The Enduring Legacy of the Hammons Family in Pocahontas County
The Hammons family stands as a significant cultural cornerstone in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, renowned for their deep-rooted traditions in music, storytelling, and an intimate connection to the Appalachian heritage 1. For generations, their knowledge and practices have served as a vital link to the region's past, embodying the spirit and character of early Appalachian frontier life 1. This report aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the Hammons family, delving into their history, identifying notable individuals, examining their cultural contributions, investigating genealogical information, documenting associated folklore, exploring their role in local historical events, identifying relevant archival resources, and listing published works that chronicle their enduring legacy. Their recent collective induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2020 underscores their lasting impact and the high regard in which they are held within the state 1.
Early History and Migration: Tracing the Hammons Family from Kentucky to West Virginia
The Hammons family's journey to West Virginia began before the tumultuous years of the Civil War, with their migration from Kentucky 5. They eventually established settlements across several counties, including Webster, Pocahontas, and Randolph, embedding themselves within the mountainous terrain of the region 5. This move placed them on the fringes of established society in Webster and Pocahontas counties, suggesting a preference for a more isolated existence, perhaps to maintain their traditional way of life or due to other socio-economic factors 2. Their presence in the region dates back to the mid-19th century, with family members having lived in eastern Kentucky before moving to the mountainous areas of what would become West Virginia 3.
The family's heritage traces back to Scots-Irish stock, a significant group among the early Appalachian settlers 2. Over time, many Hammons family members intermarried with descendants of German settlers, further contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the region 2. This blend of European heritages played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive character of their musical traditions, reflecting the foundational roots of Appalachian folk music 2. Among the early figures of the family in West Virginia was Jesse Hammons, who is remembered as the patriarch and an expert woodsman, establishing a lineage deeply connected to the land and its resources 1.
Notable Figures of the Hammons Family: Preservers of Tradition
A. Edden Hammons (1876-1955): The Prolific Fiddler and his Enduring Influence
Edden Hammons remains one of the most celebrated figures in West Virginia's traditional music history, widely regarded as one of the finest fiddlers the state has ever produced 2. His exceptional talent and dedication to preserving old-time tunes earned him considerable recognition during his lifetime and beyond 2. A notable moment in his career was an appearance in a World War II-era newsreel, where he was filmed playing the fiddle for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the prestigious Greenbrier hotel, showcasing Appalachian musical heritage on a national stage 5. This event likely played a role in fostering broader interest in his music and the traditions of his family.
In 1947, Louis Chappell, a professor at West Virginia University, recognized the significance of Edden's musical knowledge and recorded approximately 50 of his unique fiddle tunes 1. These recordings serve as invaluable documentation of a frontier fiddling tradition with deep roots in the Old World, preserving a style that might otherwise have been lost. The early academic interest in his work underscores its historical and cultural importance, providing primary source material for understanding Appalachian fiddling.
Beyond his musical prowess, numerous anecdotes and folkloric tales have become associated with Edden Hammons, contributing to his legendary status 2. One popular story recounts how he crafted his first fiddle from a gourd, demonstrating his early passion for music even with limited resources 2. This narrative has become a symbolic representation of the resourcefulness and ingenuity often associated with Appalachian culture. Another well-known aspect of his persona was his apparent aversion to work, with tales suggesting he would often prioritize playing music over more laborious tasks 7. These stories, often shared within the Hammons family and the wider community, have contributed to the enduring fascination with Edden as not just a musician, but a memorable and somewhat eccentric character whose life has become part of local lore.
B. Maggie Hammons Parker (1899-1987), Sherman Hammons (1903-1988), and Burl Hammons (1907-1993): Preservers of Tradition
As grandchildren of Jesse Hammons, Maggie Hammons Parker, Sherman Hammons, and Burl Hammons played a pivotal role in bringing broader attention to the family's rich cultural heritage 1. In the early 1970s, they became the central focus of an extensive study that ultimately led to significant recordings and publications, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of their music, stories, and traditions 1. This renewed interest in the family during the later 20th century was likely fueled by the earlier recognition of Edden and a broader folk revival movement across the nation.
Their contributions were instrumental in the creation of a Library of Congress double recording and accompanying publication, as well as a Rounder Records release in 1973 1. These recordings captured a vast collection of instrumental tunes, ballads, songs, stories, and lore, providing an invaluable archive of their cultural expressions. The involvement of the Library of Congress underscores the national significance attributed to the Hammons family's contributions to American folk culture, lending permanence and credibility to their legacy.
