First Families of Anderson County

Membership in First Families of Anderson County is open to anyone who can document descent from an ancestor who was a resident of any part of what is now Anderson County, Tennessee prior to 1830. 

 ELIGIBILITY:  To qualify for a First Families of Anderson County (FFAC) certificate, the applicant must directly descend from an ancestor (male or female) who settled in Anderson County, Tennessee prior to December 31, 1830.  The applicant must be able to prove descent from the ancestor (male or female) by an official record or records for each generation, including proof for the applicant.  Current Anderson County, Tennessee residence is not necessary.

 Eligibility shall be determined by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Anderson County Historical Society.  The committee’s decision shall be final.

 COST:  A nonrefundable fee of $15 must be submitted with each application. Checks should be made payable to the Anderson County Historical Society.  Applications submitted without payment will not be approved.  DO NOT SEND CASH!

INSTRUCTIONS:  The FFAC application consists of two pages.  Page 1 asks for information about the applicant and the FFAC ancestor; page 2 is the line of descent chart.  Please complete both to the best of your ability.  If you have more than one FFAC line of descent, a separate application and payment is required for each one submitted.  Only one ancestor will be inscribed on a certificate, except when the ancestor and spouse both are proven to qualify.   A separate certificate will be issued for each approved application.

 Applications and photocopied proofs, along with a $15.00 check or money order for each application should be made payable to the Anderson County Historical Society and mailed to:  

First Families of Anderson County
c/o Anderson County Historical Society
P.O. Box 148
Clinton, TN 37717 

Incorrect or incomplete applications will be returned for corrections and additions, and the applicant will be encouraged to resubmit.  Applications submitted without payment will not be approved.

PROOFS:  Applications must be based on credible genealogical research as established by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.  For a list and explanation of suggested primary and secondary sources, see “Specific Sources of Proof” cited below. 

If your application is based on a previously approved application (such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, cousin, etc.) it is not necessary to resubmit documentation for overlapping generations.  You need only send proof of descent for the generations needed to link you to the previously approved applicant.  It is still necessary to fully complete the FFAC application and line of descent chart for ALL applications.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Applicants are only required to submit proof of descent for each generation and proof of residence in Anderson County, Tennessee prior to December 31, 1830.  Submission of additional material is strongly encouraged, such as family group sheets; biographies; newspaper articles; photos of people, homes and tombstones, and any other material that may be of interest to future researchers.

SUBMITTED MATERIALS:  All applications and documentation become the property of the Anderson County Historical Society and will be retained in the custody of the Anderson County Historical Society.  Submitted applications and proofs will become a permanent part of the archives of the Anderson County Historical Society and made available to future researchers.

No original documents should be sent as they will not be returned.  Send a photocopy or other facsimile of pertinent materials.

HELPFUL HINTS: 

1. Certified copies are not required.
2. Copies of original records are encouraged but not required.
3. Give exact source citations. (Examples of exact source citations for all types of media can be obtained by consulting the American Manual of Style at or Evidence Explained, by Elizabeth Shown Mills.)
4. Published abstracts and transcripts are acceptable.  Include a copy of the title page of the published work plus all pertinent pages proving lineage.
5. You must complete the application page and line of descent chart for ALL GENERATIONS.
6. A documented family history is acceptable proof for ONLY ONE generation of descent.  Undocumented works are NOT acceptable.

Specific Sources of Proof

The purpose of the required documentation is to prove relationships generation by generation.  Documentation must be submitted to prove each generation of descent.  Below are examples of records which MAY prove relationships.

PRIMARY SOURCES are defined as contemporary and/or government records made at the time of the event by the parties involved.  These records are deemed acceptable sources in proving relationship from one generation to another and include:

1. Birth records
2. Death records
3. Marriage records
4. Census records
5. Wills and estate records
6. Land records and plats
7. Tax records
8. Military records
9. Church records
10. Court records

SUPPLEMENTAL OR SECONDARY SOURCES are any sources in print that are not a contemporary or government record.  These records will be evaluated as documentation on a case-by-case basis.  The inclusion of these records is encouraged.  Photocopies of these materials will provide valuable material for future generations in using this permanent file.

