Lewis C. Buckner^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}

1856 - 1924  (68 years)

• Name	Lewis C. Buckner
  Born	12 Mar 1856	Tennessee
  Gender	Male
  Census	1880	Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee   [6]
  Census	1900	District 5, Sevier County, Tennessee   [7]
  Census	1910	Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee   [8]
  Census	1920	Sevier County, Tennessee   [9]
  Died	16 May 1924
  Buried	Union Hill Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee   [10, 11]
  Person ID	I172678	Smoky Mountain Ancestral Quest
  Last Modified	1 Jun 2017

  
  

  Family 1	Jane Bryant,   b. Abt 1857, Tennessee ,   d. 1896  (Age ~ 39 years)
  Married	29 Dec 1875	Sevier County, Tennessee   [12]
  Children	1. Mary R. Buckner,   b. 1877, Tennessee + 2. Elnora Buckner,   b. Aug 1884, Sevier County, Tennessee ,   d. 7 Mar 1939, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee  (Age ~ 54 years)   3. Porter Buckner,   b. Aug 1886, Tennessee + 4. Artist H. Buckner,   b. Aug 1894, Tennessee   5. William Buckner   6. Reece Buckner
  Family ID	F68711	Group Sheet

  
  

  Family 2	Eliza Jane Chandler,   b. 19 Mar 1879, Tennessee ,   d. 5 Sep 1958, Knox County, Tennessee  (Age 79 years)
  Married	2 Mar 1898	Blount County, Tennessee   [13]
  Children	1. Winsted Henry Buckner,   b. 5 Mar 1899, Tennessee ,   d. 12 Jul 1921, Sevier County, Tennessee  (Age 22 years) + 2. Chandler Buckner,   b. 25 Oct 1902, Tennessee ,   d. 6 May 1961, Knox County, Tennessee  (Age 58 years)   3. Oliver Buckner,   b. 30 Nov 1906, Tennessee ,   d. 18 Oct 1949, Knox County, Tennessee  (Age 42 years) + 4. Icafene Buckner,   b. 15 Feb 1910, Sevier County, Tennessee ,   d. 7 Apr 1969, Knox County, Tennessee  (Age 59 years)
  Family ID	F65191	Group Sheet

  
  

• Event Map		Born - 12 Mar 1856 - Tennessee Married - 29 Dec 1875 - Sevier County, Tennessee Census - 1880 - Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee Married - 2 Mar 1898 - Blount County, Tennessee Census - 1900 - District 5, Sevier County, Tennessee Census - 1910 - Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee Census - 1920 - Sevier County, Tennessee Buried - - Union Hill Cemetery, Sevier County, Tennessee  = Link to Google Maps   = Link to Google Earth
  Pin Legend	: Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  
  

• Photos » Slide Show		a0172678.jpg The Andes-Denton House that houses the Robert A. Tino Gallery is among the best remaining examples of Lewis Buckner’s craftsmanship
  		b0172678.jpg A mantle located in the Trotter-Waters house on Cedar Street in Sevierville displays the delicate detail in Lewis Buckner’s work
  		c0172678.jpg A bed handmade by Lewis Buckner
  		c0061842.jpg The mantle in the parlor of the Murphy-Swan House was designed by Lewis Buckner.

  
  

• Notes

  Perhaps the most significant African-American builder in Sevier County’s history was not a brick mason, but a highly-skilled carpenter, cabinetmaker, and house builder. Lewis C. Buckner (1856-1924), who was born a slave, had a white father and an African-American mother. During the years following the Civil War, Buckner most likely learned his trade in Sevierville as an apprentice to Christian H. Stump, a white furniture and cabinetmaker originally from Michigan. It was in Sevierville that he began his cabinetmaking business in the 1870s. By the late nineteenth century, the African-American artisan was building houses throughout Sevier County that featured robust Italianate and Queen Anne style architectural elements. Using his unique interpretation of national architectural styles acquired from pattern books and published journals, Buckner’s original work is extremely creative. Rarely were two pieces rendered exactly alike. The country artisan’s well-crafted architectural detailing features vernacular renditions of Victorian patterns that include naturalistic elements such as a unique flower motif that became his signature trademark. Nearly twenty examples of dwellings exhibiting Buckner’s extraordinary craftsmanship still exist in the county. Buckner built these houses between 1880 and 1921, and he embellished them with the flamboyant architectural elements indicative of Victorian-era ebullience. Buckner usually built an entire dwelling and lived at the building site during its construction; however, he also traveled the countryside in order to construct decorative details, such as porches, staircases, and mantels for otherwise ordinary farmhouses. Buckner also crafted elaborate and ornate furniture, such as bedroom suites, cupboards, bureaus, washstands, cabinets, and even picture frames. Many of his works are prized family heirlooms. Buckner’s own house, which he built in 1894 outside Sevierville, still stands. He was buried in an unmarked grave at the Union Hill Cemetery nearby. The dozens of examples of well-crafted buildings and the extraordinary furniture, crafted by talented black brick masons and carpenters serve as historic reminders of the exceptional impact that African Americans had on the rural communities of East Tennessee, especially Sevier county. Robbie D. Jones

