Have interviewed Ferguson descendants and some of his victim's descendants. For the record, his son was from his first wife, Ann Eliza Smith. Their only child, a two-year-old boy who died 1847. Lt. Elzy C Smith was a relative of Champ's first wife. Has been said that Champ's second wife, Martha Owen and their only child his daughter Ann Elizabeth Ferguson were mistreated by Union soldiers led by Lt. Smith while Champ was away. In the Harper Weekly newspaper, Champ denies this ever happened. BUT, is mentioned later that Champ only said this to safeguard the dignity of his family. Many years ago I asked Jack Ferguson, great nephew of Champ and author of History of Clinton County Vol. I, II, and III. He confirmed a group of Union soldiers raped them both. The 16 year old boy you mentioned that Champ killed is believed to be a part of that group. Also, another descendant from that Union soldier group that violated Champ's family who is a local historian and author of several history books in neighboring Tennessee also confirmed this. They indeed were raped. And, can I share an opinion. Not many in this area that I know of consider him a hero. A lot of people died because of him. and I understand under the circumstances he had to kill or be killed. But in the case of my great-grandfather, and great great uncle that certainly was not the case. Champ went after them solely because of their politics. But then, all those in that group of 11 Union soldiers and Lt. Smith sure had coming to them what they got. You never mentioned Tinker Dave Beaty also from this area at that time. An adversary of Champ. Champ talks about Tinker Dave I think in Harper Weekly magazine from Nashville. You could about do a video on Tinker Dave. He was about as notorious as Champ. In the end, biggest difference was that Tinker Dave side won.
Man! Awesome. Brother I am a recent double amputee. Finding you and your stories has been a God send! I enjoy your material to the fullest and just wanna sa a big THANK YOU! Please keep em comin......
Wow what a story of Appalachian sturdiness, courage and fierce loyalty! Thank u for sharing your expertise! Being from a long line of mountain women this is close to my heart! I believe Champ Ferguson was a man wrought with deep anguish and pain from his family's mistreatment and the cold bloodied killing of his young son! I certainly can understand how he might hv felt.
Oh, and way to go Champ you're a champ in my book. RIP I know you can rest in peace there are so many of us out here praying for that. 🙏🏻🌹🤗Hugs, 🤗 from Woobie in Massachusetts USA
My daughter and I have been tracing our heritage back through Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois and Indiana. We had combatants on both sides of the war. Knowing that and seeing how flippant folks are tossing the idea of another civil war today due to the disarray of our government, is very unsettling to me. JD, I purchased a copy of your book yesterday. I can't wait to read it.
He’s an ancestor on Mommas side of the family. Absalon Ferguson, First cousin of Champ Ferguson was living in North Alabama. Died of wounds received in the battle of Okalona, Ms.
Thank you for the time and research you put into these fascinating stories. I love them. I wish there were more about lousiana. So many stories from the swamp.
I just found your channel last weekend. Ive listened to a bunch of them. Youre a great storyteller! I grew up in Cold Spring Kentucky and love this genre of storytelling
Hit that thumbs-up folks! These stories are great with a cup of coffee really early in the morning in a dim lit room with a candle or I like using my nana's old oil lamp! It helps set the scene!
A true American. Reminiscent of the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot. He pledged his life and his fortune to attain a goal and went to work to that end. I look forward to the next story. I'll be catching up on the others in the meantime. Thanks for sharing.
My son had to write a paper in high school about the civil war. My grandmother related several stories to me that she heard from her grandmother who was a teenager during the war that I thought would be interesting to include as the history books tend to gloss most of what the union army did. One of the stories concerned a neighbor who lives a couple miles away who when the union army came through, they shot the unarmed 12 year old boy and tied the mother and 10 year old daughter to the bed and r____d them. They then poured kerosene on them and set them on fire to hide what they had done. The 12 year old survived and related what happened to my grandmothers great grandfather who took the boy in and nursed him back to health. My sons teacher said the story (and all the others he included) were lies because the union army wouldn't do that. He was a northerner by the way. Thanks for posting this story. It backs up everything I have ever heard about the ruthlessness of the union army.
I am a distant relative of Champ Ferguson. My maternal great grandparents on both sides were from Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky. Great grandma Dowell was born a Ferguson. I don't remember but I think her father was a brother of Champ. The relatives who could answer the questions are all in heaven. Somewhere in this house I have an old book about him. If you have more info about him I'd be interested in reading it.
