Gladys Hamlin Hensley

Hamlin Gathering Gladys Hamlin Hensley

In the mountains of Harlan County Kentucky, sixteen year old Wick Hamlin married fourteen year old Florence Smith. Within two years they had begun their family, having a total of sixteen children in all. Their strong work ethic, knowledge of life in the mountains, survival skills, all surrounded by faith and love carried them through hard times and good. At 82 years of age, Gladys Hamlin Hensley, a middle child, has set down a few of her many stories in print, supported by family photos, and information about each offspring's family. A brief history of the Hensley Bethel Baptist Church is also included. Life was full of hardships and joys, much like many big families of that era. Laugh with her as she recalls adventures of trying to ride a cow, and believing a hornet attack in the face was a snake bite that took place in the berry patch. Readers will enjoy a look back at the beginning of one family's journey.