| Sources |
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 21 Aug 2011.
Brabsons have run their farm since late 1700s
by RACHEL OSBORN, Staff Writer
Ben Brabson talks about the farm beginnings as grandson Peter Benjamin Brabson walks the stone fence. Jerry Habraken/The Mountain Press
BOYDS CREEK — Began in the late 1700s, the Brabson farm has been in the family for over 200 years and has been owned by five generations.
John Brabson moved from Virginia to Tennessee in 1794 and acquired around 800 acres of land in the Boyds Creek area. John, his wife Elizabeth and their 10 children grew corn and wheat and raised beef cattle.
In addition to the farm, John was involved in a number of other business ventures. He owned and operated a mercantile store, as well as blacksmith shops, tanneries and carpenter shops. Throughout his life, John constantly acquired additional land—increasing his land ownership to almost 5,000 acres.
“John Brabson land was all over Sevier County,” Ben Brabson, the farm’s current owner, said. “This was the most thriving part of the county in the 1800s.”
In 1848 John died, and his oldest son—Benjamin Davis Brabson—took over the property. Benjamin and his wife Elizabeth Berry Toole had eight children together.
Like his dad, Benjamin was also a businessman. He and his brother, Thomas, created Brabson and Brother in 1852—a series of business including a blacksmith shop, mercantile store and a tannery.
In 1856 Benjamin built an elaborate plantation house, which still sits on the property today.
At first, the family was only able to enjoy the house for a few years. During the Civil War, the Brabsons supported the Confederacy. Because most of Sevier County supported the Union, life became difficult for the Brabsons near the end of the war. Neighbors and community members harassed and threatened them. Their livestock was stolen and their houses ransacked. Eventually, they had no choice but to flee.
“The Brabsons were not on the winning side,” Ben said. “They had to leave. East Tennessee was (mostly) Union.”
Benjamin and his brother Thomas fled to parts of Tennessee that were more sympathetic to Confederate supporters.
Less than a year after their move, Benjamin died in 1866. The family returned to Sevier County, rebuilding the family’s plantation. After Elizabeth’s death, their youngest son John Brabson took over.
“He took over the farm when he was old enough (to),” Ben said.
During this time, John modified and improved the family’s home.
“Every generation has done something to it,” Ben said. “It’s not cheap to keep up.”
Near the turn of the century, the farm had again become an important and thriving segment of the local economy.
Following John’s death, his youngest son Benjamin Davis Brabson and wife Estalena Rogers Brabson gained ownership of the farm. In 1975, the farm was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Benjamin died in 1982.
Today, the farm is run by Ben D. Brabson, Jr. (though he’s actually the third)—the founder’s great-great-grandson— and his wife Elaine. They own 250 acres of the original family land, live in the original house and continue to grow soybeans, wheat and corn and raise cattle.
“We raise cattle,” Ben said. “We have 250 to 300 head of cattle. We’ve sold about half of them. We’ll sell the other half before the month is over.”
In 2008 the farm was designated a Tennessee Pioneer Century Farm. Though the farm is still in operation, Ben remembers when it was really prosperous.
“We grew a little bit of everything when I grew up,” he said. “Corn has always been our number one crop. (It) was hard work. Wheat was the easiest and required the least work.”
Though the crops haven’t really changed that much over the years, Ben admits that the land definitely has.
“We don’t live in the country anymore,” he said. “We live in the city. (We have) water lines, sewer and electricity. The traffic is unbearable. These fools would run over you. We used to ride horses on Boyds Creek Hwy. I wouldn’t walk on it now. It’s too dangerous.”
Although the area has changed and he has to put in a lot of hard work, Ben couldn’t imagine not living on a farm.
“I enjoy raising cattle,” he said. “There’s nothing more peaceful than seeing cattle eating, out in a pasture field. (I love) the peace and quiet. It’s a pretty spot up here. On a pretty day, (the view) is exceptional. It means a lot to me to keep the family land. It’s nice.”
Plus, as long as he owns the farm, the family will always have food.
“It’s something that if we get into another depression, I can always eat,” he said.
The farm will next go to Ben’s son, Ben Davis IV, and eventually seven-year-old grandson Peter Benjamin.
“I’ve already given some to him in trust,” Ben said. “If my son can hold on to (the farm), it will be my grandson’s.”
n rosborn@themountainpress.com
|
Search | Advanced Search
, d. 2 Apr 1982 (Age 76 years)