Maggie Hammons Parker, in particular, is remembered as a matriarch of the family, renowned for her skills as a singer, musician, and storyteller 9. Her multifaceted talents embodied the diverse artistic traditions of the family and highlighted the vital role of women in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage within Appalachian communities. Burl and Currence Hammons also hold a significant place in the history of Appalachian folk music, as they are recognized as being among the few old-time folk artists from central West Virginia of their time to have their music recorded, further emphasizing the importance of the 1970s study in documenting these unique regional styles 2.
C. Other Significant Family Members and their Contributions
Beyond these central figures, several other members of the Hammons family were also highly regarded for their musical talents, contributing to the family's widespread reputation as exceptional musicians 4. These include Pete Hammons, Lee Hammons, Currence Hammons, Mintie Hammons, and Dona Hammons Gum, all of whom were collectively inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing the deep-seated musical tradition within the family. The sheer number of accomplished musicians within the Hammons lineage underscores the central role of music in their family life and its transmission across generations.
Paris Hammons, the father of the celebrated fiddler Edden Hammons, also holds a place of significance. He and his family were the subject of an early Library of Congress publication titled "The Hammons Family: Traditions of a West Virginia Family and Friends" 13. This early recognition highlights a long-standing awareness of the family's importance to Appalachian traditions, even before the more extensive studies of his grandchildren.
Continuing the family's musical legacy into the present day is Trevor Hammons, the great-grandson of Lee Hammons 4. Trevor actively works to preserve his family's distinctive old-time Appalachian style of fingerpicking on the banjo, demonstrating the ongoing vitality and resilience of their musical heritage in contemporary Appalachian culture. Finally, Jesse Hammons, the patriarch, is remembered not only as the progenitor of this musically gifted family but also as an expert woodsman, skilled in the ways of the Appalachian wilderness 1.
Cultural Contributions to Pocahontas County and Appalachia: A Tapestry of Tradition
A. The Hammons Family's Musical Heritage: Unique Styles and Repertoire
The Hammons family's musical heritage is a treasure trove of ancient tunes and nearly lost performance styles, reflecting a deep connection to the early musical traditions of the Appalachian mountains 5. Their repertoire includes a distinctive regional collection of fiddle tunes that took shape on the early Appalachian frontier, alongside a rich tradition of banjo playing 1. The consistent emphasis on the age and rarity of their musical repertoire underscores their crucial role in preserving traditions that might otherwise have vanished, positioning them as invaluable keepers of cultural heritage.
Their musical style represents a fascinating cultural synthesis, blending the artful irregularity and treble tension of ancient British solo styles with other Appalachian elements that have Northern European, African-American, and possibly American Indian origins 1. This detailed description of their musical style challenges simplistic views of Appalachian music as solely European in origin, revealing a more complex and multicultural history. The family's contributions have been widely documented through recordings released by various esteemed institutions, including WVU Press, the Library of Congress, Rounder Records, Dwight Diller, and the Augusta Heritage Center 1. The wide distribution of their music indicates a significant effort to share their heritage with a broader audience, contributing to its preservation and appreciation beyond their immediate community.
B. Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Reflecting Frontier Life and Local Lore
Storytelling formed an integral part of the Hammons family's cultural heritage, characterized by a distinctive rhetorical style that captivated listeners 1. Their narratives often revolved around themes of frontier encounters, the challenges and triumphs of wilderness survival, and the rich tapestry of local history 3. The recurring themes of frontier life provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of early Appalachian settlers, offering a unique perspective on a world often undocumented in formal historical records.
A notable characteristic of their storytelling was a blend of fascination with the mysterious aspects of life, coupled with a healthy skepticism towards supernatural explanations 1. This combination reflects a complex worldview shaped by their close relationship with the natural world and their reliance on practical knowledge. The stories and narratives of the Hammons family are preserved within the Library of Congress recordings and publications, ensuring that their unique voice and perspective on Appalachian life continue to resonate with future generations 1.