I lived in Saltville for about a year when I was a teenager. I think there are several sinkholes in that town now due to the mines RIP Champ Ferguson. I don't blame you one bit.
Thanks JD. Eternally grateful. Love the stories and the plots and subplots galore! Yes, Champ was the family man possessed to avenge what was done wrong to him and his family by Union cowards. If they were high on their prowess and numbers then when they shot the child and defiled the family, well, the asked for it and by all measures, Champ delivered. He is my hero. Yes, civil war made rivals of the same countrymen, but the sacred wasn't to be touched! What makes Champ even more fascinating is that he found his true calling when he was done wrong!
He was a loving husband And father. He was and Had the right to retaliate. He didn't ask for any of it. He did what was right to him.. l hope he has RIP. LOVE CAN BLIND, A PERSONS HEART. IF LOVE ONES ARE DONE WRONG. AND I BELIEVE THIS HAPPEN..
Rest in peace Mr. Ferguson sounds like justice to me the ultimate fuck around and find out story and you’re 100% right I have said it for years history is always written by the victor some history will never get in the books
Help support the preservation of Appalachian History by LIKING, COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBING to this channel. Support the costs of research by clicking the THANKS or JOIN button or by visiting www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thank you!
❤
@@TheAppalachianStorytellerI'm from Germany, and since my youth i do blackpowder shooting as a hobby. I love to listen to your stories. Keep up the great work and thank you for the great stories.
@@wilderer-rb3rz thats awesome!
@@theappalachiachannel Thank you, next week i want to go to my favourite bookstore and ask them to order your book. Normally that's no problem since i ordered a couple of books from the US so i think they can get that for me.
Thank you, JD for another magnificent story, and history lesson from 150+ years ago. 🙏
This guy has the perfect voice for storytelling. 👍
It's ai
Oh my!!! I sure wished there were more Champ Fergusons around nowadays!!! Never trust the Government to keep their word. Sobs. And we do know who Champ is thanks to you JB!!!! Another wonderful Appalachian story!!!! Thank you ❤
Thank you Darlene
I have a feeling that there are still many more just like him today, throughout the south, especially, that the government could push to the limit if political proposals made by the recent and current democratic administrations were to come to fruition.
What are you talking about? There are plenty of serial murderers around now, so we have plenty of Champ Fergusons around now.
Thanks for bringing us this story. As a retired history teacher, and avid reader I had never heard of him. You are doing a public service by bringing these stories to our attention! Have a great new year!
Glad you enjoyed it!
RIP Champ Ferguson. What a life of tragedy and turmoil. A man of conviction and resilience driven to extreme measures by a world lacking both.
Beautifully stated
The man was a lunatic 😂😂😂
@@focus2521Well that was my first go-to thought. 🤣
@@focus2521 just imagine what he would have thought about the world today and the fact we no longer comprehend something as basic as gender. Then ask yourself who’s the lunatic… just a thought.
Well said !
Considering what happened to his family I feel that he was an avenging father who didn't go far enough. The man was a hero who deserves to be remembered.
I understand getting revenge on the ones involved in what happened to his family...but i dont know, it just seems a bit extreme to set out to murder everyone that had nothing to do with what happened to his family.
I'm trying to justify it though, I'm guessing that all the people he killed would've done the same things that happened to his family to others as well, I don't know though. Different times back then, that's for sure.
@@wesleyAlan9179 The War Between the States was a time like no other in this country. Atrocities like what those Yankees did happened across the South resulting in generational distrust of government and Northerners. My g-grandfather fought in that war and taught my daddy to never ever forget what they did to us. I passed that along to my children.
@@stardancer1120
You stated that very well. Thank you for that.
Wow!!! I was sittin at the edge of my seat for this one JD! In my opinion, Champ was only seeking justice for his family’s son’s murder & violating his wife & teenage girl. Now, grief can make you do strange things & Champ had gone mad with the murder & violation that he grieve. Thanks JD for an amazing story ! Blessings always my dear friend!
Hey ya’ll…..don’t forget to order JD’s fantastic stories like this one!!
❤️😊✝️
Thank you Betty, have a blessed day
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You are very welcome JD! You have a blessed day as well! 🙏😊❤️
Absolutely underrated channel.
Thanks so much, preciate this comment!
❤ this channel!
I watched another video a while back that covered Champ. He certainly was ruthless, but the treatment of his family had a profound effect on him. Thanks for filling in a few gaps in the story, JD.
I watched several other videos about champ as well.
