Congratulations to Jennie Shaw on her recent graduation from Lincoln County High School. She is the daughter of Jake and Vickie Monks Shaw of Park City. Her local maternal grandparents are Wilson and Dot Walker Monks of the Skinem area. Wilson is one of the farmers I remember so well. He and Dot loved the land and still do. I watched Jennie’s mother, Vickie, grow up and it seems only yesterday she was graduating from high school. Times like this bring many memories. Jennie is the great granddaughter of Mr. Tom and Mrs. Jennie Fanning Walker of the famous Bugger Hollow. They were very involved in the Prospect Baptist Church when I was growing up. Mrs. Jennie was my Bible School Teacher. I won a speakers contest at 16 using her as an example of what a Christian’s influence in everyday life meant. Mr. Tom served for many years as a servant of the people on the Lincoln County Commission I love to drive by the 2 story white house in Bugger Hollow and see the old buildings there and remember the good old days. There is a walnut tree right past the house that Bobby and I visited every fall when the nuts began to drop. The kids loved getting out the paper bags and filling them up.
Education was very important to both Mr. Tom and Mrs. Jennie. They did know the careers of their grandchildren before passing and I am sure they both were so happy. Vickie has a Master’s degree in early childhood education and is certified in early childhood through ninth grade. She has taught a total of twenty-three years at Highland Rim and Eighth District, now known as Stone Bridge Academy. Her brother Dr. Dale Monks is on staff at Auburn University where he is the Cotton Specialist for the State of Alabama. Her other brother Dr. David Monks is the Assistant Department Head at North Carolina State University. His field is agriculture research where he also teaches. Both brothers are full professors. I just love to hear and know about the accomplishments of Lincoln County children, don’t you? Jennie certainly has a wonderful family to share love with. Yes, Mr. Tom and Mrs. Jennie laid some good groundwork.
Bobby and I took a ride to Howell Hill recently and toured the new development Hudson Hills Estates. The road is graveled awaiting paving and the houses are going up. There will be 24 when completed. Summit Ridge on Ables Lane has 22 houses completed and filled. The 8th district is growing and it all goes on the tax rolls. Cherokee Cove off McDougal Rd. behind the Prospect Cemetery is also completed and has 23 houses. Bellview is another story in itself. That area of development has been exploding for awhile now. Yep, watching Lincoln County grow is interesting.
Bob Allen, hope you enjoy reading about the late Tom Walker and Mrs. Jennie. I know Bugger Hollow history is an interest to you. Hang tough.
God Bless
Maple Ferguson