C. Woods Lore and Traditional Skills
Living a subsistence lifestyle for nearly two centuries, the Hammons family possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of woods lore 1. Their survival depended on skills such as hunting, logging, trapping, and the gathering of resources like ginseng 1. Patriarch Jesse Hammons and his sons were particularly renowned as expert woodsmen, their abilities honed by years of intimate interaction with the Appalachian landscape 1. Their profound understanding of the natural environment was so respected that they were often sought out as hunting guides by others in the community 15. This deep connection to the land shaped their worldview and cultural practices, making them living repositories of traditional Appalachian skills and knowledge.
Genealogical Insights: Exploring Family Connections and Lineages
The Library of Congress publication dedicated to the Hammons family includes a constructed family history, drawing upon both documentary sources and the family's own narrations, offering valuable insights into their lineage 1. The cover photograph of this publication features brothers Pete, Paris, and Neal (Cornelius) Hammons, providing a visual connection to earlier generations 15. Further genealogical details, such as Maggie A. Hammons Parker's parentage and marriage information, can be found in the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library, highlighting the local efforts to document their history 10. Additionally, records indicate a William H. Hammons in Kentucky, born in 1855, suggesting potential avenues for tracing the family's ancestry before their migration to West Virginia 16.
For those interested in delving deeper into the Hammons family's genealogy, several avenues of research could be pursued. Exploring resources such as census records, marriage licenses, and birth certificates in both Kentucky and West Virginia may yield further information. Online genealogy databases and local historical societies in the relevant counties could also provide valuable connections and records. The Hammons Family-Diller Collection within the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library stands as a significant repository of photographic and documentary evidence that could further illuminate their family connections 10.
Table: Notable Members of the Hammons Family
Folklore and Anecdotes: Tales, Beliefs, and Humorous Accounts Associated with the Family
The folklore surrounding the Hammons family is rich and colorful, adding to their mystique and cultural significance. The story of Edden Hammons carving his first fiddle from a gourd is a recurring motif, symbolizing his innate musical talent and resourcefulness 2. Another popular anecdote recounts how Edden, as a young boy, outplayed a renowned fiddler named Bernard "Burn" Hamrick (or a similar figure in other versions), impressing him so much that he was given a better fiddle 2. These tales have contributed to a legendary narrative around his early musical development.
The existence of a folk poem titled "Hammons and the Ass" further illustrates the family's integration into the local cultural landscape, their experiences becoming subjects of creative expression within the community 2. Humorous accounts also circulate, such as the story of Edden Hammons often carrying his fiddle in a flour sack, sometimes with flour still inside, adding to his image as an unconventional and dedicated musician 7. Furthermore, the family's deep connection to the Appalachian wilderness is reflected in their stories of encounters with wildlife, including panthers and the elusive "yayho," a Sasquatch-like creature of local folklore 3. These narratives highlight their intimate relationship with the natural environment and the prevalence of such mysterious tales in Appalachian culture.
The Hammons Family's Role in Pocahontas County History: Interactions with Historical Events and Social Context
The Hammons family's history is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Pocahontas County and the Appalachian region. Their subsistence lifestyle and profound connection to the early Appalachian frontier positioned them as witnesses to and participants in significant historical periods 1. Their stories include accounts of the difficulties faced during the Civil War, such as foraging soldiers impacting their way of life 3. They also experienced the transformative period of the logging boom in the early 20th century, which dramatically altered the landscape and their traditional way of life along the Williams River 3. Their interactions with Italian immigrants who came to build the logging railways further illustrate their engagement with the changing demographics of the region 3.
However, a more complex and controversial aspect of their history involves the repeated reports of some Hammons family members' alleged involvement with the Ku Klux Klan 2. This information presents a significant challenge in understanding their legacy, particularly in light of their musical collaborations with African-American artists like Grafton Lacy 2. The Ku Klux Klan, historically, has been associated with ideologies of white supremacy and acts of violence 18. Understanding the specific historical context of the KKK in the early to mid-20th century in the United States, including its varying forms and activities across different regions and time periods 20, is crucial for interpreting these allegations. The reported involvement with the KKK raises serious questions about the family's interactions with other communities and necessitates a nuanced examination of their history, acknowledging both their cultural contributions and the potential for harmful affiliations.
Archival Resources and Historical Societies: Locating Primary Source Materials
For those seeking primary source materials related to the Hammons family, the "Preserving Pocahontas" Digital Library stands as a key resource 10. This digital archive houses the Hammons Family-Diller Collection, which contains a significant number of photographs and potentially other documents compiled by local musician Dwight Diller, who extensively documented the family 10. The prominent role of this local digital library alongside the national Library of Congress underscores the family's significance at both community and national levels.
