08/16/2026
Standing in front of our logging history section, Lewis and Tom V Dockery hold their Dad's (Tom J) wooden prosthetic leg and a draw knife hand forged by George Brannon that Mr. Dockery used to carve out the middle of the leg. The story depicts the perils the loggers faced and one of survival. Thank you to the Dockery family for this historic donation and sharing your story and to Lewis' daughter, Selena Wells for providing more information. Many of you know Tom V Dockery as owner of Tellico Tire!
Thomas Jackson Dockery 1897–1968
Thomas “Tom” Jackson Dockery was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina, one of thirteen children. His family later moved to the Coker Creek community, off Ironsburg Road.
As a young man, Tom went to work as a cook for the Babcock Lumber Company at a logging camp in the Tellico Mountains. He was later promoted to sawyer. In 1914, at just seventeen years old, Tom was severely injured when an equipment malfunction caused a massive log to fall, pinning his leg beneath it.
Jobs were scarce, and according to family history, fellow workers feared becoming involved in a workplace accident might cost them their employment. When they did not immediately come to his aid, Tom reportedly told them that if they were not going to help him, they should give him a saw so he could cut the log himself. It was most of the night before help finally arrived.
Tom was placed on a horse-drawn wagon and taken to Tellico Plains. From there, he was transported on a flatbed rail car to a hospital. By the time he reached Knoxville, the severity of the crush injury and resulting infection required the amputation of his left leg.
A New Beginning
After recovering, Tom returned to school as an older student and attended Lynn Bachman School in Farner, Tennessee, as a residential student. The opportunity changed the course of his life. He became the only one of his thirteen siblings to graduate from high school.
Students at Lynn Bachman were also taught a trade, and Tom learned shoe cobbling. He helped support himself through school by repairing shoes and selling pencils. He was a member of the debate team, made the honor roll, and graduated in 1929.
Tom later married Ella Elizabeth Spurling (1912–1990). Together they raised eleven children, born between 1933 and 1954.
The Wooden Leg
Throughout much of his life, Tom walked with crutches and often went without a prosthetic leg. Over the years, he had three prosthetic legs. One was a professionally made leg that had been “handed down” to him. Because it did not fit properly, Tom decided he could make one better suited to himself. His first hand-carved wooden leg served him for many years before eventually breaking while he was working.
The wooden prosthetic displayed here is the second leg Tom carved for himself.
Tom and his sons cut a willow tree from Ross’ farm, and from that wood he gradually fashioned this remarkable prosthetic using whatever tools and materials were available. His children remembered him using pieces of broken glass to carefully shave and smooth the wood.
To hollow out the cavity that held the remaining portion of his leg, Tom used a drawknife (displayed) made for him by Coker Creek blacksmith George Brannon. Drawing upon the shoe-cobbling skills he had learned in school, Tom also fashioned a leather harness to secure the wooden leg to his body, with a strap extending over his shoulder.
This handmade prosthetic is more than a wooden leg. It is a testament to Tom Dockery’s determination, resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and ability to overcome extraordinary hardship.
When Tom died in 1968, Ella gave the wooden leg to their son, Lewis Dockery, explaining that “someone else in the family might need it.”
Donation: Lewis Dockery
Tom passed away in 1968. He and wife, Ella Spurling Dockery are buried in the Epperson Cemetery.
