Please support this channel by LIKING, COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBING. You can help support the research and production costs of these videos by clicking the JOIN or THANKS button or by visiting www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thank you!
This entry will be a bit long.I hope it's okay. I am 72 years old and while in high school history was so boring to me.I just hated it. As I grew older and the internet grew with such wonderful stories and entries about the Civil War.Among others I have become fixated on your stories and all the others from the appalacia area. I can honestly say I have learned more history from these stories.Which seem more true to me than anything written in the history books?We were forced to read during our school days. All I can say is thank you for the knowledge And the ability to learn the truth without someone Putting there two cents in that doesn't necessarily belong. Like I said i'm seventy two and I thank you from the bottom of my heart Please keep these stories coming.I really do look forward to them and enjoy them.
I really appreciate this comment. Let me explain a bit. I too hated history when I was in school. I didn’t like what they taught. It wasn’t relevant to my life. I couldn’t wait to get out of school when I was a teenager never in my wildest dreams that I think that I would grow up With a bachelors and doctorate degree in education. Now as a teacher, I was able to see that the history that is taught is controlled by the government and the powerful contracts in lobbying from textbook companies and that is a big reason for this channel. I am doing my best to give a voice to these stories, that the powers that be trying to erase. Not on my watch.
I'm closing in on 57. I feel like most of the history I was taught in public school was inaccurate, to put it mildly. I say most of it because I was blessed to have 9th grade history with a local historian as the teacher. I live in coastal North Carolina. This area is as rich in history as the Appalachians! These days I love learning about life in different regions. I'm enjoying this channel!
I liked history from the distant past. My mom n dad's family being in this country since the 1600's. They had done extensive research on our families and history. They were from Virgina until WV became a state. Both sides lived near each other, but did not know the other. I have old books n papers from my dad. One c talking about history in one county. Copied documents from pay stubs from relatives in the civil war. Places named after relatives in the Rev. war. Agree with all the above. I would be interested in the history of a cemetery in Petersburg VA near the narrows of VA n WV. It is a civil war cemetery on Angel's Hill I believe. The neighbor told us that all the men were buried upright in a circle with one in the middle I believe. Was 16 when we were there. Now 62. Keep doing these please.
I feel much the same as you have said about yourself. The internet history is a glory for some of us retirees. Having come from pioneer farming families, I can easily relate to these stories. Just turned 70, and still enjoying life. 🙏
Like y'all I found the way history being taught in school very boring. I told my Grandfather that and he put his lawnmower up, told my grandmother he was taking me for the day. All day long we rode around town. I am from Phenix City, Alabama. The ORIGINAL sin city. He told me the Phenix City story, yes there was a movie made about it. Read about the murder of Albert Patterson, the attorney general of Alabama. He taught me about one of the last battles of the civil war that was fought on the banks of the Chattahoochee river that divided Phenix City Alabama from Columbus, Georgia. What I learned from that Saturday afternoon with my Nonnie was learn from what's in your own back yard. As an adult who married a career Navy man, I took FULL advantage of exploring every area we were stationed at and taught my children to do the same. Learn what happened in your backyard and teach your children where they can see it.
This is Scotts' son and I wanted to let you know Dad passed away Thursday, April 25th. He loved your channel and spoke of your stories often. Thanks, Mr. Phillips!
I sat here motionless for quite some time after reading your comment. It hurt my heart. I loved talking to Scott, we shared a common love for family, history and a place we called home- Appalachia. I'm so sorry for your loss. I look forward to one day when we can all rejoice together. Blessings to you and your family. I will always remember your father. RIP @scottblack3381 Never forgotten brother.
My mother was from Kentucky. I remember going there to visit her mother, uncles, aunts and cousins when i was growing up. Was a wonderful place to go to. I always wondered why my mother didnt want to live there. Awesome story youve relayed for us to enjoy. Reminds me of radio shows I used to listen to when they broadcasted them. Thank you. ❤
I’ve worn serval hats in life- craftsman, musician and 22 years as a public school teacher - I’ve tried to weave all those experiences into these stories
What always amazes me is the beautiful grass and rolling hills of Kentucky. There is nothing like a walk in the woods of Kentucky too. Oh, to see it again! I'm in Florida now, and maybe one day I'll make a trip to see it all again!@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
@@rhonda.gross57 - What I always loved most about KY when I traveled there was the horses. I barely knew NASCAR existed, but I could recite the most minute details about any race horse you cared to name. I know racing is a cruel and crooked game, but that's not the horses' fault. And I've ridden some pretty fast ones. It's addictive.
I'm from Tx..........lived in the "piney woods " of east Tx.......and in the hillcountry.............not the Appalachian mountains............but woods just the same.......and family.......love stories of the Appalachia!.........
Love your stories J D. It's like when I was a kid in the early 50's, listening to storys on the radio . I used something back then that not many people use today. Visual imagination! Using our brain to visualize the characters, the location and scenery!!! You take me back to more innocent times. Thank you J D 💜💜💜
My Dad was born in Letcher County in 1925. He would tell me stories about Devil John he had heard from his father. Some people are larger than life and Devil John was one.
