Remembering the Legacy of Clinton B. Hammons

When you remember your schooling, whether it was elementary, middle or high school, you will most likely point to an individual that you remember fondly or perhaps not so fondly. Chemistry becomes your favorite subject because your chemistry teacher helped you be successful learning the periodic table. Your times tables in 3rd grade were your favorite because your teacher showed you tricks to help you remember. Schooling is as much about the relationships as the subjects.
At Knox Central High School during the 1950s and 1960s, one such individual made the memories fonder because of his steady, quiet, respectful demeanor, and that was Principal Clinton Hammons.
At his retirement, “This is Your Life” celebration in May of 1973, it was reported that Mr. Hammons had spent 30 years at Knox Central and more than twenty of those were as principal.
Clinton Burke Hammons was born May 2, 1908, the son of John and Amanda Mills Hammons. He grew up in a house full of boys in the Road Fork community of Stinking Creek.
On April 2, 1934, he united in marriage with fellow teacher, Axie Cleo Williamson (1911-2001) in Claiborne County, Tennessee. Mrs. Hammons began teaching Freshman and Sophomore English at Knox Central in the mid-1940s. They both retired in 1973.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Clinton began teaching at Knox Central in 1939. During the war years, Clinton enlisted in the Army in 1944 and graduated from the Armed School’s Clerical Department at Fort Knox in 1945. He continued his service until 1946, when he returned to Barbourville and to teaching at Knox Central. His principalship began in 1950.
Historical records and local accounts note his leadership during the mid-20th century, specifically citing his tenure in the early 1950s. He was highly regarded in the community and began each school day with a Bible reading and prayer over the intercom. His tenure was characterized by a culture of strict discipline, Christian traditions, and a “family” atmosphere.
Hammons was very involved in athletics and quite competitive. Jim Sproul recalled a time when he was a student at Knox Central and Mr. Hammons heard that the day of the Barbourville vs. Knox Central football game, Barbourville High School had dismissed school and was planning to pass by Knox Central cheering on their way to the Court Square for a pep rally. Not to be outdone, Mr. Hammons came on the intercom at Knox Central and announced that they would be dismissed and told everyone to go to the Court Square for a pep rally. Alumni from the 1950s and 1960s often describe his leadership as a defining era for the school.
During the Hammons era at Knox Central, schedules, class change and discipline were very structured. He was widely known as a very strict principal. Former students consistently describe him as a “fine man” who was “fair to all,” emphasizing that his firm hand “worked out better for all of us”.
The Hammons era also saw a strong focus on school spirit, particularly in basketball and football, with figures like Coach Harold Cole, Coach Jim Messer and Coach Charles “Dooney” Black leading the teams.
“He led with love and understanding.” This sentiment is often shared by those who remember the turbulent 1960s. Despite the political tension in the country at the time, Hammons is credited with resolving differences of opinions over politics, the Vietnam War and the struggle for Civil Rights with personal character and a steady presence.
When Mr. Hammons wasn’t at Knox Central, he was just up the street where he was referred to as “A pillar of the First Baptist Church.” Outside of school, he was quoted by peers as a man whose life was centered on his faith and his family, particularly his 60-plus year marriage to his wife, Axie.
Mr. Hammons was also actively involved in the leadership of the Daniel Boone Festival during its early years, specifically serving as the Secretary and Parade chair for several years during the 1960s. He continued to serve well after his retirement from Knox Central. His deep roots in the Barbourville community made him a central figure in the festival’s organization for decades and a very popular figure to lead the activities.
Mr. Hammons passed away on September 7, 2003, at the age of 95. His wife Axie who died in 2001 and he are buried together in the Barbourville Cemetery. A scholarship fund in his name, the Clinton B. Hammons Scholarship Fund, was established at Union College in Barbourville.
To the hundreds of students who passed in the halls at Knox Central, Mr. Hammons will remain a reminder and promise of the power of public education. It doesn’t matter where you are from, who your family is, or how much they are worth, if you come to school to learn, men and women like Clinton Hammons will always be there encouraging you on, rooting for you to succeed and many under the watchful eye of Principal Clinton Hammons, did just that.

Thanks to Jim Sproul for helping with our article this week.