Patriarch of Ovington

Come take a journey through time to the hills of East Tennessee. See how simple life was over one hundred years ago in the town of Ovington. Watch its population suffer through World War I, Prohibition, the Depression, and World War II. Read about the city founder's long and troublesome life and his experiences with love, compassion, and justice.

Thomas Ovington had been a small but powerful man, and memories of him lived on as he left "a community secured because he loved these people." Relearn the lesson of human spirit enduring adversity through the story of the patriarch of Ovington.

Born in Ovington, Tennessee, Thomas Theodore Ovington was an only child of Willie Monroe and Laura Crawford Ovington. The town was located in the East Tennessee Mountains and was named after Thomas's ancestors.

As the protagonist of the story, Thomas was always able to meet adversity with strong demeanor. His father, Willie Monroe, was a harsh character and continually abused both Thomas and his mother. Thomas grew up unhappy and, as a result of this, animosity existed between him and his father.

Willie Monroe had a mistress, a woman half his age, whom the town called Precious. Thomas hated her. When he was in his late teens and very handsome, Precious lusted after the younger Ovington. She found him alone on the mountain, stripped him of his clothing, and seduced him.

Thomas, ashamed of his weakness, made up his mind that he would leave Ovington. He kissed his mother goodbye, and he traveled down the mountain until he came to a town called Lawsonville, Tennessee.

Thomas befriended the Cannons, James and his daughter, Beth Marie. He loved James like a father. After James Cannon died, Thomas and Beth were married.

Thomas made plans to move home to Ovington after the death of his father. He hired John Smithson, an architect who owned a big construction company, to build a beautiful home in which he and his wife could live. In 1912, Thomas moved Beth and her servants to Ovington.

A few of the main characters that provide the story with much of its charisma/excitement are Dr. Newman and his wife, Betty; Constable Harrison; the Bollings; and Sarah and Roscoe Bennett, a dynamic evangelist.

Thomas was known for his natty attire, was one of the most esteemed men in the eastern part of Tennessee, and was looked upon as a leader of this town.