Everyone of them left out what was done to his family. That is a big piece of information to leave out. Helps explain why he did what he did.
Every human has a breaking point. That point is only known by each of us . The way we treat others will forever affect the rest of our lives. What we see and hear we can not unsee or unhear .
Many thanks, JD . Have a blessed Saturday.
Thank you Nonnie
I am a Kentucky Civil War storyteller. As a result, I have visited with many people in many schools and organizations including Clinton County, KY. The descendants of Champ Ferguson do not believe that he did anything wrong. Strangers to Clinton County must be very careful what they say regarding the Civil War. You would be amazed at how many descendants of Ferguson live in Clinton County. Another area to be careful in while traveling to Kentucky is Guthrie, which is located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. This town is still fighting the Civil War. The majority of the people living in the area were sympathizers of the South.
Thank you for sharing this
actually, you would be amazed at how many people claim to be descendants of champ ferguson
@@based.lifeenjoyer I am a historian and taught at a well known university not far from Albany, KY. I worked with student teachers and am a Kentucky storyteller. I have personally met some direct descendants of Champ Ferguson in Albany. from those experiences. Yes, I know there are several people who claim to be his descendants.
As you tell the stories, you bring everything to life once again. It reminds me of when I was younger and listened to stories on the radio. What a much simpler time to live than now. I miss the days of much less technology. ❤
Thank you so much for that. I honestly tell these stories the same way I learned storytelling from my grandma and papaw. They were masters and they put you in the story, right along side of the action. I do my best to carry on that old style storytelling. Im thankful of folks like you who still listen and appreciate the ways of the past. Have a blessed weekend my friend.
You do it brilliantly. I truly appreciate the research, thought and heart you put into each story. Thank you for helping to keep true Appalachian culture alive.
Im a Cookeville native and have visted this cemetary often. Ive even got pictures of his grave, I had no idea! I would consider him a hero, and as a mother, I would burn the entire world to the ground had this been my family and children. He had every right. He was wronged so many times and what wouldnt cause someone to take such revenge. Thank you so much for sharing this!
thank you!
Champ...his name fit him. He was a champ...a hero!
I believe he was a man of his time, we cannot judge the past with modern values.
This. This is exactly the right answer.
Judging from my comfortable life of ease, I think he went overboard. But I would probably feel very different if my family had been treated that way.
We need some Champs today!!! Great story
Glad you enjoyed this one!
Especially after this last election. The orange fat man is going to ruin us.
I agree 💯.
It's a story worth to be told. He was a true father and husband and a brave soldier who stood his ground. He was by no means a murderer. May he rest in peace.✝️
He was no hero.Killing unarmed civilians and injured/captured enemy forces is murder.What was done to his family was unconscionable but he was a murderer.
Thank you for the history lessons. I’m 73, live in the northern Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian mountains. I can sit for hrs listening to your stories.
You are very welcome!
Champ Ferguson was a first, a family man, a warrior, protector, a man on a mission. Men like this only God can raise. Say when the state thinks it knows what’s best. The original folks of Appalachia had their own run in with corporation, media & the nanny state. No one is safe from the machine that eats up anything on its way. God help us!! May there always be men like Champ who fight against evil, pride & stupidity. 🙏
beautifully said
If he was a man of God, it would be the first God, then his family
He was a traitor to the United States of America.
Champ Ferguson - a Southern hero who would not be reconstructed! Thanks for telling his story.
Absolutely love to listen to these stories Brother!! Keep them coming JD!!!
Thank you so much!
I'm from Dawson springs Kentucky I was raised by my uncle's from the Appalachian mountains and trails and I swear it's nice to hear these stories again since they've been gone. Our history is in serious danger with this gay agenda men don't understand what real men lived and died for these days
I think he's a hero. Another amazing story ❤. Thank you JD
Thank you!
Does that include the massacre of black Union soldiers for being black?? Sounds like a monstrous racist atrocity to me. Don’t bother giving me your bullshit man of his time claim.
He ain’t no hero dumbass.
A father defending the honor of his family. Some may call him many things. But to me
He's a freakin stud
Didn't stop till the job was done
The legend lives on
He is a great man and true hero of the cause. Being Missouri born and bred and the great grand son of a fighter for the cause Cpt. Ferguson was just doing what was right by avenging his own!
Proud to be from the same state,any father,husband,would do the same thing.If you say you wouldn't,you're lyin or you don't have a family.
Or they're simply a coward
I would, but I'm neither a coward nor a pu$$y like most people.