Thanks JD. You hiked all over my teenaged years lol. My dad was a Marine and I spent my pre-adolescent years in places like Kaneohe HI, El Toro CA and Cherry Point NC. Unless he was in much less comfortable places. Then we were in his hometown, Norton, VA. Permanently there after a Viet-Cong saboteur sent him home. Thankfully, in a half body cast that ended a 27-year career. I lived in Wise County until I joined the Army at 19 (in Beckley lol) just before Vietnam ended. My sister lives in the Pound and cousins live in Jenkins. Many graves of the 13th are still there to this day. Yet, as much as I love history, I never heard of Devil John Wright. It's a good day when I learn something new.
Brother, you have an amazing talent. You bring your stories to life unlike anyone I've ever listened to before. I work 50 hrs a week as a heavy equipment operator. Every weekend I can't wait to tune into some more Appalachian Storyteller. Thank you from Verona,Ky.
What an awesome story! Even the “Devil” can be baptized! Lol. Thanks so much JD for your outstanding stories! Hey! If you haven’t subscribed, you’re missing out. And……if you haven’t purchased JD’s Book, what are you waiting for?? It’s the best read ever and it doesn’t cost that much! I’m talking “Bargain” here folks! I bought his book and I love it!! Blessings always JD! ❤️😊✝️
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You are so welcome! For some reason I just got the feeling that I should help you get the word out bc times are tough for all of us, but we all need a helping hand! ❤️😊✝️
Dam this is the best story I've heard from you! I'm a true Tennessean. I'm also a southern boy! My daddy was a Marine and his daddy was from Tennessee. We lived in northern Virginia. I may be a distant cousin of Robert E. Lee on my daddy's side of the family. I'm part Virginian and Tennessean. Ulster Scot to the max! In another life I would have been like this gentleman! GoVols!
Wow! This man lived many.lives & I can definitely see why he was a ladies man! One handsome dude! This was an outstanding story & i.can't imagine the work you put into.it! Thank you! Oh & best of all really caught my attention when Becklry, WV came into the story. This is where I was born & raised so I could listen to those stories all day..lol! Thanks again!❤🇱🇷❤ God bless
Thanks Michael, I do my best to tell stories that are off the radar or have never been told before. Thanks for your support, it's folks like you that allow me to do this, and im grateful
I love listening too your stories they help so much with my stress and blood pressure and it just puts me out every night. I love them. I live on a farm in Oklahoma
Hi JD! What a man John Wright was. Great story about a ruff and tuff guy, but he had a heart except when it came to his children. 14 children by the age of 22 is a lot. Thanks for telling us this story. Have a blessed night!
My grandpa was born and raised in the hills of West Virginia. I wish I had talked more about his childhood. He grew up dirt poor and knowing hunger too well, there were some things Grandpa didn’t want to tell a child. I lost him when I was 21 years old and I still miss him and think about him so often. Your stories feel like you are talking about my history. Thank you so very much ❤
John definitely understood the meaning of self preservation. With all them babies, he was obviously pretty good at self promotion too 😂. Excellent story!
Thank you once again for an amazingly told story all of these stories are fascinating but the way you tell them makes them so much better thank you so much
Wow! I enjoyed reading all the comments I could get to downthread as well. My friends always called me weird bc I was such a history buff from the ground up; but then I'm only 2nd-gen Irish American too, and my grandparents and gg's had made their way here from the Irish Civil War one jump ahead of Dev and John Bull. Dad was 'made in Ireland and born here'. So they had plenty of stories of their own to tell even though we were supposedly 'Welsh' for the time being. I'd figured it out a long time before one day I just burst out with, "Well, if we're Welsh, why are all those pictures on the wall Irish people?" Collins was our family saint after all, and later also Dorothy Day. I can still hear Gram saying, "Might as well tell her. Francis. She already knows." I never breathed a word of it outside the family either until everybody from those 3 generations had passed on. Now that I'm the last one standing in my direct family line, I don't see the harm. In fact I suppose I was raised right to be able to survive and even flourish somewhat in TinyTown, rural central Midwest, where most of these people are still fighting the Civil War and will consider you an outsider even after 20 years if you last that long. It was a border town at the time so a lot of stuff happened around here. My house was a waystation on the underground and is built around an old log cabin originally made by slavers. Those logs are so hard now that the contractor I hired for initial renovations (which will never be 'done') broke two heavy duty drill bits trying to fix me up with an outdoor faucet. I also know exactly where the outhouse was too, bc there's a brick path from the back door to the northeast corner, and that's where the thicket of lavendar trees still remains. For the 50 or so years b4 I arrived, the place had been neglected by a long string of temporary owners and renters to the point it was almost too far gone to salvage - which is why I got it at auction for $14.5K. Of course I had to immediately plow $25K into it just for starters, but what else have I got to spend $ on here? I just hope to get it all done while I'm still here. And I'm still cussin' a blue streak at the people who built over the transoms which I can't (yet at least) afford to uncover. But I know they're there. Someday .... !!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller - It was either that or extradition back to the UK. And the scandal wouldn't have done Dad's military career any good either. Or my brothers'. Nobody left for me to protect now. I think the required secrecy is why so much of this has been surging out of me lately.
