Family Stories
The stories that shaped our family — from the battlefields of WWII and Vietnam to the farms and communities of Southwest Virginia.
Pap's War — Eugene Dutton and the SeaBees
Eugene "Pap" Dutton served first in the Army, then joined the Navy SeaBees during WWII — and he always wanted to be remembered as a SeaBee.
Depression Days — The Watkins and Dutton Families
Both the Dutton and Watkins families were hit hard by the Great Depression, yet both endured.
Roger Williams — A Life Cut Short in Vietnam
Roger Williams was just 19 years old when he was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968.
The Hash Brothers — Southwest Virginia's Earliest Settlers
The Hash family's roots in Southwest Virginia run deeper than almost any other, dating back to 1763.
Cherokee Heritage — Alice and the Watkins Line
The family's Cherokee heritage traces through great-great-grandmother Alice, who married Andrew Watkins.
From Wadkins to Watkins — A Name Changed, A Life Started Over
The story of how John Andrew Watkins came to Southwest Virginia — and how the family name was changed.
Richard Owens — Nan's Son, A Good Man
Richard Owens served in the Air Force and was remembered as a good guy — despite the habit that would eventually take his life.
The Four White Siblings — Franklin, Okey, David, and Betty
The children of George and Elizabeth 'Eggie' Carrie White formed the heart of the White family in Glade Spring.
Gladys White — Long Days, Burning Beans, and an Avon Award
Gladys White juggled multiple jobs while raising grandchildren — from the Patrick Henry High School cafeteria to award-winning Avon sales throughout Washington County.
Saturday Mornings with David White Sr. — Westerns, Gardens, and the White House on the Hill
David White Sr. loved his Saturday morning Westerns, his evening crime dramas, and the garden that fed the family all year long.
Railroad Ties — The Williams Family and the Glade Spring Line
The railroad was the heartbeat of Glade Spring, and the Williams family gave generations of labor to keep it running.
Patrick Henry High School — A Family Tradition
Multiple generations of the White and Dutton families walked the halls of Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring.
Share Your Own Story
Do you have a memory, story, or piece of family history to share? We'd love to add it to the collection. Every memory helps keep our heritage alive for future generations.