Or you're a liberal 😂
RIP Champ Furguson, a man among men!
Thank you Robert
We traveled to North bend State Park in WV this weekend. Enough cell service to know theres a video, but not enough to watch.. Im sure its great. I'll watch it Monday. Y'all have a great weekend!!
Enjoy your weekend, buddy. Y’all deserve it.
Thrilling JD! This story did not disappoint! I thought I knew a lot about Champ, but your research added so much more. Your dedication to keeping history alive preserves it for all. PS You have an amazing talent for storytelling.
Thank you Betty, I spent 3 months researching, reading and traveling to put this documentary on Champs life together. I even spent a half hour in silence at Champ's grave one day as I prepared to tell his story.
The deadliest face of death comes from the man who just wants to be left alone.
Exactly
Hi JD! Champ Ferguson lived in a time when an eye for an eye was the ways people lived by. Even though you’re supposed to turn the other cheek, Jesus also commanded his followers to sell their garments for swords.
I would dare say he was bitter with revenge over his family.
Thank you for another great story.
I hope you and your family have a very blessed weekend!
Thank you Willow! Have a great Saturday
I was raised and have always lived in Clinton County, KY. There's plaques about Champ Ferguson around our courthouse.
do they list him as a terrorist?
My grandpa was born 1907 at Horse Shoe Bottom. Now under lake Cumberland. I come to the area every October
@@heatherbell3224 cool. Is that near 76 falls?
A true warrior, from Scottish blood, a Ferguson
They murdered an innocent child and tortured his wife and daughter but he’s the bad guy?!?! Honestly not surprised they were a bunch of hypocrites
@@captainkirk4271so I’m going to guess you have only studied what they told you in high school about the civil war. Even if this story isn’t true it happened. We’re living in a time where(once again) people can be killed for a trump or Binden sticker in a certain neighborhood but you don’t think it didn’t happen then?!?
Are you Jewish? Were your ancestors carpet baggers?
An Avenging Angel...
Rebels were,are the righteous, true history shows all the lies weve been taught ,thank you for this great story of honor ❤
Thank you so much
I agree 100 percent. Reading Rebel Yell a book about stonewall Jackson now. That book will also assure you of this fact.
You are an amazing storyteller. Captivating. You draw me into a word of colour and emotions. I really enjoy your talent. Thank you from a Canadian.
Thank you so much! 😊
He was a man on a mission to set things right because of what happened to his family
A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do
Yup 👍🏼
Sounds like something any man would do in times of such great painful grief
Well i have been in one war and have seen terrible thing.....That still haunt me in my sleep cause i have PTSD even in my 80's...l do know how things can change a man like Champ Ferguson......Thank you JD.....
Old F-4 pilot Shoe 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service Steve. God bless.
I consider myself a war buff but gotta admit I have never heard the name of Champ Ferguson. Thanks for the history lesson
Im glad you enjoyed this one!
He was a man who loved his family !
Champ was a hero
Great stories narrated by just as great of a storyteller.
Thank you so much brother!
I have been binge-watching your videos for 2 days I am so engrossed in the way you tell these stories I can't even leave a comment but I am now and I'm telling you it is absolutely the best storytelling. I'm actually speechless and believe me that's huge. The past two days have been so fulfilling I can't even find the words to say it that's incredible I'm actually laughing right now because it's just....... It's actually blowing my mind that I'm so......... This is crazy. Thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible stories of the way you tell them & the writing is incredible. Hugs 🤗 from Woobie in Massachusetts USA ❣️
Thank you so so much! Love from East Tennessee
My daddy was from that area, his name was Champ, after Ferguson. There is a book out about Champ Fergusons, it is actual court records of his trial. It is out of print, but goes into more detail than you gave. He actually deserted the confederate army and became a renegade. He was like a Robin Hood, stealing from the union army and giving the goods back to the confederate friends. He was such a burr in the union armies side that everyone was pardoned after the civil war was over except Ferguson, he was hung, after a lengthy trial.I was always proud that my daddy was named after such a hero and a man of his word.
Cheers ,from the greek islands🎉
awesome! So glad to have you here! and hello from the mountains of East Tennessee USA
He was a hero to avenge his family! RIP
Amazing story. This needs to be a movie. Thank you for keeping his memory alive.
