A Book for the Ages

House of the Messenger is a chronicle of people, places, events and building techniques if you wanted to make your own hewn log house.   Although some biographical information is included for understanding who Joseph Greer was, the book is much more than a biographical story.  People, places and events shape history, and the Joseph Greer House most certainly has seen over two-hundred years of it.  As we approach the American 250 year of the celebration of America, such places honor the memory of these people and events who built early America.  I wrote the book because it was something that really should be done.

As I have told the story countless time of Joseph Greer, The Kings Mountain Messenger, the story of Camp Blount, and his house, I have noticed how these American events are largely overlooked.  The trifecta of the man, the places and his house align in such a way that the story of rebuilding an authentic hewn log dogtrot house, the way that Joe did, is ever more important.   The book had to be written to get all the facts together in a single source, about a man, his frontier house, and the importance to the heritage of Tennessee.

In delving into the pages of history, there are often overlooked figures whose contributions deserve recognition and remembrance. Such is the case with Joseph Greer, whose tale spans from the Revolutionary War era well into the 19th century, embodying the spirit of a nation in flux. Exploring Greer's story not only sheds light on his individual journey but also offers a window into the broader historical landscape of early America.

The early 19th century marked a pivotal period of expansion for the United States, characterized by westward and southern expansion. Yet, amidst the vast expanse of this burgeoning nation, the tales of individuals like Joseph Greer often remain shrouded in obscurity. His role as the "Kings Mountain Messenger" during the Revolutionary War, coupled with his settlement in north Lincoln County, Tennessee, speaks to a narrative of resilience and fortitude that deserves to be unearthed and celebrated.

Lincoln County, Tennessee, itself bears testament to the intertwined threads of history, named not after the renowned President Lincoln but after Revolutionary War General Lincoln. This distinction serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of individuals who shaped the course of American history long before the iconic figures of the 19th century.  Furthermore, the significance of sites like Camp Blount, often overlooked by the public eye, holds profound historical resonance. Camp Blount's role in the War of 1812 and the Indian Wars of the Southeastern United States underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of America's early conflicts, shedding light on lesser-known chapters of our nation's past. 

In unveiling the forgotten heroes like Joseph Greer and exploring the historical landscapes they inhabited, we not only honor their memory but also gain a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of American history. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience, courage, and perseverance that have defined the American spirit throughout the ages. 

I have expended countless hours researching and writing this book.  I have done all the heavy lifting, in researching, preparing images, getting permissions, designing, perfecting the layout as best I can.  I have expended my personal resources for draft review copies, BISAC Codes, Library of Congress Numbers,  ISBN Codes and copyright registration.   

All proceeds from the sale of the "House of the Messenger" support the Joseph Greer Chapter and the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The funds will be allocated to historical and educational programs dedicated to the founding principles of the republic and the Constitution of the United States.