  
  

• Sources

  [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 19 Dec 2004. Helen Rimel "Mamaw" Moulden obituary [S106] The Mountain Press, 2 Oct 2006. Geneaology 10/01/06 By: THERESA WILLIAMS October 02, 2006 Sevier treasure still stands as testimony to Lewis Buckner Driving up Pittman Center Road, shortly past Murphy's Chapel Church, there's an old white two-story house on the left. This house is a testimony of endurance and the artistic talents of Lewis Buckner. Lewis Buckner's early life is clothed in a cloud of mystery. Only a glimpse appears through census records and oral history. Lewis's parents were said to be a black slave mother and a white father. He was sold away from his mother at a young age. In a list of slave sales in 1862 of Lawson D. Franklin (who was a slave trader) there is listed a slave by the name of Lewis being sold to a James Wood, of Jefferson County, Tennessee, for $980. If this is our Lewis, he would only be six years old. In doing research in Jefferson County, there is no James Wood. There is a James Woodside who is listed as a cabinetmaker in the 1860 and 1870 Jefferson County Census. It is unusual that a child so young would be sold for so much money. Cost for a slave was based on their abilities. It is assumed that James Woodside saw potential in this small child who became Sevier County, Tennessee's most prominent cabinetmaker. Through family records we know that Lewis was born on March 12,1856. Some say he was born in Tennessee; others say he was transported to Tennessee. The first known record of Lewis Buckner in Sevier County is a marriage record on December 29, 1875, when he married Jane Bryant. This union was blessed with six children: Mary, Artist, Einora, Porter, William and Reece. To distinguish his work from other cabinetmakers, Lewis decorated his houses with the different styles of ornamentation. He used flat, linear floral designs or jig-saw work in wood. Banisters on porches were decorated with lacy scroll work. The eves of houses were also decorated with this work, making the house softer in appearance. He was also noted for his beautiful furniture and fire place mantels. His business was so prosperous he bought seven acres of land on Kellum Creek Road, off Allensville Road for $140 in 1894. He built a fine home for his family, which was quite an accomplishment for an African-American during this time period. In 1896 his wife, Jane, passed away leaving Lewis with a house full of children. He met Eliza Chandler, and they were married on March 1, 1898. In the newspaper - The Vindicator - published by R. Montgomery, an announcement of this marriage appeared on March 9, 1898. This proved his prominence in the community. This union was blessed with four children: Winstead. Chandler. Oliver and Icafene. Lewis was a very religious man who had a beautiful voice. He loved children and they loved him. When he arrived at an event, children would gather around to watch him carve toys. After each child had a toy, he would sing to them one of the religious song he knew by heart. In 1910, life-styles changed in Sevier County due to the machine production. The once popular houses of Buckner gave away to other styles of mass production. Lewis began to have financial difficulties. He had to sell a portion of his land, and he began to secure loans. He went to work for Burchfield Lumber Company making cabinets. He also began work for Rawlings Coffin Manufacturing Company. Before he could pay off his loans, Lewis died of heart failure on May 16, 1924. In Montgomery's Vindicator on May 21, 1924, his death notice appeared as follows: "Buckner, L.S., a well known carpenter and cabinet maker, died Friday, May 16, 1924, at the age of 68 years, 2 months, and 4 days, having been born March 12,1856. He is survived by seven children, William and Rees of Chicago, Mrs. Nora Brabson of Knoxville, Artis Buckner, Sevierville, Chandler Buckner of Knoxville, Oliver and Isophine Buckner of Sevierville. He had been a member of the A.M.E. Zion Church for 40 years. He was buried in the Union Hill Cemetery Sunday, with services by the pastor, Rev. Sherrill, Rev. Bruce Dickey, and a musician from Knoxville. A large crowd attended the burial." The house mentioned at the beginning of the article belongs to Ralph Robertson who has told us that this was the first house that Louis Buckner built. As you pass by this house on Pittman Center Road, slow down, enjoy the view of one of Sevier County, Tennessee's treasures. - Theresa Williams is genealogist at the Sevier County Library Genealogy Department, 321 Court Ave., Sevierville. [S106] The Mountain