Another great story JD. And well narrated as always. I have also done extensive research on Ferguson. Being from and still live in Clinton County. My great-grandfather was deeply affected by Champ's terror. My great-grandfather and his mother were able to escape Ferguson. But other ancestors were not so fortunate. As many other families in this area. Not only have read all the books, court records and Harper Weekly newspaper articles. Have interviewed Ferguson descendants and some of his victim's descendants. For the record, his son was from his first wife, Ann Eliza Smith. Their only child, a two-year-old boy who died 1847. Lt. Elzy C Smith was a relative of Champ's first wife. Has been said that Champ's second wife, Martha Owen and their only child his daughter Ann Elizabeth Ferguson were mistreated by Union soldiers led by Lt. Smith while Champ was away. In the Harper Weekly newspaper, Champ denies this ever happened. BUT, is mentioned later that Champ only said this to safeguard the dignity of his family. Many years ago I asked Jack Ferguson, great nephew of Champ and author of History of Clinton County Vol. I, II, and III. He confirmed a group of Union soldiers raped them both. The 16 year old boy you mentioned that Champ killed is believed to be a part of that group. Also, another descendant from that Union soldier group that violated Champ's family who is a local historian and author of several history books in neighboring Tennessee also confirmed this. They indeed were raped. And, can I share an opinion. Not many in this area that I know of consider him a hero. A lot of people died because of him. and I understand under the circumstances he had to kill or be killed. But in the case of my great-grandfather, and great great uncle that certainly was not the case. Champ went after them solely because of their politics. But then, all those in that group of 11 Union soldiers and Lt. Smith sure had coming to them what they got. You never mentioned Tinker Dave Beaty also from this area at that time. An adversary of Champ. Champ talks about Tinker Dave I think in Harper Weekly magazine from Nashville. You could about do a video on Tinker Dave. He was about as notorious as Champ. In the end, biggest difference was that Tinker Dave side won.
Thanks for sharing this!
Proud to be a native to Saltville, and I will live and die in Saltville. What a wonderful place to be.
Well, I’d say you’re right! If history took a turn he’d be a hero. He’s got my respect! Thanks for letting us learn about him!
Thank you so much!
How heartbreaking!... family love is strong!...
Wow Champ was diffently a strong man. Today people have no idea how absolutely horrifying the Civil War really was. No condemnation from me.
Thanks for this Melissa, hope you are having a great Saturday!
I love the civil war , when you mentioned the civil war I had to turn the volume up . This the 4th story I watched, excellent story telling
Thanks so much! I really appreciate you watching.
Man! Awesome. Brother I am a recent double amputee. Finding you and your stories has been a God send! I enjoy your material to the fullest and just wanna sa a big THANK YOU! Please keep em comin......
Thanks so much! I hope these stories help you as you heal! Best wishes from East Tennessee
Thanks!
Thank you so much! Every bit helps and is MUCH appreciated! Have a blessed day!
Absolutely loved this one.
Thank you Pamela!
Wow what a story of Appalachian sturdiness, courage and fierce loyalty! Thank u for sharing your expertise! Being from a long line of mountain women this is close to my heart! I believe Champ Ferguson was a man wrought with deep anguish and pain from his family's mistreatment and the cold bloodied killing of his young son! I certainly can understand how he might hv felt.
Oh, and way to go Champ you're a champ in my book. RIP I know you can rest in peace there are so many of us out here praying for that. 🙏🏻🌹🤗Hugs, 🤗 from Woobie in Massachusetts USA
My daughter and I have been tracing our heritage back through Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois and Indiana. We had combatants on both sides of the war. Knowing that and seeing how flippant folks are tossing the idea of another civil war today due to the disarray of our government, is very unsettling to me.
JD, I purchased a copy of your book yesterday. I can't wait to read it.
Thanks so much Paul! Have a blessed day brother!
Great story telling, once again! Thank you!
Thanks for listening!
God bless Champ, you will rule the heavens
Ferguson! Say no more! 🙏🏴🙏
I love Champ. He is the reason why we call the best Champ.
I remember hearing his name somewhere down the line, but never remembered his story. Quite the story it is. Thanks for telling it JD, very enjoyable.
thank you so much
Amazing, as they all are. Well done!
Thank you so much!
He’s an ancestor on Mommas side of the family. Absalon Ferguson, First cousin of Champ Ferguson was living in North Alabama. Died of wounds received in the battle of Okalona, Ms.
👍🏼
Good story as always i take my hat off to champ he was a real man may he rest in peace God bless all
Good evenin from Montana, JD. What a nice surprise! Been 'binge'ing on you all day...and just finished your wonderful book. Much love❤❤❤❤
Hope you enjoy this one!