Im from letcher co. And the legend is true bad john wright was a living legend in his time and now a true hero of the pioneer era of kentucky half of his life isnt even mentioned here so please look into him and keep his story alive
Many of the men in my great,great, great grandfathers time fought in the battle of Cynthiana, Kentucky! My papaw was born in Sunrise Kentucky, and so was my Mom. The church graveyard there is full of my kin who I never got to meet. They were tobacco farmers and the closest tobacco buyers were in Cynthiana, about 15 miles away. I wish we still had the old house there, but its still standing. Sunrise is a stunningly beautiful place, high on a hill top, you can look out over the rolling hills for miles and miles.. I saw the biggest shooting star there, I have ever seen. We had our family reunions there for all the years I was a child. Watching this it gives you a lot better idea of what it was like for the people of that time. Especially the men, but of course the women had the children and were barely making it too. I know some men never really got over the war, and were doomed to live that way, by the gun, the rest of their lives.. I remember my Mamaw, talking about her uncle, Ole' Newt, and when he came to stay he had to sleep out in the barn, because he was an alcoholic, and transient. Now I have a lot better understanding of why. John Wright may be distant kin to me, who knows? He led an amazing life and must have been full of grit, smarts, and determination to live as long as he did. Fascinating story JD, thank you and God bless you and yours.
What an incredible story! Why has no one ever heard of this? Oh, wait, maybe it's just me that never heard of it! I do sometimes live under a rock! I don't often comment, but I listen to all your stories, you are such a wonderful story teller and I just can't get enough!
A multifaceted man of many talents. Who wore many different hats, all while having the time of his life. His greatest accomplishment was accepting the Lord.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Thank You, Yes, in this world, people always want to know the secret of success. It's easy, just invite the Lord into your heart. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Pray read your Bible, or listen to the audio bible. You're success is guaranteed, when you walk with God. Tell everyone who will listen about God.
Some of the people you talk about good and bad, would make good movies. It is crazy, that you hear Devil Anz, to you want to throw up, you are so tired of it and here is new material. Great Channel. It is also nice to put a face with the voice, your channel reminds me of the early shows of the twilight zone and others that had a narrator.
Thank you so much for that comment... Folks always ask me why I haven't done Hatfield/McCoy.... This channel has been around since 2007 and im proud to say, not once have I regurgitated that story that was propagated by northern newspapers designed to mock the Southern States, and was never -ever- even remotely close to one of Appalachias most deadly feuds.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller it's nice to have someone who tells it like it is, and in a way that fascinates the listener. We love your stories! I plan to get the book too. These are stories I can read to my grandbabies!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Yes! I am an amateur writer myself. My last story is written in present tense, which helps bring the reader into the story. I love the way you make me feel like I'm there, seeing it all.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller well the H/M feud, gunfight at OK coral, Custer's L S, the Alamo, Bonnie and Clyde and the James gang, have all been done to death. I really do not think there is another angle that they can redo these stories. I was talking to a storyteller such as yourself, I suggested new material, like the Court house tragedy, I think they call it. In Floyd Co VA. A story I would really like to see is Lewis Redmond. I think if he had of been killed, in the cornfield, instead of lived, they would be singing and writing songs about him like Davey Crockett. lol have a blessed day
That was some true story! He was quite a character with an odd sense of honor, upset at killing a fine horse and even paying the sheriff for the horse! Now killing humans...not quite so upsetting. Anyway, a great true story, thank you.
Love your storys. You certainly have a unique way of telling stories & your unique voice always have a way to keep us all interested til the end of each story. Randal from Ashe county. NC👍❤️🙏
Your stories are great to listen to while waiting out wild, crazy storms in the middle of the night in Okla. My weather radio is going off every few minutes, so no sleep.
My great2 grandfather, Charles L. Lewis, from Sequatchie Co. TN also started the Civil War in the Confederate TN Cavalry. By the end of the War he ended up a Sgt. Maj. in the Union TN Mounted Infantry, mustered Chattanooga. Great show!
Thank you JD for another awesome story! I received my candles and absolutely love them! I hope you sell tons of them, they’re well worth it! God bless you! From Canadice NY ❤
Thank you Kate ❤️ The candles are handmade with love, one at a time, the old fashioned way with only organic ingredients. Thank you for supporting this channel! JD
Great video J.D. as usual. I bought your book and I love it, especially the story of the feud between the Melton's and Davises from Morgan Co., Tennessee. The Melton's in your story are kin to my mother who was born in Morgan Co., Tennessee. Great book J.D. Thank you.
I have never heard of Devil John Wright before. This makes me wonder how many movies were based on his story. As the song says, "War, what is it good for?" "Absolutely nothing!'
Well that was a great story. I might do some further reading about Devil John Wright I’d again like to recommend your book, my wife and I have both enjoyed the stories.
When I was 12 or 13 I remember overhearing my maternal grandpa talking with his brothers at Thanksgiving. The conversation was about a man who "needed killin" Papaw said that for most things that were bad they'd call on the law but for that man a large group of men got together and did the killin. Later, when we were all back at papaw's house I asked my mim (memaw) about the conversation. She and I went down to the basement TV room and she told me that the man who "needed killin" had raped a girl about my age. This had happened when papaw was a teenager and his brothers were even younger and their paw had been part of the group. There were some lines that did not get crossed. And if papaw had known I'd overheard that conversation he would've been upset because that wasn't a "fit" conversation to talk about in the hearing of women or girls. (everyone on mom's side of the family were from Clinton, Co, KY)
My kinda man, don't care about that laws that are wrong and make no sense but ashamed of killing an innocent creature. Would have made one hell of a friend.