Press, 8 Aug 2011. Upland Chronicles: Lewis Buckner gone, but his fine work remains by THERESA WILLIAMS The Andes-Denton House that houses the Robert A. Tino Gallery is among the best remaining examples of Lewis Buckner’s craftsmanship. A mantle located in the Trotter-Waters house on Cedar Street in Sevierville displays the delicate detail in Lewis Buckner’s work. A bed handmade by Lewis Buckner. Lewis Buckner’s early life is clothed in a cloud of mystery. Only a glimpse appears through census records and oral history. Lewis’s parents were said to be a black slave mother and a white father. He was sold away from his mother at a young age. In a list of slave sales dated 1862 a Lawson D. Franklin (who was a slave trader) sold a slave by the name of Lewis to a James Wood, of Jefferson County, Tenn., for $980. In doing research in Jefferson County, there is no James Wood. There is a James Woodside who is listed as a cabinetmaker in the 1860 and 1870 Jefferson County Census. It is unusual that a child so young would be sold for so much money. Cost for a slave was based on their abilities. It is assumed that James Woodside saw potential in this small child who later became Sevier County’s most prominent cabinetmaker. Through family records we know that Lewis was born on March 12, 1856, which would make him about 6 when he was sold to Mr. Woodside. Some say he was born in Tennessee; others say he was transported to Tennessee. The first know record of Lewis Buckner in Sevier County is a marriage record on Dec. 29, 1875 when he married Jane Bryant. This union was blessed with six children: Mary, Artist, Elnora, Porter, William and Reece. To distinguish his work from other cabinetmakers, Lewis decorated his houses with the different styles of ornamentation. He used flat, linear floral designs or jig-saw work in wood. Banisters on porches were decorated with lacy scroll work. The eaves of houses were also decorated with this work, making the house softer in appearance. He was also noted for his beautiful furniture and fire place mantels. His business was so prosperous he bought seven acres of land on Kellum Creek Road, off Allensville Road, for $140 in 1894. He built a fine home for his family, which was quite an accomplishment for an African-American during this time period. In 1896 his wife, Jane, passed away, leaving Lewis with a house full of children. He met Eliza Chandler, and they were married on March 1, 1898. In the newspaper–The Vindicator–published by R. Montgomery, an announcement of this marriage appeared on March 9, 1898. Having his name in the newspaper proved he was prominent in the community as a well respected man. This union was blessed with four children: Winstead, Chandler, Oliver and Icafene. Lewis was a very religious man who had a beautiful voice. He loved children, and they loved him. When he arrived at an event, children would gather around to watch him carve toys. After each child had a toy, he would sing to them one of the religious songs he knew by heart. In 1910, lifestyles changed in Sevier County due to machine production. The once popular houses of Buckner gave way to other styles of mass production. Lewis began to have financial difficulties. He had to sell a portion of his land, and he began to secure loans. He went to work for Burchfield Lumber Co. making cabinets. He also began work for Rawlings Coffin Manufacturing Co. Before he could pay off his loans, Lewis died of heart failure on May 16, 1924. In Montgomery’s Vindicator on May 21, 1924, his death notice appeared as follows: “Buckner, L.S., a well known carpenter and cabinet maker, died Friday, May 16, 1924, at the age of 68 years, 2 months, and 4 days, having been born March 12, 1856. He is survived by seven children, William and Rees of Chicago, Mrs. Nora Brabson of Knoxville, Artis Buckner, Sevierville, Chandler Buckner of Knoxville, Oliver and Isophine Buckner of Sevierville. He had been a member of the A.M.E. Zion Church for 40 years. He was buried in the Union Hill Cemetery Sunday, with services by the pastor-Rev. Sherrill, Rev. Bruce Dickey, and a musician from Knoxville. A large crowed attended the burial.” There are several homes in Sevier County built by Lewis Buckner that still exist. Fireplace mantels and furniture made by him are sought-after items. They are a testimony to a wonderful man and his work. — Theresa Williams is a genealogist for the Sevier County Library System. The Upland Chronicles series celebrates the heritage and past of Sevier County. If you have suggestions for future topics, would like to submit a story or have comments, please contact Carroll McMahan