You are truly in for a treat, folks. In episode #17 of the Miracle Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Ram Podcast, we have special guest, Kenneth Thomson, Sumner County Historian visit us to share about his lifelong passion for Sumner County and Gallatin TN history. This episode is full of so much amazing history and information… whether you are from the area or not. It makes you love and understand the importance of history and learning each and every one of our own personal backgrounds and heritage.

Topics Discussed:

Kenneth’s long list of accolades and work.Kenneth’s personal history in Sumner County and Middle TennesseeWhy Gallatin is built where it isHow the Revolutionary War veterans ended up in Sumner County through land grantsHow Kenneth became interested in historyProjects that Kenneth is currently working onAmazing fact – Kenneth knows more dead people in Sumner County than anyone elseWhy knowing your genealogy is so importantThe importance of forgivenessKenneth has over 100 lines personally back to the Revolutionary WarGallatin was named Reader’s Digest America’s Friendliest citiesThe Sumner County Historical SocietyThe Candlelight Cemetery TourEliza Allen – the First Lady of Tennessee, First Lady of the Republic of Texas and first wife of Sam HoustonSumner County’s history with Horse-racingAnnual Events that you should not miss in Sumner CountyThe Sumner County ArchivesHow to get in touch with KennethHow important your heredity is in your life, even more so than the environment in which you grew up.Finding your heritage through DNA testing

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Special Edition podcast where we also talk with community leaders, and movers and shakers. And before we get into the interview, just a reminder that you can find show notes and a transcript along with the links to content that we talked about right here right now on our website miraclecdj.com, and also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play podcasts and on Spotify and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on any of those platforms, and share! I’m your host John Haggard

On today’s episode, we’re really excited to have special guest Kenneth Thomson with us. Kenneth has a long history in Gallatin. Some people would say, he is the historian of Sumner County, and we’re going to find out about that. And as I understand it, he has dedicated most of his life studying and preserving local history. And if I just mentioned a few of his accolades, board chairman of the Gallatin City Historic District Commission, the Board of directors on the Sumner County Museum, and on the public records commission, the archives board, also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution due to your father-in-law Colonel John Donaldson having served in the Revolutionary War so welcome to the podcast Ken.

Kenneth Thomson 1:14 He’s my ancestor and I joined the Andrew Jackson Chapter, and Andrew Jackson was his son-in-law.

John Haggard 1:22

Let’s get that. Andrew Jackson was…

Kenneth Thomson 1:24

He was John Donaldson’s son in law.

John Haggard 1:26

Wow.

Kenneth Thomson 1:27 And I joined the Andrew Jackson Chapter in 1964.

John Haggard 1:31 You’re also one of the original 15 members of the board of the Bledsoe’s Lick Historical Association. Did I get that right?

Kenneth Thomson 1:38 Yes, that maintains Wynnewood and Bledsoe Park. And there are only two of us left, Nathan Harsh, and me.

John Haggard 1:44 Wow. And you’re also a life member of the Andrew Jackson foundation that maintains the Hermitage.

Kenneth Thomson 1:51

60 years

John Haggard 1:52

60 years so what’s that like… I was there years ago just walking through and…

Kenneth Thomson 1:56 Oh. it’s wonderful. they’ve really done a lot 60 years down there. And they establishe