Please support this channel by LIKING, COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBING. You can help support the research and production costs of these videos by clicking the JOIN or THANKS button or by visiting www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thank you!
This entry will be a bit long.I hope it's okay. I am 72 years old and while in high school history was so boring to me.I just hated it. As I grew older and the internet grew with such wonderful stories and entries about the Civil War.Among others I have become fixated on your stories and all the others from the appalacia area. I can honestly say I have learned more history from these stories.Which seem more true to me than anything written in the history books?We were forced to read during our school days. All I can say is thank you for the knowledge And the ability to learn the truth without someone Putting there two cents in that doesn't necessarily belong. Like I said i'm seventy two and I thank you from the bottom of my heart Please keep these stories coming.I really do look forward to them and enjoy them.
I really appreciate this comment. Let me explain a bit. I too hated history when I was in school. I didn’t like what they taught. It wasn’t relevant to my life. I couldn’t wait to get out of school when I was a teenager never in my wildest dreams that I think that I would grow up With a bachelors and doctorate degree in education. Now as a teacher, I was able to see that the history that is taught is controlled by the government and the powerful contracts in lobbying from textbook companies and that is a big reason for this channel. I am doing my best to give a voice to these stories, that the powers that be trying to erase. Not on my watch.
I'm closing in on 57. I feel like most of the history I was taught in public school was inaccurate, to put it mildly. I say most of it because I was blessed to have 9th grade history with a local historian as the teacher. I live in coastal North Carolina. This area is as rich in history as the Appalachians! These days I love learning about life in different regions. I'm enjoying this channel!
I liked history from the distant past. My mom n dad's family being in this country since the 1600's. They had done extensive research on our families and history. They were from Virgina until WV became a state. Both sides lived near each other, but did not know the other. I have old books n papers from my dad. One c talking about history in one county. Copied documents from pay stubs from relatives in the civil war.
Places named after relatives in the Rev. war. Agree with all the above. I would be interested in the history of a cemetery in Petersburg VA near the narrows of VA n WV. It is a civil war cemetery on Angel's Hill I believe. The neighbor told us that all the men were buried upright in a circle with one in the middle I believe. Was 16 when we were there. Now 62. Keep doing these please.
I feel much the same as you have said about yourself. The internet history is a glory for some of us retirees. Having come from pioneer farming families, I can easily relate to these stories.
Just turned 70, and still enjoying life.
🙏
Like y'all I found the way history being taught in school very boring. I told my Grandfather that and he put his lawnmower up, told my grandmother he was taking me for the day. All day long we rode around town. I am from Phenix City, Alabama. The ORIGINAL sin city. He told me the Phenix City story, yes there was a movie made about it. Read about the murder of Albert Patterson, the attorney general of Alabama.
He taught me about one of the last battles of the civil war that was fought on the banks of the Chattahoochee river that divided Phenix City Alabama from Columbus, Georgia.
What I learned from that Saturday afternoon with my Nonnie was learn from what's in your own back yard.
As an adult who married a career Navy man, I took FULL advantage of exploring every area we were stationed at and taught my children to do the same.
Learn what happened in your backyard and teach your children where they can see it.
This is Scotts' son and I wanted to let you know Dad passed away Thursday, April 25th. He loved your channel and spoke of your stories often. Thanks, Mr. Phillips!
I sat here motionless for quite some time after reading your comment. It hurt my heart. I loved talking to Scott, we shared a common love for family, history and a place we called home- Appalachia. I'm so sorry for your loss. I look forward to one day when we can all rejoice together. Blessings to you and your family. I will always remember your father. RIP @scottblack3381 Never forgotten brother.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller, if he can see your kind words he will be most pleased, Mr. Phillips. Thank you, sir.
Much love to you❤
So sorry for your loss
@@scottblack3381sorry to hear about your dads passing
John Wright was my 3x great grandfather. Thank you for doing justice to his story. ❤
I did my best to pay respect to an amazing man who lived a heck of a life that isn't taught anywhere. He was a man's man.
14 kids by 22 WOW
Loved the story
The Devil needs to come back and write his Autobiography
Sounds like a bunch of us might be related to him!. 14 by 22 dang..
My mother was from Kentucky. I remember going there to visit her mother, uncles, aunts and cousins when i was growing up. Was a wonderful place to go to. I always wondered why my mother didnt want to live there. Awesome story youve relayed for us to enjoy. Reminds me of radio shows I used to listen to when they broadcasted them. Thank you. ❤
Thank you for that, Im cut from the old school cloth of storytellers
JD i have no idea what your craft in life has been, but telling these stories, you are a natural brother, don't ever stop,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I’ve worn serval hats in life- craftsman, musician and 22 years as a public school teacher - I’ve tried to weave all those experiences into these stories
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you did well friend,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Even though I’m from the north I love your stories , now I live in Kentucky
This story has Kentucky all over it
What always amazes me is the beautiful grass and rolling hills of Kentucky. There is nothing like a walk in the woods of Kentucky too. Oh, to see it again! I'm in Florida now, and maybe one day I'll make a trip to see it all again!@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
@@rhonda.gross57 - What I always loved most about KY when I traveled there was the horses. I barely knew NASCAR existed, but I could recite the most minute details about any race horse you cared to name. I know racing is a cruel and crooked game, but that's not the horses' fault. And I've ridden some pretty fast ones. It's addictive.
