The Big South Fork Area is full of history and legends.

"Beaty's Independent Scouts" is one.  During the Civil War, David "Tinker Dave Beaty" was the leader.  Though he tried to stay neutral in the war, Scott Bledsoe, leader in the Confederate army, forced Beaty to make a choice.  To do this, Bledsoe took things from Beaty's family.  Beaty decided to fight with the Union against the south.  Since he was well-acquainted in the area and it's many hiding places, he become impossible to catch.  Beaty was killed April 1st, 1864 by Champ Ferguson, but lived until August 22, 1875.  He is buried in the Lacy-Beaty Cemetary off the Boatland Rd and Highway 52.

Camp Ferguson was a Confederate and the most notorious of the rebel leaders including Tinker Dave.  His group was organized in 1862.  Beaty and Ferguson were responsible for almost all the Fentress County fighting.  Before the war Champ was in the Jamestown Jail, arrested for the murder of Deputy sheriff at Chanute.  He was able to plea bargain his way out by agreeing to fight Tinker Dave.  Champ was tried as a war criminal after the war and hung on October 20, 1865 in Nashville.  His daughter and wife watched.  He is buried just north of Sparta, in French's Cemetery, White County.


Reference: Historic Civil War Era and Scenic Tour Fentress County