The Library of Congress also holds a wealth of recordings and publications related to the Hammons family, resulting from the extensive fieldwork conducted in the 1970s and earlier 1. These resources offer invaluable insights into their music, stories, and family history. Additionally, contacting the Pocahontas County Historical Society may yield further local archives and information not readily available elsewhere 10. Engaging with local historical organizations can often uncover unique materials and knowledge held within the community.
Published Works and Recordings: Documenting the Hammons Family Legacy
The Hammons family's rich cultural legacy has been documented in several significant published works and recordings, reflecting the extensive scholarly and public interest in their traditions. These resources provide valuable avenues for further exploration of their contributions to Appalachian culture.
Table: Published Works and Recordings Related to the Hammons Family
Beyond these key publications, recordings of the Hammons family's music have been released by WVU Press, Dwight Diller, and the Augusta Heritage Center, further expanding the accessibility of their unique sound and repertoire 5. The sheer volume of documentation underscores the significant scholarly attention the family has received, solidifying their place in Appalachian cultural history.
The Multicultural Context: Influences and Interactions with Other Communities
The musical traditions of the Hammons family, while rooted in their Scots-Irish and German heritage 2, also reveal significant interactions and influences from other cultures. Notably, their music demonstrates a clear connection to African-American musical traditions, particularly evident through the example of Grafton Lacy, a Black fiddler and banjoist from whom Burl and Currence Hammons learned many tunes 2. This exchange highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black musicians to the development of Appalachian old-time music.
Furthermore, the presence of former minstrel tunes in their repertoire, such as "Turkey in the Straw," reflects the broader cultural exchanges that occurred in the region 2. While minstrelsy itself has a problematic history rooted in racism, these tunes were often shared and adapted by both Black and White musicians, illustrating the complex dynamics of cultural transmission. Additionally, some scholars suggest the possibility of American Indian influences in their music, though this remains an area for further research 1. The multifaceted nature of their musical influences underscores the rich and diverse cultural landscape of Appalachia.
Complexities and Controversies: Examining Historical Accounts and Allegations
As previously mentioned, the reported involvement of some Hammons family members with the Ku Klux Klan presents a significant complexity in understanding their history 2. This allegation stands in stark contrast to the documented musical collaborations with African-American artists, creating a seemingly contradictory picture. It is important to acknowledge the historical context of the KKK, which espoused white supremacist ideologies and engaged in acts of violence during the period in question 18. The Klan's presence in Indiana 20 indicates its broader reach beyond the Deep South.
Further research is needed to fully understand the extent and nature of any Hammons family involvement with the KKK and how this might have coexisted with their musical interactions with Black musicians. It is possible that individual beliefs and affiliations within the family varied, or that the social complexities of the time allowed for interactions across racial lines in certain spheres while maintaining prejudiced affiliations in others. This aspect of their history requires careful and sensitive consideration, avoiding simplistic judgments and acknowledging the potential for uncomfortable truths within historical narratives.
Conclusion: The Lasting Significance of the Hammons Family
In conclusion, the Hammons family of Pocahontas County holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of both the county and the broader Appalachian region. Their enduring legacy is built upon their remarkable contributions to traditional music, their captivating storytelling traditions, and their deep-rooted knowledge of woods lore, all of which offer a valuable glimpse into the life and times of the early Appalachian frontier. Their dedication to preserving ancient musical styles and narratives has enriched the cultural landscape and provided invaluable resources for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
While their history is celebrated for its preservation of tradition and cultural richness, the reported allegations of involvement with the Ku Klux Klan introduce a layer of complexity and controversy that cannot be ignored. This aspect necessitates a critical and nuanced understanding of their legacy, acknowledging both their significant cultural contributions and the potential for harmful affiliations within the historical context of the early to mid-20th century.
Despite these complexities, the Hammons family's impact on Appalachian culture remains profound. Their music continues to inspire and resonate, their stories offer insights into a bygone era, and their name has become synonymous with the authentic traditions of the West Virginia mountains. The ongoing interest in their history, as evidenced by archival collections, published works, and their recent induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, underscores the lasting significance of the Hammons family and their enduring influence on Appalachian culture.
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