One could say that I am as much a lover of history as a lover of nostalgia. Early in my childhood, I considered becoming a history teacher. Everywhere I have lived, I have researched the history of the community, the people, and events that molded it. Such was the case soon after acquiring the property here at Little Dan.
It did not take long for me to meet new neighbors as I remodeled the old Arrington homestead. Some would stop by to see the progress, and, of course, I was sure to ask questions about the community's history and any details about the old homestead. Today, some neighbors say I know more about the community than they do. Such is the case with the history behind Hookers Creek's name.
Creek names often carry deep meanings or tell fascinating stories that reflect historical events and individuals, or are inspired by elements of nature, animals, plants, and even natural phenomena. So it is with the naming of Hookers Creek.
But before I delve into the history of Hookers Creek, I need to note that there is a small “branch,” “fork,” or “run” that feeds into it. It has no name, but today I have decided to call it the brook of Cherith. It is from the story of the prophet Elijah, which is mentioned only twice in the Bible, yet the events relate to many of the insights the Holy Spirit gave me while at the creek.
Hookers Creek is part of the Dan River basin, and before white settlers arrived, it was mostly Cherokee Indian territory. A neighbor who was raised in the area and owns 300-plus acres shared a bit of the history of the land he has purchased over the years. Passing by his land, one notices a clump of trees in the middle of his property. According to him, Indians are buried there, which is why he never cleared the area.
So, how did my creek get its name, Hookers Creek? At first, I was not able to find any historical details. Finally, I had the answer I was looking for. It was while going through the genealogy of the Hooker family from the area that provided the gem I was looking for. In 1903, Elizabeth Pike, of the Hooker family in Patrick County, Virginia, made the following statement:
Elizabeth Pike being first duly sworn deposes and says:
"I live near Brim, N.C., in Surry County. I am about 57 years of age, and was born in Patrick County, VA., and lived there until I was twenty years old, and then moved to North Carolina. I claim Indian blood through both my father and mother, but they both trace back to the same ancestor. My mother was born in Patrick County, VA. She must have been about 25 years of age at the time of her death. I was about three years old when she died. I disremember her father's name. I do not know when my father was born. He was about 60 years of age at the time of his death. He was born in Patrick County, Va. also. His father was Gabe Hooker, and was born in Patrick County. I remember my father well, and I have heard him speak of being an Indian. When he was fretted with us children, he threw it up to is that we were Indians, and we would cry about it. The neighbors up in Patrick County would sometimes get mad and call us Indians, but we passed as White people generally, and the children went to White schools. I have heard my father say that he belonged to the Cherokee tribe of Indians. I do not remember any Indians ever living in this country. It is claimed that someone robbed an Indian tent and stole my great grandfather, and that was the origin of the name Hooker, as he was "hooked" from the Indians. I never heard who took this Indian baby; only heard that some hunters took this Indian child from this tent. This was somewhere in Virginia, I think in Patrick County."
Leroy Hooker being first duly sworn deposes and says:
"I have heard the testimony of Elizabeth Pike above given. I claim through the same line; and her testimony is substantially true, but I would like to add that I have always heard that my great grandfather, who was stolen from the tent was raised in Yadkin County, N.C."
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Pilot Mountain, N.C. this 23rd day of March, 1908. Special Commissioner Court of Claims.
Given that Cherokee Indians lived in my area, it is very possible that the baby was stolen near the creek, which is why it is called Hookers Creek.
Add comment
Comments