@@frostyfrances4700 my daughter is a skilled rider. She says the same thing about riding in a full run. She loves it.
@@rhonda.gross57and this weekend is Lincoln Days in Hodgenville Kentucky the birthplace of Abe 10/4-10/6
What a middle day treat!
hope you enjoy!
I'm from Tx..........lived in the "piney woods " of east Tx.......and in the hillcountry.............not the Appalachian mountains............but woods just the same.......and family.......love stories of the Appalachia!.........
Thank you 😊
Why.......all.....the......dumb.......dots?
Love your stories J D.
It's like when I was a kid in the early 50's, listening to storys on the radio .
I used something back then that not many people use today.
Visual imagination! Using our brain to visualize the characters, the location and scenery!!! You take me back to more innocent times.
Thank you J D 💜💜💜
Thank you so much! I try to tell these stories like the old timers told stories
My Dad was born in Letcher County in 1925. He would tell me stories about Devil John he had heard from his father. Some people are larger than life and Devil John was one.
Thanks for sharing this, cool that folks talked about him
Thanks JD. You hiked all over my teenaged years lol. My dad was a Marine and I spent my pre-adolescent years in places like Kaneohe HI, El Toro CA and Cherry Point NC. Unless he was in much less comfortable places. Then we were in his hometown, Norton, VA. Permanently there after a Viet-Cong saboteur sent him home. Thankfully, in a half body cast that ended a 27-year career. I lived in Wise County until I joined the Army at 19 (in Beckley lol) just before Vietnam ended. My sister lives in the Pound and cousins live in Jenkins. Many graves of the 13th are still there to this day. Yet, as much as I love history, I never heard of Devil John Wright. It's a good day when I learn something new.
My dad was in Vietnam as well, glad you enjoyed this story brother
What an interesting character. Loved your video. Thank you JD.
Thank you Melissa, thank you so much for your support that helps me bring these stories to life
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller hoping surport could increase someday. I truly love your channel.
Thanks again for another fine story from the hills of Kentucky.....l am in my 80's and i live in Kentucky.....
Thank you, Steve. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods was a little bit. Cloudy here in East Tennessee today.
I'm also a Kentuckian and have run across a couple of Shoemaker around shepherdsville
Thank you for this remarkable story. "Devil" John survived the unsurvivable and went on to become a legend. And then a Christian!
Thank you 😊
Brother, you have an amazing talent. You bring your stories to life unlike anyone I've ever listened to before. I work 50 hrs a week as a heavy equipment operator. Every weekend I can't wait to tune into some more Appalachian Storyteller. Thank you from Verona,Ky.
Man, I really appreciate that. Makes my Sunday go a little better and put a smile on my face. I really appreciate you man. Stay safe out there.
What an awesome story! Even the “Devil” can be baptized! Lol. Thanks so much JD for your outstanding stories!
Hey! If you haven’t subscribed, you’re missing out. And……if you haven’t purchased JD’s Book, what are you waiting for?? It’s the best read ever and it doesn’t cost that much! I’m talking “Bargain” here folks! I bought his book and I love it!!
Blessings always JD! ❤️😊✝️
Thank you so much, Betty. I really appreciate your support and your kindness as always. Have a blessed day.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You are so welcome! For some reason I just got the feeling that I should help you get the word out bc times are tough for all of us, but we all need a helping hand! ❤️😊✝️
Love your stories and surprised we haven't heard of Devil.....I mean John Wright, in a tough time he was a tough man!!
That’s right he sure was a heckuva guy
Dam this is the best story I've heard from you! I'm a true Tennessean. I'm also a southern boy! My daddy was a Marine and his daddy was from Tennessee. We lived in northern Virginia. I may be a distant cousin of Robert E. Lee on my daddy's side of the family. I'm part Virginian and Tennessean. Ulster Scot to the max! In another life I would have been like this gentleman! GoVols!
I’m glad you enjoyed it brother. Be sure to check out my Appalachia deadliest series. I’ve got 19 other episodes just like this one.
Excellent story, JD, Thanks for sharing this one
Glad you enjoyed it John!
Wow! This man lived many.lives & I can definitely see why he was a ladies man! One handsome dude! This was an outstanding story & i.can't imagine the work you put into.it! Thank you! Oh & best of all really caught my attention when Becklry, WV came into the story. This is where I was born & raised so I could listen to those stories all day..lol! Thanks again!❤🇱🇷❤ God bless
thank you so much for this comment! Yes! A ton of work into this documentary
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller & it definitely shows!
Happy Tuesday and thanks for another good story JD!
Thank you Robbie!
