I am going to use the space for this first article to introduce myself and discuss some of the topics and sources I intend to cover and reference. I am Joel Collins, a history teacher at Union County High School for the past several years. I have come to this writing invitation through Aaron Russell and Bonnie Peters, because I've taught Union County history at the high school for a few years. I have to say that I didn't just stumble into this; however, I was kind of born into it.

My parents have been involved in various aspects of Union County history for a long time. I'd say, with a high degree of confidence, that my mother, Sonja, could link by ancestry anyone native to Union County with any other native Union Countian. Likewise, my father, Norman, among other endeavors, wrote the Union County entry for the East Tennessee Historical Society's Community History series: From Hearth And Hoe- Union County, Tennessee 1910-1940.

Many "old-timers" might relate to, or even remember events, people or places compiled in this volume. I relied heavily on the book to teach this time period of our history and covered the topics pertinent to early 20th-century Union County. Yes, it may sound cliche', but there is a section on moonshiners!

As a history teacher, I find various aspects fascinating about our history, and am especially enthralled by pioneers. For example, the Overmountain Men that claimed parts of this land and the German families that populated an early Sharp's Chapel, most assuredly would have been hardy souls.

I will use other sources in articles as well, including the Tennessee Blue Book and Our Union County Heritage by Kathleen Graves & Winnie Palmer McDonald. Union County's history contains many interesting stories, people and places, and I hope everyone will enjoy future submissions.