The Mountains Know Their Names: Family of Thomas Watkins, Jr

By Tricia Payne Aanderud

A powerful family saga rooted deep in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.

For researchers of the Watkins name-or anyone tracing family lines through Appalachia-The Mountains Know Their Names offers a richly woven, five-generation family history centered on Thomas Watkins Jr., who settled in Floyd County, Kentucky, in the early 1800s. From the hollers of Magoffin and Floyd Counties to the plains of Oklahoma and Texas, this narrative follows the lives of descendants who endured hardship, clung to faith and land, and shaped the course of American history.

But this is more than genealogy. It's a story of grit, grief, and reinvention. Of tuberculosis and feuds. Of family names reclaimed and generations reconnected. With family trees, photos, and maps, this 450-page book illuminates not only Thomas Jr.'s lineage but also other regional Watkins families with overlapping paths and tangled ties.

Also includes research on these collateral families:
Barnett - Bailey - Bradley - Cole - Collins - Joseph - Rowe - Salyer - Stone - Tussey

Whether you're kin or just curious, this book brings Appalachia's past to life-connecting names to stories, and stories to land.

Key Features:

Extensive genealogy meets unforgettable storytelling - A unique blend of research and narrative that reads like a family epic.

Photos, maps, and family trees included - Visuals bring history to life and help trace lineages across generations.

Covers five generations - From Kentucky's hills to the American West, follow the Watkins family's journey.

Collateral family research - Includes documentation of 10 related surnames from Eastern Kentucky.Perfect For:

Watkins family descendants

Genealogy and ancestry researchers

Appalachian history readers

Anyone with roots in Eastern Kentucky

Fans of Hillbilly Elegy or The Glass Castle

FAQs:

Q: Does it include family charts or just stories?
A: Both. You'll find trees, photos, and maps alongside well-researched, engaging stories.

Q: Is it only about the Watkins family?
A: Thomas Jr.'s line is central, but ten additional families with ties to the region are included.

Q: Could I find my own Watkins ancestors in this?
A: If your roots trace to Floyd County, KY in the 1800s, there's a good chance.

Q: How's it different from other genealogy books?
A: It's deeply narrative, emotionally resonant, and historically grounded-more than just dates.

Q: Will I learn about Appalachian history too?
A: Yes. The book explores the cultural, legal, and family dynamics of the region.

The Mountains Know Their Names is more than a genealogy reference-it's a tribute to Appalachian families and the enduring legacy they left behind. Whether you're tracing your roots or learning regional history, this book brings the past home.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FHWG9W2Q
• ISBN13: 9798315651192
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 1.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.0" x 10.0"