Today I’m happy to share with you a new Jordan’s Journey video. This video is pretty different from the others I’ve shown here so far. The short film tells the story of my trip to Arkansas in September 2011, searching out the story of my 3rd great grandfather Francis Marion Holcomb (abt 1832-1864).
This video would not have been possible without the help of Joyce Wood (who is featured in the video). Joyce helped me learn way more about Caney Fork than I ever could have on my own. It’s an area that, unfortunately, has been largely forgotten even to long time residents of Pike County. Joyce knows so much about the area because she and her family are virtually the only people to have lived there in modern times. Joyce’s family were pioneers just like in the old days, living in a cabin without electricity (it is not available in the area) or any of the creature comforts most of us take for granted every day.
The below map shows the main places I visit in the video, starting at the The Pike County Archives and History Society in Murfreesboro, up highway 27 to Shawmut Road, then deep into the heart of Caney Fork.
To read more about Caney Fork, see my article (written with Joyce Wood) in the Summer & Fall 2011 edition of the The Gems, which is also included in my book with original photos. Until the article and now this video, the history of Caney Fork was completely unwritten–not even discussed in Pike County’s official history book. I’m happy to have remedied that situation now, forever preserving the story of that little place loved by my Holcomb ancestors and so many others.
Join me on this trip into the past of Caney Fork! Let me know what you think of this video by dropping a line in the comments below.
View Caney Fork in a larger map
This video almost made me cry at the end, looking at those rows of tombstones and seeing all those lost lives. All those men and boys gone. I can see even better now how the war crippled us and left us so damaged.
I loved the longer format. I thought Joyce did a very good job. Thanks Joyce for sharing your stories with us! It was so much fun to visit Caney Fork today!
The further you delve into the stories, the more sense history makes… because it becomes so much more personal. My genealogy work has made me care about history more than I ever have before. It’s amazing when you realize just how connected your own family is to the events that have shaped this country and thus our lives here today.
And thanks for the feedback on the film. It was fun to make the longer format. I’ve got a few more in the works up my sleeve so stay tuned!
I missed the rustic part of this journey so I enjoyed seeing where you and your father visited while I made acquaintances in Murfreesboro, Arkansas archives. I may never pass this way again. It was a memorable trip. Wish we could do that more often. I am glad you found an Arkansan who helped you solve the Holcomb mystery. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see another video.
I am glad the video helps bring it to life for you a bit more. It really was a fun trip. I hope we get to do something like that again!
This was a great video. Thanks for taking me on this journey with you. You are doing such important and well documented and presented work. I always want to take a trip down south after one of your posts. Very inspirational. This journey must also be very spiritual, as the locations so speak to that sense.
Well done.
Thank you, Brian. I’m glad you are enjoying the journey. And very glad to have you along!