Ok, I'll have to admit to listening to your stories at work. I ain't getting much done. I just love everything about these.
Thank you, now get to work!
Fantastic story. Its the personal stories of common folk doing uncommon things that keeps us coming back for more. Thanks JD.
Thanks Michael, I do my best to tell stories that are off the radar or have never been told before. Thanks for your support, it's folks like you that allow me to do this, and im grateful
He was one if my great uncles thank you for sharing this story very similar to the stories I’ve heard passed down
Thank you so much Raven!
I love listening too your stories they help so much with my stress and blood pressure and it just puts me out every night. I love them. I live on a farm in Oklahoma
Thank you so much ❤️
Hi JD! What a man John Wright was. Great story about a ruff and tuff guy, but he had a heart except when it came to his children. 14 children by the age of 22 is a lot. Thanks for telling us this story.
Have a blessed night!
Thank you, Willow and for the record according to history, he took care of everyone of his children
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller that’s wonderful.
John Wright was my great grandmother's cousin. Thank you for the story.
Glad you enjoyed it
Devil John was my great grandmothers grandfather! Haha! I grew up hearing I had an outlaw/sheriff in the family!
Thank you, JD .
Your stories never disappoint , something for everyone's enjoyment.
God 🙏 bless 🙏.
Thank you ! Have a blessed day
I think I'm going to get hooked here. That was a wonderful story, rich with history, so well told, with fantastic photos to back it up. ❤
Thank you so much!
LOVE the Outlaw/Most Deadly episodes!!!
Thank you so much! They take a lot of work
Excellent . Your stories are always excellent .Thank you very much. It is always a pleasure to listen to you telling these stories.
Thank you Nora!
Thank you for the beautiful hymn at the end. Leaning On The Ever Lasting Arm. Amen to that. Love the story tellin’. Well done!
Thank you for noticing the music ♥️
My grandpa was born and raised in the hills of West Virginia. I wish I had talked more about his childhood. He grew up dirt poor and knowing hunger too well, there were some things Grandpa didn’t want to tell a child. I lost him when I was 21 years old and I still miss him and think about him so often. Your stories feel like you are talking about my history. Thank you so very much ❤
My 2nd Great Grandfather. Thank you so much 😇
Wonderful!
My 3rd great grandfather!
John definitely understood the meaning of self preservation. With all them babies, he was obviously pretty good at self promotion too 😂. Excellent story!
You nailed it with that summary! Thank you so much for your support that allows me to keep telling these stories. I really appreciate you.
The original Nick Cannon 😂😂😂
Thank you once again for an amazingly told story all of these stories are fascinating but the way you tell them makes them so much better thank you so much
I really appreciate that Gracie! Thank you!
Kentucky born and raised. Just watched the first story. I'll be hooked now
Glad you are here my friend
Wow!
I enjoyed reading all the comments I could get to downthread as well. My friends always called me weird bc I was such a history buff from the ground up; but then I'm only 2nd-gen Irish American too, and my grandparents and gg's had made their way here from the Irish Civil War one jump ahead of Dev and John Bull. Dad was 'made in Ireland and born here'. So they had plenty of stories of their own to tell even though we were supposedly 'Welsh' for the time being. I'd figured it out a long time before one day I just burst out with, "Well, if we're Welsh, why are all those pictures on the wall Irish people?" Collins was our family saint after all, and later also Dorothy Day. I can still hear Gram saying, "Might as well tell her. Francis. She already knows."
I never breathed a word of it outside the family either until everybody from those 3 generations had passed on. Now that I'm the last one standing in my direct family line, I don't see the harm. In fact I suppose I was raised right to be able to survive and even flourish somewhat in TinyTown, rural central Midwest, where most of these people are still fighting the Civil War and will consider you an outsider even after 20 years if you last that long. It was a border town at the time so a lot of stuff happened around here.
My house was a waystation on the underground and is built around an old log cabin originally made by slavers. Those logs are so hard now that the contractor I hired for initial renovations (which will never be 'done') broke two heavy duty drill bits trying to fix me up with an outdoor faucet. I also know exactly where the outhouse was too, bc there's a brick path from the back door to the northeast corner, and that's where the thicket of lavendar trees still remains. For the 50 or so years b4 I arrived, the place had been neglected by a long string of temporary owners and renters to the point it was almost too far gone to salvage - which is why I got it at auction for $14.5K. Of course I had to immediately plow $25K into it just for starters, but what else have I got to spend $ on here? I just hope to get it all done while I'm still here. And I'm still cussin' a blue streak at the people who built over the transoms which I can't (yet at least) afford to uncover. But I know they're there. Someday .... !!
Pretending to be welsh, how bout that! Thanks for sharing that bit of history
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller - It was either that or extradition back to the UK. And the scandal wouldn't have done Dad's military career any good either. Or my brothers'. Nobody left for me to protect now. I think the required secrecy is why so much of this has been surging out of me lately.
Im from letcher co. And the legend is true bad john wright was a living legend in his time and now a true hero of the pioneer era of kentucky half of his life isnt even mentioned here so please look into him and keep his story alive
thanks for sharing that Jacob
GREAT TALE!! Devil John Wright was just an incredible character. One of my favorite NPCs is based on him.