at 453-6411 or e-mail to cmcmahan@scoc.org or Ron Rader at 604-9161 or email to ron@ronraderproperties.com. [S106] The Mountain Press, 9 Nov 2013. Upland Chronicles: Sevier’s Murphy-Swan House has rich history [S106] The Mountain Press, 25 Oct 2015. Upland Chronicles: Sunset View Farm encompasses art, history and heritage [S112] Census, 1880. Name Lewis Bockner Event Type Census Event Date 1880 Event Place Sevierville, Sevier, Tennessee, United States Gender Male Age 24 Marital Status Married Race Black Race (Original) B Occupation Cabinet Trade Relationship to Head of Household Self Relationship to Head of Household (Original) Self Birth Year (Estimated) 1856 Birthplace Tennessee, United States Father's Birthplace Tennessee, United States Mother's Birthplace Tennessee, United States Sheet Letter B Sheet Number 370 Person Number 0 Volume 1 Household Role Sex Age Birthplace Lewis Bockner Self M 24 Tennessee, United States Jane Buckner Wife F 23 Tennessee, United States Mary R Buckner Daughter F 2 Tennessee, United States "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBL-949N?cc=1417683&wc=QZ24-JHG%3A1589414125%2C1589398461%2C1589414964%2C1589396176 : 24 December 2015), Tennessee > Sevier > Sevierville > image 26 of 31; citing NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). [S112] Census, 1900. Name: Louis S Buckner Titles and Terms: Event Type: Census Event Date: 1900 Event Place: ED 139 Civil District 5 (north, east part), Sevier, Tennessee, United States Birth Date: Mar 1856 Birthplace: Tennessee Relationship to Head of Household: Head Father's Birthplace: Tennessee Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee Race: Black Gender: Male Marital Status: Married Years Married: 2 Marriage Year (Estimated): 1898 Mother of how many children: Number of Living Children: Immigration Year: Page: 7 Sheet Letter: A Family Number: 118 Reference ID: 1 GS Film number: 1241595 Digital Folder Number: 004118729 Image Number: 00448 Household Gender Age Birthplace Head Louis S Buckner M 44 Tennessee Wife Eliza J Buckner F 20 Tennessee Daughter Nora Buckner F 16 Tennessee Son Porter Buckner M 14 Tennessee Son Arlice N Buckner M 6 Tennessee Son Winstead Buckner M 1 Tennessee [S112] Census, 1910. Name: Louis Buckner Event Place: Sevierville, Sevier, Tennessee Gender: Male Marital Status: Married Race: Mulatto Relationship to Head of Household: Self Immigration Year: Birthplace: Tennessee Father's Birthplace: Tennessee Mother's Birthplace: Tennessee Household ID: 146 Page: 15 Household Gender Age Birthplace SELF Louis Buckner M 54y Tennessee WIFE Eliza J Buckner F 31y Tennessee SON Artist H Buckner M 15y Tennessee SON Winstead Buckner M 11y Tennessee SON Chandler Buckner M 7y Tennessee SON Oliver Buckner M 3y Tennessee DAU Iscafina Buckner F y 2m Tennessee [S112] Census, 1920. Name: Louis S Buckner Event Type: Event Year: 1920 Event Place: , Sevier, Tennessee Gender: Male Age: 63 Marital Status: Married Race: Black Birthplace: Tennessee Birth Year (Estimated): 1857 Relationship to Head of Household: Self Father's Birthplace: Mother's Birthplace: Household ID: 30 Sheet Number: 11 GS Film number: 1821762 Digital Folder Number: 4390948 Image Number: 00256 Household Gender Age Birthplace SELF Louis S Buckner M 63y Tennessee WIFE Eliza J Buckner F 40y Tennessee SON Winstead Buckner M 20y Tennessee SON Chandler Buckner M 17y Tennessee SON Oliver Buckner M 13y Tennessee DAU Isophine Buckner F 9y Tennessee [S34] In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, (1993), 182. [S147] Find a Grave, (Memorial: 145312824). [S58] Marriage Certificate. Name Lewis Buckner Event Type Marriage Event Date 29 Dec 1875 Event Place Sevier, Tennessee, United States Gender Male Spouse's Name Jane Bryant Spouse's Gender Female "Tennessee, County Marriages, 1790-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893F-CPGT?cc=1619127&wc=Q63S-1HH%3A1589264711%2C1589374329 : 22 December 2016), Sevier > image 328 of 757; citing Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville and county clerk offices from various counties. [S58] Marriage Certificate. Name Louis S. Buckner Event Type Marriage Event Date 02 Mar 1898 Event Place Blount, Tennessee, United States Event Place (Original) Blount County, Tennessee Gender Male Spouse's Name Eliza J. Chandler Spouse's Gender Female "Tennessee, County Marriages, 1790-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939N-TBGD-Z?cc=1619127&wc=Q63S-BZR%3A1589264608%2C1589373896 : 16 December 2015), Blount > image 88 of 3029; citing Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville and county clerk offices from various counties.