LOL...haven't NOT liked any of your stories!@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
Great story
Smashing JD, love the history. Enjoy your day and people buy the book you won't be disappointed, it's a treasure and treat to read.❤️🇨🇦🍁✨️
Thank you Marion!
Thank you for the time and research you put into these fascinating stories. I love them. I wish there were more about lousiana. So many stories from the swamp.
If you have a story, you’d like me to tell you can email me at theappalachianstoryteller@gmail.com
I just found your channel last weekend. Ive listened to a bunch of them. Youre a great storyteller! I grew up in Cold Spring Kentucky and love this genre of storytelling
thanks so much! Welcome to the channel, glad to have you aboard. Make yourself at home
I ❤ this channel! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and excellent story telling! 😊
Glad you enjoy it!
I found your channel a few weeks ago and you are FANTASTIC!!!
I really appreciate that!
What a story in our nation's history...I think it would make a great movie!
agreed
Hit that thumbs-up folks! These stories are great with a cup of coffee really early in the morning in a dim lit room with a candle or I like using my nana's old oil lamp! It helps set the scene!
Heck yeah brother
A true American. Reminiscent of the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot. He pledged his life and his fortune to attain a goal and went to work to that end. I look forward to the next story. I'll be catching up on the others in the meantime. Thanks for sharing.
Always enjoy these stories
Thank you so much
He was honoring his family
He's a true MAN! An American till the end! A father like no other! And a husband with honor. A true hero of that era! Period!
He didn't just get even. He got ahead
Agreed
What a Champ
My son had to write a paper in high school about the civil war. My grandmother related several stories to me that she heard from her grandmother who was a teenager during the war that I thought would be interesting to include as the history books tend to gloss most of what the union army did. One of the stories concerned a neighbor who lives a couple miles away who when the union army came through, they shot the unarmed 12 year old boy and tied the mother and 10 year old daughter to the bed and r____d them. They then poured kerosene on them and set them on fire to hide what they had done. The 12 year old survived and related what happened to my grandmothers great grandfather who took the boy in and nursed him back to health. My sons teacher said the story (and all the others he included) were lies because the union army wouldn't do that. He was a northerner by the way. Thanks for posting this story. It backs up everything I have ever heard about the ruthlessness of the union army.
History is written by the victors... but never mistake it for being the truth.
Great story! RIP Champ Ferguson.
I am a distant relative of Champ Ferguson. My maternal great grandparents on both sides were from Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky. Great grandma Dowell was born a Ferguson. I don't remember but I think her father was a brother of Champ. The relatives who could answer the questions are all in heaven. Somewhere in this house I have an old book about him. If you have more info about him I'd be interested in reading it.
I have visited that Cemetery two times as it's close to where I live. I will have to go back and find this headstone. Great episode.
I remember some of the stories that my grandparents told. Of the old days in the hills.
He did our family name proud !long live his legacy
I lived in Saltville for about a year when I was a teenager. I think there are several sinkholes in that town now due to the mines
RIP Champ Ferguson. I don't blame you one bit.
Spectacular storytelling!
Thank you brother
Thanks JD. Eternally grateful. Love the stories and the plots and subplots galore! Yes, Champ was the family man possessed to avenge what was done wrong to him and his family by Union cowards. If they were high on their prowess and numbers then when they shot the child and defiled the family, well, the asked for it and by all measures, Champ delivered. He is my hero. Yes, civil war made rivals of the same countrymen, but the sacred wasn't to be touched! What makes Champ even more fascinating is that he found his true calling when he was done wrong!
Thank you for this comment
Excellent episode and excellent channel, I watch all your content, listener in Ireland
Thanks so much Richard, glad to have you here! Greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
He was a loving husband
And father. He was and
Had the right to retaliate.
He didn't ask for any of it.
He did what was right to him.. l hope he has RIP.
LOVE CAN BLIND, A PERSONS HEART. IF LOVE ONES ARE DONE WRONG. AND I BELIEVE
THIS HAPPEN..
I'm from Clinton county and we actually had classes where we learned who Champ was. Great video.
A father grieving the loss of his son and struggling through the grief of not being there when his wife and daughter were assaulted.
agreed
A man gotta do what a man gotta do!
A REAL FAMILY LOVING MAN!
Rest in peace Mr. Ferguson sounds like justice to me the ultimate fuck around and find out story and you’re 100% right I have said it for years history is always written by the victor some history will never get in the books