Thank you 😊
Now that is a real American man! What a legend!
💯
Another awesome video, Thank you J.D
Glad you enjoyed it
Many of the men in my great,great, great grandfathers time fought in the battle of Cynthiana, Kentucky! My papaw was born in Sunrise Kentucky, and so was my Mom. The church graveyard there is full of my kin who I never got to meet. They were tobacco farmers and the closest tobacco buyers were in Cynthiana, about 15 miles away. I wish we still had the old house there, but its still standing. Sunrise is a stunningly beautiful place, high on a hill top, you can look out over the rolling hills for miles and miles.. I saw the biggest shooting star there, I have ever seen. We had our family reunions there for all the years I was a child.
Watching this it gives you a lot better idea of what it was like for the people of that time. Especially the men, but of course the women had the children and were barely making it too. I know some men never really got over the war, and were doomed to live that way, by the gun, the rest of their lives..
I remember my Mamaw, talking about her uncle, Ole' Newt, and when he came to stay he had to sleep out in the barn, because he was an alcoholic, and transient. Now I have a lot better understanding of why.
John Wright may be distant kin to me, who knows? He led an amazing life and must have been full of grit, smarts, and determination to live as long as he did. Fascinating story JD, thank you and God bless you and yours.
Thank you so sharing that, I enjoyed reading it
As always totally amazing. Different life back then. Just amazing
Thank you 😊
Hello JD what a story. I couldn't help but think that his name could have been Romeo John Wright. What a life he had. Thank you
He was quite a fella!
Always a great story!! ✌️JD✌️ Thank you!!
Thank you so much, my friend. Hope you have a great day.
Another great story JD ,superbly done . All the best from Worksop Nottinghamshire Uk
Thank you Charles! Greeting from East Tennessee
What an incredible story! Why has no one ever heard of this? Oh, wait, maybe it's just me that never heard of it! I do sometimes live under a rock! I don't often comment, but I listen to all your stories, you are such a wonderful story teller and I just can't get enough!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. I really appreciate that comment. I’d really motivates me to keep telling these stories.
A multifaceted man of many talents.
Who wore many different hats, all
while having the time of his life.
His greatest accomplishment was
accepting the Lord.
Well said my friend
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
Thank You,
Yes, in this world, people always want
to know the secret of success.
It's easy, just invite the Lord into your
heart.
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Pray read your Bible, or listen to the
audio bible.
You're success is guaranteed, when
you walk with God.
Tell everyone who will listen about God.
I like your stories and your music pics a lot JD. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much !
Some of the people you talk about good and bad, would make good movies. It is crazy, that you hear Devil Anz, to you want to throw up, you are so tired of it and here is new material. Great Channel. It is also nice to put a face with the voice, your channel reminds me of the early shows of the twilight zone and others that had a narrator.
Thank you so much for that comment... Folks always ask me why I haven't done Hatfield/McCoy.... This channel has been around since 2007 and im proud to say, not once have I regurgitated that story that was propagated by northern newspapers designed to mock the Southern States, and was never -ever- even remotely close to one of Appalachias most deadly feuds.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller it's nice to have someone who tells it like it is, and in a way that fascinates the listener. We love your stories! I plan to get the book too. These are stories I can read to my grandbabies!
@@rhonda.gross57 Thank you Rhonda! I do my best to put the listener in the story right in the thick of the action
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Yes! I am an amateur writer myself. My last story is written in present tense, which helps bring the reader into the story. I love the way you make me feel like I'm there, seeing it all.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller well the H/M feud, gunfight at OK coral, Custer's L S, the Alamo, Bonnie and Clyde and the James gang, have all been done to death. I really do not think there is another angle that they can redo these stories. I was talking to a storyteller such as yourself, I suggested new material, like the Court house tragedy, I think they call it. In Floyd Co VA. A story I would really like to see is Lewis Redmond. I think if he had of been killed, in the cornfield, instead of lived, they would be singing and writing songs about him like Davey Crockett. lol have a blessed day
It's always nice when The Farmer's daughter helps rescue you. 🤭😁😎
Great story, take it easy my friend. 👍
Nothing can ease your pain better than the love of a beautiful woman
Thanks for the stories about Appalachia. I'm learning more about where I come from.Keep it up. Thanks again
Glad you like them! Thank you 😊
That was some true story! He was quite a character with an odd sense of honor, upset at killing a fine horse and even paying the sheriff for the horse! Now killing humans...not quite so upsetting. Anyway, a great true story, thank you.
Thank you so much Anna!
I love listening to all your stories , all the way here in Australia . Thank you …
So glad you are here my Australian friend, greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
Love your storys. You certainly have a unique way of telling stories & your unique voice always have a way to keep us all interested til the end of each story.
Randal from Ashe county. NC👍❤️🙏
Thank you brother!
JD this story is amazing and you are a wonderful story teller I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it thank you
Thank you so much!
Absolutely love these stories
Thank you 😊
Boy that guy sure got around. I'd like to have half the get up and go he had. Great story.
He was a rambling man- all that in a horse too
This Southern narrator loves your work.
Thank you so much, brother. Stay safe out there and best wishes to you.
