The Early Life and Times of David Crockett in East Tennessee: A Lifelong Study

by Joe Swann

David Crockett was one of America’s first national celebrities. He carved out a name for himself from the Western frontier lands of East Tennessee to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. He did this not only by prowess with a rifle but through humility, integrity, humor, and a personal character of undeniable authenticity. That character was forged through hardship and self-determination as a youth in East Tennessee. David Crockett grew up poor, with a down-on-his-luck Revolutionary War vet father. At age 10, Davy was indentured to servitude to a man he'd never met. This book examines those formative years that shaped Crockett into the renowned figure he became in his own time and the legend we still know today.___________________"Joe Swann – a true son of Tennessee – has discovered and put into place key pieces of the puzzle that complete the story of the enigmatic David Crockett, the famed frontiersman shrouded in folklore and legend. Thanks to incredible research and skillful writing, Swann reveals a Crockett more worthy than the mythic version. If you love American history, this book is tailored-made for you. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed."—Michael Wallis, author of David The Lion of the West“Joe Swann has deep roots in the soil of his East Tennessee homeland and has kept an almost lifelong interest in the roots of a fellow East Tennessean – David Crockett. Years of deep research along with physically researching and actually stepping into young Crockett’s footsteps have finally resulted in the release of his book. After years of also studying Crockett, I’ve found that Joe’s book is the closest we will come to actually bringing Crockett to life.”—Jim Claborn, past director of Crockett Tavern Museum, Morristown, Tennessee“Most Americans know about Davy Crockett’s tall tales, his bear hunting, his political ambitions, and his demise at the Alamo … but not as many know about his boyhood in Tennessee’s Dumplin Valley at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. Joe Swann is an avid historian who has spent (decades) digging up these boyhood stories. If you want to know the rest of the story about Davy Crockett, this is the book for you.”—Lamar Alexander, former governor of Tennessee (1979-1987), former US senator (2003-2021), past president of the University of Tennessee (1988-1991)__________________________Joe Swann was born in Maryville, Tennessee, in January of 1950. Upon seeing the Hollywood leading man Fess Parker portray Davy Crockett, the pioneer, on TV, meeting the man in person, and finding out his own family history with Crockett and the rifle that remained, a lifelong feeling of kinship with Crockett was cemented. Joe attended the University of Tennessee, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.Also about Joe of the Tennessee Historical CommissionJefferson County Historical Society Hall of Fame1999-2002 President, East Tennessee Historical Society, KnoxvilleEast Tennessee Historical Society Board of Directors, since 19962011-2021 Governor's Appointee to the Tennessee Historical Commission

244 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2023

Reviews

[Richard West · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're one of those people who grew up watching Fess Parker portray "Davy" Crockett on TV and became fascinated with the life of the man from Tennessee who went to Congress, did battle with President Andrew Jackson, and ultimately gave his life at the Alamo fighting for the cause of Texas freedom, you'll love this book. If, however, you know who Crockett was and have maybe read a book or two about him, this isn't for you. This is for the true Crockett fan.

Meticulously researched, author Joe Swann tells you everything you would want to know - and more - about the early life of Crockett and his family. Want to know who the Crockett family neighbors were when his father ran a tavern? It's in here. Want to know what those people did? It's in here as well.

There's probably as much about the Crockett family itself and it's beginnings, trials and tribulations as there is about the famous Crockett, David (which he seemed to prefer over "Davy"). However, that's not bad because it helps give insight into what made Crockett the man he became before his untimely death in 1836 at the age of 49.

There are a handful of maps which, if you aren't familiar with Tennessee geography, will be more or less meaningless unless you get out a topographical map of the state and study it. And there are illustrations, not many, but the ones which are there add a lot since several of the places that were around when Crockett was alive are still there, albeit reconstructed over the years.

Fascinating book overall, it's just not for everyone. If you're mildly interested in Crockett, there are other books which tell more about his life since this one stops at around 1830. But, if you want to know what made him the person he became, you will find this one of interest.

[Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of Davy Crockett’s early years in Tennessee is meticulously researched and documented.

[Brenda Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very educational. Great job, Joe Swann.