1. Published family or county histories – A published family history/genealogy or county history will be accepted for proof of descent for one generation ONLY.  When submitting this type of material, include a copy of the title page, photocopies of all pages showing direct lineal descent and note the location of the book (i.e., the library, archives, collection or other repository where the book is located).  If the book is privately owned, give the name and address of the owner.

2. Bible records – Dated and/or undated.  Include a photocopy of the title/publication page showing the publisher, the date of publication and include the actual pages of family records showing names, dates, and events.  Note the location of the book and identify the current owners of the Bible.

3. Obituaries – Include the date, the name and location of the newspaper and page. 

4. Newspaper clippings – Give name, page, date and location of newspaper.  Clippings may include anniversaries, biographical sketches, awards, marriage notices, reminiscences, etc.

5. Published biographical histories/sketches

6. Personal papers – Unpublished written data including letters, diaries, journals, reunion records and manuscripts.  Please include current owner with their address and the date papers were written when known.

7. Tombstone inscriptions – Submit photographs of the stone.  Also include the name and location of the cemetery. 

8. Funeral home records – Give name and address of funeral home.  If submitting photocopies of published records, include a copy of the title page and location of book (i.e., library, archives, collection or repository where book was consulted.)

9. Applications and supporting documentation from lineage organizations (DAR, SOR, UDC, SCV, SAR & others) – Descents already approved by lineage organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, Colonial Dames, United Daughters of the Confederacy, etc., or any other that requires proof similar to FFAC documentary standards will be accepted.  Submit a copy of the signed and dated approved lineage application that includes your line of descent.

Jimmy Byrge grew up in a coal mining community in the mountains of East Tennessee, where he grew to love the mountains and their people. The incredible beauty, Spirit and Love for the Appalachian Mountains inspired his writing and fine-tuned his writing skills.

His faith, family, and heritage are his defining characteristics. His generosity and sense of community enables his writings to create such spirit and realism you feel as if his stories come to life.

He still lives in his home community with his wife and near his children and grandchildren. Jimmy Byrge has many stories with wonderful adventures that take place in the Beautiful Tennessee Appalachian mountains. The Evergreen Christmas Tree is his first children’s book

Park Ranger Holly Frerichs has been a Ranger for TN State Parks since 2018. She got her start being a seasonal interpreter at Cumberland Mountain State Park in 2016 and 2017, then Fall Creek Falls in 2018 before getting hired on at Rock Island State Park. After spending a few years at Rock Island, she transferred back home to the mountains in 2021 to Norris Dam. Holly’s bachelor’s degree is from East Tennessee State University in Parks and Recreation Management, and she has her master’s in public safety from Tennessee Tech.

Holly grew up in Tellico Plains, Tennessee surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and generations of family stories from the mountains. She found a passion in Appalachian Folklore over the last few years, and thankfully has a career where she can pursue studying the history and culture of the region while also sharing the stories and lore of the southern Appalachia’s.

Brad Mattie was born and raised in LaFollette.  Graduate of UTK in mechanical engineering.  Started my career at the Charleston Navy Shipyard in SC for four years before moving back to Campbell County.  Continued my career at Y-12 for 30 years before retiring in 2021.  Currently I work part time as a subcontractor.   First started getting into genealogy while researching my Italian family roots prior to a planned trip to Italy in 2024.

Born and raised in La Follette.  Graduate of LMU (Marketing, B.A.) and MTSU (Communications, B.S.). 20-year veteran of various tourism initiatives including— the Louie Bluie Festival, the White Lightning Festival and Discover Tennessee Driving Trail, the Tally Town Italian Festival, and the Civil War sesquicentennial Trail program. Currently employed by Enterprise Rental Car (10 years) and serving on the board of the Campbell Co. Historical Society and Tourism Council.  Formerly, a manager of two record stores, one in Knoxville and one in La Follette.

Bill we be discussing the Semiquincentennial Celebration 2026 in honor of the 250th Birthday of the United States.

Sam Maner, Certified Genealogist:

I have been researching for thirty-eight years, both on a professional and personal level. I have served as the registrar for the Sons of the Revolution (three years), county historian for Sevier County (three years), and registrar for the European Society Sons (2000-current).