Your stories are great to listen to while waiting out wild, crazy storms in the middle of the night in Okla. My weather radio is going off every few minutes, so no sleep.
I often think of what it would be like living in tornado alley
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I wonder the same about earthquake prone areas.
J.D. ... Loved the story, I live just south of Beckley WV... You're a great story teller!
Right on! Glad you enjoyed this on!
What dangerous times to live in . Loved the story , thanks .
It was strong men during hard times
Once again my friend, you brought us an amazing story. I'm sharing you out to all my family. Lord bless you and yourn JD.
you are a real hero! Thank you!
My great2 grandfather, Charles L. Lewis, from Sequatchie Co. TN also started the Civil War in the Confederate TN Cavalry. By the end of the War he ended up a Sgt. Maj. in the Union TN Mounted Infantry, mustered Chattanooga. Great show!
Once again, you've outdone yourself. An excellent presentation.
Thank you so much!
Another interesting story. Very enjoyable . Thank you JD.
Thank you 😊
A tremendous story.Thank you
Thank you so much
Wow, a very interesting story by al al all means. Thank you for sharing and God bless you and your family sir 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you brother!
Rough times call for rough justice!
hard times made hard men...
Oh, I like this story it’s a good one. Thanks for reading it to all of us.🐾🐾
Thanks for watching ❤️
What a great man and story!
Thanks Chris!
Thank you JD for another awesome story! I received my candles and absolutely love them! I hope you sell tons of them, they’re well worth it! God bless you! From Canadice NY ❤
Thank you Kate ❤️ The candles are handmade with love, one at a time, the old fashioned way with only organic ingredients. Thank you for supporting this channel! JD
Another great story JD.
Thank you so much! Hope you had a great weekend
I got some family down in Whitesburg KY ive definitely heard some wild stuff that happened way back in the day
I bet you have heard some tales
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller auto correct got me I meant t Whitesburg ky lol
Great video J.D. as usual. I bought your book and I love it, especially the story of the feud between the Melton's and Davises from Morgan Co., Tennessee. The Melton's in your story are kin to my mother who was born in Morgan Co., Tennessee. Great book J.D. Thank you.
Thank you so much brother. Really appreciate your support. Hope you have a blessed weekend.
Thank you for this video. I always enjoy your tales.
Thank you so much Grumpy, hope you enjoyed this true story about Devil John
That was a really fun history lesson you just did. Thank you. ❤
Thank you, Carol. There was a lot of history packed in this story.
I have never heard of Devil John Wright before. This makes me wonder how many movies were based on his story. As the song says, "War, what is it good for?" "Absolutely nothing!'
He deserves a movie for sure
Well that was a great story. I might do some further reading
about Devil John Wright
I’d again like to recommend your book, my wife and I have both enjoyed the stories.
Thank you so much!
That sure was a great story. I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for another great story JD
Thank you so much. This is one of my favorite stories that I’ve ever done.
The greatest part of this story is that he got right with God before he died!!
Amen
Great story J.D. 👍
Y'all stay safe out there my friends 🙏
Thanks so much, brother. Hope you’re doing well.
I enjoy all your stories.
Thank you so much, my friend. Have a blessed day.
When I was 12 or 13 I remember overhearing my maternal grandpa talking with his brothers at Thanksgiving. The conversation was about a man who "needed killin" Papaw said that for most things that were bad they'd call on the law but for that man a large group of men got together and did the killin. Later, when we were all back at papaw's house I asked my mim (memaw) about the conversation. She and I went down to the basement TV room and she told me that the man who "needed killin" had raped a girl about my age. This had happened when papaw was a teenager and his brothers were even younger and their paw had been part of the group. There were some lines that did not get crossed. And if papaw had known I'd overheard that conversation he would've been upset because that wasn't a "fit" conversation to talk about in the hearing of women or girls. (everyone on mom's side of the family were from Clinton, Co, KY)
thanks for sharing this
Great story...You are truly a storyteller...
Thank you Steve!
Loved this story! I've been through Beckley, W. Va many times!
I love it when folks have connections with the towns in these stories!
That was a really good one J D thanks
Thank you so much, Bobby. Hope you’re doing well, brother.
Awesome story JD👍👍👍
Thank you so much, Raymond. I’m glad you enjoyed it brother.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller you’re welcome JD🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
That was a awesome story! Sounds like they need to make a movie of his life.
Amazing they haven’t, hope all is well in Mississippi brother
@TheAppalachianStoryteller doing good. Same to you brother.
If everyone spoke from the heart like Popcorn, we could all move away from deceit, & move closer to truth.
Thanks for sharing, brother
Another great video buddy ❤ from rainy Scotland
Thank you so much. It was raining a little bit this morning here in East Tennessee, but it’s turned out to be a beautiful day.
Great Great story loved it !
Thank you!
My kinda man, don't care about that laws that are wrong and make no sense but ashamed of killing an innocent creature. Would have made one hell of a friend.
Yes sir, we need more men like him today
I love it! great video!
Thank you Jerry!
Cool story !!
Thanks 😊
I love your stories
Thank you!
22 YR OLDS OF TODAY CAN BARELY TIE A SHOELACE. THIS GUYS .I HAVNT GOT THE WORDS TO DESCRIE HIM. WOW