Lewis Buckner

Lewis C. Buckner (March 12, 1856 - May 16, 1924), who was born a slave. His father was white and his mother was African-American. During the years following the Civil War, Buckner most likely learned his trade in Sevierville as an apprentice to Christian H. Stump, a white furniture and cabinetmaker originally from Michigan.

Lewis Buckner began his cabinetmaking business in the 1870s in Sevierville, TN. By the late nineteenth century, the African-American artisan was building houses throughout Sevier County that featured robust Italianate and Queen Anne style architectural elements. Using his unique interpretation of national architectural styles acquired from pattern books and published journals, Buckner’s original work is known as being extremely creative. Rarely were two pieces rendered exactly alike.

Buckner’s well-crafted architectural detailing features vernacular renditions of Victorian patterns that include naturalistic elements such as a unique flower motif that became his signature trademark. Nearly twenty examples of dwellings exhibiting Buckner’s extraordinary craftsmanship still exist in the county. Buckner built these houses between 1880 and 1921, and he embellished them with the flamboyant architectural elements indicative of Victorian-era ebullience. Buckner usually built an entire dwelling and lived at the building site during its construction; however, he also traveled the countryside in order to construct decorative details, such as porches, staircases, and mantels for otherwise ordinary farmhouses.

Buckner also crafted elaborate and ornate furniture, such as bedroom suites, cupboards, bureaus, washstands, cabinets, and even picture frames. Many of his works are prized family heirlooms. Buckner’s own house, which he built in 1894 outside Sevierville, still stands.

Lewis Buckner married Jane Bryant on December 29, 1875. This union was blessed with six children: Mary, Artist, Einora, Porter, William and Reece. In 1896 his wife, Jane, passed away. He later met and married Eliza Chandler on March 1, 1898. This union was blessed with additional four children: Winstead. Chandler. Oliver and Icafene.

Lewis was a very successful businessman. His business was so prosperous he bought seven acres of land on Kellum Creek Road, off Allensville Road for $140 in 1894. He built an impressive home for his family, which was quite an accomplishment for an African–American during this time period.

(Source: https://www.smokykin.com/tng/register.php, Wikipedia, and The Mountain Press, 2 Oct 2006. Article by THERESA WILLIAMS)

Riley H. Andes House

When the Andes family home was renovated in 1880, Buckner, a prominent wood artisan and master cabinetmaker of the era, was commissioned for the work. Buckner hand carved the wood ornamentation, which still decorates the porches, central gable and eaves. Its graceful, scalloped design resembles the delicate handwork of the heavy lace. The back porch is embellished with the lavish gingerbread railings and posts of the era as interpreted by Buckner. The hand carved staircase banister is signature Buckner, as is the massive mirrored mantle designed with floral carvings and curio shelves that reach to the ceiling. Two ornately carved tables greet visitors to the Robert A. Tino Gallery in the foyer and a majestic corner cupboard graces the center exhibit hall where the original kitchen once stood - all Buckner originals.

(Source: www.robertatinogallery.com)
There are several homes in Sevier County built by Lewis Buckner that still exist. Fireplace mantels and furniture made by him are sought-after items. He was buried in an unmarked grave at the Union Hill Cemetery nearby.

(Source: https://www.smokykin.com/tng/register.php, Wikipedia, and The Mountain Press, 2 Oct 2006. Article by THERESA WILLIAMS)