Worked for the Department of Indian Affairs for 5 years researching applications for roll admissions.

While I was a county historian, I founded the Sevier County Public Library’s History and Genealogy department. I have traveled many times for research to England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Ecuador, Rome, and the Vatican.

At this time, I have written 30 genealogy-related books. I have also written a history book entitled “The Generals of the First Commander and Chief.”

I currently have researched well-known people, helping them find their roots as Former President s Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Former Congressmen John J. Duncan,Sr, Former Senator Lamar Alexander, Judge Rex Henry Ogle, Judge Gary Wade, John Herzog (Director for Schindler’s List), and Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island). I have taught genealogy at Pellissippi State Community College for 15 years. Tellico Village Public Library 8 years and serve as their in-house genealogist as well as Kettering Community Center Archive.

• Lived and worked at National Archives in Canada for five years
• Lived and worked in Scotland for one year
• I lived and worked in France for one year
• Worked in the Vatican Archive for six months
• Worked in Jerusalem and Poland copying records for LDS
• I am certified through the Latter Day Saints Archive Salt Lake City, Utah.

I have experience in the following subjects:

• Genealogy (family history)
• Data recovery
• Adoption name research, country-wide as well as in Europe
• Hereditary historical memberships research
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Sons of the American Revolution
• Sons of the Revolution
• Sons of Cincinnati
• Society of 1812
• Colonial Wars
• Colonial Dames
• Founders and Patriots
• Society Magna Charta dames and barons
• Crown lines of Charmaine
• Native American Research
• State Notary

I can provide personal contacts for any references:

Sam Maner Certified Genealogist
Tennessee Research Co.
306 West Rockwood St
Rockwood, TN 37854
tnresearcher1779@gmail.com

Ronolda Evon (Griffin) Dooley was raised in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.  While she briefly attended the Oliver Springs Colored School, she was the first African American to graduate from Norwood Elementary School.  Nolda graduated from Clinton High School and the University of Tennessee.  She earned her Masters degree from Catholic University in Washington, DC where she majored in Behavioral Science.  Nolda retired from the federal government several years ago where she specialized in Cybersecurity.  However, her greatest accomplishment was serving in the mission field with her husband for several years.  They built and renovated bible schools and churches all over the world including in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa.  Nolda moved back to Oliver Springs over five (5) years ago and has been actively involved in the Museum in her role as Vice President.  She has a passion and desire to understand the history of African Americans  (NOTE: her grandfather, Walter Griffin, was a coal miner for over forty years in the local area) in the local area and the impact of their accomplishments in Tennessee and the Nation as a whole much of what is being reflected in the Museum.

Josh Anderson is a native of Anderson County. He is a 2002 graduate of Anderson County High School, and a 2006 graduate of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Business. He became interested in genealogy, history, and politics at an early age. Since 2018, he has served as a County Commissioner for Norris, Andersonville, Fairview, and Glen Alpine, serving for three years as Chairman. He also chairs the Anderson County Library Board, is a past president of the Norris Historical Society, and serves on the advisory board of the Norris Area Community Foundation. His family farm was recognized as a Century Farm last year by the State Department of Agriculture.

Isaac White is a native son of West Virginia, yet since 2021 he has embarked on making a name for himself by portraying one of Tennessee’s favored sons: David Crockett. From an early age, Isaac’s father instilled in him a love for History, the outdoors, and keeping the old ways alive by means of primitive craft. Since then he has taken those passions even farther than his father could have imagined, engaging in and demonstrating skills such as knife and tomahawk making, woodcraft, and hide tanning. However, what he considers to be his crowning achievement, is having become the tour guide and Historic Interpreter for the Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown, TN, as of May, 2024.

Tim was first elected Anderson County Register of Deeds in 2002. He has served as the President of the TN Registers Association and the County Officials Association of Tennessee.

He was named Register of the Year for the East Tennessee Registers Association and the Tennessee Registers Association.

Tim was also named the County Official of the Year for the State of Tennessee.

He will be discussing the upgrades the office has implemented over the past year, and how it can be used to find and locate documents for research.